Pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing

Pork Pinwheels with Apricot Stuffing Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special dinner or holiday meal. The combination of tender pork tenderloin, sweet apricots, and savory stuffing creates a flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The recipe for pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing has been around for many years and is a classic dish that is often served during the holiday season. The sweet and savory flavors of the apricot stuffing complement the tender pork tenderloin perfectly, making it a popular choice for special occasions.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) pork tenderloin
sauce
1.5 tsp cornstarch
1 cup apricot nectar
1 dash nutmeg
apricot stuffing
1 tsp instant chicken bouillon
1 tbsp margarine
0.67 cup hot water
0.13 tsp ground cinnamon
0.33 cup dried apricots, snipped
1 dash black pepper
2 tbsp chopped celery
2 cup whole wheat bread cubes

How to prepare

Instant Chicken bouillon granules per serving: 198 calories, 19 g protein, 19 g carbohydrates, 5 g fat, 56 mg cholesterol, 207 mg sodium.
Split the tenderloin lengthwise, cutting to, but not through, the opposite side; open it out flat.
Lightly pound the tenderloin with a meat mallet to form a 10x6 rectangle.
For the apricot stuffing, dissolve the bouillon in hot water and pour it over the apricots. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
Cook the celery and onion in margarine until tender but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon and pepper.
In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes, onion mixture, and apricot mixture; toss lightly to moisten.
Spread the stuffing evenly over the tenderloin.
Roll up the tenderloin jelly-roll style, starting from the short side. Secure the meat roll with wooden toothpicks or tie with string at 1-inch intervals.
Cut the meat roll into six 1-inch slices.
Place the meat slices on the rack of an unheated broiler pan, cut side down.
Broil the meat slices 4 inches from the heat for 12 minutes. Then, turn them over and broil for an additional 11 to 13 minutes or until done.
Remove the toothpicks or string and transfer the meat to a serving platter.
Meanwhile, for the sauce, combine cornstarch and nutmeg. Stir in apricot nectar and cook until the mixture is bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more.
Serve the sauce with the meat slices.
This recipe is adapted from Better Homes and Gardens and is called Pork Pinwheels with Apricot Stuffing. Each serving contains 198 calories.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try using different types of dried fruit in the stuffing, such as cranberries or raisins. You can also experiment with different seasonings and herbs to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing, it is important to properly pound the tenderloin to ensure that it is evenly flattened. This will make it easier to roll up the meat and create the pinwheels. Additionally, be sure to secure the meat roll with toothpicks or string to prevent it from falling apart during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing can be served with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider for a festive touch.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the pork pinwheels helps to cook the meat quickly and evenly, while also creating a nice caramelized crust on the outside. Be sure to keep an eye on the meat while broiling to prevent it from burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have apricot nectar on hand, you can substitute it with apple juice or orange juice for a similar flavor profile. You can also use regular white bread cubes instead of whole wheat bread cubes for the stuffing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining guests or preparing a special meal in advance.

Presentation Ideas

To make the dish more visually appealing, garnish the pork pinwheels with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chopped nuts before serving. You can also serve them on a bed of greens or with a drizzle of sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing pair well with a variety of side dishes, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. For drinks, consider serving them with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider for a festive touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing contains 198 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing contains 19 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your day.

Fats

Each serving of pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing contains 5 grams of fat. While fat is an essential nutrient for the body, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Proteins

Each serving of pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing contains 19 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an essential nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the apricots and iron from the pork. These nutrients are important for supporting the immune system and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat from the whole wheat bread cubes. It may also contain allergens such as soy from the margarine. Be sure to check for any allergens before serving to guests with food sensitivities.

Summary

Pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing are a delicious and nutritious dish that is relatively low in calories and high in protein. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a perfect choice for a special dinner or holiday meal.

Summary

Pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing are a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special dinner or holiday meal. The combination of tender pork tenderloin, sweet apricots, and savory stuffing creates a flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests. With a relatively low calorie count and high protein content, this dish is a nutritious and satisfying option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, with a treasure trove of recipes passed down through generations.

One summer afternoon, while helping her prepare dinner, I stumbled upon a faded old cookbook tucked away in a dusty corner of her kitchen. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe that caught my attention - pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing. The combination of savory pork and sweet apricots intrigued me, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

Excitedly, I showed the recipe to my grandmother, who smiled and nodded in approval. She explained that this was a family recipe that had been passed down from her own grandmother, and she was more than happy to teach me how to make it.

We spent the rest of the afternoon in the kitchen, my grandmother guiding me through each step of the recipe. We started by pounding the pork chops until they were thin and tender, then spread a generous layer of apricot stuffing on top. As we rolled the pork into pinwheels, the sweet aroma of apricots filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

Once the pinwheels were secured with toothpicks, we seared them in a hot skillet until they were golden brown on all sides. The sizzle of the pork cooking was music to my ears, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

As the pinwheels finished cooking in the oven, my grandmother shared stories of how this recipe had been a staple at family gatherings for as long as she could remember. She reminisced about her own grandmother, who had taught her how to make the dish when she was just a young girl like me.

Finally, the pork pinwheels were ready, and we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The first bite was pure bliss - the tender pork, juicy apricots, and savory seasonings all melded together in a symphony of flavors. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had helped create such a delicious dish, and I vowed to carry on the tradition for generations to come.

Since that day, pork pinwheels with apricot stuffing have become a favorite in my own household. I've added my own twist to the recipe over the years, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to make it my own. But the essence of the dish - the tender pork, the sweet apricots, the memories shared in the kitchen - will always remain the same.

As I look back on that day in my grandmother's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and love she passed down to me. Cooking has always been more than just a task for me - it's a way to connect with my family, honor my heritage, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. And for that, I will always be grateful.