Ep 5. Jackie Hash Brown

In the fifth episode of Carnival Eats season 8, titled "Jackie Hash Brown," host Noah Cappe travels to the Annual Pork Roll Festival in his home state of New Jersey. The festival is a celebration of the pork roll, a local twist on the classic breakfast meat that is found only in the Garden State.

Noah begins his culinary journey at a stand that specializes in the "Pork Roll Reuben" sandwich, which replaces the traditional corned beef with slices of the regional delicacy. Next, he samples "Pork Roll Empanadas," which are filled with cream cheese and spicy pork roll and served with a blueberry dipping sauce.

One of the festival's food vendors, Jackie, serves up her unique take on the classic hash brown by incorporating pork roll and cheese into her recipe. Noah is quick to try Jackie's creation, and he is blown away by the flavors.

Moving on to the next dish, Noah tries a "Skipper Mac and Cheese Steak," which is a combination of macaroni and cheese, steak, and—you guessed it—pork roll. He then samples a "Pork Roll Cupcake," which is made with bacon-infused frosting and topped with a piece of pork roll.

Noah's food journey at the Pork Roll Festival ends on a sweet note with a "Pork Roll Donut Burger" that combines a glazed donut, a sausage patty made with pork roll, and a fried egg. The result is a sandwich that is both savory and sweet, and Noah can't get enough.

Throughout the episode, Noah speaks with the vendors and festivalgoers to learn more about the cultural significance of the pork roll in New Jersey. He also showcases the fun activities at the festival, including a pork roll toss and a "Pork Roll Princess" pageant.

"Jackie Hash Brown" is an ode to the beloved pork roll of New Jersey and the creativity of its people when it comes to incorporating the local delicacy into their recipes. Noah's enthusiasm for the food and the festival is infectious, and viewers will no doubt be inspired to try these unique and delicious dishes at home.