Uncle Brutha's™: "HOTT 'n Cookin'!!"

What's for Lunch? New options "Hit the Streets" of Old Town...

2011-05-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

An exciting new lunch option is coming to Old Town Alexandria!

Bread & Chocolate "Hits the Streets!"

Known throughout the DMV for their indulgently delicious brunch and exquisite European pastries, Bread & Chocolate is going mobile, bringing an exciting new menu to the Market Square near City Hall.

A new direction for the company, this concept is the brainchild of Operations Director, Andy Cook, who gave his chefs leave to create "outside the box" and boy did they BRING IT!!

Chefs Tim Campian and Alex Jifar have indeed been busy creating 3 incredibly tasty sandwiches you won't want to miss: Carolina Pulled Pork with a tangy vinegar BBQ sauce, a Cholay Gobi featuring a spicy mix of chickpeas and roasted cauliflower, and a Curry Chicken with saffron rice, all served on fresh, hand made flat bread.

In order to spice things up a bit, they're also bringing UncleBrutha™ along for the ride! That's right, our Award Winning ALLSAUCE™ are the featured condiments on this amazing new menu.

As if that alone wasn't enough to "spice up" your midday meal options, I'm going to be there too and I'm bringing extra bottles of ALLSAUCE™ so you can pick up a set to stash in your bag or back in the office.

So if you find yourself in Old Town in Alexandria, VA, come on out to the Market Square in the 300 block of King Street weekdays between 11-2. If you haven't done so yet, you may want to follow me on Twitter (@unclebrutha) so you can stay up on daily events, new menu items and upcoming specials. Of course, I'll be keeping you posted on Facebook as well. Or, you can visit our website at www.unclebrutha.com. See you in OLD TOWN!

Slow cooked "Beefy" Brisket

2011-03-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

Upon learning of recent findings regarding the health benefits of "Grass-Fed" beef, I was reminded of a favorite recipe for slow cooked brisket (using ALLSAUCE™ No.10) that I hadn't enjoyed in a while. Tender, juicy and PACKED with flavor, the resulting tender morsels are perfect served over steaming brown rice. You can regulate the amount of No.10 according to your desired heat level starting with a smaller amount for those with a slightly more "delicate" palate. Enjoy!

Slow n’ “Beefy” Brisket

INGREDIENTS

1 3-5 lb. Grass-Fed Brisket
1 ½ cups Natural Beef Stock
1 cup Honey

1-4 oz ALLSAUCE™ No.10 (per desired heat level)

1 qt cherry or grape tomatoes (sliced)
1 red onion (cubed)

1 TBS red miso paste

1TBS Salt Free All-purpose seasoning
DIRECTIONS

Place brisket in a slow cooker with sliced tomatoes and onions. Warm the stock in a small saucepan. Add honey, miso paste and ALLSAUCE No. 10, mix well then pour over the brisket. Sprinkle with all-purpose seasoning; cover, cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4.5 to 5 hours. Serve over steamed brown rice.

Neo Creole Soul..

2011-02-20T03:40:00.000-08:00

My search for great recipes to go with our Mardi Gras feast brought to mind one of our favorites; Spicy Shrimp and Sausage over Creamy Cheese Grits, a contribution from our good friend "Chef Rock" Harper. Recognized as an "iconic" southern dish, Shrimp and Grits started out as a seasonal fisherman's dish also known as "breakfast shrimp." Chef Rock takes this southern classic to new heights with the addition of Andouille sausage, a blend of 3 cheeses and of course some UncleBrutha's™ ALLSAUCE™ No.10.

Spicy Shrimp and Sausage
over Creamy Cheese Grits

The Creamy Cheese Grits
Ingredients:
1)   1 ½  cups Chicken Broth
2) 2 cups water
3)   1 cup course stone-ground White Grits 4)   1 cup heavy Cream
5)   Salt and White Pepper to taste
6)   1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
7) 1 cup Mascarpone Cheese
Preparation:
1)   Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a heavy-bottomed stockpot or large saucepan.
2)   Slowly pour in the grits, stirring constantly.
3)   Reduce the heat to low and continue to stir so that the grits do not settle to the bottom and scorch.
4)   In about 5 minutes, the grits will plump up and become a thick mass.
5)   Continue to cook the grits for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently. The grits should have absorbed all the chicken stock and become soft.
6)   Stir in heavy cream and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently. The grits should have a thick consistency and be creamy like oatmeal.
7) Stir in cheeses, mixing well
8)   Season to taste with salt and white pepper.
9)   Keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.
Note: If the grits become too thick, add warm chicken broth or water to thin them down.

The Tasso Gravy
Ingredients:
1)   4 tbs. Butter
2)   ½  cup sliced Tasso - cut in 1 inch strips
3)   ½  cup Flour
4)   4 cups Chicken Broth
5)   ¼ cup UncleBrutha’s™ ALLSAUCE™ No. 10
6)   2 tbs. finely chopped Parsley
7)   Salt and Pepper to taste
Preparation:
1)   Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Add the Tasso.
2)   Saute for 1 minute, browning slightly.
3)   Make a roux by adding the flour and stirring until well combined. Continue to cook over low heat for 5 minutes until the roux develops and nutty aroma.
4)   Turn the heat up to medium and gradually add 2 cups of the chicken broth, stirring vigorously.
5)   Keep stirring constantly until the broth begins to thicken and is smooth.
6)   Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of broth and UncleBrutha’s™ ALLSAUCE™ No. 10, stirring constantly until the broth thickens into gravy.
7)   Reduce the heat and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes to cook out the starch flavor.
8)   Add the parsley.
9)   Simmer for another 5 minutes.
10) Season to taste with salt and white pepper.

The Andouille Sausage and Shrimp
Ingredients:
1) 1lb Andouille Sausage, sliced or crumbled
2) 1lb large, raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined
3) 1 clove garlic, minced
4)   2 TBS finely chopped shallots
Preparation:
1)   Heat sausage, garlic and shallots in a skillet over medium high heat for 3 to 5 minutes until sausage is browned
2)   Add the shrimp and saute until pink.
3)   Pour the finished tasso gravy into the shrimp skillet, reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.

The Final Assembly
1)   Serve the hot andouille sausage and the shrimp over the cheese grits.
2)   Garnish with Reggiano Cheese

"EVERYBODY is a Star" ~ Sylvester Stewart

2011-01-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

Taking a break from the sauce for a minute, I thought I’d share a few comments on some current events that truly resonated with me. I spotted a post in the Facebook news feed recently with a caption that included the question: “why does overnight stardom have such a negative effect on people?” As I had just learned of Mr. Ted “Golden Voice” Williams’ entering into rehab, I paused for a moment to consider the question; even started to lean towards agreement with it. But as I considered the facts of his particular case I came to the realization that it’s just not that cut and dry.

Ted Williams, admittedly, was homeless for a reason. His abuse of alcohol had led to drug addiction. Both cost him his job, family and personal relationships. So can the blame for his having to enter rehab be put on the overnight stardom? Personally, I don’t think so. The “problems” were already there. Perhaps we can say the overnight stardom triggered a relapse, or as the Slate.com article implies, they were never really gone in the first place. But maybe the sensationalized stardom is not really the thing that should be focused upon here.

While the ups and downs of overnight stardom can indeed be compelling subject matter, my hope is that people will take the time to look at another and in my opinion, more important issue here. Why did it take his “overnight stardom” to not only bring attention to Ted but also to his problems? And now that he is one (a “star,”) why has that made such a difference in his getting access to the help he has needed for years in order to overcome his addictions?

Addictions of EVERY kind are real and the ways in which we deal with them are as varied as humanity its self. But once we have accepted that we have one along with a desire to break it, some can tackle doing so on there own while others may need a little help. We can sometimes get help in the form of social support but for some professional and/or medical support is the ONLY option and that my friends, falls under the heading of health care. Whoop, there it is!! The “H” word (or two words actually.) Some of you may get upset with me over what I am about to say but it is my hope that in doing so, an open and civil discourse may ensue.

For too long our health care system has been broken. But we’ve recently seen historic health care legislation signed into law. In saying that I’m not in any way trying to imply that the system has been fixed and what we have now is perfect. But I would like to ask my friends out there advocating “repeal” of President Obama’s historic health care reform, how many examples of the Ted Williams’ in this country do or will we have to see before we realize that “repeal,” which to me equates to returning to what we had before, does nothing to make things better?

No, the new law is not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction. It’s a step towards seeing the millions of Ted Williams’ in this country getting the help they need without having to first become an overnight sensation or spectacle in order to get it. Let’s advocate for amendments; continue moving FORWARD until we do have a system that works for everybody. Let’s encourage our elected officials to drop the political posturing and get down to the business of legislating with the goal in mind of what’s best for the PEOPLE of this country. When it comes to health care, let’s put people first; leave the partisan politics for later.

Tasting UB @ DC

2010-12-30T18:05:00.000-08:00

DC is home to a lot of great restaurants, and my ALLSAUCES are making their way into them, one great spot at a time. Here, we’re visiting two; Ben’s Next Door and Dangerously Delicious Pies. How do they use their Uncle B’s? Taking my cousin Rhonda along for the ride, I stopped by each spot for a taste.

Ben’s Next Door is a modern, more upscale twist on a DC landmark, Ben’s Chili Bowl, and their spicy hot wings are quickly becoming as popular at Next Door as the chili is at Ben’s. The chef there has incorporated both No. 9 and No. 10 into their wing recipe. Rhonda and I settled in and quickly ordered a plate of 10 wings and a side of sweet potato fries. To call the wings fantastic is an understatement. The wings are definitely spicy, tender, and filling. Sweet potato fries added just the right dash of…sweet to balance the savory. We polished off the wings and fries in under twenty minutes easily. Had to resist stealing the last wing from my cuz’n! After catching up with a few friends there, we rolled over to Dangerously Delicious Pies on H. Street.

Dangerously Delicious blows up the notion of the traditional pie. While you can enjoy your favorite fruit pies (apple, peach, cherry), I recommend you try the savory pies. I ordered the SMOG, which with steak, mushroom, onion and gruyere is a lot better than the nasty L.A. air it implies. Rhonda tried the vegan curry tofu pie. With the Uncle B’s bottles right on the table, it was easy to add a dollop to the already tasty pies. Again, awesome. The sauces really heightened the flavors in the pie, especially on the flaky crust.

With ridiculously full bellies, we wrapped up our very successful day of tasting Uncle B’s at two great spots around DC. Even though Rhonda got the last wing, I’m just proud that word of my ALLSAUCE continues to spread while bringing the heat AND the flavor to the District!

Uncle Brutha’s™ Shish Kebab and Savory Rice Pilaf

2010-02-05T20:22:00.000-08:00

It's snowing like crazy here in DC with forecasts calling for 24+ inches of total accumulation!! And by the looks of it so far, those predictions are probably right!! So if I can dig my way out before Sunday, I'm planning to take my famous Shish Kebab and Savory Rice Pilaf to our annual Super Bowl party.

For this one I used ALLSAUCE No.9™ to create a delicious marinade for the meat and to add rich, savory flavors to the pilaf. This year I'm going with lamb and the optional tomatoes and red onion chucks. Probably not gonna fire up the grill this time but they turn out just as delicious cooked under the broiler. Always a game day favorite your guests are sure to love!

Keep It Hott!!! - UB

Uncle Brutha’s™

Shish Kebab w/Savory Rice Pilaf

Ingredients

	2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
	1 tablespoon *each* Uncle Brutha’s™ ALLSAUCE No.9™ Soy or Tamari Sauce and EVOO 1 teaspoon Uncle Brutha’s™ ALLSAUCE No.9™ ¾ Teaspoon Dijon mustard
	2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
	Pinch of freshly ground cumin
	1 1/2 teaspoons fresh oregano chopped
	1 1/4 pounds beef sirloin or boneless leg of lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes (Optional) Cherry or Grape Tomatoes; Large Red Onion, halved and quartered.
	3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
	1 cup long-grain Brown rice 1 cup water, 1 cup chicken (or vegetable) broth
	1 large carrot, shredded or chopped
	1 medium zucchini, shredded or chopped
	3 green onions, thinly sliced

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Uncle Brutha’s™ ALLSAUCE No.9™, mustard, soy (or tamari) sauce, garlic, cumin and 1 teaspoon of the oregano. Add meat; toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours.

2. Bring 1 cup water, 1 cup broth, 1 teaspoon Uncle Brutha’s™ ALLSAUCE No.9™ and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Cook covered, over very low heat for 35-40 minutes, adding shredded carrot with 10 -15 minutes remaining. When done, add zucchini and green onion. Stir well, cover and remove from heat allowing vegetables to steam before serving.

3. Meanwhile, thread meat onto skewers (optional: alternating with tomatoes and red onion chunks.) Brush each skewer with EVOO and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Grill or broil for 8 minutes, turning, for medium-rare; adjust cook time accordingly for preferred levels of doneness. Serve over rice pilaf.

(Serves approx. 4)

We're getting down to the wire..

2008-10-22T15:39:00.001-07:00

The Big day is almost here!!

We're down to the last few days of our special promotion to help raise funds for Senator Barack Obama's Presidential election campaign. The good news is that response to Uncle Brutha's Limited Special Edition of "The Audacity of Hot Sauce" has indeed been good; the even better news is that you still have time to get your orders in before they're gone!

Visit our online store today so you too can celebrate this most historic event with your very own 2008 Election Commemorative sauce. And don't forget, your purchase will also play a part in supporting our efforts to help Senator Obama bring a "Brand New Flavor" to our Nation's Capitol.

The 6th Annual Foggy Bottom & West End Neighborhood Block Party

Check out this video of Uncle Brutha as he chats with Todd Wiggins of Urban Revival Medial at the 6th Annual Foggy Bottom & West End Neighborhood Block Party which took place on October 19th near the campus of George Washington University in Washington, DC.

An Obama Hot Sauce!

Hot Sauce reviews on Rate it all!(.com)

We recently happened across RateItAll.com a site claiming to be the best place online for reviews on any topic. Out of curiosity we checked to see if there was a listing of Hot Sauce reviews and if so were there any reviews of Uncle Brutha's sauces. Afterall, if they're claiming to be the BEST place online for reviews, they should very well have reviews of Uncle Brutha's Award Winning sauces.

Our search turned up a rather extensive category which included a listing for Uncle Brutha's Fire Sauce No. 9 but nothing for No. 10. We feel it safe to say however, that none of our loyal Fire Sauce No. 9 fans know about this site as there were (at least at the time of this posting) not yet any reviews. Since we didn't find a listing for Fire Sauce No. 10, we took it upon ourselves to bring that little omission to their attention. Hopefully, they will add one soon. In the meantime, we were hoping you guys wouldn't mind sharing some of your thoughts on your favorite Uncle Brutha's sauce with the folks at RateItAll.com

Rate Uncle Brutha's Fire Sauce No. 9

If you don't happen to see it while you're there, perhaps you can take a moment to sugges t they add Uncle Brutha's Fire Sauce No. 10 as well. We're sure you will agree, no hot sauce review listing would ever be complete without reviews of both of Uncle Brutha's Award Winning sauces!

Uncle Brutha Answers The Call

2008-10-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Obama '08 Presidential Campaign has issued a call for help in raising funds to support Barack Obama's run for the White House. So in considering ways to do our part, imagine our surprise when we found out:

"Barack Obama Loves Him Some Hot Sauce!!"

VoteMeCool.blogspot.com

Barack Obama introduced us to the audacity of hope. Uncle Brutha introduces "The Audacity of Hot Sauce." Bold, unencumbered flavor sets this sauce apart from the many in an overcrowded field of mediocre offerings. Four chiles, Garlic and a proprietary blend of select herbs and spices offer a daring departure from the ordinary and empower your foods with Flavor!

Uncle Brutha is certainly no stranger to Change. So when we learned of Barack Obama's love for hot sauce, we started our own campaign for Change. Starting October '08, we will be offering a limited number of Special "Collector's Edition" Sauces. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these sauces will be used to help make a difference.

The first one we call "The Audacity of Hot Sauce" because like Barack Obama, when you've been recognized for excellence, sometimes it just takes the audacity to make it known and like Uncle Brutha's AWARD WINNING Hot Sauce, "Change... Can Be GOOD!!!"

For the artwork, we reached out to the community and were introduced to artist Maurice Hill, a 19 year old DC native and recent graduate of Friendship Edison Collegiate Academy. Along with being an avid Barack Obama supporter, Maurice is currently an intern with Ward 7 Arts Collaborative, a non-profit dedicated to building youth capacity that offered Maurice the opportunity to sharpen his skills as he explores his options for college. So when we told him of our mission to help the Obama campaign, he was eager to lend a hand.

These bottles are selling for ***$10.00 each and from now through October 25th, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these already highly sought after sauces will go to support the Obama '08 Presidential Campaign. The "Hot Sauce of Capitol Hill" wants to help our next President bring CHANGE and a "Brand New Flavor" to the White House. Uncle Brutha agrees, "It is time for a CHANGE... to a new Hot Sauce!!" Uncle Brutha's Award Winning Hot Sauce!!

The Perfect Gift Idea!

These very special sauces make great gifts and perfect stocking stuffers.

Visit our online store today!

www.unclebrutha.com

They're sure to be collectibles, so...

DON'T MISS OUT!
Order yours TODAY!

***Taxes(when applicable), Shipping, and handling extra, Orders will be shipped within 14-21 days.