If there is one thing I know for sure, it is that once a pickle lover, always a pickle lover. I am sure that I am not alone when I say I love pickles sour, sweet, fried, as the flavor for popcorn and yes, even ice cream. The love affair is strong. So when the opportunity to try Angry Cukes Spicy Cucumber Slices by Doux South Pickles came across my desk, it was a no-brainer.
Where do I begin after eating two jars by myself? First, you’ll have to reimagine any prior pickle experiences, because this one is like no other. Elevating the Southern pickling tradition, the creation by Doux South is a jar filled with farm-fresh cucumbers in a brine of vinegar, toasted chili flakes, cloves of garlic, sweet onion, fresh dill and yellow mustard seeds for multiple layers of flavor. The pickles are medium sliced in thickness, adding to the impact of the crunch.
Chef Nick Melvin and his father-in-law Mark Hungerland cleverly created these Angry Cukes to have a duo purpose: pickles for enjoyment and a brine that can be added to recipes such as salad dressings, marinades and cocktails. In addition, they come in a Mason jar that can be used for storage, meal prep and more. Super smart.
Once you open the jar and taste, it is a wrap. I couldn’t stop thinking of the medley of flavors that would burst in my mouth with each bite. I added a little garlic hummus to the mix that took this obsession over the top. I especially love to snack on the onions and mustard seeds for a little subtle pop.
Thinking I would share, I told my sister I would bring an extra jar home with me for the holidays. The poor jar didn’t last more than two weeks after I received it. Don’t judge me; they are just that good.
The specialty line also includes seven varieties of Doux South pickles, three varieties of whole-seed mustards and two pepper relishes. Their foodservice division offers an even broader selection.
Available at Whole Foods Southeast, The Fresh Market, Save Mart, Food Maxx, Publix and other groceries, one jar retails for $6.99. Of course you can purchase from Amazon which offers a duo for a little over $18.
Whether you eat them alone, with a meal or add them to your favorite charcuterie board for entertaining, know once you open the jar, it’s game over.
For more info about Doux South Pickles and their offerings, visit http://douxsouth.com.
Check out these recipes that used the brine for Angry Ranch Dressing and Angry Cukes Margarita.
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