The official Dad’s Recipe Box tasting panel (Dad and Mom) may not have certifiable palates, but we know what we like! Listed here are ingredients we think are exceptional, based on our limited, but seriously-taken sampling. We’ve checked to see if these producers take seriously the responsibility to offer high-quality products and good service when they sell direct to consumers. Funny how great products and great service go hand-in-hand, isn’t it? These suppliers have stood the test of time in our kitchen.
- California Olive Ranch — As once and forever Californians, we started using COR 100% California olive oil partly out of loyalty and partly because America’s Test Kitchen rated it at the top of the charts. COR now sells blends of olive oils from across the world, but I still buy their 100% California EVOO exclusively. Why mess with a good thing?
- Clifty Farm (Tennessee) — I came across these folks years ago. Their delicious Tennessee sausage was perfect for gravy and biscuits. Unfortunately for us, Clifty has gotten out of the country sausage business and now is exclusively a ham operation. Now, as a Virginian, I’ve got to prefer good ol’ salty Virginia ham. There are still authentic Virginia ham producers, even though local giant Smithfield, not one for real Virginia ham in our memory, is now owned by the Chinese. Sad. After a little Googling, it looks like I’m going to have to give Edwards Virginia Smokehouse a try. I’ll let you know what I find out.
- Maytag Dairy Farms — America’s best blue cheese in my book!
- Fage (fah-yay) Yogurt — best taste hands down with no ingredients that don’t belong. Healthier, too! Now that I’m not so Keto, I still get the full-fat Fage and still love it.
- Nuts.com — This gem is my go-to source for, of course, nuts, but also raisins and currants and dried cranberries. Much less expensive and fresher than the local groceries, especially when holiday cooking calls for dried fruits and nuts for breads, cookies, etc.
- King Arthur Baking — I am so happy that King Arthur decided to go into the flour business. And now it’s King Arthur Baking because they have everything you need for, well, baking. Not just flour. I like it that you can fin KA flour in every grocery store, but it always feels like I’m going to get a fresher product by getting it from the source. Maybe a little naive?
- Bob’s Red Mill — Would love to meet that nice old guy on every Red’s Mill package sometime. Is he still around, do you think? Red’s is a big business now — they have to be to supply every grocery store everywhere. And their product line is so broad, I am suspicious they are actually a subsidiary of Pillsbury or someone, but they say they are employee-owned. That’s the best kind of company. You’ve got to like their pitch: Inspiring joy with wholesome foods. Sound like nice folks.
DISCLAIMER
Dad and Mom get no consideration, kickbacks, promotional fees (or free samples, darn it!) from any of these suppliers.
Guy Cicero 
