Tender Inside and Out! Savory and Sweet Pork Tenderloin

Tenderness describes many things – emotions, food, a romantic feeling, or a recovering wound.  The word opens our minds to something delicate, and something very much needed in a world that can be so harsh and hard, dry, and lifeless!

(The tender image of the Sedes Sapientiae – Seat of Wisdom – and how Mary serves as a “chair,” i.e., someone who tenderly cares for Jesus, who is Wisdom Incarnate.)

This week’s Blast will celebrate a great fall recipe that can bring some tenderness to your table, on your table, and around your table.  I cooked this pork tenderloin for some of our Baltimore seminarians studying here Mount St. Mary’s Seminary.  In the midst of a busy semester, they needed a little fraternity and food.  While they would never admit it, these moments of friendship and brotherhood are compassionate moments of goodness and even tenderness.  The food helped bring out the gentle side of these Christian gentlemen.

(At the recent Baltimore Book Festival, fellow Mount St. Joseph High School alumnus, Glen, class of ’88, came out to watch and support me, a fellow Mountie. High School is an important and tender time of development in the life of teenagers. Be sure to encourage friendships that endure – even if the friends don’t always see eye to eye!)

I hope you enjoy this pork recipe that is tender inside and out.

Kale and Apple Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

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(Kale and apple stuffed pork tenderloin.)

This week’s recipe has a couple different parts to it: first, preparing the filling, composed of sautéed kale and diced apples; second, wrapping the tenderloins in good quality bacon to keep the outside texture crispy and tender at the same time!

(Filling in the sautéed kale and apple in the butterflied tenderloin.)

(After rolling the pork tenderloins, top off with a few rosemary leaves, not just for garnish but for an extra savory taste.)

This meal can help heal tender wounds and provide the tender consolation of table communion with family and friends.

Father, help us to remain open to the tenderness of charity, the kindness that comes from authentic faith, and the consolation that hope gives to believers.  May we always remember those who go without family, faith, and food.  Keep us generous in our desire to feed those who hunger for the great gifts You generously give to Your people.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Another tender image of St. Joseph comforting the Lord Baby Jesus as he was crying, maybe fussing as Joseph tried to put Him to bed. Can you imagine the tender love that Mary and Joseph had for Jesus?)

Give this recipe a try, and tell us your thoughts.  Do you have a recipe or cooking technique that helps keep meat tender and delicious?  Your culinary comments help our members connect food, faith, and family.  When you ask questions and share your stories you remind our Grace Before Meals team of the positive influence our work has in the world.  Post your comments below.

Posted in Food for the Body, Food for the Soul, Food for Thought, Grace Before Meals, Menu Inspiration, Prayers, Recipe- Pork, Recipe-Meats, Recipes | 5 Comments