Holiday Slow-Cooked Pork + Cran-Applesauce

I love slow-cooked meat.  It's not only an easy way to put together a meal but the slow-cooking method makes the meat so tender.  Pork works so well with such a variety of flavors and spices.  This recipe incorporates the blend of holiday favorites like cranberries and apples, including herbs + spices such as cinnamon, cloves, rosemary and sage.  It turned out absolutely delicious!  It might be one of my new favorite creations and seriously perfect for this time of year!

The Ingredients:
Serves 3-4

3 lbs Pork Sirloin Tip Roast (I get the multiple pkgs from Costco)
1 Cup Fresh Cranberries
4 Cups Fuji Apples, cored and sliced into eighths (I left the skin on but you can peel if preferred)
1 Cup Orange Juice
1 Cup Water
1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Fresh Ground Pepper
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 Teaspoon Allspice
2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
1 Tablespoon Fresh Rosemary, chopped
2 Tablespoons Fresh Sage, chopped
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar (reserve for the Cran-Applesauce)

The Steps:

1) In a large saute pan, lightly oiled, brown the pork on all sides over medium - high heat.
2) While the meat is browning, core and slice the apples.  An apple slicer will save you time!  I left the skin on but you can peel the apples if you want.  Chop the Rosemary and Sage.

3) Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker, except for the meat & 1/4 Cup of Brown Sugar, to the slow-cooker.  Stir to combine all the ingredients.

After the meat is done browning, place in the slow cooker.  Move any apples/cranberries out from underneath the pork so that it is sitting directly on the bottom of the slow-cooker.  Cook on LOW for 9-10 hours.

4) When the meat has done cooking, remove all of the cranberries, apples and herbs with a slotted spoon.   Add to a blender, food chopper/processor, or use a stick blender.  I used my mini food chopper.  Add the 1/4 Cup of Brown Sugar and pulse/blend until you get a sauce consistency.

5) Transfer pork from the slow cooker to a cutting board and slice.  Meat will be tender so don't be surprised if your slices falls apart a bit.  Add the sauce to a bowl for individuals to add themselves or spoon sauce over slices prior to serving. 

Additional Serving suggestions....

• On top of mashed sweet potatoes.
• Alongside roasted acorn, butternut squash or red potatoes.
• With a fresh drop biscuit.