Shelly's Recipe

ROAST PORK WITH SAGE AND PECAN PESTO

Category: Roasts/Tenderloins - Pork

2 qts. apple cider
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup plus 3 T. fresh sage, chopped and divided
1 4-lb. boneless pork loin roast
1 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish: fresh sage, unshelled pecans

Sage and Pecan Pesto
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, packed
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, packed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine cider, salt and 1/2 cup sage, stirring until salt dissolves. Place pork in plastic zipping bag; add cider mixture. Seal bag; chill 12 to 24 hours. Remove pork from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle pork with pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add pork.

To make Sage and Pecan Pesto: Combine all ingredients in a food processor; process until ingredients are finely chopped. Makes 3/4 cup.

Notes: Be careful not to over process the flavorful herb pesto for this dish. The finished sauce should have some texture remaining.

NOTE: This pesto is delicious paired with grilled meats and is also an equally wonderful substitute for marinara sauce on a pizza topped with wild mushrooms and cubes of butternut squash or pie pumpkin.