Having trouble deciding on a restaurant for Valentine's Day? Can't get a reservation at your favourite spot?  Why not impress your loved one with a home-cooked meal? Ontario Pork has you covered – no need for reservations!

Our three-course dinner features unique recipes that each incorporate a different cut of pork, from pancetta to pork tenderloin to bacon. Sweet and salty flavours and tender and crunchy textures set the stage for a Valentine’s Day to remember.

May we suggest the following for you and your Valentine:

Appetizer: Pancetta, plums and pistachios on brie

Main Course: Sweet and soy pork tenderloin
Add a mixed salad, roasted potatoes and your favourite seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.

Dessert: Bacon brownies 

Fun facts about each cut of pork featured in this dinner: 

Pancetta: The difference between pancetta and bacon is pancetta is cured, but not smoked, like bacon is. 

Pork tenderloin: This cut of pork is as lean as a boneless, skinless chicken breast.  Learn more here.

Bacon: Bacon, or more accurately “side bacon”, is made from the pork belly with the side ribs removed. It is skinned, cured, and smoked. Find out more here.

To help with the planning, below is a grocery list, which includes the ingredient totals for all 3 recipes:

PROTEIN
• 1 1/2 lb (750 g) Ontario pork tenderloin 
• 150 g pancetta, finely diced
• 3/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped

PRODUCE
• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• 1 red or black plum, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) fresh ginger, grated

DAIRY
• 1-13 oz (370 g) brie wheel
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs

OILS & OTHER LIQUIDS 
• 1/4 cup sherry
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) canola oil
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) reduced-sodium soy sauce

BAKERY
• 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
• 1 cup (250 mL) blueberry jam or jelly
• 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder, optional
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour

Not sure where to buy these pork products? Check our retailer map for a full listing of locations that carry local pork products. To be 100% sure you are buying local, look for the Ontario Pork checkmark logo. 


*** Tried these recipes? Share a photo with us on social media and tag @Ontario Pork