Words Alice Bacon, Brentwood Bay Village Empourium
Photo Janis Jean
As the weather gets cooler, the thought of turning on the oven and letting the kitchen fill with the delicious scent of slow-cooked meals, and of course, filling our tummies with comfort foods, is very appealing. Pork is versatile, affordable and can be casual or fancy.
Pulled Pork
1 pork butt roast, excess fat trimmed
coarse Salt
black Pepper
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp liquid smoke
1 small can tomato paste
1 can dark beer
1/4 cup brown sugar
Preheat the oven to 300°. Coat the roast in salt and pepper and sear over high heat in a Dutch oven. Add remaining ingredients and coat well, and transfer to the oven. Cook low and slow for at least four hours, turning from time to time to coat the roast in the sauce. When the meat can be separated with a fork, it is done. Drain liquid and cool, skim off excess fat and return lean sauce to the meat and combine.
This dish can be made a day ahead, and also freezes well and can be used in a variety of ways other than the classic Pulled Pork Sandwich with coleslaw, as shown. Enjoy it in tacos, over a baked potato or with french fries!
Tenderloin with Tropical Fruit Salsa
1 lb pork tenderloin
cooking oil (your choice)
1/4 fresh pineapple
1/2 fresh mango
1 small red pepper
1 small yellow pepper
1/2 red onion
juice of one lime (or more to taste)
1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and diced fine
fresh cilantro or parsley
salt and pepper
Make the salsa by finely dicing the fruit and vegetables, add the lime juice and fresh herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside in fridge. Pre-heat oven to 385°.
Season pork tenderloin with salt and pepper, then sear quickly on all sides in a hot oven-proof pan or over the grill. Transfer to oven and cook approximately 20 minutes or until the meat thermometer reads 145°. Cover and allow it to rest 10 minutes before slicing thinly and serving with the fruit salsa.
Gnocchi with Bacon, Sundried Tomatoes, Asparagus and Parmesan
2 cups potato gnocchi
4 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
4 strips crispy bacon, chopped
1 jar sundried tomatoes in oil, finely minced
asparagus, trimmed and blanched
fresh basil leaves
parmesan
salt and pepper to taste
This is a delicious comfort food that can be ready in a few minutes. Bring salted water to a rapid boil and cook gnocchi just until they float. Lay out flat on a tray so they don’t stick. Melt butter in a large pan, sauté the garlic until soft. Add the pasta, bacon, asparagus and sundried tomatoes. Toss with plenty of fresh basil and parmesan. Season to taste and enjoy!
