It goes without saying that I’m a big fan of made-from-scratch, homemade goodness, but many times, I’m pinched for time. I’m always on the lookout for shortcuts that don’t sacrifice the pure-pepper flavor that I crave. When I stumbled upon The Chili Lab Chili Salts and Chile Butter, I knew that I had found a very good thing indeed.
Based in Brooklyn, New York, The Chili Lab sources all-natural ingredients from all over the globe to bring you standards like the habanero to lesser-known chiles like the Aleppo. Chili Salts, an anything-but-simple blend of sea salt and dried chiles, allow you to easily shake spice into virtually anything. For moderate heat, go for the Chipotle or Pri Pri, but turn to the Pequin for a serious dose of fire.
And perfect on bread, in sauces, as a dip and more, Chili Butters, a combo of roasted bell peppers, butter, chiles and spices, couldn’t be more handy. On the mild side, The Garden Blend is balanced with brown rice syrup and lemon and features the aleppo and pepperoncini, the medium, citrusy The Grove Blend has ahi amaryllis, and super-spicy, smoky The Forager’s Blend mixes green and wire wire.
Salts start at $12 and Butters at $12.75. Go to www.thechililab.com for more information.
From Old Recipe To Mustard Girl!
An 80 year old Wisconsin farmer’s recipe for a particularly tangy mustard has become big business thanks to Jennifer Connor, who love it as a college student, got the recipe and began producing it as Mustard Girl. A variety of flavors is now sold nationwide, but the star is the original Sweet N’ Spicy Honey: Mustard Girl All American Mustards, which retail at $3.00 (for 12 ounces).
“I believe everyone has a unique mustard seed to be shared with the world to make it a better place, I hope to inspire others to believe in themselves too, and to not give up, so together we can spread a whole lot of sunshine in the world.” – Jennifer Connor
www.mustardgirl.com
“Work With What You Got!”
© Victoria Hart Glavin Tiny New York Kitchen
Mitchmallows
Last week I attended New York City’s Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center. It was a very rainy and muggy day, but I decided to walk there from the East Side anyway. Naturally the place was packed with vendors and attendees which was exciting to see. I walked through isle after isle looking at and sampling many food items, but to be honest much of it was the same old jarred salsa, jams and ice cream. I probably spent a good 2 1/2 hours looking at everything and was getting ready to leave when I realized I had missed a “new products” isle. I forced myself to give the isle a quick run through even though I had a long walk back in the rain. I have to say that I was truly happy that I did because I ran into a new product called Mitchmallows. Typically, I am not a huge fan of marshmallows, but the bow-tie wearing guy behind the booth (Mitch) was super nice and invited me to try the different flavors that he had out for sampling. I couldn’t believe how good these marshmallows were and tried several different flavors just to make sure. There were trays of colorful marshmallows like Watermelon, Creamsicle, Pretzels & Beer, Ginger Wasabi, Banana Split, Pink Lemonade, Churros and Maple Syrup Pancake. My favorites were the Watermelon and Churros flavors.
Most of you know that I don’t write a review of a restaurant or a product unless I really like it. I am extremely happy that I ran into Mitch and his Mitchmallows. What a great idea and what a unique food product. If you’re a fan of marshmallows or even if you’re not into marshmallows you just may want to give these puppies a try. This was by far the best thing that I found at the Fancy Food Show and the added bonus was meeting the owner who was completely flip over his product. I’m not sure if Mitchmallows are sold in stores yet, but you can order them from the website. I saw the packaging and they come in cute little tins. Go to the website and check it out at http://www.mitchmallows.com/ and tell them that Tiny New York Kitchen sent ya.
Star Spangled Spatula
July 4th is right around the corner and you’ll feel even more patriotic with this sturdy American made Star Spangled Spatula. This awesome spatula was designed by Jacob Riley-Wasserman and hand crafted right here in America by Lamson and Goodnow. The Star Spangled Spatula is made from stainless steel and American Walnut and sells for (gulp) $65. Because it is made by the oldest and most-respected cutlery company it should last a lifetime. The Star Spangled Spatula is also available in plastic for $12 and comes in red, white, blue and black. Perfect for any barbecue!
Where to buy?
Amazon
Areaware
Portuguese “Port” Muffins
Most of you know that I don’t write about a product or a restaurant unless I really like it. These “Ports” or Portuguese muffins have become a big thing here in New York City. Port Muffins are a bit larger and flatter than regular English muffins. They’re a bit sweeter, but not too sweet or sugary. They are billed as “The 3 Meal Muffin” because you can have them for breakfast, use them for sandwiches for lunch or use them for hamburger buns for dinner. I like to serve them toasted for a weekend breakfast when making bacon and eggs. I love to slather them with apricot-peach jam.
Port Muffins are made by Central Bakery in Fall River, MA. Central Bakery is a family owned bakery that’s been operating since 1975. Apparently, the owner, Dave Lopes’, grandmother brought her recipe from the Azores in Portugal hence the bakery was born. The muffins were originally molded by hand and soon became an instant hit. These days the muffins are made by using a small electric bread mold in order to produce thousands of muffins per week. Currently, these Port Muffins are a bit difficult to find. I know that you can find them at Citarella and Dean & Deluca here in New York City. If you can’t find them in your area then ask your local grocer to stock them or special order them for you. I have totally broken up with the commercial English muffins (you know who you are) and will only buy Port Muffins. As a matter of fact I buy extras and store them in the freezer so that I don’t run out.
Here is what my West Coast Portuguese friend Carol says, “These muffins are the greatest! They remind me in a sort of way of my mother’s Portuguese sweet bread in a muffin form! Yum”
Here’s the info:
Central Bakery
711 Pleasant Street
Fall River, MA 02723
(508) 675-7620
Tell them that Tiny New York Kitchen sent you!
There Website is:
