Here's the Latest!

FREE Ashley Famous Seasoning Blends

2009-02-09T15:36:00.000-08:00

If you've been referred by a friend or by one of our Strategic Website partners and you're here for the first time, we have a FREE offer for you that's hard to beat!

It's simple - just fill in your name and address on the contact page and we'll rush you out a couple of starter samples of our products! FREE!

Why do we do this? Well, a couple of reasons...1. We don't advertise like the big guys...(remember, we're the little guys in Colorado who have been making superior seasoning blends since way back when! 2. We're convinced that once you try it, you'll come back for more. So, tell us a little about you and your FREE samples will be on the way!

Some of you have asked about out winter weather here in Denver...as dry and clear as I've seen in in a long, long time. While there's plenty of snow up the road in the mountains, we're without a trace of snow!

Hope to hear from you soon and always...Keep on Cookin'!

Paula's Chocolate Cookies

2009-01-14T17:44:00.000-08:00

Hey readers and new readers to Ashley Famous! Sorry it's been so long to get on here and bring you some news, but we have it today!

Our great friend Paula has graciously shared her prize-winning recipe for Chocolate Biscotti Cookies! Her recipe may be found on the Recipe Page elsewhere on this site.

I believe that its a very good recipe and you should be able to duplicate her super results if you follow her lead.

I think that this cookie goes quite well with a hot cup of fresh brewed coffee or even tea. Give it a whirl!

In case you don't try it, I'm in discussion with Paula to consider making these cookies available through our website! More on that later.

My friendship with Paula goes way back to my years in Michigan...at one time she was my barber and visited our original Ashley Famous Culinary Arts Cooking School in Harper Woods several times!

In case you haven't yet tried our new Ashley Famous Table Shaker Blend, then you're missing out on taking your tastebuds to orbit!
If you would like to sample it, we'll send you a small pouch, all for a $1. Your satisfaction is GUARANTEED! Believe me, you ain't used or tasted anything like this one!

We will be in production this weekend on our Flagship product, Ashley Famous Chef Salt. We ran plum out just before Christmas as we were filling last minute orders for Santa The Claus!

Here's a deal that will allow you to sample 3 full-size packages of three different products. For $19.95, we'll send you one each of
Ashley Famous Table Shaker Blend, Ashley Famous Chef Salt and Ashley Famous Aromatic Pepper! Shipping is FREE! Order today, as this offer is available only through my birthday, February 2nd!

Please leave your comments when you visit this site for the first time and we'll send you a FREE Trial package of one of our products!

Thanks for visting and make sure that you visit the Recipe Page for the rundown on making a very, very good cookie!

Keep on Cookin'!

Our Products - Your Private Label!

2008-11-13T11:58:00.001-08:00

We've had a few inquiries, enough to consider that we are working on a potential arrangement whereas we supply our supeior Ashley Famous Products under your private label or brand.

We believe that we're still a month or so out from being able to officially release the details of this business plan, but we see it as a great way for many businesses to use our products as part of their gift or incentive marketing. We are also considering the fulfillment of orders directly from our Denver location. Complete product fabrication including bottling and labeling are planned.

We also would consider special formulations that would make your product unique in the seasoning universe. Everybody uses some kind of seasoning and such a gift or incentive is always welcome. Watch for details sometime in December, 2008.

Speaking of products, if you haven't tried Ashley Famous Table Shaker Blend, then what are you waiting for? This product is designed for table use for breakfast, dinner and supper or whenever you want to take your taste buds into orbit! Check out the product specification on the Product Page on this website. See our special offer elsewhere on the blog page!

Speaking of the winds of change, would you believe 65 here in Denver today...and a very strong wind ahead of some kind of front approaching the area. Absolutely no snow here yet this year, but that could come at anytime.

Thanks to all our valued customers and visitors to this site...when you do visit, please send us your comments about out products. Also, if you have a favorite recipe that you would like to share with other readers, send us those too! We'll publish them for the world to see!

Keep on Cookin'!

The Winds of Change

2008-11-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

Mainly, a mix of rain/snow is in the forecast for the Denver area...the moisture will be welcomed as all of our irrigations systems for the herb and vegetable gardens have been winterized a month ago..we haven't had a drop of even rain since then!

The dry climate hasn't stopped us from getting our newest product made and I have a FREE offer for you, just for asking! Here's the details:

We'll send you a vacuum sealed pouch of our newest product, Ashley Famous Table Shaker Blend for just the shipping and handling charges of $4.
FREE! This is a limited time offer and as of this morning, we have approximately 36 bottles ready to go...once they're gone, this offer will be terminated! So Hurry!

We are so confident that you'll not only like it but have it in your table seasoning and condiment tray for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays! In addition, if you tell a friend who buys this new product, we'll send you gift of 10, sure-to-please Holiday Recipes that will delight you and your family and friends!

No respectable Standing Rib Roast would not be complete without our special product, Ashley Famous Rib Rub!
It's a special version of our flagship product, Ashley Famous Chef Salt and will make your next Holiday Rib Roast the best ever! Try it today! We have a customer in the Pacific Northwest who uses it on all kinds of roasts including wild game! It's that good and unique. We will have a brand new batch coming out next week and you can visit the product page of this website for a description and ordering information.

Keep on Cookin'!

Ashley Famous Table Shaker Blend

2008-11-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

For you early users of our latest product, Ashley Famous Table Shaker Blend.... thanks much for your comments! We think this product is going to really go and we know that you'll like it for your table use. When you order, make sure that you get a couple of extras for the camper, cottage or even for gift giving!

We've been advised by our bottle supplier that our special order of brown bottles and yellow shaker top is backordered for 2 months...so, until further notice, we'll supply you with our clear shaker bottle which will work just as good...but...be sure and protect it from the light and store in a cool, dry place.

Ashley Famous Table Shaker Blend is ultra-fine and we use the purest ingredients available and grind them to exacting specifications for each batch that we produce. To help insure your safety, this product or none of our products are ever irradiated and we only use natural and organic ingredients when available to us!
Bye the bye, make sure that you visit our ASHLEY RECOMMENDS page to see some of our favorites that we use at our home
and kitchen.

Toward that end, we visited a neat store, more like a playground for cooks and chefs...Sur La table in toney Cherry Creek, Colorado. If you have one in your neck of the woods, make certain that you check them out....and you can check them out at www.SURLATABLE.COM We met Melissa the Manager at this store and we'll be back for sure...I mean, they have anything that you need including some wonderful Holiday stuff!

Some fresh cod is on the menu for tonite...slaw and quite likely a spud of some type is also a possibility!

Thanks for your comments and thanks for your orders!

Keep on Cookin'!

Goblins and Ghouls!

2008-10-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween my spooky friends! It sure doesn't feel like a typical October Thirty-first here in Denver, with our daytyme temp today in the mid-70's and a mild night on tap for the little tricksters out there!

We'll journey over to Alicia and James West home for their annual Halloween party...lots of good food, hot apple cider and the requisite trick or treating festivities in the neighborhood.

Bye the bye, Alicia tells me that the recipe for Cauliflower Pizza that can be found on your Recipe Page, is HER creation! I think her sister, Claudine Pruitt, did give her credit for this dish...I haven't made it yet, but want to try it soon...we like cauliflower here and have it regularly...raw with dips, mashed like spuds, topped with some shavings of Parm/Reggiano cheese and baked until golden brown on top! Zowie!

I deviled (how appropriate) up a couple of dozen of eggs...traditional as well as kicked up for the Dracula crowd..! I have a huge black dutch oven full of Italian Sausage, peppers, onions and garlic a' plenty...to help keep the werewolves at bay!

Don't forget to give your brand new product, Ashley Famous Table Shaker Blend a try! It's designed for table use, just like you would set out salt and pepper on the table for meals - it's a blend of ultra-fine spices and herbs that will awaken your tastebuds, I guaarahnteee...as Justin Wilson would utter!
Please visit our Products page for the lowdown on this winner! When you order, get one for the house, the RV or the cottage...you'll be glad you did...it's available in both our standard vacuum sealed pouch or in our handy bottle..complete with shaker top! Satisfaction guaarahnteeed!

We received a nice note from Ellie up near Spokane..she runs a mountain top orchard in that country and is the creator of the very fine caramel creations from Ellie's Edibles! As soon as they have their website up and running, we'll let you know and you can try some of her delicious confections...we ate the whole box!

So we say to you....thanks for visiting us, make sure you leave your comments, even if you don't order. And while you're at it, please visit our Pet Page...click on each darling animal shown for a short bio of each one! If you have a favorite pet, please email a picture of your favorite pooche, cat or hamsters to us and they'll join the Ashley Famous Pet Page! Thank you!

Keep on Cookin'!

Ellie's Edibles - Divine Caramel Creations

2008-10-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

My daughter's mother in law visited from Washington State this weekend and brought us a posilutely scrumptious box of truly Divine Carmel Creations from Ellie's Edibles in Colbert, Washington.

We don't know the story behind these confections yet, but on our own taste test, we can HIGHLY recommend them.

If you're a caramel fan, these are for your...the assortment that we received contained both Milk and Dark Chocolate covered caramel..the taste is nothing at all that you might get from store bought candy.

We assume that Ellie makes her confections in small-batches, much like we do our Ashley Famous Products.
That assures you a real hand-crafted product with REAL freshness that you can taste!

We did a quick Google search for a website of this company, and we may still find one...and we're going to drop a note to Ellie to confirm this and we'll let you know.

We like to feature other independent, high quality, craft-made products and services on our Ashley Recommends Page..and maybe we'll be able to do exactly that.

Thanks to Alta Pruitt of Republic, Washington for turning us on to a fine, fine product.

Stay tuned and keep on cookin'!

Ashley Famous Table Shaker Blend

2008-10-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

After several weeks of testing, tweaking, tasting and then some, we have our first commercial batch of our newest product, Ashley Famous Table Shaker Blend ready for you to try!

This is a blend of ultra-fine particle size and contains salt, tumeric, fenugreek, coriander, cumin, fennel, onion, black pepper, cloves, garlic, cinnamon, ginger and lemongrass.

This product comes in MILD or HOT and is designed to be used at the table but we've also have tested it on things we're going to roast or pan saute.

We're ready to ship it now but our new plastic bottles are on back order from our supplier so we will ship it to you in a custom filled, vacuum packed pouch! And, it's less expensive for you this way too and shucks, you probably have a shaker bottle that you can use right in your kitchen! Watch for this product to appear on the Product Page of this site real soon. BE SURE and specify HOT OR MILD!

A cool wind blows in from the west, and taking a lot of our colour down to the ground..but its still beautiful here in Colorado. Come see us some time, but call first!

Keep on Cookin'

Don't let your Meatloaf!

2008-10-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

I made a dandy loaf a couple of days ago and some of it will be tonight's snack...maybe a couple of slices of it sauted in a bit of butter and perhaps some leftover spuds.

There must be a zillion ways to fix it and if you have a favorite recipe for meatloaf that you would like to share, PLEASE send it to us on the comments page and we'll publish it.

My recipe is a variation of a theme that I started cookin' oh, at least 30 years ago...it always seems to please and for me, it's a nice way to fix ground chuck. I try and use 80/20 chuck if possible..don't worry about the fat, as you can pour most of it off into the drippings can..that is, if you have such a thing!

Years ago, a Drippings Can was standard in most kitchens..that was way before all the oils and fats that are available today..yeah, people used bacon grease. For me, a pair of eggs every once in a while sauted in bacon fat are a great way to go!

SO.....PLEASE send in your favorite Meatloaf Recipe and we'll try em all eventually...and if you do send us a recipe, in return, we'll send you FREE a starter sample of your favorite product for being such a good sport!

Also, a reminder for the Christmas Stockings this year, order your supply of any of the Ashley Famous products to delight the other people on your list that enjoy good tastin' food!

Heh, the Scotties are barking so that must mean they want some attention...Claudia is down in her Beading Room where she is crafting some very, very nice jewelry....not sure if she's going into business or not, but we'll see on this. Bye the bye, you can get a look at some of the World's BEST Pets on our Pet Pal page...in fact, send us a pdf picture of your favorite pet, and we'll put them in the managerie! Always lots of fun on the Ashley Famous Web Page! Come back often!

Keep on Cookin'!

Anderson Farm

2008-10-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

By Claudine Pruitt

When my family and I lived in Michigan we made a tradition of going to Apple Charlies every fall to drink fresh apple cider, eat warm homemade donuts and pick our pumpkins for carving.

We have missed that tradition since we've moved back to Colorado. Until today!!!

We headed up North I-25 towards Fort Collins, Colorado and stopped in a little town called Erie. The Anderson Farm is famous for their huge corn maze and pumpkin patch. The ticket booth was staffed with friendly representatives who explained the whole experience. Adults were $10.00 and children $8.00, which includes the corn maze, play ground, a tracker ride to the pumpkin patch, petting zoo and a kids barrel ride.

We started off our adventure on the barrel ride. The Anderson's have linked about 10 water type barrels together pulled by a JOHN DEERE. The kids do a small tour around the farm. The Pruitt boys approve!

The corn maze is unreal! There must be miles of paths waiting to be discovered. We finally turned around after about 30 minutes....good thing...it took us at least that to get back. Make sure you wear rubber boots or gunky shoes. It is very muddy!

We built up an appetite after our adventure so we visited their gift store where there was a huge selection of jams, butters and gifts. We quickly passed all of the wonderful goodies and warmed up with hot cider and hot cocoa. In the gift shop, they offer a variety of beverages, brats and sandwiches. Our noses took us outside of the shop to a little stand offering chicken and beef on a stick. Now, this is not your typical "Carny" beef on a stick. The chicken stick we ordered was still on the grill, slathered with teriyaki and at least a breast and a half. Wow!! Another approval by the Pruitt Boys! Definitely bypass the food in the gift shop and visit the stand by the barrel-ride loading.

The last venture was the tractor ride to the pumpkin patch. Rodger, our guide, was wrapped in ca mo from head to toe. Our tour began visiting and feeding the cattle and one lonely buffalo. We then were dropped off at a pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin to take home. Cole and Cody found just the right one! Be prepared to pay $10-15 for the "large" pumpkins. Thankfully, credit cards are always accepted!

When you visit The Anderson Farm bring gloves, hats, rubber boots and a warm coat!

What great memories we have made today! We can't wait to make some more next year!!!

Claudine Pruitt

PIZZA! PIZZA!

2008-10-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

Good day from a now blustery day here at a mile high above sea level...a cooool front is moving in from the west and from the looks of things, maybe some rain to go with and much cooler temps!

Make sure that you visit the Recipe Page on this site for the lastest addition from our staff writer, Claudine Pruitt, who shares what looks like an incredible way to fix pizza and enjoy it! We're gonna try it here soon...Claudine also doubles as the mother to three of my grandchildren, Caitlin Ashley, Cole and Cody Pruitt...all of Aurora, bout 20 minutes from our ranch.

She's surely a chip off the ole block so to speak, she really cooks and comes up with some serious food! In addition to taking care of her family (which also includes Bailey and Denver - found on our Pet Pals Page) she Managing General Partner for Uno Chicago Grill out in Gateway...try them out for her brand of Ashley Famous hospitality and some real good food and top notch Chicago style Deep Dish Pizza! Mention that you learned about her restaurant on this website and she'll bring you a dessert to share...on the house!

On our last trip to the Detroit area, we brought back a nice package of Kowalski Stadium sausages...a smaller cousin to their very popular smoked Polish kielbasa...they've been doing their sausage and meat thing in Michigan for a long, long time...for a look at their operation and products, please visit www.kowality.com

We'll have some of that sausage tonite along with a Grandma Schantzenbaker version of Macaroni and Cheese...real comfort food for what might be a really cool night here on the front range.

Thanks for your comments...let us hear from you!

Keep on Cookin'!

ANOTHER NEW PRODUCT!

2008-10-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

You must realize, that developing any of our new products that become one of the Ashley Famous Seasoning Blends, have been inspired by you, our readers and customers! Thank you we say!

One of many requests have asked us to make a product that is super fine and designed for the table. Not that any of our current products can't be used at the table, sometimes the large particle sizes of either the kosher or sea salt crystals make it a tricky deal!

We have in our test kitchen right now, a brand new product designed for table use. It's super fine, high-quality salt, along with some other selected herbs and spices and it will be put up in a dark plastic bottle with a 'shaker' top for your everyday table use!

Actually, our formulating and testing is complete. We're now awaiting an order of the brown bottles and tops to arrive from our supplier. The dark bottle will allow it to maintain its pretty colour much longer and make table use a cinch! It's significantly different than our flagship product, Ashley Famous Chef Salt.

We haven't chosen a name yet, but here's where you can come it. If you contact us on this website, we'll send you a sample of it, let you try it and give us your feedback. AND, we'll ask you to submit a name for this product. The winner will receive a supply of our products as the GRAND PRIZE! Simply request a sample and a contest form, and we'll mail it out to you right away!

Also, please send us your favorite uses of any of our products and you can do that on the comment page. If you have a special recipe that you would like to see published on our Recipe Page, we'd love to share that with our growing audience.

A more fall like day here in the mile high city - and snow in the high country up the road a few miles from here!!

Keep on cookin'!

Autumn Morsels

2008-10-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

It feels more like summer than fall on this day in Denver, but also a good day to head out to the Ashley Famous Garden to harvest a few squash, tomatoes and some onions!

Speaking of fresh tomatoes, be sure and visit the Recipe Page on this site for my recipe of Zupa Pomodorowa, or Tomato Soupe, Polish Style!

We invite our visitors and customers to submit their favorite recipes using the Award Winning Ashley Famous Chef Salt. For a limited time, if you send us one of your favorites, we'll send you a container of a starter sample of any of our products...FREE!

Also, it's been quite a while since we've added any new pets to our Pet Pals Page...take a few minutes to visit this fun page and meet some of the adorable pups from around the country! Clicking on their individual foto will get you to an enlargement as well as a short biography.

A couple of you have asked about the newest Scottish Terrier here, Murphy MacIntosh - well, he's now 8 months old, and he is fully recovered from his surgery - you know, the snip-snip kind! He's getting real good on the trail with his brother McDuff McTavish, usually twice a day. He's as well behaved as his big brother, but he's still a pup and is prone to minor mischief!

I'm not sure how to compare the Scottie breed with other breeds, but we believe that a lot has to do with how you condition them. Both of these guys are very sociable to other dogs and people...and rarely bark unless somebody opens the front gate or one of the members of the pesky squirrel family is up in the apple tree! They seem to understand when its ok to play and when we're at rest, they seem to follow our lead...I would describe our dogs as - Friendly - Playful and Independent!

Some fresh made rolls are proofing in the Ashley Famous Kitchen and those will go with some Teriaki Chicken Meatballs and a tossed green salade! Woo woo!

Thanks for visiting today, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Keep on Cookin'!

Our Members Ask!

2008-09-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a few questions that came across our mailbox recently from consumers of our products. Our answers follow.

Q - How come your products are not available at my local Dominick's Grocery Store? Audrey, Naperville, Illinois

A - Thanks for asking Audrey - Once the word gets out there about our products, then the grocery stores will be calling us to stock our products. Next time into your local store, just stop by and see the manager and tell him that you would like him to carry our line. Bye the bye, do you have a brother named Joey?

Q - How should we store your seasoning blends? - Chris, Bimidji, MN.

A - Hello Chris! You should always keep our Ashley Famous Seasoning Blends in an airtight container and not in direct sunlight to maintain peak freshness and colour.

Q - I used Ashley Famous Rib Rub on my last Prime Rib Roast and it was the best I've ever had. Do you recommend it on other cuts of meat? - Bob, Barstow, California

A - Ashley Famous Rib Rub has sooooo many uses. Not only on Standing Rib Roasts, but lesser cuts of beef and porc. You can write us Bob for recipe ideas for all of the Ashley Famous
Seasoning Blends.

Q - Can I purchase larger size containers of Ashley Famous Chef Salt for my small restaurant? - Pete Seros, New Baltimore, Michigan

A - Sure Pete. Just drop us your request and your orders will be customs packed and shipped to you promptly!

That's all for today, but thanks for writing and make sure that you tell your friends about our fine, fine products!

Keep on Cookin'!

Ashley Famous Blends!

2008-09-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

Good day, friends of weather and of our Ashley Famous Chef Salt!

After more than a few requests, our flagship product as well as our brand new Ashley Famous Kicked Up Chef Salt will be available featuring our Mediterranean Sea Salt...yessir, we went to great expense to import this sea salt and we believe that you'll like it just as much. We left the crystals just the way we received them and they are slightly bigger than the Coarse Kosher Salt that we've used in the past.

But, we have it both ways...when you order, be sure and specify which you prefer and we'll fill your order promptly and with a smile!

And of course, all of our fine Ashley Famous Blends are VERY economical..when you first start to use any of the Ashley Famous Products,using a small amount first until you become familiar with it's activity in seasoning your roasts, eggs, vegetables, soups, raccoon stew or dad nabit, just about anything that you eat!!! Try some today!

Make sure you visit our Recipe Page, now under the supervision of our own, Claudine Ashley...

.Payment for your order includes FREE shipping unless you wanted to receive it quicker and for that we offer Priority Mail via USPS.

Hope to hear from all you raccoon lovers soon!

Keep on Cookin'!

NEW PRODUCT HERE! KICKED UP!

2008-09-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

We have completed our development and testing of our newest product - Ashley Famous Kicked Up Chef Salt!

In response to our customers and readers of this webblog, you can now share in our new product..FREE!

The Kicked Up version will take your recipes and cookin to a new and higher level...sure to awaken even the most stubborn taste buds! All ORGANIC and Mediterranean Sea Salt ingredients will have you and your kitchen guests beggin for more! You can read about it on the Products page and it is now available for shipping direct to you.

For a limited time only, if you order Ashley Famous Kicked Up Chef Salt we'll include a Recipe Ideas Sheet and a starter sample of another of our products FREE!

We worked some into our scrambled egg mixture before putting it on the griddle and ZOWIE! You're gonna like this one and may become your favorite!

A big hello to LaVerne Harlow and her husband Bill of Washington, Missouri...they just became new customers! They are the great grandparents of Caitlin AshleyWhite, my grandaughter. Also a hearty welcome to Benji Ramirez of Fraser, Michigan who has set a record for his use of our Flagship product, Ashley Famous Chef Salt. He's buying a 1/4 every other month...tell us what you like about it Benji! (Sure hope that he's not going into competition with us!!!!)

A lovely early autumn day here in the mile high city...a perfect day to hitch up the two Scotties and head to the trail in search of the elusive rabbits and all the other good smells that McDuff and Murphy seem to find!

Keep on Cookin'!

A Potato Treat - Lithuanian Style!

2008-09-20T10:31:00.000-07:00

Good day from a lovely day here in Denver...at a mile-high above sea level, we're used to more dry weather than those that may be on the water's edge...usually the humidity is in the 30% range...but some days it gets way lower than that...even on cold days, the dryness diminishes the effect or what Kathy Sabine and other weathercasters here in Denver call...'feels like'...temperatures!

We're used to the 'lake effect' climate of the Great Lakes, and some of you reading this will relate to that quite well, thank you.

Considering a potato dish to take to grandaughter Caitlin "Ashley" White's family birthday party later tonite, I brought up a favorite of mine and fellow Lietuvians! Kugelis, or Potato Pudding!

There are as many styles of this mainstay of the Lithuanian table as there are recipes for common American food like chili.

My version of Kugelis is a blend of cooked and shreaded russet potatoes, a mix of bacon and onions sauted together, and then combined with egg yolks, egg whites and seasoning and baked in a buttered casserole dish...cut into serving pieces, served with sour creme or loganberry sauce, you have a perfect 'go-with' potato dish that works with many main courses. We like it with more traditional style foods like kielbasa, Golabki and red beets.

The potato is often tagged as a calorie filled vegetable, but actually, this nutrient dense food is LOW in calories and only becomes higher in calories when you treat it this way...but regardless of this, a real eating pleasure and if you haven't ever experienced tubers fixed this way, write for our time-tested and easy recipe...if you do, we'll send it back to you by email. If you're ready to reorder any of the Ashley Famous products we'll include the recipe absolutely FREE! So go ahead, enjoy some
Bulviu Apkepas today!

Keep on Cookin'!

Smoky Joe!

2008-09-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

My soon-in-law Kelly Pruitt, out in Aurora, Colorado, does a great job of slow-smoking ribs. He says its all in the dry rub that he learned from me...well, the dry rub is important, but so is the wood and the smoke and just the right temperature in your ole smoker.

I think one of the critical things is to have an even, low and slow heat, that eventually, meat left long enough gets a nice dark crust on it and is as tender as a baby's kiss! Hickory is one of my favorite woods to use, but I've tried many others as well. Chips or chunks, they should be thorougly soaked before tossing em on a charcoal fire...when the coals have stopped flaming and an ashen colour.

We have been putzing around with a Smoky flavoured Ashley Famous Chef Salt. We still don't have it quite there yet in our test kitchen, but when we do, you'll be the first to know about it.

Another thing I want to try in the smoker is a semi-hard cheese, like a cheddar or gouda.

One late summer, we were fortunate to have some Alaskan Kenai River Salmon to smoke - marvelous. Brined for a few hours before...and then several hours in the specially built wooden smoke house...while the current races past us on the beautiful Kenai near Soldotna, Alaska. Hat's off to my Uncle Bob, a real character who calls Soldotna on the Kenai home.

For those of you that have tried the new Ashley Famous Kicked UP Chef Salt - keep on using it and let us know what you think.

Keep on Cookin'!

Thanks for you Comments

2008-09-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

One of our loyal readers wanted to know who John Barleycorn was...well, that name is sort of a grainy name, ie, barley and corn! Jokes folks!

We just produced a brand new batch of Ashley Famous Chef Salt.

We allow it to 'age' several hours after the select and organic herbs and spices are combined.

About ordering any of our products, we direct you to the product page on this website, where product information, pricing and shipping information can be found. We use a secure pay account, so not to worry about disclosing your payment information, it's secure.

Alas, here in Colorado, signs of autumn are moving in...much more moderate daytime weather and cooool nights are the rule...a blanket is now de jure!
We plan on harvesting a lot of herbs this weekend coming from the Ashley Famous Herb Garden...basil, thyme to name a few..we like to dry them in the shed and then pack them in airtight containers for use in the production kitchen as well as for our winter cookin'.

Our tomatoes are about finished...although a couple of late green ones still on...with the green ones, slice them, dust them with flour seasoned with AFCS, and saute or fry in olive oil...a pretty good way to eat the green fruits!

Poached pears are another favorite of mine...poached in a mixture of unsalted butter and then some dry white wine...lip smackin good for dessert or a special topping for a poached chicken breast!

Please let us know how we can serve you better...more restaurant reviews...more Ashley Famous recipes...Pet Pics...anything your culinary heart desires.

Don't forget to stock up on some of our other Ashley Famous Blends...they're all guaranteed to please you and your guests or your money back...Always! AND, we've never had anybody ask for a refund! (Maybe its the German Shepherd napping outside the shed door!)

Keep on Cookin'!

Kostritzer Bier

2008-09-16T01:26:00.000-07:00

One of my "favorite" employess had the opportunity to travel to Germany. Erin, who happens to share my love for great beer returned with Kostritzer. Sure, I've had beer at Octoberfest, but nothing quite like this. The color surprised me, it's a dark amber with a thick foamy head. The first taste of the creamy foam reminded me of a Guiness but had a nutty taste with absolutly no bitter finish. I am still unsure if Kostritzer is available in the U.S.? Sorry Dad, I couldn't wait any longer to open this treasure...

Claudine Pruitt

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

2008-09-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

With the Denver weather showing definite signs of autumn just around the corner, our thoughts and activites have resumed in the Ashley Famous Test Kitchen and we have 3 new products on the agenda.

Ashley Famous Chef Salt Blend

To our already great Flagship product we have added the following organic ingredients: onion, carrot, red bell pepper, tomato granules, lemon peel, thyme, basil, celery, oregano, basil, celery, mustard seed cumin, marjoram, coriander, cayenne pepper, and rosemary. All organic, it kicks our traditional blend.

We will also soon offer this blend as a stand alone product, suitable for seasoning soups, roasts and highly desirable for those that are restricting their salt intake.

Even with using Ashley Famous Chef Salt you're getting a lot less salt. Due to the larger size salt crystals that we use...a little goes a long way!

For a FREE sample of our new blend, please provide us your name and shipping address, and we'll send you a trial size package of this new product! FREE!

We have been experimenting with a Hungarian 'Smoked' Paprika that will awaken your taste buds. Also blended with our Flagship product, it gives food like sauces and meats a distinctive smoky taste without calories and fat! This product will be ready for our customers to sample in October, 2009.

On a different tact - we hope that you enjoy our new writer Claudine, who will cover the restaurant beat for us, from time to time. We enjoy telling people about good and distinctive places to eat or buy specialty foods...we also like to report places like the recently reviewed Grumpy Gringo in Estes Park that don't have a clue as to what they're doing, yet get high prices from tourists who they may never see again. I can't imagine the locals supporting this kind of establishement where the food and service is on an even par - lousy. In our frequent travels to Estes Park, truly a lovely spot in Colorado, we haven't yet found a restaurant that we could recommend. The food at the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Festival is about as good as it gets in this town..and unfortunately, it's only there for 4 days.

If you have a restaurant report to pass on to Claudine, good or bad, please contact us and we'll get right on it!

Thanks for your support..and don't forget, our products, handsomely packaged in attractive counter containers, make perfect Christmas gifts and gifts for just about anytime for discriminating people on your list! Please visit our Product Page for ordering information!

Keep on Cookin'

Riesling and Chicken Noodle Soup

2008-09-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

After a day of rain in Denver a hot bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup sounded perfect. I began with a King Soopers rotisserie chicken and threw in some celery, walla walla sweet onions, carrots and grandma's homemade egg noodles, which are made in Arvada, Colorado. Of course the soup would not be complete without a hearty dash of the original chef salt. As the soup simmers and the wonderful aromas fill my home...now what would make this evening complete? A glass of Two Rivers Riesling. One of my favorite Riesling which hales from Grand Junction, Colorado. Who would of thought such a wonderful, light and crisp wine would be from our back yard? I haven't had the opportunity to visit Two Rivers Winery yet, but I am looking forward to planning a trip sometime soon. I am very busy the rest of the weekend and I am looking forward to a nice relaxing evening at home. I hope your start to your weekend is as relaxing as mine.

Claudine Pruitt

WE REALLY MEAN FREE!

2008-09-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

Why do we offer to give you a starter sample of our flagship product, Ashley Famous Chef Salt? Good question Toyota! We do so because we're very certain that once you use it, you'll want more..and that's when I can sell you a full-size package of it! It's a simple matter of economics and taste!

Be sure and visit our comments page from some of our happy customers..I had a call the other day from a fellow in Oregon...he says that he uses a pinch on his eggs every morning! It's great on eggs, roasts, soups...and you only need a little bit regardless of how you're using it so that's REAL ECONOMY!

Thanks for visiting, and be sure and visit all the other pages loaded with good stuff...if you have a favorite pet that you want to brag about, just send us a picture and a little background information and he'll join our Ashley Famous Pet Pages!

Today Baby Murphy, our youngest Scottie, had some minor surgery, actually neutering...we expect to pick him up at his vet's in a couple of hours!

We'd love to hear from you, so drop us a note when you can!

Keep on Cookin'!

FREE Ashley Famous Seasoning Blends

2008-09-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

If you're a first time visitor to this website, just let us know! We'll send you a complimentary starter supply of Ashley Famous Chef Salt - FREE! Just leave us your name and mailing address and we'll rush your starter sample off with some FREE recipe ideas too!

Our new feature on the Blog Page is from our writer, Claudine Pruitt. She'll visit restaurants and report the good and the bad..she started off with a pretty good raking over the coals of a place up in Estes Park, Colorado called the Grumpy Gringo. No mistake, she calls it like she sees and tastes it! Her first review in listed on the recipe page..just click on the recipe button and it will take you there!

If you have a favorite recipe that you would like to share with readers from around the world, please let us know. Either enter it on our comments page or shoot us an email and we'll take it from there!

If you have a restaurant or other food serving establishment that you would like Claudine to check out, let us know that too...we'll dispatch her with her taste buds and eyes and ears directly with our high falootin expense account...she'll always remain annoymous on her visits.

Thanks for dropping today, and I hope that you become a regular to this website...and yes, tell a friend, and we'll send them a sample too just as soon as they register...FREE!

Keep on cookin'!

Dennis AShley

Restaurant Reviews

2008-09-10T11:45:00.000-07:00

If you're on here for the first time, and looking for our new feature - RESTAURANT REVIEWS - the first one will be found on the RECIPE Page. In the future you'll find it on the BLOG Page...sorry for the inconvenience but it will give you a chance to try some of the award winning recipes that our readers share!

Keep on Cookin'!

Dennis Ashley