Did you know that October is National Pork Month?  We cook a lot of pork in our house, because it’s affordable, versatile and everyone in our family loves it!

The National Pork Board and Costco have joined together to celebrate National Pork Month by giving their shoppers special savings on pork all month long.  Starting tomorrow (Oct 24, 2011) you can save $2.50 off a package of Rack of Pork in  through October 31.  Its the perfect time to gather around the family dinner table with tasty pork dishes.

Stay tuned,  because later in the week I will share my Pork Be Inspired recipe for rack of pork (this cut is very impressive for entertaining but simple to cook).

I have always heard people confessing their love of Costco, but never had the chance to experience it myself, until last week!  Let me tell you ……they have EVERYTHING! I loved it!  I’ll be giving away a little Costco cash when I share my recipe, so don’t miss it!

I shared my first trip to Costco on Instagram

 

Online Recipes and Tips

 

I was so impressed with Costco’s meat department and was thrilled to discover online Costco’s “In The Warehouse”.  They provide flavorful recipes and tips for preparing each week’s featured cut of pork.  SCORE!! I need all the help I can get when it comes to dinner ideas!

Not familiar with pork cuts and how to prepare them?  The National Pork Board spells it all out, explaining different cuts of pork along with cooking methods at Pork Be Inspired.

Pork Temperature Guidelines

 

In May, the USDA reduced the temperature guideline for pork loins, chops and roasts from 160 to 145 degrees F, with a three-minute rest. This will yield a juicy, flavorful product that may be pinker in color than most home cooks are used to. Ground pork, like all ground meat, should be cooked to 160 degrees. Use this chart as a guideline for cooking times.

 

Share with me

Do you cook a lot of meals with pork?  I’d love for your to share your favorites here in the comments or on the TidyMom Facebook page.

This post was sponsored by National Pork Board, Costco and The Motherhood to promoted National Pork Month. All opinions expressed, and my love of pork are all my own.