Here, we roast grapes to bring out their succulent sweetness, then combine them with thyme, mustard and Madeira in an easy, savory sauce for pork tenderloin. Serve with barley and steamed green beans.

Makes 4 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 45 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

4 cups red and/or green grapes
1-1 1/4 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
1/2 cup Madeira (see Shopping Tip) or white wine
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons water
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

1. Position racks in the middle and lower third of oven; preheat to 425°F.
2. Place grapes on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast on the lower rack, shaking the pan occasionally to turn the grapes, until they are shriveled, 25 to 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, rub pork with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and brown on one side, about 2 minutes. Turn the pork over and transfer the pan to the top oven rack. Roast the pork until just barely pink in the center and an instant-read thermometer registers 145°F, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer the pork to a cutting board to rest before slicing.
4. Place the pan over medium heat (use caution, the handle will be hot), add shallots and cook, stirring, until softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Add Madeira (or wine) and cook until reduced by half, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in broth, thyme and mustard; bring to a simmer. Combine water and cornstarch in a small bowl and stir into the pan sauce. Cook until thickened, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in the grapes. Serve the sliced pork with the grape sauce.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 299 calories; 6 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono); 74 mg cholesterol; 31 g carbohydrate; 26 g protein; 2 g fiber; 407 mg sodium; 799 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (30% daily value), Potassium (23% dv), Zinc (16% dv).
2 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 2 fruit, 3 lean meat, 1 fat

TIP: Shopping tip: Madeira, a fortified wine from the Portuguese island of Madeira, has a sweet, mellow flavor somewhat like sherry. Find it at liquor stores or in the wine section of the supermarket.

This was terrific! I didn't have Madeira, so I used Amontillado, and it was excellent.

Cook from New Jersey, West Milford, NJ

Fantastic. I was a little concerned about the sweetness, but the dijon and chicken broth balance it nicely.

Paul, OH

Eh. Just ok.

Cook in KC

Did it Christmas Eve dinner...Had to buy two pork loins as I had 6 people...Could have used 1/2 the grapes--don't need the full 4 cups...also, had to cook the bigger tenderloin for about 18-20 minutes...was really good-especially the grapes...

Katy, Portsmouth, NH

I love this recipe. It's elegant and interesting enough for company, yet great for a family meal. Easy to make (always appealing) and just delicious! Roasting the grapes is a delightful and imaginative touch. Thanks so much for publishing this one.

Ginny, Providence, RI