It’s State Fair Time… Time to Pat the Butter!

Posted By Team Latham

Nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 11-21!  Where else could you watch celebrities build awe-inspiring exhibits with Canstruction®, one of the world’s most unique food charities?  Or eat a multi-course meal on a stick including cheese cube appetizers, fruit kabobs, pork chop entrées and fried Twinkies for dessert? Where else could you visit Crystal Studios and see the live production of a top-rated farm broadcast?

Be sure to tune into “The Big Show” on Monday, August 16, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. as I’ll be a guest of Mark Pearson and Bob Quinn.

Next week I’ll experience all of this and more!  One of my first stops on the fairgrounds will be at 1040 WHO Radio’s Crystal Studios.  Be sure to tune into “The Big Show” on Monday, August 16, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. as I’ll be a guest of Mark Pearson and Bob Quinn. I never know exactly what we’ll be discussing on-air, but I’ll be sure to provide an update on Latham Hi-Tech Seeds’ / WHO Radio Crop Tour 2011 stops.

My next stop on the fairgrounds will be in the Agriculture Building.  This year marks the 100th anniversary of the butter cow, so I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this milestone celebration.  “While other state fairs may mimic the butter cow or tout other creamy creations, none has gained as much fame as the original,” said Iowa State Fair President Gary Slater in an AP article on Aug. 10.  “None of the others have become that one thing that when you think of the fair like you do here at the Iowa State Fair.  It’s become our icon.”

I’ll go from the iconic butter cow exhibit to a brand new exhibit by Iowa Food & Family featuring Canstruction.  Located in the south entrance of the Varied Industries Building, this exhibit will feature a larger-than-life replica of the butter cow made from canned food items.  Throughout the week, celebrities like Iowa Secretary of Bill Northey and ISU’s beloved mascot, Cy, will be help build works of art from canned foods.  After the fair, all canned food items will be donated to the Iowa Food Bank Association.  You can even participate by bringing your own non-perishable food items to this special exhibit.

Yes, indeed, nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair!  As a tribute the fair – and in honor of National Peach Month – today I’m sharing with you one of my daughter’s favorite breakfast foods.  She loves the wholesome goodness of these Honey Peach Muffins.  And what goes better with muffins than Real® butter?  Try your hand at making these pretty, yet simple, star-shaped pats of butter or whip up some home-made butter in a jar.

What is your favorite thing to do, see or eat at the state fair?

Honey Peach Muffins

Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • ¾ c. flour
  • ¾ c. cornmeal
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • ¼ c. margarine
  • ¼ c. honey
  • 1, 8-oz. container of low-fat peach yogurt
  • 1 egg white
  • ½ c. coarsely chopped, drained peaches

Instructions

Directions:

  1. Heat oven to 375°.
  2. Spray bottoms of muffin tins.
  3. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup and level.
  4. In large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine margarine, honey and yogurt; beat at low speed until well blended.
  6. Add egg white; blend well.
  7. Add to flour mixture; stir until just moistened.
  8. Gently stir in peaches.
  9. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups.
  10. Bake at 375° for 17-23 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
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Agriculture