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#FoodieFriday: Tilapia Oreganata February 19 2016

Guess what day it is! It’s Friday and that means it’s time for another fresh fish recipe! Today, we’re talking Tilapia Oreganata because who doesn’t love a meal topped with breadcrumbs and garlic?

Ingredients:

    • 1 lb. fresh Tilapia filets
    • 2 cloves crushed garlic
    • 1 whole lemon
    • 1 tbsp. La Flor Oregano
    • 1 tbsp. La Flor Basil
    • 2 tbsp. Italian breadcrumbs
    • La Flor Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Preparation:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
  2. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil.
  3. In a bowl, combine garlic, oregano, basil, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper.
  4. Rub each filet with breadcrumb mixture and drizzle fresh lemon juice on top.
  5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until fish flakes apart with a fork.
When taste is everything, La Flor is all you need to transform your Foodie Friday into an extraordinary culinary delight. Shop our selection of spices, herbs, and blends on the web - keep it spicy, America!

#FoodieFriday - Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Meatballs January 29 2016

Having people over this weekend and don’t know what to make for them? Enjoy your night together with this Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Meatballs as the perfect side dish to any meal.

Ingredients: adapted from Life in the Lofthouse

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon La Flor parsley
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 teaspoons La Flor garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon La Flor black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into ½ inch cubes
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (24 ounces)
Directions:
  1. Spray a 12 cup muffin tin with nonstick spray and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients except chicken, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce. Note, only use 1/4 cup breadcrumbs during this step and save the remainder for step 6.
  3. Gentle combine the ground chicken and mixture with your hands. Form 12 meatballs by rolling about 2 tablespoons of chicken mixture in your hands, shaping into a ball.
  4. Press one cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of the meatball and press mixture around to hide the cheese.
  5. Repeat with remaining chicken mixture and mozzarella.
  6. Pour remaining breadcrumbs onto a large plate and roll each meatball into the crumbs. Then place each meatball into the muffin tin.
  7. Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
  8. Heat the marinara sauce and serve immediately once meatballs are ready.

These tasty bites do well frozen for up to 2 months and can be reheated in the oven or in a crock pot.

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!


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.


#FoodieFriday - National Cookie Day December 04 2015

If being Friday isn’t a good enough reason to celebrate, then let’s add the fact that today is also National Cookie day!

Before you run out and pick up your favorite store bought sweet treats, check out some of these homemade recipes to curb your sweet tooth this weekend »

NationalCookieDay

Whether you need basic cooking spices, our fan favorite La Flor Vanilla Extract, or our newest baking staple - Peanut Butter Powder - La Flor has everything you need to make National Cookie Day better than ever before!

#FoodieFriday - Make Your Own Brine November 20 2015

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, you are probably thinking of new ways to prepare the perfect dinner - or at least battle against moisture loss while preparing your bird. Your best chance at success? Brine.

When your food is brined correctly it can improve texture, flavor, and enhance the moisture retention. But where to begin? A recipe for starters:



For directions on how to make this recipe check out the Food Networks full guide on how to brine your way to the best Turkey dinner.

Have any brine recipes using La Flor spices to share? Comment on our Facebook page!

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


#FoodieFriday - Fall Harvest Foods October 23 2015

The leaves aren’t the only thing in transition come fall, your local produce stands are making a switch as well. Gone are the fresh fruits and berries of summer - instead you’ll find root vegetables and gourds a plenty.

Stock up on some fall harvest foods and try out the below recipes:

Pumpkin: Not just for pies, pumpkins can be used in a plethora of dinner recipes. A great source of vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, pumpkins can be boiled, roasted or steamed, and turned savory for stews and other side dishes.

Recipes to try:

Butternut Squash: Whether you want to roast it, sauté it, or simmer it in a soup with your favorite herbs, this gourd should be a central component to your meals. It’s hearty, loaded with fiber and important vitamins A and C, and is extremely versatile!

Recipes to try:
Roasted Butternut Squash and Bacon Pasta
Slow Cooker Blissful Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut Squash, Kale, and Crunchy Pepitas Tacos

Sweet Potatoes: This sweet tasting starch hits its peak in the fall! Often mistaken for yams, sweet potatoes are in fact a fiber, potassium, and vitamin packed tuber of their own. They can be boiled, roasted, or baked and work well as part of a main dish (or side).

Recipes to try:
Sweet Potato, Ricotta & Arugula Flatbread
Loaded Sweet-Potato Skins
Sweet Potato Casserole

Brussels Sprouts: Best in the fall and winter, brussels sprouts are a good source of protein, iron and potassium. Simply roast some up to really enjoy this green veggie powerhouse.

Recipes to try:
Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese
Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts
Crispy Shredded Sprouts, Cider Short Rib, And Caramelized Shallot Pizza

When taste is everything, La Flor is all you need to transform your everyday meal into an extraordinary culinary delight. Shop our full 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!


Foodie Friday - Game Day Snacks September 25 2015

Ready for kickoff? Whether you tailgate in a parking lot or prefer to kick back on a couch - one thing’s for sure, football and food is practically a match made in heaven. Next game day, serve up some of the below recipes to keep your crowd in high spirits - regardless of how the plays go.

  • Bourbon Whiskey Meatballs - Yup, you heard us correctly. All you need is a pound of frozen meatballs, some Bourbon Whiskey, and some La Flor spices and you can begin preparing these crowd favorites. (Recipe here»
  • Bacon & Cheese Potato Nachos - Give your nachos a twist, nix the chips and upgrade to potato slices. Peel and slice potatoes into disks, add some La Flor spices and oil and grill each side. Jazz them up with whatever toppings you like! (Recipe here»)
  • Baked Jalapeño Poppers - Kick up the heat with these baked jalapeño poppers. Simply whip up the filling, add some La Flor spices to the breading, and get ready to bake. (Recipe here»)
  • Super Quick Chili - Slice the tops from some round dinner rolls and let your guests scoop the centers for mini chili bread bowls. This chili takes under 30 minutes to prepare with some La Flor spices and can be kept warm in a slow cooker during the game. (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!


Infographic: Your Guide to Spices September 18 2015

When it comes to spicing up a dish - there really isn’t one “right” way to do so. Nevertheless, it’s always handy to have some recommendations. Check out our guide below and you'll be dishing out well seasoned meals in no time!

 

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


#FoodieFriday - Must Make Rubs and Sauces for Labor Day September 04 2015

Celebrating the unofficial end of summer with a Labor Day BBQ? Spice things up, check out the below rubs and sauce recipes that are musts for your meats (using La Flor spices, of course):

Bring Da Heat Rub - Give your pork some heat, rub this on the night before your grill - trust us, your palate will thank you:
  • 1 cup La Flor brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup fine Sea Salt
  • 1/4 cup La Flor garlic powder or flakes
  • 1 1/14 teaspoons of granulated chipotle
  • 1 teaspoon La Flor chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ancho pepper powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon La Flor crushed red pepper
In a medium sized bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Then store in an air tight container until ready for use. The night prior to grilling, rub meat generously. (recipe via Kiss My Smoke)

Basic BBQ Rub - Little bit of sweet and a little bit of heat:
  • 1 cup La Flor brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup cracked La Flor black pepper
  • 1/4 cup La Flor paprika
  • 2 tablespoons La Flor cayenne pepper
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and use on your meat of choice. For more flavor, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, or overnight. (recipe via Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen)

Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce - Homemade brown sugar barbecue sauce with a spicy kick:
  • 1 1/2 cup La Flor brown sugar
  • 1 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon molasses
  • 3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon La Flor paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon La Flor chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon La Flor salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon La Flor black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon La Flor garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon La Flor onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon La Flor crushed red pepper, optional

Cook all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat until mixture begins to boil, stirring frequently. Reduce to low heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove fro heat and use immediately. Transfer the remainder to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. (recipe via Baked By Rachel)

Have any DIY rubs or sauce recipes using La Flor products in your arsenal? Share with us and the rest of the La Flor community on our Facebook page!

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


#FoodieFriday - Ways to Eat (& Drink) Turmeric! August 28 2015

This isn’t the first time we’ve touched on the benefits of turmeric in your diet. This highly anti-inflammatory herb has an infinite number of beneficial properties. Aiding in functions of vital organs, turmeric is said to provide defense against degenerative diseases and cancers while also promoting the absorption of antioxidants.

Commonly used in Indian cuisine, it’s certainly not limited to just that! See below for some simple ways to start including it in your everyday cooking:

  1. Add it to scrambles and frittatas. New to turmeric? This is the best place to start! Take a pinch and add to your scrambled eggs, frittatas, or tofu scrambles. The color will be familiar and the flavor is subtle. Try this Scrambled Eggs with Turmeric and Black Pepper Recipe!
  2. Toss it with veggies. Cauliflower, potatoes, and other root vegetables go especially well with turmeric’s slightly warm and peppery flavor. Sprinkle some turmeric on your next batch of roasted veggies or infuse half a cup of olive oil with a teaspoon of turmeric to brush onto corn on the cob in lieu of butter! Try this Cauliflower Steaks with Ginger, Turmeric, and Cumin recipe!
  3. Blend it into your morning smoothies. While fresh turmeric root is especially good for fresh juices and smoothies, you will find adding some of the ground spice into your favorite smoothie will work as well. Its flavor is typically masked well in smoothies, you won’t even notice it’s there! Try this Anti-Inflammatory Frozen Watermelon Pineapple Smoothie Recipe!
Additional cooking tip - to get the most out of your turmeric intake, pair it with pepper. Black pepper improves the body’s absorption of turmeric, making small doses of the spice that much more effective!

Purchase your La Flor Turmeric online or in stores and get cooking with this miracle root! When taste is everything, La Flor is all you need to transform your everyday meal into an extraordinary culinary delight. Shop our full selection of spices, herbs, and blends on the web - keep it spicy America!