Chili Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Ginger Glaze

T'was the sauce on this weeks recipe that caught my attention.  A sweet BBQ sauce mixed with a generous helping of cilantro really adds a kick to this dish!

Ingredients:
1-2 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 1/2 cups apricot preserves
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 lime, juiced

Directions:
1. Place chili powder, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper in a jar; shake to blend.  Rub spice mixture onto pork tenderloin.  Cover tenderloin and refrigerate for 2-24 hours.
2. Prior to grilling, melt apricot preserves in a saucepan over medium heat.  Remove pan from the heat and stir in remaining glaze ingredients.  Place half of the glaze in a serving bowl and hold for service.
3. Prepare grill at medium-high heat.  Grill pork tenderloin for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
4. When approximately 4 minutes of cook time remains, brush the pork tenderloin with the apricot graze remaining in the pan.  Cook for 2 minutes, turn the tenderloin and brush glaze on the other side.  Cook for an additional 2 minutes.  Remove pork from the grill and let set for about 5 minutes before slicing.  Serve with reserved glaze.

I served with:
Garlic mashed red potatoes

Jess' Grade: A-

Great dish!  As with a lot of my recipes, this has a great sweet taste and doesn't overpower the rub on the pork, although I felt that the chili powder was a little strong for the rest of it, which is why I gave it the slightly lower grade.  But keep in mind that's opinion, you may love chili powder!  I would love to hear your opinions if you are trying any of these.

Almond Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Apple-Rosemary Sauce

After a small hiatus I'm back!  And with a recipe that's sure to put the "wow" into your dinner guests!  Make this when you want to impress the in-laws, and finish the night with Flambéed Pears.  Believe me, they will be impressed...

Ingredients:
1 cup ground Almonds
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons honey mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground dried Rosemary
Trimmed pork tenderloin (1-2 lbs.)
Salt and Pepper to taste

1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves minced garlic
1 onion, diced
1/4 teaspoon ground dried Rosemary
3 Granny Smith apples - skinned, cored, and diced small
1/2 cup apple cider
1 1/4 cups heavy cream

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place a sheet of aluminum foil in a 9x13" baking dish.
2. Stir together the almonds, 1/3 cup cream, honey mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon Rosemary in a small bowl; set aside. Season the tenderloin with salt and pepper to taste.  Spread the almond mixture evenly over the tenderloin and place it into the baking dish.
3. Bake until the almond crust is golden brown and the pork is no longer pink in the center, about 90 minutes.  An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
4. While the pork is baking, prepare the apple-rosemary sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.  Stir in the garlic, onions, and 1/4 teaspoon of Rosemary; cook until the onions have softened and turned translucent (about 5 minutes).  Once the onions are tender, add the apples and apple cider.  Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 5 minutes.  Pour in 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream, return to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until the sauce has thickened slightly and is flavorful, about 5-10 minutes.  Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving with the pork.

I served with:
Steamed Broccoli

Jess' Grade: A

Not too difficult, but worth the effort!  Like I said, this will impress even the snootiest of dinner company.  Pair this with a Pear Flambé or a Crème Brule to really impress!  Keep your eye out for more great recipe ideas that will help you be the envy of your family!