Costco Offering Deals on Boneless Pork Chops and Roasts through October 9th + New Temperature Guidelines!

I’m going to venture to guess that you didn’t now that October is National Pork Month, did ya?  Ok, well maybe all of you Martha Stewart clones were fully aware that such a month existed, but me…um, yea..not so much.  Perhaps it’s my lack of interest in anything that involves standing in my kitchen with a spatula in my hand.  Or, perhaps it’s the fact that I have been afraid to cook pork for years, because I have been too afraid of under-cooking it – not anymore!

It’s amazing what a little “pork” education will do for you.

First, let me tell you that until this week, I have never cooked a piece a pork in my life.  However, with Costco celebrating National Pork month by offering $2.50 off boneless chops and roasts from October 3 through October 9th, I thought it was due time that our family expanded our palettes.

I also knew that I needed to come up with a recipe that was easy to whip up during the week (because you all know just how much I despise my spatula), and would have the kids asking for more.

I’m going to share that recipe with you….next week, along with a giveaway just for DM readers sponsored by Costco and it may have something to do with Costco Cash!  What I can tell you is that it incorporates apples, and what child doesn’t love apples?  I can also tell you that this recipe is so easy that you will add this to your weekly “everyday dinners” list.  This week however,  I decided to focus on my “Pork education”, and there’s a new temperature update that I want to share with all of you!

New Temperature Update:
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.

I also learned that there are numerous ways to cook pork, and whether your braising, broiling, or grilling your pork, you can find loads of information on cooking methods and cuts by visiting www.porkbeinspired.com.  For pork recipes and tips, visit Costco online.

I’m participating in a sponsored post series through the Motherhood and this post is being sponsored by our friends at Costco and the National Pork Board.  My thoughts and opinions continue to remain my own.