Page 21 - Greet HWY 68 Loop 07.25

GOOD FOOD PREFERRED PARTNERS

FIRE CRACKERS Fire Crackers, also known as Alabama

Crackers, are an easy and equally tasty bite,
perfect for Fourth of July! Bay
BY LAUREN LOIACONO, TORO PARK

Growing up, my very Southern DIRECTIONS
Aunt Shirley always had a version 1. In a large Ziploc bag, mix all Custom
of these ready for us on our visits to the spices and the oil together.
see her in Mississippi, and we still 2. Add the saltine crackers, seal the
request that she bring us packets of bag, and turn it over multiple times
the seasoning whenever she makes until all the crackers are coated with Tile &
her way to us in California. This the mix. The more times you turn,
recipe is my version of what we the better they will be coated. See
had growing up, but feel free to fuss bag aside and allow the crackers to
with the ingredients and make them marinate for 6-8 hours or overnight. Stone
your own!! Enjoy with some extra 3. Once the crackers have marinated,
crunchy peanuts and a cold beer for preheat your oven to 275°F. In
the perfect summer snack! 2-3 separate batches, lay the
crackers mostly flat on an unlined
INGREDIENTS cookie sheet and back for 20
• 1 1/2 11oz boxes of mini saltines minutes or until golden brown. WE’RE CATCHING UP WITH Johnny Chavez and
• 4 tbsp ranch dressing seasoning his wife, Stephanie, of Bay Custom Tile & Stone
(homemade or store-bought) to learn a bit about this family-owned business.
• 1 tsp garlic powder Here’s what Johnny proudly shares... “Our family
• 1 tsp onion powder has lived in the area for 25 years, and we’ve added
• 1/2 tsp black pepper to our generational roots with our two boys, Stefanie and Johnny Chavez, owners of Bay Custom Tile and Stone
• 1/2 tsp salt Lauren is our Toro Park who are growing up loving all things outdoors.
• 2 tbsp red pepper flakes resident foodie. She loves Spending time with family and friends, helping
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to cook for her family and our local community, and living in this beautiful area with NEW THIS MONTH
• 1 3/4 avocado or olive oil friends using only “good nature and agriculture around us is what makes this place so
food” as her ingredients. special.” “Our family came here as immigrants who worked
She hopes you enjoy preparing in different trades and agriculture. Bay Custom Tile & Stone
her favorite recipes. was founded on the hard work and endurance of my brother,
Ramon, who learned the trade at the age of 18. I came from
the welding trade, but I joined forces with Ramon seven years
ago. Together, our dedication and passion for our work and
clients have been the heart of our business. We pride ourselves
in providing quality service and ensuring that our customers
are beyond satisfied with our craftsmanship.” “We have a great YOUR TRUSTED
team of fabricators, Jose and Polo, who add so much detail to
their work and the way they finesse every stone they lay their GARAGE DOOR
hands on. Jesus, our lead tile setter, is a master in his trade;
his attention to detail and efficient work are a blessing to our EXPERTS
team. Our newest apprentices are learning the trade with the
same dedication and perfection. It’s an in Salinas
honor to pass along the knowledge that
Residential Garage Doors:
Openers & Accessories:
Ramon passed on to me.” “The best part Modern Aluminum, Fiberglass, Installation and maintenance of
of our work is seeing the results and our Steel, Vinyl, and Wood options. top-tier openers and accessories.
customers’ satisfaction when we bring Commercial Solutions: Repairs & Maintenance:
their ideas to life.” Rolling, High-Speed, Sectional, Comprehensive service for all
and Wind Load Doors. garage door needs
Enhance your property’s curb appeal and security.
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM Contact us today for a free consultation!
16500 Tarpey Rd. 733 Sanborn Place,
Royal Oaks, CA 95076 Salinas, CA 93901
831-247-7323 (831) 422-3667

20 July 2025 Greet HWY 68 Loop 21