Pork Wellington with Onion Applesauce and Candied Butternut Squash

Preheat the oven to 400?F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.

Combine the goat cheese, walnuts, basil, shallots, garlic, walnut oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor and purÈe until grainy. Makes about 1/2 cup.

Using your hands, rub the pork with the Creole Seasoning until coated. Heat a large heavy dry skillet over high heat and sear the meat for 3 minutes on the first side, 3 on the second, and 1 minute on each end. Remove from the skillet and allow to cool for a minute or two.

Brush the pastry sheet with some of the beaten egg. Place the pork in the middle of the sheet and pack with the goat cheese paste. Wrap the pastry around the pork and seal the edges tightly, pressing with moistened fingers. Place the package, seam side down, on the baking sheet, and brush with more of the egg. Bake until golden brown and puffy, for about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool a minute or two, and cut into 4 thick slices.

While the meat is baking, prepare the Onion Applesauce and the Candied Butternut Squash.

To serve, spoon 3/4 cup of the Candied Butternut Squash onto each of 4 plates. Add 1 slice of pork and drizzle with 1/4 cup of the Onion Applesauce.

Yield : 4 main-course servings