Festive servings of pork tenderloin for Easter dinner

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Ham, the traditional entree for Easter, looms very large on most Two's Company tables. But a ham slice, which provides just enough meat to serve two, looks paltry.

Somewhere between the oversized ham and the skimpy ham slice, your supermarket offers the pork selection for an Easter dinner.

Pork tenderloin gets my vote. It weighs between 8 and 12 ounces, providing enough meat for two servings without leftovers. A simple pork tenderloin roast, sliced and arranged on a platter with fresh steamed asparagus, is an appropriate and festive holiday entree.

Unlike ham that's often slathered with a sugary, highly caloric sauce, pork tenderloin is delicious paired with savory low-calorie flavorings such as herbs, spices and vegetables.

Pork is so succulent and so easy to prepare that the only caveat is to avoid overcooking so you don't dry out the meat. Although roasting, broiling and even grilling are the preferred cooking methods, I've had good success braising pork.

This technique, which calls for browning the meat, then simmering it in a small amount of liquid, develops the flavor of pork.

By coating pork cubes with flour before browning, you reduce the risk of the meat drying out.

Enjoy this recipe for pork and vegetable braise for Easter or whenever you're looking for a full-flavored dish without the fuss.

Pork and vegetable braise

2 tablespoons canola oil, divided