HOT + SWEET Smoked Spanish Paprika Powder adds a dash of flair and flavor to my recipes #SmokedPaprika

I love to cook and bake. Paprika is one of the more interesting herbs that you can use in your recipes to add some flair. You can add it to chile or eggplant dishes and it really brings out the flavor. I was excited to try two new kinds of Paprika from KIVA that are both a bit different. Paprika can vary widely and there are actually tons of varieties. I received one bottle of sweet and one bottle of hot smoked Spanish paprika powder.

This is not any paprika either. KIVA imports their beautiful smoked paprika from the famous La Vera region of Spain. Following a century old recipe, hand-harvested peppers are smoked dried over holm oak for a minimum of 14 days. This gives the KIVA paprika its unique rich flavor.

They are both really different though they are the same spice. Sweet Smoked Paprika has a deep, rich flavor with a slightly sweet undertone.
On the other hand, the Hot Smoked Paprika has a deep, rich, more spicy flavor.  Here is a simple recipe that I have made before that tastes wonderful. You can use either variety of Paprika depending on your personal preferences. Here is a fun appetizer or first course where you can use your paprika. I must credit Food for the idea and recipe. 

Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini

Ingredients

• 4 sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
• 2 tablespoons oil, from the tomatoes (or extra virgin olive oil)
• 8 ounces goat cheese
• 1 bunch basil leaves

• Crostini

• 1 loaf French baguette
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Slice the baguette into 1/4 thick slices.
2. Brush the slices lightly with the olive oil.
3. Place on a baking sheet and toast in a 425 oven until browned.
4. Cool completely.
5. Combine the sundried tomatoes, oil and goat cheese in a food processor and puree until very smooth. There should not be any lumps.
6. On each crostini place a small basil leaf, or half a larger leaf.
7. Spread the goat cheese mixture on the crostini, covering half way up the basil leaf.
8. Arrange on a platter and garnish platter with additional basil.

A little bit about KIVA and their spices. Their paprika is only made in small batches to ensure optimum aroma, color and flavor.  Think about all the places this paprika can add flavor and depth to rice, meat, seafood, stews, soups, eggs and even vegetables. At Kiva, they strive to provide you with innovative spices from around the world. They do this by ensuring that the food they share tastes great, is healthy and is of the highest quality. Kiva remains committed to using only ingredients that are sourced directly from local farmers that practice sustainable and eco-friendly methods.

You can pick up Kiva Hot or Sweet Smoked Spanish Paprika on Amazon for easy shopping anytime. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.