D’Vash recently contacted me inquiring if I would be interested in trying their product and creating a a recipe. I am always game when it comes to that and I was really interested in their product after reading their story. Their product is a date nectar, very similar to what you would taste in a honey. It’s sweet, and really, really good. Their product came in straws and after my kids and I sucked down a tube or two, I decided that I would come up with a roasted pear recipe using this sweet nectar. It was a perfect treat to end our week, and a really nice dessert to boot.
This recipe could not be any easier to make, and it is a perfect dessert.
Start by heating a medium skillet on medium heat. Add the sugar, water, butter, and let the butter melt down. Next add in the pears and the date nectar. Give a gentle toss, and continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the pears soften and the mixture becomes a thick syrup.
D’Vash Roasted Pears
When you are ready to serve, scoop some vanilla ice cream into a serving bowl, and ladle in some pears and the sweet syrup. Dig in.
I was totally surprised this past Father’s Day. Not only did my wife and kids treat me like a king, but they surprised me with some awesome gifts. Who would have thought that my wife knew I needed to upgrade my smoker! As they brought me out to the van (I knew they were up to something), my son opened the back, and low and behold there lied a smoker. Excited? Yes! completely excited. As I had no knowledge of the brand, nor type of smoker, I said I would do some research and see if this was worth keeping for the long run. Unfortunately the reviews were not all that great, and we agreed to do some research and find one that would fit my needs, and work within budget. She was not disappointed, however I kind of was because I wanted to break that smoker in like you would not believe!
Anyway, after some research, I decided that I would pursue the Smokenator 1000. Yes, that’s what it is called. I was a bit cautious at first as their website is a bit dated, however, the reviews were rock solid, so I went ahead and purchased it. The Smokenator 1000 works with my Weber Kettle, 22 inch grill, and that is perfect as I did not have to have another large item to store in my garage.
Smoked Pork Shoulder Sandwich using the Smokenator 1000.
I was anxious for the product to arrive, and it arrived rather quickly as I ordered it from Amazon.com. The setup was totally simple. Basically attach the supporting grill to the support tabs of the grill. It snugs up against the grill perfectly. Then, add coals into the holes, and heat about 20 coals in your chimney starter. Once the coals have heated through, add them to the middle section where the water container goes, and move around with the metal rod that comes with it. Add in the thin wood chips to your liking, insert the water pan, fill with water, and then you are good to go.
It does note to keep the bottom vents open, which I did, and also when placing the cover on, to keep the top vents facing away from the Smokenator 1000. I should also note they somewhat stress to keep the top of the vents open only about the size of a pencil, I believe it was 5/8″.
I tried my luck with a pork shoulder, rubbed the way I like, and I’m not joking, this was probably one of the best smoked pork shoulder’s I’ve made to date. Even my wife and kids agreed.
They note to check the water container about every hour. I did, and the water held it’s own. I should note that I did add more water about two hours in, and after recently smoking other meats, I did have the water evaporate within the hour, so go ahead and check every hour.
I’m not sure how this holds a steady heat, but it held for hours at around 230 degrees, and to me that’s a great temperature for low and slow cooking.
Like many of you, I turned another year older <Sigh>, but with that said, we had a great time celebrating with family. I’m not sure why folks still buy me gifts for my birthday, but I’m lucky to have been provided a huge bottle of Sriracha, and this Cajun seasoning known as “Slap Ya Mama”. I’ve never seen, nor heard of the seasoning so I was intrigued. About a week later, I decided to look at the ingredients on the back of this Cajun seasoning, as I making my breakfast. The ingredients were simple, salt, red pepper, black pepper, and garlic.
I sprinkled some onto the eggs I was making, and as I forked my first bite, I was really, really pleased. The simple blend actually turned out to be one of my favorite blends that I’ve tried in years.
I’ve been using “Slap Ya Mama” on a ton of my recipes, from roasted chicken, to soups, the blend just adds a great balance.
What I did not realize is that they have an array of spice blends, hot sauces, and a variety of mixes. I will definitely be looking out for their hot sauce, and hope to try more of their products.
Recently, I was sent a jar of Cocozia’s extra virgin coconut oil to sample. I was honored to say the least, to be asked to give my opinion on the product, and as I reviewed Cocozia’s coconut water in the past, and really enjoyed it, I was intrigued with the coconut oil. First, it is a big jar of coconut oil, and upon opening it, you get this awesome aroma of coconut. It’s awesome. I did not realize this, but my wife also had purchased some coconut oil to be used on her skin, and comparing the two, it was like night and day. Cocozia’s was not only more aromatic, but it was also all organic, and the color was intensely white.
I tested this coconut oil a couple of ways. First, I heated a cast iron skillet, melted the coconut oil, and seared chicken breasts. The flavor was great. You could totally taste the coconut coming from the chicken, which worked well with some of the Thai flavors I had incorporated with the meal, and second, both my wife and I used a little bit as a skin conditioner. We both loved it. Not only was it super smooth, but it also had that great coconut aroma.
We are definitely big fans of Cocozia’s coconut oil, and the thing that makes this even better is that coconut oil is really good for you. Give this product a try if you are looking for an oil that is great for cooking and great for your skin among other things.
