Birthday Event Preview: Mossy Bayou Foods

I don't know about you, but I L-O-V-E the hot yet complex flavor profiles that are unique to true, Louisiana-style Cajun cooking! But how much do you know about Cajun cuisine? Cajun is a style of cooking found predominantly in the extreme southern United States, in places like the swamp-lands of Louisiana and the deltas of Mississippi. Cajun cooking is actually named for the Acadians. These were French-speaking Acadian or "Cajun" immigrants deported by the British from Acadia in Canada to the Acadiana region of Louisiana. It is a culinary style that has many, many different influences, making it a true cultural melting pot that yields delicious results. Some influences in Cajun cooking include: French, African, Native American, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and even South Asian Indian! What happens when you mix these very different types of cuisine together? DY-NA-MITE! For your taste buds, that is!

Since Cajun cooking began with very poor farmers, immigrants, and refugees, Cajun cooking relies heavily on rice and other meal-stretchers, that allow a meal to satisfy a large family with minimal investment. Other common ingredients that are predominantly used in Cajun cooking are smoked meats like Andouille sausage, peppers, and even seafood, such as shrimp and crawfish! In Cajun cooking, a base often referred to as the "Holy Trinity" is often use. This is an aromatic saute of bell pepper, onion, and celery, and can be bound in a myriad of Cajun dishes. They are often seasoned with cayenne pepper, bay leaves, parsley,hot sauces, thyme, and sage. Some of the more popular Cajun dishes include Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Ettouffee. Can you saw Mmmmm?

So knowing a little more about the history of this All-American cuisine, it's no wonder that chefs around the country try and capture some of that good old Cajun flavor every day in their own kitchens. I just discovered a company whose products make achieving that unique Cajun bite so much easier for the home cook! This fantastic company is Mossy Bayou Foods.

Mossy Bayou Foods is a Louisiana specialty foods company with several products that appeal to those seeking zesty and exciting flavor experiences. I was lucky enough to receive a nice sampler of their many flavorful concoctions, and they certainly did not disappoint! Check out some of the tasty treats I received:

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Mossy Bayou Louisiana Swamp Scum:

Award winning! Louisiana Style hot sauce with a delicious smoke flavor. We really enjoy this hot sauce! It is just spicy enough to make your eyebrows sweat, and it has a delightful, smoky finish. I could probably drink the stuff, to be honest. I have had it on just about everything, from burgers and sandwiches, to soups and stews and everything in-between. This sauce is a wonderful addition to any meal. I especially enjoyed it on Macaroni and Cheese and on a baked potato with some sliced andouille sausage. Yum!

This stuff is SOOOO good! Don't believe me? Check out the awards that Swamp Scum has under it's belt:

1st Place Winner - 2002 National competition conducted by Chile Pepper Magazine.
2nd Place Winner - People's Choice Award, 2003 Zesty Food Show, Ft. Worth, Texas.

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Cajun Chow Chow

It's a "relish with an attitude".
Made with green Cayenne peppers, onions, garlic, salt and a special blend of spices. This is fabulous as an addition to hot dogs, burgers, smoked sausages, and my son liked it on scrambled eggs! It's got a little kick to it, and is definitely a relish that bites you back, but in an oh-so-tasty way! I plan on using a dab of this Cajun delight tonight on my burger! Mmm...A nice juicy burger smothered in pepper-jack cheese topped with this Chow-Chow and maybe some jalapenos?YUM!

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Louisiana Popcorn Rice

A gourmet rice, grown in South Louisiana, with the unique light flavor and aroma of fresh popcorn. 100% Natural. 

This was uncanny. This is rice, but as the name suggests, it tastes just like popcorn! I don't know HOW the folks at Mossy Bayou pulled that off, but I am certainly not complaining! I used this served with a nice, spicy gumbo. It was good. So good, in fact, there were no leftovers at all, and my husband actually licked the pot clean.

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Bayou Blend Seasoning

A special blend of cajun spices, with an added Mexican Accent. No salt. DOES NOT contain MSG. This was my favorite product of all, since it is so incredibly versatile. I have used this in SO many different dishes now. Probably too many to count! A sprinkle here, a pinch there....This is a wonderful substitute for most seasoned salts. And you don't have to worry about your sodium intake. There is no actual salt in this amazing seasoning blend!

I did use this in my Cajun Chicken Pasta, and it was spectacular. Doesn't this look yummy? Who's coming to my house for dinner?

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I absolutely LOVED the assortment of products I received from Mossy Bayou. Anyone can easily prepare authentic tasting Cajun cuisine in the comfort of their own kitchen! Use as little as you like, or as much as you like, depending on the amount of heat you're aiming for. I guarantee it will be flavorful and delicious with a unique Cajun kick!

Guess what? Mossy Bayou will be giving one lucky follower a gift box of these wonderful products during my Birthday Bash event as part of my For the Home package, now worth several hundred dollars! How cool is that?!

In the meantime, here's how you can learn more about the wonderful products Mossy Bayou has to offer:

HOW TO CONNECT:

You can purchase these and other Cajun delights on the Mossy Bayou website.

***Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***