Beef vs Pork

     As I mentioned in previous posts, Texas is big on beef.  And at the Texas Monthly Barbecue Fest I had some wonderful, mouth watering examples of their best.  And while the event was long on beef it was short on desserts, something I'm very fond of.





     Had such a gathering taken place at a Southern pig roast, say in North Carolina, it would have no doubt ended with generous servings of Pig Pickin' Cake.  It's something that is a tradition at barbecues, picnics and similar communal gatherings in that region.  The name of the dessert, however, can be confusing to those not from the South.  People often ask if there is pork in it and does it have a savory flavor?

     Pig Pickin' Cake is made by tossing segments of mandarin oranges into a vanilla cake batter to keep the cake moist and to add a sweet citrus flavor.  Once baked the cake is traditionally topped with a whipped frosting that includes chunks of pineapple and its juice.  The list of ingredients are simple and readily available year round; a box yellow cake mix, canned mandarin oranges, eggs, vegetable oil, canned crushed pineapple, whipped topping and instant vanilla pudding.



     It is also commonly known as mandarin orange cake.  But in the southeast, specifically in the Carolinas it has always been know at Pig Pickin' Cake, and is considered the most distinct dish served in North Carolina during Thanksgiving.

Here's the recipe if you want to serve it with your turkey (or whole pig) this Thanksgiving: