(2018) Pork Loin Stuffed with Fennel Fronds

fennel

My big idea for you this week is what to do with those fennel fronds. In the past I’ve been a little stymied by them – big bunch of fronds, recipes that call for a sprinkle or two. What to do with the rest? Then earlier this year I ran into the idea to turn those fronds into stuffing for a pork roast. Brilliant! The combination of slightly anise-y fennel fronds with garlic and lemon and pork – it’s absolute heaven.

So I cobbled together this recipe from various points of inspiration. And calling it a “recipe” is probably unfair. It’s just a concept. But it’s delicious. You’ll find bunches and bunches of recipes online – some using the fronds, some using the bulbs. Pork and fennel is definitely a thing.

(2017) Pork Larb

I love larb and never think about adding green beans. But seeing the beans in today’s box and then this recipe made me decide to share. It’s adapted from a chicken larb recipe in “Adam’s Big Pot” by Adam Liaw. The rice, chili powder and chile flakes combine to make the equivalent of a Thai seasoning mix. Serve it on lettuce leaves if you wish.

Curried Cider Pork Stew

So now I’m pretending the temperatures are cooperating and a nice stew is in order. Or maybe you’re just ready for stew no matter that it’s in the upper 80s out there.

Maybe you still have a carrot or two left over from last week? If not, skip the carrots in this recipe. Add more squash, dice in eggplant instead, substitute a few peppers ….. it’s up to you. I don’t remember where this recipe came from, but hope you’re using Riverview pork when you make it.

Pulled Pork with Italian-flavored Greens

Yes, this one is a little complicated, but worth it. The smell of that pork shoulder roasting is an incredibly fragrant way to perfume your house on a cool weekend afternoon. Serve it as a sandwich as given here, or skip the rolls and cheese and plate it up for dinner. Pick up the biggest pork shoulder you can find at one of Riverview’s many farmers market booths this week.