Family Fare in Blair: “Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin”

BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 December 17, Tuesday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook

Note: This is not a paid advertisement. However, you can get every ingredient in this recipe, on sale at Family Fare here in Blair until December 24, 2024!

The tradition of pairing pork with apples runs deep in American cuisine, particularly in the Midwest where both were staples of early homesteaders. Blair’s Family Fare brings this heritage to modern tables with their weekly sale on Smithfield pork tenderloin and fresh produce, making this Harvest Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin an accessible family meal.

Pork tenderloin emerged as a popular cut in American households during the 1950s, when improvements in farming and packaging made this previously restaurant-exclusive cut more accessible to home cooks. Family Fare, continues this tradition of making quality cuts available to local families. The development of pre-marinated pork products in the 1980s, like the Smithfield version featured here, further simplified preparation while maintaining quality.

Apple cider’s use in American cooking predates the nation itself. Early settlers brought apple seeds and cider-making techniques from Europe. By the 1800s, apple orchards dotted the Nebraska Territory, providing both fresh fruit and cider for cooking and preservation. Today, Blair’s Family Fare carries on this regional tradition with fresh-pressed cider available in their produce section.

Today’s recipe combines these historical elements with modern ingredients like pre-cut vegetables and prepared salad blends from Family Fare’s produce department, accommodating contemporary schedules while maintaining traditional flavors that Blair residents have enjoyed for generations.

Blair shoppers can find all ingredients on sale at Family Fare through December 24:

• Smithfield Marinated Whole Pork Tenderloin: $5.99 (with card, when buying 5 participating items)
• Apple Cider: $3.99/half gallon
• Baby Bella Mushrooms: 2/$5
• Seedless Cucumbers: 3/$5
• Taylor Farms Cut Vegetables: 2/$6
• Romaine Hearts: $3.49
• Earthbound Farm Organic Salad Blends: 2/$7
• Marzetti Caramel Dip: $3.99
• Granny Smith Apples: $1.69/lb

The complete recipe follows, featuring USDA-recommended cooking temperatures and safety guidelines.

“HARVEST APPLE CIDER PORK TENDERLOIN“

INGREDIENTS (all from Family Fare on sale):

• Smithfield Marinated Whole Pork Tenderloin ($5.99 with card, when you buy 5 items)
• Apple Cider (half gallon, $3.99)
• Baby Bella Mushrooms (2/$5)
• Seedless Cucumbers (3/$5)
• Taylor Farms Cut Vegetables (2/$6)
• Romaine Hearts ($3.49)
• Earthbound Farm Organic Salad Blends (2/$7)
• Marzetti Caramel Dip ($3.99)

INSTRUCTIONS:

For the Pork:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. Remove pork from package, save marinade
3. Place tenderloin in baking dish
4. Add 1 cup apple cider to the dish
5. Roast until internal temperature reaches minimum 145°F (about 25-30 minutes) For medium to well-done, continue cooking to 150-155°F
6. IMPORTANT: Let rest for minimum 3 minutes at 145°F or 5-10 minutes at higher temperatures Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper temperature

For the Sides:

1. While pork cooks:
   • Sauté mushrooms until golden brown
   • Slice cucumbers
   • Combine romaine hearts, cucumbers, Taylor Farms vegetables, and organic greens for salad

For the Sauce:

1. After removing pork:
   • Add 1/2 cup apple cider to pan juices and reserved marinade
   • Bring to boil, reduce heat
   • Simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes

Serve sliced pork with mushrooms and salad. Drizzle with cider sauce.

BONUS DESSERT: Serve sliced Granny Smith apples ($1.69/lb) with Marzetti caramel dip

Note: Always use a meat thermometer to verify safe cooking temperatures.

Shop at Family Fare for all these items on sale before December 24, 2024.