Apple and Pork Tower: (Serving for 2)

1 pound of pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch pieces (large medallions)

1 apple, any type, cut into ¼-inch pieces

1 red onion, cut into ¼-inch rings

2 cups of apple butter

1 teaspoon of dried ground sage

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

4 tablespoons of Worcester Sauce

2 tablespoons of butter (or margarine)

4 tablespoons of olive oil

Salt and pepper

Cut pieces of pork, apples and onion ring in such a way that you can stack them in the following order:  onion at the base, a piece of pork, a piece of apple, a piece of pork, and a smaller piece of apple on top. Put each ingredient on its own plate to facilitate cooking and assembly.  Heat oven to 400 degrees and prepare a large baking sheet. Brush each piece of pork, apple, and onion with olive oil and lightly season both sides with salt and pepper (including the onion and the apple).  Heat a large, non-stick griddle or skillet and sear pork medallions for 2-3 minutes on each side, then place on the baking tray. Repeat the process for the apples and onions, being careful not to break up the onion rings. Place baking dish in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until internal temperature of pork reaches 160 degrees.  When cooked, allow pork to rest a few minutes before plating. While the pork is cooking, prepare the sauce by melting butter in a sauce pan and combining the apple butter, sage, garlic powder,  and salt and pepper to taste (or, about ½ tsp).  Heat until sauce begins to bubble.  Keep the sauce warm until the pork is cooked.

 

 

 

 

To assemble the plate, ladle creamy blue cheese grits  (see instructions below) in the middle of the plate.  Place one onion on the center of the grits to serve as a base.  Place one piece of pork and add a tablespoon of apple butter sauce. Add the grilled apple and top with sauce.  Add smaller pork slice, topped with sauce, and finish off with a small piece of the grilled apple.  Serve with a side of fresh greens for color. 

Blue Cheese Grits (a great starchy base for any grilled or baked meat)

Box of grits (refer to the cooking instructions on the box – cook enough for 2 people)

Boiling water (per the cooking instructions on the box)

¼ cup of crumbled blue cheese

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

½ teaspoon of garlic powder

¼ cup of heavy whipping cream

½ teaspoon of salt and pepper, or to taste

Instructions:  Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the suggested serving size of grits for 2 people.   When grits are cooked to the preferred consistency, add the rest of the ingredients together and whisk together until the flavors are fully incorporated.

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