September 12, 2023

September 12th, 2023: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Biting into the Burgh with a Splash of Ketchup: My Plea to Heinz

Ah, Pittsburgh! My cherished hometown with its bridges, steel, and the iconic Heinz Ketchup. After gallivanting across the globe and immersing myself in diverse cuisines, coming back to the 'Burgh was like wrapping myself in a nostalgic blanket – comfortable, yet oddly unfamiliar. You see, when you've grown up a "Pittsburgh Vanray", trotted off to an international school in Europe, and returned with an accent that isn’t quite Pittsburghese anymore, things can feel just a tad bit different.

But home has its unique way of teaching. This time, it has been about Heinz – an entity so intertwined with the heart of Pittsburgh that it's hard to separate the two. For those unaware, Heinz isn't just a ketchup brand; it's an institution. Founded in 1869, its story runs parallel with the very growth and evolution of Pittsburgh. From its original factory in the Strip District to the philanthropic deeds of the Heinz Endowments, this company has, over the decades, echoed the ethos of the city – genuine, hardworking, and ever-enduring.

Now, as I wander through the Heinz History Center, or gaze upon the majestic Heinz Memorial Chapel, I'm struck with an inspiration – to bridge the traditional with the exotic, to bring a piece of Pittsburgh to the world through a culinary celebration.

And so, I'm hoping to pen a cookbook – a compilation of 40 global recipes all proudly featuring Heinz ketchup. Imagine a symphony of flavors where Heinz ketchup doesn't just play a condiment but a leading ingredient, transforming each dish.

Speaking of transformations, let me share one such recipe. I call it "Ketchup Glazed Moroccan Lamb Chops."

Ketchup Glazed Moroccan Lamb Chops

Ingredients:

• 6 Lamb chops

• ½ cup Heinz ketchup

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh mint, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• In a bowl, whisk together the ketchup, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.

• Marinate the lamb chops in this mixture for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

• Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the lamb chops for 4 minutes each side or until your preferred doneness.

• Plate up, garnish with fresh mint, and serve!

During a sojourn in the aromatic souks of Marrakech, I was captivated by the spices that whispered tales of ancient caravans and age-old recipes. Drawing inspiration from that vivid experience, I've crafted the Ketchup Glazed Moroccan Lamb Chops. Tender lamb chops serve as the canvas for a distinctive glaze that marries the unmistakable sweetness and tang of Heinz ketchup with the nuanced blend of cumin and a whisper of smoky paprika. This melding of flavors embodies the spirit of culinary exploration and innovation.

On the grill, the chops release an aroma that's both inviting and evocative, with the ketchup glaze turning into a caramelized, glossy embrace around the lamb. Upon tasting, the lamb's natural richness harmoniously intertwines with the bright and spicy notes of the sauce, reminiscent of a bustling Moroccan bazaar.

To complement these chops, I accompany them with a side of couscous studded with raisins and toasted almonds, providing varied textures and tastes. A cooling drizzle of mint-infused yogurt sauce ties the ensemble together, adding another layer of depth. This dish stands as a testament to the transformative power of ingredients, demonstrating how even a classic like Heinz ketchup can elevate a culinary creation.

Heinz, with all the respect and admiration I have for your legacy, I put forth my proposal. Let's embark on this culinary journey together, celebrating the fusion of the familiar with the foreign. After all, isn't that what travel, exploration, and food are all about?