Pork Stew with Apricots and Prunes

A hearty sweet and savory stew that's a perfect seasonal meal when teamed up with crusty bread and a green salad.

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter                                      2 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 pounds trimmed pork shoulder, cut to 1"cubes            4 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup all purpose flour                                                  1 14 1/2-ounce can chicken broth

1 1/2 cups apple cider or juice                                         1 cup dark beer

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard                                            1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon                                       1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped dried apricots                                           3/4 cup chopped pitted prunes

Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large Dutch oven or casserole over medium-high heat. Add pork in batches and cook until brown, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Transfer to bowl using slotted spoon. Add garlic to same pan and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add flour and stir 3 minutes. Mix in broth, cider, beer, mustard, coriander, cinnamon and salt and bring mixture to boil. Return pork and any juices in bowl to Dutch oven. Stir in apricots and prunes. Cover and bake 1 hour. Remove lid from Dutch oven and continue baking until pork is tender and liquid is reduced to sauce consistency, about 45 minutes longer. Season with salt and pepper. 
6 Servings