Product Review-Tassleberry Farms Marinade and BBQ Sauce

Every now and then I have the opportunity to review new products and share my opinion of them with you here.

Today I have the opportunity to review Tassleberry Farms Strawberry Marinade and Strawberry BBQ Sauce. As you can see from the below picture, the product is attractive and well labeled.

 

Now when I picture strawberries in any type of product I envision sweet, fragrant strawberries that will add to the overall product and accommodate the end product that is used on.

 

 

Unfortunately that was not my experience with the Tassleberry BBQ products. In preparation for this experience I purchased some fresh pork chops and used the above marinade on them. The marinade is very pungent and had a very vinegar and pickled strawberry taste. I decided to go ahead with the review to see if this marinade would have a different taste with the end product..

 

 Later the pork chops were smoked and I added the Strawberry BBQ sauce in the last 30 minutes of smoking. I found the BBQ Sauce to be very bitter and had the consistency of a tomato paste rather then a BBQ Sauce. I continued with the test to see what the pork chops would taste like in the end.

 

When I brought the pork chops to the table the aroma was incredible. But that’s where it ended. The marinade and sauce both caused the pork chops to be un-edible. No one in my family was able to get over the first bite. $23 in pork chops ruined.

 

Due to this experience I would NOT recommend this product for use. I don’t make this recommendation lightly. I know the passion and desire that goes into creating a product and then wanting to share it with the world, I guess that’s why my BBQ Sauce has been 7-years in the making and will continue to be until I’m satisfied with the end product. I think this is an acquired taste product, just not one I would use on any barbeque I would prepare.

 

I hope Tassleberry Farm re-evaluates this product and makes some major changes, otherwise, in my opinion; this product will not make it on the market for long. I for one was very disappointed.

Posted by Chuck Posted in: Product Review No Comments » August 2008

Product Review: J&D’s Bacon Salt

Bacon is one of my favorite foods, in my home my kids have grown up thinking its one of the basic food groups! In fact one of there all time favorite meals for dinner is an all American BLT! Bacon in our home is a food group all by itself!

So it was no big surprise that I would have to try a seasoning whose motto is “Everything Should Taste like Bacon!” Of course I’m talking about a seasoning known as “Bacon Salt”.
Bacon Salt is the brain child of Justin and Dave who love grilling, hanging out with family and friends and of course eating there favorite food bacon! (my kind of people!)

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Posted by Chuck Posted in: Product Review 1 Comment » February 2008

The Chile Twister

Of all the appetizers I have done over the years, none of them have received the reviews and requests I get for more then the ABT (Atomic Buffalo Turds). I wrote an article for “Get Your Grill On” a couple of months ago on the preparation and techniques used to make these appetizers. Since that writing, I have had many individuals email me asking how to core the jalapeños for preparation. So, with that in mind, let me introduce you to “The Chile Twister.”

Before finding the Chile Twister, I painstakingly used a paring knife to core the jalapeños. This task took a long time and sometimes made the preparation time an all-day event. I had seen similar devices used by others who made their own, but for someone not as talented with metal as others are, this was not an option for me.

On my journey to find the perfect tool, I went to http://jalapenocafe.com/ and discovered the perfect tool to help make our favorite appetizer! The chile twister is used by slicing the top of the jalapeno off and then piercing the center with the triangle shaped end of the tool into the center and then using the “chile” handle; begin rotating the tool to make circles in the jalapeno.

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Posted by Chuck Posted in: Product Review No Comments » January 2008

Review: Rod’s Rub Original

Today I’m reviewing Rod’s Rub Original.

Before testing, I visited Rod’s website to try and learn a little about the rub and about the creator himself. I enjoyed reading the history behind Rod’s Rub and learned quickly that we share a few things in common. First we both have careers in Law Enforcement, and second were both hockey fans. One difference? Rod played professional hockey for the Detroit Red Wings (I’ll forgive him - I’m a diehard Avalanche fan!). Read the rest of this article »

Posted by Chuck Posted in: Product Review No Comments » January 2008

The Thermoworks Thermapen

One of the most important tools an individual can have when grilling or smoking is that of a properly calibrated food thermometer. This was a personal quest of mine, and I wanted a thermometer that would be durable, reliable and able to withstand the constant abuse I put alot of my tools through with smoking schools, home demos, and BBQ contests. With that said, I’m pleased to say I found it and feel it was important enough to pass on to all of you! Read the rest of this article »

Posted by Chuck Posted in: Product Review No Comments » December 2007

The Value of Barbeque Tools

One the most frequent questions I get from family and friends is “What tools do I need for cooking barbecue?” The reason I think this becomes an important question is because of the many different options we find in both commercials and stores around the country. Read the rest of this article »

Posted by Chuck Posted in: Product Review No Comments » January 2007