Sweet Smokie Joe Product Review

 

Sweet Smokie Joe: Bringing Big Louisiana Flavor to Your Kitchen

If you love cooking with bold seasoning, smoky flavors, and a little Louisiana-inspired personality, then I think you are going to enjoy discovering Sweet Smokie Joe!

Here at Momz Daily Scoops, I love finding products that can take an everyday meal and turn it into something the whole family gets excited about. Sweet Smokie Joe has created a wonderful selection of seasonings and rubs designed to bring out the natural flavor of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, and so much more.

A Little About Sweet Smokie Joe

Sweet Smokie Joe began in 2017, when owners Stan and Chenoa Kendall started creating their own line of seasonings. According to their story, Stan developed a beef and pork rub because he was tired of products where salt was the main ingredient and wanted something that captured the true flavors of Louisiana.

Chenoa challenged him to create a flavorful seasoning with less emphasis on salt, and that challenge helped lead to their signature Creole Kick seasoning.

Their passion for seasoning eventually grew into a larger business. The couple opened their retail store in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 2020, and in 2024 expanded into an 11,000-square-foot stand-alone outdoor cooking store. Today, Sweet Smokie Joe offers a wide variety of seasonings, rubs, sauces, cooking products, and outdoor-cooking supplies.

Their current lineup includes everything from Creole seasonings and garlic butter to chicken seasonings, pork rubs, brisket rubs, seafood seasonings, and more.

Steak & Burger Rub

The Sweet Smokie Joe Steak & Burger Rub is a great seasoning to keep handy when you are firing up the grill.

This is the kind of seasoning I would reach for when making burgers, steaks, meatloaf, steak tips, or even roasted potatoes. It adds a savory, seasoned flavor without taking away from the taste of the beef.

What I would pair it with:

• Grilled hamburgers with cheddar cheese

• Ribeye or sirloin steak

• Steak fries

• Grilled onions and peppers

• Roasted potatoes

• Mushrooms

• Corn on the cob

It would also be fun to mix a little into your ground beef before forming your burger patties.

Creole Kick Original

Now we get to one of the products that really represents the Sweet Smokie Joe story: Creole Kick Original.

This is an all-purpose Creole-style seasoning created to bring authentic Louisiana-inspired flavor to your cooking. Sweet Smokie Joe describes Creole Kick as a versatile seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of food rather than overwhelming it.

I can see this becoming one of those bottles you reach for over and over again.

Try it on:

• Chicken

• Pork

• Steak

• Shrimp

• Fish

• Burgers

• French fries

• Roasted vegetables

• Eggs

• Rice and beans

If you enjoy Cajun and Creole flavors, this is definitely one to keep in the spice cabinet.

Creole Kick Sweet Kick

If you like the Creole Kick flavor but want something with a sweeter side, Creole Kick Sweet Kick is a fun variation.

The Sweet Kick is described by Sweet Smokie Joe as the sweeter version of its Creole Kick seasoning.

I think this would be especially good on foods cooked on the grill because sweet and smoky flavors work so beautifully together.

Try it on:

• Chicken wings

• Pork chops

• Ribs

• Grilled chicken

• Sweet potatoes

• Corn

• Roasted vegetables

• Grilled shrimp

It would also make a great finishing seasoning when you want just a little extra flavor before serving.

Honey Gold Pork Rub

The Sweet Smokie Joe Honey Pork Gold Rub is a seasoning I especially wanted to talk about because it is so versatile.

Sweet Smokie Joe lists it as a Honey Gold Pork Reserve Competition Pork & Chicken Rub, making it an especially good choice for pork and poultry.

The name Honey Gold immediately makes me think of a sweet, savory barbecue-style flavor with enough seasoning to create a delicious crust on the outside of the meat.

I would use it on:

• Pork chops

• Pork tenderloin

• Pork shoulder

• Ribs

• Chicken thighs

• Chicken breasts

• Whole chicken

• Turkey

For sides, I would serve Honey Gold-seasoned pork with creamy mashed potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables, or sweet potatoes.

And because pork and apples are such a classic combination, apples or an apple-based slaw would be another wonderful pairing.

Champion Chicken

Chicken is one of those meats that can sometimes use a little help in the flavor department, and Sweet Smokie Joe Champion Chicken is made specifically for bringing more flavor to poultry.

The Champion Chicken seasoning is part of Sweet Smokie Joe's current seasoning collection.

I would use this seasoning for:

• Grilled chicken breasts

• Chicken thighs

• Drumsticks

• Wings

• Whole roasted chicken

• Chicken sandwiches

• Chicken kabobs

For a complete dinner, try Champion Chicken with roasted potatoes and green beans. For something more casual, use it on chicken wings and serve them with celery, ranch or blue cheese dressing.

It would also be delicious sprinkled over chicken before making chicken salad.

Garlic Butter

Then there is Sweet Smokie Joe Garlic Butter, and garlic butter is one of those flavors that seems to make almost everything better!

Sweet Smokie Joe describes this seasoning as being great on everything, and I can certainly see why it would be such a versatile pantry staple.

Think about sprinkling it over:

• Steak

• Chicken

• Shrimp

• Salmon

• Vegetables

• Potatoes

• Pasta

• Rice

• Popcorn

• Garlic bread

One of my favorite ways to use a garlic-butter-style seasoning would be on roasted potatoes or buttered corn.

It would also make a delicious addition to melted butter for dipping shrimp or brushing over grilled seafood.

Honey Gold Pork Chops

Since pork is such a natural match for the Honey Gold Rub, I wanted to create a recipe that lets the seasoning really shine.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops

• 2 tablespoons Sweet Smokie Joe Honey Gold Pork Rub

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon butter

• Optional: thinly sliced apples for serving

Directions

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.

2. Rub each pork chop lightly with olive oil.

3. Generously season both sides of the pork chops with Sweet Smokie Joe Honey Gold Rub. Let them sit for about 15–20 minutes so the seasoning can settle into the meat.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic.

5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter.

6. Add the pork chops and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, depending on their thickness, until they are cooked through and reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F.

7. During the final couple of minutes of cooking, brush the pork chops generously with the honey-Dijon mixture.

8. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for about 3–5 minutes.

9. Drizzle a little more of the honey-Dijon mixture over the top before serving.

10. For an extra special touch, serve the pork chops with sautéed apple slices.

What to Serve With Them

I would make this a complete comfort-food dinner with:

Honey Gold Pork Chops + Creamy Mashed Potatoes + Green Beans + Warm Cinnamon Apples

The sweet notes from the honey and apples complement the savory pork beautifully, while the Honey Gold Rub gives the meat a delicious seasoned flavor.

My Momz Daily Scoops Take

What I really like about Sweet Smokie Joe is that these aren't seasonings that make you feel like you have to completely reinvent a recipe. They give you an easy way to add another layer of flavor to foods you are already cooking.

Whether you are grilling burgers, preparing chicken for dinner, making pork chops, seasoning seafood, or simply roasting vegetables, there is something in the Sweet Smokie Joe lineup that can help bring those dishes to life.

From the Louisiana-inspired Creole Kick Original and Sweet Kick to the savory Steak & Burger Rub, Champion Chicken, Honey Gold Rub, and versatile Garlic Butter, these seasonings give home cooks plenty of ways to experiment.

For me, that is what makes a good seasoning so much fun—you can take an everyday meal, shake on a little something special, and suddenly dinner tastes like you put a whole lot more work into it!

So, are you ready to "Do You Smokie, Joe?"

https://www.sweetsmokiejoe.com

Frango à Passarinho (Brazilian Crispy Garlic Chicken)

 

 Frango à Passarinho (Brazilian Crispy Garlic Chicken) is one of Brazil’s most popular chicken dishes—crispy, bite-sized pieces of bone-in chicken tossed with heaps of golden, toasted garlic and fresh cilantro.

Prep time: 15 mins | Marinate time: 1–2 hours | Cook time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Chicken: 2.5 lbs. bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, chopped into small 1.5 to 2-inch bite-sized pieces
• Marinade: 4 cloves garlic (minced), ¼ cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp cachaça or white rum (optional, for tenderizing), 1 tsp sweet paprika, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
• Dredge & Frying: 1 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for extra crunch), neutral oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• Garlic Topping & Garnish: 8 cloves garlic (sliced thin or coarsely chopped), ½ cup fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped), lime wedges for serving

1.Marinate the chicken: Marinate for at least 1 hour for deep flavor.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken pieces with minced garlic, lime juice, cachaça (if using), paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).

2.Crisp the garlic topping: Fry low and slow so the garlic turns golden, not burnt.

In a deep skillet or heavy pot, heat 1–2 inches of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and fry for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until light golden brown. Immediately scoop out the crispy garlic with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

3.Dredge the chicken: A thin, light coating ensures maximum crunch.

Bring the oil up to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, shake off excess liquid, and light dredge each piece in the flour (or cornstarch) until lightly coated.

4.Fry until golden and cooked through: Work in batches to keep the oil hot.

Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

5.Toss and serve: Serve hot while the chicken is at peak crispness.

Transfer the hot fried chicken to a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with the reserved crispy fried garlic and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Toss gently to distribute. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side.

 

Captain Crazy's Snack Shack Review

 

Captain Crazy’s Snack Shack: Life’s Too Short for Boring Snacks!

If you are anything like me, you know that a really good snack can make just about any day better! Whether I am looking for something crunchy to enjoy while relaxing, putting together a snack board for family and friends, or searching for something a little different to serve during the holidays, I love discovering companies that take ordinary snacks and turn them into something special.

That is exactly what caught my attention about Captain Crazy’s Snack Shack!

Based in Lake County, Florida, Captain Crazy’s is all about handcrafted roasted nuts, creative snack mixes, sweet treats, savory snacks and unique foods from makers around the country. Their motto says it perfectly: “Life’s too short for boring snacks.”

How Captain Crazy’s Got Started

Captain Crazy’s story is a fun one!

Founders Captain Chris and Christy Johnson spent 17 years owning and operating a fishing charter business in the Florida Keys. In 2021, they sold their charter business and moved to Lake County, Florida, to begin a new adventure.

But the idea for Captain Crazy's had actually started a few years earlier. In 2019, Chris and Christy began experimenting with roasted nuts after becoming frustrated with many of the snacks they found in stores. They wanted nuts with bigger, more interesting flavors without covering up the natural taste of the nuts with a heavy candy coating.

Friends and family loved what they created, and eventually their hobby grew into a business. What began as a farmers-market venture developed into a company selling handcrafted nuts and snack mixes to customers around the country.

Today, Captain Crazy’s doesn't just make its own snacks. The Snack Shack also brings together products from carefully selected small food makers, giving customers an opportunity to discover everything from artisan meats and hot sauces to candy, popcorn, dried fruit, and other specialty foods.

What Makes Their Nuts Different?

One thing I really like about Captain Crazy’s approach is the attention they give to the nuts themselves.

The company says it selects large premium nuts from quality growers and develops its own original seasoning blends. Their unique infusion technique allows the flavor to absorb into the nuts rather than simply sitting on the outside. Their nuts are also roasted by hand in small batches without oil or frying, and their smoked nuts are prepared in a real smoker rather than using liquid smoke.

That means you get crunch, roasted nut flavor, and seasoning together in every bite.

And these aren't snacks that need to be reserved for eating straight from the bag. The nuts can be used to add flavor and texture to salads, desserts, appetizers, main dishes, and snack boards.

Let's Talk About These Delicious Snacks!

Buttery Garlic, Lemon & Herb Roasted Cashews

These cashews sound like the perfect combination of savory, buttery, and bright flavors.

The garlic and herbs give them that wonderful savory quality, while lemon adds a little brightness that keeps the flavor from becoming too heavy.

I would enjoy these straight from the bag, but they would also be wonderful alongside:

• A creamy cheese such as brie or goat cheese

• Grilled chicken

• Lemon-herb roasted vegetables

• A fresh green salad

• Pasta dishes

• Crackers and cheese

• A glass of iced tea or sparkling water

They could also make a wonderful crunchy topping for a salad or creamy pasta dish.

Maple Brown Sugar Roasted Pecans

Now this is a flavor combination that makes me think of fall!

Maple and brown sugar are natural partners for pecans. The sweetness complements the rich, buttery flavor of the pecan while the roasting adds that wonderful crunch.

These would be delicious as an afternoon snack, but I could also see them becoming part of a breakfast or dessert.

Try them with:

• Pancakes and waffles

• French toast

• Vanilla ice cream

• Apple pie

• Baked apples

• Oatmeal

• Yogurt

• A cheese board

You could even chop them up and sprinkle them over a sweet potato casserole.

Ghirardelli Chocolate French Vanilla Roasted Cashews

Chocolate, French vanilla, and cashews? Yes, please!

This sounds like a snack made for anyone with a sweet tooth. The creamy chocolate and vanilla flavors should complement the naturally rich, buttery character of roasted cashews.

These would be especially fun for dessert trays and holiday gatherings.

I would pair them with:

• Vanilla ice cream

• Chocolate brownies

• Cheesecake

• Fresh strawberries

• Coffee

• Hot chocolate

• Milkshakes

• A dessert charcuterie board

They would also make a fun little addition to a bowl of popcorn for a sweet-and-salty movie-night snack.

Roasted Pecans, Everything Bagel

This is probably one of the flavors that immediately caught my attention because everything bagel seasoning isn't just for bagels anymore!

The savory combination of everything-bagel-style seasoning with crunchy roasted pecans gives you a snack that can work in so many different ways.

I would enjoy these with:

• Cream cheese and crackers

• Turkey or chicken sandwiches

• Salads

• Soup

• Deviled eggs

• Hummus

• Cheese boards

• Roasted vegetables

And because they have that savory seasoning, they are especially easy to turn into an ingredient for a recipe.

So I decided to create one!

Everything Bagel Roasted Pecan Chicken Salad

This is a great way to turn Captain Crazy’s Roasted Pecans Everything Bagel into more than just a snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped

• ½ cup Captain Crazy’s Roasted Pecans Everything Bagel, roughly chopped

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and black pepper.

2. Add the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, dried cranberries, and parsley.

3. Gently fold everything together until the chicken is coated.

4. Add the chopped roasted pecans to the everything bagel and gently stir them through the salad.

5. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can come together.

6. Serve on croissants, toasted bread, lettuce leaves, or your favorite crackers.

My Serving Idea

I would put this chicken salad on a buttery croissant with a little lettuce and tomato. The creamy chicken salad paired with the crunchy, savory pecans would give you a wonderful combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory in every bite.

Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix

When pumpkin season arrives, this is the kind of snack mix that belongs in the kitchen!

Captain Crazy's Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix combines roasted pecans, pretzels, and pumpkin-spice candies for a seasonal combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors.

This would be wonderful for:

• Halloween parties

• Thanksgiving gatherings

• Fall movie nights

• School or office snack tables

• Holiday gift baskets

• Road trips

I could also see this being served alongside apple cider or a warm cup of coffee.

Sweet & Salty Nutty Snack Mix

If you can't decide between sweet and salty, why choose?

Captain Crazy's Sweet & Salty Nutty Snack Mix combines roasted pecans with crunchy ingredients including caramel cheese popcorn, pretzels, and crisp rice cereal squares.

This is the kind of mix I could see disappearing quickly at a party!

It's perfect for:

• Game day

• Movie night

• Road trips

• Happy hour

• Picnics

• Family gatherings

• Snack boards

The company specifically describes its snack mixes as being suited for occasions such as road trips, game day, happy hour, charcuterie boards, and office snacks.

Captain Crazy's Makes Snacking Fun

What I really enjoy about Captain Crazy's Snack Shack is that there is a sense of fun behind the company. They aren't just selling a bag of nuts—they're creating flavors that encourage you to think about snacks differently.

From the savory Buttery Garlic, Lemon & Herb Roasted Cashews to the sweet Maple Brown Sugar Roasted Pecans, the indulgent Ghirardelli Chocolate French Vanilla Roasted Cashews, the savory Everything Bagel Pecans, and the seasonal Pumpkin Spice and Sweet & Salty Snack Mixes, there is something here for just about every kind of snacker.

And I love that the company has grown from Chris and Christy's homemade roasted-nut experiments into a larger snack shack that also helps customers discover other small and artisan food makers.

For me, snacks should be fun, flavorful, and something you look forward to grabbing from the pantry.

And with Captain Crazy's, I think they have definitely taken that idea to heart.

Life really is too short for boring snacks!

 https://captaincrazys.com

classic roasted pumpkin soup

 This classic roasted pumpkin soup combines savory aromatics, warm spices, and a touch of heavy cream for the ultimate cozy fall comfort food.

Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 45 mins | Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

• Squash: 1 sugar pie pumpkin (approx. 3–4 lbs., halved and seeded) or 2 cans (15 oz each) pure pumpkin puree
• Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion (chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp olive oil
• Liquid & Base: 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth, ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
• Seasoning & Herbs: 1 tsp ground nutmeg, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp fresh thyme, 1 tbsp maple syrup, salt and fresh black pepper to taste
• Garnish: Roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), extra heavy cream swirl, crusty bread or croutons

1.Roast the pumpkin: Roasting enhances natural sweetness and caramelization.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub the cut sides of the halved pumpkin with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 35–45 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Allow to cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh.

2.Sauté aromatics: Build the savory base layer.

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.

3.Combine base ingredients and simmer: Allow spices to blend into the broth.

Add the roasted pumpkin flesh (or canned puree), broth, maple syrup, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper into the pot. Stir well and bring a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

4.Blend until smooth: Use caution when blending hot liquids.

Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely silky and smooth. (If using a standard blender, work in batches and leave the center cap vented to release steam.)

5.Stir in cream and serve: Adjust seasoning right before plating.

Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and let it warm through over low heat for 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or maple syrup as desired. Ladle into bowls and top with toasted pepitas, a drizzle of cream, and fresh croutons.