Taste of Home Magazine
October/November 2003
PEOPLE often ask Tara and Mark Brtek of Elk Grove, California about the name of their Singing Pig Food Company. A porky crooner stars on the labels of their popular Pumpkin Pie Butter, gourmet mustard, salsas, marinades, and dip mixes (Bringin' Home the Bacon and Cheese is among the Brteks' top-selling dips).
Tara explains, "When I was 3, my parents told me I could be anything I wanted to be when I grew up. They were thinking doctor, fireman, teacher or the like. But I thought they meant I could be literally anything---and I told them I wanted to be a singing pig!
"Thirty years later, I'm still being teased about that innocent comment. It was Mark's idea to name our company after my childhood ambition!"
Their 20-plus offerings all originated in their home kitchen as the couple experimented and refined favorite recipes. "The Pumpkin Pie Butter was our first product." recalls Mark. "It tastes like a fresh-baked Thanksgiving Day pumpkin pie."
Almost every weekend, they set up shop at one of the festivals in northern California. "Our intention is to make a visit to our booth be fun." notes Mark.
"You can try the Pumpkin Pie Butter, compare Sweet Onion Salsa with Habanero Wild Boar Salsa and sample jams, jellies and dips.
"You wouldn't believe how many jars we sell to pig collectors and hog farmers. It's become a regular occurrence for folks to have their picture taken next to our booth."
For more information, call 1-800-968-0371, or visit www.singingpig.com.