Cackalacky: Pittsboro’s Newest Eatery

A new eatery has arrived in Chatham County! Well, sort of. Cackalacky, the North Carolina company behind the self-titled, delicious, sweet-potato-based sauce, has finally settled down in Pittsboro.

What is Cackalacky?

Thirteen years ago, the makers of Cackalacky (Pronounced “kak-uh-lak-ee”) sauce set out to create a blend of spices in their kitchen. Soon, Cackalacky was born and the owners toured the U.S. and promoted their sauce through events that incorporated singing (Yes, there’s a Cackalacky song. Watch it here!) and proclaiming that “life need not be bland any longer!” They established a name for themselves as a boutique spice company, earning several awards and media placements, including:

• Indy Week, 2013: “Thanksgiving often is a time to welcome new additions to the family table. Page Skelton of Chapel Hill-based Cackalacky is giving the tradition a sweet-and-spicy twist with the introduction today of its new Sweet Cheerwine Sauce.”
• News & Observer, 2014: “The name – whose origin is a mystery but is synonymous with the Carolinas – belongs to the sweet-potato-laced sauce that has put the Pittsboro entrepreneur’s company on the culinary map. Skelton is the creator of Cackalacky Sauce, a tangy slather for burgers and barbecue that has spawned a growing empire.”
• North Carolina Department of Agriculture, 2012: “CACKALACKY FUN FACT: Made with sweet potatoes and red wine, every bottle of Cackalacky is packed with more all-natural ingredients than the leading national hot sauce, ketchup, and mustard brands combined. It’s true! Tell your friends!”

Last year, Cackalacky partnered with Cheerwine to create Sweet Cheerwine Sauce, and recently, the company partnered with Fullsteam brewery to create Cackalacky Ginger Pale Ale. For those of you who can’t get enough, there are also Cackalacky spiced nuts, which are just as delicious as the sauce.

How Do I Use Cackalacky?

What can you use Cackalacky sauce for? Just about anything savory. The most common uses are for burgers, barbeque and meatballs, but you can use it as a dipping sauce for vegetables or as an extra condiment to you turkey sandwich. The spiciness will add flavor to all of your meals. If you’re looking for something more inventive, you can try this recipe, pulled from Cackalacky:

CACKALACKY CAVIAR SALAD

• 1 (5-ounce) bottle Original Cackalacky Spice Sauce, about 3/4 cup
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cooked black-eyed peas
• 2 cups frozen yellow or white corn kernels
• Chopped fresh cilantro as garnish (optional)
• Salt to taste (optional)

Combine all ingredients. Let stand at least 15 minutes for corn to defrost and flavors to combine. Toss. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with cilantro if desired and serve as a chip dip or side salad. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Where Is Cackalacky?

If you’re interested in learning more about the company, you should visit the website at www.Cackalacky.com.

Or, you can come and try the sauce for yourself! The Cackalacky Warehouse is now open; just head to this address and look for the van out front:

Historic Chatham Mills
480 Hillsboro St
Pittsboro, North Carolina

Also, the Warehouse and I are neighbors! So if you know where Julie Roland Realty is, Cackalacky will be an easy find.