Tailgating

Published 10:38 am Monday, September 17, 2012

Is your tailgating grub feeling a little fatigued? Everybody loves classics like wings, chips and dips, but it might be time to give these standbys a break.

Score big at your next tailgate with crowd-pleasing, creative pork dishes. Pork’s versatility and its ability to pair with a variety of ingredients make it perfect for bringing people together.

Sweet and Spicy Pork Mini-Kabobs offer a fun, inspired twist that takes tailgating food to the next level. In this effortlessly mouthwatering recipe, tender chunks of pork are infused with flavor from chili powder, peppers, pineapple and a sweet glaze. Served as a starter or main dish, these tasty mini-kabobs are sure to bring even more playful fun to game day.

When looking for inspiration on the grill, nothing beats the tender, juicy pork chop. This hearty protein is a versatile canvas for a wide range of mouthwatering rubs, glazes and marinades that will ignite taste buds with bold new flavors.

To fire up your grill creativity, look to simple, fuss-free recipes that pack big flavor. Take your pork chops on a jaunt through the Mediterranean with a savory Basil-Garlic Rub. Or, spice up the chop with a Fire-Lovers Rub, featuring a robust blend of Southwestern-inspired spices. No matter what tastes you crave, the pork chop is your perfect partner on the grill all year long.

For more on how to get the most out of pork on the grill, turn to these tips from the National Pork Board:

• Know your chops. Did you know there are five different pork chop cuts? From the richly marbled blade chop to the lean iconic loin chop, there are many delicious options for quick-cooking chops on the grill. Ask your retailer or butcher to help choose the cut that’s right for you-it might just result in a new favorite.

• Make it your own. Pork chops pair perfectly with a virtually endless variety of tasty rubs and marinades. Experiment with your own flavor combinations by taking standby recipes and swapping out or adding ingredients to suit your family’s tastes.

• Mind your cook time. For juicy, tender pork, the USDA now recommends cooking chops, roasts and tenderloins to an internal temperature of 145 degrees with a 3-minute rest. Be sure to use a digital cooking thermometer for the most delicious results.

For more tailgating inspiration and pork recipes, visit the National Pork Board at www.PorkBeInspired.com, www.Facebook.com/PorkBeInspired and www.Pinterest.com/PorkBeInspired. Also, be sure to follow @allaboutpork on Twitter for timely recipes and tips.