Dave brings his passion for food and culinary experience as host of The Food Origins Podcast (Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast - Also on 17 other listening platforms including Google, Stitcher and many others.)
Dave was born and raised in San Francisco, CA. Growing up Japanese and Caucasian , Dave was exposed to many cultures and cuisines immediately. Watching and learning from his late Mother set the seeds of his pure joy of cooking. As a graduate of the City College of San Francisco’s Hotel & Restaurant program, Dave cooked professionally all over the San Francisco Bay Area for five years working in numerous restaurants, catering and corporate food services. With some unfortunate burn out, Dave went on work as a service advisor for a high end car dealer. While working there, he transitioned to one of his dream jobs as a San Francisco Police Officer. After 15 years in Law Enforcement, injuries caused Dave to retire. Cooking became my therapy after my Mother passed away. Dave always cooked throughout his careers, sharing many dishes to family , friends and coworkers. Dave has been fortunate to have met a wide range of people from many aspects of life and can’t wait share their food origin stories!
Explore some recipes by Dave Sands below:
Hot & Fast Hybrid Ribs (Sous Vide + Oven)
Written By: Dave Sands
Here’s a “Hot & Fast Hybrid Ribs Recipe” using sous vide + oven roasting — ideal when you want **tender ribs in less time** and still get that satisfying caramelized finish. This method gives you consistent, juicy results in about 4 hours total, using sous vide to speed up the tenderness and the oven to build flavor and bark!
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Feta Cucumber Salad
Written By: Dave Sands
What better way to start to any meal than with a spicy salad! This mouthwatering Feta Cucumber Salad will warm you up for your main course, while making you wish you had a bigger bowl.
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Smoked Tri-Tip with Chimichurri made with Hot Salt
Written By: Dave Sands
This smoked tri-tip is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor, perfectly complemented by a fresh and zesty chimichurri sauce.
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Not Your Average Avocado Toast!
Written By: Dave Sands
Forget the overdone hipster versions—this Firecracker Farm avocado toast packs bold flavor with our signature hot salt and a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and a kick of heat.
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Charred Cabbage with Yogurt Sauce
Written By: Dave Sands
Smoky, crispy, and bursting with bold flavors, this charred cabbage recipe brings out the natural sweetness of cabbage while pairing it with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce.
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Sous Vide NY Strip Steak
Written By: Dave Sands
Making a delicious sous vide NY strip steak in just 60 minutes is absolutely doable—and it results in a steak that’s perfectly cooked, incredibly tender, and packed with flavor.
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Pickled Onions with Orange Zest and Oregano
Written By: Dave Sands
Add a vibrant burst of flavor to your meals with these Pickled Onions with Orange Zest and Oregano! The sharpness of the onions is balanced by the bright citrusy notes of orange zest and the earthy tones of oregano, all elevated with a kick of Firecracker Farm’s Hot Pepper Salt.
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Parmesan Crusted Spicy Sweet Potatoes
Written By: Dave Sands
These crispy, golden sweet potatoes take center stage with a savory parmesan crust and a hint of spice from Firecracker Farm’s Hot Pepper Salt. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, this recipe balances sweet and savory flavors with the aromatic kick of fresh herbs and smoked paprika.
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Crispy Chicken Turkish Flatbread with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce and Pickled Onions
Written By: Dave Sands
This dish combines crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken thighs with soft, homemade Turkish flatbread, topped with a refreshing cilantro yogurt sauce and tangy pickled onions. And, of course, it’s finished with Firecracker Farm’s Three Kings Hot Salt for that signature kick.
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Protein Packed Fried Rice
Written By: Dave Sands
Elevate your fried rice game with this protein-packed, flavor-loaded dish! Featuring tender cubes of steak or chicken, fluffy eggs, and the perfect kick of Firecracker Farm's Three Kings Hot Pepper Salt, this fried rice is a satisfying and customizable meal.
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Spiced Nuts
Written By: Dave Sands
A crunchy, sweet, and savory snack with a kick, these homemade spiced nuts are packed with flavor! Coated in a blend of paprika, cinnamon, and a dash of Firecracker Farm's Hot Salt, this roasted nut mix offers the perfect balance of warmth and heat.
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Char-Grilled Yuzu Chicken Thighs with Firecracker Salt
Written By: Dave Sands
These perfectly marinated chicken thighs are grilled for deep umami flavor, kissed with Bachan’s Yuzu, and finished with Firecracker Farm Three Kings Hot Salt and scallions. A tray of pure, picture-perfect flavor.
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Smoked Beef Rib Trimmings with Honey Butter Finish
Written By: Dave Sands
Tender, smoky beef ribs trimmed from a whole ribeye, seasoned with a fusion of Japanese and Mexican spices — plus Firecracker Farm Hot Salt. Smoked low and slow with a honey butter wrap for a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
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Smoked Tri-Tip and Cheese Bread
Written By: Dave Sands
Smoked tri-tip meets melty Tillamook cheddar in this bold, flavor-loaded take on meat and bread. Seasoned with Firecracker Farm Three Kings Hot Salt and a killer dry rub from Senor Lechuga x Huckberry.
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TORCHED
Written By: Dave Sands
Torched salmon sushi gets the full flavor upgrade — Firecracker Farm Hot Salt, Kelp Chili Crisp, creamy Kewpie, and crispy garlic for the ultimate umami bomb.
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