Pork lovers took a liking to the classic Cajun dish “gumbo” with an Iowa twist at last night’s “Taste of Elegance” in Des Moines. The annual cooking contest, sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association, was won by Chef Michael Myers of Williamsburg and his “Non-traditional Pork Gumbo.”Myers says seven different cuts of pork were used in the thick, spicy soup. He says it included everything but the squeal. Myers says he used pork necks and pork steak, smoked ham shanks, ham center, ham roast, bratwurst and bacon. Other ingredients included: garlic, onions, peppers, tomatoes and celery. He says it’s something any Iowan could make very economically.Ten chefs from across the state competed in the 15th annual event using pork dishes. All proceeds will go to the Food Bank of Iowa.
