Crown Roast of Pork with Savory Fruit Stuffing

🕒 Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Description

Impress your guests with this stunning Crown Roast of Pork with Savory Fruit Stuffing, a timeless recipe that never fails to delight. Perfect for special occasions and holidays, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try the alternative apple and sausage stuffing option provided below.

Ingredients

• 1 onion
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 apple
• 1 pear
• 5 tbsp golden raisins
• 4 tbsp pecans
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3/4 cup margarine
• 1/2 tsp ground sage
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 sweet Italian sausage link
• 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 5 1/2 cups stuffing mix
• 2 tart green apples
• 8 dried rubbed sage leaves
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Roast:

   • Place the pork roast in a roasting pan, positioning it so that it rests on the bone tips, resembling a crown. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat.
   • Roast, uncovered, at 325°F for 1 1/2 hours.

2. Prepare the Stuffing:

   • In a medium skillet, heat vegetable oil. Sauté onions and celery until the onions are golden brown. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
   • Add the chopped apples, pears, golden raisins, pecans, butter, margarine, ground sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss well to combine.

3. Stuff and Bake:

   • Remove the roast from the oven and drain off any excess fat. Carefully turn the roast right side up, with the bones facing upwards, and return it to the roasting pan.
   • Fill the cavity of the roast with the prepared stuffing mixture. Spoon any remaining stuffing into a greased baking dish.
   • Bake the stuffing and roast together for another 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meat thermometer registers 160°F.
   • Let the roast stand for 15 minutes before slicing.

4. Prepare the Apple and Sausage Stuffing (Alternative Option):

   • In a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the sweet Italian sausage until cooked through, breaking it into crumbles with the back of a spoon.
   • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked sausage to a large bowl. In the same skillet, sauté butter, onions, and celery until tender.
   • Add the chopped apples to the skillet and sauté until they are tender but still hold their shape. Stir in the sage, thyme, and allspice.
   • Add the mixture to the bowl with the sausage and stir in the stuffing mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This stuffing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

5. Bake the Additional Stuffing:

   • Generously butter a 15×10-inch glass baking dish. Fill the center of the crown roast with the prepared stuffing, following the directions above.
   • Transfer any remaining stuffing to the prepared baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake until heated through, approximately 40 minutes.

Enjoy the delightful aroma and flavors of this Crown Roast of Pork with Savory Fruit Stuffing, a dish sure to become a cherished favorite for your family and friends!