Football and Soul Food { A Review and Giveaway with KYVAN }

"Cooking is a way of life in the South, and nobody knows that better than NFL Pro Reggie Kelly, owner of KYVAN Soul Food Selections." 

The above line is the first in the "about" section of the KYVAN website. I couldn't introduce today's new products to you any better than that, so I decided to allow them to do it for me. For those of you who don't follow NFL football like we do, Reggie Kelly played 13 years professionally with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Atlanta Falcons; and even though he has traveled the world, he never forgot where he came from.

 "Since I was a little boy, cooking in my household has been an event within itself and my family is a big reason why I love to cook.  Growing up, they would always tell me, "Reggie, when you cook, make sure you do it with love."  "My family believed  that great meals should be prepared  in such a way that once eaten,  it would touch your "SOUL". I gathered that I should cook in such a way that first time visitors would feel welcomed..feel as though they are a part of my family."

Named after his children, Kyla and Kavan, KYVAN is truly a family owned and operated business. And I love that! From barbecues sauces, to salsa to seasoning mixes, they have a little something soul for everyone! So I was honored when Reggie's wife, Sheila contacted me about trying some of their delicious products in my kitchen and then sharing with you!

I decided on the Sweet Barbecue Sauce and the Blackberry Honey, and I can tell you right now I made a very wise, and yummy, choice. I am a barbecue sauce snob. I'm the first one to admit that. I have to love it from the first bite, or I won't enjoy it. And with KYVAN's...I certainly did. It's sweet but not too sweet. It really allows the flavor of the meat (or in this case seafood) still shine through. It compliments without overpowering. 

And the Blackberry Honey...well, let's just say that I could drink that stuff with a straw! It is truly some of the best honey I've ever had. (Oh, and after you use it in this recipe, try it on some cornbread still warm from the oven. We did and Oh My-lanta...it was to die for!) 

I didn't just taste quality, I could taste the love and attention that goes into every single KYVAN product. You can tell they enjoy what they are doing, and want to bring the very best products to their consumers. 

I thought the flavors of the barbecue sauce and honey would actually compliment each other very nicely, so I decided to feature them both in a light summer time salad, perfect for lunch or supper. The crunch, fresh veggies, sweet barbecued shrimp and tangy yet sweet dressing all play off each other so well, it's a real flavor extravaganza for your taste buds! 

We love a big salad meal during these dog days of summer, and if you do too, you are gonna love this one. Plus, you have the chance to win your very own samples of the same things I used in this recipe. Just keep scrolling down for the GIVEAWAY! And be sure to check out KYVAN on all their social media outlets (Listed below) for more info!

Barbecued Shrimp Salad with Blackberry Honey Vinaigrette

14 medium shrimp, tail on
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 TBS lemon juice
3 TBS olive oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/4. KYVAN Sweet Barbecue Sauce
1 (5.5 oz) container field green lettuce mix
1/4 c. sliced almonds
1/2 c. red onion, sliced thin
4-6 medium radishes, sliced thin

Dressing:
2 TBS Dijon mustard
2 TBS red wine vinegar
1 TBS olive oil
1 tsp. KYVAN blackberry honey

In a medium bowl combine shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix to combine. Marinade 1-2 hours in fridge. When ready, preheat grill to medium-high. Spray with cooking spray. Skewer shrimp. Sear on both sides for about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low. Baste shrimp with barbecue shrimp until cooked through and pink. About 5-7 minutes.

To make dressing, whisk together all ingredients until well combined. To assemble salads, divide lettuce, onions, radish and almonds evenly on 2 large plates. Top each salad with 7 shrimp each. Serve with dressing on side. Makes 2 dinner size salads.

Shared on The Country Cook Aug. 2, 2013

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********Giveaway********

Rules:

1. This contest is open to US Residents 18 and older ONLY.

2. The winner will be chosen by Random.org 

3. The winner will be notified by email and Facebook. He/she will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. I will then pass on your address to the sponsor for shipping.

4. When leaving comments for entries, they MUST BE SEPARATE ones AND include an email address so it's easy for me to find the winner. If entries are together, it will only count as (1) and if no email, entry will not be considered.

5. If any of the extra entries are items you are already doing, please just remind me!

6. Contest Ends: Friday Aug. 9, 2013  

One Lucky Winner Will Receive:

(1) Sweet Barbecue Sauce
(1) Blackberry Honey

Mandatory Entry:

1.Become a fan of KYVAN on Facebook. Leave a comment when you have.

Extra Entries:

1. Follow KYVAN on Twitter. Leave a comment when you have.

2. Follow KYVAN on Pinterest. Leave a comment when you have. 

3. Follow KYVAN on Instagram. Leave a comment when you have.

4. Take a look around the KYVAN site. Tell me what other product you would love to try.

That makes up to 5 entries per person!!!

Good Luck!

Disclaimer: I was provided with free product for this review, and an extra one for a fan giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.