Cackalacky Spice Sauce
Tested by Mary Gallagher
Around the turn of the century, in his family’s tiny cottage kitchen inChapel Hill,North Carolina, Page Skelton set out to create a spiced condiment that is made with sweet potatoes a majorNorth Carolinacrop. Page called his original creation, “Cackalacky ™.” (Pronounced “kak-uh-lak-ee”). Which according to the Urban Dictionary means someone from theCarolinas, especiallyNorth Carolina.
I received a bottle of Cackalacky sauce to test out and thinking it was ordinary hot sauce waited a few weeks before exploring some possibilities. There are the usual things like adding some to sour cream for a dip or rolling your drumsticks or wings in it and they worked out fine. But I found it’s really good at adding a nice flavor touch (not just hotness) to foods that may have turned out a little bland, like a cream soup where ones first inclination is to add more salt. That not being the healthiest move I started using Cackalacky. The results were great
It’s a heavier consistency than some sauces which made it more desirable for coating food on its own or before breading. A couple of dashes in scrambled eggs, egg salad and a hamburger goulash brought new life to these old standbys.
Cackalacky Spice Sauce was featured in the February 2012 “Savor the South” issue of Bon Appetit Magazine and can be found in gourmet grocery markets in more than half of the U.S. or on line.
Recently the company introduced Cackalacky ™ Spice Nuts taking another famousNorth Carolinaproduct, jumbo peanuts and adding the same “secret spices” that are found in their Spice Sauce.
I think the gourmet or average home cook will find this sauce a great addition to their pantry staples.
Order Cackalacky products at:
Tyz Wired Scarves and Mini Shawl.
By Mary Gallagher
We received a Tyz Wired Scarf in the mini shawl option to test out as scarves and shawls are one of the most important things for any traveler to pack. Even men will find a neck scarf comes in handy. I have learned to faithfully carry some kind of scarf or shawl to fend off drafts, use as a pillow or change the look of an outfit. The regular Tyz Wired Scarves are available in colors and the mini shawl in white. The Tyz Wired Scarf products wouldn’t work as a pillow but the video instructions on their website show a variety of ways they can be styled and used. I think the wired scarf is a great idea and they compress well for packing but to me the wire seemed a bit thick and it would take me a little time to get used to wearing one. The idea that they will stay how and where you placed them is brilliant. Designer and inventor Ruth Bielobocky created Tyz Scarves in 2010 after deciding her scarves don’t stay put in the manner she preferred. She embedded wire into the seams of a scarf, combined fabrics for different looks in one scarf, and discovered a whole new way to accessorize. The company offers limited edition scarves in several fabric combinations and options. The scarves are sewn by a U.S.company. The Tyz Wired Scarf offers the opportunity to transform casual wear, any dress or top with a simple neckline, can be worn and transformed with a scarf. The mini shawl model has a matte, more casual look on one side and a shinier, dressier finish on the other. The line has several variations including a new headscarf to help transition ladies from beach or pool time without having to style their hair. It can also serve as a lovely accent for the waist with jeans or a cover-up. The wiring in this piece enables you to twist at the base of your neck to tighten and then roll the ends up to adjust the length. The scarves can easily be hand or machine washed and. are priced from $49.00 to $69.00. Learn more and purchase at www.tyzscarves.com.