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DIY BBQ Rub March 14 2016

Calling all pitmasters! It’s time to rub your meat with a blend of spices that will take your slow cooking to the next level. If you’re getting sick of the “standard” BBQ rubs, it’s time to put them down and make your own.

Ingredients:

  • La Flor Sea Salt
  • La Flor Black Pepper
  • La Flor Garlic Powder
  • La Flor Cumin
  • La Flor Cayenne Pepper
  • La Flor Ground Cinnamon
  • La Flor Paprika
  • White Sugar
  • Dark Brown Sugar

  • Directions:

    Mix all contents in a large bowl. Apply liberally to pork, beef or chicken approximately 1 hour prior to cooking.

    When taste is everything, La Flor is all you need to transform your slow cook into an extraordinary culinary delight. Shop our selection of spices, herbs, and blends on the web - keep it spicy, America!

    National Chili Day February 26 2016

    Today is National Chili Day and Mother Nature couldn’t have planned the drastic drop in temperature here in the Northeast any better! After all, what’s better than sitting down to a large bowl of chili when the weather outside is well, chilly?

    Before we get into a delicious chili recipe though, we thought it would be a good idea to let you know what to look for when shopping for the main ingredient - ground beef. Ground beef is usually made from the leftover trimmings of steaks, roasts and other cuts of beef. It is commonly differentiated by its lean-to-fat ratio - if you’ve ever noticed “80/20, 85/15, or 90/10” you know what we’re talking about. For example, “80/20” means the meat is made up of 80% lean beef and 20% fat, so if you’re looking for minimal fat intake, look for a 90/10 option. Just keep in mind that when cooked, leaner meat tends to dry out quicker.

    We recommend looking for the USDA “certified organic” label. This means the livestock was raised on organic, pesticide-free feed farms with access to pasture. There’s also no antibiotics or growth hormones.

    One more important thing to look for when buying ground beef is the color of the meat. It should be a nice “cherry red” color but don’t be alarmed if you notice some brown when you open the package.

    The Recipe (Serves 6-8)

    • 2 lbs ground beef
    • 2 cloves chopped garlic
    • 1 8-oz can of tomato sauce
    • 2 tbsp. La Flor chili powder
    • 1 tsp. La Flor cumin
    • 1 tsp. La Flor oregano
    • 1 tsp. La Flor sea salt
    • ¼ tsp. La Flor cayenne pepper
    • 1 can kidney beans
    • 1 can pinto beans
    • 1 can black beans
    • Shredded cheddar
    • Chopped onions
    • Tortilla chips

    Directions

    In a large pot, place ground beef and garlic. Cook over medium heat until the meat browns and then add tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, sea salt and cayenne pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about an hour and then add beans and simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Serve with shredded cheddar, chopped onions and tortilla chips for dipping!

    When taste is everything, La Flor is all you need to transform National Chili Day into an extraordinary culinary delight. Shop our selection of spices, herbs, and blends on the web - keep it spicy, America!


    Celebrate National Margarita Day! February 22 2016

    Grab the salt. Grab the limes. Grab the (insert your favorite Tequila here) and get ready to celebrate because it’s National Margarita Day!

    Because it’s Monday, and let’s face it who likes Mondays, there couldn’t be a better time to stay in the city after work to grab a margarita and chow down on a bowl of chips and guac? Here are a few places in Manhattan where you can celebrate this wonderful day:

    Rosa Mexicano

    This authentic Mexican restaurant takes pride in their regional Mexican cuisine that exemplifies Mexico’s diverse regional culinary landscapes. Their menu changes daily so be sure to check your location for today’s specials.

    Empellon Al Pastor

    Specializing in the classic margarita, this is the go-to spot in East Village. Take advantage of one or all nine tacos while you enjoy your cold beverage during happy hour from 5:30 to 6:30pm.

    Dos Caminos

    Looking to expand your palate when it comes to your favorite Mexican drink? Dos Caminos offers ten different flavors of margaritas including two frozen options. You won’t be disappointed.


    Can’t stay late today? Celebrate at home with this delicious guacamole recipe:

    Ingredients

      • Ripe, fresh avocados
      • Limes
      • Medium tomatoes
      • Medium white onion
      • Fresh garlic
      • Cilantro
      • La Flor Black Pepper
      • La Flor Sea Salt
      • La Flor Ground Cumin
      • La Flor Cayenne Pepper

    Directions

    Mash avocados in a large bowl with a fork. Then add lime juice, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, cilantro and seasonings to taste. Serve right away with your favorite tortilla chips. Wash it all down with a delicious margarita (if you’re 21 or older, of course).

    When taste is everything, La Flor is all you need to transform National Margarita Day into an extraordinary culinary delight. Shop our selection of spices, herbs, and blends on the web - keep it spicy, America!

    Choosing The Right Spices For Your Meat January 29 2016

    As foodies, the flavor behind what we create is extremely important. As you transition between different types of meats for different dishes, it’s imperative that you make sure you're pairing them with the right spices to ensure a great taste.

    Take a look at these spice recommendations for some popular meats you might be cooking with.

    Adobo on Chicken or Pork

    Although widely used on a number of dishes, it’s no surprise the many people favor Adobo seasoning on chicken and pork. La Flor Adobo consists of basic ingredients that create an explosion of flavor when paired with the right meat. Primarily used in spanish dishes, it’s a great addition when utilized with vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic!

    Cumin on Beef

    Cumin is a phenomenal way to really bring out the flavors of different types of beef. Available in seed and powder form, La Flor Cumin can play off of the qualities of beef ever so beautifully. You can fry cumin seeds until they pop and add them to a beef kebab or burger. Using the ground spice is equally effective, but be careful with your portions - it’s very powerful!

    Bonus Tip: Add a bit of La Flor Coriander to your cumin rations for an added kick!

    Cajun Spice on Fish

    Bringing a typically bland tasting fish to life doesn’t have to be hard. Grilled and baked fillets will absorb the heat and flavor of La Flor’s Cajun Spice, completely changing the dynamic of the fillet. This works best on versatile types of seafood. Tilapia and Catfish are great places to start when deciding on a fish to cook with.

    What are some of your favorite spice combinations for your meals? Let us know your what your favorite spices to cook with are via our Facebook page!

    Spicing up your meals doesn’t have to be hard. With La Flor Spices, we have everything to transform your cooking into a decadent eating experience for any occasion.


    Recipes for a Snow Day January 23 2016

    Jonas isn’t stopping anytime soon and as such it’s better (and safer) to stay home, cue up the next episode of [insert favorite TV series here], and raid your pantry.

    Not sure where to begin? We’ve got some belly-warming recipes perfect for fueling you through your Netflix binge:

    Sopa de Ajo Castellana (Castilian Garlic Soup) - The perfect companion to a cold winter’s day. This classic soup hails from the Castilian region of Spain, featuring serrano ham, La Flor's paprika, cumin and black pepper - and a lot of garlic. Recipe here » 

    Mexican Hot Chocolate - Not your kid’s hot chocolate, that’s for sure. Here we include some mezcal and La Flor’s cinnamon and cayenne to spice things up. Recipe here » 

    Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika - A simple beef stew featuring your favorite cold brew and La Flor paprika. This will take a little over 2 hours to make - start now and it’ll be ready just in time for dinner. Recipe here » 

    When taste is everything, La Flor is all you need to transform your everyday meal into an extraordinary culinary delight. Shop our selection of spices, herbs, and blends on the web - keep it spicy America!

     

    photo via Flickr


    Score A Touchdown With These Game Day Dips January 14 2016

    Whether you’re in it for the game or in it for the food, playoff football is a wonderful time of year. Let’s face it, what’s better than hanging out with your best buds while chowing down on some delicious grub while the game is on the big screen? Don’t fumble the ball with a standard salsa or jar of queso - although we can’t lie they can taste pretty darn good. Score a touchdown and wow your guests with these gourmet game day dips:

    Kicked Up Tzatziki: mix a grated cucumber with 2 cups of Greek yogurt and 1 small minced garlic clove. Then add 1 diced jalapeno, 1 diced tomato, ½ tablespoon of La Flor ground cumin and 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro.

    Get Crabby: if you’re like us and just can’t get enough crab, this is the dip for you! Mix 8 ounces of crabmeat and cream cheese, ¼ cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of parmesan and muenster and just a bit of lemon juice. Then mince 1 garlic clove and throw in some La Flor black pepper , ½ cup of basil and parsley and bake on 375°F for about 30 minutes.

    Wing Attack: what’s a football game without wings? There’s nothing better than a crispy buffalo chicken wing to accompany that cold beer, but this time we’re taking the dip to the next level. Mix up ¼ cup of sour cream and red onion with ⅓ cup buttermilk, ½ cup mayo, 1 clove minced garlic and 1 tablespoon chives, parsley and chipotles. Then toss in some La Flor Adobo and season with salt.

    When taste is everything, La Flor is all you need to transform the football game into an extraordinary culinary delight. Shop our selection of spices, herbs, and blends on the web - keep it spicy, America!

    #FoodieFriday - Chili Recipes for a Chilly Day October 02 2015

    For our friends on Long Island and along the east coast - Joaquin may not be joining you for dinner tonight, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare some extra grub just in case.

    Warm up with some of the below chili recipes - great for leftovers and sure to keep you warm all rainy, chilly weekend long.

    Slow Cooker Chili - Can’t go wrong with a crock pot recipe! Slow cookers are the easiest way to get the richness of a long-simmering stovetop chili. Plus, by making your chili a day or 2 in advance allows for the flavors to continue developing while sealed tight in the refrigerator. (Recipe here »

    Vegetarian Chili - Packed with vegetables, beans, and tons of flavor this meatless option can be made stove top and is sure to satisfy meat eaters and vegetarians alike! (Recipe here »

    Cincinnati Chili - Warm spices like allspice and cinnamon distinguish Cincy-style chili. To keep the beef moist, this recipe simmers calls for simmering the meat in water. (Recipe here »)

    Chili with Chipotle and Chocolate - Never had chili with chocolate? Well there’s a first time for everything. The combination of smoky chipotle chiles and earthy unsweetened chocolate add unexpected depth and richness to this hearty chili. (Recipe here »

    Chili Tortilla Bake - Change things up with this homestyle Tex-Mex casserole. With your favorite chili flavors topped with bubbly cheese - you won’t need to take out any tupperware for leftovers. (Recipe here »

    If you need to stock up on your chili necessities - cumin, cayenne, chili powder, black pepper, etc - we’ve got you covered. When taste is everything, La Flor is all you need to transform your everyday meal into an extraordinary culinary delight. Shop our selection of spices, herbs, and blends on the web - keep it spicy America!