Seared Pork & Creamy Italian Dressing

Fill a large pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Medium dice the potatoes. Quarter the zucchini lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Peel 2 cloves of garlic. Roughly chop 1 clove. Using a zester or the small side of a box grater, finely grate the remaining clove into a paste. Halve the tomatoes. Place in a bowl; add the chopped garlic. Season with salt and pepper; stir to combine.

Add the diced potatoes to the pot of boiling water. Cook 17 to 19 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Add the mascarpone. Using a fork or potato masher, mash to your desired consistency. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, pat the pork dry with paper towels; season on both sides with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned pork. Cook 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium (the center may still be slightly pink), or until browned and cooked to your desired degree of doneness.* Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a cutting board and let rest at least 5 minutes.

*The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 145°F for pork.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, remaining Italian seasoning, half the parmesan, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of water, and as much of the garlic paste as you’d like; season with salt and pepper.

In the pan of reserved fond, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the zucchini pieces in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the seasoned tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until softened. Add the vinegar (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the vegetables are coated and most of the liquid has cooked off. Turn off the heat.

Slice the rested pork crosswise. Serve the sliced pork with the glazed vegetables and mashed potatoes. Top the pork with the dressing. Garnish the vegetables with the remaining parmesan. Enjoy!