how about them apples? #SecretLifeOfMotts

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mott’s®. The opinions and text are all mine.

#SecretLifeOfMotts

Though I admittedly usually associate apple juice with my school lunches of childhood, it certainly shouldn't be limited to that!

“The Secret Life of Pets © 2016 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.”

Mott’s® Apple Juice and Applesauce have many applications in the kitchen that get them out of their bottle or container and into a saute pan or muffin tin. For me, there is no better choice for these products than Mott’s because it’s both fun and nutritious for kids and adults alike.

“The Secret Life of Pets © 2016 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.”

Mott’s has partnered with the upcoming movie The Secret Life of Pets, a flick that I'm personally quite excited to see. I often wonder what Marleau might be doing while my husband and I are at work, though I do have my doubts that he goes on adventures like the ones in which the animals in the adorable trailer take part.

“The Secret Life of Pets © 2016 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.”

Mott's is offering two deals in honor of that partnership (and you can earn both!):

●      You can get a FREE child’s movie ticket* with the purchase of three Mott’s juice or sauce items (*$9 ticket, restrictions apply).

●      If you purchase any 5 Mott’s juices or applesauce products, you'll receive an additional $8 movie voucher.

Target has two special Cartwheel offers as well (if you don't have the app, you should get it!):

●      6/26/16 – 7/30/16: All Mott’s® Applesauce 5% OFF

●      6/26/16 – 7/30/16: All Mott’s® Juice 5% OFF

●      7/31/16 – 9/3/16: All Mott’s® Applesauce 10% OFF

●      7/31/16 – 9/3/16: All Mott’s® Juice 10% OFF

I may be a bona fide adult, but I still love movies like The Secret Life of Pets. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm looking forward to seeing it!

Peekaboo! “The Secret Life of Pets © 2016 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.”

As I mentioned above, Mott's has a number of wonderful products that are great just as they are, but can be used in different kinds of recipes too. Apple juice can be reduced into a delightful glaze for meat, like I've done here, and applesauce is a dynamite substitute for butter or oil in lots of cakes, muffins, and quick breads. Be adventurous (like your pets may or may not be)!

Marleau would like to know what's going on, please and thank you! “The Secret Life of Pets © 2016 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.”

This dinner is a breeze to make, and it tastes wonderful. I've always been a fan of apples with pork, and this sweet, mustardy glaze complements the lean, meaty tenderloin quite nicely. If you think of it, set aside some of the glaze before you begin basting and serve it alongside the sliced loin--some people (like me) might enjoy a little extra sweetness!

“The Secret Life of Pets © 2016 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.”

I think you can safely leave your pet for a quick trip to Target to purchase some Mott's Apple Juice and Applesauce products. I picked up Mott's 100% Apple Juice 64oz and Mott's Applesauce 6pk Sauce Cups. Those critters might have a secret life, but I'll bet they'll be right back where they belong when you get home.

Apple-Glazed Pork Loin

(printable recipe)

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

●      1 (1-1/2 pound) or 2 (3/4 pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed of some fat

●      Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

●      2 teaspoons dried rosemary

●      1-1/2 cups Mott's 100% Apple Juice

●      2 tablespoons brown sugar

●      1 tablespoon soy sauce

●      1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

●      3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

●      2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water

Directions:

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the apple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Bring to a boil and cook about 20 minutes, or until reduced slightly.

Whisk in the cornstarch dissolved in water and simmer for a couple of minutes, until nicely thickened.

Heat oven to 425 degrees F.

Season the pork with salt, pepper, and rosemary on each side. In a cast-iron skillet over high heat, sear the pork tenderloin(s) on each side in a bit of oil, then transfer to the oven and roast 5 minutes.

Remove pork from oven and baste with the sauce.

Continue roasting pork 10-15 minutes, basting every 5 minutes or so with the sauce, until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees F.

Let the meat rest under a foil tent for about 10 minutes before slicing, then serve with reserved sauce.

“The Secret Life of Pets © 2016 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.”

Check out this website for more information about special offers and recipe ideas using Mott’s Juices and Applesauce!