When I find things I like, I like to share them. From shoes and kitchen gadgets, to farmer’s markets and restaurants. They all can and do get featured here every week. This week I have to share a new product. Trader Joe’s Cheesy pepper spread is a Fabulous Find. I found this at the grocery store in Fort Myers at Page Field Commons. It was an accident.
I love going to TJ’s to stock up on snacks, get items for cheese boards and always, flowers. I was headed out of town to help a friend move and stopped in to grab a few items to nosh on during the process. Packing is always so tedious and you always need fuel. There it was. A tasting table. On that table was a tray of crackers, smeared with some kind of spread. The woman looked at me with a smile and told me that I needed to try this new cheddar cheese spread with hatch chile. Who was I to say no?
These were not the crackers Trader Joe’s served with the dip. However, while you are there, pick up a box. They are pretty good too.
Trader Joe’s Cheesy Pepper Spread
It went right into my basket, along with the crackers. My friends devoured it. They dipped pretzels in it, celery sticks too. I have since gone back for another container to confirm its delight. Did I enjoy it because I was so hungry or was it really good? Does it taste a little processed? Yes. Do I care? In this instance, no. It’s a new guilty pleasure. I happily interchange it with my imported, $32 a pound, truffle brie.
I have used it on a burgers as well as on a breakfast sandwich to add a little extra pop. Next, I may try to heat it up for a dip. Trader Joe’s cheesy pepper spread is a Fabulous Find that you will find in my refrigerator on a regular basis now. Or at least until my doctor tells me to stop.
This Central Florida BBQ Pit Stop Is Smokin’ Hot
Are you taking a road trip this weekend? When I leave Southwest Florida on a Friday, I almost always need a pit stop. I’ve been up since 4am, am often hungry, tired and in need of a pick-me-up. If you’re like me, there are pit stops like this party place on I-75 in Manatee County. And then there is this fantastic crab shack on US17 in Punta Gorda. However, this Central Florida BBQ pit stop is smokin’ hot. It’s Smoking’ Joes BBQ in Bowling Green. If you’ve ever been to the famous golf resort Streamsong, you might be familiar with this small community. Otherwise, most people fly right through.
You might just smell this Central Florida BBQ pit stop before you see it. But when you see it, it’s hard not to do a double take. Described by some as a BBQ dive. The long building is painted with cheeky cartoons and a large smoker sits roadside, tempting passersby with its aromas. The building has been there for decades. It’s been a family run BBQ joint for about 26 years.
Not that I ever expect a BBQ place to be chic, but the décor here is indeed interesting. The dining room looks like an old dance hall with a disco ball hanging from the ceiling and a light system. Half of the dining area is filled with tables, the other half appears to be used for storage. I always grabbed my food to go from the counter.
The menu from Smokin’ Joes in Bowling Green. Pick up some BBQ to go next time you drive through.
About the food at this Central Florida pit stop
Side dishes are the ones you might expect at a BBQ joint. The coleslaw is creamy, balanced and great with the pulled pork, whether on the side or piled into the sandwich. Mac-n-Cheese is also creamy. Baked beans are the kind you crave with BBQ. They have a sweet and savory edge. There is also collard greens, yams, fried okra and lots more.
Pulled pork is their specialty. Get it in a sandwich, a platter or by the pound. It is even piled high in Smokin’ Joe’s Cuban Sandwich. The fries are crinkly, salty and crisp. Other smoked meats include brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage. In addition, fried catfish, flounder and shrimp are on the menu. There are signs for smoked mullet and Central Florida’s famous boiled peanuts, both of which I plan to try next. If you have a sweet tooth, try the hand dipped ice cream and milk shakes. The fruit crumbles are homemade. Are you getting hungry?
