I challenged myself to take the warm, comforting essence of peach cobbler and translate it into a savory culinary experience. This dish is my interpretation, where familiar dessert elements transform into a complex and satisfying meal. Tender, prosciutto-wrapped pork loin, seasoned with a peach puree wet rub, forms the heart of this creation, infusing the meat with the sweet and spiced notes reminiscent of a cobbler’s filling.
The cornbread dressing waffles provide a nod to the cobbler’s crumbly topping, while the bacon and chive whipped mascarpone adds a creamy, savory dimension. A sweet and spicy peach chutney, a crunchy spicy pecan crumble, and a refreshing pickled ginger and arugula salad complete the experience, offering a delightful interplay of textures and flavors that pay homage to the beloved dessert while taking it in a completely new direction.

Peach-uliar Pork Waffle Wonder
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Dressing Waffles:
- 2 boxes cornbread mix approx. 16 oz each (plus ingredients listed on the box, typically eggs, milk, and oil)
- 1 cup mushrooms chopped (cremini or shiitake)
- 1 cup bell peppers chopped (any color)
- 1/2 cup celery diced
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp thyme chopped (fresh)
- 2 Tbsp rosemary chopped (fresh)
- 1 cup nuts toasted and roughly chopped (pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts)
- 1/2 cup broth chicken or vegetable
- Optional: 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
For the Peach Puree Wet Rub & Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin:
- 3 lbs pork loin
- 1 cup peach puree fresh or canned
- 4 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger ground
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cloves ground
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 slices prosciutto
For the Bacon and Chive Whipped Mascarpone:
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese softened
- 8 slices bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
- 4 Tbsp chives chopped (fresh)
- 2 Tbsp garlic minced
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Peach, Poblano, and Jalapeno Chutney:
- 4 peaches diced (ripe)
- 2 poblano peppers roasted, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 2 jalapeno peppers finely diced (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup red onion diced
- 4 Tbsp lime juice
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp cilantro chopped
- Salt and pepper
For the Spicy Pecan Crumble:
- 1 cup pecans roughly chopped
- 4 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger ground
- 1/2 tsp chipotle powder adjust to your spice preference
- Pinch smoked paprika
- 4 Tbsp butter melted
For the Pickled Ginger and Arugula Salad:
- 2 cups arugula fresh
- 1/2 cup pickled ginger thinly sliced
- Optional: lemon or lime vinaigrette 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 4 Tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Cornbread Dressing Waffles:
- Prepare the cornbread batter according to the instructions on the cornbread mix boxes.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the sautéed vegetables, toasted nuts, thyme, and rosemary to the prepared cornbread batter.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix well.
- Cook the mixture in the preheated waffle iron, making larger waffles. Cook until golden brown and crisp. Cut each waffle into 4 pieces.
Prepare the Peach Puree Wet Rub & Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the peach puree, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels.
- Apply the peach puree wet rub to all sides of the pork loin.
- Lay out the prosciutto slices on a clean surface, slightly overlapping them.
- Wrap each pork loin in the prosciutto, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Roast the pork loin until cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C), about 30-45 minutes.
- Let the pork loin rest for 10 minutes, then slice into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices.
Prepare the Bacon and Chive Whipped Mascarpone:
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it.
- In a bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped chives, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Whip until light and fluffy.
Prepare the Peach, Poblano, and Jalapeno Chutney:
- In a bowl, combine the diced peaches, roasted poblano peppers, diced jalapeno peppers, diced red onion, lime juice, honey, and chopped cilantro.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Spicy Pecan Crumble:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, chipotle powder, and smoked paprika.
- Drizzle with melted butter and toss to coat.
- Spread the crumble on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
Prepare the Pickled Ginger and Arugula Salad:
- In a bowl, combine the arugula and thinly sliced pickled ginger.
- If using, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Dress the salad lightly.
Assemble the Dish:
- Place a waffle piece on each plate.
- Spread a layer of bacon and chive whipped mascarpone on each waffle piece.
- Lay slices of prosciutto-wrapped pork loin on the mascarpone.
- Top with the peach, poblano, and jalapeno chutney.
- Sprinkle the spicy pecan crumble over the chutney.
- Top with the pickled ginger and arugula salad.
- Serve immediately.
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