Fresh herbs and pancetta (Italian cured bacon) blanket the pork before it goes into the oven. Ask the butcher to tie the two loins to hold their shape. Begin marinating the meat one day before serving. What to drink: Open a few bottles of spicy Zinfandel or hearty Bordeaux to place on the buffet table.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 12 servings
Ingredients
Jam
Pork
Preparation
For jam:
Step 1
Bring all ingredients to boil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Boil mixture until thickened and reduced to 4 cups, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Transfer jam to large bowl. Cool completely. (Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.)
For pork:
Step 2
Using on/off turns, puree olive oil, sage, thyme, rosemary, sea salt, and pepper in processor until almost smooth. Place pork in heavy large roasting pan. Rub herb mixture over both roasts. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Step 3
Preheat oven to 400°F. Sprinkle pork generously with salt and pepper. Place pancetta slices atop pork, overlapping if necessary. Roast until meat thermometer inserted into center of pork registers 145°F, about 1 1/2 hours. Transfer pork roasts to platter; remove string and let stand 15 to 30 minutes before carving (internal temperature will increase 5 degrees). Serve pork with fig jam.
Step 4
*Pancetta (Italian bacon cured in salt) is available at Italian markets and at some specialty foods stores
