Deep River Mesquite Bbq

Deep River Mesquite BBQ is a snack-aisle potato chip. The name points to a mesquite-smoke barbecue seasoning, and that flavor sets how you should serve and pair it. Chips in this style usually lead with a sweet-smoky seasoning of paprika, brown-sugar sweetness and a gentle tang, with a savory finish. Mesquite flavoring tends to read as dry, woody smoke rather than the sticky sweetness of a molasses-style sauce. Expect the seasoning to coat your fingers, and expect the flavor to build the further you get into the bag. Check the package for the exact ingredient list and any allergen notes. Serve them straight from the bag at room temperature. Chilling dulls the seasoning, and a warm room can soften the crunch. For a party, pour them into a wide, shallow bowl rather than a deep one, so the chips on top don't crush the ones below. Reseal the bag tightly after opening, because open chips go stale faster than most snacks. Smoky barbecue flavor pairs well with drinks that are crisp, cold and a little bitter or acidic, which cut through the seasoning. A pilsner, a pale lager or an amber ale are the easy matches. A dry hard cider works too, and so does a sparkling water with citrus if you want something non-alcoholic. For something stronger, bourbon on the rocks or a rye highball picks up the smoky and sweet notes in the seasoning. Among foods, the chips suit burgers, grilled sausages, pulled pork sandwiches and sharp cheddar. Crushed, they also make a smoky crunch for mac and cheese or a baked potato.