While
cooking might not be one of my strongest talents, eating and watching all things
food is. My Pinterest board is
full of all the things I’ll make in my next life and when the TV’s on…it’s Food
Network that makes my heart (and my stomach) skip a beat.
So when I heard that
THE Paula Deen was going to be in Dallas for MetroCooking Dallas…I quickly
jumped to see her Southern Highness whip up something and utter her magic twang
that could make scrambled eggs sound like the best thing EVER. Speaking of the
best thing ever (another Food Network reference), Paula’s not coming empty
handed! She’s bringing Iron Chef, Boy Meets Grill, Food Network Star host - we’ll
I could go on forever on his list of shows…Bobby Flay. And that’s just for
starters.
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| Photo courtesy of MetrocookingDallas.com. |
I
do love me some Paula and Bobby, but some of the biggest stars scheduled for
this food-lovers bonanza, are specialty food purveyors whose roots are already
planted here in the Lone Star State. While food products from all over the U.S.
will be on parade, being a proud Texas girl, I can’t help but spotlight these
tasty treats that “reign supreme” in Texas.
If
you have not heard of these companies, you should put them on your must-haves and
must-tastes at this weekend’s MetroCooking Dallas.
Inspired by Chef Peter Mollet, this Go Texan-approved
product line of salsas, seasonings, sauces and more are all gluten-free, vegan
and vegetarian friendly. Best sellers include Peach Salsa and Jalapeno
Honey Mustard.
Haven’t
had the chance to bite into a Chocolate Chip Coconut Pecan cookie? Then get in line. Or better yet, get scheduled
for Clyde Greenhouse and Michal Taylor’s Club Kessler and they will send you a
monthly supply.
Anne
Connaly’s special touch can be found in her pestos, tapenades, soups, and
anything else that one can think of to make something taste good. A testament
to its goodness, Dallas’ favorite chefs, Dean Fearing, has teamed up for a
custom collection featuring his recipe’s for Texas Mop Sauce, Silky Orange
Blossom Sauce and his famed Tortilla Soup.
Quick and easy are two
words that are key in the kitchen nowadays. But with these dry mixes of gourmet
soups, quick breads, and specialty dips can make anyone seem like they’ve been slavin’
away for hours with only a few minutes, especially when the aroma of the Cheddar
& Chive Quick Bread hits the air.
Leslie Luscombe’s jellies make biscuits swoon
when they enter the room. Toasted Pecan butter, Confetti Jelly and Jalapeno
Peach have won awards at the State Fair and can dress up a cream cheese and
cracker like nobody’s business.
WilliamWirt
Lamme made his family name a legend more than 100 years ago with the Texas
Chewie Pecan Pralines in 1892. Now the appropriately named Austin-based candy “Longhorns,”
along with other homemade candy treats, make them a must-have for any real
Texan.
Family-owned
and operated for more than 30 years, this small-batch dressing maker already has
long had a home on many dinner tables. Rich Poppy Seed, Chipotle Cheddar and Champagne
Caper Vinaigrette flavors makes one almost forget the bed of greens underneath
it.
Hand-rolled
by Lecia Duke, these
chocolates are as delicious to drink as they are to eat by filling them with
liquors, cognacs and wines like Garrison Brothers Straight Shooter Texas
Bourbon and Australian Tawny Port. Other treats come sans spirits, but the Tequila
D' Almendrado, their signature piece, is worth a shot.
Nancy
Lalumia recreates her Sicilian family recipe of toffee into new flavors like
White Chocolate Mango Chili, Dark Chocolate Salted Blood Orange and Dark Chocolate
Salted Jalapeno. While you can find this one in your local grocery store, she’s
happy to personalize these just for gift-giving with coordinated boxes and
ribbon.
Anything
called Fat Sister has got to be good and with pancake flavors like Pumpkin
Spice, Butter Pecan and best-selling Peanut Butter, then Fat Sister can come
over anytime. Making Nana and Paw-Paw proud, this still family-owned business
has created an alter-ego, Skinny Sister, for those hankering for organic and
gluten-free choices.
David
Lewis knows how to make any salad or sandwich mind-blowing with a great line of
gourmet balsamic vinegars, infused olive oils and white truffle oil. Favorites
include White Truffle Mustard, Blue Cheese Pecan Dipping Oil and Strawberry
Balsamic Vinegar.
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| Photo courtesy of the Salado Wine Festival. http://saladowinefestival.com |
I
know I couldn’t think of something more flavor fully of fun than or more
southern than a day smothered and covered with rich butter, spicy pepper and
Texas food charm. Can’t you just smell the fun?
MetroCooking
Dallas
September
22 & 23
Dallas
Convention Center
Tickets
vary, but right now there’s
a special offer for only $36!
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