"We issued a challenge hoping to find some new favorites, and did people across Nebraska ever respond," said Larry Sitzman, executive director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association. "We were overwhelmed with some really good recipes, and it was hard to narrow the list down to a few to prepare, taste and judge."

Staff from the Dry Bean Commission and Nebraska Pork Producers Association narrowed the 150 recipes to the top 10 recipes that went beyond traditional pork and beans fare. Then staff from the Nebraska Restaurant Association and Culinology Department at the University of Nebraska prepared and helped judge these 10 before finally settling on the three winning recipes.

"We struggled to pick the top three, as all were wonderful and very good," said Lynn Reuter of the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission. "After several tastes, Cowboy Pizza rose to the top – it has great flavor and uses pork loin and black beans. It’s also fairly easy to make, which is especially helpful for busy families."

Cowboy Pizza is the creation of Jerlyn Hohnholt of North Platte. Hohnholt was named grand prize winner and received a check for $1,000. Her recipe, along with the runner-up and second place winners, were featured at the Nebraska State Fair.

The runner-up recipe and $500 went to Nancy Stuthman of Platte Center with her Southwestern Pork Salad recipe. Second place and $250 went to Jane Galley of Columbus for her Beanie Vegetable Soup creation.

All three recipes are available in a brochure at the Nebraska Pork Producers website: www.nepork.org.

"We certainly appreciate everyone taking the time to submit a recipe," Sitzman said. "We’re always on the lookout for new flavors that can be created from today’s lean pork, and it’s nice to have some new twists that combine pork with dry beans, which are a great source of low-fat fiber and protein."

Reuter added that Nebraska is the country’s top producer of great northern beans and a leading producer of pinto, light red kidney, black and navy beans. "Cowboy Pizza, and the other great recipes, offer a great taste of Nebraska," Reuter said.