1/2 pound chestnuts, shell scored with an X
2 to 3 pounds pork sirloin (2 smaller ones work fine)
6 strips lean pepper-back bacon, cut in 1-inch pieces
2 onions, cut in half and sliced thinly
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper
2 1-inch sprigs rosemary
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a baking sheet, roast chestnuts until skins peel off easily (about 20 minutes). Peel shell and skins. Heat a Dutch oven or large stove-top/baking dish over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until soft. Add onions, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, over medium-low heat until golden and caramelized (about 10 minutes). Add pork and chestnuts and roll to cover with oil. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper and the rosemary. Bake at 325 degrees until pork is well-cooked (about 1 hour). Serve at once.
Makes 4 servings.