Pair the Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Espresso-Honey Glaze with 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens, a novel that matches the dish's complexity and depth of flavor. Accompany the meal with a classic Manhattan cocktail, whose smoky bourbon notes beautifully complement the coffee rub and espresso glaze flavors. This trio offers a sensory feast that will linger in the mind and mouth, providing the perfect ambiance for a thoughtful evening.
Ingredients
Coffee Rub:
- 2 tbsp finely ground coffee
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Pork Tenderloin:
- 1 ½ to 2 lbs pork tenderloin, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Espresso-Honey Glaze:
- 1 shot (about 1 oz) of espresso or strong brewed coffee
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Coffee Rub:
- In a small bowl, combine the ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
Rub the Pork Tenderloin:
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels.
- Rub the coffee mixture all over the pork, pressing gently to adhere the rub to the meat.
- Let the pork sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Sear the Pork Tenderloin:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the pork tenderloin to the skillet.
- Sear the pork on all sides until a dark, crusty exterior forms, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Roast the Pork Tenderloin:
- Transfer the skillet with the pork tenderloin to the preheated oven.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Espresso-Honey Glaze:
- While the pork is resting, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the espresso, honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Continue to cook until the glaze is thickened and syrupy, about 5 minutes.
Serve:
- Slice the rested pork tenderloin into medallions and drizzle the espresso-honey glaze over the top.
- Serve immediately, with any remaining glaze on the side.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Delia Owens' 'Where the Crawdads Sing' is a thought-provoking and immersive novel set against the atmospheric backdrop of the North Carolina marshes. The story follows Kya Clark, a mysterious 'Marsh Girl' who comes of age alone in the wild after being abandoned by her family. As she grows up isolated, Kya develops a deep connection with nature but remains an outsider in her community. When a local person is found dead, Kya becomes a suspect and must confront the parallels of her untamed life and the societal constraints she faces.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENON—NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE! More than 18 million copies sold worldwide A Reese’s Book Club Pick A Business Insider Defining Book of the Decade “I can't even express how much I love this book! I didn't want this story to end!”—Reese Witherspoon “Painfully beautiful.”—The New York Times Book Review For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens. Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
Discussion Questions
- How does the setting of the marsh shape the character of Kya and influence the story?
- In what ways do our environments affect our identities? Use examples from Kya's life to illustrate your point.
- Discuss the significance of isolation in the novel. How does it impact Kya's life and choices?
- How do the themes of abandonment and survival interweave throughout the novel?
- Consider the role of nature and wildlife in the story. How do they metaphorically relate to human life?
- Kya is portrayed as an outsider. How does this shape her interactions with the world?
- Discuss the various forms of friendship and love depicted in the novel. How do they shape the characters?
- What is the role of poetry in Kya's life? How does it help her cope with loneliness?
- How do preconceptions and prejudices affect the town's view of Kya?
- How does the novel challenge or reinforce your understanding of justice?
Authors:
Delia Owens
ISBN: 0735219095
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2018-08-14
ISBN: 0735219095
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2018-08-14
Classic Manhattan
The Classic Manhattan is a timeless cocktail that combines the bold flavor of rye whiskey with the sweetness of sweet vermouth and the subtle bitters flavor to create a sophisticated drink with rich, deep undertones.
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 maraschino cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Stir the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice in a mixing glass.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
- Serve immediately.