WORDS BY ADDISON STARR | PHOTOS BY MONIQUE THREADGILL
Cultured Carrot
Some of our new favorite items come from The Cultured Carrot, started by two moms who are passionate about creating more ways to enjoy the benefits of fermented foods. Palak Sadarangani and Kristin Simpson were inspired by increasing research on how fermented foods promote a healthy microbiome and gut — and they wanted to make a product that could be a daily kitchen staple that incorporated these healthful benefits, and also tastes good. The Cultured Carrot specializes in fermented vegetable dressings that can be used as marinades, dipping sauces, or salad toppings and are made from organic vegetables and pure avocado oil. They have four unique flavors to choose from including, “Unbeetable,” “Rooting For You,” “Beleafing,” and our favorite “Caulipower Ranch,” which is a creamy, tangy twist on traditional ranch dressing. Visit their website to learn more about their products or find them at the Mueller or Lakeline Farmers Markets as well as Wheatsville Food Co-ops and Farmhouse Delivery.
Thanks Danks Beef Jerky
Looking for a local, delicious beef jerky to snack on? Look no further than Thanks Danks. Started in 2016 by Garret and Jordan Danks, this jerky is free from all additives that don’t belong in beef. Created without sugar, gluten, GMO, nitrates, corn, artificial flavor or liquid smoke, Thanks Danks is safe for everyone to enjoy. There are four different delicious flavors to try out. First is the classic “Original,” followed by the “Viper,” “Umai” and “Zydeco.” The “Viper” is inspired by F-16 fighter pilots who “heat doesn’t faze,” taking their original recipe and adding spices and peppers. The “Umai” combines East Asian flavors with their rich marinade, and the “Zydeco” is inspired by Louisiana Cajun cuisine. You can find these flavors on their website or at their commercial space at PrepATX, offering free daily pickups on any local order.
Choccolatte’s Pecan Enlgish Toffee
This locally-made toffee could be your new favorite sweet treat. Started and run by Michele and Steve Parsons, Choccolatte’s toffee is handmade using fresh, high-quality ingredients — and is also gluten free. Choccolatte’s “World’s Best Pecan English Toffee” can be enjoyed in three different ways: white, dark or milk chocolate. All three use creamy Belgian chocolate and locally-sourced pecans to create a buttery and indulgent treat. A visit to their shop located on Old Main Street in Marble Falls is a must. Not only do they offer their own toffee collection, but they also have an array of gelato, coffee and truffles. If you can’t make it to their store, check out their website to place an order or find a store near you that carries their delectable product.
Lillian’s Dressing
This salad dressing and marinade recipe was created more than 60 years ago and has been a family tradition ever since. Crafted by hand, one bottle at a time, Lillian’s garlic infused vinaigrette is created with love and care — as well as non-GMO canola oil and not an ounce of sugar, gluten, thickeners or preservatives. A portion of the purchase of a bottle of Liilian’s goes directly to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, helping to support a good cause. Lillian’s is not just a salad dressing, either: check out the website for recipes that use Lillian’s such as roasted chicken thighs, a garlic tofu plate, baked feta and tomato and sautéed zucchini with shrimp. Lillian’s Dressing is available online and at various Central Market locations throughout Texas as well as the Pedernales and Good Shepherd Farmers Markets.
About the Contributor
Writer Addison Starr enjoys traveling and exploring, spending time outdoors with friends, and discovering and sharing new products with Edible Austin readers.
