School's out for summer (almost). Must stock bacon.

Another school year is coming to a close...

As the end of another school year approaches, one might ask, are you ready? Do you have enough books, trips, toys, games and camps to keep your kids busy? If you don't have kids, are you prepped with home made meals to save money for that summer vacation? Either way, we can help. Two great recipes to put a smile on anyone's face and keep some paper in your wallet.

Ham and cheese muffins

Ingredients:

2 Cups flour
1 Tbs baking powder
1/2 Tsp salt
1 Egg
1 Cup buttermilk
1/4 Cup vegetable oil
8 Oz. boneless ham steak chopped
1 1/2 Cups cheddar cheese shredded

Directions:

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

Lightly grease and flour 12 regular muffin tins. In a large bowl stir together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. Whisk together the egg, buttermilk and oil in a small bowl. Stir in the ham and cheese. Using a rubber spatula, stir the egg mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined. Do not overmix.

Spoon into each of the prepared muffin tins approximately 3/4 full. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from muffin tin and let cool.

Makes 12.

-Bacon and Cheese Muffins: Substitute 6 slices bacon, diced and panbroiled, for the ham.

-Sausage and Cheese Muffins: Substitute 8 ounces pork sausage, cooked, crumbled and drained, for the ham.

BLT&G Wrap

Ingredients:
12 slices of crispy bacon
4 8 inch tortillas
4 oz. cream cheese spread1/2 cup of chunky salsa1 cup iceburg lettuce1/2 cup of guacamole

Directions:Spread each tortilla on one side with some cream cheese; top with some salsa and shredded lettuce and spread evenly. Place three slices bacon on each tortilla; top with some guacamole and roll up to serve immediately.

Serves 4.

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Be a hero and give blood

It is a humbling experience to meet a hero. During the 2014 okPORK and Oklahoma Blood Institute Annual Pre-Memorial Day Blood Drive there are heroes pouring into the donation centers all day long.

One such hero was William Steck. He began giving blood more than 20 years ago and during that time has donated more than 50 gallons of blood.

"I began donating whole blood before the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Building," Steck said. "After the bombing they didn't need whole blood. That day, plasma was needed. So I then began donating plasma. After a couple of years I began donating platelets."

Steck enjoyed his pulled pork sandwich while he had his photo taken. Since 2006 okPORK has provided pulled pork sandwiches and chips to each of the blood donation sites throughout the state for the blood drive held the Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day weekend. In addition, okPORK also supplies a chance to win a picnic for 40 catered by okPORK.

OBI's president and CEO John Armitage wrote a letter after the 2013 blood drice explaining how important the partership was.

"Holiday weekend donations are always a challenge for OBI," Atmitage said. "However one again the dedication and support of the Oklahoma Pork Council made it possible to meet the medical needs of Oklahomans who required the blood to make it through the Memorail Day weekend."

Routine donors like Steck may not need the additional motivation okPORK helps provide during the partnership. Steck sees donating as a way to anonymously help cancer patients and make sure his health is staying in check which he believes makes donating worthwhile.

"It is an easy way to gety a mini health check-up," Steck said. "I am glad okPORK is involved with OBI. They are good people and anyone who works with them must be good people also."

okPORK will once again be partnering with OBI across the state on May 21 and 22, and has every intention of continuing to do so in the future.

okPORK enjoys the opportunity to be involved in helping the communities across the state and sharing some love of pork at the same time. The ethical principles the pork industry stands on would expect nothing less.

"God gave us this great and perfect body," Steck said. "I make sure I keep mine healthy and the little mini check-ups help. But it's not only about that - if it helps keep other bodies healthy too that is a most wonderful thing.

About Oklahoma Pork Council

The Oklahoma Pork Council, a producer organization consisting of Oklahoma pork producers, represents the interests of all pork producers. Partially funded by federally collected Pork Checkoff dollars, okPORK promotes pork and pork products, funds research, and educates consumers and producers about the pork industry. For more information about this or any other programs of the Oklahoma Pork Council visit www.okpork.org or call 1.405.232.3781.