Something Other Than Turkey
I can’t believe it is already time to start thinking about Thanksgiving. If you are like me, I am not a huge fan of turkey. Although I don’t host Thanksgiving, if I did, I would cook something in addition to the traditional turkey as an option for the main dish.
It used to be that Josh and I would celebrate Thanksgiving Day with either my family or his (alternating each year) and then get together with the other family on Friday or Saturday. This was before we had children and before we realized we don’t have to over extend ourselves- now, we just alternate each year. When we did this, I would cook a second “Thanksgiving-like” dinner and this Cranberry Orange Pork Loin became a holiday staple in our home.
I often cook this the night after Thanksgiving when we put up our Christmas tree. And you can often find it on our weekly menu during the fall and winter months- it is great for entertaining. I have modified the original recipe several times and I now have it exactly how we like it. This would also make a wonderful Christmas dinner entree. Not only does it taste amazing, but your house will also smell delicious.
Cranberry Orange Pork Loin
Ingredients:
3-4 lb. Pork Loin
Olive Oil
Ground Pepper
Garlic Salt
1 can Whole Cranberry Sauce
2 oranges (Juice & Zest)
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon rosemary (plus more to season pork)
Directions:
1. Season top and bottom of pork loin with garlic salt, ground pepper and rosemary.
2. Sear top and bottom in pan with olive oil until lightly brown.
3. In a dish, combine the following & mix together: 1 can of whole cranberry sauce, the zest and juice of 2 oranges, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon rosemary.
4. Place pork in 8×8 glass baking dish and top with the cranberry orange mixture.
5. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
6. Uncover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes.
When eating this at home, we like to enjoy it with baked sweet potatoes and fresh green beans… YUM!
Your turn- tell me!
Do you have options other than turkey as your main dish for Thanksgiving?
What is a go-to dish for entertaining during the colder months?
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