"Southern Soul Elegance: Herb-Crusted Pork, Collard Greens & Four-Cheese Comfort"

Herb-Crusted Pork Loin

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

• 3–4 lb. boneless pork loin

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp garlic (minced)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare Pork: Rub pork loin with olive oil, garlic, and dry seasonings. Let sit at room temp for 15–20 minutes.

3. Sear: (Optional) Sear the pork on all sides in a hot skillet to lock in flavor.

4. Roast: Place on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Roast for 50–60 minutes or until internal temp reaches 145°F. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

5. Apple Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine glaze ingredients. Simmer on medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring often. For a thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water). Drizzle over sliced pork.

🥬 Southern Collard Greens

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

• 2 lbs. collard greens (washed, stems removed, chopped)

• 1 smoked turkey leg or 4 oz salt pork/ham hock

• 1 medium onion (chopped)

• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 6 cups chicken broth or water

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onion & Garlic in a large pot with a bit of oil.

2. Add Meat & Liquid: Add smoked meat and broth. Bring to a boil.

3. Simmer Greens: Add collard greens in batches. Simmer covered on low heat for 45–60 minutes until tender.

4. Season: Stir in vinegar, sugar, and pepper flakes. Adjust salt to taste.

🧀 Baked Four-Cheese Macaroni

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

• 1 lb. elbow macaroni

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 2½ cups milk

• 1 cup sharp cheddar (shredded)

• 1 cup Monterey Jack (shredded)

• ½ cup mozzarella (shredded)

• ½ cup Parmesan (grated)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a paste. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth.

3. Add Cheese: Stir in all cheeses, reserving a little cheddar for topping. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

4. Combine & Bake: Mix cheese sauce with pasta. Pour into baking dish, top with extra cheddar. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.