Spicy Rub and Seasonings - Wild Boar Sweet and Sassy Red Pepper

Tis the season to fire up the grill!  Whether you are grilling ribs, steaks, chicken or whatever, you just cannot forget the spices!  Everything I grill, has to be rubbed down with some sort of spice or seasoning, to bring out the flavor of what I am grilling.  Even if you aren't a griller, you can still prepare your meats in the oven, with your favorite rubs.

The rub/seasoning shown here, is the Wild Boar Sweet and Sassy Red Pepper Rub by JuliasPantry Etsy shop.  Let me tell ya...this stuff has some kick to it!  It is definitely on the spicy side, but with a side note of sweetness.  It's a brilliant red spice rub that just enhances the flavor of whatever you are grilling.

This spice rub is perfect for chicken, pork, ribs and steaks.  Not only is this a great spice rub, but you can also turn this into a marinade or dip- three-in-one! This spice rub is All-Natural, fat free, gluten free and contains no MSG.  I found, that it doesn't take much of this spice at all, to flavor and give your meats some heat!  If you are not faint at heart and can handle the heat, go for it!  I, on the other hand, used just enough to cover my ribs, but not to the extent where my ribs were smothered in this spice.

I also used this on my chicken (just a little) to give my baked chicken a different twist and taste.  If you are looking for a spicy rub for your grilling meats, head on over to Julia's Pantry on Etsy and check out all the rubs and spices she has.  You will find the Wild Boar Chillin Chipotle, Sweet N Sassy Red Pepper Sauce and Marinade, Sassy Crackers Seasoning Mixes in a variety of flavors, plus tons more!

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***I may have received complimentary products, in exchange, for my honest and unbiased review.  Regardless, all opinions expressed are 100% my own and I only recommend products that I have tried and believe in.

Gus's Fried Chicken - #Restaurantreview

Ok...who DOESN'T like fried chicken?  If you are one to say you don't...you must be vegan, vegetarian or not into good southern fried foods!  I get the whole diet thing.  I also get that eating healthier is a big concern for a lot of us, but every once in a while, you just gotta splurge.  And if you are going to splurge, why not try some good fried chicken?

I recently had the opportunity to visit Gus's Fried Chicken.  Gus's Fried Chicken is located in downtown Memphis, Tn.  They have 14 locations located in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Illinois, Texas, Georgia and Missouri. Gus's Fried Chicken is well known for their spicy fried chicken as well as the long lines from everyone wanting to try their chicken.  The building, itself, is a small dive like place, but packs a ton of flavor in their foods.  

They have different plate options, individual pieces, lots of side items to choose from and even family meals.  One of the side items I've tried, was the mac n cheese.  OMG!  This mac n cheese was so cheesy!  I didn't quite get how many cheeses or what cheeses were involved in making this dish, but let me tell you, this is one side item you will definitely want to try!

I was accompanied by my husband and my 23 year old son, who all chose the spicy chicken.  Our appetizer was the fried pickles (spears), which I may add, is one of my favorites when it comes to appetizers.  The fried pickles were fried to perfection, crispy on the outside, just the right amount of seasoning...and beware...THEY COME PIPING HOT!

Our waitress, Rere, was very knowledgeable in the menu and our food item choices.  She checked on us several times to ensure our food was up to par, that everything was cooked the way we liked it.  We also got to meet Amber, the manager for Gus's Fried Chicken, in Downtown Memphis.  Very pleasant lady and so glad we met.  

As I've mentioned earlier, this is a small building, but was, and is, always packed.  People come from all over, just to try Gus's Fried Chicken.  I had asked our waitress if she knew how they prepared the batter for the chicken (I really wanted to know how they got the spiciness to come through), all she could tell me, was that it is mixed into the batter (no luck in getting the secret recipe!) 

The restaurant reminded me of a quaint blues type place with some Southern charm.  It's not elegant or fancy on the inside, but I feel more at home in a more down-to-earth laid back restaurant.  Eating with your hands is a must here.  The only way to really enjoy your chicken, is to pick it up and start digging in!  Oh, and if you haven't had their baked beans...well, you must give them a try.  With a bit of thickness and sweetness, they are oh, so good!  

ABOUT GUS'S FRIED CHICKEN
The “Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken” recipe is a closely-guarded family secret. Once upon a time, Saveur Magazine asked Gus himself for the recipe. His response? “I ain’t telling!” And neither are his children. Gus’s chicken is a little different each time you try it. It’s got that handmade character – a little of this, a touch of that, a pinch of love, a dash of hot. Once in a while it’ll be so spicy the tears come. Usually, the heat is more gentle, like the touch of an old friend. As Ed Levine wrote for Serious Eats in 2007, “Gus’s Chicken is still perfect, crisp golden-brown on the outside, moist and succulent on the inside, and salted and seasoned with just enough cayenne pepper to let you know it’s there.” Even on the spiciest days, once that signature flavor hits your tongue you know you must finish the crunchy, crispy skin and moist, tender meat. The tears will dry, the tongue will heal. But missing a minute of that soul food tradition? Now that would hurt

Gus's Fried Chicken was recognized in 2009 and 2010 as the 'Best Southern Fried Chicken by Memphis Commercial Appeal and won local awards for it.  GQ magazine cited Gus's Fried Chicken as one of the top 5 restaurants worth hopping onto a plane for a meal, back in 2001.  

To read more about Gus's Fried Chicken, go visit their site at gusfriedchicken.com

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Gus's Fried Chicken
310 S Front St.
Memphis, Tn. 38103
(901) 527-4877

Store Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 11 am - 9 pm
Friday-Saturday 11 am - 10 pm


What do you look for in chicken?  Do you like it hot and spicy or original?  I'd like to hear your thoughts on your favorite chicken!


If you found this post helpful, or even interesting, please share, tweet or pin.  I would be forever grateful! 

*** This post is sponsored by Gus's Fried Chicken.  I want to give thanks to Jessica Maxwell and Amber for hosting my family and I.  As always, opinions expressed are ALWAYS 100% my own.

Western Cedar Grilling Planks (8 Pk) Review

I have never grilled with any type of wood chips, let alone, wood planks, but I've heard so much great things about grilling with them to add flavor to your food.  I was thrilled when I received my Western Cedar Grilling Planks in the mail!  I couldn't wait to use them, to see what all the fuss was about.  

Let me begin by saying....THE WOOD PLANKS DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  They add that hint of flavor to fish, Salmon, chicken, steaks and vegetables.  You can actually cook anything you want on these Cedar planks, just to give it more flavor.

These planks will give your ordinary seasoned food more OOMPH!  Instructions say to soak these planks for 1-2 hours, although, I would recommend soaking them for the full 2 hours, to eliminate some of the burning.  If not soaked for the recommended time, you may end up with burnt edges around your planks.  If soaked fully, you should get about 2-3 uses out of each plank.  

The planks, once they've been soaked, will begin to smoke when you put them on the grill and begin grilling.  This is normal. The planks are 15" x 5.25" x 3/8".  Separating the meats from the vegetables, when grilling with the planks, is recommended.  We don't want any cross contamination!

You can grab these full of flavor planks by visiting Amazon.  The list price is $39.99, but they are marked down to $24.95 + shipping.



 *** I received this product, free, in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are 100% my own.
 

Sweet N Sour Chicken Recipe

About once or twice a month, I love to cook up some Sweet N Sour Chicken. It seems like anything that takes me longer than 30 minutes to an hour, is not very time consuming, especially when I have to do the cooking.

I've been making this recipe for about a year now, and it's always a hit.  Seems like there is never any leftovers when I want a quick lunch!  Below is my version of Sweet N Sour recipe.  Approximate cost: $11.02.  This cost is taking in consideration that I have the pepper flakes (optional) and onions on hand and no coupons have been used.

 SWEET N SOUR CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS:

2.5 lb - 3lb bag frozen or fresh chicken breast or tenders
1 green bell pepper (chopped)
1 large onion (chopped)
2 La Choy Duck sauce (10oz bottle)
Flour (to batter)

Begin by cutting your chicken into 1 inch cubes. This is easier when your chicken is half frozen.

Chop your onion and bell pepper into small to med size chunks. Set aside.

Roll your chicken in flour ( I don't necessarily use egg, but you can if you wish).

Add about 1 inch of cooking oil to your skillet and fry the chicken on med to med-high heat.  Fry your chicken til it's just about done. (the chicken will continue to cook in the oven when you get ready to place it in the oven).

Drain the chicken on paper towels.

Next:  Line your baking dish with the chicken, chopped bell pepper, chopped onion and cover with the duck sauce. (You can also use Kraft's Sweet N Sour Sauce).  Mix all ingredients well.  Sprinkle with Red Pepper Flakes (optional). Put into a 400 degree oven and bake for approx. 20 minutes or until all is heated through.

Simple and easy!

What is your favorite chicken dish?  Comment your recipe and you may see if featured on Not Just Another Southern's Gals' blog!!