Pork Roast

• Pork roast refers to any large cut of pork, including tender cuts from the the loin, the area between the hog’s shoulder and front leg, and tougher cuts such as the butt and shoulder. Because cuts from the loin are tender, juicy and meaty, they are well-suited for roasting and other dry cooking techniques. They usually weigh between 2 and 4 pounds and are available either deboned or bone-in. You can also roast a pork tenderloin, a smaller cut from the loin weighing around 1 pound. One of the most tender cuts, the tenderloin has a mild flavor that is made even more interesting with a peppery glaze.

Habanero Jelly

• Habanero chilies are extremely hot chili peppers ranging in color from light green to bright orange, depending on ripeness. Habanero jelly consists of finely chopped habanero peppers, sometimes combined with red and green bell peppers. Pectin, either liquid or powdered, is often used as a thickening agent. Other ingredients, including sweeteners, vary according to preference. If you want extra-hot jelly, leave in some of the pepper seeds. The more seeds, the hotter the jelly.

Cooking Times

• When roasting pork, allow approximately 20 minutes per pound for a 2- to 5-pound pork roast, either boneless or bone-in. A tenderloin is the exception, and should be cooked for 20 to 27 minutes per pound at a slightly higher temperature. An instant-read thermometer is the best way to be sure any type of pork roast is cooked to a safe temperature of at least 145 F. A thermometer also ensures the roast isn’t overcooked, since pork roast is lean and overcooking turns the meat from juicy to dry and tough very quickly.

Putting It All Together

• Place the pork roast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. If you're cooking a bone-in roast, the ribs should be facing down. Roast the pork in an oven preheated to 350 F unless you are roasting a pork tenderloin, which is cooked at 425 F. Warm the habanero jelly in a small saucepan, then brush the pork with the warm glaze every five minutes during the last 30 minutes of cooking -- when the pork begins to turn golden brown. Remove the roast from the oven and let it stand for at least 3 minutes before serving. Serve the remaining glaze for dipping.