Applesauce-Stuffed Tenderloin

Ingredients: (Serving: 6)

Two pork tenderloins (about one pound each)

•           ¼ of a cup of apple juice (or vermouth, optional)
•           2/3 cup chunky applesauce
•           ¼ cup of dry, roasted peanuts, finely chopped
•           ¼ of a teaspoon of fennel seed, finely crushed
•           ¼ of a teaspoon of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. With a very sharp knife, cut a “pocket” into each tenderloin by cutting lengthwise down center of each tenderloin (almost through, but not all the way!).
3. Place the tenderloins in a shallow roasting pan.
4. In a small mixing bowl, stir together applesauce, peanuts, fennel, apple juice (or vermouth) and salt and pepper.
5. Spoon this mixture into each “pocket” of tenderloin. Secure with toothpicks.
6. Roast the tenderloins for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reads around 160 degrees.
7. Let stand for about 5 minutes before slicing to serve.