A look at the Presidential Candidate's Favorite Iowa State Fair Food - the Pork Chop on a Stick

If you've been listening to the news over the last week you've probably noticed that every Presidential Candidate has had to get their hands on a Pork Chop on a Stick while attending the Iowa State Fair.  This is really no surprise to me.  The Pork Chop on a Stick is easy to eat (with no awkward photo opportunity - i.e. corn dogs), is a classic "stick" fair food, is one of the healthiest foods on the fairgrounds, showcases Iowa's #1 pork production in the country and it is delicious!

The Upper Chop Shop located
east of the Pork Tent
(The Lower Chop Shop is located across
the road from the Livestock Pavilion)

The Pork Chop on a Stick can be found at the Iowa Pork Producer Association's Chop Shops at the Iowa State Fair.  What is really neat is that the chops are cooked and served by pork producer volunteers from across the state.  My Farmer and I have been volunteering at the Chop Shops for the last 9 years we decided last weekend when we were volunteering at our shift this year.

This Iowa State Fair patron is all smiles
as she receives a Pork Chop on a Stick

So you might be asking, what is the Pork Chop on a Stick?  To simply put it, the Pork Chop on a Stick is a French Cut Pork Chop.  This pork chop is cut from the center of the pork loin and leaves the bone in, creating a stick to hold on to for eating on the go, or actually gives it an elegant look if served on a plate.  One question that I get every year serving Pork Chops on a Stick is, "where's the stick?".  It is the bone!  No additional wooden stick needed for this Iowa State Fair food staple.

The Iowa Pork Producers serve around 5,000-6,000 Pork Chops on a Stick daily at the Iowa State Fair.  The chops are put on long racks, that are then inserted into a rotisserie grill.  They cook for about an hour, or til they reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Top Left: My Farmer and our friend Mike getting chops ready to go in the grill
Bottom Left: Pork Chops on a Stick cooking on the rotisserie grill
Right: My Farmer taking Pork Chops on a Stick off the grill and into serving pans

Our friend Mike graciously let me use one of his
photos from his phone when Donald Trump stopped by
for his Chop on a Stick the day of our volunteer shift

Looking at these photos I'm getting hungry for a Pork Chop on a Stick!  It is no wonder that everyone comes by for one, including Donald Trump ;)  If you are headed to the Iowa State Fair be sure to get a Pork Chop on a Stick and check out my top Fair Food guide too (that includes the Pork Chop on a Stick).  And if you aren't able to make it to the fair, but are still hungry for a pork chop, check out this infographic on how to cook pork chops four different ways.

Our friend Mike, myself and My Farmer
during our Chop Shop volunteer shift

The Pork Tent is always a highlight for our family and friends every year, and this year it is turning out to be the place to go if you're running for President.  What are some of your favorite spots to visit at the Iowa State Fair?  What is your favorite Fair Food?  Remember to Comment for a Cause!