Food packed. Fans hung. Pigs fed. Pens cleaned. Clothes ironed. Kids checked in. “Camp” set up. Pigs washed. Show hair done. Pens cleaned. Cards played.
No kids lost...yet.
The life of a show parent is exhausting. These are just a few of the tasks you’ve likely accomplished before the show even begins. Not only do you take your vacation time to haul everyone around, but then you have to work, work and work some more. On top of all the demands, those kids of yours still require food, too. A meal out here and there is fine, but after a week at the fair, it’s simply not possible for most families to eat out three times a day.
I think meals at shows should be simple and not overwhelm the preparer (especially since I’m the preparer in our crew). However, my kids remind me that they also need to be tasty! If you want your kids to stay close by, try one of these delicious crockpot recipes by some of the sharpest show moms I know.
Goin’ Showin’ Smoky Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese
By Julene DeRouchey, mom of James, Jenna and Jacob
Ingredients:
16 oz. elbow macaroni pasta, prepared according to directions on the box
12 oz. pasteurized cheese product, cubed
4 oz. smoked cheddar cheese, cubed
4 oz. pepperjack cheese, cubed
2 oz. cream cheese, cubed
8 sliced cooked thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 cups milk
Black pepper, as desired
Topping
½ cup toasted buttered breadcrumbs (optional)
Preparation Before the Show:
1. In a 2.5-gallon slider bag, combine the cooked pasta, cubed cheeses, bacon, milk and black pepper.
2. Refrigerate/store in iced cooler until ready to cook at the pig show.
Directions at the Show:
1. Pour mixture into slow cooker* and set on low, 3-4 hours.
2. Stir occasionally to combine melted cheeses.
3. Just before serving, top with the toasted breadcrumbs.
*I like to use a rectangular Crockpot
Note: This dish is hearty on its own, but also is a great compliment to serve with or on pulled pork sliders and BBQ sauce. It makes 10 to 15 servings!
Here are three other amazing recipes your kids will love.
Blue-Ribbon Pork BBQ
By Whitney Dryer, mom of Brenna, Brekyn and Bowyn
Ingredients:
4 to 5 lb. pork loin
21-oz. can of apple pie filling
Your favorite bbq sauce
Directions:
1. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
2. After cooked, shred it. It’s simple and sure to please everyone!
Stock Show Pizza Subs
By Emily Spray, mom of Makayla, Keegan and Landry
Ingredients:
1 package hamburger buns
1 package pepperoni
2 packages sliced mozzarella cheese
Garlic Butter
Italian Seasoning
Pizza sauce (squeeze bottle works best at the show)
Directions:
1. Brush tops and insides with garlic butter.
2. Add cheese and pepperoni to each half.
3. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
4. Squeeze out one layer of pizza sauce.
5. Add another layer of pepperoni and cheese.
6. Wrap sandwiches in aluminum foil.
7. Set in crockpot on low 2-4 hours or until warm and cheese is melted.
Note: Mix it up with any pizza toppings you want such as sausage crumbles, mushrooms, bacon, etc.
Premium Pasta Bake
By Shelia Grobosky, mom of Lily
Ingredients:
1 lb. Italian sausage
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 cup finely diced onion
4-lb. jar marinara sauce
Italian seasoning (to taste)
Garlic powder (to taste)
16 oz. pasta (any kind)
Directions:
1. Brown the meat with the onion and drain grease.
2. Add the sauce and seasonings and simmer.
3. While that is cooking, boil pasta.
4. Drain pasta and add to the meat-sauce mixture.
5. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before reheating in crockpot.
Directions at the Show:
1. Use a crockpot liner and add pasta mixture to the crockpot. Cook on low until heated.
2. Add Mozzarella cheese to your liking.
More Fun Recipes from Farm Journal’s PORK:
Ready to Please Your Crew? Try These 5 Pulled Pork Favorites
