Banner

Sep 26, 2023

Food packed. Fans hung. Pigs fed. Pens cleaned. Clothes ironed. Kids checked in. “Camp” set up. Pigs washed. Show hair done. Pens cleaned. Cards played.

No kids lost...yet.

The life of a show parent is exhausting. These are just a few of the tasks you’ve likely accomplished before the show even begins. Not only do you take your vacation time to haul everyone around, but then you have to work, work and work some more. On top of all the demands, those kids of yours still require food, too. A meal out here and there is fine, but after a week at the fair, it’s simply not possible for most families to eat out three times a day.

I think meals at shows should be simple and not overwhelm the preparer (especially since I'm the preparer in our crew). However, my kids remind me that they also need to be tasty! If you want your kids to stay close by, try one of these delicious crockpot recipes by some of the sharpest show moms I know.

By Julene DeRouchey, mom of James, Jenna and Jacob

Ingredients:16 oz. elbow macaroni pasta, prepared according to directions on the box 12 oz. pasteurized cheese product, cubed 4 oz. smoked cheddar cheese, cubed 4 oz. pepperjack cheese, cubed2 oz. cream cheese, cubed8 sliced cooked thick-cut bacon, chopped2 cups milkBlack pepper, as desiredTopping½ cup toasted buttered breadcrumbs (optional)

Preparation Before the Show:1. In a 2.5-gallon slider bag, combine the cooked pasta, cubed cheeses, bacon, milk and black pepper.2. Refrigerate/store in iced cooler until ready to cook at the pig show.

Directions at the Show: 1. Pour mixture into slow cooker* and set on low, 3-4 hours. 2. Stir occasionally to combine melted cheeses. 3. Just before serving, top with the toasted breadcrumbs. *I like to use a rectangular Crockpot

Note: This dish is hearty on its own, but also is a great compliment to serve with or on pulled pork sliders and BBQ sauce. It makes 10 to 15 servings!

Here are three other amazing recipes your kids will love.

By Whitney Dryer, mom of Brenna, Brekyn and Bowyn

Ingredients:4 to 5 lb. pork loin21-oz. can of apple pie fillingYour favorite bbq sauce

Directions: 1. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.2. After cooked, shred it. It’s simple and sure to please everyone!

By Emily Spray, mom of Makayla, Keegan and Landry

Ingredients:1 package hamburger buns 1 package pepperoni 2 packages sliced mozzarella cheese Garlic Butter Italian Seasoning Pizza sauce (squeeze bottle works best at the show)

Directions:1. Brush tops and insides with garlic butter. 2. Add cheese and pepperoni to each half. 3. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning. 4. Squeeze out one layer of pizza sauce.5. Add another layer of pepperoni and cheese. 6. Wrap sandwiches in aluminum foil. 7. Set in crockpot on low 2-4 hours or until warm and cheese is melted.

Note: Mix it up with any pizza toppings you want such as sausage crumbles, mushrooms, bacon, etc.

By Shelia Grobosky, mom of Lily

Ingredients:1 lb. Italian sausage 1 lb. ground beef 1/4 cup finely diced onion 4-lb. jar marinara sauce Italian seasoning (to taste) Garlic powder (to taste) 16 oz. pasta (any kind)

Directions:1. Brown the meat with the onion and drain grease. 2. Add the sauce and seasonings and simmer. 3. While that is cooking, boil pasta. 4. Drain pasta and add to the meat-sauce mixture. 5. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before reheating in crockpot.

Directions at the Show:1. Use a crockpot liner and add pasta mixture to the crockpot. Cook on low until heated. 2. Add Mozzarella cheese to your liking.

More Fun Recipes from Farm Journal's PORK:

8 Ways to Win With Pork

Ready to Please Your Crew? Try These 5 Pulled Pork Favorites