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Storing Every Day Spices

Storing every day spices properly in the right container is as important as keeping the spice rack or pantry tidy. While every spice has an expiry date, if properly stored and sealed, they can have a significantly longer shelf life than if it is not. Spices in airtight glass jars are safe because the glass is non-porous, non-reactive. Glass jars won't contaminate the spices, leach harmful chemicals, or absorb odors. This non-porous material prevents moisture from ruining flavor and texture, and proper airtight storage protects spices from air and humidity.

Spices should be stored in airtight glass jars to prevent moisture from getting mixed in with the spices. Wet, lumpy spices lose their texture and flavor. Heat also destroys the flavor of stored spices. The good news is that your spices won't go bad and make you sick. You may want to throw out spices when they lose their flavor and aroma. This is indicated by a dull color and a weak or musty smell, even if they are before their "best by" date. Whole spices are best within 3-4 years, ground spices within 2-4 years, and whole or ground herbs within 1-3 years.

Refrigeration can diminish the potency and flavor of whole spices over time. - Spices can absorb moisture in the fridge, potentially leading to clumping and loss of flavor. To maintain the flavor and potency of your spices, avoid storing them near or above the stove. Heat and direct sunlight degrade the essential oils and chemicals in spices, reducing their taste. Instead, store your spices in a cool, dry, and dark location.

Glass for Storing Every Day Spices

By its very nature, glass creates a better seal. Storing spices in their original containers with a seal will increase the longevity of the spices and ensure that they have the best flavor possible. This covers spices for all of your cooking needs. It's not in our best interest to say this, but when reusing glass jars, you should wash spice jars before filling them. This is especially true if you are reusing jars or have handled raw food. Studies have shown that spice jars are highly susceptible to contamination from bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.

Wipe or wash jars with warm, soapy water, rinse them thoroughly, and allow them to dry completely before re-using them for spices. Running them through dishwashers helps but don't forget to include the tops or anything that may contact the spices. To keep spices from caking, store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry, and dark place. This will assist in preventing moisture and heat exposure. You can also place a grain of rice or a dried bean in the container to absorb moisture. Avoid shaking spices over steaming pots where they can ingest moisture. This is recommended to reduce clotting and extending the shelf life.

We have 64 individual spices in our store. They range from common to uncommon, to difficult to find in small quantities.

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Labor Day Observances

Labor Day observances pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and we traditionally observe it on the first Monday in September. The labor movement created it in the late 19th century, and Congress made it a federal holiday in 1894.. Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans. We celebrate this day with parties, street parades, and athletic events. In a country where we celebrate and honor many cultural and religious holidays, Labor Day is unique in that it honors American workers. Labor Day is a holiday that honors the contributions US workers have made to the strength and prosperity of our nation. In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks. This was necessary in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories, and mines across America. Children earned a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages. As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay. People also celebrate Canada's Labour Day on the first Monday of September. More than 150 other countries celebrate International Workers' Day on May 1, the European holiday of May Day. The Second International of socialist and communist parties chose May Day to commemorate the general labor strike in the United States and events leading to the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago, Illinois, from May 1 – May 4, 1886.

Labor Day Observances

People celebrated the first Labor Day holidays with grand parades, picnics, and sometimes fireworks. Today, many people celebrate in different ways. This day still allows us to appreciate the advancements, freedoms, and prosperity our country experiences. This is in thanks to the hardworking individuals who make up our great country. One thing that's consistent is celebrating this American holiday with food, and that is where we come in. Our food product arm sells products under the brand 'Cookin Wit' Gus'. We make some of the finest products you can find that are meant to compliment the flavors of the food. All our products are additive and additive, so you can read the label and see what you're consuming. Clicking the button below will take you directly to our store. All we ask is that you enjoy your day, whatever you decide to do during your Labor Day Observances. Labor Day is called the "unofficial end of summer". That is because it marks the end of the U.S. culture's nominal summer season. Of the 7% of Americans take two-week vacations, many take their vacations during the two weeks ending Labor Day weekend. Many fall activities, such as school and sports (particularly football), begin about this time. In the United States, many school districts resume classes around the Labor Day holiday weekend (see First day of school). Some begin the week before, making Labor Day weekend the first three-day weekend of the school calendar. Others return on Tuesday following Labor Day. Many districts across the Midwest are opting to begin school after Labor Day. Visit our Store Life's Good When You're Cookin Wit' Gus Read the full article

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Outdoor Cooking Changes Everything

There's just something special about preparing food outdoors. Many years ago, we were at a Southern California lake catching red ear sunfish. One evening, we deep-fried a bunch of them and thought we had discovered fire. For all of us, outdoor cooking changes everything. Sure, as a Boy Scout, we cooked outdoors on hikes and around the campfire. Being much older now, cooking outdoors takes on a whole different meaning. People often grill outdoors using charcoal (real wood or preformed briquettes), wood, or propane gas. They cook food using direct radiant heat. Most outdoor grills have a cover so users can use them as smokers or for grill-roasting/barbecue. Deep frying has always been an effective cooking method for different types of foods. Deep frying turkeys is as popular today as smoking, grilling. or roasting. In most circumstances, the best way to cook it is with a fire that is burned down to a good bed of embers with little or no flame or by indirect heat, such as heated rocks. This provides a much more controlled and consistent heat than an open flame.

Cooking outdoors allows you to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and natural surroundings, promoting a sense of well-being. Outdoor cooking offers numerous benefits, including enhancing living spaces, promoting healthier eating, and providing stress relief. It also offers practical advantages like keeping heat and cooking smells outside, reducing energy consumption, and providing a great space for entertaining.

Why Outdoor Cooking Changes Everything

If I had my dithers, my outdoor kitchen would be one for the ages. An outdoor kitchen can add anywhere from 55% to 200% of its cost to your home's value, depending on factors like thIn regions where people highly value outdoor living, they can find the added value to be even higher.e quality of materials, location, and design. In regions where outdoor living is highly valued, the added value can be even higher. Outdoor kitchens, while enjoyable, can present several drawbacks. These include the need for substantial space, vulnerability to weather conditions, higher maintenance requirements, potential security concerns, and the possibility of increased costs. An outdoor kitchen is what you want it to be. For that reason, I won't even try offering costs. Kitchens can be as simple as a single grill to what your facility and wallet allow for. Outdoor kitchen costs vary by size, materials, appliances, and customization. They can range from $6,000 to over $100,000, with the average for a mid-range set-up around $16,000. Please do not hold me to these numbers because a lot depends on what goes on in the kitchen as well as any construction costs. Imagine inviting friends and family over for a dinner cooked and served under the stars. The atmosphere is awesome, drinks are flowing, and a good time for all. You will need awesome accessories for your awesome outdoor kitchen. Clicking the button below will take you to our store for some equally impressive food preparation products and tools. VISIT OUR STORE "Life's Good When You're Cookin Wit' Gus" Read the full article

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Squeeling Jenny - 27oz

Squeeling Jenny - 27ozSqueeling Jenny is the ultimate hand crafted pork seasoning blend.Liberally coat the meat with this blend, sprinkle with a small amount of water, let sit overnight, and you will look like a BBQ efficianato. This can be used to brighten up any meat but don't just take our word for it. This rub also works well on poultry !!We think it's spicy but not over powering like some things you find on the market. This seasoning was hand crafted for pork. It's mostly used on ribs, sausage making, and for pulled pork sandwiches. This rub has been tested on poultry and it delivered good taste but it's ultimately up to the taster. This rub would probably do well with wild game like venison, bear, turkey, or moose for example but availability is an issue keeping me from verification.We here at Cookin Wit' Gus appreciate experimentation and look forward to hearing back from users of our products. We want to know what you tried and how well it worked out. We're also interested in overall feedback for how well out products perform and what you think would make them better. Please feel free to send your feedback and we may even tweak the products with your recommendations and send you a free sample with your recommendations. We don't feel you ever get it 100% right and are always open to suggestion.The shape of the bottles makes it easier to hold on to especially if you have wet hands, harder to tip over if someone bumps into it, and definitely will not roll around like some bottles. Available in three sizes for your convenience.Ingredients:Kosher Salt, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Garlic, Onion Powder, Cinnamon, Sage, Brown Sugar, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Dry Mustard.Squeeling Jenny Pork seasoning Rub in 27oz bottle. VaVoom !!!!!!!!!!!Squeeling Jenny - 27oz Read the full article

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Fowl Dust (Spicy) - 27 oz

Fowl Dust (Spicy) - 27 oz is our go-to seasoning for poultry (especially chicken) or on salads.Fowl Dust is A flavorful rub made with the utmost care to blend specific amounts of specific seasonings to yield a specific flavor. It's light and extremely flavorful based on the types of spices used and does NOT overpower the natural flavors of the foods you use it on even if you use too much.This seasoning has been used on poultry and vegetables, mostly while grilling. It's flavor is second to none and in spite of the maple sugar used, it is not overly sweet. I've grilled chicken as high as 325 degrees and the sugar did not burn and that's a good thing. For wings, you want to season and let them sit as long as you can before tossing the meat on the smoker or in the oven. You can also use this mix when deep frying poultry.Because everyone can't eat spicy foods, this blend is made to be mild but it does not lack in flavor. As the name suggests, this is a fine power like seasoning so you can dust the bird off with it and heave ho onto the grill. It also works in salads or other vegetables with a recommendation to sprinkle it on during or after cooking - depending on the type of vegetables. What you can expect is a finished product you can enjoy with or without sauce, or with or without dressing. Just remember to place the cap back on when not in use.Ingredients:Onion Powder, Maple Sugar, Spanish Paprika, Kosher Salt, Black PepperAs with our other seasoning blends, we do not use flavor enhancers, anti-clotting additives, or preservatives. This mix will clot because of the maple sugar so we recommend adding a mortar and pestle to your order. If you purchase any three bottles of the 14 or 27 oz bottles we will add one to the shipment.Fowl Dust Rub in 27 oz bottle. YES !!!!!!!!!!!Fowl Dust (Spicy) - 27 oz "Life's Good When You're Cookin Wit" Gus" Read the full article

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Corn On the Cob Serving Set

Corn On the Cob Serving Set Corn on the cob is a culinary term for a cooked ear of sweet corn eaten directly off the cob. Each ear is picked while the endosperm is in the "milk stage" so while kernels are still tender. Ears of corn are steamed, boiled, or grilled usually without their green husks, or roasted with them. Corn on the Cob on the grill is a favorite side dish for cookouts. It’s so easy to prepare and amazing how the fire enhances the sweetness and brings out the true flavor of corn. Boiled corn on the cob is one of our go-to summer sides all season long, but we can't deny it: something extra special happens when you throw corn on the grill. The sweetness and crunch that comes from the sweet summer corn complemented by a bit of Smokey char? It's truly remarkable. Seasoning, cooking, and serving un-husked corn with this Corn On the Cob Serving Set is not a bad idea either. If you want, you can grill corn with the husks still on. This will help trap some of the moisture and give you a half-steamed, half-grilled cooking process. But first, peel back the husk to expose the corn without detaching them completely and remove as much of the silk as you can. Season the corn with salt and pepper, plus a slick of butter or oil, then pull the husks back over the corn and plop them on the grill. This will protect the corn kernels from the hot iron grills and help them steam a bit while they’re grilling, making them even more tender. Includes:4 Corn Boats and 8 Skewers Notice: Wash and dry by hand only. Although corn is perfectly delicious with just butter, salt, and pepper, feel free to go wild with your toppings. Buffalo, cheddar bacon ranch, or flamin' hot are all great options, or smear on some homemade honey-lime butter, etc. Our serving trays are washable, reusable, as are the included corn holders. Shipped directly from our store to your door. "Life's Good When You're Cookin Wit' Gus" Read the full article

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Common & Uncommon Spices

There are many different types of spices, encompassing a wide range of flavors, aromas, and uses. Chefs everywhere have their common & uncommon spices. Experts can broadly categorize spices by their flavor profiles (e.g., sweet, savory, pungent, bitter), the part of the plant they come from (seeds, fruits, barks, etc.), or by their botanical classification. Common spices used in cooking include salt, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. Other popular spices are cloves, cardamom, cayenne pepper, oregano, basil, and bay leaves. Chefs frequently use most spices in this category in various cuisines around the globe.Common spices and their uses vary widely, with each spice offering a unique flavor profile and culinary application. Some ingredients, for example, add flavor in baking, like cinnamon and nutmeg. While others, such as cumin and coriander, are staples in savory dishes. Chefs use black pepper, a versatile spice, in virtually every cuisine. For the sake of argument, we categorize uncommon spices as specialty spices that chefs do not use every day. In the culinary arts, a spice is any seed, fruit, root, bark, or other plant substance. They come in a form primarily used for flavoring or coloring food. People distinguish spices from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants. Cooks use each for flavoring or as a garnish.Common & Uncommon Spices DifferentiationDepending on where you live globally, common spices flavor that region's dishes. Most people genuinely accept that Black Pepper is the 'king of spices' and rightfully so. Unlike its perennial companion, salt, which is easily available in any nook and corner of the world. Black pepper owes its origins to Kerala – a state in South India. For Chefs, one of the most highly prized and exotic spices is Cardamom or Elettaria Cardamomum Maton. For this reason, it rightly deserves the name “queen of spices”. People also commonly refer to it as the “green cardamom” or the “true cardamom,” and it belongs to the family of ginger.We have many of the common & uncommon spices in our store. Glass jars are an excellent choice for storing spices. That is because they are non-reactive, won't absorb odors, and allow you to see the contents of the jar. They're also environmentally friendly and reusable, reducing waste in your kitchen. We ship all spices in this category in glass jars for maximum freshness. The best way to store spices is in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry place. Keeping them away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture helps preserve their validity. This helps preserve their flavor and potency. Clicking the button below will take you directly to the everyday spices in our store. We have 60+ unique spices in our store, and our goal is to make it easier to keep your cabinet well stocked.GET SPICED"Life's Good When You're Cookin Wit' Gus" Read the full article

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Aloha Baby Summer Sauce

One thing I always look forward to is the freshness of summertime fruit. Crisp, fresh, & sweet are a few adjectives that come to mind. We use these summer fruits to make our Aloha Baby summer sauce. Fresh fruit is the base for making this sauce, and because we use no additives or preservatives, you can taste the difference.Summer is a fantastic time for a wide variety of fruits. Some popular choices include berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries; stone fruits such as peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, and cherries; and other favorites like watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mangoes, grapes, and pineapples. Several fruits are particularly healthy during the summer, including berries like strawberries and blueberries, stone fruits like peaches and cherries, and watermelon. These fruits are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, offering benefits like improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and boosted immune function.Aloha Baby summer sauce is our answer for a sauce that complements, is flavorful, and good for your system. Our two favorite uses for Aloha Baby BBQ sauce are smoking pork shoulder for pulled pork sandwiches and ribs. Wrapping the meat or not, the fruit in this sauce adds pizzazz to the meat, and you can taste. Pork is traditionally served at Luau’s, and that was the impetus for this sauce. If you’re smoking a whole pig, this sauce is the only choice. Pork is the best use for this sauce, but it has also been used on seafood or poultry tacos. Aloha Baby is extremely versatile, and we would love to hear back regarding how you use it.Aloha Baby Summer Sauce Ingredients:Peaches, Mangoes, Pineapple, Red Onions, Sliced Garlic, Tomato Sauce, Brown Sugar, Cider Vinegar, Chili Powder, Parsley & Basil.Let us not forget to mention this sauce, like all our others, is additive, preservative, and flavor enhancer free. The next time you're in stores looking at BBQ sauce, just take a look at the ingredients list. These engineered ingredients are what make it so easy to sell their products cheaply. We want you to taste the flavor of the food, not what someone concocted in a laboratory somewhere.*** Refrigeration required before and after opening ***“Life’s Good When You’re Cookin Wit’ Gus”View Aloha Baby Read the full article

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We Love Grilling Baskets

Most of us have grilled fish, shellfish, or burgers over an open flame. If so, you have undoubtedly experienced the frustration of losing part of your dish. Turning delicate food items often results in something falling through the grates. Here is where grilling baskets show their value and why we love grilling baskets. Today, grilling baskets come in many shapes and sizes. One thing they all do is allow you to season, baste, and cook foods over an open flame. The only risk we foresee is burning food. This happens when it's been left on too long or over a flame that's too high. They're also available with non-stick surfaces. If you cook foods that tend to stick to the grates or smaller items, a grill basket is for you. Brussels sprouts, asparagus, chickpeas, and small potatoes would all benefit from being cooked in a grill basket. Seafood (any and all!) is also a great candidate for cooking in a grill basket. The baskets protect them from having to touch the grill grates, giving you an added layer of insurance. To prevent grilled food from clinging to the basket, be sure to oil it. You can also coat it with nonstick cooking spray before cooking.) Forget running back and forth from your kitchen to your grill. Grill baskets allow you to cook both mains and sides in the great outdoors. We Love Grilling Baskets But...... It's a common misconception that olive oil's smoke point is too low to grill with. High-quality extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point of over 410°F. While you don't want to have oil dripping into the flames. A light brushing will do wonders in keeping your food from sticking. To prevent fish from sticking to a grill basket, properly prepare the fish and the basket, ensuring a non-stick surface. This can be achieved by oiling the basket, using a non-stick spray, or even brushing the fish with mayonnaise. We love grilling baskets but remember proper heat management and seasoning can contribute to a successful grilling experience. A grill mat is a great way to prevent unnecessary loss of food and keep your grill looking clean. Mats, usually made of Teflon, are placed on top of the grill. The effect is minimizing food lost into the grill and preventing contact with the grill as well. This also means that your food will be cooked more evenly. Grill mats can be a worthwhile addition to your grilling setup, especially for certain situations, but they also have drawbacks. They offer benefits like easier cleanup and preventing food from falling through grates, but they can also hinder the authentic grilling experience, like grill marks and smoky flavor. The mat provides a continuous non-stick surface that eliminates all of the issues above. The mat picks up the temperature from the grill mat, and I get the same grill marks as if the food were directly on the grill grate and not on a mat. Read the full article

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Non-Stick Flexible Grilling Basket Comfort Grip

Deluxe Non-Stick Flexible Grilling Basket Comfort Grip Handle (Patented). This deluxe non-stick flexible and expanding grilling basket is versatile and its use is limited by your imagination. Flexible Grilling Basket is the perfect accessory for seafood and vegetable lovers. This non-stick basket locks delicate items in place to prevent food from falling through your grates. The wooden handle allows you to effortlessly flip various foods allowing you to grill to perfection. The basket fits the bill perfectly. It is narrow but deep so grilling tomatoes, asparagus, etc., works out fine. It flips easily with the secure top, so all sides of the veggies are equally grilled. The fit of the lid does allow very small asparagus to work its way out occasionally but not often. I would recommend this to anyone who wants the veggies and meat or fish to all be done at about the same time. Because of the non-stick coating this basket also cleans easily. What we like the most is the size. Entire steaks can be loaded, seasoned, and flipped over an open flame. After a day of cooking, cleanup is made easy because of the non-stick surface. Use regular dishwasher soap, rinse, dry off, and put it away until tomorrow. Basket Details: For steaks, hamburgers, chicken, fish & vegetables. Unique flexible wire keeps food firmly in place while grilling. Comfort grip handle. Non-stick for easy cleaning. The basket is 16 x 11. Flipping vegetables mixed with shellfish is one way we use this basket. Load up the basket, put it over an open flame, and flip the food to your specifications. Basting and flipping food using a mop is recommended with this basket. Because this basket has a wooden handle it should be hand washed and dried. Available today from our store directly to your door !!!! "Life's Good When You're Cookin Wit' Gus" Read the full article

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Charcoal Starter Chimney With Electric Lighter

Charcoal Chimney With Electric-Lighter are used so that you do not have to taste that horrible lighter fluid flavor in that meat you worked so hard to prepare. Load up to 16oz of briquettes in the chimney and use the lighter to start the fire using holes in the side of the chimney. Once that charcoal is burning, simply transfer it into your grill or smoker and away you go. This kit includes the three items for making each grilling experience a piece of cake: Description: - One Charcoal Coraller for moving hot coals where you want them !!!!! - One Charcoal Chimney Starter - One Electric Starter (guaranteed made in America) It's very simple to use this tool, drop in the charcoal fire starter, pour in coal or wood, plug up the unit. After eight minutes, unplug the unit, and pour the coals into the grill. Eight minutes is a general rule of thumb but in a few minutes, we found that the charcoal was white-hot and ready for grilling. Usage: No lighter fluid, no matches, no double-checking the coals. Powerful Charcoal Starter — Design with 120V/5500W heating element, heats up fast, gets hot coals and briquette piles within minutes. You can start cooking almost right away. easy, quick, and effective. Additionally, we have mixed charcoal and wood chunks in the chimney and this electric starter lights both with equal enthusiasm. The chimney has a heat absorbing handle you can use to pour heat sources into the grill. If you have an offset cooker, you can pile in wood and charcoal and insert the electric lighter and you have fire in a few minutes. This charcoal chimney with electric-lighter delivers outstanding value and delivers better taste to your meal because it tastes like food, not charcoal lighter fluid. Never using lighter fluid again never offends me. All products are shipped directly from our store to your door !!!! “Life’s Good When You’re Cookin Wit’ Gus” Read the full article

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Bent Sombrero for Awesome Mexican Dishes

Mexican cuisine encompasses the cooking traditions and styles of the modern country of Mexico. Its earliest roots lie in Mesoamerican cuisine. Mexican cuisine's ingredients and methods originated with the first agricultural communities, such as the Olmec and Maya, who domesticated maize, developed the standard nixtamalization process, and established their foodways. Mexican food has a reputation for being very spicy, but it has a wide range of flavors, and while many spices are used for cooking, not all are spicy. Many dishes also have subtle flavors. Many dishes also have subtle flavors. To encompass the spices used to prepare Mexican dishes, we have blended "Bent Sombrero".Chile en nogada, maize, tamales, pozole, mezcal, pan de muerto, and cóctel de camarón Mole sauce, which has dozens of varieties across the Republic, is seen as a symbol of Mexicanidad and is considered Mexico's national dish. Having grown up in Southern California, I've had the opportunity to enjoy all the traditional Mexican dishes above. Bent Sombrero can be used to make them all and then some. Traditional and non-traditional dishes will be served in the upcoming Cinco De Mayo holiday. Adding Bent Sombrero to your spice rack is just a point-and-click away.This spice blend is made to be spicy, so our recommendation is to use it sparingly until you understand the heat index. Use too much and you'll know it. It's an awesome seasoning containing the appropriate amounts of seasonings you'll find in top shelf Mexican dishes.Bent Sombrero Ingredients:- Chipotle Chili Powder- Hungarian Paprika- Sea Salt- Black Pepper- White Pepper- Cayenne Pepper (90 SHU)- Garlic Powder- Onion Powder- Dried Serrano Peppers- Dried Green Peppers- Dried Red Pepper- Coriander Powder- Chili Powder- Cumin- Mekrur Lime PowderOne of our favorite uses for Bent Sombrero Mexican Seasoning is when making chicken tacos. We mostly use thigh meat, and the end result is nothing left over. We use this sparingly because it does not require a lot of this seasoning, so we recommend the medium bottle unless you’re a food service establishment. Most of our commercial customers are food trucks, so you may have had our seasoning without knowing it.Because we use no additives, preservatives, or flavor enhancers, we recommend you add a mortar and pestle like the ones you find in our tools section. This allows you to grind the seasoning, should it clump. Bent Sombrero is available in three sizes. Click the button below and it will take you to where you can review this magnificent seasoning.VISIT OUR STORE"Life's Good When You're Cookin Wit' Gus" Read the full article

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Ten Years and We're Just Getting Started

One of the first things we were taught in Business School is that upon launch, don't celebrate too long. You should instead plan for the exit from the business you just created. One prevailing assumption is that there will be others providing services like marketing and product fulfilment. Each organization is tasked with the success of the product, relieving development to create something new. Because we launched desirable products, it was incumbent upon us to continue providing what the market wanted. Making an already successful product better should be at the top of the "things to do" list. We have been successful because our challenge to build solutions instead of products was correct. This has resulted in ten years moving forward.Our food products are created and sold under the banner "Cookin Wit' Gus", and have been on the market for just north of ten years. Consumers are increasingly drawn to spices for both flavor and perceived health benefits. With a growing interest in global flavors and authentic ingredients, leading to a rise in demand for whole spices and healthy spice blends. We have succeeded in part because there's a growing preference for products with clear origins, single-origin sourcing, and natural/organic production. Consumers have also become more "label conscious". The next time you're in a store, view the contents of blended spice products. On those product labels, you will see ingredients clearly man-made, representing additives and preservatives whose purpose is to extend shelf life.Our "Ten Years Moving Forward" Strategy- Use Quality Products- Be Honest With Consumers- Stand Behind Your Product- Do What You Say- When Wrong, Make It Right- Make It Right AnywayWhen creating our rubs, it was understood that without anti-coagulants, these products would harden well before the end of their shelf life. Pre-sales and marketing addressed this so that consumers understood and bought into what they were purchasing. What you get is a product that's complementary to the food and aromatic to the senses. While some may debate the role of additives and preservatives, you can't debate natural products. Our sauces and seasonings are just different, and guests who taste these products always ask, "What did you use to prepare that dish?".At the end of the day, hinging success on additive and preservative-free products was understood and accepted. Many consumers gave little thought to what was actually in commercially available spice blends. Most just went along using what they were taught. Those who bought into the concept of using natural products continue to be repeat customers. Ten years moving forward, we're working on the next ten.VISIT OUR STORE"Life's Good When You're Cookin Wit' Gus" Read the full article

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Jerk Baiting Surf Fish

Injured minnows or other sea creatures caught in the surf are easy prey for predators in the surf. Enter the surface or shallow running stick aka jerk bait. Designed to look like a minnow that's in a lot of trouble, these baits don't disappoint. They are easy targets for predators and are quick to fall victim to fish looking for an easy meal. Jerk Baiting Surf Fish is a blast and triggers explosive strikes in shallow water.These baits are colorful and with their internal rattler, they alert predatory to their presence. When inhaled, the treble hooks lodge in the fish and don't let go. They are designed to obfuscate themselves using color and clear bodies. Fish looking for them only see a part of the body and attack what they can see and feel. The thumping made by the rattler is a time-worn trick and helps differentiate the bait from the crashing of the waves. The erratic fast action can often trigger fish in ways few other baits can. This is especially true in warmer waters. While jerk baits are great when fish are lethargic, they excite schooling fish out on the hunt.Jerk Baiting Surf Fish SeasonRemember jerk baits are one of the few baits that are truly effective the whole year through. Even during the cold water period, when the fish are more inactive and more vertical in their location, the jerk bait can be an effective tool. Ideally, a spinning reel with a gear ratio from 6:1 to 7:1 is the sweet spot. If you use a reel that's too fast, you run the risk of overpowering the action of your jerk bait by pulling in too much line. As a general rule, clear water calls for natural or transparent jerkbait colors. When fishing more stained water, solid colors and those with a little flash tend to do better.Since you'll be using jerk baits in the surf, the water will usually be dirty because of the sand but try basing your decision on how clear the sky is. Throwing this bait around wind-blown points, banks or pockets are all great locations during these conditions. Forage is another important factor when throwing a jerk bait. Jerk baits imitate fish such as shad and bluegill, so it's important that bass feed on similar types of forage.There's a lot more I can say about using jerk baits in the surf so the best advice I can give you is to get out there and try it out. If the fish aren't biting, just remember that is why it's called "fishing" and not "catching". You won't be disappointed.VISIT OUR STORE Read the full article

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Surf Fishing With Poppers

Just imagine standing in the ocean with the surf rushing past your ankles. Waves crashing, foam everywhere, and the knowledge that fish are all around looking for something to eat. What I know is I'm surf fishing with poppers and the anticipation is about to get the best of me.This is exactly where I like throwing poppers. Water crashing everywhere and a popper struggling to make its way someplace safe. And WHAM, something inhales your bait and takes off in any direction except towards you. Seeing a fish boil on your bait, exiting the water with their mouth wide open gets your blood pumping. When throwing poppers into the surf, throw the bait out as far as you can and let it tumble in the water. A few sharp jerks when the popper is in smooth water, let it coast in, and be pulled back out with the side should get you bit. Remember to vary the retrieve because what works one day may not work the next. One of my favorite techniques is to stand in knee-deep water In my surf fishing experiences, you should expect that you have no idea what's going to inhale your bait. And that's part of the excitement. I wouldn't recommend line weight less than 12lb test for mono or 15lb test braid. The reason for this recommendation is halibut can be caught in the surf. They can get big and are mean and will take off for deeper water in an instant. Sharks and rays are also prevalent in the surf. Rays are flat and can hide in extremely shallow surf so prepare your drag accordingly. Sharks will destroy plastic baits so consider yourself lucky if you get it back if a shark inhales it.Scouting Surf Fishing With Poppers LocationsWhen preparing to go surf fishing, visit a local shoreline or beach when the tide is low and look for the shallow areas and the deeper holes. These bottom features will be much easier to see at low tide when water levels have dropped with the tide. During low tide, the typical wave builds up and crashes onto the outer bar. During high tide, waves often build without breaking and roll over the outer bar. So it's always better to scout out prime fishing locations on a low tide when the breaking waves make cuts easier to spot. Fish are more active and closer to shore at night, especially predatory species like snook, tarpon, and striped bass. To surf fish safely and effectively: Use glow-in-the-dark lures or attach small lights to your line for better visibility. When planning a surf fishing session, look for calm conditions with wave heights of 1 to 2 feet, ideally during the incoming tide from two hours before to one hour after high tide. Wear reflective gear for safety.Visit our Store Read the full article

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Secured Systems By Design

Technology systems are threatened by inside and outside actors. Secured systems by design, allow administrators to sleep comfortably at night. Online retailing has displaced in-store shopping as the method of choice for consumer goods. Computer security, also called cybersecurity, is the protection of computer systems from harm, theft, and unauthorized access. Computer hardware is protected by the same means used to protect other valuable or sensitive equipment—namely, serial numbers, doors and locks, and alarms.Some of the most common risks to the security of a computer include malware infections and phishing attacks. The most egregious attacks were made possible by weak passwords, unpatched software vulnerabilities, and social engineering. Some major risks include data breaches, insider threats, and denial-of-service attacks. By far, the target of hackers is the companies private data. The book presents the industry's best practices for securing the complete technology stack. The tech stack is divided into pillars and their unique security requirements. Coordinating activities between actors for each pillar is challenging and the book highlights actual experiences performed by the staff responsible for those pillars. The commonality is to provide a system hardened against attacks auditors cannot complain about.Building Secured Systems By DesignWriting this book was an eye-opening experience. What became obvious is this topic could have been broken up into multiple books. Each vendor's platform in the tech stack has its own expectations requiring admins to take specific guidance. The true value of this book is it provides a roadmap for managing IT systems. The number of pages in the book was capped at 1000 pages. The link below takes you to a viewer where you can see what gets covered in the book. The book is complete and the real-world examples of actual hacks and their prevention methods highlight errors made by admins.. Also included in the book is a section for retrofitting existing systems. What I observed in the industry is how difficult patching online systems can be and many companies push it off. Pushing off maintenance was the reason systems have been hacked. This is covered in detail and real-live examples have been provided for dealing with his scenario. Please give the book a look, it truly has something for everyone.VIEW TABLE OF CONTENTS Read the full article

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Knowledge is Power and Books Are the Fuel

Reading daily can be extremely effective in the long term and help your kids learn about the world. Books are the fuel for developing imagination, becoming more empathetic, and enriching their vocabulary. The power of reading is the idea that reading can have many positive effects on a person's life. Those effects include mental stimulation, improved focus, and increased knowledge. Reading can also help people develop empathy, imagination, and critical thinking skills. There are many studies demonstrating the value of reading to children and exposing them to books from as early an age as you can. Reading helps to develop their vocabulary, their concentration, and their understanding of words and the world around them. This makes reading a superpower. Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles. Books are the fuel for young and old minds and we all have our favorites. Some we've read multiple times and some only once. Initially, this website was created to provide a place for self-publishers to sell their books. We soon realized a place for selling used books was equally important. What we have created is a place where you can buy and sell books all from the comfort of your home. We actually perform the legwork to get your book into the hands of another person. Books Are The FuelHere are the steps for selling your book:- You purchase space to list your book- You fill out a one page form containing details of your book and email it to us- We verify ISBN, create the ad, and request your approval- Once approved, your books listing is available to the public- When the book sells, we email you a packing slip and you ship your book to the buyer- The seller has 10 days, after which we forward proceeds to youSell A BookVisit Bookstore"The Place Where Anyone Can Buy or Sell Books" Read the full article