Jay D's Bites: Jay D's Pimento Cheese

by Aimee Tortorich

Looking for a great recipe for pimento cheese? Our version of this Southern favorite is a step above the rest. Featuring a nice balance of cheddar and smoked Gouda cheese amped up with Jay D’s Spicy & Sweet BBQ Rub and Jay D’s  Louisiana Molasses Mustard. Perfect on crackers, sandwiches and burgers, minds will be blown at your next gathering.

Jay D's Pimento Cheese:

Jay D's Pimento Cheese featuring Jay D's Spicy & Sweet BBQ Rub and Louisiana Molasses Mustard

2 Tbsp Jay D’s Spicy & Sweet BBQ Rub

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 Tbsp molasses mustard

12 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated

12 oz Smoked Gouda Cheese, grated

1, 4-oz jar diced pimentos, rinsed

Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl and allow to marry flavors for at least 30 minutes.  Enjoy with crackers, veggies, on baked potatoes, grilled cheese or on burgers.  

Jay D's Bites: Fried & Baked Wings

by Aimee Tortorich

With LSU football season quickly approaching, wings are making their way back into our bellies, tailgating tents and our hearts (even though they never really left). Super easy to make, and a crowd favorite, we decided to create our baked and fried versions of these messy heartthrobs. These crispy wings will excite your taste buds with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Use Jay D’s Louisiana Barbecue Sauce or Molasses Mustard for a great dipping sauce!

Jay D’s Spicy & Sweet BBQ Rub Baked Chicken Wings 

Jay D's Spicy & Sweet BBQ Rub Wings

1 lb chicken wings
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 Tbsp Jay D’s Spicy & Sweet BBQ Rub

Preheat oven to 400F.
Mix vegetable oil with Jay D’s BBQ rub, toss in chicken wings and let stand for 5 minutes.
Spread wings out on a single sheet pan in an even layer. Bake for 45-50 minutes until crispy or until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Jay D’s Spicy & Sweet BBQ Rub Butter Fried Wings 

½ cup softened, unsalted butter
½ Tbsp Jay D’s BBQ Rub
1 lb chicken wings
Salt and pepper to taste


Melt butter in saucepan and add ½ Tbsp of Jay D’s Spicy & Sweet BBQ Rub. Set aside.
Heat oil to 350F in a deep fryer or large Dutch oven. Add wings and cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Once cooked, toss in Jay D’s Spicy & Sweet BBQ butter

The Official Bite and Booze Father's Day Gift Guide

by Sydney Blanchard

I've always been a daddy's girl, and I'm not ashamed to admit my dad is my best friend. We have a lot in common, so I generally have an idea about what he likes (beer, History, books, being left the hell alone). But every year around Father's Day I find myself in a rut.

Here are a few gift ideas from local, Louisiana retailers for the dad who's hard to shop for. Because at some point you realize a tie or an LSU baseball cap just won't cut it.

For when Dad needs a new 'do

He won't know what to do with most of this stuff, so have the experts at Mercer explain it.

Get Dad looking right with a haircut, a shave and all the products necessary to keep his look fresh from Mercer Supply Co., located in 1010 Nic.

For when he wants to link up

He wasn't trying to encourage you to become an engineer with that Lego set; he was trying to watch the game in peace.

Snazzy, locally made cufflinks can complete any look. Try these on for size. Lego cufflinks for all the times he stepped on yours growing up by MyOMyFirefly, or how about these Flamingo cufflinks by Mimosa, perfect for Spanish Town Parade festivities.

What better way to rep Baton Rouge's most tasteless Mardi Gras celebration?

For throwing shade with Pops

Now you'll never be able to tell whether he's listening to you or fast asleep in his rocking chair.

Every dad deserves some cool-as-hell shades, and Krewe Du Optic delivers. Better yet, get matching pairs of these CL-10s to up the cool factor.

For spicing up Dad's spice rack

Dads universally get amped about outdoor cooking.

He might not have been the best chef growing up, but he was always happy to throw some meat on the grill. Help him up his grilling game with this flavor-filled gift box from Red Stick Spice Co.

For the patriotic patriarch

The bundle includes a T-shirt, Molasses Mustard, Barbecue Sauce, Dry Rub, and a branded koozie. 

He's as proud to be an American as he is to be your dad, and he's already fantasizing about planning his annual outdoor Fourth of July cookout. Get him all his favorite Jay D's products, bundled, for $35.

For the dad rocking the beer gut

They drink to forget about how much you've disappointed them over the years.

Dads and beer go together like, well, dads and beer. Head to Tin Roof Brewing Company and grab Dad a 6-pack of his favorite local brew.

For all the times he put food on the table

Bolognese, so easy even dads can figure it out.

He changed your poopy diapers and spoon fed you mashed peas. The least you can do is return the favor. Send Dad a healthy, ready-to-cook meal from Indie Plate and get him hooked on local produce.

For the health conscious Dad

Because he can't eat poorly forever.

He's watching his sodium intake, and he thinks you should, too. Hook him up with some Slap Ya Mama Low Sodium Cajun Seasoning, all the flavor he expects without the guilt.

For when he's feeling athletic

Straight up embarrassing your dad at bowling strengthens family bonds.

He may have taught you everything you know, but that doesn't mean you can't school your old man in bowling. Take advantage of this rad Groupon deal for a night of partying and bowling at Quarters for the whole family.

For the future Daddy-Daughter diner road trip

A perfect gift for the plate lunch aficionado.

Does he like to reminisce about all the great plate lunch places he used to frequent back in the day? Take Dad with you on a tour of South Louisiana's best "seat yourself" eateries with Baton Rouge-based author (and my former journalism professor) Alex V. Cook's latest book.

For the neatest guy you know

You can't go wrong gifting a nice bottle of whiskey.

You love him, but the only way you can tolerate him (and his political opinions) is if you're both a little toasted. Donner-Peltier's LA1 is the perfect sipping whiskey for spending some QT with dad.

Hit Us with Your Best Shot: Jay D's Louisiana Memorial Day Photo Contest

Calling all food photographers (amateur or otherwise)!

Skirt steak tacos shot in natural lighting, using ingredients from Indie Plate.

This Memorial Day Weekend, hit us with your best shot. From May 27 through 30, we'll be monitoring the hashtag #sauceandstripes for the best photos featuring Jay D's Louisiana inspired products.

Skirt steak roulade, a great Memorial Day option. Recipe here.

Here's how to enter to win two tickets to our July 8 James Beard preview dinner at LCI:

1) Head to your favorite local grocery store (or pantry) and grab Jay D's Louisiana Barbecue Sauce or Jay D's Louisiana Molasses Mustard. Or act now and get it from jayducote.com/shop. All online orders through Memorial Day also get a free Jay D's koozie!

2) Snap a photo of a recipe or dish utilizing Jay D's Louisiana inspired products

3) Tag @jayducote and #sauceandstripes so we can see your photos and select our winner

We'll be reposting some of our favorite Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts throughout Memorial Day weekend, and we'll choose the winner on Memorial Day.

Barbecue meatballs? Absolutely. 

Best of luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Moving Up in Mid City: Our First Impressions of Gouter Restaurant in Baton Rouge

by Chuck P

Chef Chris Wadsworth and I go back. I've known him and his wife Sommer for around five years, ever since Jay and I used to record the Me & My Big Mouth podcast at Restaurant IPO downtown when Chris was the Executive Chef there.

Since leaving IPO I’ve patiently waited for Chris to get back in the kitchen, and it’s finally happened with Gouter Restaurant, his new venture into the ever-growing Baton Rouge culinary scene.

Before you ask, it's pronounced "goo-tay," and it's the French verb for "to taste." It's an unusual name for a restaurant, but Chris Wadsworth isn't a usual kind of chef.

Not interested in following culinary trends, Chris marches to the beat of his own drum. Gouter's menu represents his love for everything outdoors. If you can hunt it, trap it, catch it, or fish it, there's a good chance he'll be serving it up at Gouter.

I've had the chance to visit his new place a few times during the soft opening phase, and each time, I've been impressed with the interior and overall vibe. Hungry patrons sit at hand-cut wooden tables built by Chris waiting for their lunches to arrive (dinner service will begin within a few weeks). Corrugated tin lines the walls. The open kitchen allows restaurant goers to catch a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes action. Near the open kitchen is a six-top Chef's Table where Chris plans to serve special dishes and chat with customers.

Duck 3 Ways at Gouter

Looking over the menu, there's something for everyone (even me with my shell fish allergy). One of my favorite small plates so far is the Duck 3 Ways, three boiled duck eggs filled with a duck bacon mixture and topped with duck cracklin. The three textures play well together, making for one tasty and balanced bite. 

Fried redfish poboy with house made chips at @gouterrestaurant. I'm not upset about this decision! #gobr #tastelouisiana @laseafoodboard @eatgulfseafood

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@jayducote) on Mar 16, 2016 at 10:50am PDT

I've also tried the Fried Redfish Poboy served with house made chips. This big poboy is packed with crispy fried strips of redfish and dressed with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. The chips were also surprisingly noteworthy. It's rare for me to get excited about a house made chip, but Chris' are perfectly crunchy and salty, some of the best I've ever had.

#nofilter necessary for the Crawaffle at @gouterrestaurant! Still dreaming of the #yummy lunch we had there today. Looking forward to trying out their dinner menu soon! Have y'all been to Goûter yet? #yummy #crawfish #waffle #crawaffle #foodpics #foodblogger #gobr

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze) on Mar 16, 2016 at 2:14pm PDT

When in doubt, go for the Crawaffle. A spicy crawfish tail mixture tops a soft, warm waffle drizzled with sweet syrup. It's a Louisiana plan on the traditional chicken and waffles, and it works surprisingly well. Both Sydney and Blair have ordered the Crawaffle as a meal, and they refuse to share even a bite.

Fried chicken and red beans and rice at Gouter

One of the best things I've eaten at Gouter so far has been the Red Beans & Rice plate lunch with Fried Chicken. Don't think Blue Runner red beans from a can, folks. These are full of flavor with just enough of a spicy kick. The Tempura battered chicken is extra crispy on the outside yet juicy on the inside.

I'm sure Chris still has plenty of kinks to work out before Gouter begins dinner service, but if the lunch menu is any indication of what's to come for dinner, I couldn't be more excited for this new addition to Mid City.

P.S. Chris has been getting creative in the kitchen playing with using our Louisiana Molasses Mustard and Barbecue Sauce on his menu, so stay tuned for that!

Pride in the Products: A Californian Revels in Louisiana's Love for Local

by Intern Vanessa Mejia

Jay D's Louisiana Barbecue Sauce and Blanc Du Bois, displayed at Calandro's Supermarket

I've only lived in Louisiana for the last year and a half, and although Baton Rouge feels like home, I have to remind myself I'm an outsider.

Okay, so maybe using the term "outsider" has a bit of a harsh connotation, but in technical terms it's accurate. Being born and raised in Southern California, it slips my mind more than you might believe.

Now, having interned with Bite and Booze/HugJayD for two semesters, I've got some serious homework: take my last months before graduating to explore the city I'm living in. Challenge accepted.

Part of my role as an intern was to create fun and unique content to describe what HugJayD represents, and in order to do that effectively, I had to see for myself all the local places that carry the products and the places that use the products in recipes to create some seriously delicious bites.

Full disclosure: prior to this internship, the only places I bought groceries in Baton Rouge were Winn Dixie, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and the Neighborhood Walmart (only three of which exist in California). 

I was excited to explore shops that sell local products, like Matherne's, Bocage Market, Maxwell's Market, Calandro's, Red Stick Spice Company, and Tony's Seafood.

You want to know what each of these places have in common? That they make you want to go home and cook a full Cajun spread? Yes, but there's something else.

It's the pride in the products; Louisiana-made products specifically. 

Front and center when you walk into these places, Louisiana products are proudly displayed. Including products like Jay D's Louisiana Barbecue Sauce and Molasses Mustard. (Cue selfish plug. I’m a good intern, what can I say?).

If I'm being honest, I can’t recall a single place similar in California. Yes, maybe those super cliche organic shops and farmer’s markets, but nothing like these local city grocery stores. 

Impressive, Louisiana. That’s pride, and that’s what makes me feel welcome and at home here.

By tagging along on some of Chuck P's sauce deliveries, I wanted to buy everything off those Louisiana product shelves. It made me proud to see Louisiana flavors bottled, bagged, and being shared. 

It's how "outsiders" like me connect on more levels than just purple and gold (Go Tigers!). 

And on the day of my departure, I will proudly stuff the trunk of my car with plenty of Louisiana products, and then search high and low for them in California because you just can’t beat Louisiana flavor.

*Editor's note: We did not assign this piece to Vanessa. She felt compelled on her own to write it. We will miss her when she graduates and leaves us!*