Taking on New Adventures

One of the events I’ve most enjoyed in New Orleans is Hogs for the Cause. It’s no secret that I grew up in Memphis and have long enjoyed the Memphis in May BBQ Festival and the awesome food and scenery it provided me growing up.

Fast forward to 2013 when I moved here and was first told of Hogs for the Cause. The event raises money to support families of pediatric brain cancer patients. And it’s a legit BBQ competition. I mean, seriously legit. The food is fantastic and the teams bring a ton of fun with the crazy and clever nicknames and setups.

I did my first year with my job at Dinner Lab, and we had a blast. After I left, I joined the only all-girl cooking team, Sweet Swine O’Mine. We had a ball. And although our food (Zapp’s Pie, anyone?) is outstanding, we added a Cotton Candy and Face Painting booth for the kids. It is an added bonus that those elements help raise even more money for us to throw into the overall Hogs pile.

I had to take 2 years off the team for various reasons, getting married and the expense and time there being one, but this year I was back and enjoyed everything I could possibly do with the team. We had new shirts and even more fun as the weather couldn’t be any better for this year’s cookoff. And we totally withstood every unexpected challenge thrown our way this year.

I’m looking forward to being more involved next year and totally rocking my pink sunglasses again, repping Sweet Swine O’Mine!