Strike Up the Grill

I came across an interesting recipe for Grilling Pork Medallions accompanied by a Grilled Apple that I thought I’d try. Given that it’s barbecue season, I took this somewhat unlikely summer combo (I think of pork and apples as being more in line with fall fare), and give it a whirl.

Grilled Pork Medallions with Grilled Apples

1 lb. park tenderloin

4 apples, cored

4 small rosemary springs (plus extra for garnish)

4 tsp sugar

Marinade

2 Tbl. olive oil

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

4 shallots, finely chopped

4 Tbl. orange juice

2 Tbl. honey

1 Tbl. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

3 Tbl. white wine vineyar

1 rosemary sprig, finely chopped

Make the marinade: Heat oil and cook the garlic and shallots over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 min., until soft. Stir in the remaining marinade ingredients and let simmer gently for 5 min. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.

Cut the pork tenderloin into medallions about ½” thick and place in a shallow dish. Pour in the marinade, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

With a sharp knife, score through the skin of each apple around the center. Place each apple on a square of foil and put a rosemary sprig and 1 tsp. sugar in each cavity. Enclose the apples in the foil and cook on a medium bbq, turning occasionally, for 25-30 min.

About 10-15 min. before the apples are ready, drain the pork, reserving the marinade. Grill, brushing with the reserved marinade for about 5 min. on each side. Serve 3-4 medallions and an unwrapped apple on each plate. Garnish with extra rosemary sprigs and serve.

Not only do I think it was yummy…it was very simple (but remember to marinade overnight, so plan ahead). I was a little skeptical that grilling medallions would make the meat overdone. The meat did grill quickly but managed to stay very moist due, no doubt, to the really nice overnight coating it got, and the apples didn’t really take that long either…making this a good choice to serve at a summer dinner with friends. So take an extra dip in the pool and enjoy your guests. This one is a dream to fix.

--The Mother