TGIF!!
In honor of my home state hero this weekend, Kurt Warner, I thought I would chime in with my thoughts about the big game and then with some recipes from one of my favorite Iowa menus. Oh yeah, I know people, brace yourselves for a rockin Friday night with Stephanie!!
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As you can see, we will be cheering for the Arizona Cardinals this weekend, and specifically for #13. Why is that? Simply because we LOVE Kurt Warner. Not only is he an Iowan like me, but he's also a fellow alumni. That's right, we both graduated from the same college, the University of Northern Iowa. In addition to those two important facts, he also happens to love the Lord and has very faithfully and consistently walked with integrity despite the roller coaster of fame and fortune in the NFL. He has quite a story, which I'm sure will be re-told in all the pre-game coverage, but he's also the real deal in "real life." He is someone who has done "celebrity" well.
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Full name Kurtis Eugene Warner … he and his wife, Brenda, have seven children: sons Zachary, Kade and Elijah and daughters Jesse, Jada and twins Sienna and Sierra … graduated with a degree in communications … attended Cedar Rapids Regis High in Iowa, where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball … Des Moines Register all-state selection in football during his senior season ... established the First Things First Foundation in the spring of 2001 with wife Brenda to promote Christian values and bless the lives of those less fortunate with projects such as trips to Disney World for ill children, building recreation centers in children’s hospitals, helping single moms achieve the dream of homeownership and teaching Special Olympians the football basics. All projects are centered on Kurt and Brenda’s life theme: faith and family come first … official website is www.kurtwarner.org.
Ok, on to my "Ode to Iowa Menu." Before I begin, I feel I must mention that many people do not know very much about Iowa, so I will enlighten you about one of our best by-products: pork! We are one of the country's largest pork producers and thus we have lots and lots of great dishes that involve pork of some kind. I heard someone say once that there are more pigs in Iowa than people....I don't know if that's true or not, but I do know that if you want a good pork chop or a wonderful juicy ham, Iowa is the place to get it! So, in honor of our abundance of pork, I would like to introduce you to a family favorite....
"Sticky Iowa Hamballs"
Is that not the worst title you have ever heard of?? I know, it's not a good name and it doesn't sound appetizing, but for the sake of your loyalty, I am asking you to trust me because actually, they are wonderful!! And they feed a big crowd. They would make a yummy dish on a cold Super Bowl night in fact...I'm just saying...
So there you have it! Hamballs, wild rice, green bean casserole, and cinnamon apples. A very yummy, Iowa meal! If you try this, you will be pleasantly surprised at how good it is! And if you're needing to feed a crowd of people, this is an easy meal to make :) So, enjoy!!
And go Cardinals!!