Pan-Seared Pork Coppa with Muscadine Reduction

This Sunday supper, inspired by our trip to the Memphis Farmers Market, was such a treat. Coppa is, in my language, the ribeye of pork, offering an extra marbled and robust flavor to the sauce or seasonings on-hand. We simmered some fresh muscadines (think cheery-grape hybrid), into a rich reduction with red wine, beef stock and butter. Absolutely delectable. Yes, you can make a fancy dinner in 45 minutes in workout clothes just for fun!

Serves 2

2 pork coppa (or tenderloin or steaks)
Olive oil
Salt + pepper, to taste
1 small shallot, diced
1 handful muscadine grapes, halved + deseeded
1/3 cup red wine
1/3 cup beef stock
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tablespoon butter

1. Brush coppa with oil, salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steaks for 4-5 minutes per side. Remove steaks and allow to rest on a cutting board.

2. Turn heat to medium. Add shallots to skillet and sauté with browned bits for 2 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add muscadines and continue to cook for another 2 minutes. Add red wine, deglazing pan and bringing to a boil. Then, add beef stock and fresh thyme sprigs. Stir and allow to simmer until reduced, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Stir in butter over medium low heat. Then, nestle coppa back into pan and allow steaks to heat through.

4. To serve, plate coppa and, using a spoon, pour reduction and muscadines over each plate.

Mini Roasted Eggplants with Lemon & Feta

Serves 8

4 mini eggplants, halved and scored
1/4 cup olive oil
Cumin
Harissa
Za’atar
Salt
Pepper
Fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
1 half lemon, halved
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and, place eggplant halves (scored side up) on the sheet. Pour olive oil generously over eggplants, adding more if needed. Liberally sprinkle spices over eggplant.

2. Roast for 30-40 minutes until soft and golden. Remove from oven, and sprinkle with feta and parsley. Squeeze lemon over vegetables and drizzle extra olive oil, if desired.