Heart-Healthy Pork Tenderloin Takes Centerstage at the Woman's Day Red Dress Awards

DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pork tenderloin has a new accessory – the iconic Heart-Check mark from the American Heart Association. To celebrate this stylish new recognition of the cut's extra lean, nutritious profile, America's pork producers are putting the spotlight on pork tenderloin at the Ninth Annual Woman's Day Red Dress Awards. The event honors outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the fight against heart disease.

Demonstrating that pork tenderloin is the little black dress of proteins in a heart-healthy diet – the perfect fit, whatever the occasion – registered dietitian and Cordon Bleu-certified chef, Michelle Dudash, created two mouthwatering dishes to be served at the event: Grilled Orange-Ponzu Pork with Napa Cabbage and Carrot Stir-Fry and Thyme-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Shallot Compote. Both recipes highlight the slim cut's delicious flavor profile and inspiring health benefits. Not only is it packed with nutrients, ounce for ounce, it's as lean as a boneless, skinless chicken breast according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

"Now that the American Heart Association has certified pork tenderloin with the Heart-Check mark, there's even more reason to cook up this delicious, extra lean protein," said Dudash. "Protecting their heart health is central to so many Americans' wellness goals. From its tasty flavor to ease of preparation, I always recommend pork to my clients as a go-to lean protein because it's the perfect fit for a healthy lifestyle."

Pork Tenderloin in the Spotlight 

You don't have to be a red carpet star to eat like one. For the celebrity treatment at home, cook up Dudash's inspired dishes to experience first-hand that better-for-you eating does not mean sacrificing taste.

Whether preparing to walk the red carpet or getting dinner on the table for a weeknight meal, Dudash offers tips and tidbits on cooking pork:

• Salad Makeover: Give your skinny salad a lean protein boost by adding tender, juicy pork tenderloin. For a scrumptious and satisfying lunch, toss together spinach, orange sections, toasted almonds and balsamic vinaigrette and top with slices of pork tenderloin.
• Chef Secret: Today's leaner pork can be eaten medium rare for optimal enjoyment. Cook pork tenderloin to 145 degrees Fahrenheit with a three minute rest for juicy and tender pork that's more delicious than ever.
• Join the Upper Crust: For restaurant-quality crust that seals in flavor, add seasoned tenderloin to a hot, ovenproof saute pan once the oil starts to shimmer. Brown each side and finish cooking in the oven.
• Fabulous Flavor: Pork is an elegant fit for countless marinades and rubs. Indulge in bold flavor, sans calories, with an Asian-inspired blend of coriander, ginger, lime juice and sesame oil.

For additional inspiration to maintain a healthy diet year-round, including delicious heart-healthy recipes, visit www.PorkBeInspired.com.  Also, be sure to follow @AllAboutPork on Twitter and "like" us at Facebook.com/PorkBeInspired for a chance to win free pork and other great prizes through the end of February.

About the National Pork Board

The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management.

About Woman's Day

The trusted friend of more than 20 million women, Woman's Day (www.WomansDay.com) offers readers simple strategies and thoughtful advice to make their lives better, easier and more fun. From staying healthy and fit to getting dinner on the table to pursuing their dreams, Woman's Day inspires readers to enjoy each moment, to celebrate the small triumphs and make each day a Woman's Day. In addition to the print publication, Woman's Day reaches readers through multiple platforms including WomansDay.com, m.womansday.com, Facebook, Twitter, digital editions and special interest publications. Woman's Day is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com), one of the nation's largest diversified media and information companies. Hearst Magazines publishes more than 300 editions around the world, including 20 U.S. titles. Hearst Magazines is the largest publisher of monthly magazines in the U.S. (ABC 2011) and reaches 87 million adults (Spring 2011 MRI). Follow Woman's Day on Twitter at @womansday.

About the Woman's Day Red Dress Awards

This year's Red Dress Awards will be held on Wednesday, February 15th at The Allen Room at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. TODAY show co-host and Dateline NBC correspondent Hoda Kotb hosts the event, where Star Jones and United States Surgeon General Dr. Regina M. Benjamin will be presented with the Woman's Day Red Dress Award for their efforts to increase awareness of heart disease. The evening will also include performances by Grammy® Award winning and multi-platinum group Sugarland, Javier Colon, winner of NBC's The Voice, a cappella sensation Naturally 7 and Violinist/DJ duo Caitlin Moe and Mia Moretti.

About the Heart-Check Mark

The American Heart Association established the Heart-Check mark in 1995 to give consumers an easy, reliable system for identifying heart-healthy foods as a first step in building a sensible eating plan. Nearly 900 products that bear the Heart-Check mark have been screened and verified by the association to meet criteria for heart-healthy foods. To learn more about the Heart-Check mark, and to see a complete list of certified products and participating companies, visit heartcheckmark.org.

SOURCE National Pork Board