- 2 pounds boneless pork loin
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 5 tablespoons Kosher salt
- 1 cup of water
Yams
- 5 yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 to 3 cups chicken stock
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Caramelized Apples
- 3 Granny Smith or similar cooking apples
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 2 Granny Smith apples
- Juice of 1 lemon
To prepare the pork: Cut the loin into six servings. Combine the maple syrup, salt and water in a bowl and add the meat, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The mixture could also be put in a large plastic zip bag with the meat, the air pressed out, and the bag sealed, then refrigerated. Marinate for 24 hours.
To cook the pork: Soak a few chips of apple wood in water for 30 minutes. Light a charcoal grill or smoker. When the fire is ready, move the fire to one side and add the apple wood chips. Arrange the pork slices on the grill away from direct heat and in the path of the apple wood smoke. Cover, adjust the grill openings to maximize the smoke, and smoke until the pork is done through and just pink in the center, about 20 minutes. Remove and keep warm.
To prepare the yams: Place the yams and chicken stock in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium- high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer until tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain and puree with the butter and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper.
To make the apples: Peel and core the apples and slice them into 12 wedges each. Toss with the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the slices for 5 minutes on each side, or until softened and golden. Remove from heat and keep warm. Peel the remaining apples and core, cut into thin slices. Dip in diluted lemon juice and set aside.
To serve: Put a spoonful of yam puree in the center of each plate. Cut each pork serving into at least six slices. Alternate apple slices with the meat and arrange around the yams. Stand the crisp apple slices in the yams. Serves 6 guest.
