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Kentkucky Proud: Windstone Farms Blackberry Jam

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Windstone Farms Blackberry Jam

Windstone Farms Blackberry Jam – Kentucky Proud

I have a confession to make. I’m borderline obsessed with buying “Kentucky Proud” products… and when I say “borderline,” I basically mean “There is no line. I am obsessed.”  I’m all about buying as local as possible for several reasons. The concept of supporting your neighbors just makes great sense to me. When those in our community (state, even) do well, we benefit. So whenever possible, I love to eat at locally-owned restaurants and I love to buy food, decor, coffee, tea, etc. that was made right here in Kentucky.

Which reminds me, I have a couple of delicious Kentucky brewed coffees to tell you about in the coming days.

Another reason I’m obsessed with buying Kentucky products is they’re almost always better than anything else!

Case in point – jams, jellies, and preserves. I honestly cannot remember the last time I brought a national brand. It doesn’t make sense to settle for less than best when there are delicious options like Two Sisters Jams, Jellies, and Preserves, Land Between the Lakes Raspberry Jalapeno Jam, and Windstone Farms…. all made right here in Kentucky.

While the other brands have been household staples for quite a while, I only recently found Windstone Farms jams. I actually ran out of my stash of Kentucky jams and preserves (seems I dropped the ball) and was desperate for some blackberry jam to go on toast with a “breakfast supper” I had planned. Naturally, my first option was to look for a Kentucky made blackberry jam and I was thrilled to see jars of Windstone Farms Blackberry Jam on the shelf at Kroger.  They weren’t even on the Kentucky Proud kiosk, they were in the jam and jelly aisle.

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Windstone Farms Blackberry Jam

I just have to say that I love it when I can find Kentucky Proud products in my local stores. I don’t mind ordering online and we normally stock up when we’re at the Hitching Post or Kentucky State Parks (GREAT sources for Kentucky Proud products) – but when I can find my beloved local delicacies at my favorite grocery store, it just floats my boat.

The jam was outstanding – the blackberry flavor tasted like someone had just picked fresh blackberries and made the jam right in front of you. I bought blackberry jam because it’s my husband’s favorite (awwww) but I CANNOT wait to find their strawberry jam. Strawberry, Raspberry, and Plum are my faves… although, after having Windstone Farms’ blackberry jam, I’m going to have to add it to the list of favorites too.

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Windstone Farms Blackberry Jam

This Jam Will Make Delicious Thumbprint Cookies

I can’t wait to use this particular jam for thumbprint cookies. This one is “seedless” which is perfect for baking.

You can read more about Windstone Farms on their website and be sure to look for the jams on your grocer’s shelves.  I’ll come right back here and let you know about the Strawberry jam as soon as I find it!

When the jam is this good, there’s only one thing to do… SLATHER it on!  The proof is in the picture….

Blackberry Jam on Toast

Bourbon Barrel Foods: Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt Simply Makes Life More Delicious

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Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt

Bourbon Barrel Foods’ Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt… One of My “Can’t Live Without”s!

As a food blogger, I think about recipe development, ingredients, and food combinations almost every waking hour. As a Kentucky blogger and proud Kentuckian, I am devoted to supporting Kentucky businesses and committed to promoting them on Genuine Kentucky and any other platform I can climb upon.

Lucky for me, Kentuckians are great at what they do and if I can just get them to try their Kentucky Made product once, they’ll return again and again and again.  Which is what my husband and I do when it comes to our favorite Kentucky food.

Louisville’s own Bourbon Barrel Foods makes a Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt, Pepper, and Sugar are three such addictions.

As you can see in the picture above, I have a Rachael Ray 3-Tiered Salt box (as any Rachael Ray fan would have, right?).  Kosher Salt, Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt, and Himalayan Salt live in the three compartments – at all times. The Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt is out of this world on and with any meat you can think of. It gives the bacon, fish, chicken, steak, burgers.. whatever…. an unmistakable and delicious smoky, bourbon flavor that kicks it up to a whole new level.

I’ve also sprinkled it on eggs, pasta, and baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, and fries and it’s a knock out every single time. I’ve even been known to make hot cocoa, top it with whipped topping, drizzle on a little caramel, and sprinkle the top with Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt.

So good… you don’t even know.

I find my Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt, sugar, and pepper all at Kroger. They’re always in a “Kentucky Foods” kiosk that’s usually in the back of the store. The display used to be at the front of the store, near the checkouts, but they (unfortunately) moved them to the back.

You can also find Bourbon Barrel Spices and Seasonings on Amazon – which is as convenient as it gets. Amazon also carries some of their products I can’t find in Kroger.

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Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt

Visit Bourbon Barrel Foods for more information and to see the wonderful foods they keep churning out. While you’re on the website, check out the Bourbon Barrel Stave Pen – he’s a real looker!


Common Grounds Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Coffee (Review)

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Common Grounds Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Coffee Common Grounds Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Coffee
I write a lot of coffee reviews on my food blog (tough job… somebody’s gotta do it) and, like most people, have my favorites. Certain roasters just have a funny little habit of  being perfect all the time. Kaldi’s (out of St. Louis) is one that comes to mind.

Another name that comes to mind does so with extra excitement and pride because they’re from right here in Kentucky – Lexington, to be exact. Common Grounds makes exceptional, exceptional, exceptional coffee. I’m working on trying each one but I’ve run into a little problem – I can’t quit buying (and LOVING) their Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Coffee!

It. Is. Extraordinary.

Read what it says on the front of the bag… A unique  blend that starts with green coffee aged inside fresh Willet Bourbon Barrels. Coffee has a strong bourbon flavor with hints of chocolate & cherries.

If that doesn’t start your engine, your engine may be dead.

This coffee is perfection any way you fix it – iced or hot. Common Grounds Bourbon Barrel Coffee is different from other coffee – there’s just something about the bourbon flavor that seals the deal. There is a hint of chocolate and I have, on occasion, tasted a bit of the delicious cherry flavor mentioned on the bag. It’s smooth, memorable, and one of the best coffees I’ve ever had – trust me, that’s saying something.

The Kentucky Bourbon Barrel beans are ideal for making flat whites, lattes, and any other home-style version of your favorite coffeehouse drinks.

I’ve found Common Grounds Coffee at the local Kroger stores (Owensboro). They’re always on a “Kentucky Proud” stand – these stands were once located in the front of the stores, near the self check out lanes but now they’re in the back, closer to the meat counters. I have no idea why they moved it – it was much better in the front… front and center where all things “Kentucky Proud” should be.

At any rate, look in your local Kroger for this great coffee – I guarantee you it’s going to flipping blow you away.

For more information about Common Grounds Coffee, visit their website.

Coffee

Two Sisters Strawberry Rhubarb Jam (Review)

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Two Sisters Jam: Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

As I said in my most recent review of Two Sisters Jams, I’ll be doing different varieties/flavors over the coming days. Each is so darn good, they warrant their own post and their own moment in the spotlight.

Today’s moment belongs to Two Sisters Strawberry Rhubarb  Jam.

Two Sisters Jams are based right here in Kentucky. Buying “Kentucky Proud” foods is something we aren’t just passionate about, we’re borderline obsessed with it. I have to admit something, though – Two Sisters Jams, Jellies and Preserves are so ridiculously delicious, I’d be a fan whether they were made in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, or New York City.

Yes. Indiana*.

Two Sisters Strawberry Rhubarb Jam on a Gluten Free Biscuit

One of my favorite jams has always been Strawberry, so this was actually the first jar I opened when I received a beautiful stash of jams. I might or might not have dove right into the deliciousness with a spoon.

SO GOOD!

Not only are Two Sisters Jams off the charts delicious, they’re downright beautiful, to boot. Everything about them lets you know they’re homemade and stand heads and shoulders over the rest. Even if you’re normally on the fence when it comes to jams, jellies, and preserves, these sisters will make you suddenly obsessed with them.

Two Sisters Jam: Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

I enjoyed this gorgeous, flavorful jam on biscuits, corn muffins. toast, and, of course, the spoon.  When the jar was nearly empty, I actually put a little applesauce in the jar and – holy cats – it rocked my world.

I can’t tell you how wonderful this jam is – all I can say is, “Mmmmmmm….”

By the way, when you’re on the Two Sisters Website and you’re shopping in the store, be aware that there are three pages.   I do not want you to miss any of these beautiful jams, jellies, and preserves.

Read more about Two Sisters Strawberry Rhubarb Jam and order some for yourself asap. Have those corn muffins ready!

Two Sisters Jam: Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

Two Sisters Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

* Just good-natured kidding toward our northern neighbors – we lived in southern Indiana for a few years and loved it. Except during basketball season… not the best place to live when you’re die-hard UK fans!

Kentucky Food: Gluten Free Wyld Strips

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Wyld Strips

I just wrote a review for Wyld Strips on my food blog.  Since this is a Kentucky food, I thought you might want to check it out. If you’re like me, you buy Kentucky Proud products as often as possible.

When the food is as delicious as these Wyld Strips, it’s a habit I thoroughly enjoy!

Click the link above for my review or go directly to Wyld Strips Website to read more about them.

"When reading about a Kentucky event, please be sure you check the date. Old events are not always deleted from the website. If you have an event you'd like to see on Genuine Kentucky or a 'Made in Kentucky' food or product you'd like reviewed, please contact us! " ~ Joi ("Joy")

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