Coast Packing Company, the leading supplier of animal fat shortenings in the Western US, has announced the return of its 8th annual #LardLovers Recipe Contest, timed up with National Lard Day on December 8. Coast Packing is calling home cooks, bakers and culinary enthusiasts to submit their original recipes showcasing the rich flavors of lard.

The company is highlighting VIVA Lard, which embodies the heritage and deliciousness of time-honored cooking methods and has been the trusted brand in Hispanic kitchens for over 45 years. Carefully processed to ensure quality, consistency and zero trans fats, VIVA Lard is a versatile cooking, baking and frying staple. Its superior creaming properties make breads more flavorful, pie crusts flakier and brings a rich, authentic flavor to popular dishes.

“Lard is a heritage fat that has been used in cooking for generations with incredible significance across various cuisines,” says Coast corporate chef Greg Hozinsky. “Its low moisture content and high melting point make it an ideal, forgiving ingredient—especially for pie crusts—allowing it to be easily cut into flour without absorbing as much during baking. The result is an unmatched, perfectly flaky crust.”

This year’s contest has two categories: Sweet and Savory. Contestants can fill a winning spot–1st and 2nd place in each category for sweet and savory–by impressing a panel of judges, including Chef Hozinsky.

To enter, contestants can visit Coast Packing Company's website and follow these steps:

  1. Upload the original recipe that includes lard as an ingredient.
  2. Include a list of all ingredients and recipe instructions.
  3. Add a clear photo of the finished dish.

The contest runs now through November 30, with the judging period taking place December 1-7. Winners will be announced on December 8 (National Lard Day).

The Sweet category first-place winner will receive a KitchenAid® Design Series Evergreen Stand Mixer (MSRP $700) and the second-place winner will receive a Caraway 11pc. Bakeware Set (MSRP $395). The Savory category first-place winner will receive a GreenPan™ Stanley Tucci™ Ceramic Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set (MSRP $700) and the second-place winner will receive a Le Creuset Noel Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, 4 1/2-Qt. (MSRP $399).