McDonald’s Helps Consumers Get the Scoop on Iowa Ag
McDonald’s and the Iowa Food & Family Project (IFFP) are partnering to give consumers the scoop on Iowa agriculture by dishing up fresh information about production agriculture and the farm families who grow fresh, quality food. During the 2014 Iowa State Fair, kids participating in the IFFP booth’s activities can receive a coupon for a free McDonald’s ice cream cone.
“Farmers and McDonald’s share a commitment to remain relevant and trusted by providing great-tasting food that is affordable and of the highest quality,” said David Roberts, owner/operator of six McDonald’s restaurants in a release posted on the IFFP website. “Teaming up with Iowa Food & Family takes that relationship to the next level with increased transparency about the journey that brings delicious food from the farm to the McDonald’s dining experience.”
Aaron Putze, IFFP coordinator and Iowa Soybean Association communications director, said the partnership compliments national food awareness activities by using local voices and venues that reinforce farming’s relevance and importance.
“People have sincere questions about how food is grown and raised and that’s a good thing,” said Putze. “Farmers and foodservice providers like McDonald’s welcome the interest and value the opportunity to be part of the conversation through continuous dialogue and personalized experiences.”
The McDonald’s – IFFP partnership kicked off Aug. 4 and will be celebrated throughout the Iowa State Fair. The IFFP “What Farmers Grow Makes Iowa Go!” exhibit brings the story of food and farming to life with a must-see, one-of-a-kind sculpture created from more than 50 tons of sand.
Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, this unique state fair exhibit appeals to people of all ages. Children, who participate in a coloring and illustration activity, will receive a coupon for a complimentary McDonald’s ice cream cone.
Because I associate McDonald’s with the Egg McMuffin, today I’m sharing a recipe from the Iowa Food & Family Project’s cookbook that puts a new twist on a traditional egg sandwich. You can get your own autographed copy of this cookbook at the Iowa State Fair.
“Iowa Girl Eats” Kristin Porter and host of “Join My Journey,” will greet and meet fairgoers and autograph the popular “Let’s Cook” cookbook on Friday, Aug. 8, from 1-3 p.m. and on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. – noon. Plus, my family and I will be joining Kristin at the IFFP exhibit today from 1 to 3 PM. We hope to see you there! After all, nothing else compares to the Iowa State Fair.
Ham and Asparagus Egg Sandwiches
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1⁄3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbs. apricot preserves
- ¼ tsp. curry powder
- 8 oz. asparagus spears, trimmed
- 2 tsp. butter
- 4 large eggs
- 4 ciabatta rolls or 1 ciabatta loaf, cut in half crosswise
- 4 thin slices country-style ham (6 oz.)
- 4 oz. sliced white cheddar cheese
Instructions
Directions:
- In small bowl combine mayonnaise, apricot preserves and curry powder. Set aside.
- Place asparagus spears in a single layer in a shallow baking pan.
- Pour enough boiling water over asparagus to cover. Let stand for 10 to 12 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain.
- For fried eggs, in a large skillet melt butter over medium heat.
- Break eggs into skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low; cook eggs for 3 to 4 minutes or until whites are completely set and yolks start to thicken. If desired, turn eggs and cook for 30 seconds more (over easy) or 1 minute more (over hard).
- Toast bread. Spread mayo-curry mixture on roll bottoms.
- Top with cheese, ham, asparagus spears and fried eggs. Add roll tops. (If using ciabatta loaf, cut loaf to make 4 sandwiches).
