DES MOINES, Iowa — With Easter approaching, the National Pork Board is inspiring new, effortless ways to create sensational flavors for a holiday feast — with ham and the slow cooker. According to recent trend data, in the last 10 years, slow cookers have experienced a resurgence in U.S. households.[1] While most people think about slow cooking for staples like chili and stew, it's also perfect for center-of-the-plate entrees, like ham, and it's a fantastic way to revamp traditional Easter recipes.
"Easter ham and a slow cooker might seem like an unlikely duo – but they're actually a perfect pair," said Pamela Johnson, director of consumer communications for the National Pork Board. "Slow-cooked ham guarantees a moist and tender entree – and it also allows for easy preparation and even easier clean-up, letting hosts spend more quality time with family and friends."
Mouthwatering Easter Menu
Introduce slow-cooked flavor to your Easter menu with a new recipe that allows for cooking with ease –Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham. Simple ingredients like apple cider and Dijon mustard combined with the classic Southern touch of bourbon (or water and vanilla extract) create a rich flavor complemented by the sweetness of brown sugar. Round out your menu by pairing it with classic sides like oven-roasted carrots, asparagus wrapped in bacon and mashed sweet potatoes.
Once the Easter festivities are over, this slow-cooked ham is easily shredded for those welcomed leftovers. Ham and cheese sandwiches and omelets are a leftover staple, but you can also mix things up with other flavor-packed recipes like Ham, Apple and Cheddar Crepes – warm, cheesy and savory, they're a great way to bring the family back together for a delicious, warm weekend brunch.
Easter Ham Pin-spiration Sweepstakes
Between March 31 and April 14, pork fans can visit PorkBeinspired.com/EasterHam for a chance to win an Easter gift basket with everything you need – including a stainless-steel slow cooker and ham serving ware – to help this year's holiday go smoothly. Once entered, make sure to share your #EasterHam recipes and ideas on Pinterest.[2]
For more Easter-inspired meal ideas and cooking tips visit PorkBeinspired.com, Facebook.com/PorkBeinspired and Pinterest.com/PorkBeinspired.
About the National Pork Board
The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like amount, based on a formula. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management. For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675 or check the Internet at www.pork.org.
[1] 2013 Eating Well, 10 Top Food and Health Trends in 2013; http://www.eatingwell.com/food_news_origins/food_news/10_top_food_and_health_trends_in_2013?page=9
[2] Pinning and sharing of pinned materials on Pinterest is not required to participate in the sweepstakes and does not increase your chances of winning.
Source: National Pork Board
