Merrie Crown Roast of Pork Recipe
Overview:
This Merrie Crown Roast of Pork recipe is a delightful centerpiece for any festive occasion, especially during the Christmas season. While I haven’t personally tried this recipe, it’s sourced from the esteemed “Pillsbury Festive Holiday Recipes” cookbook, ensuring a classic and flavorful dish that’s bound to impress your guests. With a total preparation and cooking time of just 3 hours and 20 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special celebrations alike.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 1314.3
- Fat Content: 79g
- Saturated Fat Content: 26.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 317.9mg
- Sodium Content: 1092mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 31.2g
- Fiber Content: 1.8g
- Sugar Content: 4.2g
- Protein Content: 111.8g
Ingredients:
- 7-pound pork crown roast
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 package rice pilaf mix
- 2 cups water
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup herb-seasoned stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
-
Season the Meat: Season the pork crown roast with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
-
Prepare the Roast: Place the seasoned roast in a large roasting pan with the rib bones facing up. Cover the rib bones with foil to prevent excess browning during the cooking process.
-
Insert Meat Thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the roast, ensuring that the bulb reaches the center of the meat without touching the fat or bone.
-
Roast the Meat: Roast the crown roast at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness.
-
Prepare Savory Rice Stuffing: While the roast is cooking, prepare the savory rice stuffing. Cook the rice pilaf mix according to the package directions.
-
Saute Onion and Celery: In a large saucepan, sauté the chopped onion and celery in margarine until tender.
-
Add Stuffing Mix: Add the water and herb-seasoned stuffing mix to the saucepan, stirring until well combined.
-
Combine with Rice: Once the stuffing mix is incorporated, add the cooked rice to the saucepan, tossing lightly to combine all the ingredients.
-
Optional: Bake Separately: If desired, the stuffing can be baked separately in a lightly buttered 2-quart casserole dish at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30-40 minutes.
-
Fill the Roast: Fill the center of the crown roast with the prepared stuffing, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
-
Continue Roasting: Return the roast to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meat is well done and the thermometer registers an internal temperature of 170 to 180 degrees F (77 to 82 degrees C).
-
Remove Foil: Remove the foil covering the rib tips during the last stages of cooking to allow them to brown.
-
Serve: Once the roast is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a serving plate or carving board. For ease in carving, insert a fork into the top of the roast and make slices by cutting closely along the sides of the rib bones.
Tips:
- For optimal results, ensure that the meat thermometer is properly inserted into the roast to accurately gauge its internal temperature.
- To enhance the presentation, garnish the finished roast with fresh herbs and citrus slices.
- Serve this Merrie Crown Roast of Pork alongside your favorite holiday sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, for a complete and satisfying meal that will leave your guests impressed and satisfied. Enjoy the festive flavors and the joy of sharing this delicious dish with your loved ones! 🎄🍽️