All Invited to Enter "No Ordinary Burger Contest" for A Chance to Win Groceries for A Year

SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis., June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Pork Board and Johnsonville Sausage today announced the first-ever "No Ordinary Burger Contest."  Through this unique contest, backyard chefs and "grillmeisters" nationwide can share their spin on the traditional burger for a chance to win big!

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110628/CG27388)

To enter the contest, which runs now, through Sept. 6, 2011, folks can head to johnsonville.com/burgercontest, where they can upload their unique recipe using Johnsonville Brat or Italian Sausage Patties.  Six finalists will be invited to compete in the "No Ordinary Burger" grill-off in Bentonville, Arkansas.  Finalists will be selected based on perceived taste, creativity and ease of preparation.  One finalist will be selected by online votes and five will be selected by the Johnsonville culinary team.

Two grand-prize winners, selected during that grill-off, will receive a year's supply of groceries from Wal-Mart, and they'll also have their recipes featured on Johnsonville Brat and Italian Sausage Patty boxes.

"For more than six decades, Johnsonville has been focused on delivering great flavor," said Jim Mueller, Johnsonville group marketing manager.  "These new patties provide a unique way for folks to enjoy the great flavors they've appreciated for years – in a different form.  We're really excited to see the different and creative ways people choose to make the flavors all their own, through their recipe entries."

Johnsonville Sausage and The National Pork Board offer these tips to help inspire chefs' creativity:

• Let the toppings do the talking ... whether it's jalapenos, blue cheese crumbles or a favorite "secret sauce," toppings can make all the difference in a unique creation.
• Incorporate other favorites in the meal right into your main dish!  Have a side dish you can't resist?  Pile it on your burger for a hearty two-in-one dish!
• Go beyond the bun ... although it's a burger contest, no need to stick to the traditional hamburger bun!

Also to inspire contestants' creativity, Johnsonville recommends trying their "Pizza Burgers!"

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pkg. (32 oz.) frozen Johnsonville® Italian Sausage Patties (package of 6 patties found in Walmart's frozen burger section)
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• 6 ciabatta rolls, split
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 6 Tbsp. pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

PREPARATION:

Grill patties according to package directions. Top with provolone cheese; grill 1-2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Brush rolls with oil; grill until lightly browned. Serve burgers on rolls with pizza sauce and basil.

To upload a recipe and enter to win the "No Ordinary Burger Contest," as well as for official rules and regulations, visit johnsonville.com/burgercontest.  For great grilling tips, recipes and creative inspiration, visit johnsonville.com and PorkBeInspired.com.

About Johnsonville Sausage, LLC

Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national brand of brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links and fresh breakfast sausage links.  Johnsonville employs approximately 1,300 members.  Each member takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and "Big Flavor" of Johnsonville Sausage.  Founded in 1945 by Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today.

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. 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 CONTACT:
Christie Wallace, Johnsonville - 920.453.7422
Traci Rodemeyer, National Pork Board - 515.223.3529

SOURCE Johnsonville Sausage, LLC