At certain times of the year, parts of Northern California’s Sonoma County sprout masses of wild mushrooms, and at one time apple orchards covered many of the hills now blanketed with vineyards. Gone today are many of those venerable old trees, but remnants of some orchards remain, as does the heritage that inspired this savory slow-cooked meal.
Suggested Beverage: A Russian River Valley Chardonnay.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Place a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the oil. Add the pork and cook, turning, for about 15 minutes, until evenly browned on all sides. Transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
Step 2
Add the onion to the pan and sauté in the oil for about 7 minutes, until it just begins to brown. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes, until tender. Add the apple juice and wine and cook for 10 minutes, until reduced in half, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 3
Pour the sauce and vegetables over the roast. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours, until the meat is very tender and has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Remove the roast from the slow cooker and set aside on a plate. Add the cream and apple to the juices in the slow cooker and stir well. Return the meat to the slow cooker and continue cooking on high for 30 minutes.
Step 4
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 10 minutes, until evenly browned. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. When cool enough to handle, coarsely chop the walnuts.
Step 5
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and cut into serving slices. Arrange the pork on plates and spoon on the sauce and apples. Garnish each serving with the walnuts and serve at once.
