Roasted Pork and Potato Roses

Name: Roasted Pork and Potato Roses
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest; 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed; 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 4-1/2 teaspoons olive oil; 4 medium red potatoes (about 1-1/2 pounds); 1 boneless pork loin roast (about 2 pounds)

Just right for an endearing February 14 meal is this lovely looking roast from Linda Ault of Newberry, Indiana. (The pretty potato roses, carved by Crafting Traditions' kitchen experts, provide an inviting hearty complement.) Linda writes it's a favorite with her family—so add it to your all-year recipe file as well!

Ingredients

4 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
4 medium red potatoes (about 1-1/2 pounds)
1 boneless pork loin roast (about 2 pounds)

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the first six ingredients; mash into a paste. Stir in oil; set aside. Peel potatoes. To achieve rose shape, cut a thin slice off the bottom of potato. Make a circular row of downward cuts, each about 3/4 in long, but do not cut all the way through. To expose the petals, starting 1/4 in. above each petal, cut out a small wedge from behind each petal. Repeat with additional layers, positioning petals of new row between the lower row to create a true flower effect.
Brush with herb mixture. Brush remaining mixture over pork. Place potatoes on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 40 minutes. Place pork with fat side up on rack in pan.
Bake for 1-1/4 hours or until a thermometer reads 160° and potatoes are tender. Let roast stand 10 minutes before slicing.