Some flavors live forever, carried from kitchen to kitchen, passed down through stories, holidays, and Sunday dinners. For me, a huge part of that legacy starts with my maternal great- grandmother, Kittie Mae. My great-grandmother was born the year my undergraduate alma mater, Fort Valley State University was founded. She reared four girls, two boys, and few of her grandchildren in a small but loving home on her farm. When her husband died, she kept her family going through hard work, faith, and a wisdom that still informs her descendants to this day. My great grandmother’s kitchen was more than a place to cook and feed her family—it was a place where laughter, lessons, and unconditional love were always on the table. Anyone who was hungry could get a delicious meal, and she always had room at her table for one more.
When I created Grandma Kittie Mae’s House Blend, a few months ago, my intention was to capture that same spirit of the welcome table. I wanted something that would work as a marinade, an in process cooking blend, and a table blend. A true all purpose. And while Juke’s is still my go to, sometimes you just want to add a little something extra to your meal before you enjoy it. This all-purpose seasoning strikes a beautiful balance between the savory aromatics that hit your nose when you walk in a real cook’s kitchen, a necessary kick of peppers to keep your tastebuds lively, and just the right touch of salt to bring it all together. It’s a simple natural blend that’s versatile enough to be used at any point in the cooking process—whether you’re marinating chicken, roasting potatoes, or just giving your eggs a little love at breakfast. It’s also available in a salt-free version, because good flavor doesn’t have to run up your blood pressure.
More than a seasoning, it’s a tribute. It’s homage. It’s gratitude for every delicious meal I’ve had on the family farm, and every delicious meal I’ve made from the recipes she passed down. Every sprinkle is a reminder of the meals that shaped me, the wisdom that grounds me, and the belief that food has the power to connect us all. With Grandma Kittie Mae’s House Blend, I’m inviting you to bring a little of that love into your own kitchen—because home is never too far away when it’s seasoned with care.