Miner's Mix- Giveaway and Spring Fling Preview!

Momma Told Me: If there's one thing my food isn't, it's bland!

With a rich ethnic heritage placing me 1/2 German, 1/4 French, and 1/4 Portuguese, I was spoiled on flavorful cuisine spanning many textures and flavors. Reaching for the salt before that first bite would land Momma's wooden spoon on the back of my wrist, and a stern look from my dad. It's safe to say with dishes ranging from Liverwurst to Linguini mom's cooking was never boring, nor lacking in flavor. Did I love each and every one, no- but you best believe my favorites were true stars I'd demand time and time again! Though Momma could make just about anything taste good, much to my amazement, the true secret was always in the spices.

Cooking for my own family today I struggle with the concept of cooking for 2, and there are always plenty of leftovers. When we have guests over, they're always sure to ask if I have any extras they can 'take off my hands' and I'm happy to oblige. But I'm no 4 star chef. In fact, most of my dishes are minimal in ingredients and feature meats, veggies, and legumes as close to their natural form as possible. The husband's a meat and potatoes kind of guy and I believe in maintaining as much of an ingredients raw nutritional value as possible. The key to my mouth watering roasts and tempting chicken is in the flavorful seasoning. I treat all meats, and even vegetables, with multi layer marinades, rubs, and finishes for a savory experience that evolves with each bite. Mixing spice blends on your own can be tricky though, and often leads to overpowering flavors with a sharp bite, so I'm always sure to keep a few favorites in my spice rack arsenal at all times.

Miner's Mix is all about flavor and quality with a genuine slogan, " If it didn't exist in 1850, it ain't here..."Believe it or not, the company's blends and mixes are all taken directly from an authentic Gold Rush era journal. Based on St. Louis native cook, Joshua Shelby's ciphered notes, Miner's Mix carefully resurrects the Motherload of strong and sassy seasonings. Having migrated West in 1849 Shelby found little luck panning, and quickly learned his skills as a chef were sorely needed. Among a sea of bland and flavorless dishes he introduced his line of shelf stable mixes and spice blends. Local settlers were delighted to find these seasonings could be added to water, or directly to meat for a stable flavor the miners would rush home for. The company recalls legend of Shelby's skills with a rifle as well, and notes his formulas were sought after enough to be buried within a Mariposa mine for safe keeping!

While the legends and story are certainly intriguing, it's hard to consider any seasoning which existed in 1850 could match up the the thousands put out by manufacturers with 150+ years experience. I think what I initially liked most about this intriguing brand was the integration of California historical education and culinary tips. When you purchase a 5/6oz shaker of Miner's Mix seasoning for $6.25 you'll also receive useful suggestions for serving and preparation. Their Carne Asada Marinade Mix suggests a Mexican Chorizo alternative and tantalizing refried bean dip while the online database offers even more grilling tips and serving suggestions. The brand is marketed with rustic Old West graphics and lettering I find fun and appropriate for the natural based seasonings.

I had a chance to sample Maynard's Memphis BBQ Rub and Seasoning, which is Gluten Free and packaged in a 6oz shaker. The blend itself is a warm honey color with plenty of gritty texture and varying spices to evenly coat through the easy shake top. I had elected to transfer this as a dry rub, marinading a Round roast for 24 hours, then basted with Miner's Mix BBQ Sauce (Dry Mix), roasted in the Crock Pot for 6 hours. The result was a slightly sweet, and amazingly savory tender roast. The outside surface had actually allowed for an impressive amount of flavor permeation, while still creating a wonderful dry glaze. Another night I dug into Miner's Mix OMGarlic Seasoning, in a similar manner with a Shoulder Roast. Dusting a little atop the final hour of cooking, then sprinkling some on buttered bread made for a flavorful and simple meal the hubby loved.

The line does, in fact, offer specialty rubs for Poultry, Beef, and Chicken, as well as a Salmon Marinade and multiple heat indexed seasonings. I love that Miner's Mix is easy to use, and liberal in flavor (a little goes a long way). I'll sometimes add a sprinkle of their seasonings to some water for steamed veggies, and the aroma is enough to entice quite the appetite. I can't wait to explore more Miner's Mix blends!

What Daughter Says: Don't compromise flavor for time, try the natural blends of Miner's Mix seasonings and marinades!

One Momma Told Me follower will win their choice of 2 Miner's Mix spices or blends!

Mandatory Entry: You must be a Momma Told Me follower, then visit Miner's Mix, and tell me what you'd pick if you won!

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1. Confessions of An Overworked Mom
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3. Making Ends Meet
4. Stash Mama
5. Socialite's Closet Blog
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7. Still Blonde After All these Years
8. Dad of Divas
9. Quick Tattle Tails
10. My Life With Rats And More

Giveaway begins April 31, 2011 and ends 12:01 AM PST on May 14, 2011. Winner will be notified via email, and posted here. Entries valid within US. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn. Prize will be transferred via sponsor.

As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I received a product sample to conduct my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.