"National Eat Together Week" Encourages More Time With Family And Friends

DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  In celebration of National Eat Together Week, taking place Sept. 9 through 15, the National Pork Board is encouraging and inspiring Americans to gather around the table with the ultimate cook once, eat ten times dish – pulled pork. One batch of simple-to-prepare pulled pork provides families with a week's worth of versatile and flavorful meals, allowing everyone to focus on enjoying time together and reconnecting about their busy days.  

America's pork producers have officially been encouraging families to enjoy meals together for the past 17 years. The week is meant to bring a renewed focus on making a concerted effort to gather around the table, whenever it's possible – morning, noon or night.

"Having a delicious meal on the table is an invitation to take a break from the day's demands, and spend memorable time with our family or friends," says Traci Rodemeyer, Director of Pork Information for the National Pork Board.  "Pulled pork is ideal to serve during busy times, as it can be prepared in advance and served in a multitude of ways throughout the week. We want to offer simple and flavorful meal options to bring people together and reignite the tradition of eating together every day."

Mouthwatering pulled pork recipes are perfect for any meal occasion. Simply prepare a large pork shoulder or roast in the slow cooker, in the oven or on the grill, and kick off the week with a succulent and flavorful meal. Then, save time and effort in the kitchen by reheating and repurposing the leftovers throughout the entire week. Get creative by adding pulled pork to dishes your family already loves – as a taco filling, mixed into pasta sauce or topping a baked potato. And change things up by serving this traditional favorite throughout the day with these recipe ideas:  

• Perk Up with Pulled Pork: Start the morning off with a family-friendly Pulled Pork Scramble with eggs. Simply combine beaten eggs, sauteed vegetables and warmed pulled pork in a skillet, top with cheese, and serve before heading out for the day.
• Switch Up the Lunchtime Salad: Salads are a great option for lunch, whether enjoying at home, at school or the office. Put a new spin on salad with a Pulled Pork Greek Salad or chopped salad by topping with leftover pulled pork, served cold out of the refrigerator or warmed up in the microwave. Add your favorite vegetables to the lettuce and pork for a perfectly customized creation that's sure to add excitement to your day.  
• All Hands on Deck for Dinner: National Eat Together Week is not just about eating together, but spending time together in all capacities, so get the entire family involved in the meal prep. BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza offers the chance for adults and kids alike to get their hands busy, from kneading the dough to spreading the sauce and topping with pulled pork, cheese and other favorite toppings. Try using individual prepared pizza crusts to cut down on the prep time and let everyone customize their own meal masterpiece.  

For more pulled pork recipes, tips and inspiration for National Eat Together Week and beyond, visit www.PorkBeInspired.com. Also, "like" the National Pork Board on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PorkBeInspired, follow on Twitter @AllAboutPork and on Pinterest at www.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.

SOURCE National Pork Board