The ‘Other White Meat’ For Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving coming next week, here is a main dish, using the “other white meat” as an alternative to traditional turkey, or to serve alongside your holiday bird. Vegetables, stuffing, rolls and sweet potatoes complete the meal. The sauce has a nice tang from the mint, and flavors of orange and apricot meld to form a sweet, yet pungent flavor.

The apricot is very high in vitamin A, especially when dried. Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin, mucous membranes and good sight. Insufficient amounts can cause night blindness, impair sight and increase susceptibility to colds and other illnesses.

Apricots also are rich in potassium and a good source of vitamin C. They are said to stimulate the appetite and help fight anemia. Dried apricots have a higher concentration of nutrients, making them rich in vitamin A, potassium, iron and riboflavin.

They also are a good source of copper and magnesium. When dried, apricots are mildly laxative and should be consumed in moderation.

Happy Thanksgiving!

PORK TENDER-LOIN CUTLETS WITH APRICOT ORANGE SAUCE

* 1/3 cup finely chopped dried apricots
* 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon orange juice
* 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint leaves
* 3 teaspoons honey
* 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
* 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 teaspoons water
* 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
* 2 teaspoons olive oil
* 4 lean, boneless pork tenderloin cutlets (about 6 ounces each)
* mint sprigs, for garnish

In saucepan, combine apricots, juice, mint, honey and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until simmering and the apricots soften. Add cornstarch mixture and stir well to combine. Continue stirring until sauce thickens a bit.

While sauce is cooking, rub pork tenderloins with curry and olive oil. Grill on both sides until cooked through and not pink in the middle. Remove from heat and serve with sauce spooned over pork. Garnish with mint sprigs.

Makes four servings, and may be doubled or tripled, etc.

Approximate Nutrition Information Per Serving:

Calories: 385
Fat: 6 grams
Sodium: 260 milligrams
Cholesterol: 68 milligrams