sunday dinner

some sundays, i like to make a more elaborate dinner than i would make on a weeknight. but today was not one of those sundays. today was a very lazy sunday. this recipe is from my friend, erin (aka city mouse in a country house). it's really easy but tastes like it took a lot of work. my favorite kind of recipe. thanks erin! 


braised pork tenderloin with herb pan sauce

• 2lbs pork tenderloin (i used one, 1lb tenderloin)
• 4 1/2 teaspoons butter, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup chicken broth 
• 1/4 cup minced shallot
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
• salt and pepper to taste
• optional: i also added 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme

pat tenderloins dry with paper towels. season generously with salt & pepper. heat olive oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons butter in a large skillet over high heat. brown the tenderloin well on all sides, cover the pan, and reduce heat to low. cook for 15-20 minutes (i did 16). move tenderloin to a plate, cover loosely with foil and let stand for 15-20 minutes while preparing sauce.


for the sauce: to the skillet add chicken broth. stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up bits, bring to a boil and add shallots, bay leaf, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. cook stirring occasionally over medium high heat until slightly thickened (about 1-2 minutes). add the cream and cook for 3 more minutes. remove pan from heat, add rosemary and remaining tablespoon of butter.


slice the tenderloin and add to sauce. garnish with sprigs of rosemary if desired.