Grilled Pork Roast with Cherry-Balsamic Sauce

This week I found some beautiful dark cherries on sale at the store and I decided to attempt a recipe that I've been thinking about for a long time.  I've always thought that cherries would taste great with a pork roast and cooking the pork on the grill would add a nice smoky flavor, too.  So that was the inspiration for this dish.

Starting with a simple red wine, balsamic vinegar and sweet cherry base, the addition of some molasses gave the sauce a nice rustic quality that was absolutely amazing.  You could taste each component of the sauce, and when combined with the light rub on the pork the dish was just full of flavor.  Not only that, the picky-eater in the family even asked for seconds!!  That is the best compliment a Mom could ask for.

2 lb  Pork Loin Roast, blade end if possible
1 tsp  Kosher Salt
1 tsp  Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp  Dried Thyme
1/2 tsp  Paprika
1/4 tsp  Dry Mustard
1/4 tsp  Chipotle Powder
1/4 tsp  Ground Black Pepper

Allow the pork roast to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before applying the rub.

In a small bowl, combine all of the dry spices then apply the rub evenly over the entire roast.

Heat grill to the highest heat setting and place the roast on the grill.  Sear the outside of the roast on all sides, turning several times, cooking for about 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to a medium-low temperature, around 400 degrees.  Cook the roast for about 20 minutes longer, until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees.

While the roast is cooking prepare the cherry balsamic sauce.

1 cup  Cherries, pitted and cut into small pieces
3 TB  Water
1/4 cup  Dry Red Wine
2 TB  Balsamic Vinegar
3 TB  Molasses
1/2 tsp  Dried Thyme
1/2 tsp  Kosher Salt
1 1/2 TB  Cornstarch
2 TB  Water
1 TB  Salted Butter

In a medium saucepan combine the cherries, 3 tablespoons water, wine, vinegar, molasses, thyme and salt.  Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring frequently.

(At this point the sauce has thickened slightly, and can be used at this stage, but adding the cornstarch and water the mixture will be a more sauce-like consistency.)  Use a small bowl to combine the cornstarch and water, then slowly drizzle the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce while stirring.  When the sauce has thickened add the butter and remove the pan from the heat.

When the roast is finished cooking, slice the meat on an angle and top the slices with the cherry-balsamic sauce.  Enjoy!!