Prison Chow

Hard to believe that a spice company would be blogging about prison food isn't it? I am thrilled that we have an opportunity to provide spices to a large organization that supplies food to Correctional Facilites throughout the US. It was interesting to learn what spices are commonly used and what spices are not used in prison kitchens.

For instance, vanilla and extracts are not allowed because they could be used to make contriband "hooch". I don't imagine it would taste very good, but there is alcohol in pure vanilla extract.

Most prison facilities cook institutionally, that is they cook large quantities in very large kettles. Kettle cooking produces some great meals like Chili, Spagetti, Soups, Baked Beans, Sloppy Joes, Chicken & Bisquits, and more.......

My imagination runs wild with the potential for creating spice blends and meal options for inmates. Simple spices such as Cinnamon, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Paprika, Cumin, Parsley, Oregano, and Pepper are the main herbs and spices used by prisons.

Any of you that are familiar with our products know that we like to give seasonings and rubs names that intrigue the buyer. Some of our current seasonings that have made people laugh: Roadkill Rub, Magic Dust, Butt Rub, Italian Stallion Seasoning are just a few. I don't think any of these would be appropriate for the prison kitchens though.

I could envision a Lockdown Chicken Rub, or a Death by Kettle Cooking Spaghetti Seasoning, maybe even Cellblock Sloppy Joe Mix. While I may joke around about the names of spice blends, it is no joking matter that our inmate populations are soaring or that taxpayers fund meals for over 2.5 million inmates annually.

For tastier topics, please visit us at our website www.canandaiguaspice.com

Until next time,
Michelle

Coffee Rub

By far our most popular meat rub is Canandaigua Coffee Rub. There is an interesting story behind it. We have a friend that moved to NY from the south and he was lamenting one day that he hasn't experienced a great pork butt soaked in coffee grounds and roasted over the BBQ since he moved north. Upon talking with him further, he told us that at barbeques in the south it is common to save old coffee grounds drop a piece of meat into them, coat all sides and then cook the meat on the grill. This got us thinking, that with a few other herbs and spices, this might be an interesting meat rub that hasn't been 'overdone' in the spice world just yet.

So I started thinking about what other flavors would compliment coffee. The first thought was sugar, as dark brown as we could find, then we tried some of the sweet spices - nutmeg, ginger, allspice. To give the rub depth of character we added a bit of heat - cayenne, chili powder, cumin. After a few tries we feel we have come up with the most savory blend of coffee, herbs and spices that compliment a full range of meats.

We have tried our Canandaigua Coffee Rub on all meats: steak, roast, pork, duck, chicken, and venison. We have enjoyed the succulent, rich, slightly spicy flavor on all of these selections. Truely, you wouldn't know the base of the rub is coffee if you didn't read the packaging. The sweetness of the brown sugar brings out the richness of each meat, and locks in the juices.

I would encourage anyone to try our Coffee Rub, or do what the southerners do, save your old grounds in a tin and dip your meats into them before grilling. This is a flvor enrichement that is worth experimenting with.

Adirondack Seasoning

Adirondack Seasoning has become on eof our most popular blends. Likely because of the name and the intent behind it. It is a blends of herbs and spices that complement campfire cooking. Because so much of the Adirondack region is still preserved as a natural environment with state campsites, it may remind people of those pristine lakes and near cloudless skies.

My family camped at Golden Beach campsite every year when I was young and on eof the first things we kids had to do was search for firewood. My dad would get a roaring fire going in teh firepit and soon after something was cooking over the campfire.

Adirondack Seasoning combines smokey flavors with stand-out herbs and a touch of heat. This blend is perfect on chicken and fish. Great mixed into ground beef, stews, or homefries. Sprinkle it over eggs or even campfire popcorn!

We are pleased to see our customer's responses to some of these blends that come from our hearts, homes or memories. So often my thoughts go back to my experiences in the mountains and my memories are alwasy of food, family and fun. I hope you also have fond memories of your culinary heritage and visit Canandaigua Spice Company to build upon your cooking experiences.

Until next time........
Michelle