Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce

'Autumn Joy.'

It’s a happy handle for the fat-leaved sedum whose blossoms are aflutter with butterflies this time of year. I think it also conjures the reasons why so many name fall their favorite of the seasons.

It’s as if life has returned to normal.

The kids are long settled into the rhythm of after-school homework, baseball’s end and soccer’s start.

The days are warm, easy to lose (or find) an afternoon in.

The nights are cool, perfect for windows-open, deep-dream slumber.

Yet I find myself planting autumn-joy sedum for winter interest not fall color. As leaves give way, tall stems remain, each topped with a flat crown the size of a small plate. They last through winter and then in early spring, emerge from the earth as peculiar-looking polyps.

There must be a lesson in there, you know, autumn joy that in turn delivers winter interest and spring life.

ALANNA's TIPS To 'sear' is to quickly cook the outer edge of a piece of meat at high temperature, creating an attractive crust that seals in moisture and flavor. When adding the meat, make sure the skillet is so hot it sizzles. I wish otherwise but have little success using a non-fat cooking spray for searing.

Kitchen Parade is written by second-generation food columnist Alanna Kellogg and features fresh, seasonal dishes for every-day healthful eating and occasional indulgences. Send a favorite recipe for pork tenderloin to e-mail.

QUICK SUPPER:
PORK TENDERLOIN with BALSAMIC CRANBERRY SAUCE

Hands-on time: 15 minutes
Time to table: 25 minutes
Serves 4

• 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 pound pork tenderloin
• Salt & pepper

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
• 1/2 cup non-fat chicken broth
• 1/2 cup canned cranberry sauce with whole berries
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt & pepper

Preheat oven to 450F. Melt 1/2 tablespoon butter in ovenproof skillet on medium high. Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper, add to skillet. Sear pork on all sides, about 2 minutes, then transfer to oven for 10 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion reaches 145F - 160F. Cover meat with foil, let rest at least 3 minutes. (Why 145F - 160F? Should Cooked Pork Be Pink?)

Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in another skillet on medium heat. Add onion and rosemary, sauté until onion softens, about 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and stir until cranberry sauce melts. Simmer slowly until meat is ready. Pour meat juices into sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Slice meat and serve with sauce.

NUTRITION ESTIMATE Per Serving: 267 Cal; 24g Protein; 11g Tot Fat; 5g Sat Fat; 18g Carb; 1g Fiber; 723mg Sodium; 86mg Cholesterol; Weight Watchers 6 points

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LATER NOTES
Fresh or frozen sour cherries can be substituted for the cranberry sauce. Delicious!

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Pork + Fruit = Magic

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