Random Food Fact: Ketchup Aficionado Edition

I'm not too picky about what ketchup I use. If it's red, I'm cool with it. But if you're really picky about that condiment, then here's some information for you.

"Even in America, not all ketchups are created equal, not even all Heinz’s. Heinz’s “best if used by“ date is exactly 15 months after the day of manufacture. The best ketchups are made between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30, when tomatoes are ripest in middle America. So, aficionados, look for “use by” dates in November and December."

You can read Jim Duncan's entire article, "Burgers of Des Moines", here: RELISH

Seasons Greetings from Cowboy John

A few years ago we took my mom to the Iowa State Fair. To take a break from the heat, we walked through the Varied Industries Building's sample room. We tried the new popcorn flavors, dipped short pretzel sticks in several mustards, and sampled "Cowboy John's Grilln' & Dippn' Sauce".

Mom bought a bottle because she thought John was cute, but she left it unopened at our house. Daphne found the bottle months later, and we used it with our steaks. I was pretty impressed with the sauce.

Last August, Cowboy John was back at the fair, and I bought a second bottle from him. This time he pointed out the Internet address on the back of the label, "Be sure to try the recipes on that there website. I worked long and hard to steal 'em."

Here's what I found on the recipe page.

You just never know where you'll get a laugh. 

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