CUDAHY, Wis., Aug. 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Patrick Cudahy®, The Home of Sweet Apple-Wood Smoked Flavor, has concluded yet another amazing year at the Wisconsin State Fair. For the 19th consecutive year, Patrick Cudahy Day has offered fairgoers a chance to partake in high-stakes contests, bacon-themed games, indulge in savory treats, and so much more.

Patrick Cudahy continued a delicious tradition by sponsoring the Thyme for Bacon Tailgate Bake Off! Contest where at-home chefs were able to show off their talents to their local community. This year, Patrick Cudahy added a fun twist by having the finalists who snagged the top prizes the last three years go head to head in a final throw down.

Each finalist displayed recipes featuring Patrick Cudahy bacon. After demonstrating their delectable skill sets in previous years, they were eager to bring their culinary chops back to the main stage. This year’s contest consisted of one round of judging based on creativity and originality, taste, and presentation. The seven finalists presented their recipes during Friday’s final round at the Fair’s Central Park.

After a tough decision between the unique and tasty recipes, Cindy Paul was crowned the champion by delivering Patrick Cudahy Bacon Ham and Jam Ultimate Grillers with unmistakable flavor and quality. The winning recipe elevated the typical Wisconsin State Fair snack to a new level using pretzel buns, pure maple syrup, and Wisconsin cheese to compliment Patrick Cudahy bacon and ham. The winner took home free Patrick Cudahy Sweet Apple-Wood Smoked bacon and a $250 cash prize. The second, third, and fourth place finalists also received a cash prize.

“I am truly honored to be recognized by Patrick Cudahy and the Wisconsin State Fair in this year’s recipe contest competing against the best of the best,” said Paul. “Thank you, Patrick Cudahy, for giving home cooks this opportunity year in and year out. It is an incredible experience that my family and I will never forget.”

Patrick Cudahy fans can enjoy the winning recipe at home by visiting www.Facebook.com/PatrickCudahyMeats beginning next week.

In addition to the excitement of the Thyme for Bacon Tailgate Bake Off! Contest, the brand hosted the Patrick Cudahy Fairly Chop’d Food Competition where local media personalities competed in a fast-paced cooking challenge. This year marks the third consecutive year for the popular event. The competitors were tasked with creating an appetizer, main course, and dessert using products from Patrick Cudahy, Eckrich®, and Nathan’s Famous® brands.

To top off the excitement, fans were also treated to savory sampling, cooking demonstrations, entertainment, and giveaways throughout the day.

"Our 130th Anniversary celebration at Patrick Cudahy Day was a tremendous success," said Bud Matthews, Patrick Cudahy senior vice president. "We were thrilled to be a sponsor of the Wisconsin State Fair for the 19th year, and I truly think this was the best year yet. We were so delighted to see our fans and neighbors have such a great time celebrating with us.”

Patrick Cudahy has proudly served as a primary sponsor of the Wisconsin State Fair since 1999. For more information about Patrick Cudahy and the Wisconsin State Fair, visit www.Facebook.com/PatrickCudahyMeats.

Patrick Cudahy is a brand of Smithfield Foods.

About Patrick Cudahy

For 130 years, families throughout the Midwest have known the name Patrick Cudahy as one they can count on for quality, value and for the unmistakable flavor of Sweet Apple Wood. Our product line includes fully cooked and traditional bacon, bacon pieces and toppings, dry sausage, pepperoni, ham, deli, and sliced meats.

About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Nathan’s Famous®, Farmland®, Armour®, Farmer John®, Kretschmar®, John Morrell®, Cook’s®, Gwaltney®, Carando®, Margherita®, Curly’s®, Healthy Ones®, Morliny®, Krakus® and Berlinki®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Hunter PR for Patrick Cudahy
Megan Milano
mmilano@hunterpr.com
(212) 679-6600

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09b5bed9-8fa5-448a-aaa6-6c21e5b2a1bb