With it being 4th of July weekend, we gathered our swimsuits and beach towels, called a few friends, then made plans to have a BBQ celebration. After moving to Texas several years ago, there’s one thing we learned: BBQ’s are just… different. From the friendships to the food and drinks, there’s something about the word local. And I like it.
Texans have a way with parties. Everything is bigger in Texas, right? The saying is true, and our friends were quick to offer the words, “What can we bring?” So after a little thinking, I decided to answer that by suggesting they bring a snack or side dish that was made locally or inspired by their Texas roots. I am usually quick to support local businesses, and figured this would be a great way to introduce a variety products and dishes to our guests.
Our friends at Ozarka also sent us a box of Texas favorites for the party, and I was excited to dig in and see what new products our great state had to offer.
Ozarka introduced us to several products made in Texas including Paqui’s Tortilla Chips, Yellowbird Sauce – Habanero Sauces, Snow’s BBQ Sauce, The Jelly Queens – Black Garlic Rosemary BBQ Sauce, Cook Well and Company Queso and Taste Elevated Sweet and Spicy Mustard Seeds. I loved incorporating these products into dishes!
Paqui Tortilla Chips
Paqui brand offers “better-for-you” tortilla chips and tortillas. Paqui is an Aztec word that means “to be happy.” Paqui sells great tasting tortillas and tortilla chips that are crafted with unbleached, untreated flour, or by stone grinding corn and adding mouth-watering flavors using high-quality ingredients, such as fire-roasted jalapenos, fresh cilantro leaves, buttermilk, pumpkin and other spices and flavors.
Yellowbird Sauce – Habanero Sauces
Totally natural, spicy pepper condiments. Made with ♥ in Austin, Tx. These are the most delicious, most versatile, most satisfying condiment that will ever hit your lips! Yellowbird Sauce goes great on tacos, burgers, wings, sushi, pasta, steak, fish, eggs, pizza, soup….anything you can think of!
Snow’s BBQ Sauce
Texas Monthly magazine named Snow’s BBQ as the best in Texas! Since that time, the entire staff at Snow’s BBQ has been doing everything possible to keep up with the demand and most important, maintain the quality. With complex Texas flavor, Snow’s Original BBQ Sauce is excellent on any cut of beef, chicken, or pork. It’s just as good as a dipping sauce as it is a marinade or brush-on sauce during the last minutes of grilling.
The Jelly Queens – Black Garlic Rosemary BBQ Sauce
The Jelly Queens is an award-winning, Dallas and Austin-based artisan food company that makes gourmet jams, jellies, spices, sauces and more. Each product is handmade in small batches using organic and, whenever possible, locally grown Texas ingredients. The Jelly Queens was born out of a love for sustainable food, delicious flavors and words of encouragement.
Cookwell & Company Queso
This Queso con Salsa Escabeche is built around a flavorful blend of cheddar and blue cheeses combined with fire-roasted tomatoes, onions, diced jalapeños, and fresh-squeezed lime juice to create simply the best and authentic queso you can buy. Cookwell & Company is located in the heart of Austin, Texas. These guys wear boots to work and boast three grills and a smoker at their office.
Taste Elevated – Sweet & Spicy Mustard Seeds
These little flavor-packed pearls are absolutely addicting. We cook them to make them just tender enough to burst in your mouth. Then we add a little sweet and a little heat. Add them to a charcuterie tray to surprise your guests, use as a condiment–any place you use mustard (you’ll love it on bbq sandwiches and hot dogs), pair with main dishes–terrific with meatloaf, use in homemade vinaigrettes!
I am most excited about the Black Garlic Rosemary sauce from The Jelly Queens and their juicy steak rub from Spice Kings.
One of my favorite things to do over the summer is go to the local Farmer’s Market. From tomatoes and onions to watermelons and peaches, I know the products are super fresh and will go great in our summer favorites. Imagine a warm peach cobbler or sitting outside to enjoy an ice cold, juicy watermelon on a hot day… yeah. That’s the reason we like Texas produce.
Whether you are having a Fourth of July party, simply going out to watch the fireworks or completing the weekend with a trip to the Farmer’s Market, make sure you stay hydrated with Ozarka Natural Spring Water. Did you know it’s made in Texas, too? The refreshing taste comes from 3 natural springs, each located within 100 miles of each other – Roher Spring, Moffet Spring, & Piney Woods Spring. (And you can visit the springs, if you’re looking for a road trip!) Ozarka has an interesting story, and they are proud to be from Texas, as they should be.
What are some of your favorite Texas products?
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