Crown Roast of Pork

Indulge in a regal feast with this stunning Crown Roast of Pork with Cherry Stuffing. Fit for a grand celebration or a special family gathering, this impressive dish showcases a magnificent crown roast of pork filled with a delightful cherry stuffing. The crown roast, a majestic culinary centerpiece, is created by shaping and tying a rack of pork chops into a circular form, offering an eye-catching presentation that will captivate your guests. The juicy and tender pork, seasoned with aromatic tarragon and garlic, is complemented by the light and flavorful cherry stuffing, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. As the roast cooks to perfection, the cherries infuse the stuffing with a touch of sweetness, elevating the dish to new heights. This mouthwatering feast requires minimal effort, with the oven doing most of the work while you enjoy a stress-free cooking experience. Perfectly balanced with savory and sweet elements, the Crown Roast of Pork with Cherry Stuffing is a feast fit for royalty.

MAKES: At least 10 or 12 servings

TIME: About 21/2 hours, largely unattended

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries or cranberries
• One 7-pound crown roast of pork, 14 to 16 ribs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 onion, cut into quarters, plus 1 cup minced onion
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1 1/2 cups water or white wine, plus more as needed
• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
• 4 cups bread crumbs, preferably fresh

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Soak the dried tart cherries (or cranberries) in hot water to cover. Sprinkle the crown roast of pork with salt and freshly ground black pepper, placing it on a rack in a roasting pan. Toss the chopped carrot, celery, and quartered onion with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, scattering them on the bottom of the pan.
2. Create a flavorful mixture by mixing the remaining olive oil with half of the minced garlic and minced tarragon. Rub this mixture all over the crown roast, ensuring it reaches every crevice.
3. Preheat the oven to 450°F and roast the meat for 20 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F, moistening the vegetables with a little water whenever they appear dry.
4. While the roast cooks, melt the butter in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook until soft. Drain and chop the soaked cherries and add them to the skillet along with the bread crumbs, remaining minced garlic and tarragon, salt, and pepper. Toss the mixture to combine and place it in an 8-inch square baking dish to form a 1- to 2-inch-thick layer. Put the dish in the oven to cook until the stuffing is crisp on top, stirring occasionally.
5. The total cooking time for the roast will be about 2 hours or slightly longer, with the internal temperature reaching approximately 150°F. Once cooked, transfer the roast to a cutting board and allow it to rest while preparing the sauce.
6. Pour off excess fat from the roasting pan without discarding the darker juices. Place the pan on the stove over medium-high heat, adding approximately 1 1/2 cups of water to reduce the liquid by about half. Remove the vegetables with a slotted spoon, pressing them into a strainer to extract any liquid. Add this liquid to the sauce while discarding the vegetables.
7. Pile the crisp cherry stuffing into the center of the crown roast, creating a magnificent presentation. Carve the roast and serve it with a portion of the delicious stuffing, drizzling a little of the sauce over it. Present the Crown Roast of Pork with Cherry Stuffing to awe your guests, and let the flavorful combination of tender pork, savory herbs, and sweet cherries enchant your taste buds.

The Crown Roast of Pork with Cherry Stuffing is more than just a delicious meal; it is a culinary masterpiece that will grace your table with elegance and taste. The impressive presentation, coupled with the harmonious blend of flavors, makes this dish a memorable experience for both the cook and the guests. Prepare to be hailed as the host or hostess of the hour as you unveil this regal roast that is sure to steal the show at any celebration or gathering.