Sunday's Pork Tenderloin

I watched a taped episode of Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and decided it sounded great for Sunday dinner. We started with dates that were stuffed with a piece of Manchego cheese, and wrapped with bacon. They went into a hot oven for about 12 minutes, being turned halfway through and then brushed with Maple Syrup and back in the oven for another 3 minutes. It was a wonderful combination.

The entree was Cumin and Ginger Rubbed Pork Tenderloin. The tenderloin was seasoned with salt and pepper and then rubbed with a mixture of toasted cumin seeds and crushed red pepper processed in a spice grinder. The powdered spices were combined with finely chopped garlic and ginger. The rub was allowed to sit on the tenderloin for a couple of hours. The pork was seared in a skillet and then finished in a hot oven.

The sides were garlic mashed potatoes and a Broccoli and Tomato Stew. The stew was interesting, with both broccoli florets and sliced stems (coins) cooked in a tomato based sauce, seasoned with cooked onions, garlic, ginger and crushed red pepper. It was okay, but we probably won't be making that one again.