Rocky Mountain Pork Loin & Savory Applesauce

For the Applesauce:

Peel, core and chop or slice the apples, removing any seeds and seed husks.Place the apples in a large pot and all the lemon juice, bay leaves and salt. Simmer over low heat, partially covered for about a half hour, until the apples become soft.

Using a potato masher, smash the apples into a chunky sauce. Remove the lid and continue cooking at a low simmer, 30 minutes more.

While the apples are cooking, melt the butter in a separate pan. Cook until the butter begins to brown, then stir in the Poultry Rub and smoked black pepper, and remove from heat. Add the honey to the butter mixture and set aside.

When the applesauce is cooked and soft, drizzle in the butter mixture and cook 10-15 minutes more.

For the Pork:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Add the olive oil to a cast iron skillet and preheat on the stovetop on high heat.

Sprinkle the Rocky Mountain Rub on the pork tenderloin, roll and pat the spice on the meat to coat well.  Add the meat to the hot pan and sear about 1 minute on each side until all sides are browned.

Put the skillet in the oven and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees, about 30 minutes.

For the Vegetables:

While the pork is cooking, prepare the vegetables.

De-stem and chop the kale. Place it in a large bowl and sprinkle with the apple cider vinegar. Massage well and set aside.

Thinly slice the white and light green parts of the leek.

In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the Rocky Mountain Rub. Add the leeks and sauté until tender with crispy edges, about 5 minutes. Cover and set aside.

For the Plating:

Allow the pork to rest a few minutes and slice into rounds. For each dish, begin with a portion of kale, topped with applesauce, then pork, topped with leeks.Enjoy!