000113 Pork Producers Say “Real Men Grill for Super Bowl”January 8, 2000Des Moines, IA - While Super Bowl XXXIV may take place inside Atlanta's Georgia Dome on January 30, real men know the best action happens outside -- on the grill. Grilling and football go together like quarterbacks and wide receivers -- and true fans never let a little cold weather stand in the way of great food. Besides, staying indoors gets you nowhere: no National Football League (NFL) team whose home is inside a full dome has ever won the big game. So what better reason to head outside, fire up the grill and cook like a champion for a winning game-day feast? Heating It Up According to the National Pork Producers Council's (NPPC) Winter Grilling Report, 43% of Americans like to keep the coals burning through the winter months. “There's no need to forgo your grilling favorites just because it's January,” says Robin Kline, a certified culinary professional and director of the Pork Information Bureau (PIB) for the NPPC. “The savory taste of grilled foods is wonderful year-round and grilled meats are perfect for a testosterone- packed day of football watching.” Kline suggests choosing a hearty favorite like country-style pork ribs that are best cooked slowly over indirect heat. Get them going during the pre-game show and then relax while they slow roast to tender perfection by half-time. Commercial breaks are the perfect time to check their progress and brush on a zesty Jalapeno-Peach Sauce (recipe follows). And country-style ribs are cut from the rib end of the pork loin so they have more meat per bone than spareribs and baby back ribs to satisfy big appetites. “Grilled country-style ribs are a touchdown for even the burliest of football fans,” says Kline. “Their great grilled flavor -- complemented by a wide variety of side dishes -- are a good combination for those glued to the game and commercial-watchers alike.” The Game Plan Super Bowl Sunday is the third largest day for food consumption, behind Christmas and Thanksgiving, according to the NFL. Having a “game plan” will help you satisfy the crowd in the living room -- and avoid the crowds at the grocery store. Kline suggests these simple tips to help make your grilling party a success. - Miss the Super Bowl Blitz -- Waiting until Super Bowl weekend to head to the grocery store may mean long lines and bare shelves. Head to the store earlier in the week to skip the checkout aisle huddle. - Get the Fire Going -- If using a charcoal grill, lay briquettes within a surface area slightly larger than the food being grilled, about 3-inches deep at the center, tapering to 1 inch at the edge. Start the fire at least 30 minutes before you want to begin cooking. It will take longer to prepare hot coals during cold weather. Always allow time for charcoal -- or other heat source -- to heat sufficiently. When ready, coals will be covered with a gray ash. To cook with indirect heat, bank prepared coals to either side of the fire grate so ribs are not directly over coals. - Experts Say... Go Buffet -- Buffet-style dining for your Super Bowl party allows the host to enjoy the game, the football maniacs to grab-n'-go and the commercial watchers to linger and talk. - Save the Best for Last -- To soothe bruised egos or help celebrate a winning team, offer ice cream and toppings for a make-your-own-sundae finale.
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