Editor's Choice — Virginia Cocktail Peanuts

For years, I didn’t eat peanuts. I don’t know what my aversion was; though, I do know that I missed out on enjoying this delightful delicacy as a child. I missed out on years of salty goodness and hearty protein. But, I’m now officially on the peanut bandwagon. And, this revelation came not a moment too soon because, last week we got a hearty helping of Virginia Cocktail Peanuts. They were downright delicious.

Virginia Cocktail Peanuts are hand-prepared in the fertile Virginia fields (as the name implies). Mary Vaden started the company in a bustling kitchen overlooking the Navesink River. A barn was her first warehouse. Virginia Cocktail Peanuts has come a long way since it’s humble beginnings. In fact, the brand is now sold nationally and internationally.

Part of its success can be attributed to the creative flavors Vaden created. The line includes everything from sweet treats (think Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate and Toffee varieties) to spicy alternatives (such as Jalapeno and Cajun). For consumers who love the salty nuts of their childhood, Sea Salt is a sure favorite. And, for those who just want to appreciate the taste of the nuts alone, Virginia Cocktail Peanuts offers an unsalted flavor.

I sampled the Cajun flavored nuts and greatly enjoyed them. The nuts have a hint of heat — just enough to keep you coming back for more. The flavoring wasn’t overwhelming, so samplers can still greatly appreciate the quality of the snack itself. These treats would be perfect in gift baskets. Retailers could also run specials on the nuts by creating clever trail mix recipes for them.

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice — Sugar Brook Farms

Cheese makes everything better. Need to spice up some plain macaroni — just add some melted cheese and you magically have a favored meal for adults and children alike. Add two slices of bread and some cheese and you have a sandwich. When your hamburger is a little dull, add cheese. When your wrap needs spicing up, add cheese. It solves all culinary problems. And, when Sugar Brook sent a wide variety of the company’s top cheese products, you can bet I was checking them out!

Sugar Brook Farms produces delicious cheese products from the company’s farm in Verona, WI. Their line includes everything from cheese balls to cold pack cheese, deli cakes, dessert balls and Chedda spreads. Our shipment included a variety of spreads including the award-winning CheddaBlu. The spread is a combination of Wisconsin Aged Cheddar and Wisconsin Blue Cheese. This gives it a strong, distinct flavor that would be perfect on a Buffalo Chicken sandwich.

The spread is synonymous with awards and won both the 2006 Best in Class and the 2008 2^nd Place at the World Cheese Awards. And, while cheese is always a winner in my book — Sugar Brook’s CheddarBlu definitely stood out!

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice — Jaillance Wines

Today’s editor’s choice is a little different. I don’t know about you, but I’m constantly perusing websites to find the best recipes for the holiday season. And, believe it or not, I start looking in mid-October. While my mom prepares Thanksgiving meals and my aunt is the head chef during Christmas, my holiday of choice is New Year’s Eve. So, you can imagine the recipes I’m looking for fall mainly in the libation department.

Recently Jaillance Wines sent a few bottles of bubbly to our office (much to our glee). And, we were about to sample the delicious champagne. One of my biggest qualms with champagne is typically its sweetness. But, Jaillance wasn’t overly sweet or dry. The vintages we tasted were somewhere in the perfect median range. I was equally thrilled when the company forwarded a drink recipe that I’ll certainly be using during New Years’ parties to come. It’s listed below for your perusing (and drinking) pleasure. Include with any purchases of the wine during the holiday season. Your consumers will thank you!

Jaillance Jolly

A spin off of the classic Bellini, the Jaillance Jolly is a quick and easy party cocktail that will delight everyone during the holiday season. Jaillance’s Clairette de Die "The French Moscato Bubbly" compliments the fresh and fruity flavors of peach while adding lovely elderberry floral notes and delicate bubbles (at a much lower price than most other sparkling wines).

Ingredients:

• One-third glass of peach juice or pureed frozen peaches (thawed)

• Two-thirds glass of Jaillance Clairette de Die

Instructions:

1. Muddle one whole peach or pour peach juice into champagne flute

2. Tilt the glass diagonally and fill it with Jaillance Clairette de Die

3. Stir with a bar spoon or cocktail stirrer

4. Add your caramelized sugar garnish

For the caramelized sugar decoration:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups water

• 1 Tbsp oil or butter

Instructions:

1. Grease baking sheet thoroughly with oil or butter. Fill a sink or large bowl with cold water.

2. Dissolve 1 cup granulated sugar into 2 cups of water while stirring into a saucepan.

3. Raise the heat and allow the mixture to come to a rapid boil without stirring until golden brown.

4. Remove from the heat and dip the base of the saucepan into cold water for approximately three to five seconds.

5. Use a spoon to drizzle decorations on your well-greased baking sheet. The caramelized sugar will begin to thicken as it sets, so try to make the designs as quickly as possible.

6. Let cool. The decoration should slide easily from the baking sheet. 

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice — Alchemy by Carla Hall

Like so many other people, I’m a huge fan of reality television. And, being a self-proclaimed foodie, cooking competitions are constantly on my DVR must-watch list. So, it should be no surprise that I’m an avid Top Chef fan. One of my favorite contestants was and is Carla Hall. This spunky DC-resident was known for her boisterous personality and her clean flavors. When I discovered Hall had created a food line, I was excited by the prospect of tasting her delicacies. And, just last week, we received Alchemy by Carla Hall cookies in the office. You’ve never seen me move as quickly as I did while diving for the Mexican Chocolate Chip variety.

While the flavoring in these petit fares borders on classic — you can clearly taste the quality ingredients used during preparation. During the show, Hall was a huge proponent of cooking with only the finest, freshest materials. So, within her cookies she uses strictly organic flour, sugar and eggs. By incorporating brown sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon — the sweet treats go from ordinary to flavorful and exciting. Moreover, their miniature size prevents you from feeling the inevitable guilt that typically accompanies eating sweets. Market these cookies as the perfect stocking stuffer during the holiday season.

Other flavors within the Alchemy line include: Black Forest Crinkle, Pecan Shortbread with Vanilla Salt, Goat Cheese and Dried Cranberries, Oatmeal with White Chocolate and Dried Cranberries and Almond Gingerbread Cherry Shortbread, to name a few. There’s one thing I’m certain of, Carla Hall lived up to her Top Chef reputation.

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice — LesserEvil Black & White Kettle Corn

My household is a snacking household. While I love to cook (and prepare dinner nightly), my husband and I always have an assortment of chips, crackers, dips and cookies to nosh on. So, he was thrilled when I trotted home one Monday evening with a large bag of LesserEvil Black and White Kettle Corn. Of all the snacks in the world, popcorn is my husband’s favorite. And, kettle corn reigns supreme. After devouring the bag, I was happy I hadn’t sampled it at my desk. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have made the journey all the way across town.

LesserEvil is a company that believes in snacking responsibly. Therefore, they’ve created a line of products that have remarkably high serving sizes with remarkably low calories. Now, you might say to yourself that this is an easy task when it comes to popcorn. After all, once the salt and the butter is removed, you have a snack that’s popped rather than fried. However, this becomes much more difficult when you throw in the additional caloric intake from chocolate (remember we had Black & White kettle corn) and the syrup (which transforms it from plain old popcorn). So, I was shocked by the tasty treat. First, I anticipated the chocolate covered corn to be sparse. However, there was an even — 50/50 distribution. Then, I assumed it would be light on syrup or salt (resulting in a treat that’s either overly savory or sweet depending on what’s missing). Neither was true. This was simply a small bag of evenly distributed, delicious kettle corn. A small bag that I wanted to eat every night! Retailers will be drawn to the company’s clever packing and convenient size, as well.

So, if you’re a house full of snackers and you’re looking to expand the snacking horizons, look no further. This healthy alternative is truly the lesser evil to fattening potato chips that spend a minute on your lips … and a lifetime on your hips!

~Cathryn 

Editor's Choice: DeBrand Chocolatier

While diamonds are beautiful, they're also rare. And, dogs are great. But they smell up your carpet. I contest that there can be only one girl's best friend and that is clearly chocolate. That's why there's a mad rush anytime we get it in the office. That's why you eat it during a break-up. And, that's why it puts a wide smile on your face after the bleakest of days. So, when we scored a stash of DeBrand Chocolatier's Tart Red Raspberry Tasting Bars, I did the noble thing. I hid them away in my desk drawer and only bothered to eat them when my co-workers weren't looking.

Let me tell you ... it was worth the deception. DeBrand uses only the finest chocolate from around the world. In these tasting bars, this high-quality chocolate was paired with chunks of red raspberries. The combination was sinfully delicious. So much so that after sampling it, you'll forget all about classic combinations (think chocolates and strawberries). This duo will dominate your palette. Moreover, the company labeled pieces of the candy with "bite," "nibble" or "chunk" so you won't overindulge. As if!

If you aren't into sweet and tangy, sample the company's other tasting bar flavors, including: White Chocolate, Hazelnut Coffee Crunch and Peanut Butter Brittle. A complete list of flavors and other products is available on the company website, debrand.com. But, ensure you order enough for everyone. Because every girl needs this kind of BFF!

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Kettle Brand Potato Chips

I come from a long line of grazers. My mom should've invested in stock in Goldfish Crackers years ago. And, while I have a propensity for all things sweet — occasionally something salty and delicious will cross my path. In these rare instances, I take note. So, when we got a big box of Kettle Brand potato chips in all sorts of unique flavors, I was excited.

The first flavor to cross my desk was the Salsa with Mesquite. And, I must say, it's a favorite. The chips — like all in the Kettle Brand line — had just the right amount of crunch. It was enough to be enjoyable without totally annoying my coworkers. The Salsa with Mesquite flavoring wasn't overwhelming either. The mesquite gave it a barbeque like taste while still pairing seamlessly with the salsa essence. The chips would be perfect during the summer months at a picnic, while watching a big game or even just for a lazy afternoon snack where you don't have the energy to scurry up both chips and salsa.

Other unique flavors in the line included: Red Chili, Cheddar Beer and Jalapeno Jack. However, this line is a "limited batch." So, you should stock up quickly!

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Duchy Originals Lemon All Butter Shortbread Biscuits

Whenever I have a choice between salty and sweet, I always grasp desperately for the sweet treat. This runs the gamut from ice cream and cupcakes to popsicles. For the love of my waistline, I try to keep these most delectable goodies out of my pantry. But, my real weakness (and something I can’t resist buying or eating) is cookies. I might have replaced Sesame Street’s original Cookie Monster. I could eat cookies morning, noon and night. Therefore, unsurprisingly, I was drawn to Duchy Originals Shortbread Biscuits infused with lemon. While I’m not much of a tea drinker — preferring the caffeine kick coffee provides — these pretty and thin cookies were clearly meant to be served during an afternoon tea.

Duchy Originals was founded in 1992, by none other than the Royal Highness Prince Charles, himself. This is clearly a cookie with class!  The Lemon All Butter Shortbread “Biscuits” (as well as the other products in the line) incorporate only the finest ingredients to ensure great taste. The lemon flavored cookies include crystallized Sicilian lemon peel selected for its zesty citrus taste and British wheat flour grown from Duchy Home Farm at Highgrove. My favorite thing about the cookies are their crispness. Because they are so thin, it would be easy to eat multiple biscuits in one setting. Moreover, the lemon flavor isn’t overpowering. Rather than leaving me feeling as if I had eaten something tart, Duchy Originals Lemon All Butter Shortbread Biscuits felt as if I was eating something refreshing. The cookies would be a perfect addition to a gift basket composed of tea and tea accessories.

For more information about the line, visit duchyoriginals.com.

Editor's Choice: Hammond's Candies Sweet & Spicy Cheese Dip

I have a confession; that’s not really a confession at all. It’s something that I think you must be completely abnormal if you disagree with. Now, don’t get me wrong. My parents taught me to be kind and open-minded. But, I’m not open-minded when it comes to cheese. I have a deep, thorough love for the product in all its many forms. In fact, if my husband and I are ever in an accident, it’s quite possible the only thing my grieving mourners will find in the refrigerator is a plethora of cheese products. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise you, that while I was at the International Home & Housewares Show recently — I made every effort to score a variety of cheese products. And, I stumbled upon a gold mine. Without further ado, allow me to introduce you to Hammond’s Candies Sweet & Spicy Cheese Dip!

Hammond’s Candies is known for their tempting taffy and oversized lollipops. However, in recent history, it’s their line of delicious dips that have stolen the show and pulled me into their booth. You’ll likely remember this fascination from a year ago, when I sampled the company’s Pumpkin dip. Well, I’m happy to report that while that dip remains a favorite of mine — the Sweet & Spicy Cheese spread might have surpassed it.  The name of this dip thoroughly explains the ingredients. The dip is a mixture of sweet and spicy sauce and melted cheese. But, what amazes me is how harmoniously the two combine. I found myself scratching my head and wondering why we didn’t think of this sooner! While I originally sampled the dip with pretzels, I could see it used as a condiment on sandwiches. Or, perhaps in my wildest of fantasies, I imagined it as the dipping sauce for tasty chicken fingers. YUM!

Feel free to order the tempting treat yourself. The cost is remarkably reasonable for this small dip of heaven ($6.95 per jar). Just don’t report back to me if you don’t like it. There are some things even the most open-minded of people won’t understand!

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: The Great San Saba River Pecan Company

I am a good, Southern girl. And, like all good, Southern girls — I love pie. There’s something so special about ending a meal with something sweet and homemade. But, if like me you’re a worker bee, you might have difficulty finding time for the homemade portion of the equation. Luckily, The Great San Saba River Pecan Company has the perfect solution for such a dilemma. Why not create gourmet pies in a jar? This takes the muss and fuss out of the entire process without affecting the end result. I must say, I’m hooked!

Approximately 10,000 pecan trees grow in a park-like setting bounded by the San Saba River and located in the Hill Country of Central Texas. All of The Great San Saba River Pecan Company’s award-winning gourmet products are produced and shipped from facilities housed within the orchard. I was lucky enough to sample the pie in a jar at the International Home Housewares’ Show and was greatly surprise by the melody within the filling. It was sweet without being too sweet. And while the nuts were the highlight of the show, they didn’t overpower the rest of the dish either. To create this pie filling at home (or better yet, to pass out as samples within your store) just add eggs and butter. Customers will go crazy.

This would be a welcome addition to any baking gift basket. Regardless, it’s definitely made its entrance into my rotations of favored sweets.

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Rosanna Inc.'s Cake Pedestal

I love to entertain. And after the lengthy holiday season, when all my friends have returned to the city, my husband and I regularly throw bashes at our home. Most recently, we hosted a slew of guest during our Oscars’ viewing. And, I was lucky enough to receive a small, Rosanna cake platter just before the event. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, this isn’t going to be a typical editor’s choice pick (note that I’m not rambling about my incessant eating habits). This week, I’ve selected a product with a wide range of uses that’s perfect for entertaining.

I have long been obsessed with Rosanna Inc.’s fashionable tabletop products. The company’s dessert plates are the perfect size and come in a wide array of patterns that range from festive to creative. However, what I’ve really been coveting are the company’s simplistically beautiful cake pedestals and domes. These come in a wide range of sizes and hues. As an avid baker, I imagine having an assortment of varying sizes on display. They are perfect for clusters of cupcakes, a tiered cake or even jumbles of cookies. Recently, I was able to use the Les Petite Sweets Large Compote as the carrier for small macaroons. However, it could just as easily be a pedestal for cookies or a candy dish. The pedestal measures 5.75-inches high by 5 inches wide by 2.25-inches deep.

For retailers, these platters, trays and pedestals would make a clever display in the front of your store. Or, combine with other baking supplies for an inspired “gift basket.” Regardless of how they’re used, the cake trays from Rosanna Inc. are a welcome addition to my entertaining repartee.

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Cat Cora's Kitchen Olive Snack Pack

I have always loved Greek food. And, when it’s possible to get Greek food minus the fat and calories, I’m doubly excited. That being said, it’s obvious that I’m an avid Cat Cora fan. Cora, who’s known for her dedication to a healthy Mediterranean diet, recently teamed up with Gaea — Greek for mother Earth —  a company that shares her vision. Together, the two created the Greek Harvest Whole Kalamata Olive Snack Pack. My Papaw first introduced me to Kalamata olives when I was a child. And, they’ve held a soft spot in my heart ever since.

The first thing I noticed about Cora’s pack wasn’t the taste or texture of the olives inside, however. The first thing I noticed was the convenient packaging. The olives are contained in a handy resealable package perfect for use in lunch boxes or picnic baskets. These snack packs would be a wonderful addition to a Greek themed gift basket, as well.

After sampling the olives, though, nothing but the flavorful taste resonated. The packaging states that the, “Kalamata olives are sun ripened and 100 percent natural. But, more than anything else, the olives are a delicious snack that’s perfect anytime of day.” I couldn’t agree more. Seasoned only with the finest sea salt, vinegar and extra virgin olive oil — Cora’s olives were beyond flavorful. They were perfection. Moreover, the olives are rich in natural antioxidants, vitamin E and dietary fiber. And, if consumers are looking for products and companies that give back, look no further. Cat Cora’s Kitchen and Gaea donate a portion of the proceeds from this product to Chefs for Humanity — a non-profit that battles world hunger. My Papaw would certainly be proud!

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice-Rossi Pasta

When I was growing up, every Friday night was pizza night. This often followed the fanfare and whimsy of high school football games or preceded preadolescent slumber parties. And, while Friday night football games and slumber parties have long since disappeared from my life — pizza night remains. It’s a tradition my husband and I greatly enjoy, seeking to discover the best-prepared pies in the city. However, last Friday I stepped outside my comfort zone and used a mix from Rossi Pasta to create a homemade pizza.

The dough comes in single serving packaging and is available in a variety of flavors. While I swiped the Spinach, Whole Wheat and Plain crust — I decided to play it safe and constructed a sausage and cheese pizza on plain crust. The dough was easy to prepare by adding salt, sugar, water and olive oil. Moreover, the entire pizza only took about 30 minutes to create (which is much faster than any delivery you can get in the big city)! I also used Rossi Pasta’s Pizza Sauce. The sauce complimented the crust well with robust flavors. All-in-all, it was a good and convenient Friday night meal.

Rossi Pasta offers a variety of pizza dough, pizza sauces, pastas and pasta sauces. The line would be a great addition to your shelves or as a themed gift basket alongside a block of cheese, olive oil and a bottle of wine. I can see Rossi Pasta becoming a permanent fixture for Friday night dinner. It’s certainly found a permanent place in my cooking rotation. 

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice-Epicurean Organics

I am a huge proponent of the home cooked meal. After all, what kind of gourmet blogger would I be otherwise. However, in today’s hectic and frantic environment — who has time to chop vegetables and sauté fresh herbs. Thankful, lines such as Epicurean Organics from Mountain Rose Herbs (mountainroseherbs.com/epicurean/) take the guesswork out of selecting proper seasonings. Recently the company sent a variety of their products to our offices and I was delighted with the result.

Mountain Rose Herbs is committed to providing exceptional quality culinary ingredients that even the most discerning epicurean will applaud. The bold flavors, rich colors, penetrating aromas and nutrients found within whole organic botanicals inspired the creation of the Epicurean Organics collection. I was immediately drawn to the Garlic Pepper seasoning. My favorite thing about this is that nearly every dish I create has a combination of salt, pepper and garlic. It’s so diverse and definitely necessary to prevent bland proteins. One addition reason I loved this product was the balance within it. Oftentimes, garlic can be insanely overbearing. Moreover, I have a bit of a salty palette. The combination of these ingredients solves both problems.

Other products within the line include the all purpose seasoning, Cajun spice, Caribbean blend, celery salt, chili powder, Chinese 5 Spice blend, curry, garam marsala, grilling herbs, Herbs de Provence, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, Mediterranean seasoning, Mexican seasoning, pumpkin pie spice, Thai curry blend and the West Indies blend.

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice-479 Popcorn

I grew up in a small town in southern West Virginia. So, when we went to the local theater, our choices in popcorn flavors were butter and plain. Therefore, when an assortment of 479°’s gourmet popcorn came to the office, I lunged at the opportunity to expand my popcorn palette. And, my education is much appreciated. The company’s Chipotle Caramel + Almonds flavor is one of the tastiest treats I’ve sampled during my tenure at Fancy Food & Culinary Products.

The company, whose name was rendered from the fact that Founder Jean Arnold believes 479°Fahrenheit is the optimal temperature for popping corn, has a variety of flavors. But, all of the popcorns contain no trans fat, are naturally gluten free and are certified kosher. The Chipotle Caramel + Almonds flavor is an ideal mixture of sweet caramel kernels delicately drizzled with traces of spicy chipotle. I was initially skeptical of the flavor combination. After all, a chipotle is a jalapeno chili ripened on the vine and then smoked for a few days. How would the company tame that spiciness? The answer is simple, a delicate hand. The popcorn isn’t overwhelmed by the various flavors, which allows them to co-exist simultaneously. This line is all about contrast in both flavor and texture. So, Arnold wisely threw in two big handfuls of almonds. The crunchiness of the nuts is a nice juxtaposition against the fluffiness of the actual popcorn.

I’m eager to try 479°’s other unusual flavor combinations. In fact, maybe I’ll smuggle a little of the Chipotle Caramel + Almond into my local theater. It will make those sappy chick-flicks I love even more enjoyable.

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Casa Martinez Salsa

My house is a football house. Whenever our alma mater (WVU) is playing, you can find my husband and I eagerly cheering on a victory. However, it would be impossible to do so without a hearty mixture of snacks available. Our favorite, as much for its flavor as for its convenience, is chips and salsa. But, while I favor more flavorful varieties, my cohort wants his salsa to be hot and spicy. Luckily, with Casa Martinez’s Salsa — we discovered the best of both worlds.

Casa Martinez recently released its signature line of five salsas (Habinero, Quemada, Nopal, Tatemada and Chipotle) this summer. And, the line’s been met with remarkable success. One of the biggest advantages to the salsa is the lack of mystery ingredients. To ensure the salsa is jam packed with flavor, the company uses only the freshest vegetables. Tender tomatoes, tangy peppers and a perfect blend of spices provide the base for the simply artful line of salsas Casa Martinez brings to the table. On a chilly Halloween eve, we sampled both the Chipotle flavor and the Habinero. I was remarkably surprised by the amount of heat each salsa gave off. However, the spice wasn’t so overwhelming that it kept me from going back for more. Nor did it overpower the other flavors within the salsa. What’s remarkable is that despite the heat, all the ingredients within the salsa blended harmoniously.

While this line would obviously make an excellent dip, I can see it being used as a condiment on sandwiches or heated and used as a sauce. One thing’s for sure, it’s our go to tailgating treat during Mountaineer games!  For more information about the line, visit casamartinez.com.mx/

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: bakeshop Cookies

With Halloween right around the corner, it seems like everyone’s mind is on candy, candy, candy. That is, everyone except the staff of Fancy Food and Culinary Products magazine. Our minds are on cookies, marshmallows, brownies and coconut macaroons. And, thanks to the newly opened New Jersey sweets company, bakeshop, we have plenty of these delicacies to go around. I’m lucky that fall has finally arrived so I can hide the extra pounds from these sweet treats beneath a bevy of bulky sweaters.

Nicole Mahoney, the founder of bakeshop, believes that cookies and baked goods should be delicious, fun and the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Therefore, all the company’s products are handcrafted in small batches using the finest quality, all-natural ingredients including locally sourced products such as farm-fresh eggs and Brooklyn-based Mast Brothers chocolate. It’s easy to taste the love and care put into these products. The brownies are so moist they melt in your mouth. The macaroons are the perfect combination of sweet coconut flavoring and melted chocolate and the waffle cookies would be an ideal addition to either your breakfast table or a dessert tray. The cookies are understandably light without being crisp. The waffles provide a nice, savory juxtaposition against the sweetness of the milk chocolate.

Any of these treats would be a great addition to gift baskets or used as wedding favors (trust me, your guests will thank you). Just make sure the ceremony is during the fall or winter months … and instruct guests to bring a bulky cardigan. They will definitely want to go back for seconds. For more information about bakeshop, visit bakeshopcookies.com or call 973/919-1988.

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: August Kitchen's J. Burger

Even as summer fades to fall, I love a good barbecue. And while barbecues are normally a hearty collection of beers and brats — my favorite element is the burger. I recently told my husband that I could eat burgers daily and it wasn’t an exaggeration. In fact, in my house I’m the Burger Connoisseur. So, I was completely surprised when I discovered a way to simplify making burgers without sacrificing the taste.

Enter August Kitchen’s J. Burger. This jar of seasoning can be used as a marinade or a dip. Sold in both Original Onion and Chipotle & Onion flavors, J. Burger makes traditional ground chuck gourmet. It’s clear from the flavor profile that August Kitchen uses real onions (not onion powder) in the mixture. When preparing you burger, add 1 tablespoon into every 5 ounces of ground meat before making patties or balls. While the preparation method is the same for the company’s Chipotle & Onion flavor, this mixture is much richer and spicier. While it’s not for the faint of heart, it will definitely still be a crowd pleaser.  If you’re looking for an alternative to red meat, the company recommends its use when marinating chicken or fish.

So, if you want a burger that isn’t part of a value meal, be sure to stock up on August Kitchen’s J. Burger. Even burger connoisseurs won’t be able to turn up their noses at this gourmet delicacy that makes an ordinary meal extraordinary.

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Hammond's Candies Pumpkin Pie Dip

The weather has already started to cool in Chicago as summer melts away. But, I’m not depressed. Fall is my favorite season (despite the fact that dreary winter weather follows it). Fall is a season built around rust colored hues, football games and adequately layered clothing. Most importantly though, it’s the season for all things pumpkin flavored. Therefore, when Hammond’s Candies sent us a sample of their newest condiment — Pumpkin Pie Dip — I was thrilled.

I have to admit, I am not much of a pie baker. Therefore, I was incredibly impressed with the flavor and subtle seasoning employed.  The dip sincerely tasted like a homemade pumpkin pie in a jar. However, what is most noteworthy about Hammond’s Candies’ dips are their product versatility. I bought a package of pretzels and used it as a condiment. But, I can also see the flavor being warmed and used as an ice cream topping. Or, melted down to compose a glaze for cakes. Or, as the filling for pies and tarts. Because it’s not overly sweet, the dip can perfectly accent either an appetizer tray or a dessert table. 

Hammond’s offers a variety of flavors in the company’s dip category to match various seasons. While Pumpkin Pie is perfect for fall, sample the company’s Peppermint Patty or Chocolate Cherry Cordial dips during the holiday season. Grandma’s Apple Pie dip would be ideal for springtime. And, the Lucious Lemon Drop dip is light enough for summer evenings. All five flavors come in 9 to 10 ounce jars and retail for $6.95. So, be sure to ring in my favorite season with a delicious corresponding flavor, Pumpkin Pie. YUM!

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Katie's Home Style, Old-Fashioned, Pool-Room Mustard Slaw

There are a few Chicago delicacies that I readily enjoy, as well as a number of which I pass on. For instance, you’ll never catch me indulging on deep-dish pizza. Mostly because I believe it tastes like a pizza casserole. It’s too dense for me. And, when I initially moved here, I thought I would feel the same about Chicago-style hotdogs. With so much going on, how could it be good? But, the Chicago dog (complete with a beef frank smothered in yellow mustard, onions, pickled relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges and a dash of celery salt on a poppy seed bun) stole my heart. In fact, I’ve sworn that I will never eat hotdogs any other way. That is, until I sampled Katie’s Home Style, Old-Fashioned, Pool-Room Mustard Slaw by the Shoals Commercial Culinary Center. The condiment made my barbecues easier because it adds so much to hotdogs and hamburgers.

Made in Florence, Alabama, Katie’s Slaw is a delightful mixture of cabbage, mustard, carrots, onions, sugar, vinegar, bell peppers, various spices and salt. It has an unexpected spicy kick that’s not for the faint of heart. While I solely tried it on my hotdog, I can see the slaw as an excellent accompaniment on hamburgers, cold cut sandwiches or alongside barbecue chicken. Moreover, it’s low in cholesterol and calories. Many Weight Watchers clients claim it’s the perfect way to liven up proteins without over-indulging. It’s available in over 70 stores and delicatessens in eight states. I advise you make your store, restaurant or deli the next to offer it. Your customers will thank you! And you better believe, I’m thankful to have the condiment for future outdoor gathers to come. This way, I don’t have to stock up on yellow mustard, onions, picked relish, dill pickle spears, tomato wedges or celery salt!

~Cathryn