The Latest Buzz

One item I've added to my every-other-morning ritual is a healthy smoothie, and I mean healthy. I keep the sugar count in check and don’t use any fake fillers, like fruit juice. It’s delicious but I’ve been feeling a little bored of my normal go-to smoothie. I'm in the mood for something easy, fresh, and slightly tropical - this chilly Banana Coconut Milkshake by flavorsofmumbai.com is the perfect combination of fruit, nuts and cream.

Staying Cool and Eating Local

The vast array of Fourth of July parties are approaching, which means many people will be planning to start their festivities around lunch or mid-afternoon. If you’re below a latitude of 36° N, this means one thing and one thing only, start strategizing! You will need to keep cool, hydrated, and away from the sun’s harsh rays. One great way to do this is introduce a DIY Popsicle Bar to your event!

Charcuterie for the Soul

The charcuterie - a mini buffet of food items curated to you, your personality, your soul, and especially, your stomach. Lately, this elaborate platter of delectables has made itself known as (not only) the simplest of food displays but also the most versatile.

Proud Partner Week: Savory Spice Shop in South End

There’s something unique about a store that sells just one thing. Whether it sells musical instruments, specialty wines, artisan cheeses or art supplies – you know that you’re in the company of true experts.

If you’re in the market for spices…look no further. Savory Spice Shop in South End is just the place to find anything and everything you need spice-related. This store lines their wooden shelves, colorful walls, and grout-less floors with spices from across the country to around the globe.

Let’s say your looking for a powdered spice native to South America, cooks well with beef, has medium heat, and can be blended with curry seasonings…Savory Spice has the answer. Not sure if it’s perfect for your dish? Take a taste! All the spices in Savory Spice Shop can be sampled right then and there on the spot.

Now the big question is, what delicious spice blend works best with a classic Thanksgiving Day turkey? The clever experts at Savory Spice say it’s The Tiny Town Turkey Rub. This handcrafted rub couples perfectly with all of your timeless holiday side items like sweet potato casserole, black pepper green beans, and rosemary turkey gravy. And while you have four long hours to smell this tasty turkey sizzling, we hope you’ll spend this year’s Thanksgiving holiday with lots of good company and, of course, fabulous food!

The Tiny Town Turkey Rub

Ingredients:
Hungarian paprika, sage, onion, garlic, rosemary, black pepper, ginger, thyme, parsley, marjoram, red bell pepper, coriander, allspice, Greek oregano, savory and spices. Tiny Town is a great rub for turkey or duck. Rub 1 tsp. per pound onto the surface and into the cavity for aromatic and flavorful results. A bag for 4 oz. runs $6.30 and 8 oz. runs $10.45. While you there, be sure to check out the Citrus & Savory Brining Spices and the Sage & Savory Stuffing Seasoning (Salt-Free).

Also, looking to jazz up that bowl of assorted nuts? Try Savory Spice’s Sweet & Savory Candied Nuts recipe, its perfect for a sweet and salted home-cooked treat - fresh from the oven!

Yields: 4 cups
Ingredients:

4 cups nuts (almonds, pecans or mixed)

1/4 cup honey (Cloister Honey: Wildflower)

1/4 cup corn syrup

2 Tbsp. Tiny Town Turkey Rub

3 Tbsp. Vanilla Bean Sugar

Directions:
Toast nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet in a 350 degree oven for 8 min. Transfer to a large bowl and add honey and corn syrup. Toss to coat and put back on non-stick or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Put nuts back in 350 degree oven for 10 min. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss Tiny Town Turkey Rub with the Vanilla Bean Sugar. Dump the hot gooey nuts into the spice mixture and toss to coat evenly. Spread out on a cookie sheet to cool then break apart with fingers.

Thank you so much to our partners and friend's Amy and Scott at Savory Spice Shop! For more information about their store please visit them on Facebook, Twitter, or online.

Location:

Savory Spice Shop

2000 South Blvd

Charlotte, NC 28203

Proud Partner Week: Pure Pizza

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Charlotte is the Benjamin Button of all cities. The older it gets the younger, the trendier, and the tastier this little-big town becomes. Back in the early 90’s, Charlotte wasn’t flaunting much. With banking as its main attraction, there was little room for creative expression in the culinary arts. But then something happened – an epiphany of sorts. Around 2005, we Charlotteans realized something…we like to eat. And not only do we like to eat, we like to be amazed by great cooks. The so called “Culinary Renaissance” in Charlotte has been speedily increasing with pop-up farmers markets like Atherton Mill in the Historic South End district, Common Grounds Farm Stand in Myers Park, and the 7^th Street Market in Uptown Charlotte. These delightful greeneries have allowed people to open their eyes (and mouths) to healthier recipes, fresher foods, and newer ingredients.

If you have a free Saturday this fall, take a trip to 7^th Street Market for lunch. Come hungry but if you’re in the mood for a regular ol’ pizza – turn around. The pizza at Pure Pizza is: out of this world amazing, magazine quality, and a five-star experience – all in one. Try the “Pure Country” pizza…it’s exactly what it says it is. Country. But not like your cornbread, BBQ ribs, and green beans country. This pizza pie combines Bianco-DiNapoli organic tomato sauce, fresh sliced mozzarella, caramelized garlic, AB Vannoy Farms prosciutto and hydroponic basil – straight from the earth, country. It’s pretty amazing stuff, and don’t forget your Cloister Honey dipping sauce on the side, you’ll want that for your crust later.

Visit Pure Pizza at their location:

7th Street Market

224 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC

Check them out online, with full menus, pictures, and information:

http://www.purepizzaclt.com/