Lewes resident develops versatile spice blend
For nearly a decade, he tweaked and tested the recipe.
But once he nailed a versatile formula of 10 spices to create the Cape Seasonings spicy Soul Blend, Butch Feeser, president and developer of the localized brand, said he began to blitzing regional farmers markets and performing cooking demonstrations to promote his new product.
Now, after 18 months of peddling the bold blend of spices at markets across the region, Feeser said his product is poised to gain shelf space in at least one big-name grocer, in addition to new health food shops and liquor stores through 2012.
“I have one blend, the Soul Blend,” he said. “Our philosophy is, keep it simple, so this is one blend that can go on anything. Seafood, steaks, snacks.”
Counting cayenne peppers, garlic and sea salt among the main ingredients, Feeser said his balance of spices and lower sodium makes Cape Seasonings a heated, but healthful option to add a lively tang to snacks, meats or virtually any meal.
“I make no bones about it; this spice is not for everybody,” he said of the fiery blend of peppers and spices, which is kosher, gluten and MSG-free. “But the people who do like this stuff like it a lot.”
Similarly to other spice mixtures available to season seafood, Cape Seasonings is available by the bottle and already sprinkled on potato chips or pretzels. With three varieties available, including original Soul Blend as well as salt and cayenne- free versions, modifications have been made for those who want to opt-out of the extreme heat associated cayenne peppers or who wish to reduce sodium, Feeser said.
Advertising health benefits associated with the capsaicin in cayenne peppers as properties of Cape Seasonings, owners of Lemon Tree restaurant on Savannah Road said the salt-free version of the spice containing cayenne peppers has been a big hit.
Lemon Tree owners Allie and Terry Thomas said they were Cape Seasonings supporters before Feeser began selling the blend to larger markets more than a year ago. Terry noted healthful aspects of the blend often have a special appeal for many customers with hypertension.
“We go back to the time when he first started mixing,” she said. “They just came out with the salt-free spice, so that is a bonus. A lot of our customers have high blood pressure.”
Allie said some of her customers have grown so fond of the seasoning, they order it on just about everything.
“A lot of our customers put it on home fries, french fries, eggs, cheesesteaks, chicken cheesesteaks,” she said. “It’s awesome on fish. Oh my God, it is to die for.”
Already planning for the New Year, Feeser will hold two cooking demonstrations in January. One will teach basic recipes, he said, while the other will provide some ideas of how to make Cape Seasonings play a starring role in any Superbowl feast.
For more information or to find out more about Cape Seasonings, visit www.capeseasonings.com.
Upcoming Cape Seasonings Live Cooking Demonstrations
Saturday, Jan.14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m: Peppers, Midway Galleria
Saturday, Jan. 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Good Earth Market, Route 26, Clarksville
Cape Seasonings is also available at the following Cape Region retailers:
Jimmy Lynn’s Seafood, 18226 Coastal Highway, Lewes
Lemon Tree, 416 E. Savannah Rd., Lewes
Lewes Fishouse, 17696 Coastal Highway, Lewes
Lloyds IGA Store, 611 Savannah Rd., Lewes
Pacific Wine and Spirits, 18578 Coastal Highway, Lewes
Coastal Wine and Spirits, 12141 Coastal Highway, Milton
Atlantic Liquors, 19108 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach
Big Fish Grill Market, 4117 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach
Peppers, 18701 Coastal Highway, Midway
Rainbow Earth Natural Foods, 220 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
Outlet Liquors, 19724 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach
Good Earth Market, Rt. 26, 31806 Good Earth Lane, Clarksville
As well as various retailers in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
