Pork Extraordinaire

Pork Extraordinaire Recipe with Peaches and Almonds | USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pork Extraordinaire is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender sirloin cutlets with a sweet and savory peach and almond sauce. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party.

History

The origins of Pork Extraordinaire are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the southern United States. This dish combines traditional southern flavors with a modern twist, making it a unique and tasty meal.

Ingredients

6 pork sirloin cutlets*
0.25 cup flour
1 tsp salt
0.13 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1 tbsp vegetable oil
0.25 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp water
1 16 oz (454 g) can sliced peaches, drained
0.33 cup slivered almonds, toasted
0.25 cup brandy
1 cup half and half
3 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Dredge the cutlets in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
Heat butter and oil in a large skillet.
Add the cutlets and brown them over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Discard the fat.
Reduce the heat.
Sprinkle the pork with sugar and cinnamon.
Add water to the skillet.
Cover and cook over low heat for 20 to 25 minutes.
Add peaches and almonds.
Warm the brandy.
Ignite it and pour it over the pork.
Spoon the flaming pan juices over the cutlets until the flame subsides.
Add half and half and simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
Serve over beds of fluffy rice.

Variations

Substitute pork cutlets with chicken or turkey cutlets for a lighter option.
Add diced apples or pears to the sauce for a fruity twist.
Use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the cutlets over high heat to seal in the juices and create a crispy crust.

- Be careful when igniting the brandy, as it can create a large flame. Use caution and keep a lid nearby to smother the flame if necessary.

- Toasting the almonds before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pork Extraordinaire over fluffy rice for a complete meal. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Pork Extraordinaire include browning the cutlets, igniting the brandy, and simmering the sauce to thicken it.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brandy on hand, you can substitute with apple cider or white wine. You can also use regular milk instead of half and half.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply reheat the sauce and cook the cutlets when you're ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pork Extraordinaire on a large platter with the rice arranged around the edges. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional toasted almonds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Pork Extraordinaire with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Riesling, to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pork Extraordinaire contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pork Extraordinaire contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pork Extraordinaire contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Pork Extraordinaire contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pork Extraordinaire is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains almonds and dairy (half and half), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Pork Extraordinaire is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Pork Extraordinaire is a delicious and elegant dish that is sure to impress your guests. With a sweet and savory peach and almond sauce, this dish is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory. It was back in the summer of 1965 when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a remarkable cook, known for her delicious dishes and secret recipes that she had collected over the years.

One day, my grandmother invited me into her kitchen to teach me how to make a special dish called Pork Extraordinaire. She explained that this recipe was passed down from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a traveling chef who had stayed with their family for a short time.

As we gathered the ingredients together, my grandmother began to tell me the story of how she first learned to make Pork Extraordinaire. She reminisced about the day when a mysterious man had knocked on their door, offering to cook a meal in exchange for a place to stay for the night.

At first, my great-grandmother was hesitant to let a stranger into their home, but she was intrigued by the man's offer of a unique pork dish that he claimed was unlike anything she had ever tasted before. So, she agreed to let him cook for them, and that night, they were treated to a feast like no other.

The man worked his magic in the kitchen, using a combination of spices and herbs that my great-grandmother had never seen before. The aroma that filled the house was intoxicating, and when they finally sat down to eat, they were all amazed by the delicious flavors of the Pork Extraordinaire.

From that day on, my great-grandmother was determined to learn the recipe for herself, and she begged the man to teach her. He agreed, on the condition that she promised to keep the recipe a secret and only pass it down to one person in each generation of their family.

And so, my grandmother learned the recipe from her mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. And now, it was my turn to learn the secret of Pork Extraordinaire from my own grandmother.

As we began to cook together in her cozy kitchen, my grandmother guided me through each step of the recipe with patience and love. She showed me how to marinate the pork in a special blend of spices, how to sear it to perfection in a hot skillet, and how to create a rich sauce that would bring all the flavors together.

I watched in awe as she worked her magic, just like the mysterious chef had done all those years ago. And when the Pork Extraordinaire was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy a meal that was truly extraordinary.

The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before – sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced. The meat was tender and juicy, and the sauce added a depth of flavor that was simply divine. I savored each bite, knowing that I was now a part of a long line of women who had mastered this special recipe.

As we finished our meal, my grandmother smiled at me with pride. She knew that she had passed down not just a recipe, but a piece of our family's history and tradition. And I felt grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from her and carry on the legacy of Pork Extraordinaire.

To this day, I still make this dish for my own family, and each time I do, I am reminded of that special day in my grandmother's kitchen when I learned the secret of Pork Extraordinaire. It is a recipe that brings us together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. And I am grateful for the gift of cooking that has been passed down through the generations of our family.