Recipes

Lentil Loaf with Awesome Sauce

I've made this recipe for lentil loaf a million times. It is a go-to dish that keeps coming back around. Why? It's true the loaf is moist and flavorful, healthy, and satisfying. It's true that you can make it with just about any assortment of seasonal vegetables and spices. But the real reason is that the sauce is AWESOME. Seriously. For a family that loves to experiment with new dishes, the fact that we keep coming back to this recipe is a testament to its greatness.Credit goes to The Simple Veganista and her perfectly proportioned recipe for The Ultimate Vegetable Lentil Loaf. We've barely adapted it here. For our tastes, the secret is in the sauce, a simple blend of balsamic vinegar, ketchup and maple syrup, that pairs perfectly with all manner of flavors in the loaf. For this recipe I made it with New Mexico Chili Powder and our new Garlic Salt, but Sassy Steak Spice and Creole Seasoning also work well.

Chicken Fried Chicken

I'll to drive over an hour for chicken fried steak - it's a weakness - and this chicken fried chicken would be equally worth the trip. Fortunately, it's an easy home-made comfort food meal so you don't have to get in the car. The chicken breasts, pounded flat into even-cooking cutlets, are delicious and the gravy... OH, the gravy is sensationally seasoned with our Cascade Mushroom Mix and Voodoo. Serve it up with garlic mashed potatoes and a green vegetable for the perfect plate.

Fresh Herb Falafel

Truly well executed falafel is a revelation to the palate, and this recipe from Rose Water & Orange Blossoms by Maureen Abood provides exactly that. You can also make the falafel mix a day ahead, as well. For more delicious Lebanese recipes, be sure to check out this cookbook - you will want to make every recipe! From the Author: "What a fantastic discovery homemade falafel is! Completely fresh and such a difference from falafel in restaurants, because of the copious fresh herbs and balance of spices. We’ve never cooked with cumin in my extended Lebanese family, but here you can add a pinch if you like."

Harissa Spiced Fig, Merguez, and Almond Salad

We love a good salad, and are always looking for a good salad cookbook to give us inspiration. Salmagundi: A Celebration of Salads from around the World by Sally Butchec has wonderful salad recipes from a variety of cuisines! This recipe for a spiced fig salad, which comes from the book, artfully combining sweet and spicy flavors in a spice-infused honey for predictably delicious results.From the Author: "This is a rather special salad. Actually, figs have the capacity to render pretty much anything special: their appearance is lush for starters - they have but to lie down on a plate or pose in a fruit bowl and they steal the show. They are also feted for their aphrodisiac properties: yup - they are the all-around floozy of the fruit world."

Bajan Chicken Salad

We are always looking for new and fun salad ideas, and Salmagundi: A Celebration of Salads from around the World has a wide variety to try. This Bajan chicken salad, a recipe from the book, combines allspice, cumin, paprika and oregano with a mix of fresh, bright-tasting ingredients for a unique and refreshing flavor.From the Author: "Bajan food is a beguiling mix of Africa and India and the Caribbean. This recipe is a similar jumble—of all the lovely flavors that we sampled on our trip."

Emerald City Scallops

The next time you can get your hands on some fresh scallops, give Emerald City Scallops a try! Emerald City Seasoning makes an excellent companion for the delicate flavor of seared scallops. The gentle herb flavor and delicate heat bring the perfect amount of character to the table, while allowing the natural flavor of the shellfish to remain in the spotlight.

Seattle Salmon Rub

We eat lots of salmon here in the Northwest and never tire of finding fabulous new ways to enjoy it. Among them all, Seattle Salmon Rub remains at the top of the list. Our signature blend with pan-Asian sparkle combines bright notes of orange and star anise with a savory base of toasted cumin and coriander with just enough salt and sugar to make the perfect crust. For this recipe we've cooked the fish on alder and cedar planks for the ultimate Northwest flavor experience.

Zesty Biscayne Chicken Skewers

2 hrs, 15 min

Get ready for a taste explosion with our Zesty Biscayne Chicken Skewers! The vibrant flavors of the Caribbean, bursting with zesty citrus, allspice, and a hint of chile pepper heat, will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.Our secret weapon? The Biscayne Citrus Rub marinade, infused with the essence of sunshine and good vibes. Picture this: light beer and Upper Left Madrona Smoked Honey joining forces to create a magical elixir that lets the flavors of the rub truly shine. So grab those skewers and let the Caribbean flavors take you on a culinary adventure.

Sultry Spiced Short Ribs

Slow cooked short ribs are the perfect vehicle for spices, and these spiced short ribs have a secret ingredient. A milder cousin of the better known variety, Black Cardamom Pod has a deep smoky, earthy flavor profile. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness of Star Anise, and the piquant flavors of cinnamon and peppercorns to give these short ribs a sultry and mysterious flavor.