We are getting into that time of year where food is a heavily present. All around you. Some good options, but mostly it's cakes, cookies, eggnog, and your grandma's famous mashed potatoes with tons of cream and butter. It's definitely good in moderation but it's REALLY hard to stick to a healthy lifestyle when all this food is around you.
I like to put up a strong mental barrier in my mind. Like, " I don't like donuts". It actually worked for me after telling myself enough times. Or " think about all the burpees you would have to do if I ate that". Doing 100 burpees just isn't worth eating junk. Unless it's absolutely worth it, don't indulge. How can you tell if it's worth it? Take a bite, if it isn't THE BEST taste ever then stop and throw the rest away. If it is, then finish it and don't let a single guilty thought penetrate your head because it was worth it.
I like to keep clean foods that taste guilty around the house all year long to prevent temptation. This maple glazed pork tenderloin is no exception. It's SUPER easy to make and comes together quickly for those busy weeknights. It's also a great option if you still have family staying over and they might kill you if you say you are serving leftover turkey again.
Not to mention it's a great clean protein option to serve with a great shredded brussel sprout salad! ( I will be adding a great brussel sprout and pomegranate salad later this week. STAY TUNED).
And plus it makes your kitchen smell like Vermont. 😉
- 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pork tenderloin- I used Hormel's
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1.5 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2 tbs of pure maple syrup
- Preheat oven to 350
- Blend spices together to create a rub and rub thoroughly into the pork tenderloin on all sides
- In a cast iron skillet ( or oven proof skillet), heat oil on medium high heat
- Begin searing the pork in the skillet for about 2 min per side until browned
- Turn off burner and drizzle the maple syrup over pork
- Transfer skillet into oven for an additional 20 minutes or until pork is no longer pink in middle
- Let rest for 5 minutes and serve!
*I am currently a member of the Hormel Foods Extended Blogger Program and
this post is part of my involvement in the Group. While Hormel Foods provides
me material and necessary resources to complete various activities, all
statements and opinions ( as always) in The Kitcheneer are my own
Nikki @ Nik Snacks says
Hey, I want my house to smell like Vermont! Oooh! I'm what's looking for impressive things to make for guests and this totally fits the bill!
Nutmeg Nanny says
Maple glazed anything as my vote! But especially with pork. I'm a total believer in moderation is key. No guilty thoughts should be had if you loved every single bite of your sweet treat 🙂
Kim Beaulieu says
I'm always down with my house smelling like Vermont. I need to make this asap. Nothing better than pork tenderloin. It's scrumptious, especially with maple glaze.
Rose | The Clean Dish says
I know!! I hate when I indulge and it doesn't even taste great! I'll take your advice next time and ask myself whether this tastes good enough to stray from my healthy habits! This pork tenderloin looks fantastic!
Ginny McMeans says
You got all fancy and did a great job with the glaze too. Easy but elegant.
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
It is hard! Luckily, I do most of the baking for get-together so I know the sweets are delicious and worth the calories. 😉 And this pork looks great! What a delicious combination of flavors.
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious says
This looks like its cooked perfectly! Plus I'm always down with making my house smell like Vermont. 😉
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
This sounds wonderful, I love maple glazes!
The Food Hunter says
Love love love this recipe.