Big Daddy Pork Loin
Sauce:
2 1/2 cups Big Daddy port
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
8 dried black Mission figs, coarsely chopped (Optional)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary (Optional)
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Pork:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves (Optional)
1 tablespoon salt, plus additional for seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1 (4 to 4 1/2-pound) boneless pork loin
For
the sauce:
In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the first 6 ingredients. Boil over
medium-high heat until reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Discard the herb
sprigs and cinnamon sticks. Transfer the Big Daddy Port mixture to a blender
and puree until smooth. Blend in the butter. Season the sauce, to taste, with
salt and pepper. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Re-warm
over medium heat before using.)
For the pork: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Stir the oil,
rosemary, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper in a small bowl to
blend. Place the pork loin in a heavy roasting pan. Spread the oil mixture over
the pork to coat completely. Roast until a meat thermometer inserted into the
center of the pork says 145 degrees F, turning the pork every 15 minutes to
ensure even browning, about 45 minutes total.
Transfer the
pork to a cutting board and tent with foil to keep warm. Let the pork rest 15
minutes. Meanwhile, stir the chicken broth into the roasting pan. Place the pan
over medium heat, and scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits.
Bring the pan juices to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Cut the pork into
1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange the pork slices on plates. Spoon the jus over.
Drizzle the warm Big Daddy Sauce around and serve immediately.