"Pork Social" Ignites Online Interaction In First-Ever, All-Things-Pork Network

DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Need help out of a dinner dilemma, menu inspiration or just looking for the easiest way to get the juiciest news on pork? Then look no further than Pork Social—the first-ever social network all about pork — recently launched on PorkBeInspired.com. There, pork enthusiasts can seamlessly connect in conversation, discover and track the latest fresh recipes — from delectable date nights to family-favorite dinners — and even receive a $1 coupon towards their next pork purchase just for joining.[1]

"The pork-loving community never ceases to inspire us with their enthusiasm for celebrating and enjoying their favorite protein," said Pamela Johnson, Director of Consumer Communications for the National Pork Board. "Now more than ever, they're looking online for recipes, tips and ideas as well as sharing their own favorites. We created Pork Social to provide an inspiring two-way dialogue between the National Pork Board and home cooks, streamlining their search for all things pork."

"Pork Passion Pursuits" Contest

To celebrate the launch, the National Pork Board is engaging, igniting and rewarding home cooks' love of pork by dishing up "Pork Passion Pursuits," giving fans the opportunity to realize their pork-centric dreams through a one-of-a-kind contest. Through April 11, 2013, pork fans can visit Pork Social and submit contest entries in one of five categories – including The Traveler, The Foodie, The Host, The Lifestyler and The Tailgater – for a chance to be one of five winners that will receive $5,000 towards bringing their pork dreams to life.

"The aim of Pork Social and the Pork Passion Pursuits contest is to encourage and match pork fans' excitement, providing them with new ways to achieve memorable experiences with pork – whether it's a celebrity-chef prepared Wednesday night supper or a once-in-a-lifetime pork-filled adventure," said Johnson.

Be Inspired by Global Flavors

The National Pork Board has been inspired by the myriad of global flavor trends and is helping to infuse these flavors into favorite pork dishes. Versatile pork provides a delicious foundation for any dish, so the National Pork Board is sharing the best creative, globally-inspired home cooking solutions with food lovers all winter long. With savory recipes like Simple Vietnamese Pork Noodle Bowl and Ultimate Hawaiian-Style Ribs, cooks everywhere are using pork as a base for delicious, globe-hopping cuisine.

• Simple Vietnamese Pork Noodle Bowl: Inspired by the variety of Pho dishes on menus world-wide in 2012, this take on savory noodle soup offers the ultimate in cold-weather comfort, featuring melt-in-your-mouth slices of pork tenderloin mingling with fresh herbs in an aromatic broth.
• Slow Cooker Hawaiian-Style Ribs: With the bold flavors of hoisin sauce, pineapple, ginger and sesame – and only 20 minutes of prep time – this meal offers a mouthwatering tropical getaway perfect for hectic weeknights.
• Smoky Pork, Bacon, and White Bean Chili: Bacon, smoked paprika and fire-roasted tomatoes are the South-of-the-Border backbone to this meaty chili, featuring hearty chunks of pork loin and creamy cannellini beans.

To further revitalize your winter menu and enjoy flavorful, tender and juicy pork, don't overcook it! Cook pork tenderloin, chops and roasts to the USDA-recommended internal temperature of 145 degrees F, with a three-minute rest.  This recommendation reflects the optimal final temperature for today's common cuts of pork, which are, on average, 16 percent leaner than 22 years ago.

For more delicious inspiration, including mouthwatering recipes, tips, images and more, join the conversation at www.PorkBeInspired.com/PorkSocial.

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] No purchase necessary. Ends 4/1/13 at 11:59 p.m. CT, or when supplies are exhausted (approximately 250,000), whichever occurs first. Offer open only to legal residents of the 50 US & DC, 18 or older. Void where prohibited by law. Coupons.com registration required to print coupon. Registration is free. Subject to complete Offer Terms & Conditions. Offered by the National Pork Board.

SOURCE National Pork Board