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Pork Medallions with Brandied Apple & Walnut Glaze

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Savory Elegance: Pork Medallions Draped in Brandied Apple and Walnut Glaze

Perfectly cooked pork medallions are wrapped in a decadent glaze that dances between the sweetness of apples and the rich, bold undertones of brandy. Each bite of the tender pork offers a canvas for the deep, complex notes of the brandy to unfold, enhancing the natural juiciness of the meat. The apples, sautéed until they are just tender, bring a bright, fresh crispness that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, indulgent texture of the glaze. Crunchy walnuts add an earthy undertone and a delightful textural contrast. Designed for special occasions like a romantic date night or a thoughtful Mother’s Day dinner, this dish promises not just a meal but a culinary experience.

In our ‘jump to’ section below, you will also find thoughtfully chosen side dishes and beverage pairings that complement and enhance the flavors of our Pork Medallions in Brandied Apple and Walnut Glaze.

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Recipe

Pork Medallions with Brandied Apple & Walnut Glaze

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yields: Serves 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pork Medallions:
    • Season the pork medallions with salt and pepper.
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork medallions and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
  2. Make the Brandied Apple and Walnut Glaze:
    • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, if using, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble.
    • Add the diced apples and chopped walnuts to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the apples are just soft.
    • Carefully add the brandy to the skillet (if using a gas stove, be aware that brandy can ignite). Allow it to cook down for a minute, then add apple cider and apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly into a glaze.
  3. Assemble the Dish:
    • Place the cooked pork medallions on a serving plate.
    • Spoon the warm brandied apple and walnut glaze over the pork medallions.
  4. Garnish and Serve:
    • Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley over the top of the glazed medallions.
    • Serve immediately, enjoying the rich flavor combination of brandy, apples, and walnuts.

This brandied version of the glaze not only adds a luxurious flavor but also makes the dish suitable for special occasions. The brandy complements the natural sweetness of the apples and the savory pork beautifully, making this a standout dish.

Brandy or Cream Sherry?

Both brandy and cream sherry can add depth and complexity to the glaze, but they offer slightly different flavor profiles. Here’s how each option might influence the taste of the glaze:

  1. Brandy
    • Brandy has a rich, warm, and slightly fruity flavor with hints of oak from the barrel aging process. It adds a luxurious depth to dishes and complements the sweetness of the apples and the nuttiness of the walnuts.
    • The brandy can create a more complex flavor profile in the glaze, with a subtle sweetness and a pleasant warmth from the alcohol.
  2. Cream Sherry
    • Cream sherry is a fortified wine with a nutty, caramel-like flavor profile. It tends to be sweeter and smoother than brandy, with notes of dried fruit and toasted nuts.
    • Cream sherry can add a sweet, velvety richness to the glaze, enhancing the sweetness of the apples and providing a smooth finish to the dish.

Choosing Between the Two

Ultimately, the decision between brandy and cream sherry depends on your personal taste and the overall flavor profile you want to achieve in the dish. Both options can create delicious glazes, so feel free to experiment and adjust based on your preferences.

To complement the richness and depth of Pork Medallions in Brandied Apple and Walnut Glaze, consider serving these side dishes that balance the meal and add to its elegance:

  1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
    • Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic make a comforting and smooth addition that pairs wonderfully with the savory pork and sweet glaze. The creaminess of the potatoes will also help to balance the richness of the glaze.
  2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts:
    • Brussels sprouts, roasted until crispy and tossed with a bit of olive oil and sea salt, offer a slightly bitter contrast that enhances the sweetness of the apple in the glaze.
  3. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds:
    • Green beans sautéed with slivered almonds provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that echoes the walnuts in the glaze, tying the side dish nicely to the main course.
  4. Caramelized Carrots:
    • Carrots caramelized in a little butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar bring out a natural sweetness that complements the apple components of the glaze beautifully.
  5. Wild Rice Pilaf:
    • A wild rice pilaf with onions, mushrooms, and herbs offers a hearty and flavorful base that stands up well to the bold flavors of the brandied glaze.

Side Dish Recipes in our May issue of Basil & Salt Magazine – Subscribe here

For an ideal dining experience with Pork Medallions in Brandied Apple and Walnut Glaze, consider these beverage pairings to complement the flavors and enhance your meal:

Wine Pairing

Beer Pairing

Cocktail Pairing

Non-Alcoholic Pairing

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