Two Important Announcements from Carolina Sauce

As we wind down 2013 and get ready to begin a new year, I have two important announcements for Carolina Sauce Company friends, customers, and fans on Facebook:

1. **Our 10% off VIP coupon expires tonight at midnight EST** If you want to cash in on some last-minute savings at the Carolina Sauces online store, now is the time. You can re-use your VIP coupon code if you used it earlier this month -- and if you did not receive a VIP coupon but would like one, click here to become a VIP and the coupon will be emailed to you upon confirming your subscription (it's FREE and you can unsubscribe anytime).

2. Our January Crock Pot Game and Giveaway on the Carolina Sauce Facebook page will be held on Thursday, January 2nd.  We usually hold our giveaways on the 1st of each month, but in light of the holiday we will delay it by one day. If you'd like a chance to win a Prize Pack of North Carolina products from Jim's Own Sauce, be sure to Like us on Facebook and look for our Crock Pot Game post on January 2nd, then follow the rules posted there to enter our giveaway contest.

Any questions about either of these announcements? Email me and I'll be happy to help.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year's Eve!

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

Leon's Southern Charm Hot Sauce

Click to buy Leon's Southern Charm

Spicy, sassy and slightly sweet, Leon's Southern Charm Hot Sauce has plenty of spunky character, just like its creator -- yes, there really is a Leon behind this hot sauce, and this is his own recipe, developed and perfected over the decades to charm the palate of hot sauce fans and lovers of great-tasting spicy foods.

Hailing from Hunstville, Alabama, this all-purpose medium-hot sauce gets its layers of peppery heat and zesty flavor from specially-selected chili peppers including jalapenos, cayennes and orange habaneros, all carefully blended with onions, garlic and secret spices with just a touch of sugar and salt. The ingredients are all-natural, and there are no unnecessary fillers, diluters, or heat enhancers like capsaicin extract.

Whether you splash it on served savory fare at the table or use it in recipes calling for hot sauce like deviled eggs or Buffalo wings, Leon's Southern Charm is up for the task, delivering zippy pizzazz without punishing pain from too much heat. Try it in homemade pimento cheese to liven things up, or add a few splashes to your homemade barbecue sauce or marinades for a feisty but food-friendly kick. Consider this hot sauce a southern gentleman among a crowded field of boorish burners that don't understand the importance of complementing rather than overpowering a food's flavors.

Buy Leon's Southern Charm Hot Sauce online while it's on sale at the Carolina Sauces online store.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

Gloria's German Beef Gulasch

A while back, I shared Greg's recipe for German gulasch, which is not to be confused with what we Americans call Hungarian goulash. For one thing, there's no macaroni or other pasta in the German version, nor is it made with ground meat. Germans enjoy venison as well as beef, and so Greg's recipe used venison. My version, shared below, is made with stew beef.  Feel free to use either red meat in either recipe.

This recipe makes 4 servings but you can double it to make 8 servings. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, and some say the flavors even improve after the dish rests overnight. I like to serve my gulasch over spaetzle, but if you are following a low-carb or gluten-free diet then simply serve in a bowl "as is" (shown in photo on left) or serve over cooked spaghetti squash strands (my favorite low-carb, gluten-free substitute for noodles or spaghetti).

A word of note: My German Beef Gulasch recipe has refreshingly bright citrus notes and hints of smoke from the fire-roasted tomatoes. If you prefer more subtle flavors, cut the amount of citrus zest in half and use regular diced tomatoes.

Ingredients
1 lb stew beef, cut into approx 2" chunks
2 Tbs oil or bacon fat, divided
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large can (28oz) diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup red wine
1 1/2 tsp paprika 
1 tsp grated citrus* zest
1/2 tsp caraway seeds
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
Pinch (to taste) cayenne pepper
1 Tbs finely chopped fresh parsley
Optional garnishes: Grated citrus zest, chopped parsley

*I like to use a 50/50 combination of grapefruit zest and orange zest, but you can also use lemon zest and/or any combination of these. I try to buy organic citrus so that I can grate the zest for recipes. I store the zest in little containers or baggies my freezer until ready to use.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or fat in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking.  Add beef cubes and brown on each side. Transfer browned meat to to a plate and set aside. Add onion & garlic to skillet -- if necessary, add the second tablespoon of oil or fat -- and saute until softened and onion is translucent. Pour in the red wine and cook until bubbly and reduced, stirring regularly to deglaze the bottom (you can raise the heat a little if needed). Return meat to the pot, add remaining ingredients except the parsley & garnishes, stir and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, cover leaving a slight crack, and cook at a very low simmer until beef is tender, about 2 hours. Remove lid and stir in the parsley, bring back to a low simmer and cook an additional 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid has reduced a bit and is slightly thickened.

Before serving, taste for balance and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve with either or both optional garnishes.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria
Carolina Sauce Company

Merry Christmas from the Carolina Sauce Company!

Flickr photo by JimThePhotographer

Merry Christmas to you and yours, and to all our customers, partners, colleagues, fans and friends!

On behalf of the Carolina Sauce Company, I wish you a joyous and blessed Christmas filled with happiness and love. If you are traveling during this holiday season, may your journey be safe and free of delays or other hassles.

If, to your horror and/or embarrassment, you've realized that you've forgotten to get a gift for someone, rest assured that our online store is always "open for business" and you can place an order anytime. Although our warehouse is closed for Christmas today through Thursday December 26th, the warehouse will reopen at 9am on Friday, December 27th to continue processing and shipping orders through the close of business on Monday, December 30th. Please note that the warehouse also will be closed on Tuesday, December 31st, and Wednesday, January 1st, for New Year's eve and day, re-opening at 9am on Thursday, January 2nd to resume regular operations.

Should you have ANY problems with an order or questions about an order, please feel free to email Customer Service at the warehouse anytime and they will be able to help you during business hours (except today and the other days when they'll be closed as mentioned above).

From now through early January, I will be taking some time off to spend with family and to take care of some things that have been postponed and waiting to be dealt with, and also to plan ahead for the coming year. Although you might be seeing less of me than usual here and on Facebook for a while, rest assured that all is well, and that exciting things lie ahead for 2014!

Christmas cheer to all,
Gloria

Sweet & Sassy BBQ Sauce for your Favorite Handyman

Handyman Sweet & Sassy BBQ Sauce is true to its descriptive name: Plump, ripe tomatoes are blended with real honey, molasses and brown sugar for luscious sweetness, while mustard, onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce provide savory sass. This lip-lickin' good barbecue sauce also has a subtle hint of smoke for depth, and a zippy peppery finish for just a touch of heat. In short, Handyman Sweet N' Sassy BBQ Sauce is sure to satisfy your favorite Handyman's hunger for great-tasting barbecue chicken, ribs, burgers and more.

If you're still looking for stocking-stuffers or thoughtful little gifts to give to friends, colleagues, family or those key people who have helped you out this year with work around the house, give them a bottle of Handyman Sweet & Sassy BBQ Sauce. Or, if you've already finished all your Christmas and holiday shopping, treat yourself to a bottle of this tasty barbecue sauce to enjoy when the weather is warm enough to grill and also when you cook indoors in your crock pot, oven, or on the stove.

Don't limit yourself to grilled or smoked meats with the sauce:  It adds rich flavor to baked beans, sloppy joes, meatloaf, shrimp or veggie kabobs, as a dip for french fries or chicken wings, and other similar indoor fare.

When using while grilling or cooking on your smoker, slather on this sweet BBQ sauce during the final 10 minutes of cooking so that it caramelizes into a mouthwatering crust and seals in the juices (don't use it earlier or it could burn because of the honey and sugar).

Buy Handyman Sweet N' Sassy BBQ Sauce online while it's on sale at the Carolina Sauces website. We also have the smoky-hot Handyman Chipotle Sauce on sale if your handyman enjoys hot & spicy foods.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

PS: If you're reading this before January 1st and would like a coupon for 10% off your order at our online store, send me an email (sales@carolinasauce.com) asking for your VIP coupon and I'll send it to you.

BREAKING NEWS: Carolina Sauce Sale Extended thru 12/31!

We interrupt today's regularly-scheduled blog post with this breaking news from the Carolina Sauce Company:

Our 10% off VIP coupon sale has been EXTENDED through the end of the year!

Click to receive your 10% off coupon

Originally scheduled to expire at midnight last Friday, our special December VIP coupon is now valid through midnight EST on December 31st -- which means that all you last-minute Christmas shoppers can still save 10% off your entire product total when you shop for unique hot sauce and BBQ sauce gifts at the Carolina Sauces online store.

In addition to our themed gift sets and gift boxes, we also offer many other unusual and sure-to-please gifts for fans of zesty food and good eats, including:

• Funny t-shirts for meat-lovers and hunters, designed by PETA (People Eating Tasty Animals). They also make a variety of "PETA" sauces and seasonings which are guaranteed to make carnivores chuckle and humorless vegetarians cringe


• Stylish, sturdy 3-shelf standing display unit for showing off -- or efficiently storing -- you hot sauce collection, cooking sauces, or even your favorite souvenirs and knick-knacks.


• Ready-to-grow "magic" chili pepper plants (just add water!) so that you can grow your own ghost peppers, scorpion peppers and chocolate habaneros


• "Design Your Own Hot Sauce Gift Pack" boxes made of white heavy-weight cardboard and holding four 5-oz hot sauce bottles of your choice. Simply order the 4 hot sauces you want and order the separate gift box (shown on right), then follow the easy directions to fold the box and insert the bottles. Personalize the box with your own label or stickers, or use markers, pens, etc. to create your own artwork


• Carolina Sauce Gift Certificates and Email Gift Cards, available in any dollar amount and sent via email (you can also print them out) to the lucky recipient. Our gift certificates and gift cards never expire, and can be used on multiple orders until the total amount is depleted.

If you still have your December VIP Newsletter in your email inbox, feel free to use (or re-use) the coupon code you received in the newsletter.

If you no longer have the newsletter, or if you can't find your VIP coupon code, or if you never received it and would like the VIP coupon for 10% off, simply Click Here to become a Carolina Sauce VIP (it's completely free, and we will not bother you with tons of emails - you will only hear from us once a month, that's it!)

You can also email me to request your VIP coupon code.

The Carolina Sauces warehouse will be open between Christmas and New Year to keep shipping last-minute and after-Christmas orders.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

Zippy Lemon-Butter Brussels Sprouts with Horseradish & Caraway

There's a Brussels sprouts renaissance sweeping the culinary scene, so I decided to jump on the bandwagon and come up with a bright and zesty vegetarian alternative to all the heavy, pork-laden Brussels sprouts recipes that are taking over Pinterest and flooding the internet.

Don't get me wrong: I am a huge fan of Brussels sprouts with bacon and other meaty or cheesy accoutrements, but sometimes -- especially when serving a heavy meat entree -- a lighter, healthier side dish is a welcome accompaniment.

I served my zippy Lemon-Butter Brussels Sprouts as a side dish to both beef (German beef gulasch, recipe coming soon) and pork (Cuban mojo roasted pork chops, ditto), and the carnivores devoured the veggie side with as much gusto as they did the meat. This would be a good vegetable side dish to serve for Christmas dinner or any other winter dinner.

If you are vegan, simply substitute a mild oil (canola, vegetable, corn, etc.) for the butter.

Ingredients
2 lbs fresh or frozen Brussels sprouts*
2 Tbs butter (or oil for vegan version)
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon (save the grated zest to use as garnish if desired)
2 Tbs prepared horseradish
1 tsp dried dillweed
1 tsp caraway seeds
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 cup water
Optional garnishes: Chopped fresh parsley, lemon zest

*Frozen Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, probably because most people cook them too long and they become unappetizing grayish balls of mush. Rest assured that if you start with high-quality frozen sprouts (I use organic), add them to this recipe while still frozen and keep a watchful eye on them to prevent overcooking, you will not be disappointed.

Melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat in a deep saucepan or pot large enough to hold the Brussels sprouts. Add onion & garlic and saute until softened. Add all remaining ingredients (except garnishes), stir and bring to a low simmer. Reduce heat, cover and cook for about 15 minutes, until Brussels sprouts are tender but not mushy.  Stir and serve sprinkled with parsley and/or lemon zest if desired. Serves 6 to 8.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

PS:  If you enjoy the zip and zing of horseradish, check out our horseradish sauces on sale now at the Carolina Sauces online store.

Tahiti Joe's Hot Sauce Gift Box: Spicy Flavors with a Playful Twist

Here's another wonderful hot sauce gift idea for the spicy foods aficionado with a playful sense of culinary adventure: Tahiti Joe's Hot Sauce Gift Box, on sale now at the Carolina Sauces online store.

This colorful collection of four full-size (5oz bottles) tropics-inspired hot sauces come packed in a sturdy cardboard gift box that's ready for wrapping and is sure to delight the lucky recipient. Inside the box are the following four flavors of Tahiti's Joe's hot sauces:

• Polynesian Hot Sauce: Inspired by the time Joe spent exploring the South Seas, this exotic hot sauce is all about heat with flavor. Aged red peppers, habaneros and jalapenos deliver layers of solid heat while unique and unusual ingredients including a splash of clam juice, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a secret blend of island spices add savory notes. Joe brings everything together into a sweet symphony of flavors by adding real honey. 


• Onionator XXX Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce: Made with the ferociously hot ghost pepper yet pleasantly surprising in its approachability, this savory and fiery hot sauce is coveted by people who love the earthy pungency of onions and garlic. The base includes tomatoes, cider vinegar, lemon juice, clam juice, Worcestershire and honey plus Joe's special spice blend. This hot sauce is a fiery foodie's delight!


• Tropi-Garlic Hot Sauce is a creative combination of Italian flavors like garlic, tomatoes and parmesan cheese with Tahiti Joe's trademark tropical ingredients.  More savory than sweet, it's a natural for spicing up pizza, pasta, chicken parm, sausage & peppers, and other hearty fare.


• Camel Toe Hot Sauce: Don't blame me for the name; I am not responsible for it! Sweet, sassy and subtly smoky, this saucy condiment features mangoes, apple juice and chipotles in Joe's traditional hot sauce base, with his usual combo of aged red peppers habaneros and jalapenos. This baby is more than just a gimmicky hot sauce with a risqué name!

Tahiti Joe's Gift Box is perfect as a Christmas gift or for any other occasion. And if you'd like to save 10% off its already reduced sale price, simply become a Carolina Sauce VIP (it's FREE) and you automatically receive a special coupon code for 10% off your product total! But don't delay -- this special VIP discount coupon expires at midnight TONIGHT, December 20th.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

Trinidad Traders Hot Sauce Gift Box

Here is a hot sauce gift for anyone who appreciates a hot sauce with solid peppery heat and well-balanced, savory tang. Trinidad Traders Hot Sauce Gift Box comes with four such distinctively delicious hot sauces from Trinidad Traders, one of the most highly regarded hot sauce manufacturers. The featured sauces include:

• Trailer Trash Cayenne Hot Sauce: "It's hot sauce, y'all!" But it's more than just a funny redneck label - this all-natural Louisiana style hot sauce is made the old fashioned way, with cayenne peppers, vinegar, salt & pepper. That's it, no high-falutin' fancy ingredients or nasty artificial stuff.


• Backdraft Habanero Hot Sauce: This sweet and tangy, fiery habanero sauce is a favorite of firefighters who know good food, because its rich mustard-tomato base blows away the boring one-dimensional competition. It adds flavorful heat to burgers, ribs, wings, grilled food, stir fry dishes & more.


• Trinidad Mild Habanero Sauce: Made in Florida but true to the style of hot sauces from Trinidad, this surprisingly gentle habanero hot sauce features a special blend of complementary vegetables including green peppers and celery, plus delightful spices like ginger, mustard, thyme, basil and other fine herbs unique to Trinidad. Use this spicy sauce whenever you want to add just a touch of heat with a savory Caribbean accent.


• Trinidad Extra Hot Habanero Sauce: Similar in flavor to the Mild habanero sauce but with a powerful habanero punch, this one is great whenever you want assertive, undeniable habanero pepper heat without sacrificing great flavor.

Buy the Trinidad Traders Hot Sauce Gift Box from the Carolina Sauces online store and get all four of these hot sauces at a special low price, in a sturdy and attractive gift box.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

Plutonium Pepper Extract: 9 Million SHU Strong!

Breaking news for chili pepper addicts, adrenaline junkies, extreme hot sauce collectors and fiery foods fanatics: There's a new ultra-hot, extremely powerful, highly concentrated pepper extract now available at the Carolina Sauces online store, and it delivers a deadly 9 million SHU (Scoville Heat Units) of pure capsaicin FIRE!

Introducing Plutonium Pepper Extract from Mad Dog 357 Sauces.

The word "hot" doesn't even begin to describe the furiously intense and unrelenting burn that this painful puppy inflicts on your tongue, mouth, skin and any other surface exposed to it. Its ingredient list is just 1 ingredient long: Premium pure oleoresin capsicum. Yep, the same stuff that's weaponized for military and police use. 'Nuf said.

The one-ounce bottle might seem small, but trust me when I tell you that it contains what is easily more than a lifetime supply of hot sauce for all but the (fool)hardiest of diners. Don't judge this ultra-hot sauce by its size, but rather by the impact it makes. Just as a single atom of its namesake, radioactive plutonium, is capable of inflicting severe injury and destruction, one little drop of Plutonium 9 Million Scoville Pepper Extract can do the same unless diluted in cooked food such as a pot of chili or a vat of homemade wing sauce or barbecue sauce.

If you want to buy Mad Dog 357 No. 9 Plutonium Pepper Extract from the Carolina Sauce Company, you'll have to sign a waiver & disclaimer and you must be at least 18 years old. And if you plan on actually trying to eat it, please do NOT apply directly to served food (it is not a hot sauce but rather a food additive) and use it only by the micro-droplet while cooking, with extreme caution. Do not leave the bottle out where children or pets might consume or come into contact with the contents.

Personally, I recommend treating Plutonium 9 Million Scoville Extract solely as a collector's item for hot sauce fans, a curiosity to be displayed rather than ingested.

You've now been warned. Proceed with caution lest you get burned and suffer the consequences.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

New BBQ Gift Baskets & Gift Packs from Jim's Own!

"The Carolinas" BBQ Gift Basket

Jim's Own Barbecue Sauce is an award-winning Lexington (aka western, Piedmont) style BBQ sauce from Durham, North Carolina. The original Homestyle BBQ Sauce is a family-friendly blend of sweet tomatoes and tangy vinegar with just a touch of sassy spice, and it's excellent on everything from slow-smoked pulled pork to marinated and grilled chicken, shrimp kabobs, spare ribs, vegetables and more.

Jim's Own also has a Hot version of their original barbecue sauce recipe, as well as a zesty Mustard BBQ Sauce and a bold, rich Smokey BBQ Sauce. But that's not all: Jim's Own makes a variety of versatile, all-purpose seasoning rubs, including savory-sweet Mild, rich Smokey, robust Pincho and exotic Safari.

This Christmas -- and anytime you want to say, "Thank you," "Congratulations," "Happy Birthday," or for Father's Day, Valentine's Day and other gift-giving occasions -- send a taste of these highly acclaimed North Carolina barbecue sauces and rubs and make a memorable impression with a Jim's Own Gift Basket, available in brand-new product combinations, sizes and price points to suit any budget and taste.

For the barbecue enthusiast with wide epicurean horizons there's the bountiful BBQ Sampler Gift Pack, which comes with a 16-oz bottle of all four flavors of Jim's Own Sauce and a full-size bag of each flavor of Jim's Own BBQ Rubs. And for the adventurous cook who is just as comfortable cooking in the kitchen on the stove or in the oven and firing up the grill or smoker outdoors, give them the Rub Lover's Gift Basket with bags of each of Jim's Rubs to help season everything from meats and poultry to seafood and vegetables, rice dishes, stews, stir-fry and more. If barbecue sauces are the secret to that special someone's happiness, Jim's Own offers two different three-bottle baskets: The Mild Trio with pint bottles of Mild, Smokey and Mustard BBQ sauces, and the Hot Trio with pint bottles of Hot, Smokey and Mustard BBQ Sauces.

Other gift ideas from Jim's Own Sauce include The Carolinas BBQ Gift Basket (shown above) with a bottle each of Jim's Own Homestyle BBQ Sauce (mild NC barbecue sauce) and Jim's Own Mustard BBQ Sauce (inspired by South Carolina mustard-based barbecue sauce) and a package of Jim's Own Mild Rub; the Tasty Creations BBQ Gift Basket with a bottle of Jim's Own Hot Barbeque Sauce and a package each of Jim's Own Pincho Rub (inspired by the savory, spicy flavors of Mexico) and Jim's Own Safari Rub (a bright and zesty blend of coriander, pepper, citrus & other exotic spices used in South African barbecue); and the Jim's Own Smokin' Hot BBQ Gift Basket with the three hottest, spiciest products from Jim's Own: Their Hot BBQ sauce, the Smokey BBQ Sauce and the Smokey BBQ Seasoning Rub.

For those wanting to make a saucy fashion statement and proclaim their love of North Carolina barbecue to the world, we have stylish, sturdy and amply-cut barbecue aprons with two large pockets, and ultra-soft 100% cotton t-shirts (see example on right) in a variety of sizes, all emblazoned with Jim's Own "best-dressed pig" logo.

And brand-new this December, just in time for Christmas, Jim's Own has recently released its flavorful and feisty, savory and mildly spicy all-natural Chili Mix! Simply add a large can of tomatoes, some browned ground meat of your choice (beef, pork, venison, turkey or chicken), water and broth, and simmer on your stovetop or in your slow-cooker for "just like homemade" chili. Jim's Own Chili Mix is available by the single bag (makes 6 to 8 hearty servings) or by the case (6 bags per case). Now is the time to stock up for the cold winter months... and for your Superbowl party, March Madness college basketball, the Winter Olympics, the NHL road to the Stanley Cup playoffs, and movie nights at home with the family.

To order a gift basket, Jim's Own "slow & smokey" Chili Mix or any other Jim's Own NC BBQ products, simply click here.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

Slap Ya Mama Cajun Fish Fry & Seafood Boil Seasonings

Slap Ya Mama has been making award-winning, genuine Cajun seasonings for decades, in the heart of Louisiana's Cajun country. If you're serious about cooking authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, you're probably familiar with Slap Ya Mama Seasonings.

Just in time for the holidays, Slap Ya Mama has introduced two new products that are guaranteed to garner praise from fans of Louisiana cooking, zesty flavors, and tasty seafood: Slap Ya Mama Cajun Fish Fry mix, and Slap Ya Mama Seafood Boil seasoning.

The Fish Fry mix is a cornmeal and flour-based blend of zesty spices that are ubiquitous in Louisiana cooking: Red pepper, black pepper, salt, garlic, paprika... and absolutely no artificial ingredients or MSG. Use it for dredging or breading all kinds of fish and seafood before frying: Catfish, flounder, whiting, cod, shrimp, scallops, clams, oysters, soft-shell crabs, deviled crabs, fish cakes, and even frog legs, alligator nuggets and strips of chicken breast. You can also use it to make a batter for deep-fried mushrooms, zucchini and other vegetables, or for onion rings, corn dogs and more. Simply follow the easy directions on the package, or go "off-label" and use your own recipes and techniques for breading, dredging and battering. Pleasantly spicy-peppery without burning you out, Slap Ya Mama's Fish Fry produces golden, crispy, crunchy coatings while keeping your fish and seafood (or other breaded, dredged or battered foods) moist and flavorful.

The Seafood Boil is an all-natural blend of savory spices including garlic, paprika, salt, and plenty of red and black pepper of course, and absolutely no MSG at all. As is true with the rest of this highly acclaimed line of Louisiana seasonings, this seafood boil is so naturally good that there's no need to go messin' around with suspicious additives like lesser brands do. Whether you're boiling up a pot of Cajun crawfish, Maryland crabs or Gulf shrimp, simply add a generous amount of Slap Ya Mama's Seafood Boil to the water and follow the rest of the instructions on the package. You can also use it as an all-purpose seasoning spice for french fries, popcorn, hash browns, scrambled eggs, and anything else that could use a peppery flavor boost. Slap Ya Mama packages this zesty blend in a one-pound bag, so go ahead and use it on everything.

Buy Slap Ya Mama seafood seasonings and the rest of this venerable brand of Cajun & Creole spices at the Carolina Sauces online store, where they're all currently on sale.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

Gloria's Spicy Bacalaitos (Codfish Fritters)

Assertive in flavor and savory-salty in spice, bacalaitos, aka codfish fritters, are a popular fried snack in Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. While some "gringos" (Americans of Anglo descent) might consider them an acquired taste due to their unabashed fishiness, anyone who appreciates other fried seafood snacks like Chinese-restaurant shrimp toast or Asian shrimp chips likely will enjoy bacalaitos.

I grew up eating traditional Cuban bacalaitos, which are not spicy. Because of my love of spicy foods, however, I like to add a touch of red pepper or even a dash of habanero powder to my codfish fritters. If you want to omit the heat, feel free.

I urge you to open up your culinary horizons -- and your mouth -- and give these salt cod fritters a taste.  If you're on the timid side or simply enjoy dipping salty snacks in a complementary sauce, try them with anything from sweet & zesty barbecue sauce (e.g., Busha Browne's Honey Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce) to a zippy cocktail sauce, cool tartar sauce, or other favorite dipping sauce (a nice choice is creamy, spicy Tobago Keys Coral Ridge Seafood Sauce).

If you're going to make this recipe, keep in mind that the salt cod has to soak for a good 10 hours or more. Either start it in the morning on a day when you have time to change out the soaking water for the salt cod a few times during the day, or soak it overnight in the refrigerator, changing the water before you go to bed and again the following morning before you go to work, and then cooking the cod when you get home.

Ingredients

1 lb salted deboned codfish
1/4 cup flour
1 Tbs plus 1 tsp milk
3 large eggs
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp sweet paprika, or pimenton (sweet Spanish smoked paprika)
1/4 tsp red or cayenne pepper OR a dash (to taste) habanero powder
2 Tbs fresh chopped parsley
1 tsp baking powder
Oil or cooking spray for frying

Prep & cook the salt cod:  Place in a bowl and fill with water to cover the fish, then cover the bowl, place in refrigerator and let the fish soak for at least 8 to 10 hours, changing the water at least twice. Drain, place soaked cod in a pot with enough fresh water to cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, then drain and allow to cool to the touch. Use a fork and/or your fingers to shred as finely as possible, discarding any little bones you may find.

Place the shredded codfish and the rest of the ingredients except the oil in your food processor and pulse until thoroughly combined into a batter. If it seems too thin, sprinkle in a little more flour. If it seems too dry, add a little more milk.

For traditional frying in oil: Pour oil to at least 1/2" depth in a large frying pan and heat to medium hot. Drop the codfish batter by the spoonful into the hot oil, making sure you leave plenty of room between the fritters, and fry until golden-brown on both sides, flipping over when the top is bubbly and the edges have set. Remove cooked bacalaitos with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Serve hot.

For "low fat frying" using cooking spray: Spray a large frying pan with enough cooking spray to coat evenly. Heat over medium heat, then drop the codfish batter by the spoonful onto the hot skillet, making sure the fritters do not touch (they'll spread upon dropping so leave plenty of room). Cook until top looks bubbly and the batter has set, then carefully flip with a spatula to cook the other side for a few minutes until golden brown on both sides. Place cooked bacalaitos on paper towels to absorb oil, and serve hot.

Note: When frying in batches, you may need to add more oil or spray the pan with more cooking spray between batches, allowing pan to heat back up before frying the next batch.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

Giant Dave's Insanity Sauce Inflatables are Here!

If you're hunting for a unique hot sauce gift for someone who enjoys really hot sauces but seems to have them all, give him or her this giant inflatable Dave's Insanity Sauce bottle!

Measuring 24 inches tall (that's two feet for those of you who may be mathematically challenged) and 10 inches in diameter, this sturdy blow-up bottle of Dave's Insanity is made of plastic, which means you can drop it without shattering (but don't puncture it, of course!) and it won't spill or burn you. What it WILL do is catch everyone's eye, elicit curious looks, lead to questions and spark up conversation. In other words, the Dave's Insanity blow-up bottle is also a great party decoration or man-cave display item. And for the entrepreneur who sells hot sauces or other zesty products at local markets, it's a great way to increase your visibility, stand out from other vendors and bring in the crowds from a distance.

Buy the Dave's Insanity Sauce blow-up display bottle from the Carolina Sauces online store, where it's one of many new products currently on sale.

And while you're at it, check out all of our Dave's Insanity and Dave's Gourmet products, also on sale.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

Want 10% Off Your Carolina Sauces Christmas Order? Read This!

Browse our Gift Sets

Have you finished ALL your Christmas shopping yet?

Be honest: I bet some of you reading this haven't even started.

What about stocking stuffers and other little but thoughtful holiday gifts?

And how's your budget holding up: Are you like me, watching every dime, pinching pennies and hunting for great deals to save some cash on just the right gift for friends, family members and colleagues?

Let me help you finish your holiday shopping AND save money. Here's how:

A gift from Carolina Sauce Company is a thoughtfully zesty, unique and affordable way to say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" to anyone on your gift list -- especially when you use our December VIP coupon code to get 10% off our already-reduced prices!

If you are a member of our VIP Club, you already received our December VIP Newsletter with your special coupon code.

If you did not receive our Newsletter and would like to save 10% when you shop online at Carolina Sauce, simply email me and I will send you a complimentary copy of our December VIP Newsletter with the 10% off coupon. Or, just click on the banner below:

Any questions? Email me and I'll be happy to help any way I can.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

PS:  Don't delay - our December VIP coupon expires next Friday, December 20th, so sign up now!

Because You Can't Have Too Much Tabasco Sauce: Here's the Tabasco Ultimate Gift Set!

Click to buy Tabasco products

Tabasco Sauce might very well be the best-known, most frequently used hot sauce on the planet. For many chileheads and fiery-foods fanatics, Tabasco probably is the first hot sauce they ever tried. At least that's the case with me. And no matter how many other hot sauces we chileheads have discovered since our first Tabasco encounter, and no matter which hotter or more complex ones have become favorites, I bet you still keep a bottle or two of the original Tabasco Sauce on hand for those times when you need an honest, straightforward, no-frills, hot-enough-but-not-too-hot, good-tasting pepper sauce to enjoy at the table or spice up a recipe.

The original Tabasco Sauce is the quintessential Louisiana pepper sauce. But did you know that Tabasco comes in other zesty flavors and styles in addition to the all-purpose tangy original?

And did you know that you can now get ALL flavors of Tabasco Sauce for a bargain price when you order the Tabasco Sauce Ultimate Gift Set from the Carolina Sauces online store?

Our Tabasco Gift is the perfect hot sauce gift for anyone who enjoys spicy foods and zesty, versatile hot sauces. It includes all seven (7) flavors of Tabasco Sauce: The Original red pepper sauce, pungent and savory Garlic Tabasco (the original recipe jazzed up with garlic), smoky and spicier Chipotle Tabasco (great with Tex-Mex and Southwestern foods), fiery-hot Habanero Tabasco sauce (the hottest of the bunch), brightly zesty Green Tabasco Pepper Sauce (made with jalapenos and the mildest of the bunch), devilishly sassy Sweet & Spicy Tabasco Sauce (fantastic with stir-fry and Asian foods), and classic Buffalo Style Tabasco sauce (a natural with chicken wings and Buffalo shrimp). Buy the Tabasco Sauce Gift Set while it's on sale, and save over $14 over the regular price!

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

PS: Tabasco also makes hot cinnamon candy and spicy lollipops with zippy cinnamon flavor, as well as Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles and southern-style Spicy Pickled Okra. These are great gifts for anyone who enjoys zesty, spicy snacks!

"Scarlet Letter" Pasta Sauce: Can You Guess Its Real Name?

True confession time: When I was in high school, I actually enjoyed reading "The Scarlet Letter." The tragic characters and story line fascinated me and the vivid writing swept me back in time. Sadly, no one has ever admitted to me that they, too, liked the book. In fact, I'm not even sure the English teacher who assigned it had any appreciation for it.

That said, I decided to nickname the following sauce after that classic American novel. Can you guess its real name? Here are some clues:

Sparks will fly and your heart will race when you taste this passionate, tastebud-tempting tomato sauce commonly known by its Italian name, which begins with the letter that was scarlet in the famous book.

Traditionally served with penne pasta (and shown here over spaghetti squash), this crimson sauce might make you "angry" if you don't appreciate hot & spicy foods.

Still not sure what its name is? Maybe the ingredients will give it away.... If not, you'll find the answer in the postscript at the very end of this post.

Ingredients

Simmering

2 Tbs olive oil
1 cup diced onion
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1 28oz can diced tomatoes, undrained*
1/2 cup red wine
1 tsp (or more to taste) crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano 
1/2 tsp (or more to taste) salt
2 Tbs finely chopped fresh parsley
Optional Toppings: Grated or shredded parmesan cheese, chopped parsley

*For the sauce shown in the photo, I used a can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, which added an earthy smokiness and robust depth to the sauce. For a more traditional brighter, more fruity tomato flavor, use a can of regular diced tomatoes.

Before the cheese & parsley

Heat the olive oil in a 2 1/2 quart saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and saute until soft. Add garlic & green pepper; saute until soft and onion is translucent. Stir in the rest of the ingredients except the parsley and cook at a low simmer for 15 minutes, stirring regularly. Stir in the parsley and simmer, stirring regularly, for at least another 10 minutes or until the sauce has cooked down to your desired thickness.

Note: I like to keep this sauce chunky, as shown in the photo; if you prefer a smoother sauce, use a hand-held immersion or stick blender to process to your desired texture. You can also pour into a blender to puree as desired (you may need to work in batches).

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

PS: The real name of my Scarlet Letter pasta sauce is Arrabiata, which means "angry" or "rabid" in Italian -- no doubt a reference to its generous (by Italian standards) use of hot chilies and its resulting fiery flavor!  If you enjoy hot and spicy foods, be sure to check out our newest hot sauces at the Carolina Sauces online store.

SuckleBusters Texas BBQ Sauces, Rubs & Seasonings have Arrived!

Finally, Sucklebusters BBQ products have arrived at the Carolina Sauces online store!

Made in Texas and representing the Lone Star State exceptionally well with their big, bold, unabashedly all-American flavor and zest, SuckleBusters sauces, seasonings and rubs should be on every barbecue enthusiast's and meat-lover's wish list.

Sucklebusters Barbecue Sauces are true to their home state: Rich in flavor and texture, with robust savory flavors tempered by mellow sweetness and spiced with just the right peppery finish, their familiar, friendly flavors appeal to young and old alike. In addition to their mouthwatering Original, Sucklebusters also offers a spicy, smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce for folks who prefer more heat with dark, earthy flavors that complement Sucklebusters' original sweet-tangy recipe.

When it comes to BBQ dry rubs, Sucklebusters rules the day with their award-winning line of barbecue seasonings. Their Competition BBQ Rub is mild and savory without any peppery heat, making it ideal for families or get-togethers where some people might not like spicy foods. Seasoned with sweet paprika, garlic and other savory ingredients, it's a natural on brisket, London broil, roasts and other beef cuts. Hog Waller Pork & Rib Rub was developed especially for pork, and its sweet & sassy flavor brings out the best in the "other white meat." Chili pepper and a dash of ground chipotle add just a touch of spiciness to tickle your taste buds without burning or turning this rub into a "hot" rub. It's excellent on ribs, chops and pork butt, as well as on venison and even chicken. Hoochie Mama BBQ Rub is hot and spicy, with a feisty kick that will thrill fans of spicy foods. But don't worry, it won't burn you out: In true Texas fashion, this all-purpose spicy BBQ rub is more about great flavor than furious fire (I'd rate it a solid medium on my heat scale).

SuckleBusters also makes other special seasoning blends, including a mouthwatering Campfire Steak Seasoning that's a must for anyone who enjoys a grilled steak with superior flavor and juicy tenderness. Its delectably savory-sweet flavor comes from gourmet ingredients like sea salt, turbinado sugar, thyme, dried chiles and other all-natural seasonings. If fajitas are on the menu, then you need SuckleBusters Fajita Seasoning, with genuine Tex-Mex flavor and fire. Chili peppers are the primary ingredient in this robust savory seasoning blend, and it works wonders with any variety of fajita, whether beef, chicken, shrimp or vegetarian. And since Sucklebusters is from Texas, it should come as no surprise that they make an award-winning authentic Texas Chili Seasoning that's essential if you're making "Texas Red" chili (the recipe is on the label). Medium-hot with 5 different kinds of peppers and deeply savory, this chili seasoning blend has all the spices you need to make a pot of hearty chili -- just add ground beef (or turkey or venison) and beans (if you must). Finally, there's Texas Gold Dust Seasoning, the very first Sucklebusters product and a fantastically versatile all-purpose Tex-Mex seasoning. Use it on any meats, poultry or vegetables whether you're cooking on the stove, in the oven, on the BBQ grill or smoker, or in a crock pot. Cumin, garlic, dried chilies, sea salt and other gourmet spices provide the unmistakeably Tex-Mex flavor and peppery heat.

If you're a serious chilehead or fiery-foods fanatic, SuckleBusters has seasonings and sauces for you, too. First, there's Texas Gunpowder seasoning, which is made from pure dried jalapeno peppers and no other ingredients or fillers. It comes in two convenient sizes: A small plastic jar that's ideal for taking with you when eating away from home, and also a standard plastic dry-rub bottle that's perfect for the kitchen.

Sucklebusters also makes authentic Texas Pepper Sauces that are thick and rich, not runny, with award-winning savory flavor and moderate heat. The Original Texas Heat Pepper Sauce is well-balanced with solid medium heat that'll wake you up and keep you coming back for more. Their Chipotle Pepper Sauce delivers the distinctively dark and smoky flavor of chipotles blended into a smooth, slightly sweet and pleasantly tangy base. And for a more powerful peppery punch there's SuckleBusters Habanero Pepper Sauce, which has just enough habanero pepper to ratchet up the heat a couple of notches but not to the point of overwhelming or overpowering the rich flavors of this surprisingly tasty and food-friendly hot sauce.

All Sucklebusters products are currently on sale at the Carolina Sauce Company, and you can get a special coupon code to save an additional 10% off your product total when you join our free VIP Club (offer good through 12/20/13, so sign up now to get your VIP coupon code).

Zestfully yours,
Gloria

French Beans with Guanciale, Feta & Roasted Garlic

French beans, also called string beans or haricots verts (that's French for green beans), are longer, more slender green beans that are picked while young and tender for a light and appealing flavor, delightful crunch and an elegant appearance -- unless you commit the culinary transgression of overcooking them, which renders them wrinkly and limp with faded flavor and a sad grayish pallor. Please don't commit this sin.

The following recipe was inspired by a Thanksgiving side dish, made by my sister-in-law, which received rave reviews from young and old alike. I've taken the liberty of adding my own zesty personal touch in the form of roasted garlic and balsamic vinegar. I also chose to replace the bacon she used in her recipe with hog jowls -- call them by their Italian name "guanciale" if you prefer the more sophisticated-sounding name for this lowly but magnificently flavorful part of the pig. If you just can't bring yourself to eat the cheeks of a pig instead of its belly -- or if you simply don't have guanciale but do have bacon -- by all means use bacon instead. I find that the guanciale imparts a smokier, meatier and more complex flavor than bacon, but be aware that it also adds to the total fat because hog jowls tend to be fattier than bacon.

Instead of relying on a clock or timer for cooking the French beans, you'll achieve the best results if you let your senses guide you as you saute the beans. Ideally, the beans should be pleasantly "al dente" and not overly wrinkled or mushy when done. But even if they end up a little more done than you had hoped, there's enough robust flavor in this dish to make up for some overcooking. If you're trying to time this dish so that it's ready with a longer-cooking main course, you can reduce the heat and let the beans cook more slowly, or even keep them over a warm burner if necessary until ready to serve.

One last note: You can multiply this recipe to make more servings, you can adjust all the ingredient amounts to suit your taste, and any leftovers can be refrigerated for reheating and enjoying over the next day or two.

Ingredients
1 lb French beans, washed, trimmed & cut in half
1/4 lb smoked hog jowl (guanciale), cut into approx. 1" chunks
2 to 3 Tbs chopped roasted garlic cloves
2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Salt & Pepper to taste (I didn't use, but you may wish to)
Optional chopped parsley for garnish

Frying smoked hog jowl chunks

Fry the guanciale chunks in a large, deep skillet or pan over medium heat until browned and starting to crisp.

Add beans and saute, stirring regularly, for about 10 minutes or until bright green.

Add garlic & balsamic vinegar and cook, stirring regularly, for several minutes until beans are almost done and the vinegar has reduced down somewhat (you may want to lower the heat a little if the beans are cooking too quickly).

Add the cheese and cook, stirring regularly, until cheese melts a bit and the beans are done to your desired tenderness. Taste and season with salt and/or pepper if desired. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria
Carolina Sauce Company

PS: These string beans are a delicious side dish to serve as part of your Christmas or New Year's dinner. For more holiday recipes and cooking tips, visit our Christmas & New Year's Recipes board on Pinterest.

PETA (People Eating Tasty Animals) T-Shirts On Sale Now!

Buy PETA People Eating Tasty Animals t-shirts

Are you looking for a unique Christmas gift for a meat-lover or a hunter?

Searching for something that will make a statement, bring a laugh or two, and fit him or her to a T?

Check out our new t-shirts from PETA, aka People Eating Tasty Animals!

We have four snarky, politically incorrect designs to choose from, most of which are available in adult sizes Large through XXXL:

1. The PETA Vegetarian T-Shirt (shown on top left), which reads "VEGETARIAN: Ancient tribal slang for the Village Idiot who can't hunt" on the back, and the front reads "PETA" with "People Eating Tasty Animals" centered underneath. Comes in L, XL, XXL & XXXL.

2. The Whole Cats T-Shirt (shown on top right), which reads "I like cats. I just can't eat a whole one by myself" on the back, and reads "PETA" with "People Eating Tasty Animals" centered underneath. Comes in L, XL, XXL & XXXL.

3. The Tree Hugger T-Shirt (shown on bottom left), which reads on the back, "Tree Huggin' is O.K. ... as long as you're climbing up to your tree stand." The front says "PETA" in large letters, with "People Eating Tasty Animals" centered underneath. This one is a favorite of deer hunters and the proudly anti-PC crowd. Comes in L, XL, XXL & XXXL.

4. The PETA Mashed Potatoes T-Shirt (shown on bottom right), which reads "There's room for all God's creatures... Right next to my mashed potatoes" on the back, and reads "PETA" with "People Eating Tasty Animals" centered underneath on the front. Comes in L, XL & XXL, and is popular among unabashed carnivores and ex-vegetarians with a sense of humor (and a taste for MEAT).

All of these irreverently funny t-shirts are currently on sale at the Carolina Sauces online store, along with many other gift ideas and new products.

Zestfully yours,

Click banner for 10% off coupon

Gloria

PS: If you'd like a coupon for 10% off your product total, good on everything at our online store including these t-shirts, simply click on the banner on the right and sign up for our free VIP Club! But don't delay; the coupon expires on 12/20/13.

Gloria's Vegetarian "Puttanesca" Sauce

Whole wheat penne with vegetarian puttanesca sauce

Tangy, pungent, spicy, robust and assertive, puttanesca sauce is not for the timid. This classic Italian tomato sauce for spaghetti and other pasta traditionally features olives & capers, garlic, hot chilies and anchovies -- all of which I love. It should come as no surprise, then, if I tell you that puttanesca is my favorite Italian tomato sauce, followed closely by arrabiata sauce (which shall have to wait for another day).

I recently decided to make puttanesca sauce for the first time, but much to my dismay there was nary an anchovy in my pantry, and I had no desire to go to the grocery store. So I decided to make do without, and thus this vegetarian -- but no less robust and pungent -- version of puttanesca sauce was born.

Although traditional puttanesca sauce does not include mushrooms, I added baby portobellas to my recipe as an alternative to anchovies. Yes, I realize that the flavors are not interchangeable. But the brown mushrooms' meat-like flavor added both body and richness to my vegetarian puttanesca.

A note about olives:  Every puttanesca sauce I've ever eaten at a restaurant had either sliced black olives or pit-in mixed olives. Having neither, but having gourmet pimiento-stuffed olives from the deli counter, I decided to slice those up and use them in my recipe. Feel free to use the type of olives you enjoy, adjusting the amount depending on whether they're sliced or whole.

Ingredients

Buy Mixed Italian Olives

2 Tbs olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
6 large garlic cloves, minced
8 oz brown or baby portobello mushrooms, chopped
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp ground savory
1/2 cup red wine
Olives: either 1/2 cup sliced OR 1 cup whole
1 Tbs capers (I use brine-packed nonpareil capers, drained)
1 Tbs chopped sun-dried tomatoes
28 oz can tomatoes*, undrained (fire-roasted tomatoes are great for this)
Handful chopped fresh parsley

*I used whole tomatoes and used the side of my wooden stirring spoon to break up into chunks as the sauce cooked. You can use crushed or diced tomatoes if you prefer.

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy bottomed saucepan or medium pot. Add onions and saute until they start to soften, then add garlic and continue to saute until onions are translucent. Stir in the mushrooms and saute until they start to soften. Add the herbs & seasonings, stir, then pour in the wine, stir and cook at a steady simmer. Stir in the olives, capers and sun-dried tomatoes. Add the undrained can of tomatoes, stir, and simmer at least 30 minutes (and ideally longer, cooked at a low simmer) or until sauce has thickened and slightly reduced. Add the parsley after 20 minutes of cooking.

After adding tomatoes

After simmering & reducing

Serve over spaghetti or other pasta, or over cooked spaghetti squash strands. If desired, top with shredded or grated parmigiano cheese or with additional red pepper flakes.

Makes 6 to 8 servings, and you can store leftover sauce in a tightly lidded glass jar -- the flavors will continue to develop and improve overnight.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria
Carolina Sauce Company

PS: Do you enjoy hot & spicy foods, and are looking for more zesty recipes that feature hot peppers? Then visit our Hot & Spicy Recipes board on Pinterest!