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Pork’s Perfect Paring

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One of my favorite things to cook is pork. I make delicious pork chops (if I do say so myself!), and I also frequently make pork roasts.  I love making these, as I can get them going in the oven early in the day and not only do I not have to worry about dinner later in the day, I get to enjoy the heavenly aroma all day long.

I typically use the standard seasonings on my pork roasts – I was unaware of the different spices that actually pair well with pork and even compliment it. I recently learned about this when I was sent a Pork’s Perfect Paring pack, which included everything I needed to  make a yummy pork roast for my family over the holidays.

Celeb Chef Michael Symon has a few delicious ideas on how to mix up seasonal flavors by pairing pork with unsuspecting holiday favorites like cinnamon, chocolate and pumpkin. Chef Symon shows how pork can be enhanced by almost any ingredient with recipes like “Cider-and-Beer-Braised Pork with Chocolate Mole” and “Coriander and Cumin Roasted Rack of Pork with Five Spice Pumpkin Puree.”

Neat, right?  Though I did not make the two recipes mentioned above, I did make a pork roast which used a few spices I don’t normally use.  The sponsor of this pork paring pack ordered the meat for me at my favorite store, and it was absolutely beautiful!  I did a rub on the roast using spices including salt, brown sugar, garlic, onion, coriander, chipotle powder, paprika, cloves, cinnamon and even a little pumpkin spice!

Pork roast recipe

I put baby carrots and peeled potatoes on the bottom of my dutch oven, sprinkled with the spices, then placed the pork roast on top.  I set the oven to 400 degrees put it in the oven uncovered for 20 minutes.  I reduced the heat to 300 degrees, put the lid on and let it cook for about 3 more hours.  I have to say this was the tastiest pork roast I have ever had.  The flavors were incredible and it literally fell apart!  I will definitely be making this the next time we have company over.

Pork Roast Rubs

I have wonderful news for one of you!  In the giveaway below, you can win all of the items you need to create your own delicious pork meals!

Pork's Perfect Pairing giveaway

 

closed-giveaways

One winner received a Pork Perfect Paring Prize Pack {$125 ARV} which included:

  • $25 pork from the store of your choice to purchase your favorite pork cuts (or other meat in this case)
  • A large assortment of seasonal spices to inspire flavor-rich holiday pairings
  • A chic holiday serving platter to reinvigorate your holiday dinner style
  • A signed copy of Michael Symon’s new cookbook
  • Two festive aprons to prepare your holiday feasts
  • A digital meat thermometer to ensure that your holiday meals are delicious yet safe

Please see Eighty MPH Mom giveaway rules for further information.

 

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Comments

  1. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year. I’d have to somewhat agree
    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? Any of these Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread, and eggnog.
    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

    • Yes, every year its pretty much the same types of food. It does get boring. I think sage might be a good thing to add to pork. Never tried but I think I will.

  3. I strongly agree with the statement “The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same “! We always eat the same stuff, but I think it’s ok to switch it up a little!

    I think a great pairing with pork is cinnamon! I’m alway’s willing to try other stuff to pair it with as well!

    Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    [email protected]

  11. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year. Strongly agree

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? Of the choices you presented, cranberry.

  12. Mandatory. #1. I would somewhat agree but we do make a new dish with the meal at each holiday. #2. cranberry for sure! I make cranberry glazed pork chops a few times a year & hubby loves it.

  19. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year. I somewhat agree, we usually add a few different side dishes.

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? I think Sage, I am not big on sweet things.

  34. Post this giveaway on your Facebook page (leave link in comment) – 1 entry

    [email protected]
    facebook.com/zcscooby
    I had to link to this giveaway strangely in my post, after several attempts it just kept saying this could not be posted to this wall…

  42. Strongly disagree…my son loves to cook and likes to vary things.

    I’d have to go with cranberries.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  47. I’d have to say somewhat disagree…we do often have the same or similar dinner, but sometimes we switch it up.
    Cranberry goes great with pork…in fact this year for Christmas we had stuffed pork chops with cranberry-apple chutney and it was great!

  51. I somewhat agree with that statement, and I like it to be normally the same, but a few new things every year to try is always fun.

    I don’t think I am too good at the pairing thing, because the sage is the only thing that sounds good to me. Everything else paired with Pork seems weird to me–I guess I need to experiment more 🙂

  57. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year. I agree, we usually add a few different side dishes.

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? Sage, cranberry, possibly gingerbread.

  58. The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year. STRONGLY AGREE. It’s been the same since I can remember!

    Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? SPICED CIDER.

    Email: [email protected]

  73. 1. I somewhat disagree – I tend to add different dishes to mix it up so we don’t get bored with the meals.
    2. Of the flavors listed I think that sage, cranberry, spiced cider go with port the best. My personal favorite is orange marmalade!
    Thanks.

  74. 1) Our holiday meals are pretty much the same, but, that’s because everyone has a special dish they like and I make them all plus throw in a few new ones.
    2)I think all the flavors are perfect pairings for pork except the peppermint and that’s only because I don’t like it.

  75. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year = somewhat agree

    Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? = cranberry, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread

    Thanks for the chance to win and Happy New Year!

    Hugs,
    Barb

  81. I strongly agree that the food at my holiday dinenrs is the same. I would definitely consider pairing cranberry with pork!

  89. 1) I somewhat agree that the food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year.

    2) I think cranberry is a perfect pairing with pork.

  96. The food at my holiday table is always the same. : (

    I’d love to combine cranberry with my pork. I think my hubby would like cinnamon.

    clenna at aol dot com

  107. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year: I somewhat agree with this statement

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? I would have to go with Sage and Spiced Cider sounds great with pork.

  114. I strongly agree that food at holiday gatherings is nearly the same every year. I consider cranberry to pair perfectly with pork.
    gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

  122. 1.  How do you feel about the following statement:  The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year. I somewhat agree.
    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? I like Sage best.

  151. Question 1: strongly agree. We eat the exact same menu for Christmas and Thanksgiving and have done so for the past 40 yrs!

    Question 2: I think sage goes well with pork, especially a nice thick chop.

    roblyn66 at yahoo dot com

  152. I somewhat agree, we try to add a new dish every year. Out of those, none really, I like Applesauce or warm Apples with my pork mostly, but if I have to chose one I will say Cranberries.

  157. I agree with the statement “The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same and I perfect pumpkin pie for pairing with pork

  164. 1. I agree. For Thanksgiving we have turkey and for Christmas we have ham. 🙂

    2. Cranberry would be perfect pairing with pork.

  171. I strongly agree that our Holiday meals are usually the same.

    I think that cranberry would be a perfect pairing.

    Thanks so much.
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

  177. My family eats about the same during the year. We try not to over-induldge during the holiday season. I believe cranberry would be best with pork for my familyt!

  178. The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year- I strongly agree
    I would pair pork with Pumpkin Pie.

  188. I strongly agree with the statement “The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same “! We always eat the same things–every year my husband insists he won’t make another turkey–but he does for Thanksgiving and Christmas–and all the side dishes remain the same–everyone has a favorite!
    I like ham and cinnamon –or sage.
    [email protected]

  197. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year. Strongly agree!
    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? Would have to be sage…we don’t usually do sweet.

    wolverina401 at gmail dot com

  201. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year. I’d have to agree
    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? Sage or maybe cinnamon, I have to try that..

    heinzmom at hotmail dot com

  202. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year: Strongly agree

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? Sage, cranberry, spiced cider,

  216. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year (Strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree)

    I’d say that I somewhat agree. It used to be pretty much the same all of the time, but we switched it up a bit this year with steak at Thanksgiving instead of turkey- it was great!

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? (Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread, eggnog, chocolate, fruit cake, peppermint)

    I’m not that great at pairing foods, but I’ll say cinnamon. I like cinnamon applesauce with pork chops, at least.

  221. Each of my holiday meals are exactly the same. My husband wouldn’t have it any other way. I think pork and sage sounds good

  226. How do you feel about the following statement:?, I somewhat agree.

    Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? I think sage, cranberry, spiced cider and peppermint.

  227. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year
    Strongly agree

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork?
    Sage

  228. The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year: I totally agree

    I think spiced cider would be a great pairing

    Thank you for hosting this giveaway

    Louis
    schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

  230. Google Friends Connect – following your blog publicly as Louis

    schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

  231. 2
    Google Friends Connect – following your blog publicly as Louis

    schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

  240. I disagree. We have had something different for Christmas dinner every year for the last 10 years.
    I think peppermint might actually make a good pairing for pork. I don’t know why, I just think it would be good to try.

  250. 1. I strongly agree that the food at my family’s holiday meals is the same!

    2. I’d go with cranberry!

  258. I strongly agree, our holiday meals are the same. I think cranberries and pork are great together. Thanks for the chance to win!
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

  273. 1. I somewhat agree with the statement. We add new dishes, but if I don’t make something we have made in the past I get complaints. So we have a set dinners, although new things can be added.

    2. cranberry

  282. We have a variety of things for our Holiday meals, and I think that spiced cider would go great with pork.

  294. My family’s holiday meals are the same every year and it drives me crazy. I would like to use the sage seasoning and feel it would be a perfect for pairing with pork.
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

  300. I left a comment at Sunday Featured Blogger – Tammy’s Two Cents post.
    tamben7996(at)oal(dot)com

  301. I left a comment at What would you do? Your kid gives pot brownies to unsuspecting neighborhood kids post.
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

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  304. My family’s holiday meals are pretty traditional and stay about the same every year. Cranberry goes really well with pork – my husband makes some great stuffed porkchops that have cranberries in them. Thanks!

  306. 1. I strongly agree with the statement “The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year.”
    2. My personal favorite pairing with pork is fruit–especially cranberries, apples, tart cherry or plum sauce 🙂
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    [email protected]

  311. I somewhat disagree – we don’t seem to have the same foods every year.
    Cranberry and Sage
    1prizewinner at gmail dot com

  320. I somewhat disagree about our holiday meals always being the same. We have had lasagna, ham, roast beef, turkey, wild rice soup, pasta, etc as a main course in the last 12 years…..

    I think sage and cranberry go well with pork.

  321. This Christmas we had roast beef, mashed potatoes, and biscuits. Strongly disagree.
    Pork and cinnamon.

  324. 1) somewhat agree about the statement, unless we got out somewhere for the big meal on a holiday.
    2) paired with pork: sage, spiced cider

  325. 1- Well, I somewhat agree with the meals being the same. My mom will sometimes try and change it up but she usually sticks with tradition.

    2- I think sage, cranberry would go perfect with pork. I love pineapple with mine!

  338. 1) Strongly agree with the statement that our holiday meals are the same every year.

    2) Sage and spice cider would pair well with pork

    • I forgot to answer the second question. Cranberry is my favorite flavor with pork.

      susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com

  352. I would have to desagree that the food at our fmily holiday gatherings is the same every year. I think the pumpkin pie is a good flavor to pair with pork

  353. The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year I would:somewhat agree
    vlbelk(at)hotmail.com

    • I forgot the second question answer: I think Pumpkin Pie would be great with pork

      vlbelk(at)hotmail.com

  366. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year (Strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree)
    – somewhat disagree

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? (Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread, eggnog, chocolate, fruit cake, peppermint)
    – Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie and gingerbread.

    Thank you!

  367. Mandatory entry:

    How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is nearly the same every year. I somewhat agree

    Spiced Cider is the perfect pairing for pork

    baazinga9 at yahoo dot com

  375. I like that our food is always the same at holiday meals. I look forward to those yummy dishes!
    I think sage would be a good pairing with pork.

  377. 1. I agree somewhat. There are a few things that vary but they are mostly the same!!

    2. PUMPKIN PIE!! YUMM

  378. 1. I somewhat agree, but that is what I like about it. Sometimes you only get those kinds of foods around the holidays!

    2. I think pumpkin pie goes best with pork, but I LOVE pork, so think anything goes with it!

    Thanks for the chance to win!!!

  382. Our family holiday dinners are sometimes the same… so that puts me into the ‘somewhat agree’ group.

    I like apple, blackberry, blackberry chiplotle (I make my own), seasoning salt, garlic, apricot… all with pork (altho, one at a time!).

  387. My holiday dinner food is always the same and pork I think would be best with sage
    pedidentalasst at yahoo dot com

  402. I strongly agree with the statement “The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same “! We always tend to have the same favorites to serve.

    I think a great pairing with pork is cranberries especially when making a roulade with a cranberry relish.

  412. I somewhat disagree on the food being the same each year. We do have some new items such as my bacon wrapped stuffed shrimp I introduced this year. And my sisters red velvet cake.

    I’d pair Cranberry with Pork. They just seem to go together

  418. 1.) The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year – Strongly agree, we are italian and have the 7 fishes on Xmas eve, then Xmas day we do the same type of “Thanksgiving” foods.

    2.)Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? Cranberry.

    Thanks! : )

  421. I feel that I somewhat agree about the following statement: “The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year.”

    And the following flavors are what I’d consider to be perfect for pairing with pork — Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, and cinnamon. 🙂

  426. i somewhat agree – there are traditional dishes that we love and make every year, but we also try new recipes each year.
    oheeyore at hotmail dot com

  429. I think the holiday foods at our table are often the same. Sage is the best flavor to pair with pork. Thanks for the giveaway!

  430. Required entry:
    1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year (Strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree)

    I strongly agree – I always end up fixing the same foods every year.

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? (Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread, eggnog, chocolate, fruit cake, peppermint)

    I like the idea of the sage and cranberry paired with the pork.

    blondie_31971(at)yahoo(dot)com

  433. Our Christmas meal is always the same, but we always mess around with the NYE one! I think pork tastes great with cranberry flavors.

    chitownchicas at gmail dot com

  439. The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year – Strongly agree

    Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? – cinnamon

  443. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year.

    A: I would most definitely say “Strongly Agree”

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork?

    A: I am going to go with Sage and Cinnamon.

    dizzybloom(at)gmail(dot)com

  446. Our food is essentially the same during the holidays and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My mother is an awesome cook!

    And a little cinnamon is always a wonderful addition to any food!

  454. i am folllowing Eighty MPH Mom on Google Friend Connect , 1
    billdebstanton at hotmail dot com

  455. i am folllowing Eighty MPH Mom on Google Friend Connect , 2
    billdebstanton at hotmail dot com

  460. My answer to question one is strongly agree…our meals are stagnant!
    question two…Id love to pair spiced cider and gingerbread!

    I love the “other” white meat!
    thanks!

  476. #1 I somewhat agree as we mostly have the same things, but we do change it up a little to.
    #2 pumpkin pie & chocolate

  479. 1. Strongly agree
    2. Spiced cider (reminds me of the Brady Bunch episode with Peter saying “Pork Chops and Applesauce”)

  480. 1. The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year: Somewhat agree

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? Cranberry

  492. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year – SOMEWHAT AGREE

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? – CINNAMON

    Thank you for thre chance to win!

  498. Somewhat agree, it’s usually the same items by choice, but better and better each year by learning how to use certain spices and extra’s to bump up the flavor.
    Perfect with pairing pork – I pick spiced cider from the choices, but my Mom always used applesauce.

  516. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year (Strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree)
    I strongly disagree with this statement! My husband and I haven’t been married long enough to have fallen into a rut with holiday cooking.

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? (Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread, eggnog, chocolate, fruit cake, peppermint)
    I think cranberry is the best choice from that list. Some of them, like peppermint, just blow my mind!

    glycinemax at gmail dot com

  524. 1 – Strongly agree. We have a traditional meal that we eat every year.
    2 – I think that cranberries & pumpkin pie would pair nicely with pork.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  535. To answer your first question, Strongly Agree, our family meals at the holiday’s are always the same. The second question: What do I think would be a good pairing with pork? I think Cinnamon would really enhance the flavor of the meat.

  537. #1.I’d agree mostly the same menu. #2. All of the above except I don’t like
    eggnog. ha ha This is an awesome package I have been wanting everything
    on this list! barb g. directorylanesuperstore(at)gmail.com

  541. Oh, yes. The food is nearly the same every year. I feel that your statement is quite true:) and Spiced cider is my perfect companion for pork:)

  551. 1. Somewhat disagree – we eat nearly the same thing every Thanksgiving and on Christmas Eve, but Christmas Day and New Year’s we change it up every year.

    2. Right now for me, it’s cranberry. I made a delicious cranberry stuffed pork dish a few weeks ago.

    susitravl(at)gmail(dot)com

  554. We always have the same meal for holidays. Pork sounds good with cranberry, spiced cider, and cinnamon.

  559. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year (Strongly agree)

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? (Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread, eggnog, chocolate, fruit cake, peppermint) Craberry and pumpkin pie.

  569. My holiday meals were about the same as last years (strongly agree) and I like sage paired with pork.
    nrdunningATgmailDOTcom

  570. Question 1. Highly agree. We have the same dishes every year.
    Question 2. Pumpkin Pie would go good with pork.
    smchester at gmail dot com

  599. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year Strongly agree
    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? (Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread, peppermint)

    deb55106{at}gmail{dot}com

  607. I would say that I strongly agree that the food in my house is nearly the same every year. I would pair pork with cranberry. yummu

  608. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year

    Strongly agree

  620. main entry

    1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year MY ANSWER IS: somewhat agree
    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? MY ANSWER IS: Sage, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread
    sewitupjulie at gmail dot com

  630. tweet Head over to Eighty MPH Mom where you can win a Pork’s Perfect Pairing Prize Pack (spices,cookbook,$25 meat & more)

  634. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year (Strongly agree,

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? (Sage, cranberry,

  641. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year : ANSWER STRONGLY AGREE
    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? SAGE
    [email protected]

  672. We have the same food almost every year. Gingerbread and pork sounds like an interesting combo to me!

  705. I personally feel very strongly that the holiday food in my family is the same every year, my husband and his father would have a fit if it weren’t! Who cares about us gals? I personally love ground sage with pork, yum!

  720. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year. Strongly agree

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? Sage, cranberry, & spiced cider.

    nancymeyer1 at gmail dot com

  723. I would say the food at my family’s holiday meals is nearly the same every year.

    I think sage would be perfect for pairing with pork. It is usually used when making pork sausage so it’s kind of a proven “pairing”.

    dchrisg3 @ gmail . com

  730. Our food is always the same at holidays so this would help spice it up a lot!

    And I THINK cranberry would go well but I don’t quite know lol

  736. I agree with the statement that “The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same” they nwvwr want to try anything new, gets boring but what can you do.
    I think cranberry and apple are great with pork
    carolkfoster at comcast dot net

  746. 1. My familys meals stay fairly consistant: turkey and sides plus tamales, maybe doing a different side dish here and there. My fiance’s family stays the same- they do Chinese takeout for holidays!
    2. Of the flavors listed I would go with cranberry. Although gingerbread got me thinking about pork cutlets with a crust made of crushed gingerbread cookies and …..not sure what else it would take.
    (and is the Hershey bar part of the prize package?)
    auntietina21 AT hotmail.com

  752. 1) Food is usually about the same, but it’s definitely about the same and it’s delicious every year. We switch up the sides, and usually we experiment with the stuffing, but the main entrees are always lasagna and turkey. I can’t wait until next year to have it again.

    2) I would say cinnamon. It’s warm, and that’s how I feel about pork. It’s a warming, conforting meat.

  769. I strongly agree that my flavors are the same.I think pork ans sage go well together.Thanks!
    lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com

  772. Our holiday dinners sometimes vary. It really depends on how many people are coming and what I’m feeling like. Thanksgiving is always the same, but Christmas depends on our mood.

  777. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year (Strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree)

    strongly agree, it’s always ham and/or turkey

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? (Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread, eggnog, chocolate, fruit cake, peppermint)

    sage

  778. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year: somewhat agree

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? cranberry

  782. We usually have several traditional foods at our holiday gatherings, and then try some new recipes each year too. I think cranberry and cinnamon sound like good pairings with pork.

  785. We try to have at least one new dish a year at holiday meals, but generally I strongly agree that the food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year.

    Some of these flavors really made me go hmmmm. I think sage, cranberry and cinnamon would be perfect for pairing with pork. No doubt Michael Symon uses all of them deliciously.

  792. Our holiday dinners are basically he same with a few variations.

    I like the idea of a cranberry and other fruits as a sauce for the pork.

    …… and I enjoy watching Michael Symon.

  797. 1) Somewhat disagree. My dad is our main holiday “chef” and he is a foodie so we’re always trying new things
    2) Cranberry! Yum! Most of those other flavors I don’t consider in savory dishes but I’m open to trying new things!

  808. Holiday meals made by my mother are always the same (totally wonderful!) but when I host a holiday, it changes every time!
    I love to pair cranberry with pork… and I think cinnamon would also be good, considering Ive always loved the classic applesauce & pork.

  813. I strongly agree that most of our holiday foods stay the same. But would love to try a pork roast or loin next year.

    Some of the flavors that I think would be perfect with pork are Sage, Cranberry, Spiced Cider, Pumpkin Pie and Cinnamon.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

  824. I completely agree with the first statement. It would be nice to spice things up!
    I think that out of those flavors, I’d like sage the best with pork.

    egenevieve at hotmail dot com

  825. Yes, for most of my life holiday meals were pretty much always the same. I started cooking a few years ago and I prefer to shake it up and try different ideas and recipes.

    From the list of pork pairings, I would choose cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon. One of my favorite ways to cook pork roast is with fruit cocktail and brown sugar.

  827. The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year (Strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree) I somewhat agree, we have the same basic type of meat, but vary the side dishes.

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? cranberry, yum!

  833. I agree that our holiday meals are typically the same foods. Thank you for the lovely giveaway.
    sewmuchstuff at ymail dot com

  836. 1. The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year. Strongly agree.

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? Personally I think sage, cranberry and cinnamon. I could also see chocolate tasting ok if ti was done right.

  843. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year. Strongly agree
    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? Sage and spiced cider.

  853. 1. Strongly agree for Thanksgiving, since we have the same meal every year, Strongly disagree for Christmas since we do something different each year
    2. Sage

  860. yes we stick pretty close to the same menu each year EXCEPT we always make one new side and one new dessert 🙂

  861. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year (Strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree)

    I strongly agree with the above statement.

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? (Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread, eggnog, chocolate, fruit cake, peppermint)

    peppermint would go well with pork

    troutdaddy (at) att (dot) net

  862. The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year (, somewhat agree nd I think sage and port would be great

  869. 1. The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year – somewhat agree

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? – spiced cider

  878. I somewhat agree- we have the main basics but we always have several new dishes as well.
    I have to say chocolate because – well, what doesn’t chocolate go with?

  879. 1. I somewhat agree…it’s basically the same with slight variations
    2. I would say pork goes well with cranberry.

  886. The food at my family’s IS pretty much the same but it’s because we love it so much–My mom does try to add a new dish to change up the menu but my family is always open to trying new foods and recipes–we all love to cook and mostly love to eat. I think the perfect pairing with pork is sage, cranberry and spiced cider–Pork is similar to turkey in that it is SO easily paired with “warm weather” foods and the compliment of the fruitiness, savoryness and sweetness of those 3 accompaniments bring out the heartiness of the pork

  888. I somewhat agree, we have some of the same basic dishes every year, but do mix it up with new recipes as well. Answer 2, I believe cranberries pair very well with prok, I like the tartness with pork.

  899. I would strongly disagree with the first statement, we have four families and each adds at least one new dish each year.
    I would pair cranberry or spiced cider with pork.

  903. I somewhat disagree about our food being the same. There are always some new items.

    The only ingredients I would use with pork are the cranberry and spiced cider.

  914. Pork and cranberries sounds like a good combination. I don’t know about any of the rest of them….. but my first choice would have been pork chops and applesauce (I know – I know – you’re too young to have seen The Brady Bunch )

  920. I guess I would have to strongly agree that our meals are basically the same for each individual holiday, but I have been trying to perk things up some – so strongly agree and trying to change – LOL

    Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, cinnamon, gingerbread, eggnog, chocolate – Yes
    Pumpkin pie, fruit cake and peppermint – NO (Not my favorite flavors anyway – so will pass on them – LOL

  933. 1. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year (Strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree)
    I would have to somewhat disagree as I love to try new foods and recipes.

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? (Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread, eggnog, chocolate, fruit cake, peppermint)
    I love the pairing of Sage, cranberry, spiced cider and peppermint. It would put a whole new spin on spicy and sweet pork.

  940. I somewhat disagree with your statement…I usually make different things for holidays although there are staples that we just can’t live without. I think the perfect pairing with pork is either apples or apricot, but those aren’t on your list, so I’ll go with the spiced cider.

  946. I strongly agree and part two sage,(Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, and cinnamon, would make good accompaniments-the other just don’t fit meat.

  950. 1) – Somewhat agree.. my family is so use to eating the same menu every years because it is handed down from other family members and they are afraid to try new stuff.

    2) Pairing with pork… I would say .pumpkin pie.

  959. I liked this post, which shared it on my Facebook wall (simplydab). I tried to use the Share button provided @ the top of the post, but it won’t post .

  966. 1. I somewhat disagree with statement #1 because, while we have family favorites, I love to experiment with new recipes. 2. I like spiced cider with pork chops.

  974. 1) Somewhat disagree-while we have some old favorites I try to add one or two new items every holiday
    2) cranberry is a perfect companion to pork

    Love this prize package!

  975. 1. How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year – Strongly Agree – we have favorites that never vary but we are always open to adding new things as we add new extended family members.
    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? Sage and cranberry would be my favorites.

  986. We usually have the same thing at the holidays, we are such traditionalists! I really enjoy it though.

    I think cinnamon would be a perfect pairing with pork, maybe a sort of middle eastern/asian flavor profile.

  995. . How do you feel about the following statement: The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year (Strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree)
    –> somewhat disagree

    2. Which of the following flavors would you consider to be perfect for pairing with pork? (Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread, eggnog, chocolate, fruit cake, peppermint)
    –> sage
    mandalarctic at gmail dot com

  997. I strongly agree that my family’s holiday meals are always the same! I think chef Michael could make all of those things taste good with pork but I would probably pick Sage.

    surrosarah{at}gmail{dot}com

  998. 1. My family’s holiday meals are rarely the same. We like to mix things up.

    2. Sage and Spiced Cider!

  999. 1. Strongly agree.
    2 Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread would go good with pork.
    Thanks for the contest.

  1001. Thanks for the giveaway…

    -The food at my family’s holiday meals is the same, or nearly the same every year…Strongly agree.

    -The flavors we would consider to be perfect for pairing with pork are: Sage, cranberry, spiced cider, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, gingerbread, eggnog, and fruit cake.