Sauces

The ART of Great Food (and Ice Cream)

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In my constant search to find great places to find great food made by great people from our great community (and beyond), I recently came upon a place – actually a series of places – that not only sells some of my favorite brands that I’ve talked about before (some MANY times!), but also a huge selection of soon-to-be-favorites!

Run by the husband-and-wife team of Art and Jen Negaryan, Art’s Specialties has everything from chocolate, coffee, and cookies to cheese and crackers to oils and spices to international foods that are hard to find ‘round here, as well as a wide array of local and international beverages that ranges from beer and wine to cider and sake. They even have an entire set of flavored olive oils and vinegars that are delicious to taste and perfect for any recipe or gift package.

Speaking of gift packages, Art and his talented team are more than happy to help you pick out the perfect presents for any friend or colleague.

And while many suppliers have been raising their prices, Art and Jen do all they can to make it easy and affordable to try new things so you too can find new favorites.

When you want to reward your great taste, head across the street from the Belmont store to Art’s Creamery or to the Sherborn store or soon to a new location near the Cambridge/Arlington line, where flash-frozen flavors from New City Microcreamery, Nightingale Ice Cream, and Van Leeuwen and their own Ice Cream Bike Sandwiches, all of which have proven so popular that they are staying open all year!

With locations in Belmont, Carlisle, Maynard, and Sherborn, there is probably a store near you. And if not, go to www.artsspecialties.com and www.artscreamery.com to see what is new and what you will be enjoying next.

TASTE TOUCHDOWN

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While I am not such a Broncos fan, as I’m not sure if the Patriots are gonna’ be much to watch this year and I as I am a HUGE fan of condiments, I figured I’d take this opportunity to let people know that former Bronco (and, even worse, former Giant) Ed McCaffrey has traded in his playbook for a cookbook and come up with a line of rather respectable mustard and sauces.

Though he may best be known for eluding coverage, these mustards and sauces work great for covering everything from hot dogs and burgers to salads and crudite. So while the transition from reading defenses to crafting flavor profiles might seem like a leap, but McCaffrey’s attention to detail and passion for excellence shines through in every jar.

In addition to a sausage-ready spicy brown that adds depth to many gastronomic game plans and a perfect for pretzels beer-based variety that is great for gametime snacks or wine and cheese soirees, McCaffrey’s Rocky Mountain Mustard line also leans international with mustards made with creamy Dijon, smoky Chipotle, and spicy Sriracha. Veering a bit from the name, a bit, the Rocky Mountain Mustard tram also offers a “signature” horseradish sauce that is great on sandwiches or on its own. 

If you can’t decide which sauce to enjoy first, try the Game Day Bundle that includes the spicy brown and Chipotle mustard and the horseradish sauce for one bundled price!

So whether you’re a die-hard football fan or more of a serial tailgater, a dilletante-ish dipper or a condiment connoisseur, McCaffrey’s Rocky Mountain Mustard line is a definite…home run!

STILL RUNNING

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While it has been a while since I checked in with our friends at Runamok Maple, they have clearly been amping up the creativity in the meantime.

In fact, not only have they come out with a slew of new maple-based concoctions that range from wood-fired syrups and syrups infused with everything from ginger to chocolate to pumpkin spice and the expansion of their popular Sparkle Syrup line, they have also added a set of syrups that work well as mixers and that make for extra-tasty cocktails when paired with your favorite tipple.

Speaking of mixing with alcohol, the folks at Runamok have added banana rum to their syrup and have even partnered with what maybe Vermont’s most popular pourable export – Whistle Pig Whiskey – to make a syrup that is all the proof you need of how great syrup can be!

As there are so many choices, picking a favorite becomes ever-more difficult. Fortunately, Runamok has multiple solutions to this sweet and sticky problem, including sets of smaller-sized bottles that allow and encourage tasting and experimentation and their popular Bottle of the Month Club that sends members a new bottle every month at a special price! If you are a wine and cheese or grilling fan, they also offer special gift boxes that pair perfectly with your other favorite foods.

While they may beknown for their maple mastery (as so many in their region are) Runamok has expanded further into another natural sweetener and now offers honeys that come from various regions and that is also infused with florals and botanicals that give their products unique notes that will harmonize well with any other food.

Apparently, running amok in quiet Vermont is a good thing!

LEADING THE WAY AGAIN

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I have long been a fan of True Made Foods – the Veteran-run condiment company that uses vegetables instead of sugar to flavor their delicious line of products. 

Their award-winning barbecue sauces crafted by Veteran Pitmaster Ed Mitchell are the stuff of legend and their ketchup and multiple mustards are regular accessories on my table and at some of my favorite eateries.

As Veterans often come up with great ideas and advancements, it may be no surprise to learn that some more established food makers have seen fit to take advantage of the pioneer spirit of Veteran entrepreneur Abe Kamarck by cutting the sugar in their condiments and using nutritious vegetables other than tomatoes for their ketchup. 

(Maybe that is why they own a team called the Steelers!)

As Veterans are not the types to take such challenges lying down, Kamarck has announced True Made’s latest advancement of phasing out their traditional bottles and replacing them with a bigger, fully-recyclable one. Though the new bottle somehow holds more delicious products without taking up more space on your pantry shelf, I hope that it will soon take up more space on your grocery store shelves and so urge ALL of our fans to ask for True Made at their favorite stores and restaurants. Not only do True Made products offer all the flavor of what may still be more familiar brands, but they deliver it all with more nutrition and less sugar and also with the knowledge that you are not only supporting your health and that of your family but also supporting an entrepreneur who learned how to run a business while supporting your freedom. 

SPICE-ING UP THE COOL(?) MONTHS

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Though the traditional cool-down of fall is yet to transpire (please recycle, y’all!), it is always a good time to spice things up with our friends at Boston Spice.

Even though fall is not yet evident, the annual tradition of apple picking has already kicked off at many local farms. As many see him as the founder of this favorite form of family fun, Boston Spice is paying tribute to the legendary Johnny Appleseed (nee John Chapman) with their new Johnny Applespice baking blend, which is perfect for homemade pies and cobblers and also for cookies, cakes, and pretty much anything else you can make to end a meal for family and friends on a sweet and spicy note.

Another undeniable tradition is Thanksgiving, for which Boston Spice has their Plymouth Rocks the Brine dry spice blend. Combining Kosher salt, local maple sugar, orange peel, sage and other flavorful favorites, this brining rub will surely become a new family tradition as well and is a great way to add flavor to leftover turkey the next day and other meals all year ‘round.

A bit further on, there is another undeniable celebration to be had- that of 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party on December 16. As always, Steven Bortnick’s spice company is ready with the Boston Wine Party – a great mulling spice collection that is perfect to toast this revolutionary event or any special event that you may have (even if tea is not involved!). This warm and sweet set of locally-sourced spices is available all over town and, of course, at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum in Boston’s Fort Point Channel (which was recently voted America’s #1 patriotic attraction!).

The weather may be confusing (if not dangerous) lately, but we can all still take comfort in family traditions, especially those that involve sharing and preparing delicious food. Boston Spice makes those good times all the more delicious no matter when you use them or even if you are just cooking for yourself.

www.bostonspice.com

BACK TO THE PIT

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I have long been a fan of Veteran-run companies and even longer a fan of condiments.

That is why I love to sing the praises of True Made Foods!

Not only are many of their low- and no-sugar sauces (including those at Fenway and Nationals Park) made with vegetables that can be snuck into even the pickiest eaters’ meals, True Made also develops many items with legendary barbecue-ist (and fellow Veteran) Ed Mitchell.

As he is known as the most famous pitmaster in the ‘cue capital of North Carolina, it is no surprise that Mitchell’s new cookbook – simply called Ed Mitchell’s Barbecue –is among the top sellers in its class as well.

Co-written with his son (and student) Ryan and food expert Zella Palmer (who is also head of the Ray Charles Program in African American Material Culture at Dillard University in New Orleans), the book celebrates the history and tradition of barbeque. As Mitchell started ‘cueing at the age of 14 and as many of the recipes go back to his ancestors in Africa, he should (and does) know all about it!

From hush puppies and skillet cornbread to, fried green tomatoes and okra poppers to ribs, backyard brisket, and barbequed chicken, Ed’s book has recipes for everything for every course and every level of ‘talent – from the ‘cue-rious to the potential pitmaster, all told with family stories that give the recipes context and extra depth.

Whether you are a pitmaster, a master sergeant, or a fan of great condiments made by amazing people, True Made and Ed’s creations are for you!

www.thepitmasteredmitchell.com

JELLY THAT CAN GET YOU PICKLED

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We have used many words for food over the years, but here are two I have not heard together before- jelly and alcohol!

I have been a fan of PB&J since I was a kid, but now that I am…older, I sometimes seek a more sophisticated sweetener for my legumated lunch.

That is why I am so thrilled to have found Olde Haven Farm!

As it is a family-run farm in Maine, it may be no surprise that Olde Haven uses traditional and ethical techniques to process and distribute its many delicious products. What might be interesting, however, is that many of these products combine flavors and ingredients that are not usually combined.

In addition to their home-grown produce and meats, Olde Haven is known for their preserves and preservations. From authentic salsas from south of the (Canadian) border to mustard pickles that combine the two best hot dog toppers in one to dill-brined green beans and garlic honey carrots, the folks at Olde Haven know how to use old techniques to make new taste sensations. But what may be the most sensational are their fresh fruit jams that, as mentioned before, are often laced with liquor!

In addition to familiar faves like strawberry rhubarb and (of course) wild Maine blueberry, Olde Haven whips up boozy batches of cherry Amaretto, cinnamon apple Whiskey, pomegranate Rosé, and Bourbon peach (which is GREAT on ice cream!), and even a Christmas flavor that is perfect for mull-ing over a gift list. Speaking of gifts, Olde Haven’s products can be combined to fit any occasion and any recipient, regardless of age or tolerance.

From the famed Maine farmer’s markets to your local grocer (just ask!), Olde Haven is growing in popularity thanks to its combination of family tradition and creative ingenuity- Just like a farm in Maine should be!

www.oldehavenfarm.com

TAKING CARE OF A MOTHER OF A PROBLEM…DELICIOUSLY

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As I talk about food so much, it stands to reason that I have a lot in my house. As a result, food waste is a BIG concern.

Fortunately, I am not alone in my desire to stem the tide on the billions of pounds and dollars that are wasted every year when perfectly usable food is thrown away and ends up contributing to climate change in landfills.

Among my most ardent (and delicious) allies is Matriark Foods, a certified Women-Owned Business that recently launched the world’s first line of upcycled pasta sauces.

While this may not sound like much of a triumph, when you consider how many tons of tasty tomatoes are tossed every year, the fact that Matriark can use domestically-grown, slightly unattractive but still perfectly safe and healthy love apples to create varieties that range from their gentle marinara to a spicy arrabbiata, it is a giant step in the right direction and one that I hope others will follow. When you add that all of their sauces are non-GMO and vegan and have no added sugar, that the Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper packaging is easier on the planet than traditional glass jars, and that the company is partnered with 1% for the Planet and Planet Forward and partnering with communities where nutritious food is hard to come by, the news is even tastier!

I recently topped one of my favorite Re-Grained upcycled pastas for a delicious, nutritious, and environmentally-conscious one-two punch of flavor and it made me feel good inside and out because I knew I was doing good for my body and for my community too!

In any case, Matriark makes delicious ways to top off whatever you eat with inspired ingredients, great flavor, solid nutrition, and the good feeling that comes from knowing you are serving your family and the planet with your best intentions.

matriarkfoods.com

GET INTO A JAM

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While any of the items I discuss on Matt’s Meals can make for a great gift (if even for yourself!), I recently found a local maker who can solve pretty much any holiday giving jam.

In fact, jam is the source of the solution!

Starting with a parental promise to spread sweetness, Holly Condon started Holly’s Heavenly Creations – a handmade jam and jelly company that has some of the most creative and carefully-crafted varieties I (a devout jam fan) have ever tasted!

When I first saw Holly at the Needham High School craft fair, my eye was caught by a jar of Dirty Monkey Nuts. When I tasted this perfect combination of chocolate, peanuts, bananas, and a touch of locally-sourced honey, I was ready to swing from the trees myself!

While the grape, raspberry, and even cranberry jams are great, it is through more adventurous offerings like Figgy on a Bog (featuring figs, cranberries, and ginger sugar), Mother’s Embrace (which is flavored with actual roses!), and Sweet Wookie (RAWR!) that Holly truly sets herself and her creations apart. And with flavors like Boo Berry, Love Spell, and Nutcracker, there is truly something for everyone at this season and every season of giving.

As I perused the overflowing table of choices, I saw such seductive selections as Lavender Skies and Fear the Reaper jam (which has a VERY appropriate warning on the front where Holy usually reveals her ingredients). There were also a few flavors the names of which made me laugh but that might not be appropriate for this venue. You will just have to go to https://hollys-heavenly-creations.square.site or www.facebook.com/hollysheavenlycreations to read (and order) them for yourself!

SELECT-ING THE BEST BERRIES

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Especially at this time of year, many people are thinking of what to make for their family that will keep the gratitude and enjoyment up and the arguing and bickering down. With all the political and dietary limitations people bring to the table these days, it can be harder than ever to please everyone!

Especially as traditional mains may be problematic, perhaps it is best to stick to sides for now.

When it comes to best sides, there is little that can beat fresh MA cranberries. 

But what to do if you want that fresh-from-the-bog taste at other times of year?

Cape Cod Select is a multi-generational, family-run, sustainable business that picks and provides locally-sourced cranberries in a wide array of delicious ways, including frozen berries and extra-nutritious smoothie kits that can be used anytime you want something to feel thankful for.

In addition to leaving out any extra sugar, Cape Cod Select also eschews a bunch of other unhealthy stuff that many other berry baggers and canners use, which has allowed them to become the first American cranberry grower to achieve GLOBAL G.A.P Certification which sets stringent compliance qualifications for farms around the world.

After starting your day with a tropical smoothie (which will be an especially welcome respite if a traditional New England winter ever comes back), try their chutney with anything from cheese to charcuterie (which they also offer) and their amazing cranberry mustard on pretty much anything and in many of the recipes that are on www.capecodselect.com.

With all the issues in the world, we do not need a special day to be thankful. But when we want to add a bit of healthy sweetness to any day, Cape Code Selects can surely help!