Iowa Beef Expo

February 12, 2014
drewnorton's picture

It’s another busy week on the Fairgrounds with the annual Iowa Beef Expo. Like most of this winter, it’s been a cold week and today it’s snowing. With all of the cattle, vehicles, livestock trailers and people on the grounds, it makes me wish it was warm like Fair time. August is still 6 months away, but I can feel the buzz in the air and I’m already getting excited for my first official Fair with the Blue Ribbon Foundation!

Thanks to our great volunteers, we have been selling merchandise in a booth inside the Cattle Barn for the Expo. The top selling item is the Iowa State Fair stocking hat. You can represent your favorite summer tradition in the cold weather with the official Iowa State Fair Beanie on sale for $5.

Also for the month of February, the Iowa State Fair 16th Edition Cookbook, filled with recipes to warm you up, is on sale for $12. All of the State Fair merchandise is available online or at the Blue Ribbon Foundation office.

Need to warm up? Try this Jalapeno Cheddar Crab and Lobster Soup recipe highlighted below:

  • 4 tbsp. butter                                     
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper                                
  • 2 jalapeno peppers
  • 1 white onion
  • 2 c. whole milk
  • 2 c. heavy cream
  • 3 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 c. chicken broth
  • 4 tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 lb. lobster
  • 1 lb. crab

In large saucepan, melt butter, add peppers and onions. Sauté over medium heat about 3 minutes. In saucepan, bring milk and cream to slight boil; add cheese and simmer on low until cheese is melted. (Do not overcook.) Whisk in remaining ingredients except lobster and crab and stir until flour is incorporated. Add lobster and crab; heat through (less than 5 minutes.)

Whether you are a fan of the cold temperatures or not, this winter weather will be here for awhile. Try to enjoy these snowy days by checking out the Beef Expo or buying some of your favorite winter Fair merchandise. If you are sick of snow like me, you can always start a countdown until this year’s Fair (175 days).