Duke Homestead celebrates North Carolina’s food history and culture July 14 at “Pork, Pickles and Peanuts: Tastes of North Carolina.” This free, fun family event focuses on everything that makes the state taste great with the highly competitive and extremely tasty annual Barbecue Cook-Off and Pie Competition from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors can get a taste of the action themselves by voting in the coveted BBQ People’s Choice Award, or donating $1 for a slice of competition pies! You can also snack on – what else – peanuts and pickles from the vendors. Enjoy live music from local artists throughout the day, and local vendors selling crafts, art, jewelry and more. There will be games and crafts all day near the vendors and music.
Do you bake a perfect pie? Enter the pie competition! Entries are limited to eight, so be sure to sign up today. See the rules and enter online at dukehomestead.org.
Historical cooking demonstrations take center stage at the historic Duke house to examine North Carolina’s delicious past. Visitors will see 19th century pickling, a peanut boil, and both savory and sweet treats being prepared in the Duke’s own kitchen.
Kids can try out 19th century games and toys, and talk to Junior Interpreters about ways that historic homesteaders would have used all parts of a pig, including the fat. (Hint: you’ll be able to take a soap sample home!) The fun isn’t limited to kids! Test a recipe for pickled watermelon rinds and decide if you’re a fan of this southern delicacy.
“Pork, Pickles and Peanuts: Tastes of North Carolina” is sponsored by NC Peanut Growers and Mount Olive Pickle Company. For more information contact (919) 627-6990 or visit DukeHomestead.org. Duke Homestead is located at 2828 Duke Homestead Rd., Durham, and part of the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.