It’s no surprise that the turkey will be hot, spicy and flavourful at Areeda Fuller’s house this Christmas.
Fuller, who lives in Minnow Lake, will be using her own line of “De Spice is Right” marinades along with her seasonal spicy cranberry sauce when she feeds her husband and siblings.
Inspired by her mother and father’s restaurant ventures in San Fernando, Trinidad growing up, she always dreamed of having her own line of goods when she moved to Canada in 1994.
An early childhood educator by trade, she says cooking has always been her passion.
“By the time I was 10 years of age, I was perfecting curry chicken with rice,” said Fuller. “As I got older, I was always hosting potlucks and socials and was known for a table of spicy foods.”
Fuller said the idea to launch her line always crossed her mind, but it took government regulation changes for her to consider the saucy start-up.
In January 2021, the Ontario government relaxed rules on home food businesses. Fuller said she was the first person locally to contact the health unit with a keen interest.
By May, her kitchen was open for business and there were 220 freshly made orders to fill.
Her family in Canada is no stranger to the food sector.
Fuller’s sister, Marida Mohammed, was the runner up in the 2014 season of Masterchef Canada. Marida and sister Narida have their own special gourmet spice line in Southern Ontario called “Twice the Spice”.
Fuller says her mom would be “smiling in heaven,” as she always pushed her to pursue her food dreams.
Her hot ticket items are the creamy garlic or creamy caesar salad dressings, and the Trinidad, pineapple and spicy chili hot sauces. Two marinades that customers love are the cilantro lime marinade and the dill.
Right now, interested customers can visit the Independent in Hanmer, Adoro Olive Oils & Vinegars or her website.
Fuller said there has been lots of local interest. But as a sole proprietor and one-woman show, she recognizes the need to go slow and keep loving her hobby. She admits she is a sight to see some days.
“When the hot peppers and cilantro and other products come in, I need to act on the freshness,” she said.
“I put in eight-hour days, making batches of about 100 sauces or rubs while listening to Calypso in a hair net and rubber gloves with my mouth on fire. I spend the day with heartburn because I have to taste test every batch.”
She urges customers to visit her Facebook feed as the ideas that customers come up with are featured and inspire even her.
“I post a lot of the dishes customers make,” Fuller said. “From hot and spicy perogies to garlic dressing for pizza dipping, everyone gives and shares more ideas. Some people curry every fish they catch at camp. Some people use the marinade as a cracker dip.”
Next up, Fuller is working on a cookbook that will showcase her line of sauces, dressings, marinades and rubs. She also dreams of opening up a small, quaint five table restaurant one day.
De Spice is Right can be found on Facebook.
A new website has also been launched this month, just in time for Christmas.
Anastasia Rioux is a freelance writer in Greater Sudbury.
