Barbecue enthusiasts fall into two categories. The “Barbecue only when it’s warm and sunny” type or the “Who needs the sun to have a barbecue?” camp. With a British husband, for whom setting up the grill in poor weather feels like a second nature, our family definitely enters into the latter.
With summer grilling on the mind, I went out to find the perfect meat to feature on the menu. When I saw that Smithfield’s products are made from 100% fresh pork with no artificial ingredients, I knew it was a great fit. I was looking forward to celebrating the start of the Summer season with my family, friends and a barbecue. However, finding out that it was going to rain on the day of our grilling get-together was like when you find out it’s going to rain when you are getting ready for a fireworks show on Independence day. Come rain or shine, the barbecue must go on!
 | For busy parents like us, planning a dinner party at home can be slightly daunting. We want to get our friends together, but the stress of preparing everything and cleaning can be overwhelming. While we can’t avoid the cleanup completely, with a well-thought-out schedule, an easy to make menu, and an ally in the kitchen, like Smithfield, we are set up for success. |
In fact, at 4.30pm, I was still at the kids party, watching my daughter with her face painted, being entertained by a Unicorn LOL character and doing the chicken dance with her friends. My guests would be arriving in less than two hours, it was still raining and my husband was on the phone asking me where I was. Who says you have to slave away in the kitchen or stand at a grill all day to throw a backyard BBQ party? Not us!
Smithfield says that their “Marinated Fresh Pork is a go-to for a delicious, hassle-free meal that’s ready in 30 minutes or less… with the prep work already done for you, it’s so simple to create a fast, flavorful meal any night of the week.” After hosting a BBQ party with 7 adults and 6 kids with ages ranging from 1-7, and grilling three different conveniently pre-seasoned products, I think they are totally right!
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Sure, it's easy to chuck a burger or steak on the grill, but there are other things to barbecue, too. Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork is slow-marinated and perfectly seasoned in a variety of mouthwatering flavors, and available in a wide variety of fresh cuts including pork roasts, loin filets, chops, ribs, sirloins, and tenderloins.I had never tried Smithfield products before and for my Grilling Party I bought two different cuts - tenderloin and sirloin - in three different flavors - Slow Roasted Golden Rotisserie, Roasted Garlic & Herb, and Roasted Garlic & Cracked Black Pepper- from my local Publix grocery store. (Smithfield products are also available at our local Target and Walmart stores.) After tasting these products, I am more convinced than ever that Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork is a tasty and time-saving way to transform any simple pork cut into a meal spotlight.
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With the Slow Roasted Golden Rotisserie Tenderloin andRoasted Garlic & Herb Loin Filet, we just opened the packages and placed them directly on the heated grill for about 25/30 minutes. Once cooked, we let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. “Oh my gosh, delicious. Moist, tender and flavorful,” was the feedback from one guest, and we all agreed.
My husband sliced the Roasted Garlic & Herb Sirloin into one-inch slices, and when the grill was hot, he placed the slices on the grill for 5-7 minutes each side, and they were ready. He didn’t have to season it and “it tasted beautiful,” he said. We also sliced up the Roasted Garlic & Cracked Black Pepper Tenderloin to prepare kabobs with sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini and white onions. Cubing, slicing or dicing the pork meat before grilling is a perfect way to speed up the cook time when you’re short on time!
All the cuts were so easy to cook, tender and juicy! Yes, I would recommend Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork to a friend.
To complement the meat, we prepared three side dishes - in less than 45 minutes - using simple, approachable, seasonal ingredients that went along deliciously – tomato salad with red onion and basil, potato salad, and quinoa salad with dried cranberries and feta. I used my Italian cookbooks but for more recipe inspiration, visit www.Smithfield.com.
Tomato Salad with Red Onion and Basil | Quinoa Salad with Dried Cranberries and Feta | Potato Salad |
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⏰Time Saving Mom Hack ⏰As busy parents, speed in the kitchen isn't just nice — it's a necessity. The next time you’re planning the backyard cookout — which is probably right now —make sure you include Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork in your spread. Just choose your favorite cut + flavor(s) and you are ready to go!
Smithfield’s “Get Grilling America” sweepstakes |
Smithfield is encouraging at-home cooks to get grilling all summer long and bring out their inner pitmaster with their “Get Grilling America” sweepstakes. From now through September 4, 2019, visitwww.SmithfieldGetGrilling.comto share how Smithfield Fresh Pork helps you become the hero of your grill for a chance to win $5,000.
In addition to entering the sweepstakes, you can check out tips and how-to videos from award-winning champion pitmasters, and play daily instant win games for a chance to win hundreds of prizes including grilling tools, cookbooks and more.
For more sweepstakes information, grilling tips and recipes, visitwww.SmithfieldGetGrilling.com.
Disclaimer: The author of this article was compensated to host this Summer Grilling Party and use Smithfield products in order to write a honest review. All opinions expressed are the author's.
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