WORDS BY EILEEN PACE
Photo by JD’s Chili Parlor
JD’s Chili Parlor Chilified BBQ Sauces
Who doesn’t like BBQ with all the fixin’s? Lately, we’ve noticed some “hot” additions to the JD’s Chili Parlor’s collection of chilified sauces. Their signature five-pepper blend has now found its way into a line of exhilarating BBQ sauces. JD’s Original is made with molasses, brown sugar and honey and has, not surprisingly, quickly become a favorite among San Antonio cue-meisters. With a spicy profile and five-pepper blend, JD’s Original has always been a chili kicker! Known for their creative flair with Americana fusions, JD’s has brought several more flavors that chili-kick these sauces into the next stratosphere. Meat, like chicken and ribs, loves the Blackberry Chipotle, which pairs perfectly with the subtly smoky chipotle and sweet blackberries, but truth be told, this agave-based BBQ sauce elevates every dish it graces. Another fan favorite, particularly for BBQ lovers that like to play with fire, is the Honey Hot Habanero. This sweet locally-sourced honey and spicy habanero sauce brings a sneaky back-end heat that will knock your socks off … just a little bit. It goes exceptionally well with brisket, pork butt and ribs, and is the answer to a killer wing sauce. JD’s sauces are available at the Alamo Heights Farmers Market, New Braunfels Farmers Market, select boutique shops, H-E-B stores and online, although please note that not all sauces are available at all locations.
Photo by Texas Mushroom Monks
Texas Mushroom Monks
Mushrooms aren’t just good for omelets, stir frys and soup! Using natural healing methods passed down over the course of a thousand years, Texas Mushroom Monks is making the circuit around San Antonio and sharing their stories of healing. Found at the Healing Arts Festival, Farmers Market at Wonderland Mall, Garden Ridge Market Days, Shavano Farmers Market and others, the owners, Barbi Holstlaw and her husband Tom, are happy to educate us on the myriad health benefits of medicinal mushrooms. From reducing inflammation to creating younger-looking skin, easing fibromyalgia pain and increasing brain function, different mushrooms have different health benefits. For instance, the Cordyceps militaris mushroom with culinary grade gourmet black ants has been cited in medical studies as possibly boosting exercise performance, improving symptoms of Type 2 diabetes and fighting tumors. Some other benefits of eating mushrooms may include help with bronchitis, anemia, kidney and liver disorders, and even reduce the side-effects of some cancer treatments. In even more exciting news, Blue Box, an upscale bar at the Historic Pearl, will be rolling out mushroom-infused cocktails on their spring menu. Called Monk Cocktails, they are made with Texas Mushroom Monk’s mushrooms such as fresh lion’s mane, chaga and cordyceps. Texas Mushroom Monks can even help you grow your own mushrooms with starter kits they sell at the markets. Orders can also be placed via their online shop.
Photo by CedarX
CedarX, Allergy Relief, and Mold Relief Formulas from Integrative Healing Institute
“Cedar fever” describes San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country’s worst allergy season and never seems far from taking us down for the count. Every year, thousands of Texans get slammed with sneezing, itchy eyes, sinus headaches and fatigue — symptoms of allergies to the massive amounts of pollen blown southward on the wings of Arctic cold fronts. The good news is relief is imminent, thanks to the Integrative Healing Institute of San Antonio, which created a solution called CedarX. This blend of organic essential oils is natural and easy to use. Simply apply a drop of the oil to your wrists, rub together and inhale. The company also offers an allergy relief formula and mold relief formula, because we know that in South and Central Texas there’s no shortage of things to sneeze at. IHI’s fascinating health products use organic herbs and homeopathy and are completely safe to use. CedarX and other allergy formulas can be found at Rhonda’s Nature’s Way, Good Stuff, Gardenville Health Food Store, Fifi and Fidos, Greener Grooming and H-E-B. All of the products can also be purchased online, with free shipping for orders over $30.
Photo by Urban Tree Company
Urban Tree Company
If you have a home cook or chef in your house, consider a special gift (even if it’s for yourself) from Urban Tree Company. The owners of this uniquely sustainable business are arborists who decided to do something good for the environment, not to mention the local economy. The company works with cities, homeowners and neighborhoods in the San Antonio area to source local oak, pecan, mesquite and cedar trees. Urban Tree artisans then mill the wood and transform it into fine home goods, furniture, children’s toys and stunning wood jewelry. Kitchen offerings include finely-crafted cutting boards, serving platters, salt urns, elegant sushi sets and utensils in a variety of beautiful designs. Get ready to amp up your cooking game! As arborists, the company also offers tree service and tree health services for homeowners, as well as firewood at reasonable prices.
About the Contributor
Eileen Pace is a lifelong broadcast journalist with multiple awards for her stories that aired on radio stations around the state and NPR affiliates across the country. She lives in San Antonio with her Schnoodle, Argentina, and volunteers as a canine foster mom, and is working toward certification as a tour guide to show off San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country to out-of-town visitors.
