This dish is perfect for entertaining a large group because it serves a crowd and looks spectacular, and the rich, velvety fig sauce will knock your guests’ socks off; it’s so sweet you could even serve it over ice cream. Many European cultures have traditional recipes that pair pork with sweet fruit, usually apples. But apples aren’t so prevalent in Italy, and figs are. Lucky for Italians.

　　

Ingredients

4 to 6 main-course servings

　　

Fig Sauce

2 1/2 cups port

　　1 1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

　　8 dried black Mission figs, coarsely chopped

　　2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

　　2 cinnamon sticks

　　1 tablespoon honey

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

　　1/4 teaspoon salt

　　1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

　　

Pork

2 tablespoons olive oil

　　2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

　　1 tablespoon salt, plus more to taste

　　1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

　　1 4- to 4 1/2-pound boneless pork loin

　　1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

　　

For the Fig Sauce

Step 1

In a medium-size, heavy saucepan, combine the port, chicken broth, figs, rosemary, cinnamon, and honey. Boil over medium-high heat until reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Discard the rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks (some of the rosemary leaves will remain in the port mixture). Transfer the port mixture to a blender and purée until smooth. Blend in the butter, salt, and pepper. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before using.)

　　

For the Pork

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Stir the oil, rosemary, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of pepper in a small bowl to blend. Place the pork loin in a heavy, flame-proof roasting pan. Spread the oil mixture over the pork to coat completely. Roast, turning the pork every 15 minutes to ensure even browning, until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the pork registers 145 degrees F, about 45 minutes total.

　　

Step 3

Transfer the pork to a cutting board and tent with foil to keep warm. Let the pork rest for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, place the roasting pan over medium heat and stir in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits. Bring the pan juices to a simmer. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.

　　

Step 4

Using a large, sharp knife, cut the pork crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange the pork slices on plates. Spoon the jus over. Drizzle the warm fig sauce around and serve immediately.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2005 by Giada De Laurentiis. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Giada De Laurentiis is the star of Food Network's Everyday Italian and Behind the Bash. She attended the Cordon Bleu in Paris, and then worked in a variety of Los Angeles restaurants, including Wolfgang Puck's Spago, before starting her own catering and private-chef company, GDL Foods. The granddaughter of movie producer Dino De Laurentiis, Giada was born in Rome and grew up in Los Angeles, where she now lives.