Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar Pork Loin

Yes, I'm still alive.  I may look like a zombie, but I'm still here!

The two week break between quarters was seriously just what this girl needed.  I thought I would have a post up before the new year, but I took time to relax instead.  Priorities, I tell ya.

And I'm proud to report that after the first quarter of culinary school, this girl has a solid 4.0.  Woop woop!  Right?!

Anyway, next quarter starts tomorrow and I'm ready for it.  Purchasing, Sanitation, and Culinary Theory Lab Part 2 here I come!

I thought I'd start 2012 off with a bang and give ya something juicy, mouth-watering, and simple as can be.  Pork-wrapped pork.  Mmmm hmmm.

Ingredients:
Adapted from The Comfort of Cooking's Recipe

3 lb. bone-in pork loin
5-6 pieces of bacon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon hot Spanish paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Glaze:

1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon mustard powder

Why bone-in?  Honestly, I think more flavor develops with a bone-in anything.  Yeah, it may have to cook a tad bit longer, but flavor outweighs times in my book (this coming from a girl who swears she has no time to spare!).

So let's line a roasting pan with aluminum foil and place your big hunk of pork on that sucker.  Preheat your oven to 375F.

In a small bowl, make your spice rub.  Combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and chili powder.

And give that pork a good rub down.

Then we'll wrap the whole thing in some bacon.  P.S. - the technical term for wrapping something in fat (in this case, bacon) is "barding."

Place the roast in the oven and roast for about 50-60 minutes.  

Meanwhile,  in a small saucepan under medium heat, combine the ingredients for the glaze - the brown sugar, flour, cider vinegar, and mustard powder.

Simmer until the sugar is dissolved.

Drizzle glaze over top of pork roast and continue to roast for about 25-35 minutes longer, or until internal temperature has reached 160F.

The bacon will be nice and crispy!

Let rest for about 10 minutes and then slice into 1 inch thick portions.  Serve with your starch of choice and enjoy!


I want to thank you guys for sticking with me, even though I've been M.I.A.  I do my best to balance everything, but certain things take precedence before the blog.  I appreciate you all, and again, thank you so much!

Until next time...