Not Just a Sidekick: The Surprising Power of Condiments in Everyday Cooking

Walk into almost any kitchen, and you’ll find them—tucked in the fridge door, stacked on pantry shelves, or quietly waiting by the stove: condiments. Ketchup, mustard, mayo, hot sauce. Most of us use them without much thought, like a final sprinkle of salt. But what if we told you that condiments have shaped the way civilizations eat, influenced global trade, and could transform even your most boring dinner into something unforgettable?

Yes, they’re that powerful.

At In the Kitchen with Alexandra, condiments aren’t an afterthought. They’re the star. From our bold Caribbean-inspired Alexandra's Pikliz® Hot Sauce to our sweet-and-fiery Alexandra's Pikliz® Infused Hot Honey, we craft each one with purpose: to elevate the everyday.

But before we dive into the delicious ways to use them, here are a few surprising facts about condiments that might just change how you see your spice rack.

The Secret History of the Stuff in Your Fridge

1. Ketchup Was Never Meant to Be Tomato-Based

The ketchup we know today is the result of centuries of experimentation. The original "kôe-chiap" was a savory, salty sauce from 17th-century China made from preserved ingredients—nothing like the sweet tomato version we now squeeze onto burgers and fries. By the 1800s, American recipes replaced fermented fish with tomatoes and sugar, turning ketchup into the tangy staple we recognize today.

2. Mustard Was Once a Medicine

Ancient Romans used mustard to flavor food—and to treat sore muscles and even snake bites. The heat from crushed mustard seeds was believed to “draw out” illness. Whether it cured anything or not, mustard definitely stuck around. And that same sinus-clearing sharpness we enjoy on sausages today? Romans were doing it centuries ago.

Caribbean Condiments That Pack a Punch

One condiment that hasn’t strayed far from its purpose—but has evolved beautifully—is pikliz. A Haitian pepper slaw traditionally served with fried pork or fish, it’s spicy, tangy, and cuts through rich foods like nothing else.

We fell in love with it—and made it our own.

Alexandra's Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish: A smooth, spoonable version of the traditional Haitian staple. No chunky cabbage—just real vegetables, real heat, and real versatility.
Alexandra's Pikliz® Hot Sauce: A bold, pourable blend of fresh peppers and bright flavor. Not overly vinegary, not fermented—just fresh and fiery.
Alexandra's Pikliz® Infused Hot Honey: Sweet meets heat in this wildly addictive blend of real honey and our proprietary pepper infusion. Once you try it, you’ll look for excuses to use it.

These aren’t just condiments. They’re the main event.

Unexpected Ways to Use Alexandra's Pikliz®

We’ve seen customers get wildly creative. Here are some clever, flavor-packed ways to use our condiments that go beyond sandwiches and wings.

Alexandra's Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish

Stir into deviled eggs for a kick of heat and tang.
Mix with sour cream or cream cheese for a spicy dip.
Add a spoonful to taco meat, burger patties, or pulled pork.

Alexandra's Pikliz® Hot Sauce

Swirl into ranch dressing for the best spicy ranch you’ve ever had.
Drizzle over roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots.
Add to scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, or even ramen noodles.

Alexandra's Pikliz® Infused Hot Honey

Glaze over grilled salmon or chicken thighs.
Use as a dipping sauce for fried shrimp or chicken tenders.
Drizzle over goat cheese or blue cheese on a charcuterie board.
Yes, even try a few drops on vanilla ice cream—you won’t regret it.

Are Condiments Actually Good for You?

While we don’t claim to be a health food company, we do believe in clean, quality ingredients—and our condiments reflect that.

No fermentation, no artificial additives. Just real vegetables, spices, vinegar, and honey.
No mystery ingredients—everything is listed, everything is purposeful.
Peppers naturally contain capsaicin, which has been linked to metabolism support and reduced inflammation.
Honey provides a natural sweetener with antioxidant properties.

You’re not just adding flavor—you’re adding intention.

What Our Customers Are Saying

These are just a few of the real reviews we’ve received from customers who’ve tried Alexandra's Pikliz®:

“Had this with nachos and man was that good! Not crazy spicy but just enough to feel it.”
— Amazon Reviewer

“THIS IS VERY TASTY, YES IT IS SPICY, BURN YOUR TONGUE KIND OF SPICY. NOT TO FRET, THAT BURN DOES NOT LAST. THE FLAVOR IS COMPLEX AND DELICIOUS. I KNOW IT WILL BE PERFECT ON MOST FOODS, HOWEVER, I LIKE IT ON SCRAMBLED EGGS.”
— Angie A.

“My nephew loves hot and spicy food so he loved this gift. He thought of several ways to enjoy it, such as on toast, over cream cheese with crackers, etc. I’ll probably be ordering more.”
— Amazon Reviewer

“A great balance of heat and flavor. I love that it’s not vinegary or overpowering. It’s great on everything.”
— Customer via Website

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Condiments Deserve the Spotlight

Too often, condiments get treated like background singers—meant to support the “real” food. But the truth is, the right condiment doesn’t just support a dish. It makes the dish.

That’s why every jar of Alexandra's Pikliz® is crafted with fresh ingredients, bold Caribbean inspiration, and the goal of turning everyday meals into something worth remembering.

So go ahead—shake that bottle, twist that lid, and let condiments take the lead for once.