Shall I “dare to disturb the universe?”(T.S. Elliot’s classic poem, The Wasteland.) The answer from the World Wide Web and popular literature (aka social media) screams yes. Dreams are to be followed. Wishes of the heart are to be fulfilled.
Even the wise poet/philosopher of the 1800s, Henry David Thoreau penned, “Do not lose hold of your dreams or aspirations. For if you do, you may still exist but you have ceased to live.”
Yet to follow the path that beckons can be a challenge for some of us. We live in a real world where responsible people pay bills. Thank goodness we can learn from inspirational entrepeneurs like Erika Kerekes, Inventor and CEO of NotKetchup.
Not a drop of artificial coloring or preservative touches Erika’s sauces.
Not Ketchup comes in 4 flavors:
Cherry Chipotle, Blueberry White Pepper, Smoky Date and Spicy Fig.
Photo courtesy of Christina Peters Photography
Erika’s empire started with a cherry picking field trip with her children. Motivated by the plump juicy rubies, they plucked pounds of the stone fruits. Fatigued from days of baking cherry pies and cherry jam-making, Erika fell into a deep slumber. The idea for Not Ketchup (a fruit-based sauce without tomatoes) came to her in a dream. Erika trusted the vision enough to explore the possibilities. Also, she’d had her fill of stirring jams and baking pies. “I just couldn’t look at another jar of jam.”
Erika is a graduate of Yale University. Yet we can all learn from her smart moves. She did her homework, saved her money and then proceeded with manufacturing and distribution. When it came to PR, she wasn’t afraid to ask for help. Erika reached out to fellow food bloggers to spread the word. But, she didn’t just rely on others goodwill. Erika went to town on social media. She covered endless miles traveling to food and trade shows. In fact, Not Ketchup has just won the People's Choice Award for Best New Product at the Western Foodservice and Hospitality Expo in Anaheim.
At the Florida Food and Wine Conference 2014:
Yours truly, the Retro Rad Diva, Emily Ellyn, Erika Kerekes of Not Ketchup
and the Saucy Queen of Intensity Academy, Michele Northrup.
This CEO dynamo of Not Ketchup spoke at the Food and Wine Conference in Florida this year. So the crowd could savor her all-natural ingredients sauces she gave away bottles of her Not Ketchup for free. (Another smart move!)
Not Ketchup Cherry Chipotle Ice Cream and Brownies
This Ninja Baker had a vision of Not Ketchup Cherry Chipotle Brownies baking while Not Ketchup Cherry Chipotle Ice Cream churned. The result? As cherry chipotle ice cream touches the tongue, a distinct fresh cherry flavor emerges. Then an aftertaste of a smoky aged wine appears. (Perhaps from the apple cider vinegar in the Not Ketchup sauce.)
Not Ketchup Cherry Chipotle Brownies
As for the brownies – spectacular! I substituted Not Ketchup Cherry Chipotle for the chipotle called for in Chef Emeril Lagasse’s brownie recipe. My dance classmates devoured the fudgy crisp-topped squares. There was not much heat though. So, if you like that chipotle touch in your brownie, double or triple the amount called for in Chef Emeril’s recipe.
I've also used Not Ketchup Blueberry White Pepper in chicken and cupcakes. The recipes are here.
