The Toad & The Butterfly, a Blog
A deeper cinnamon flavor, by design
If you have ever wondered why Fat Toad Farm Cinnamon Caramel tastes so layered and balanced, here is the secret: we use two kinds of cinnamon. On purpose.
26,000 pounds of trust
I just finalized our projected needs for the 2026 growing season. I send our totals to the farms we work with, they tell me what they can grow and at what price, and then I spread our orders across all of them.
Love at first spoonful
I think that Valentine's Day is as much about joy as it is about love. Joy for others, joy for yourself, joy for existence.
From Guster to Hot Ones
I have always loved the depth and texture of roasted butternut squash, and I was thrilled to discover it was the perfect foil for smoked onions and red jalapeños. The result was Ooh La La, a sauce I adore just as much as the album itself.
Putting my mark on our bestselling flavored caramel
When you cook with alcohol, especially in caramel, you concentrate everything. Good flavors get better. Bad flavors get louder. With only five ingredients in our Salted Bourbon Caramel, there is nowhere for a bad bourbon to hide.
We're back on Hot Ones!
4th time's a charm. We're back on Hot Ones. Meet Smoked Serrano Squash Reaper X!
4 Years of Wanting it Back
Every once in a while we make a sauce that folks just can't get out of their brains.
Caramel Isn't Just For Dessert
It’s just as good on a cheese board as it is as a snack at the counter while dinner’s in the oven.
January, Simple and Tasty
My husband is stretched out on the other one, and my daughters are being wonderfully goofy while working on a bunny-in-an-umbrella puzzle at the kitchen table. It’s nothing special. It’s everything.
You're doing great.
Wherever you are tonight, however you are celebrating, however much is done or undone, we hope you feel proud of yourself.
Reflections on a big little year
It’s hard to believe that “Small Farms, Big Flavor” is less than a year old. We’ve been living that life for over 20 years, but only gave it a name in the last few months. And when something has a name, it has power.
A Peek Behind the Microbatch Magic
Our microbatch process has shifted a lot over the years, but right now we release three batches a month. Most are brand new. Some are fan favorites that we bring back because we like to keep y’all happy.
Two new micro batch hot sauces and a favorite back...
Almost of the year's peppers are in and our kitchen smells like fall. This month’s micro batches are all about autumn flavors.
Making hot sauce is empowering. But making mustard is humbling
Mustard is almost as versatile as hot sauce. Think sausages, sandwiches, salads, pretzels, tofu, or stir fry. Or, do like my mom and spread on a wedge of cabbage.
