Pork Tenderloin With Apples, Calvados and Apple Cider

A great recipe to serve guests. They will think they are eating in a fine restaurant in France. Impressive dish but quick and easy to prepare. From Bon Appetit, May 1994. Calvados can be expensive so you may want to use another apple brandy. To get the best flavor, be sure to use quality ingredients. It is important to use Golden Delicious apples. Many apple varieties are tasty when eaten fresh but do not withstand the cooking process. Use a good quality apple cider...not apple juice. Good apple cider can be found in the produce section during the fall.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  lb  pork tenderloin, trimmed, cut into 1-inch-thick slices
• 5  tablespoons butter
• 4  medium golden delicious apples, peeled, cored, sliced 1/3 inch thick (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 2  large shallots, chopped
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh thyme or 1  teaspoon dried thyme
• 1⁄4 cup calvados or 1⁄4 cup  other apple brandy
• 1  cup  whipping cream
• 1⁄4 cup  good quality apple cider

Directions

1. Place pork slices between plastic wrap. Using mallet, pound pork slices to 1/4-inch thickness. (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate.)
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add apples and sugar to skillet and sauté until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Set aside.
3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in another heavy large skillet over high heat. Season pork with salt and pepper. Add pork to skillet and sauté until just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to plate; keep warm.
4. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in same skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and thyme and sauté 2 minutes. Add Calvados and boil until reduced to glaze, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in cream and cider; boil until mixture thickens to sauce consistency, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Reheat apples, if necessary. Arrange a few pork slices on each plate. Spoon sauce over. Top generously with sautéed apple slices and serve.