Roasted Pork Loin with Fig and Port Sauce

We absolutely love a good aged tawny port, figs and rosemary. But we wouldn't have thought to pair all three together. When we saw this recipe in one of Giada De Laurentiis' cook books, we had to try it. We first served it for a dinner party with polenta, mixed greens with maytag blue cheese and creme brulee for dessert. It was loved by everyone so it has become a mainstay in our fall cuisine. It is perfect for a weekend or holiday (think Thanksgiving or Christmas!) meal. If people ever wonder why we have 5 rosemary plants, you will too after you try this recipe!

Sauce:
2 1/2 cups port
1 1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
8 dried black Mission figs, coarsely chopped
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pork:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon salt, plus additional for seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus additional for seasoning
1 cup canned low-salt chicken broth
1 (4 to 4 1/2-pound) boneless pork loin (we prefer Carlton Farms)

Directions
For the sauce: In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the first 6 ingredients. Boil over medium-high heat until reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Discard the herb sprigs and cinnamon sticks (some of the rosemary leaves will remain in the port mixture). Transfer the port mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Blend in the butter. Season the sauce, to taste, with salt and pepper. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before using.)

For the pork: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Stir the oil, rosemary, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper in a small bowl to blend. Place the pork loin in a heavy roasting pan. Spread the oil mixture over the pork to coat completely. Roast until an instant read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the pork registers 145 degrees F, turning the pork every 15 minutes to ensure even browning, about 45 minutes total.

Transfer the pork to a cutting board and tent with foil to keep warm. Let the pork rest 15 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the chicken broth into the roasting pan. Place the pan over medium heat, and scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits. Bring the pan juices to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Using a large sharp knife, cut the pork crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange the pork slices on plates. Spoon the jus over. Drizzle the warm fig sauce around and serve immediately