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:

Directions:

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

#FoodieFriday Linguini Pesto March 11 2016

Why go out and spend this week’s hard earned money tonight when you can stay in, relax and cook up a delectable meal your whole family will enjoy - for just a few bucks? For a linguini pesto recipe like no other, see below. You, and your taste buds, won’t be disappointed.

Ingredients:

• Macadamia nuts
• Arugula
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• La Flor sea salt
• La Flor black pepper
• Olive oil
• Linguini pasta
• Heavy cream

Directions:

The first step is to roast your macadamia nuts on a cookie sheet in the oven at 450°F for around 6 minutes. It’s vital to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Then take them out of the oven and set them aside for at least 5 minutes to cool down.

Using a blender, mix 2 handfuls of arugula, ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese, 2 cloves minced garlic and 4 oz extra virgin olive oil. Blend until mixture turns into a dense paste.

Cook linguini pasta for 7 minutes and drain. Using a spatula, scoop pesto paste into a pan on the stove and add 3 oz heavy cream. Stir frequently and add cooked pasta once pesto mixture comes to a boil. Plate and top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and La Flor sea salt and black pepper to taste.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Cast Iron Skillet March 08 2016

Cast iron skillets are a staple in just about every chef’s arsenal. But if you don’t properly take care of them, you’re in for a rude awakening - and some lousy-tasting meals. In order to extend the lifespan of your skillet and enjoy mouthwatering cuisine follow the care and maintenance tips below:

First and foremost, you need to understand that cast iron should NEVER be placed in the dishwasher. Although it may take a bit more effort, hand wash and dry your skillet every time - even before the first use. The heat of the dryer setting and detergent used in the dishwasher can damage the coating and cause excessive rust.

Secondly, it’s vital to season your cast iron prior to the first use and after each cook moving forward. To do this, rub with a light coat of vegetable oil after each wash. A little bit goes a long way when it comes to seasoning, so use just enough oil to restore the sheen.

When it comes to washing your skillet, you don’t need to use soap. Consider that cookware can reach 400°F in 4 minutes on medium heat and becomes sterile at 212°F. Refrain from using scouring pads and abrasive cleaning products - warm water and a soft cloth or sponge will do the trick. See some rust? Don’t panic. This is normal and can be washed away with some extra elbow grease.

When taste is everything, La Flor is all you need to transform your next skillet recipe 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).

#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.

Healthy Comfort Food Options February 17 2016

What comes to mind when you hear the words “comfort food?” Fried chicken, ice cream and let’s face it - anything with bacon probably comes to mind. And we’ve all been told hundreds of times how “unhealthy” our favorite comfort foods are and that we should avoid them at all costs. But when you’re feeling a little sad, tired or depressed there’s nothing better than grabbing a fork and digging in - and now you can make those “unhealthy” foods a bit more waistline-friendly.

Beef Enchiladas: Reduce a classic beef enchilada recipe containing 730 calories, 22 grams of saturated fat and 2,155 milligrams of sodium down to 343 calories, 5.8 grams of saturated fat and 540 milligrams of sodium. Recipe here: http://bit.ly/218Z3Ee

Philly Cheesesteak: The classic style cheesesteak comes packed with a big punch - a punch to the stomach that is. We’re talking 1,151 calories, 27.3 grams saturated fat and 1,480 milligrams sodium. Cut it down to 397 calories, 4.9 grams saturated fat and 637 milligrams sodium with this recipe: http://bit.ly/1U8lhEk

Chicken Fingers: Who doesn’t love a nice crispy chicken finger with honey mustard dipping sauce? Instead of batter-coated and deep-fried, try this recipe instead. You’ll save nearly 400 calories, 500 milligrams of sodium and 9 grams of saturated fat. Recipe here: http://bit.ly/1U8lG9R

Fried Chicken: Now we get into the heavy hitter, fried chicken. Here’s how you can spare about 800 calories, 60 grams of fat and 25 grams of saturated fat: http://bit.ly/1U8lPdk

Replacing White Rice With Quinoa February 16 2016

Getting sick of white rice? Although it’s a staple in lots of different dishes from around the world, you can replace it with a variety of other grains that are more beneficial to your health. Take quinoa for example, it’s higher in B-vitamins and is a rich source of protein and fiber and with all that said, it still tastes great!

The next time recipe calls for white rice, either as a side or main dish, try replacing it with quinoa. Here are a few examples:

Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad: the possibilities are endless when it comes to Tex-Mex and quinoa’s versatility makes it the perfect substitute for white rice. Mix a cup of it with diced tomatoes, green chile peppers, garbanzo beans and chopped avocados and eat it in a bowl or wrapped in a flour tortilla.

Lemon Butter Quinoa: this recipe is extremely simple and goes well with just about any chicken or fish. Melt butter in a saucepan, add quinoa, vegetable broth, chopped garlic, and lemon and then season with La Flor’s Parsley Flakes.

Teriyaki Salmon Over Quinoa: feeling fishy? Try marinating your salmon in a thick teriyaki glaze and baking in the oven until it flakes apart with a fork. Then serve it over a bed of quinoa for a delectable meal you and your friends will love.

Valentine's Day Teriyaki Rib Eye February 12 2016

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend and LOVE is in the air! What are you cooking up for your significant other this Sunday? For those of you who have already created a menu, we’re sure it will come out great. But for those who need a last minute idea, we’re here to save you - you can thank us later!

This Teriyaki Rib Eye Recipe will surely light up you love’s taste buds and maybe even create that extra spark you’re looking for. Just don’t overcook the steak or you might find yourself in the dog house.

Ingredients: 

• Teriyaki Sauce
• Honey
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• La Flor Onion Powder
• La Flor Garlic Powder
• 2 (6 ounce) Beef Rib Eye Steaks

Preparation:

In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp. Teriyaki sauce with 1 ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Rub approx. 1 tsp. olive oil on each steak and then add teriyaki-worcestershire mixture. Season with onion and garlic powder to taste. Let the steaks marinate for about 2 hours and then fire up the grill. Cook over high heat for approximately 4 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 140° (this will give you a medium-rare steak). Coat steaks with a light layer of honey for the final 2 minutes of grilling.

Clean Up Your Diet For 2016 February 09 2016

Can you believe we’re already about a month and a half into 2016? That means it’s time to check up on your New Year's Resolutions and see how they’re holding up. In case you've already missed a handful of days in the gym or you just want to clean up your diet this year, we’ve got a few tricks to help you stay on track.

For The Sweet Tooth: instead of grabbing a handful of candy, choose your favorite fruits instead. Even though some fruits contain high amounts of sugar, it’s a more natural option than candy and fruits have a plethora of additional benefits that candy doesn’t have.

For The Salt Lover: too much salt can lead to dehydration along with a number of other unhealthy side effects. This is especially bad if you’re keeping up with your daily gym regimen. Herbs and spices will likely satisfy your desire for salt and they can make your meals much more tasty. Don’t forget to check out La Flor’s vast collection - we’ve got everything you need!

For The Butter Hound: put down the butter and slice open an avocado. Try it on toast, with eggs or use its oil to “grease” up the frying pan.

For The Carboholics: instead of eating bread and pasta, try mixing it up with a banana. Bananas contain tryptophan which can regulate your moods, help you relax and make you feel happier.

Even if you can’t get to the gym as often as you’d like, you can still make a great choices when it comes to your diet. We’re not saying you have to cut out the pizza and ice cream for the rest of your life, simply try to make a few healthier choices each week - you’ll thank us later!

Winter Grilling Tips February 05 2016

Did you know that more than 60% of all backyard chefs grill year ‘round?  Why let cold temperatures and snow stop you from searing up a filet or putting the perfect amount of char on a bbq chicken? Throw on a few extra layers and get out there! Your family is counting on you.

But before you throw on the layers and fire up the grill, there are a few things you should know. Even though the basic principles apply no matter what season it is, follow these tips to make your time outside and your food more enjoyable:

1. If you’re using a gas grill check the lines, burners and jets for blockages. Spiders and other insects are known to look for a warmer, dryer place to hide when the weather gets rough.
2. Throw on a winter hat, fireproof gloves and a toasty jacket. Just be sure not to wear a scarf or any other clothing items with tassels that could come in contact with the grill.
3. Are you a charcoal lover? It’s a good idea to have a few extra bags of briquettes or hardwood lump on hand. You may need to heat up more than normal when the temperatures are near freezing.
4. Even if it’s snowing or raining, never use your grill underneath an overhang or in a confined space. Keep your grill at least five feet away from all combustible materials.
5. Let the grill do the work. Your food may take a few minutes longer to cook, but don’t rush it. Constant fussing can lead to dry meat and overcooking.

National Soup Day February 04 2016

No soup for you! Unless you’re like us and you’re celebrating National Soup Day today - then you can enjoy all the warm, delicious soup you’d like! Whether you like a nice cup of soup as a starter or a hearty bowl for your main course we’ve got some extra special recipes for you to try.

Not-So-Classic Chicken Noodle: most chicken noodle soup recipes call for chicken stock, carrots, shredded chicken meat and egg noodles, but not this one. Although you will need the basic ingredients, we like to kick ours up a notch. Substitute egg noodles with penne pasta or spaghetti, and marinate your chicken in La Flor’s Don Diego hot sauce. Don’t forget to add a dash of La Flor’s Chicken Bouillon for flavor.

Larry The Lobster Bisque: the two ingredients in lobster bisque are lobsters and bisque, right? Well, yes. But there’s a bunch of other delicious ingredients that come together to provide you with that mouth-watering flavor. Search for your favorite recipe online and then add sweet corn kernels and a touch of La Flor’s Cayenne Pepper to taste.

Burly Beef Barley: whether you’re outdoors chopping wood all day or doing something a little less macho, there’s nothing like sitting down to a cup or bowl of beef barley soup. Trim and chop boneless chuck roast, slice your carrots and celery, add mushrooms and don’t forget the La Flor Beef Bouillon.

Winter Foods To Warm You Up February 02 2016

What’s better than coming inside to a warm bowl of soup after spending hours out in the cold? Not much if you ask us. Although we’ve seen drastic swings in temperatures so far this winter, we know the cold weather will rear its head once again. But don’t worry, these winter recipes will help warm up your bones and your appetite this season:

Lots of people - especially those who work full-time - find themselves ripping through the cabinets to put together some sort of meal during the week. Or they simply order out. Weeknight dinners don’t have to be so stressful, or so expensive, if you just plan ahead. And most of these recipes can be prepared in an hour or less so that “I don’t have enough time to cook a meal” excuse won’t work here.

1. Butternut Squash Soup: Sit down a bowl of piping hot creamy butternut squash soup. If this doesn’t warm you up, we don’t know what will. Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/1PSxNYF
   La Flor products needed: La Flor Cayenne Pepper, La Flor Black Pepper
2. Spaghetti With Turkey Chili: Combine two winter staples, spaghetti and chili, and you have yourself a meal you won’t want to stop eating. Pile your plate high and top it off with sour cream and hot sauce to give your taste buds a kick. Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/1PSxZY1
   La Flor products needed: La Flor  Sea Salt, La Flor Don Diego Special Habanero Blend
3. Four Cheese Pasta With Ham and Peas: Creamy pasta. Ham. Cheese. What more do you need? Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/1nAoLTE
   La Flor products needed: La Flor Sea Salt, La Flor Black Pepper
4. Chicken Cordon Bleu: This quick and easy recipe takes the stress and time out of the traditional meal, yet it still tastes amazing! Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/1P3wumj
   La Flor products needed: La Flor Sea Salt, La Flor Black Pepper, La Flor Parsley Flakes

#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)

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.

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

Common Diet Myths Debunked January 19 2016

Eat this. Drink that. Stay away from this. Don’t go near that. Everybody has their own beliefs and opinions when it comes to “eating healthy” and let’s face it, no two people are alike. What may work well for your best friend or your brother may not work the same way for you. It is important however, to do a bit of research on your own and not listen to everything you hear. After all, there are thousands of diet myths available through a variety of sources that need to be debunked.

Myth: Red wine is the best thing for heart health.

Truth: According to researchers at the University of Texas, wine drinks were not better off when compared with those who preferred beer of liquor. While red wine does have antioxidant power, the alcohol itself is what boosts level of HDL, or “good” cholesterol, according to Arthur Klatsky, MD, the senior cardiology consultant for Kaiser Permanente, a nonprofit health plan based in Oakland, California. Keep in mind that consuming more than two drinks a day can do more harm for your heart than good.

Myth: A grilled chicken sandwich is healthier than a burger.

Truth: Health enthusiasts tend to believe that consuming a grilled chicken sandwich is a much healthier option compared to a burger. The truth is, a chicken sandwich has about 100 more calories than a plain hamburger and can contain double the amount of sodium.

Myth: Raw veggies pack way more nutrients than their cooked counterparts.

Truth: The days of forcing down raw crunchy veggies are over. According to Tammy Roberts, RD, a nutrition and health-education specialist at the University of Missouri Extension, cooking vegetables can increase their nutritional value. Toss your favorite greens in with some La Flor onion powder and cayenne pepper for a spiced up version that gives off the perfect kick.

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.

Stone Ground Honey Mustard Salmon January 13 2016

Salmon is making a name for itself as a delectable trendy fish these days, and the best part is there are so many ways to prepare it. Today, we’re going to focus on a stone ground honey mustard salmon recipe that will feed about 10 people. So gather your close friends for a dinner party and this recipe is sure to leave their mouths watering and their bellies full.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lbs of fresh, skinless filet of salmon
• La Flor Garlic Powder
• Stone Ground Mustard
• Dijon Mustard
• Natural Clover Honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse fish and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season with La Flor Garlic powder.
3. In a small bowl, mix equal parts stone ground mustard and dijon mustard. (You’ll want to make enough to spread over the entire filet.)
4. Spread mustard mixture over fish and drizzle with natural clover honey.
5. Bake, uncovered in a 450°F oven for about 12-15 minutes or until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork.

Serve fish over your choice of rice or accompany with vegetables for a main dish your guests will love.

Spice Up Your Weekday Lunch January 12 2016

Turkey sandwich - bland. PB&J - boring. Hot pocket - need we say more? For those of us battling with the daily 9 - 5, crafting a culinary masterpiece for lunch sounds like a terrible joke. But believe it or not, there are a bunch of ways you can take that boring brown bag and fill it with something you’ll actually look forward to after those morning meetings.

1. Chicken & Avocado Sandwich: take your boring turkey on white bread and kiss it goodbye. Substitute sliced turkey with cooked chicken breast, cut up a quarter of an avocado and a few slices of tomato and you’ve got yourself a simple, yet delicious sandwich. Add a pinch salt and a dash of pepper for some extra flavor and you can even take it to the next level by creating an herb mayo dipping sauce with our basil leaves.
2. Buffalo Chicken Salad: prefer a lighter lunch option? Put your own spin on a buffalo chicken salad by seasoning the chicken with our chili powder and cayenne pepper. Chop up some lettuce, add a few diced tomatoes and pack your favorite blue cheese dressing on the side.
3. Homemade Burrito Bowl: why order out when you’ve already got your own burrito bowl? This simple recipe calls for your favorite choice of rice, diced chicken or chop meat seasoned with some adobo picante, sour cream and shredded cheese. Load up a container with all of the above and you’ll surely make your coworkers jealous.

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

Cheers to a Spicy New Year! December 31 2015

A bottle of bubbly and New Year’s Eve go hand in hand. This year - try spicing things up. We have some La Flor spice infused Champagne recipes to help you countdown to midnight - cheers to a spicy New Year!

Spiced Citrus Champagne - (serves 12, recipe adopted from The Kitchn)


• 1 cup water
• 
1/2 cup La Flor honey
• 
Zest of 2 lemons, cut into long strips

• 1 tablespoon La Flor lemon juice
• 
4 whole La Flor star anise

• 4 La Flor cinnamon sticks

• 12 La Flor whole cloves
• 
1/2 cup fresh orange juice

• Champagne, or dry sparkling white wine

Bring water, honey, lemon zest and juice, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Cool syrup.

Serve each glass of sparkling wine with 1 tablespoon spiced syrup and a splash of orange juice, to taste. Garnish with a slice of star fruit or a lemon twist.

Spiced Apple Cider Champagne Cocktails - (serves 2, recipe adopted from Dishing Up the Dirt)

• 2 ounces Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack Tennessee Cider (you can sub apple brandy)
• 2 ounce fresh apple cider
• 3-4 ounces chilled champagne
• La Flor cinnamon stick to garnish

A multi layer drink, add the Tennessee Cider to the base of the glass, then champagne, and finish with a splash of fresh apple cider. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Clove Spiced Champagne - (yields enough syrup for one bottle of champagne or sparking wine, recipe adapted from Gilded Fork)

• 4 cups apple or white grape juice

• 1 teaspoon La Flor whole cloves, crushed
• 
1 teaspoon crystallized ginger, chopped

• ½ teaspoon La Flor allspice, crushed

• 2 tablespoons orange zest, pith completely removed

• ¼ of one whole vanilla bean, left intact
• 1 bottle of dry champagne or sparkling wine
• 
4×4” square of cheesecloth

• Kitchen twine

Place all spices, zest, and vanilla bean into a sachet made from a double thickness of standard cheesecloth - tie off with kitchen twine.

*If you do not have a cheesecloth/kitchen twine - add all ingredients to the sauce pan with juice as instructed below..

In a small sauce pan, heat your 4 cups of juice over medium heat until it begins to boil. Add sachet to the juice, reduce heat and simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Remove the sachet, and pour syrup through a fine mesh sieve (or coffee filter is no sachet was used) into a glass container. Refrigerate until ready - note the syrup will become thicker as it cools.

To serve, add 1 part spiced syrup to 2 parts champagne or sparkling wine. 

Celebrate Bacon Day! December 30 2015

Time to go hog-wild - it’s Bacon Day.  Easily one of the tastiest holidays to celebrate, get into the spirit with some of these bacon themed recipes »

Bacon Pudding Shots: Where your dreams of combining dessert, booze and bacon come true.
La Flor products needed: La Flor Salt and La Flor Honey

Bacon Pancakes: Sweet, savory, perfect.
La Flor products needed: La Flor Salt

Bacon Meatballs: For a secret bacon surprise.
La Flor products needed: La Flor Salt, La Flor Paprika, La Flor Oregano, and La Flor Black Pepper

Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: What better way to eat your veggies?
La Flor products needed: La Flor Salt and La Flor Pepper

Maple Pepper Bacon Strips with Boston Lager Glaze: For your regular straight up bacon, with a Sam Adams twist.
La Flor products needed: La Flor Honey

PB&B: An Elvis inspired lunchtime staple.
La Flor products needed: La Flor Honey

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

New Year's Eve Appetizers December 30 2015

Aside from good booze, a large crowd, and bedazzled decor, you’ll also need some good eats planned for tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve party.

Keep guests satiated before the big count down with these apps and hors d’oeuvres:

Guacamole - Just grab some chips and have our La Flor cumin, cayenne, and salt ready and you’ll be well on your way to creating the “best guac you’ve ever tasted!!” - or so says several reviewers. (Recipe here »)

Mini Stuffed Peppers - Calling for only three ingredients, mini bell peppers, garlic & herb seasoned chèvre goat cheese, and La Flor honey - this just might be your new go-to appetizer recipe. (Recipe here »)

Swedish Meatballs - With key ingredients like our La Flor allspice, nutmeg, salt & pepper, dress these up as you wish and serve with toothpicks. (Recipe here »)

Baked Onion Rings with Hot Ranch Dip -  A fan favorite without the greasy guilt. Have our La Flor cayenne pepper, paprika, nutmeg, brown sugar, salt & pepper ready. For an extra kick, choose La FLor’s Don Diego Hot Sauce! (Recipe here »)

Bacon Wrapped Smokies - Cocktail sausages, bacon, and caramelized La Flor brown sugar - what can go wrong? Nothing. (Recipe here »)

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

Last Minute Holiday Treats December 24 2015

Twas the night before Christmas, when you remember dessert was not part of the things you picked up for tomorrow. Don’t panic - we’ve rounded up some oh-so-easy holiday treat recipes that can be ready in under 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip - Cool Whip, cream cheese, La Flor brown sugar, and La Flor cinnamon are just a few of the items needed to make this fluffy concoction. Recipe here »

Perfect Vanilla Almond Cut-out Cookies - Because yes, they’re perfect. Easy, fuss-free, and easy to decorate (should you choose) - just have some La Flor vanilla extract on hand to get started. Recipe here »

Crunchy Chocolate Treats - A classic dessert dilemma: chocolate or peanut butter? These no-bake, bite-sized treats are the perfect resolution. Recipe here »

Spiced Brookies: Half-brownie, half-cookie, and spiced up with La Flor cinnamon and La Flor cayenne pepper. Recipe here »

Choose La Flor to make mouths merry this Christmas. Explore our wide selection of spices, herbs, and seasonings on the web or look for us in store. When taste is everything, La Flor is all you need to transform your everyday meal into an extraordinary culinary delight - keep it spicy, America!