OSCAR WINNING DINNER ~ CARAMELIZED ONION PORK TENDERLOIN with CHERRY CHUTNEY / ROASTED GOAT CHEESE POTATOES

~ Phalaenopsis Orchid

( Indoor Garden 'stars' )

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CARAMELIZED ONION PORK TENDERLOIN with CHERRY CHUTNEY

~ A 'winner dinner' celebrating National Cherry Month,

loosely adapted from COOKING LIGHT magazine.

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2 (1 lb. or more) well-trimmed pork tenderloins

coarse salt & freshly ground black pepper

Marinade:

1 thinly sliced onion

juice and zest of 1 lemon

6 Tbsp. dry red wine

2 crushed garlic cloves

Dried Cherry Chutney:

4 cups dried tart cherries (or dried cranberries)

1 cup sugar

2 cup orange juice

1 1/2 cups red wine vinegar

1 cup diced Vidalia onions

1/2 cup raspberry vinegar

2 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger

1 Tbsp. minced jalapeno pepper

2 Tsp. cilantro

1 tsp. cardamom

1 tsp. ground cumin

juice and zest of 1 fresh lemon

1 tsp. ground cloves

2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks

Caramelized Onions:

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

3 cups thinly sliced onions (red or yellow)

1 tsp. sugar

1 cup dry red wine

salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

• Combine ingredients for marinade and pour into zip-lock bag. Add tenderloins, seal and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
• Cherry Chutney: (make ahead): Combine all ingredients in large saucepan, bring to boil, reduce heat and cook uncovered until thick (about 1 hour), stirring occasionally. Discard cinnamon sticks. Place in airtight container and chill until ready to serve. (Leftovers delicious on cream cheese, brie, or log of goat cheese.
• To Serve: Remove meat from marinade and discard marinade. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Prepare Caramelized onions*. Place pork on hot grill, reduce heat to medium-high, close cover and grill 10 minutes. Turn and continue grilling for another 10 minutes ~ internal temperature of 160-degrees ~ slightly pink. (Or bake at 425-degrees for 20 minutes). Let rest before slicing 1/4-inch thick slices. Serve with Caramelized Onions and Cherry Chutney. (8 servings).

*Caramelized Onions: Melt butter in skillet. Add onion and cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Sprinkle with sugar (helps onions to brown) and continue cooking for 15 minutes or until deep golden brown, stirring constantly. Add wine an cook for 5 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates.

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ROASTED GOAT CHEESE POTATOES

8 well scrubbed favorite potatoes, cut into small wedges

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

3 minced cloves garlic

chopped fresh rosemary

coarse salt & freshly ground pepper

6-8 oz. crumbled goat cheese

additional freshly chopped rosemary

• Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and rosemary and toss with potatoes. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes or longer.
• Preheat oven to 425-degrees. Drain potatoes and spread on lightly oiled baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt & pepper. Bake 45 minutes, turning occasionally, for 45 minutes or until browned.
• Place in bowl and toss with crumbled goat cheese. Sprinkle with fresh chopped rosemary.