Sun’s out, buns out this weekend (hamburger and hot dog buns that is) because it is the Fourth of July weekend. Grocery stores are being wiped out of all the necessities: burger patties, hot dogs, steaks, crawfish, select vegetables and of course, anything red, white or blue. Cook-outs are as big of a tradition as fireworks nowadays, so the preparation of large family gatherings and block parties has been perfected. AY About You would like to add just a few items to your shopping list as we remember the local products that are absolute must-haves for the perfect cook-out.
Truth Sauce – Chances are, you’ve seen Keith Tucker Jr. and his son, Keith Tucker III, on news channels and around town lately. Tucker created his own all-purpose sauce a couple of years ago for friends and family, but that sauce is now in countless local stores around the state, Edward’s Food Giant and being shipped all over the country. The father and son duo recently released their own barbeque sauce to join the Truth’s All-Purpose Sauce and All-Purpose Seasoning. His recipe works on wings, burgers, vegetables, eggrolls, nachos and basically anything edible. Run to your nearest Edward’s or check the Truth Sauce website to find where these sauces and seasoning are for this weekend.
Cavender’s All-Purpose Greek Seasoning – This family-owned business has been selling their family recipe for around 50 years. The Cavender family moved to the Ozark Mountains around the mid-1900s, and the enriching beauty of the area made them stay – and we are sure glad they did. The blend of spices that make up the recipe are so versatile that the seasoning can be used on almost anything. The family has since added a few more products to their line such as a salt-free version. The seasoning can be found practically anywhere – even Walmart! Some may not know that this tasty blend of spices is an Arkansas brand, but now you do, so grab a few because you’ll probably want to put it on everything this weekend – breakfast, lunch and dinner.
JR’s Kombucha – Fourth of July tends to be a toasty day, so we’ve got your refreshing drink covered. JR’s Kombucha, a probiotic tea that is good for digestive health and high in vitamins, has taken Northwest Arkansas by storm. The concept of kombucha is as old as 2,000 years, but the healthy drink has only recently made its way to America’s attention in the last five years. Owner of JR Kombucha, Mandy Warren, made her recipe to share with friends and family who loved the flavor so much they pushed her to sell it. 50 stores later and the drink now comes in five flavors: pineapple, carrot top, sweet beets, cherry tree and apple tree. Put the bottles on ice this weekend and stay hydrated.
Sweet Freedom Cheese – You can’t have Fourth of July without a good selection of cheese. Why you need to choose Sweet Freedom Cheese for your weekend parties is right in the name. Jessica Keahey started making cheese after leaving her job as a consulting engineer. Sweet Freedom Cheese has 100-200 rotating collections of cheese varieties, and Keahey and her employees know the exact ones you need for any situation. Charcuterie board? They’ve got it. Slices for burgers? No problem. Four different kinds for mac and cheese? The Cheese Mongers can help. Visit their website to see what they have in inventory, and be quick to get your selection.
Now that you have the essential extras, have a safe and tasty weekend.
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