Spicy Tweeter

by Jerris Madison, Creative Director

The power of our Facebook Fan Page and Twitter Page will never be taking for granted again. This is how I met JD and the prime example way we should reach out to people we network with. I thought I first met JD via our Twitter Page but he has been a friend of mines on Facebook for some time. 

While on Twitter, JD and I started a random conversation from one my sought out quotes of inspiration. In the process of Tweeting, he invited me to a food tasting event in Culver City, CA but due to my schedule, I wasn't unable to attend. So we decided to meet at another restaurant later the following week. While researching his website, I was happy to find out he owns a company that produces a line of hot sauces. "Wow!", I thought. How about that?!

All Spice Cafe is the brain child of JD Cowles. Spending a lot of time on the road, JD has become a big fan of ethnic foods such as Indian, Thai, Caribbean to name a few. Being introduced to Chipotle in sunny California has led to the Chipotle Garlic Sauce and a love of many spices has led to Caribbean Spice Sauce.

When I walked into the meeting, I immediately knew who JD was. He looked actually like the animated man on the face of his product. I immediately told him that in person. Once I sat down, I was impressed with how kind he was and his very generous back story. Once we finished eating, JD presented me with a cased of sauces as a gift and tasting. I smiled.

I went straight home after the meeting to try the products I was so eagered to try. I must say the Chipotle Garlic Sauce and Carribean Spice both were my overwhelming favorites because of their bursting flavors. To my surprise, they weren't as hot as I thought. I will be the first to say I am not a spicy food consumer. I called a few friends over to try the spicier brands (Hot Cayenne Habanero and XXX Cayenne Habanero) and they loved all of them. The sauces not only provided favor but a lot of range. The sauces can be used as dipping sauces, marinades and for grilling.

All Spice Cafe deserves major cudos from Obvious Magazine for a very delicious product with great packaging.

Here's a bonus. We used this recipe from JD's website. It is one of our favorites. Try it:

Chipotle Garlic Glazed Baby Back Ribs

This is a great BBQ sauce for baby backs. We have done ribs at our Demos at Surfas Chef’s Paradise with this recipe and everyone wants the recipe.

1-2 racks of baby back ribs
1/2 cup All Spice Cafe Chipotle Garlic Sauce
1/4 cup of dark brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 ounces balsamic vinegar

Add all the ingredients to a small sauce pan and cook over low - medium heat. Bring to a slow boil for 5 minutes.

Preparing the ribs - I like to use a spice rub on baby backs such as Two Guys Grilling Chipotle Rub. Sprinkle rub generously on both sides of the ribs and sear over high heat on the grill (5 - 7 min per side). Since I don’t have a smoker, I’ll wrap the ribs in foil and slow cook them over indirect heat at about 250 with the lid on for about 90 minutes.

Use the glaze as a finish for the ribs and place back on the grill at low heat. Brush the glaze on both sides of the ribs and cook for 3 - 5 min per side. Keep a close eye on them at this stage as the glaze will burn.

To purchase sauces: www.allspicecafe.com
More Recipes: Click Here
JD Cowles Twitter: www.twitter.com/jdcowles

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Straight with No Chaser

by Jerris Madison, Creative Director

When most food companies are in business solely for the money and not for the purpose of promoting good health too, we've found a company that does.

For over 20 years, Suzanne's Specialties has been producing an ever-growing line of all natural, vegan, & organic sweeteners, desserts, and toppings. They use no preservatives, refined sugars, artificial colors or flavors. Suzanne's Specialties products are fat-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan.

Most of us have a fear of eating anything that is natural, let alone anything that bears the name Vegan. Out of curiosity, we contacted the company for samples of their products. We wanted to try both of their Organic and All-Natural Products. We received: Organic Wildflower Honey, Strawberry Spreadable Fruit, Blueberry Rice Nectar, and a bonus, their "Featured: Ricemellow Crème."

First, we tried the Ricemellow Crème. This was our first choice because some of us grew up on the original marshmallow cream and wanted to see the difference. We were impressed! The Ricemellow Crème wasn't as sweet as the original and didn't have the after taste. Let's just say it was the first to go.

Up next, Organic Wildflower Honey. I wanted to try this one personally because I love drinking teas and making desserts. The Organic Wildflower Honey was extremely light tasting and very rich in favor. We liked this one a lot and recommend it to anyone who prefers a healthy choice honey.

Strawberry Spreadable Fruit was tried two ways: On wheat crackers and as a peanut butter and Strawberry Spreadable Fruit sandwich. The PB&J didn't taste like what we were accustomed to but we felt great eating a healthier version of this American classic. After eating it over several days, we grew to love the low-cal flavor. Most of the staff ate the Strawberry Spreadable Fruit and wheat crackers while working at their desk as a snack. The synopsis was it was a quick snack to go and very convenient.

The Blueberry Rice Nectar was put over buckwheat pancakes with berries and the flavor was fantastic! We all had that, "You have to be kidding me!" look on our faces. This product is definitely a keeper. This was much better than syrup and didn't weigh you down after a few bites.

Suzanne's Specialties has lived up to the quality that they promote and their unique products. Purchase their products at: www.suzannes-specialties.com