hot sauce Archives

Earlier this week, Ozarka Water sent over a box of local {to me} products and asked the question, “Why do you love where you live?“. The box alone {provided by a company that comes from three Texas springs} represented one of the top reasons I love Austin, TX – it’s chock-full of entrepreneurial spirit. Almost everyone you meet has a side project, runs a start-up business, or has established a local brand. I’m confident you could survive in this town solely by shopping local. And I just couldn’t be an ounce more happy to call Austin, TX my home.

Another reason I love Austin is that, not only are there so many wonderful grocery stores in a close proximity, but each of those stores makes an effort to support and highlight local products. For example, the Yellowbird hot sauce that was included in the box.. I already had {and always have} in my fridge. And it’s not uncommon to see Yellowbird dominating the end cap at Whole Foods or Central Market – both born in Austin, as well.

One of my favorite activities this summer has been rooftop grilling get-togethers at my friend, Jackie’s, apartment. This has also been the perfect venue to share the products I’ve been sampling with my friends, like the Paqui’s tortilla chips and Cookwell & Co. queso {pictured above} and Jelly Queen’s steak seasoning {pictured below}. A common theme with local food companies is quality ingredients, so it made complete sense that the queso was made without cheez product, chips without GMOs, and spice mix with organic ingredients.

The un-pictured items that we incorporated into our rooftop gathering were Snow’s BBQ Sauce and Taste Elevated’s sweet and spicy mustard seeds. All of the products mentioned above added a layer of fun and excitement to our evening!

And since moving to Austin in February of 2012 {4-1/2 years ago!}, home-cooked weekend breakfasts have become one of my most treasured times. I love waking up, moseying to the kitchen, whipping up something delicious, sitting down with a cup of coffee, and taking my time enjoying all I’ve prepared. Below are instructions on how to make one of my frequently made take-your-time breakfasts, avocado toast.

Disclosure: Although Ozarka Water kindly provided the products mentioned above, the opinions in this post are completely my own and based on my experience.

Array

I’m asked often why I started FoodFash. The truth is, there’s a variety of reasons and the reason or reasons I choose to share are completely dependent on the audience and whether or not I want the conversation to continue. But what I’m going to share with you now, and I promise this is going to segue into the beauty of a bloody mary pictured above, is one of the reasons why I continue to create. And it’s because I’m fastidious. And as much as I enjoy new life experiences, I enjoy making them my own even more.

Last weekend, I ordered the most ridiculous bloody mary ever. It was 40 dollars worth of out-of-control. Sure it had some usual suspects like bacon and peppers. But it was also topped with sushi, pork belly, a grilled cheese, and the list goes on. And though I wouldn’t have traded the experience for any other {it’s what led me to create this post,} it was of the most disgusting bloody marys I’ve ever tasted. The mix was sweet, the toppers were heavy, the portion was nap-inducing – it was unfinishable. I knew could do better. And I did.

The recipe below is for the bloody mary of my dreams: light, not sweet {at all}, slightly spicy, and a solid horseradish kick. I don’t want to feel sick ever, but especially after a brunch cocktail. And I want enough damn toppings to last through the entire drink!

Suggested toppers:

Bacon!
Shrimp
Smoked Oysters
Pickled Okra
Pickled Asparagus
Giant Spanish Olives
Cornichons ({pickles}
Maldon salt {for rim}

P.S. Celery to a bloody mary is like honeydew to a fruit salad – nobody wants it.

Array

Avocado Toast – #ForHereFromHere

The Ultimate Bloody Mary {Seriously}