Product Name: Heartbreaking Dawns Storyville Cajun Blend
Style: Cajun
Manufacturer: Heartbreaking Dawns
Country of Origin: USA
Website: http://www.heartbreakingdawns.com
Ingredients: Black Pepper, Onion, Cayenne, Marjoram, Thyme, White Pepper, Garlic Powder, Salt, Paprika
Label/Packaging: The bottle is clear plastic with a hand designed label and red shaker top. The artwork of Heartbreaking Dawns sauces and spice rubs is very attractive. It almost reminds me of Native American artwork. This particular one has two skeletons with fiery-looking wings hovering around a chile pepper that appears to be like a deity.
Appearance/Aroma: When looking at this Cajun blend, the first thing that stands out is the texture. It is grainy with nice course bits of all the spices. The color is consistent with what I would expect from a cajun blend. The aroma immediately makes me think good thoughts of firing up my bbq grill or heating up the cast iron to blacken some fish!
Body of Review:
Having received a few sauces from Johnny of Heartbreaking Dawns and enjoyed them all, when he asked if I wanted a spice rub to try I jumped at it! Storyville Cajun Blend is right up my alley. I am a huge fan of Cajun/Creole cooking so I immediately started thinking of what I can do with this. It would be really good for blackening some chicken, shrimp, or fish. I decided that since it is a relatively small bottle (2oz, though it is available in a larger 9oz size), that I would be better off using it as a spice rub since blackening takes much more to do effectively. The thing about this Cajun blend versus others I use, is the lack of salt. I do usually use a lot of salt, but this is actually a good thing in this case. It allows the different flavors from the peppers and spices to come through more. A lot of commercial Cajun blends have salt as the main ingredient which I think overpowers the overall flavor. There could be a little more heat for me, but overall, the taste is definitely there.
Heat Level: 3.5
Applications: As I said, this would be great for blackening catfish, tuna, well, any fish really. Also on shrimp, chicken breasts. It could also be used as I did with bbq'd chicken legs and thighs. Could also be used as an additive for Cajun chicken wings, or to kick up soups or gumbos.
Appearance Score: 5
Aroma Score: 4.5
Taste Score: 4
Mouthfeel Score: 4.5
Heat Accuracy Score: 4.5
Overall Score: 4.5
Notes: I love the appearance and aroma of this blend. I would have only liked a little more salt, and heat. I do feel that the heat is accurate for what they are trying to do here though. This is a fine example of a Cajun spice blend. If you are unfamiliar with this kind of cooking, give it a try with Heartbreaking Dawns Storyville, Cajun Blend. You will not be disappointed.
Style: Cajun
Manufacturer: Heartbreaking Dawns
Country of Origin: USA
Website: http://www.heartbreakingdawns.com
Ingredients: Black Pepper, Onion, Cayenne, Marjoram, Thyme, White Pepper, Garlic Powder, Salt, Paprika
Label/Packaging: The bottle is clear plastic with a hand designed label and red shaker top. The artwork of Heartbreaking Dawns sauces and spice rubs is very attractive. It almost reminds me of Native American artwork. This particular one has two skeletons with fiery-looking wings hovering around a chile pepper that appears to be like a deity.
Appearance/Aroma: When looking at this Cajun blend, the first thing that stands out is the texture. It is grainy with nice course bits of all the spices. The color is consistent with what I would expect from a cajun blend. The aroma immediately makes me think good thoughts of firing up my bbq grill or heating up the cast iron to blacken some fish!
Body of Review:
Having received a few sauces from Johnny of Heartbreaking Dawns and enjoyed them all, when he asked if I wanted a spice rub to try I jumped at it! Storyville Cajun Blend is right up my alley. I am a huge fan of Cajun/Creole cooking so I immediately started thinking of what I can do with this. It would be really good for blackening some chicken, shrimp, or fish. I decided that since it is a relatively small bottle (2oz, though it is available in a larger 9oz size), that I would be better off using it as a spice rub since blackening takes much more to do effectively. The thing about this Cajun blend versus others I use, is the lack of salt. I do usually use a lot of salt, but this is actually a good thing in this case. It allows the different flavors from the peppers and spices to come through more. A lot of commercial Cajun blends have salt as the main ingredient which I think overpowers the overall flavor. There could be a little more heat for me, but overall, the taste is definitely there.
Heat Level: 3.5
Applications: As I said, this would be great for blackening catfish, tuna, well, any fish really. Also on shrimp, chicken breasts. It could also be used as I did with bbq'd chicken legs and thighs. Could also be used as an additive for Cajun chicken wings, or to kick up soups or gumbos.
Appearance Score: 5
Aroma Score: 4.5
Taste Score: 4
Mouthfeel Score: 4.5
Heat Accuracy Score: 4.5
Overall Score: 4.5
Notes: I love the appearance and aroma of this blend. I would have only liked a little more salt, and heat. I do feel that the heat is accurate for what they are trying to do here though. This is a fine example of a Cajun spice blend. If you are unfamiliar with this kind of cooking, give it a try with Heartbreaking Dawns Storyville, Cajun Blend. You will not be disappointed.
