Kit O’Shell and Dave Mandeville by their ’Miners Mix’ display at the Pioneer Market in Mariposa

‘Miners Mix’ is the name of a new brand of spice mixes and rubs that can be found at many stores in Mariposa, the Sierra Foothills and the Central Valley. 

Mariposa County residents, Kit O’Shell and Dave Mandeville came up with the idea for Miners Mix. These new rubs and mixes are their result of combining different high quality spices into a tasty mix that contains no MSG, no preservatives or flavor enhancers. Dave also mentions that the products are low in salt. The Chorizo Mix uses a heritage chili that is hard to find.

Here’s a short history about the start of Miners Mix. After entering the Mariposa ‘Blazin Hog’  BBQ competition in September of 2009 with their seasoning mixes, and receiving excellent feedback, they decided to expand upon this new venture. They thought that more people would probably enjoy their rubs, so a partnership was formed and Miners Mix became a reality in late 2009. Long time BBQ’ers, Kit and Dave are both certified BBQ judges by the Kansas City Barbecue Society.

Miners Mix consists of different products that are all designed to enhance the flavor of foods. The products include an all natural steak seasoning rub, a poultry rub and a BBQ rub for slow cooked pork. There is also a garlic cheese spread that is fantastic on homemade or store purchased breads. Then there is the BBQ mix that can be combined with vinegar, molasses and ketchup to make your own Kansas City style sauce. Dave and Kit also make an ‘all natural’ Salmon Marinade that can be combined with olive oil, vinegar and soy sauce.

Miners Mix can be found at many locations: in Mariposa at Pioneer Market, Mariposa Brewery, Mariposa Marketplace, Butterfly Creek Winery, Pony Expresso, Mariposa Fruit & Nut Company, Mariposa Shipping, Triangle Market and Miners Inn Gift Shop. They can also be found  in Midpines at the Mountain View Grocery and the El Portal Market. In Merced at Merced Fruit Barn on the 140 and the Richwood Meat Company. In Oakhurst at the Oakhurst Frameworks Gifts, Idle Hour Winery and Sierra Sea Food. Kit is happy to report that more locations are being added weekly.

Dave suggests to leave the rubs on for at least a few hours, or even up to a day, before cooking for the best flavor. He also said these rubs are low in salt so you can use quite a bit without overpowering the flavor of the meats. Dave also recommended combining  the rubs with a high quality olive oil. He also suggests trying these rubs on mushrooms that are skewered and then placed on the BBQ for a wonderful added flavor.

Gift baskets that combine several of the rubs and mixes can also be purchased for your holiday and gift giving needs.

Miners Mix can be ordered on their website and you can read about Joshua Shelby who inspired today’s line of Miners Mix rubs. Grillin’ tips and recipes can be found on the website as well.

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