Author: Darryl Koster

Spice Blends

Chinese Five Spice BBQ Rub

This BBQ rub promises to elevate your grilling experience with its irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. With star anise lending its subtle licorice-like sweetness, cloves infusing a warm, pungent aroma, and Chinese cinnamon adding depth and complexity, each spice plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors. Sichuan peppercorns contribute […]

Condiments

Giardiniera

Giardiniera, a traditional Italian condiment, bursts with flavor and versatility. Comprising a medley of pickled vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, and peppers, it delivers a tangy, spicy kick that enlivens any dish. Whether used as a zesty topping for sandwiches or as a vibrant accompaniment to antipasto platters, Giardiniera adds a delightful burst of taste and […]

Kitchen Tips

Mastering the Art of Grinding Meat at Home: Tips for Optimal Results

Grinding meat at home can elevate your culinary creations to new heights, providing you with fresher flavors and the satisfaction of crafting your own meals. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, mastering the process of grinding meat can unlock a world of culinary possibilities. While small home grinding equipment like the […]

Cured Meats

Maple Cured Bacon – Part 1

Indulge in the savory delight of home-cured maple bacon, crafted with expertise honed over 15 years of mastering the art of bacon curing. With a background in commercially producing bacon for retail sale, I’ve perfected the process to bring out the finest flavors and textures in every slice. Utilizing the equilibrium curing method (Comminuted Sausage […]

Spice Blends

Chinese Five Spice

Note: All Communal Fire spice recipes are developed using weights. We do this when we are designing seasoning blends to ensure that our clients and blog readers are able to get as close to a specific recipe as possible. It also allows you to use whatever you have on hand. 5 grams of coriander ground […]

Kitchen Tips

Ensuring Food Safety in Home Meat Grinding: Best Practices for Home Cooks

I have spent the last 15yrs owning and operating a meat packing plant and I wrote this article during that time. We were inspected bi-weekly and audited yearly by OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs) for food safety. We had regular CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) Audits regarding our facilities & products […]

Kitchen Tips

A Guide to Caring for Herbs and Spices: Keeping Flavors Fresh and Fragrant

In the culinary world, herbs and spices are like magic ingredients, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or an enthusiastic home cook, knowing how to care for these aromatic treasures is essential for preserving their flavor and potency. From whole spices to delicate herbs, each requires specific attention to […]

Equipment

The Importance of an Accurate and Durable Thermometer

NOTE: We are an affiliate of https://www.thermoworks.com/ and are very happy customers as well. I’ve done business with them for well over a decade buying not only commercial grade thermometers and data collections tools, we also use them at home for our every day use. They took a beating at my restaurants and meat packing […]

Entrees

Jerk Chicken Wings

This recipe uses the Jerk Seasoning, Dry recipe found on this site. Quick story short, I fell in love with Jerk Chicken a very long time ago. During a trip to St. Thomas several 18yrs ago I found a jerk seasoning and really wanted it here in Canada. I ended up designing my own version […]

Spice Blends