I’m always game for a free sample, who isn’t? Just look at Costco. The end of each aisle looks like feeding time at the koi pond. However, instead of having to fight off crowds at Costco, in my inbox was a pleasant e-mail from the GraceKennedy food people from Jamaica offering free samples of their Caribbean spices. All I had to do is say “yes please”, and a week or so later, a box brimming with bottles of rubs and sauces arrived.

I have made my own marinades and attempted a few dry rubs, which work just fine. And although my spice cupboard is fully stocked, my spice blends end up tasting mostly the same. I was excited to try the marinade samples.

We have tried both the Pineapple Coconut Sensation (which I mistakenly used as a rub instead of a sauce…. no problem though. The extra sugar gave the meat nice crusty bits), and the Roasted Garlic and Peppers blend. Both are delicious. The sauces taste great. We have tried them with both pork and chicken, and the meat has come out tender and delicious on both counts.

So if you want to shake up your spice flavours, I do encourage you to try a bottle of Grace Caribbean Tradition spice blends.