March 29, 2024

Showmanship winner on to state

Berg Houge set a nice table and won the showmanship at the 16th annual Clarke County Farm Bureau cookout contest, Saturday, July 19.

His Jamaican jerk smoked pork chop with mango and cucumber salsa was viewed as delicious. He served them with fresh asparagus, cheesecake and lemonade on a simple, attractive table setting.

This is his recipe:

Jamaican jerk seasoning mango cucumber salsa

1 Tbsp garlic powder, 2-3 tsp Cayenne pepper 1 C fresh mango, ¼ C chopped red onion

2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp Thyme, 2 tsp dried Parsley 1 Tbsp fresh mint, 1 small jalapeno

2 tsp sugar, 2 tsp sale, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground allspice 2 Tbsp lime juice, 1/8 tsp salt,

½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp dried crushed red pepper 1 C blueberries, ½ c chopped cucumbers

½ tsp Nutmeg, ¼ tsp cinnamon

Prepare Jerk seasoning and rub onto Iowa pork chop. Let rest on ice or refrigerate for one hour. Prepare smoker using apple and hickory and heat to 210-225 degrees. Smoke Iowa chop for 1½ to 2 hours or until mahogany in color. Tent to continue cooking to 145 – 150 degrees. Finish off chops by searing over fire to 165 degrees. Prepare salsa, let meat rest before cutting and serve salsa over chop.