Once again Paul at Captain Spongefoot Trading has done it again.  Their sauce lineup if quite impressive as it is with their Original, Chipotle, Sriracha, Meleguta, and Cranberry Chipotle  but now comes the latest edition; Honey Sriracha.  Paul called me a few weeks ago super excited about his latest creation and you could tell from his voice he had a winner.  Paul is one of those guys that is super passionate about wing sauce, and all of his sauces for that matter.  You get motivated to go create something when you talk to him as his passion is that strong you just can’t help but feed off of it.  While not up on their website just yet, you can get it by using their contact information on the site and checking at your local retailer.

Now about the sauce.  At first I was a little hesitant as my sweet and savory pallet is not as defined as others is.  I don’t like chocolate covered bacon (although I love to eat a plate of bacon then the chocolate) and I am not so keen on my maple syrup touching my breakfast sausage with pancakes.  Despite my flaws I gave it a shot on just a plain old chicken breast.  I was instantly hooked on this one as it was the perfect balance between sweet and savory.  There is a nice touch of the honey right up front followed by a little more of a touch of the heat on the back end.  For me, I like a little more heat but I realize I am not like the other 99% of the population who would find this absolutely perfect and I would have to agree as well.  It is like I always tell people who ask why sometimes a dish can taste good one day and how it will not be as good when someone else makes it.  The key to making anything great is quality ingredients in always had a direct relation to the quality of the product when it is done.  That is exactly what Captain Spongefoot is all about, quality.  There are not many sauces that I could put into a glass and drink but this one is just that good.  Enjoy

Here is an interview we did during the San Juan Brewfest last year just outside the VIP party that was going on the night before the event at Ska World Headquarters. This time Todd talks with Cody from Colorado Native Brewing which is located in Golden, CO.

If you are anything like me, you love peanut butter.  Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, peanut butter cookies, etc.  Also, if you are like me, you like to support small companies and local business.  Justin’s Nut Butters does all of those things.  They are out of Boulder, Co and make a few different products.  Recently I got to try a few of thier butter spreads and I have not been disappointed.  They are 93% organic or all natural depending on the flavor and contain minimal ingredients which is always a good sign.  I have a habit of putting natural or organic products like this in the fridge but that makes them very hard to spread on a sandwich.  However, leaving them in the cupboard as you would any other peanut butter is working well and does not make them all stiff.

Each flavor is so creamy and is packed with the nut ingredient flavor.  The maple almond butter does not contain an overwhelming maple flavor which is nice because then it would become more dessert.  The hazelnut however has a deep chocolate flavor which is dangerously delicious.  I was shocked that I didn’t eat the entire jar in one sitting.  Finally their honey peanut butter is very smooth and just has the taste of a home made peanut butter.  Growing up on Skippy and Jif, this is 10x better than those and much better for me.

  My favorite is the hazelnut butter which I use with marshmallow to make very delicious sandwiches.  Give this stuff a try and let us know what you think.

If there is one thing I love about food in general, it is the fact that it enables anyone who has the creative bug to use it.  As we all know, there are thousands of different sauces commercially available in this world, some are terrible, some are good, and some are so unique that you can’t help but fall in love with them.  The sauce lineup from Poca’s Hottest fits that profile to the t.  Before we get into the sauces on their own here is the philosophy of the company direct from their website:

“Poca’s Hottest is a creation of sauces that I designed for the wonderful artists that I have been inspired by both visually and musically, and have had the pleasure to be connected with over the years. Each sauce is  made to give back a bit of the special vibe that these awesome people have so graciously  given to so many and will continue to give. I look, listen and enjoy so that you can do the same. I hope that through my culinary creations  these artists will be given the wonderful pleasures that I have received by being exposed to their tremendous talents! Thank you all for your support. I hope you look listen and enjoy as I have.

Each sauce has a link to these fabulous artist sites.

A percentage of each sale is placed into the Poca’s Artist Fund which is given to the artists  to purchase the supplies to help them create the stuff we love.

Thank you all so much!

Much Love,
Wendy”

The passion in the company truly stands out when you try these sauces.  The company is not out to light up your mouth in some sort of gimmick, they are all about flavor and they have a sauce for every palette out there.  Right now I am really into the Gargamel Crybaby sauce because it has a great balance of heat and is just unlike anything I have ever tried.  Looking at the ingredients, you see carrots listed; very unusual for a hot sauce but it just fits.  It works on any type of meat and is a great fit for breakfast as well.  Took this sauce camping over Memorial Day and it really complimented our hash browns and eggs next to the campfire.  I also love the Hell’s Fire Sauce and the Ooh-La-La Mango Jalapeno Sauce.  Every bottle I try continues to make my belly very very happy.

I haven’t tried all the sauces but I am looking forward to doing so.  Look for these sauces in some of our upcoming videos and a big thank you to Wendy for making such amazing products.

This review is from 2 years ago but still holds true, we really enjoy it and often use it in a pinch.

As you should know by now, we love to BBQ here at CookManFood. With that we are always on the look out for new products and trying new things. Yes we have extensive knowledge about all food and we can make most things from scratch but we always love saving time but using great products. The latest find is from our friends over at Pork Barrel BBQ and their All American Spice Rub.

This rub is pretty simple and packs huge flavor. Not too many ingredients in this rub but there are a few that really stand out such as smoked paprika, ancho chili, and chipotle, chili. These flavors are not found it too many rubs that I have found. Most people include cayenne and different peppers but then again, those rubs do not impress me. I have used this great rub on fish, brisket, baby back ribs, chicken, and pork shoulder and have been impressed each time. If you have not tried it yet, pick some up from their online store, you will not be disappointed.

Here is a review we did of AZ Rubs last year. 

We get to try lots of products here a CookManFood.com, some a great, others, not so much.  Some products are outstanding and Arizona Rubs lineup fits that quality.  We first met up with them a few weeks ago when planning for our Upper Animas rafting trip and we were instantly hooked.  So often you see a rub company just have one flavor of rub or different flavors but no heat.  Arizona Rubs understands that people in the southwest love their heat but also understands that some don’t.  Four flavors is what they have:

Original – No heat, tons of flavor
Chipotle – Smoke dried jalapenos added for a slight heat
Rattlesnake – More jalapeno heat and my personal favorite
Pistol Whip – This one brings it, habanero style

I have used these rubs on every kind of meat I have in my house and it has yet to fail me.  Pork loin, lamb, elk, beef, chicken, and even the occasional veggie.  Pick some up from their online store today, trust me, it is worth it.

For those have been watching our show for the past few months may have noticed some serious hardware being used in the outdoors.  That is because Camp Chef is one of our sponsors.  Their products are such high quality, well made, and very easy to use. Most of our shows have really utilized the Big Gas Grill 3which we have the griddle and grill attachments for. For cooking for large groups or just making some amazing chicken sandwiches in the woods, this thing does it all.     Look for more cast iron work and use of our new outdoor oven in future shows.  Thanks Camp Chef for being a long term sponsor for us.

We get a lot of products here at CookManFood and only a few really make it to our blog.  For those who don’t know, we get samples of product in the mail, they go through a screening, we use them in recipes, then decide weather we want to showcase these products on our site and in our videos.  Well, the latest company to pass the test is Uncle Dennis’ Foods.  They make a variety of hot sauces and spices and they are pretty damn amazing.  For those who saw my post a few days ago on the elk meatballs, that is where I introduced the spices.  Anaheim Powder Spice is a pretty unique product and a new favorite.  It brings so much flavor to everything I have used it on. The thing that sticks out with this spice is that the only ingredient is Anaheim chilies.  No additives, no artificial colors, not preservatives, no salts, no nothing.  Also love the Chipotle powder for the same reasons as well as their line of hot sauces.  The hot sauces come in two flavors, Ragin Fire and Smokin Fire and both bring some heat.  Not heat like gimmick store heat because those sauces do not stay in my fridge or in my house for that long.  I like flavor and I like a sauce that is versatile.  I have been using the ragin fire sauce lately, not sure why I have been favoring it but I just have.  If you haven’t tried anything, check them out.  More to come from this company.

Liquor Name:  Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

Distillery: Pocket Shots

Location:  San Jose, California

Why review:  This product intrigued me the first time I saw it.   Since I am typically out on the go in the woods, at sporting events, or cooking competitions it offered a potential solution to a problem that had plagued me for years.   While I am out and about how can I make a quick cocktail without bringing the whole bottle of booze and looking like a complete lush?  It is true that I am a bit of a lush but that is another topic all together.  

When I got my first pocket shots my expectations were not that high, even though my friend that gave them to me assured me that they were actually premium spirits they just happen to come in a convenient pouch.   Of course I am one to try most anything so I quickly got down to business and gave them a try.    

Distillery Description:  They do not distil in San Jose for the Bourbon.   To be considered Bourbon Whiskey it technically has to be distilled in Kentucky.   This is a true Kentucky Straight Bourbon which is aged for 4 years before they put it in the pouch for you to carry around.

Nose:  Slight hint of fruit

Color: Golden Brown

Taste: Keep in mind that 4 years is not enough time for any bourbon to gain a great deal of complexities.   With this bourbon the aging has given it a smooth finish so you do not have the harshness of a cheap shot of whiskey.   You do pick up the vanilla as well as a bit of the charcoal from the barrel it was aged in.  I drank this whiskey straight as well as used it in a couple of mixed drinks.   Since it is well finished bourbon it is easy to drink neat or on the rocks.   It has a good flavor profile that ads a very nice touch to mixed drinks as well. 

Alcohol Content: 40%

Final Thoughts:  If you are one to be out and about in the woods or at the ball game this would be an excellent item to put in a pocket so that you can enjoy a nice cocktail to help relax during one of your favorite pastimes.   The convince of this product is great but what truly makes it a worthwhile purchase is the fact that they did not just put some cheap crap Whiskey in the pouch they went the extra mile and filled it with some delicious goodness.  

Reviewed By: Todd Youngblood

What can I say about Bridgford Foods?  Pepperoni, jerky, summer sausages, all qualifies as “man food”.  We recently worked with them on our latest cooking show and their products were the perfect fit.  When you are skiing, backpacking, playing pond hockey, you crave meat when you are hungry.  What better way to attend to the cravings than by giving your stomach what it wants.  What I liked best and that the snacks are light weight and fit easily in any pack or in your jacket.  If you haven’t had a chance to try their products, give them a shot. 

We Picked up Bridgford Foods as a show sponsor and as a thank you to our fans we were able to get 20% off all of their fine Jerky, pepperoni, summer sausages, and all other products in their online store. Go To http://www.bridgfordstore.com/ and Enter the Coupon Code Cook Man Food for your discount.