Senator Jack Latvala and Lori cook up some honey-mustard pork tenderloin with butternut risotto as Political Food for Thought heats up with today’s issues.
Honey-Mustard Pork Loin with Butternut Risotto
Pork
3-3½ lbs pork tenderloin
¼ cup stone ground mustard such as Mialle
2 tbls honey
2 tbls olive oil
2 tbls Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
Mix mustards, oil, honey, and salt and pepper together. Slather on pork, and marinate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. Bring to room temperature and then place in 375° oven until meat thermometer reaches 140° (about 15-17 minutes per pound.) Take out of oven and tent a piece of foil over meat and let sit for 15 minutes before cutting.
Risotto
1 cup carrots
1 cup celery
1 cup onion
2 garlic cloves
2 tbls butter
Salt and pepper
2 cups white wine
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups abrio rice
1 butternut squash cut into ½ inch cubes
2/3 cups Romano or Parmesan cheese, grated
3 tbls butter
Cut the carrots, onion, and celery into chunks and place in a food processor. Add garlic and pulse until finely ground. Melt butter in large skillet on medium heat. Place ground veggies in pan and cook until dry. Add rice, broth, and wine. Bring to boil and add squash, stir, and then cover and turn down heat to simmer for 15 min.
When rice has absorbed almost all liquid, add cheese and butter. Stir vigorously until all liquid is absorbed. Serve immediately.
Senator Jack Latvala, District 20
Latvala, who first delved into politics in college as a campaign manager, has worked for the Florida Republican Party, been a lobbyist and owned a political direct-mail company. Today, he owns several companies, including a printing business and car wash. He served in the Senate from 1994 to 2002, took a break, then won his current seat in 2010.
Legislative Service
Elected to the Senate in 2010, reelected subsequently
Senate, 1994-2002
Other Public Service
Chair, Pinellas Legislative Delegation
Pinellas Sports Authority
Palm Harbor Community Services Agency
Honors and Awards
Florida Association of School Administrators, FASA Award, 2012
Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida, Leadership in Action Award, 2012
Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association, Dennis L. Jones Statesman Award, 2012
Friend of Free Enterprise, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., 2012
Council/Manager Award of Recognition, City of Oldsmar, 2012
Legislator of the Year, Promotional Products Association of Florida, 2012
Outstanding Legislative Service Award, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, 2012
Momentum Award, Clearwater Downtown Partnership, 2012
Legislator of the Year, Florida Veterinary Medical Association, 2012
Champion for Business, Associated Industries of Florida, 2012
Florida Apartment Association Legislator of the Year, 2011
Distinguished Alumni Award, Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, 2011
Legislator of the year, Florida Police Benevolent Association, 2011
Shining Star for Public Education, Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, 2011
Commitment to Quality Family Child Care, Florida Family Childcare Home Association, 2011
Leadership Award, Port of Tampa Maritime Industries of Florida, 2011
Legislative Appreciation Award, Florida League of Cities, 2011
Outstanding Legislator Award, Disabled American Veterans, 2011
Tugboat Award, Florida Ports Council, 2011
Senator of the Year, Fraternal Order of Police, 2011
Legislator of the Year, Florida Professional Firefighters Association, 2011
Champion for Business, Associated Industries of Florida, 2011
Champion of Judicial Independence, Florida Bar Association, 2011
County Champion Award, Florida Association of Counties, 2011
