Back in 1987, President Reagan designated June 25 as National Catfish Day. The idea was to “celebrate the value of farm-raised catfish.” I’m glad he did. It gives me a reason to develop some new recipes and approaches to a fish that’s become one of my go-to’s. Catfish is just so versatile. It’s an all-American favorite that summons images of lazy afternoons cane-pole fishing on a meandering stream. Very Huck Finn. Very satisfying. Read more about Quick Broiled Catfish …
When I was a kid, I regarded the onion ring with suspicion. A deep-fried vegetable? I had my doubts. It wasn’t until I realized that said vegetable was wrapped in a thick, savory batter (and that it sure smelled good, even from across the table) that I decided to give it a go. Wow! The onion ring—the ultimate comfort food. Read more about Simple Spiced Onion Rings …
Once again, Americans look to Germany for a culinary inspiration that’s sure to satisfy—apple strudel! This sugary, swirly sensation is celebrated each year in the United States on June 17, National Apple Strudel Day. Read more about Apple Cinnamon Crisp Strudel …
You say “catsup,” I say “ketchup”! What’s the difference? Turns out, none at all. Both spellings refer to the same condiment, a tomato-based sauce that has its roots in the Chinese word “kê-tsiap.” But no matter how you spell it, ketchup is a go-to foundation in most kitchens and has been a part of our lives since we first reached for that red plastic squirt bottle when we were kids at a summer cook-out. One estimate reports that Americans purchase 10 billion ounces of ketchup annually. No wonder we have a special day to commemorate this awesome sauce: June 5, National Ketchup Day. Read more about Slow Cooker Awesome Homemade Ketchup …
The mint julep is the traditional drink of the horseracing derby culture, and it’s easy to see why…what’s better than a sporting event paired with a traditional Southern cocktail? Of course, the juleps don’t stop when the race is over. The mint julep is a warm weather favorite for all kinds of entertaining—or even for just sitting on the porch for a spell. Read more about Sparkling Ginger Marrakesh Mint Julep …
In my experience, nothing says summer’s coming like the mouth-watering aroma of freshly-smoked beef. One whiff and you’re ready to knock off work, open a beverage, pull up a patio chair, and settle in. Smokehouse briskets take time—which is a huge part of the appeal. You can’t rush smoked brisket, but you can bring the great taste (and smells!) of the traditional outdoor smokehouse indoors with this clever slow-cooker recipe. Read more about Slow Cooker Smokehouse Brisket …
May 20 is “National Quiche Lorraine Day” (who knew?) but why wait? Quiche Lorraine is a fabulous choice for an anytime weekend brunch or a light patio supper with good friends. Easy to make, easy to serve, Quiche Lorraine is one of those hearty-yet-light anomalies in the gourmet world. It packs a protein-filled satiety but retains an airy presentation that’s just right for spring and summer entertaining. Read more about Tomato Tarragon Blooming Quiche …
In honor of this beloved classic dish, we’ve created a fresh simple Vik’s Shrimp Scampi Fix recipe.
This shrimp scampi highlights classic garlic flavors with Vik’s Garlic Fix! Spice Blend, bright buttery lemon, and a kick of heat from Pirate’s Bite Spice Blend! Read more about Vik’s Shrimp Scampi Fix …
Most often, we think of eating pretzels while at carnivals, ball parks, shopping at the mall, and watching a movie. Quite frankly, all you need to do is pick up a bag of your favorite variety, at your local grocery store. Personally, a pretzel that’s right out of the oven, with its hot crunchy crust, and soft chewy interior, is the only pretzel that I truly enjoy. There’s no better way to satisfy that pretzel craving than to make them at home. Read more about Inside-Out Pretzels …
The iconic grilled cheese sandwich. So simple, so plainly perfect. It’s basically 3 ingredients, white bread, sliced American cheese, and butter. It’s eaten by itself or can be dunked into simple homemade soup, like our Tuscany Tomato Soup (containing rich hearty flavors from Tuscany Spice Blend & Sweet Onion Sugar and ready in 10 minutes). Grilled cheese can even be stuffed and loaded up Sloppy Joe style!
The grilled cheese sandwich is an incredible flavor canvas with endless possibilities; bread choices, which cheeses to use. Should it be butter, oil, mayonnaise, and what about added flavors? The idea of sprinkling a spice blend into layers of bread and cheese and grilling to a flavorful perfection, seems just too easy to believe. But it is. Read more about Assemble – Melt – Enjoy …
Spring is one of the most exciting times of the year, especially in the culinary world. It’s time to trade in those classic winter comfort foods for some new and exciting fresh spring flavors! At The Spice & Tea Exchange®, we experimented with many different combinations of products and flavor profiles that we felt would […]
Taco Tuesday. It’s basically a standing Tuesday thing for me, and usually ends up being sort of a pot luck taco Tuesday. Whatever I’ve got going on in my fridge ends up nestled into those heavenly crunchy shells. My favorite however, is still the good old ground beef taco. It’s so simple, and yet satisfies all my basic criteria for the perfect taco. Read more about Taco Tuesday at Its Finest …
Honestly, who doesn’t secretly love a sloppy joe? But I have to say, the sloppy joe gets kind of a bum rap, and is totally under appreciated. So I thought, why not give it a little attention. Let’s face it, the day after St. Patrick’s Day, is sort of forgettable to be National Sloppy Joe […]
From salads to dips, dolloped on a baked potato, and baked onto chicken or even pizza; there isn’t much you can’t do with ranch dressing. There are some great bottled dressings on the market, but why not take a few minutes and DIY? Here is our favorite ranch dressing recipe with a few options to create flavorful alternatives. Read more about For the Love of Ranch …
Indulge a little! As winter approaches its end, take a couple nights to enjoy some of your favorite comfort foods one last time. One of our favorite comfort foods are these caramel-loaded chocolaty Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies. Read more about Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies …