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Pineapple
1 whole fresh ripe pineapple
Prepare grill or broiler to medium heat. Trim off sharp points
of leaves so a tuft remains. Grasp tuft and, using a large knife,
cut off tough outer skin with wide downward strokes. Remove the
remaining "eyes." Cut pineapple into slices about 1/2-inch thick
and remove core. Grill or broil pineapple until lightly browned.
Pineapple does not need to be thoroughly cooked.
You may use the pineapple slices whole or cut them into chunks,
as you prefer.
Balsamic-Molasses Reduction
1 cup molasses
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 or 2 large sweet basil leaves (fresh)
In a saucepan combine molasses, vinegar, and basil. Simmer at
low heat, stirring, until consistency is like honey, about 20
minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
Pork Medallions With Goat Cheese
1 whole pork tenderloin (have butcher remove membrane)
1 log of goat cheese (about 4 ounces)
small amount of oil for searing
1/2 cup prepared honey-roasted peanuts
basil sprigs (for garnish)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice pork tenderloin into 12 medallions
about 1/2-inch thick. Cut off 4 slices of goat cheese log about
1/4 - or 1/2-inch thick (depending on whether you want a mild
or strong taste of goat cheese). You will have one slice of goat
cheese for every three slices of pork.
In a large, heavy pan sear pork medallions over medium heat
on both sides and a bit on edges. Remove to a baking pan, making
four groups of three medallions each (medallions in each group
should be touching, more or less in the form of a shamrock). Put
a slice of goat cheese on top of each group of pork medallions
and bake for five to six minutes.
To serve, place a grilled pineapple slice on each plate and
top with a group of three pork medallions. Drizzle balsamic-molasses
reduction over the medallions. Or you may put the pork medallions
directly on the plate with chunks of pineapple. Scatter honey-roasted
peanuts alongside. Garnish with basil sprigs. Serves 4. |
Tarantino's
3611 Parry
Dallas, TX
One brother greets, the other cooks. Between them, Peter and
Patrick Tarantino have created one of Dallas' artier dining venues.
At Tarantino's, chef Pat presides over a menu that does not shrink
from extremes. "I introduce deliberate contradictions into my
food," he proclaims, "but my goal is to achieve balance." And
indeed he does, particularly in this spunky combination of pork
medallions topped with morsels of melted goat cheese, all on grilled
pineapple. The combination strikes a sweet, tropical note, which
is underscored by a zippy reduction of molasses and balsamic vinegar.
As promised, the pungent flavors meet, merge, and harmonize.
Meat & Dairy
1 whole pork tenderloin (have butcher remove membrane)
4-oz log of goat cheese
Produce
fresh basil
1 whole fresh ripe pineapple
Grocery
molasses
balsamic vinegar
honey-roasted peanuts
oil |