(This video may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. Also, it requires a Quicktime Player. If your computer does not have a Quicktime program go to Apple.com and download a free version for Mac or PC)
It was the Italian cookies he made for the holidays that inspired Chef Michael Golba’s newest dinner special at The Bistro Old Fort Inn in Youngstown. Golba had made the classic Italian fig cookie, cuccidati, (pronounced gooch-i-da-ti) when he realized that the fig, nut and brandy filling that goes inside the flaky little cookie would make a great stuffing for a pork loin.
Thus, the “Pork Tenderloin Cuccidati,” with pear and brandy cream sauce was his choice to share for this newspaper’s Chef’s Choice column.
Golba, former owner of the restaurant where he now works as head chef. The restaurant is currently owned by Tom Reese, who also owns the Red Coach Inn in Niagara Falls.
Golba, who lived for a time in Texas with his wife Jeanne, was lured into cooking because he watched his wife enjoying it so much.
He and his family now live in DeVeaux and he has been working as a head chef for the Bistro, where he offers a casual menu of steaks and seafood as well as unique specials such as the Pork Tenderloin Cuccidati.
The restaurant also offers entertainment on the weekends, jazz on Fridays and casual piano playing on Saturday, and a fireplace to keep away the winter chill.
7 ounce Mission figs
3/4 cups raisins
3/4 cups honey
1/4 cup brandy
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 cup toasted walnuts
3/4 toasted almonds
1- 8 ounce pork tenderloin for each serving
1 tablespoon butter
Pear Brandy Cream Sauce
1/2 D’Anjou pear diced
1 ounce brandy
4 ounces heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter
salt and pepper to taste
Add figs and raisins to food processor and finely chop. Add honey, spices and nuts. Chop until all ingredients create a thick paste.
Slit tenderloin lengthwise and open into a single flat piece. Fill with 1/4 cup filling. Fold and use toothpick to keep filling inside the fold. Heat butter in pan and when hot add tenderloin, searing on all sides. Finish cooking in oven until meat reaches about 160 degrees in about ten minutes. While pork is cooking create cream sauce, placing butter in pan and adding pear pieces. When the pear pieces are softened add cream and then brandy. After flames die out from the alcohol in brandy, cook for several minutes until sauce is thickened. Drizzle over cooked tenderloin and serve.
Features
Related Photos
-
Chef Michael Golba of the Village Bistro in Youngstown makes Pork Cuccidati. Photo by Dan Cappellazzo.
-
Chef Michael Golba's Pork Cucccidati
-
Chef Michael Golba of the Youngstown Village Bistro. Photo by Dan Cappellazzo. DAN CAPPELLAZZO/STAFF PHOTOGRAPH
COOKING VIDEO: Pork Cuccidati from the Village Bistro
- Features
-
-
PROFILE: Jonathan's Magdalene
An artist's rendering of the companion of Jesus comes forth, he says, from a higher power
-
FORGIONE: Fitness successes inspire lots of 'D' words
There are a lot of "D" words associated with working out at a gym and getting healthier. Determination is a big one. There's also gems such as dream, dedication, develop, duty and desire. And of course, ones that elicit fear like deadlifs and dumbells.
-
DELUCA: The Leadership Chronicles
Leadership Niagara 'newbie' has surprising change of heart
-
RIVERKEEPERS: Tending the waterways
Environmental group seeks the help of Niagara volunteers
-
SCIENCE MUSEUM: Special Valentine-themed event coincides with CSI exhibit.
BUFFALO — For the romantically inclined, Valentine’s Day might conjure images of red roses, heart-shaped boxes of candy and candle-lit dinners. For those at the Buffalo Museum of Science, however, they’re hoping some blood, guts and a little bit of disaster might set the mood for some couples.
OK, so maybe not that much blood and guts — it’s a family-friendly environment after all. -
NATURAL HEALTH: Is HPV worse than vaccine?
For many young girls, and now boys, the American Medical Association and other medical organizations are recommending vaccination with the Gardisil (or similar) vaccine.
Gardasil is a vaccine that supposedly helps prevent 4 types of HPV (human papillomavirus), 2 of which have been linked to cervical cancer and 2 types that are associated with genital warts.
What most people do not know is that there are more than 100 various strains of HPV. -
IRON CHEFS: Cooking competition will help fight ALS
Daniel Tracy's second annual Iron Event gathers top chefs from region
-
NIAGARA BUSINESS: Developing young minds
Two area dayscares have opened in the region, offering advantages for children
-
TIM CHIPP: Figuring out the changes on Facebook
The website that is almost solely responsible for a complete change in social behavior since its wide release in 2006 is about to completely redefine the Internet again for 2012.
-
DIRT FREE GARDENING: Owners of a new hydroponic store say it's not what you'd expect
Say the word “hydroponics” and images of incense, peace signs and tie-dye might come to mind, but for Justin and Claire Holler, the husband/wife owners of Big Bloom Hydroponics, it’s more about science, healthy eating and year-round gardening.
- More Features Headlines
-
Pop Music Superstar Whitney Houston Dies at 48
Police: Houston Found Dead in Her Hotel Room
Paul Suffers Narrow Loss to Romney in Maine
Recording Superstar Whitney Houston Dead at 48
Maine GOP Chairman Says Romney Wins Caucuses
Palin Brings Anti-Washington Message to CPAC
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
