I think I am going to say good-bye to this blog.
While I have really enjoyed posting, I don't feel like I am able to continue contributing to it like I want to. I plan to rethink my blogging options, and I may start another one soon. I plan to leave this blog active (at least for now) so feel free to browse old posts.
Until we meet again...
The rut-buster
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Falling off the wagon
I don't think I have been to the grocery store for a good 3 weeks. At least not to do more than pick up some milk or a bag of baby carrots. Need proof?
I promise I'll be back soon. Stay tuned...
I promise I'll be back soon. Stay tuned...
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Those old-timers know their baked goods
Have you ever heard of a burnt sugar cake? Before last week, I know I hadn't. My 94-year-old yahtzee buddy told me about this cake that her sister used to make, describing it as "out of this world." I knew that was a lot to live up to, but I still planned to surprise my buddy by making a burnt sugar cake for her birthday this week.
So, the internet searches began. I found a few different recipes and finally settled on this one... mostly because it had pictures and the blogger thoroughly described each step. I didn't want to screw this up.
Old-Time Burnt Sugar Cake
Ok... you've seen the picture. Need I say more?
This may be one of the moistest, flavorful cakes I have ever had. It is nice and dense like a home made banana cake, but with a flavor and richness that is all its own. The frosting that the recipe calls for actually didn't work out for me. It had a nice caramel flavor after it sat a bit, but I think it just had way too much powdered sugar for my taste. Some might like it just fine, but I really thought I could do better. So I did.
Caramel Frosting II Recipe
This frosting was outstanding. I didn't want to stop eating it. There are a million different ways of making caramel frosting, and I actually picked this one because it seemed like one of the simplest recipes and had a lot of good reviews. I've only made my own frosting a handful of times, but this was the closest to what I was used to. I guess I knew I really couldn't go wrong when it started by melting a stick of butter with a cup of brown sugar.
So, if you'd like to try your hand at this unique cake, I have two suggestions:
So, the internet searches began. I found a few different recipes and finally settled on this one... mostly because it had pictures and the blogger thoroughly described each step. I didn't want to screw this up.
Old-Time Burnt Sugar Cake
Ok... you've seen the picture. Need I say more?
This may be one of the moistest, flavorful cakes I have ever had. It is nice and dense like a home made banana cake, but with a flavor and richness that is all its own. The frosting that the recipe calls for actually didn't work out for me. It had a nice caramel flavor after it sat a bit, but I think it just had way too much powdered sugar for my taste. Some might like it just fine, but I really thought I could do better. So I did.
Caramel Frosting II Recipe
This frosting was outstanding. I didn't want to stop eating it. There are a million different ways of making caramel frosting, and I actually picked this one because it seemed like one of the simplest recipes and had a lot of good reviews. I've only made my own frosting a handful of times, but this was the closest to what I was used to. I guess I knew I really couldn't go wrong when it started by melting a stick of butter with a cup of brown sugar.
So, if you'd like to try your hand at this unique cake, I have two suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of burnt sugar you make in the recipe (you only use 1/2 cup for the actual cake, the rest is reserved for the frosting) and make the caramel frosting instead.
- Work quickly when spreading the caramel frosting. It sets up pretty fast and I just barely finished frosting the cake before it was really starting to harden and clump on me.
I know this cake doesn't win any points for being "light," but it certainly gets a 5/5 review from me for sweetness, texture, and flavor. Hey, if you're gonna splurge, might as well make it worth it!
Oh, and my yahtzee buddy? She loved it!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Smmmokin'
One of my sisters recently sent me a link for a Rachel Ray homemade mac and cheese recipe. Although there are countless recipes and variations on this traditional favorite, this particular recipe struck me because of its unique flavors and stove top cooking method. So last week I grabbed the special ingredients I would need - spiral pasta, smoked cheddar (found in the fancy cheese section, not with the regular block cheese), and chipotle chilis in adobo sauce. Friday night was testing time.
Overall rating: 4/5
So, if you look at the recipe it actually calls for chorizo, but I wanted to make a meatless mac and cheese so I just left that part out. The only other change I made was substituting 2% milk for the whole milk, which I fear may have been my fatal mistake. The flavors of the dish were wonderful - the combination of the smoked cheddar, spicy tomatoes, and chilis in adobo sauce gave it a unique smoky and spicy flavor that tasted unlike anything I have had before. The problem was in the cheese sauce... not sure if the 2% milk just caused it to be too thin, or that the cheese didn't properly combine with the milk, but I didn't get that thick, creamy consistency that you would want. Next time I think I need to either reduce the amount of milk or stock or try the whole milk and see what kind of difference that makes. I've read some of the reviews and it sounds like some others had similar problems with a runny sauce.
The best part of this recipe is that it made a LOT (I know it says 4-6 servings, but I'd definitely say it is on the 6 serving side), so we have been able to eat leftovers. My husband and I found that just melting a piece of American cheese in and adding a little salt really brought this dish together to make it creamy and cheesy.
If you try this one, I'd be curious to hear how yours turns out. Those who are a bit more sensitive to spicy foods should beware - you may want to try a milder flavor of diced tomatoes or only add one chili instead of two.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Take 2... or 4
Remember how I said that I had never had a flavor of Snack Pack I didn't like? I should have said that I have never had a Snack Pack that wasn't totally delicious.
Snack Pack pudding - Lemon flavor
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $1.00 on sale ($1.20 regular)
Overall rating: 4/5
So, the color may be less than "natural," but the taste is completely worth it. I just have three words: Lemon Meringue Pie. (Consequently, I think they actually have a lemon meringue pie flavor in their "layers" line. So... if you think you need some vanilla mixed with the lemon go for that one. If you just want more lemony deliciousness, stick with this one).
YUMMMMMMM.
Snack Pack pudding - Lemon flavor
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $1.00 on sale ($1.20 regular)
Overall rating: 4/5
So, the color may be less than "natural," but the taste is completely worth it. I just have three words: Lemon Meringue Pie. (Consequently, I think they actually have a lemon meringue pie flavor in their "layers" line. So... if you think you need some vanilla mixed with the lemon go for that one. If you just want more lemony deliciousness, stick with this one).
YUMMMMMMM.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner dessert
"You know I like Snack Pack... why can't you just gimme a Snack Pack!"
Snack Pack pudding - Cinnamon Roll Fun Flavor
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $1.00 on sale (Regular $1.20)
Overall rating: 4/5
Who doesn't love a Snack Pack? It's cheap, delicious, and satisfies a sweet tooth with only 110 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. While looking at the selection of flavors and trying to decide what I would be craving this week, I came across a new flavor - Cinnamon Roll. I can't say I have ever had a flavor I didn't like, but this one did sound particularly delicious. So into the cart it went.
One spoonful elicited the desired response - YUMMMMM. Very creamy and full of flavor, the taste almost exactly mimics that of a cinnamon roll. An ewey gooey sweet cinnamon roll... but with far less damage to the diet. I ate this as a post-lunch snack at work, and I'll admit it took considerable restraint not to lick the plastic cup clean.
ConAgra released this flavor along with a new Blueberry Muffin flavor, hoping to create a snack that people will want to enjoy any time of day - including mid-morning or as a late night snack or dessert. I think they accomplished their goal.
Snack Pack pudding - Cinnamon Roll Fun Flavor
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $1.00 on sale (Regular $1.20)
Overall rating: 4/5
Who doesn't love a Snack Pack? It's cheap, delicious, and satisfies a sweet tooth with only 110 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. While looking at the selection of flavors and trying to decide what I would be craving this week, I came across a new flavor - Cinnamon Roll. I can't say I have ever had a flavor I didn't like, but this one did sound particularly delicious. So into the cart it went.
One spoonful elicited the desired response - YUMMMMM. Very creamy and full of flavor, the taste almost exactly mimics that of a cinnamon roll. An ewey gooey sweet cinnamon roll... but with far less damage to the diet. I ate this as a post-lunch snack at work, and I'll admit it took considerable restraint not to lick the plastic cup clean.
ConAgra released this flavor along with a new Blueberry Muffin flavor, hoping to create a snack that people will want to enjoy any time of day - including mid-morning or as a late night snack or dessert. I think they accomplished their goal.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Chocolate travesty
Chocolatey delight? No, there was nothing delightful about the "chocolate" pieces in this cereal.
Kellogg's Special K Chocolate Delight cereal
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $2.50 on sale
Overall rating: 2.5/5
Don't get me wrong. I like Special K. It's a crunchy, slightly sweet and hearty cereal. And the one with red berries? Delicious. So I figured this chocolate delight variety would not be a huge gamble. At most, I thought, there would be very few chocolate chunks and I'd think to myself "I might as well have just gotten the regular Special K."
Instead, I found an abundance of "chocolate" chunks. The problem was... they tasted nothing like chocolate. They looked like chocolate, but tasted like... well, nothing. They didn't even have a fake chocolate taste. So all you end up with are a bunch of strangely-textured things in your cereal that get stuck in your teeth and keep tricking you into thinking sooner or later you are going to taste chocolate. I actually went through and picked out all of the chocolate-looking pieces when I ate my second bowl.
Disappointing, Kellogg's. I expect more from you. But now I know better than to believe your commercials claiming that this cereal will fulfill that late night chocolate craving. No... I think I'd be better off eating some chocolate chips. Or chocolate pudding. Or chocolate covered raisins. Heck, I'd even go for my Chocolate Outrage Gu Energy Gels - they may not be actual food, but it at least they taste chocolatey!
Kellogg's Special K Chocolate Delight cereal
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $2.50 on sale
Overall rating: 2.5/5
Don't get me wrong. I like Special K. It's a crunchy, slightly sweet and hearty cereal. And the one with red berries? Delicious. So I figured this chocolate delight variety would not be a huge gamble. At most, I thought, there would be very few chocolate chunks and I'd think to myself "I might as well have just gotten the regular Special K."
Instead, I found an abundance of "chocolate" chunks. The problem was... they tasted nothing like chocolate. They looked like chocolate, but tasted like... well, nothing. They didn't even have a fake chocolate taste. So all you end up with are a bunch of strangely-textured things in your cereal that get stuck in your teeth and keep tricking you into thinking sooner or later you are going to taste chocolate. I actually went through and picked out all of the chocolate-looking pieces when I ate my second bowl.
Disappointing, Kellogg's. I expect more from you. But now I know better than to believe your commercials claiming that this cereal will fulfill that late night chocolate craving. No... I think I'd be better off eating some chocolate chips. Or chocolate pudding. Or chocolate covered raisins. Heck, I'd even go for my Chocolate Outrage Gu Energy Gels - they may not be actual food, but it at least they taste chocolatey!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The perfect pair
Several months ago, one of my sisters requested that I explore some "non-traditional" uses for a couple of items - goat cheese and tomatillos. I had never tried goat cheese, so I purchased some goat cheese crumbles and tried them on my lettuce salad in place of the crumbled feta I had recently been favoring. I wasn't a huge fan. The taste of the cheese just didn't seem to quite "go" with the flavor of the salad. Not knowing what else to do with it, I kept it in my fridge and searched for some recipes highlighting goat cheese.
When I stumbled upon a recipe using both goat cheese and tomatillos, I knew I had to try it. So I patiently waited as the tomatillo plant in our garden grew and grew. Last week, it finally produced some mature tomatillos - and my recipe was waiting!
I picked up a few ingredients I needed at the grocery store that I don't normally have on hand, including an avocado and some pita bread (the recipe calls for miniature white pita rounds, which I couldn't find. I decided regular white pitas cut into 6 slices worked just as well) and awaited my opportunity. Tonight was the night!
Guacamole-Goat Cheese Toasts
I give this recipe a 5/5 - it was delicious! It turns out that avocados and goat cheese crumbles are actually the perfect pair. I can't say I go crazy for either ingredient on its own, but together with the red onion and other seasonings, this was a fantastic little appetizer. The pita bread provided the perfect amount of crunch without being too hard or crumbly, and the components of the topping all complemented each other while also providing their own unique flavors. As someone who does not particulary enjoy raw tomatoes, I loved the sweet tomatillos on top (I also used yellow pear tomatoes instead of a plum tomato). This is a great alternative to the traditional chips and guac - a bit more sophisticated, but really just as easy. It can be made ahead of time, and can be served at room temperature.
You can bet I will be making this recipe again for the next appropriate event! Thank you, Keels, for inspiring me to get creative and find a new use for a couple of tasty ingredients!
When I stumbled upon a recipe using both goat cheese and tomatillos, I knew I had to try it. So I patiently waited as the tomatillo plant in our garden grew and grew. Last week, it finally produced some mature tomatillos - and my recipe was waiting!
I picked up a few ingredients I needed at the grocery store that I don't normally have on hand, including an avocado and some pita bread (the recipe calls for miniature white pita rounds, which I couldn't find. I decided regular white pitas cut into 6 slices worked just as well) and awaited my opportunity. Tonight was the night!
Guacamole-Goat Cheese Toasts
You can bet I will be making this recipe again for the next appropriate event! Thank you, Keels, for inspiring me to get creative and find a new use for a couple of tasty ingredients!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Free the freezer!
I'm on a mission to rid the country of frozen pizzas. Or at least my readers' freezers.
About a year ago, I gave up buying frozen pizza. This was hard to do, simply because they are so cheap and easy. But let's face it - the traditional ones are loaded with fat, calories, salt, and preservatives, and the newer, healthier ones are way overpriced for what you get. So, I started buying my own ingredients for pizza... and fell in love. Here are 5 reasons why:
About a year ago, I gave up buying frozen pizza. This was hard to do, simply because they are so cheap and easy. But let's face it - the traditional ones are loaded with fat, calories, salt, and preservatives, and the newer, healthier ones are way overpriced for what you get. So, I started buying my own ingredients for pizza... and fell in love. Here are 5 reasons why:
- Your crust options are almost unlimited. You can make your own, semi-make your own, buy a fresh crust (white or whole wheat, round or square, thick or thin), buy a refrigerated crust, or be creative with pita or other flat bread. You can make the crust as quick and easy, as inexpensive, or as wholesome as you want. I am not personally loyal to any one of the many available options, but I'm open to suggestions for any "must try" crusts!
- Your sauce options are almost unlimited. I'm betting at any point and time you have something that you can make into a pizza sauce. Of course there are always the pizza and marinara sauces you can buy at the store. But what if you don't have any in your pantry? Try making a homemade alfredo or pesto. Or use some barbeque sauce. Or grab some canned tomato sauce and add some italian spices. Heck, if all else fails you can even just use some garlic and olive oil.
- Your topping options are almost unlimited. What do you have in the house today? I bet it goes on pizza! Last night I opened our fridge and said "Hmmm... we have half a package of mushrooms and about a 1/4 can of black olives. Those are going on a pizza." Then I went to the garden and said "Hmmm... we have some red onion, some tomatoes (yellow pear and regular) and some fresh basil. Those are going on the pizza." Then I went to the freezer and said "Hmm... we have half a package of sundried tomato and herb turkey sausages. Those are going on the pizza." Maybe not all combinations of all ingredients will work, but almost anything can go on a pizza! Your only limit is your imagination!
- You can suit individual tastes without extra effort. My husband doesn't care for black olives, so I only sprinkled them on part of the pizza. He likes pepperoni, so sometimes I put pepperoni on half and leave half without. Even super picky eaters will be happy with a plain cheese pizza - how easy is that?
- No matter what is on there, now matter how much time or effort I put into it, I always get the same reaction from my husband: "Pizza? Yum!!"
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Check out my new blog features!
I've updated my blog with a few new features that I'd love for you to take advantage of. On the upper right side is a "search this blog" area. This will search keywords from my blog posts, links that I've posted, as well as other blogs that I follow. Try "ice cream" as an example, and check out each tab - it's pretty cool!
I have also added some share buttons at the bottom of each post, as well as a "Reactions" area. If you don't feel you have enough to warrant a comment, at least click on a reaction! To me, these buttons act similar to the "like" feature on Facebook.
Let me know if you see cool features on other blogs that you think would be helpful on mine - I'm always looking for suggestions!
I have also added some share buttons at the bottom of each post, as well as a "Reactions" area. If you don't feel you have enough to warrant a comment, at least click on a reaction! To me, these buttons act similar to the "like" feature on Facebook.
Let me know if you see cool features on other blogs that you think would be helpful on mine - I'm always looking for suggestions!
Smoothie update
After lunch yesterday I decided to treat myself to a Wild Berry Real Fruit Smoothie from McDonald's. After reviewing only the strawberry banana flavor, I knew I couldn't let my readers down. So I took one for the team.
I found the wild berry flavor delicious and fresh-tasting, just like the strawberry banana. Upon first taste, the flavor reminded me exactly of Dannon's Mixed Berry yogurt. I also thought right away that I didn't like it as much as the first one I had tried... but it really grew on me and by the end I couldn't decide. You really can't go wrong with either flavor, but if you are torn then I'd recommend the strawberry banana - assuming you typically like that flavor, of course.
So what are you waiting for? If you haven't tried one yet, I recommend you do so. These smoothies have been extremely successful for McDonald's, and I hope they stay around for a while - or at least come back every summer!
I found the wild berry flavor delicious and fresh-tasting, just like the strawberry banana. Upon first taste, the flavor reminded me exactly of Dannon's Mixed Berry yogurt. I also thought right away that I didn't like it as much as the first one I had tried... but it really grew on me and by the end I couldn't decide. You really can't go wrong with either flavor, but if you are torn then I'd recommend the strawberry banana - assuming you typically like that flavor, of course.
So what are you waiting for? If you haven't tried one yet, I recommend you do so. These smoothies have been extremely successful for McDonald's, and I hope they stay around for a while - or at least come back every summer!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Nearly forgotten
Can you believe I actually started this post several months ago, and then forgot to get back to it? I think these chips have been waiting long enough for their spotlight!
Baked Lays Parmesan & Tuscan Herb Potato Chips
Where purchased: County Market
Price: $3.79
Overall rating: 4/5
I was recently reminded of these chips when I went to Subway and decided to grab them to complement my 6-inch sandwich. I'm sure most of my readers are familiar with Baked Lays and the various flavors available. I was never a huge fan of the plain ones, but I have always enjoyed the sour cream and onion flavor.
The Parmesan and Tuscan Herb variety is surprisingly flavorful, with plenty of unique seasonings to distinguish it from the other varieties. The parmesan actually comes through really well and brings a unique taste to this snack. I'm not a huge chip-eater, but when I do find myself wanting a small serving with a sandwich or alongside a burger or brat, I would definitely choose these again. They are different, and help me feel like I'm not sacrificing too much flavor by not choosing the full-fat potato chips.
If you are not a baked chip fan at all, don't think these will be unique and flavorful enough to change your mind. They definitely aren't the real thing. But, for a well-seasoned, light, and non-greasy snack or side, I think these hit the spot! Oh, but do try to grab them on sale. $3.79 for a bag of chips? More than I like to pay!
Baked Lays Parmesan & Tuscan Herb Potato Chips
Where purchased: County Market
Price: $3.79
Overall rating: 4/5
I was recently reminded of these chips when I went to Subway and decided to grab them to complement my 6-inch sandwich. I'm sure most of my readers are familiar with Baked Lays and the various flavors available. I was never a huge fan of the plain ones, but I have always enjoyed the sour cream and onion flavor.
The Parmesan and Tuscan Herb variety is surprisingly flavorful, with plenty of unique seasonings to distinguish it from the other varieties. The parmesan actually comes through really well and brings a unique taste to this snack. I'm not a huge chip-eater, but when I do find myself wanting a small serving with a sandwich or alongside a burger or brat, I would definitely choose these again. They are different, and help me feel like I'm not sacrificing too much flavor by not choosing the full-fat potato chips.
If you are not a baked chip fan at all, don't think these will be unique and flavorful enough to change your mind. They definitely aren't the real thing. But, for a well-seasoned, light, and non-greasy snack or side, I think these hit the spot! Oh, but do try to grab them on sale. $3.79 for a bag of chips? More than I like to pay!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Always better in frozen form
Have you ever noticed that regular foods suddenly become delicious desserts when you freeze them? Yogurt, juice, fruit... even regular desserts like cookies and candy bars only get better!
Blue Bunny All Natural Frozen Yogurt - White Chocolate Raspberry
Where purchased: Super Walmart
Price: $2.50
Overall rating: 3/5
I'll admit - I'm a bit of an ice cream snob. So, naturally (no pun intended) I was a bit skeptical when I first had a friend tell me that the Blue Bunny All Natural Frozen Yogurt was "really good." I then had two other individuals on separate occasions tell me the same thing. So, when browsing the ice cream aisle on a recent grocery store trip (always on the lookout for new and delicious ice cream treats and flavors, of course) I decided that a white chocolate raspberry frozen yogurt might be worth a try. Though I generally steer clear of the frozen yogurt selections for fear of disappointment, this purchase didn't seem like much of a gamble given my childhood love for TCBY's White Chocolate Mousse and my general appreciation for the dark chocolate/raspberry flavor combination.
I think the flavor is quite good - I doesn't have any sort of aftertaste, which is always a major turn-off for me and one of the main reasons I sometimes avoid some of the "lighter" desserts. The carton was loaded with sweet raspberry swirls and plenty of chocolate chunks. But, to me, this product is still clearly inferior to ice cream. Even light ice cream has this creamy texture and rich taste that I think frozen yogurt lacks. I also don't like the "icey" feeling that frozen yogurt has... you know how soft serve ice cream gets when you try to put it in your regular freezer? (Like when I fool myself into thinking I really don't need to eat my entire blizzard and put half of it in the freezer. And then get it back out 20 minutes later.) It's kinda like that.
So, all in all I am giving this a 3 out of 5 because I really did think it was a good for frozen yogurt and I did end up eventually eating the entire carton. I also think the price was fair and the packaging for this was well thought out by Blue Bunny - it comes in a slender plastic carton that eliminates that "cardboard" taste you sometimes get from the traditional ice cream cartons. But, given the plethora of delicious light ice creams out there, I just don't see much advantage in choosing the frozen yogurt given the sacrifice on taste. For example, if you thought this flavor sounded delicious, maybe I can convince you instead to try Breyers Very Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream for the same amount of fat and calories?
Blue Bunny All Natural Frozen Yogurt - White Chocolate Raspberry
Where purchased: Super Walmart
Price: $2.50
Overall rating: 3/5
I'll admit - I'm a bit of an ice cream snob. So, naturally (no pun intended) I was a bit skeptical when I first had a friend tell me that the Blue Bunny All Natural Frozen Yogurt was "really good." I then had two other individuals on separate occasions tell me the same thing. So, when browsing the ice cream aisle on a recent grocery store trip (always on the lookout for new and delicious ice cream treats and flavors, of course) I decided that a white chocolate raspberry frozen yogurt might be worth a try. Though I generally steer clear of the frozen yogurt selections for fear of disappointment, this purchase didn't seem like much of a gamble given my childhood love for TCBY's White Chocolate Mousse and my general appreciation for the dark chocolate/raspberry flavor combination.
I think the flavor is quite good - I doesn't have any sort of aftertaste, which is always a major turn-off for me and one of the main reasons I sometimes avoid some of the "lighter" desserts. The carton was loaded with sweet raspberry swirls and plenty of chocolate chunks. But, to me, this product is still clearly inferior to ice cream. Even light ice cream has this creamy texture and rich taste that I think frozen yogurt lacks. I also don't like the "icey" feeling that frozen yogurt has... you know how soft serve ice cream gets when you try to put it in your regular freezer? (Like when I fool myself into thinking I really don't need to eat my entire blizzard and put half of it in the freezer. And then get it back out 20 minutes later.) It's kinda like that.
So, all in all I am giving this a 3 out of 5 because I really did think it was a good for frozen yogurt and I did end up eventually eating the entire carton. I also think the price was fair and the packaging for this was well thought out by Blue Bunny - it comes in a slender plastic carton that eliminates that "cardboard" taste you sometimes get from the traditional ice cream cartons. But, given the plethora of delicious light ice creams out there, I just don't see much advantage in choosing the frozen yogurt given the sacrifice on taste. For example, if you thought this flavor sounded delicious, maybe I can convince you instead to try Breyers Very Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream for the same amount of fat and calories?
Monday, July 19, 2010
McDonald's Real Fruit Smoothies
McDonald's has once again stolen my heart. First the invention of my favorite breakfast food ever (oh yes, I am talking to you canadian bacon, egg, and cheese McGriddle), then the world's best deal on ice cream cones ($.49! How could you NOT get one??), and now a delicious and refreshing summertime treat.
McDonald's Real Fruit Smoothies - Strawberry Banana
Where purchased: McDonald's (duh)
Price: $2.29 for 12 oz smoothie
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Every day I drive past McDonald's on my way to work and check out the latest promotion. When I saw the one for their new fruit smoothies, I knew I could not rest until I had one. So, on the way home from Milwaukee last weekend, I took advantage of the "I'm on the road so I have to have McDonalds" mentality and got myself a hamburger and smoothie.
I'll admit I had my doubts. McDonald's and "real fruit" never really meshed in my mind. But I was actually quite pleased at how fresh tasting the smoothie was. I read later that McDonald's "...put a lot of effort into the procurement of the fruit. We sourced strawberries directly from strawberry farmers, and selected particular varieties that will offer a specific flavor profile."
Made with fruit, fruit juice, low fat yogurt, and ice, these smoothies contain only 210 calories and .5 grams of fat for the 12 oz size (which is plenty big, I think). A much healthier alternative to their strawberry shake - did you know a small shake has 570 calories and 17 grams of fat?! Yikes! Yes, I do love them, but that is a definite splurge. I feel much better about these smoothies, and really don't feel cheated. They are tasty, refreshing, and very satisfying.
At $2.29 for a small these aren't quite the deal of the $.49 cone, but it seems like a fair price. I imagine the ones they sell at coffee shops and the like are almost twice that, and likely not any better. So I'm giving these a 4.5 out of 5 rating. Well done McDonald's, you've done it again.
Next I will have to try the triple berry flavor...
McDonald's Real Fruit Smoothies - Strawberry Banana
Where purchased: McDonald's (duh)
Price: $2.29 for 12 oz smoothie
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Every day I drive past McDonald's on my way to work and check out the latest promotion. When I saw the one for their new fruit smoothies, I knew I could not rest until I had one. So, on the way home from Milwaukee last weekend, I took advantage of the "I'm on the road so I have to have McDonalds" mentality and got myself a hamburger and smoothie.
I'll admit I had my doubts. McDonald's and "real fruit" never really meshed in my mind. But I was actually quite pleased at how fresh tasting the smoothie was. I read later that McDonald's "...put a lot of effort into the procurement of the fruit. We sourced strawberries directly from strawberry farmers, and selected particular varieties that will offer a specific flavor profile."
Made with fruit, fruit juice, low fat yogurt, and ice, these smoothies contain only 210 calories and .5 grams of fat for the 12 oz size (which is plenty big, I think). A much healthier alternative to their strawberry shake - did you know a small shake has 570 calories and 17 grams of fat?! Yikes! Yes, I do love them, but that is a definite splurge. I feel much better about these smoothies, and really don't feel cheated. They are tasty, refreshing, and very satisfying.
At $2.29 for a small these aren't quite the deal of the $.49 cone, but it seems like a fair price. I imagine the ones they sell at coffee shops and the like are almost twice that, and likely not any better. So I'm giving these a 4.5 out of 5 rating. Well done McDonald's, you've done it again.
Next I will have to try the triple berry flavor...
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Bumper crop
If you search for zucchini recipes online, you'll be amazed how many show up. As everyone knows, zucchini plants just produce and produce like crazy and before you know it, you are eating some form of zucchini for every meal. Well, I figured I would share a few very different but good recipes I found for these bad boys.
Besides halving the recipe, I followed it exactly and was very pleased with how it turned out. You definitely have to like dill (and even if you do like it, you could safely cut it down a bit) but I thought this was a great, healthy, fresh way to highlight the fresh veggies. Also great as a take-along dish to a summer cookout.
This is a really nice alternative to the traditional sweet zucchini bread, and is a great compliment for pastas or grilled chicken. Made with half whole wheat flour and just a 1/4 cup of olive oil, this bread actually is quite nutritious. It turns out beautiful, and has a nice salty, savory flavor. I found it was a bit dry, but we dipped it in olive oil w/ parmesan cheese for one meal (ya know, Biaggis style) and it was really yummy.
This sweet pie looks, smells, and tastes like an apple pie, but there are actually no apples in it. The "apples" are actually the peeled, sliced zucchini that you use. I used a graham cracker crust and a brown sugar/oatmeal crumble on top instead of the double pie crust to suit our preferences for this recipe. Overall, I thought it was tasty with a scoop of ice cream, but I don't think I will make it again. It was very sticky and sweet, and the texture was a bit strange. I went back and forth about how I felt about it, but in the end I didn't really want more than one piece. I think that if I am going to have "apple" pie, I'd rather just have the version with apples. Even so, if you have a bunch of zucchini and feel like trying something different... why not?
So, if you end up with a garden full of zucchini or know someone who is trying to get rid of it, I hope you find these recipes helpful!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Garlic and herb light mayo
That Earl of Sandwich knew what he was doing. And now, we seem to have endless ways of spicing up the standard lunch fare.
Kraft Sandwich Shop Garlic and Herb Mayo
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $2.00 on sale
Overall rating: 4/5
As you all know, I am a big fan of the Kraft chipotle mayo. This garlic and herb variety is yet another delicious flavor in the same line of Kraft light mayos. I have really been impressed so far with these spreads. They add a great new flavor to the traditional sandwich, and the seasonings really go with almost anything. I even tried using it in tuna salad for a little "extra something". While I didn't like this particular variety quite as much as the chipotle one, my husband thought it was much better. So its just a matter of personal preference, but both are very good.
If you are a big sandwich eater and need some variety, you gotta try these. Yes, it may cause your fridge to be filled primarily with condiments. But, if it keeps you excited about ham and turkey sandwiches... why not? Especially when you aren't adding a ton of extra calories and are only paying $2 a bottle.
Kraft Sandwich Shop Garlic and Herb Mayo
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $2.00 on sale
Overall rating: 4/5
As you all know, I am a big fan of the Kraft chipotle mayo. This garlic and herb variety is yet another delicious flavor in the same line of Kraft light mayos. I have really been impressed so far with these spreads. They add a great new flavor to the traditional sandwich, and the seasonings really go with almost anything. I even tried using it in tuna salad for a little "extra something". While I didn't like this particular variety quite as much as the chipotle one, my husband thought it was much better. So its just a matter of personal preference, but both are very good.
If you are a big sandwich eater and need some variety, you gotta try these. Yes, it may cause your fridge to be filled primarily with condiments. But, if it keeps you excited about ham and turkey sandwiches... why not? Especially when you aren't adding a ton of extra calories and are only paying $2 a bottle.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Pretty pretty please....
With a cherry on top? Yep... I gave in. I told you I would!
Nestle Cherry Raisinets
Where purchased: Target
Price: $2.89
Overall rating: 4/5
I'll be honest - I don't have much to add since the last time I posted on the Cranberry Raisinets. But, on my last trip to Target I did finally decide to give these cherry dark chocolate bites a try. As you would expect, they are delicious. More importantly, they ARE a little different from the traditional raisinets. Yes, they still have the same general flavor, but each chocolate-covered cherry is much larger, and the dark chocolate provides a slightly richer flavor. It is a very subtle difference, but it's there!
Really, when choosing any of the Raisinet flavors, you can't go wrong. I personally have a small preference for the dark chocolate varieties. And, on their own, I think I like the big cherry raisinets, but mixed into a trail mix or something I think I would prefer the smaller dark chocolate raisinets.
So, just in case you thought you were missing something exciting and unique... you really aren't. Something tasty? Of course! But I won't insist that your life is incomplete without trying them.
Nestle Cherry Raisinets
Where purchased: Target
Price: $2.89
Overall rating: 4/5
I'll be honest - I don't have much to add since the last time I posted on the Cranberry Raisinets. But, on my last trip to Target I did finally decide to give these cherry dark chocolate bites a try. As you would expect, they are delicious. More importantly, they ARE a little different from the traditional raisinets. Yes, they still have the same general flavor, but each chocolate-covered cherry is much larger, and the dark chocolate provides a slightly richer flavor. It is a very subtle difference, but it's there!
Really, when choosing any of the Raisinet flavors, you can't go wrong. I personally have a small preference for the dark chocolate varieties. And, on their own, I think I like the big cherry raisinets, but mixed into a trail mix or something I think I would prefer the smaller dark chocolate raisinets.
So, just in case you thought you were missing something exciting and unique... you really aren't. Something tasty? Of course! But I won't insist that your life is incomplete without trying them.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Don't butter me up
Ever wonder what the differences are between all the jellies, jams, fruit butters, and other spreads out there? The specifics are still a bit confusing to me, but I do know they are all yummy on some toast.
Braswell's Mango Fruit Butter
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $3.19
Overall rating: 3/5
I found this site, which has some helpful information and links to determine the differences among the various fruit spreads. http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/fruits/a/fruitbutters.htm. Basically, fruit butters are made by cooking whole or halved unpeeled fruit until tender, putting it through a sieve or foodmill, and adding sugar and spices and cooking it down until thick. There isn't any actual butter in it - its name comes from the fact that it is smooth and spreads like softened butter.
One of the benefits of fruit butter is that it usually has much less sugar than jams, jellies, and preserves. I think this has something to do with the sugar acting as a preservative in those methods, and also serving as a gelling agent, requiring it to be present in higher quantities. Fruit butter can also be used in baking - much like you might use applesauce - as a substitute for sugar and oil to add sweetness and moisture.
The mango butter I tried was surprisingly sweet, and I really like the way it spreads. I did find this particular flavor a little weird, though. It isn't off-putting, it just doesn't taste like mango or anything tropical at all. Maybe more like apricot. I'm really not sure, but it isn't my favorite. I think I will try fruit butter again (I have had apple butter, although I usually use that for baking), but probably a different flavor. The mango just sounded so interesting to me that I had to give it a whirl!
This product receives an overall rating of 3. It's not bad, it just isn't my favorite flavor of fruit spread. I do like that it has a bit less sugar, carbs, and calories (6g, 6g, 25) than the Smucker's Simply Fruit (8g, 10g, 40) that I usually buy, and runs pretty close in price. I am also interested in trying it as a baking substitute... maybe some sort of mango muffins are in my future?
Braswell's Mango Fruit Butter
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $3.19
Overall rating: 3/5
I found this site, which has some helpful information and links to determine the differences among the various fruit spreads. http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/fruits/a/fruitbutters.htm. Basically, fruit butters are made by cooking whole or halved unpeeled fruit until tender, putting it through a sieve or foodmill, and adding sugar and spices and cooking it down until thick. There isn't any actual butter in it - its name comes from the fact that it is smooth and spreads like softened butter.
One of the benefits of fruit butter is that it usually has much less sugar than jams, jellies, and preserves. I think this has something to do with the sugar acting as a preservative in those methods, and also serving as a gelling agent, requiring it to be present in higher quantities. Fruit butter can also be used in baking - much like you might use applesauce - as a substitute for sugar and oil to add sweetness and moisture.
The mango butter I tried was surprisingly sweet, and I really like the way it spreads. I did find this particular flavor a little weird, though. It isn't off-putting, it just doesn't taste like mango or anything tropical at all. Maybe more like apricot. I'm really not sure, but it isn't my favorite. I think I will try fruit butter again (I have had apple butter, although I usually use that for baking), but probably a different flavor. The mango just sounded so interesting to me that I had to give it a whirl!
This product receives an overall rating of 3. It's not bad, it just isn't my favorite flavor of fruit spread. I do like that it has a bit less sugar, carbs, and calories (6g, 6g, 25) than the Smucker's Simply Fruit (8g, 10g, 40) that I usually buy, and runs pretty close in price. I am also interested in trying it as a baking substitute... maybe some sort of mango muffins are in my future?
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Wrap it up
I have been on a mission to find a delicious and preferably healthy sandwich wrap. I keep thinking that surely they must exist, but so far I have had no luck. This is my latest major fail.
La Tortilla Factory
EVOO MultiGrain SmartWrap
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $3.29 on salle (regular $3.99)
Overall rating: 1/5
Don't let anything the package tells you fool you. It is neither smart nor delicious. The only thing it's got going for it is that it is healthy. The texture is terrible - really grainy and almost gritty. And it just does not taste good at all. I really thought we had made a lot of progress in whole wheat products in the past several years, but this goes back to the day of when they first came out and everyone was turned off by their taste and texture.
Overall rating is a 1. And the only reason it gets that is because it boasts a lot of nutrition in a large tortilla for only 100 calories. But everything else about it (including the price - hefty for only 6 wraps) is disappointing. Don't waste your money.
And so the search continues...
La Tortilla Factory
EVOO MultiGrain SmartWrap
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $3.29 on salle (regular $3.99)
Overall rating: 1/5
Don't let anything the package tells you fool you. It is neither smart nor delicious. The only thing it's got going for it is that it is healthy. The texture is terrible - really grainy and almost gritty. And it just does not taste good at all. I really thought we had made a lot of progress in whole wheat products in the past several years, but this goes back to the day of when they first came out and everyone was turned off by their taste and texture.
Overall rating is a 1. And the only reason it gets that is because it boasts a lot of nutrition in a large tortilla for only 100 calories. But everything else about it (including the price - hefty for only 6 wraps) is disappointing. Don't waste your money.
And so the search continues...
Friday, June 25, 2010
Savory delight
Ok, this is getting ridiculous. Should we start making a list of products with some form of "Delight" in their name?
Jimmy Dean D-lights Turkey Sausagae Whole Grain Bagel
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $5.99
Overall rating: 3/5
I picked these up by recommendation of one of my readers. She told me about the english muffin sandwiches, but I decided to try these whole wheat bagel sandwiches instead. I was a little against the idea at first, as I'm really not into buying frozen convenience foods. They are typically overpriced and loaded with salt and preservatives, so I'd rather just make my own fresh version. But, I do think this product fills a need in the market for a quick, well-balanced, and low fat/calorie breakfast with plenty of protein. I can easily see grabbing this sandwich "to go" and eating it on the way to work, or just taking it out of the fridge or freezer and heating it up in the office microwave.
To enjoy this sandwich, you'll have to be a fan of breakfast sausage. The sausage tastes just like the real pork version - full of seasonings and flavor. The only thing you will "miss" from the full fat version is the grease. I personally like the flavor; though I would prefer a larger presence from the egg and cheese. They did not seem to contribute much to the overall taste. The bagel was good, but the microwave made it a little chewy. I imagine the english muffin would hold up a little better.
Overall, I found this product to be good, filling, convenient, and well-balanced when paired with some fruit. It is nothing special, but it definitely beats the fast food sandwich in fat and calorie content, and certainly beats an on-the-go granola bar in balance and satiety. I thought $6 was too much to pay for four sandwiches, so be on the lookout for sales and coupons if you think these might be a good option for you. And hey, maybe most of the time you are able to make a good breakfast, but you can always keep these in your freezer for those crazy mornings where you just have to grab and go!
Jimmy Dean D-lights Turkey Sausagae Whole Grain Bagel
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $5.99
Overall rating: 3/5
I picked these up by recommendation of one of my readers. She told me about the english muffin sandwiches, but I decided to try these whole wheat bagel sandwiches instead. I was a little against the idea at first, as I'm really not into buying frozen convenience foods. They are typically overpriced and loaded with salt and preservatives, so I'd rather just make my own fresh version. But, I do think this product fills a need in the market for a quick, well-balanced, and low fat/calorie breakfast with plenty of protein. I can easily see grabbing this sandwich "to go" and eating it on the way to work, or just taking it out of the fridge or freezer and heating it up in the office microwave.
To enjoy this sandwich, you'll have to be a fan of breakfast sausage. The sausage tastes just like the real pork version - full of seasonings and flavor. The only thing you will "miss" from the full fat version is the grease. I personally like the flavor; though I would prefer a larger presence from the egg and cheese. They did not seem to contribute much to the overall taste. The bagel was good, but the microwave made it a little chewy. I imagine the english muffin would hold up a little better.
Overall, I found this product to be good, filling, convenient, and well-balanced when paired with some fruit. It is nothing special, but it definitely beats the fast food sandwich in fat and calorie content, and certainly beats an on-the-go granola bar in balance and satiety. I thought $6 was too much to pay for four sandwiches, so be on the lookout for sales and coupons if you think these might be a good option for you. And hey, maybe most of the time you are able to make a good breakfast, but you can always keep these in your freezer for those crazy mornings where you just have to grab and go!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
An informal post
This is an post on my quest to find the perfect yogurt.
Stonyfield Organic is currently my favorite, but when it is not on sale it is way too pricey (.99 each). So, on my last trip to the grocery store I picked up the Meijer brand organic yogurt because it was the only one on sale. I'd recommend not trying it. It was way too runny - I bet kids would make an absolute mess of it. It was also overly sweet, especially for being an organic yogurt, which I always thought were supposed to be less sweet (no high fructose corn syrup). But upon closer inspection of the label, I found the Blueberry flavor had 160 calories and 27 grams of sugar, while the Stonyfield Organic has 120 calories and about 20 grams of sugar.
So, that's another fail. I also recently tried just mixing the plain Dannon yogurt with some Pomegranate juice and fresh raspberries. It was ok... but still had the plain yogurt bitterness. Plus, it was a little more work than I want to put into yogurt.
And so the quest continues...
Stonyfield Organic is currently my favorite, but when it is not on sale it is way too pricey (.99 each). So, on my last trip to the grocery store I picked up the Meijer brand organic yogurt because it was the only one on sale. I'd recommend not trying it. It was way too runny - I bet kids would make an absolute mess of it. It was also overly sweet, especially for being an organic yogurt, which I always thought were supposed to be less sweet (no high fructose corn syrup). But upon closer inspection of the label, I found the Blueberry flavor had 160 calories and 27 grams of sugar, while the Stonyfield Organic has 120 calories and about 20 grams of sugar.
So, that's another fail. I also recently tried just mixing the plain Dannon yogurt with some Pomegranate juice and fresh raspberries. It was ok... but still had the plain yogurt bitterness. Plus, it was a little more work than I want to put into yogurt.
And so the quest continues...
Monday, June 21, 2010
All kinds of nutty
Spread it on some toast, apples, celery... go nutty!
Maranatha Almond Butter
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $7.59 (yikes!)
Overall rating: 3.5/5
We all know about the health benefits of almonds. They are a great source of monounsaturated fats, high in protein, low in sugar, and packed full of calcium, magnesium, and other nutrients. Even though I know all of these things and really enjoy almonds, I don't regularly incorporate them into my diet. That's why finding them in a "butter" form was perfect for me. I eat peanut butter toast for breakfast at least 3 or 4 times a week, so why not switch to almond butter every now and then?
I was excited to find this "no stir" version at the grocery store, since that is the characteristic I hate most about natural peanut butter. Upon opening the jar, I don't know if I would call it "no stir" - I'd call it "lightly stir." In any case, there was some separation, but not as much as you will find in some of the nut butters. The texture is a bit grainy, but it doesn't bother me in the almond butter like it does for peanut butter. I imagine it has to do with the fact that I didn't grow up eating smooth and creamy almond butter sandwiches. :)
I am delighted with the taste - a mild roasted almond flavor that is perfectly sweet. I love it on my whole wheat toast and english muffins, and I've seen recipes that call for it in anything from smoothies to asian stir-fry. My biggest complaint about this product is the price - $7.59 for a 12 oz jar?? Yikes! I was expecting to pay twice the price of peanut butter, but not 3 or 4 times! This is a wonderful change to keep me out of my peanut butter rut, but I doubt I'll be using it in large quantities for recipes.
Has anyone tried any other nut or seed butters? Sunflower seed, macadamia nut, or cashew?
Maranatha Almond Butter
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $7.59 (yikes!)
Overall rating: 3.5/5
We all know about the health benefits of almonds. They are a great source of monounsaturated fats, high in protein, low in sugar, and packed full of calcium, magnesium, and other nutrients. Even though I know all of these things and really enjoy almonds, I don't regularly incorporate them into my diet. That's why finding them in a "butter" form was perfect for me. I eat peanut butter toast for breakfast at least 3 or 4 times a week, so why not switch to almond butter every now and then?
I was excited to find this "no stir" version at the grocery store, since that is the characteristic I hate most about natural peanut butter. Upon opening the jar, I don't know if I would call it "no stir" - I'd call it "lightly stir." In any case, there was some separation, but not as much as you will find in some of the nut butters. The texture is a bit grainy, but it doesn't bother me in the almond butter like it does for peanut butter. I imagine it has to do with the fact that I didn't grow up eating smooth and creamy almond butter sandwiches. :)
I am delighted with the taste - a mild roasted almond flavor that is perfectly sweet. I love it on my whole wheat toast and english muffins, and I've seen recipes that call for it in anything from smoothies to asian stir-fry. My biggest complaint about this product is the price - $7.59 for a 12 oz jar?? Yikes! I was expecting to pay twice the price of peanut butter, but not 3 or 4 times! This is a wonderful change to keep me out of my peanut butter rut, but I doubt I'll be using it in large quantities for recipes.
Has anyone tried any other nut or seed butters? Sunflower seed, macadamia nut, or cashew?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Exploring the produce section
Per request of one of my loyal readers...
Jicama
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $1.29/lb
Overall rating: Can you really rate a root vegetable?
Using jicama was a completely new experience for me. I had seen it in recipes before, but never really knew what its purpose was. If you are unfamiliar with it, read up on Jicama here on the Cooking Light Web site.
I decided to make this Mexican Salad with Pomegranate-Lime Salad to showcase the jicama's crisp texture and ability to "soak up" the flavors it is paired with. I actually think the salad turned out pretty well - it had a lot of different flavors going on, and all together they somehow worked. I substituted spinach for the arugula and had to use bottled pomegranate juice because there were no fresh ones available. I really think the jicama was my favorite part of the whole salad though. It has a mild, but somewhat sweet flavor, and is perfect eaten raw. Cut into thin slices, it adds great texture to a salad. I'm thinking about using the leftovers in some sort of slaw. It could also be thrown into a stir fry, where it would easily soak up the flavor of the sauce and add some crunch (much like a water chestnut).
My biggest complaint with the jicama is that it is tough to peel. It has a thick skin and odd shape, and it took me about twice as long as a potato of the same size would have taken to peel. It is a good source of vitamin C and potassium, but fairly high in carbohydrates.
So overall, probably not something I will use regularly, but certainly something I'll try again. If anyone comes across another good recipe using jicama, make sure to share it with me!
Jicama
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $1.29/lb
Overall rating: Can you really rate a root vegetable?
Using jicama was a completely new experience for me. I had seen it in recipes before, but never really knew what its purpose was. If you are unfamiliar with it, read up on Jicama here on the Cooking Light Web site.
I decided to make this Mexican Salad with Pomegranate-Lime Salad to showcase the jicama's crisp texture and ability to "soak up" the flavors it is paired with. I actually think the salad turned out pretty well - it had a lot of different flavors going on, and all together they somehow worked. I substituted spinach for the arugula and had to use bottled pomegranate juice because there were no fresh ones available. I really think the jicama was my favorite part of the whole salad though. It has a mild, but somewhat sweet flavor, and is perfect eaten raw. Cut into thin slices, it adds great texture to a salad. I'm thinking about using the leftovers in some sort of slaw. It could also be thrown into a stir fry, where it would easily soak up the flavor of the sauce and add some crunch (much like a water chestnut).
My biggest complaint with the jicama is that it is tough to peel. It has a thick skin and odd shape, and it took me about twice as long as a potato of the same size would have taken to peel. It is a good source of vitamin C and potassium, but fairly high in carbohydrates.
So overall, probably not something I will use regularly, but certainly something I'll try again. If anyone comes across another good recipe using jicama, make sure to share it with me!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Relish the possibilities
It's Giardiniera! It's relish! No, it's both!
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $2.69 on sale (regular $3.09)
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Enter giardiniera relish. It really is a cross between the two, as it spreads and looks like relish, but has the taste of a mild giardiniera mix. Because of this variety's mild spice level, it doesn't overtake a sandwich like a lot of regular giardiniera does. It adds a little bit of heat, a lot of flavor, and complements almost anything from a chicken sausage to a roast beef sandwich. In fact, the label even suggests you put it in salads (oooh potato salad anyone?), soups, or re-heated leftovers. It even brought some taste to the otherwise flavorless turkey hot dog I ate tonight!
This relish will set you back a little more in fat and calories than you might expect from the otherwise simple list of natural ingredients because of the oil. With 37 calories and 3.5 grams of fat per tablespoon, it's not quite the same as just using mustard, pickles, or hot sauce which have virtually no caloric value. But, in my opinion, the flavor is definitely worth it. This product receives a 4.5 out of 5 rating, with its main flaw being its secret location in the grocery store. Meijer is the only place I have seen it, and it is hidden in the international food aisle mixed in with the fancy pestos and other overpriced condiments.
Search for it at your local grocery store, and post a comment if you can direct others on where to find it!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Picnic lunch
Mayo and I have now made friends.
Subway Orchard Chicken Salad Sub
Where purchased: University Drive, Urbana Subway
In general, I am not a fan of deli chicken salad. There is something about a huge unhealthy glob of mayo-covered chicken that I have never found appealing. Subway's new orchard chicken salad sub caught my attention, however, because they put it on their fresh fit menu - which I knew meant it had to be 8 grams of fat or less. And really, how nasty and mayonnaisey can you make a chicken salad for 8 grams of fat or less?
So I picked up a $5 foot-long for my friend Katie and I to try for lunch, and I was very impressed. It had great flavor, and I loved the chunks of apple in it. There are also some golden raisins, cranberries, and celery bits thrown in there, mixed together in a light mayo. I was actually surprised at how moist it was - I thought it might be a little dry, but there was no need to add extra mayo or sauce at all.
So, in case those commercials grab you like they do me... go ahead and try it! It's delicious. And really, you can't beat those $5 foot-longs. So plan a little picnic, grab a friend or spouse, some veggies and sun chips, and bust out of the turkey and ham rut!
Subway Orchard Chicken Salad Sub
Where purchased: University Drive, Urbana Subway
Price: $5 for 12" sub
Overall rating: 4/5
In general, I am not a fan of deli chicken salad. There is something about a huge unhealthy glob of mayo-covered chicken that I have never found appealing. Subway's new orchard chicken salad sub caught my attention, however, because they put it on their fresh fit menu - which I knew meant it had to be 8 grams of fat or less. And really, how nasty and mayonnaisey can you make a chicken salad for 8 grams of fat or less?
So I picked up a $5 foot-long for my friend Katie and I to try for lunch, and I was very impressed. It had great flavor, and I loved the chunks of apple in it. There are also some golden raisins, cranberries, and celery bits thrown in there, mixed together in a light mayo. I was actually surprised at how moist it was - I thought it might be a little dry, but there was no need to add extra mayo or sauce at all.
So, in case those commercials grab you like they do me... go ahead and try it! It's delicious. And really, you can't beat those $5 foot-longs. So plan a little picnic, grab a friend or spouse, some veggies and sun chips, and bust out of the turkey and ham rut!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Going back to my Panera roots
Oh yes, ladies and gentlemen. It is summer salad time. So head to Panera and pay $8.00 or some ridiculous amount of money for their delicious Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad. Or... just go ahead and make your own at home.
Panera Bread Poppy Seed Salad Dressing
Price: $4.49 for 12 oz bottle
Where purchased: Schnucks
Overall rating: 4/5
On a recent trip to Schnucks, I discovered that they actually carry the entire line of Panera Bread salad dressings. I had tried a poppy seed dressing from Kraft a while ago that I really did not care for, so I was pretty excited to find this dressing that would sweeten up my summer salad experience. I was also excited to see how healthy the dressing is - 15 calories per serving, 0 grams of fat, and very little sugar or "junk" in the ingredients. I did spot some sucrulose at the very end of the ingredients, but I'm thinking it must be a pretty tiny amount.
On the bottle itself, Panera gives you the "recipe" to duplicate their Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad: Romaine lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, and toasted pecans. I didn't have all of those things, so instead I first tried it with red romaine, strawberries, cucumbers, and 2 of my latest salad obsessions: Athenos Basil and Tomato Feta Cheese and Almond Accents - Honey Roasted flavor. Deeee-licious. The next time I tried it with some walnuts and craisins thrown in there. Also delicious. I have also seen recipes that suggest using the poppy seed dressing for fruit salads, spinach salads, and even chicken salads and wraps.
At $4.50 a bottle, this dressing is fairly pricey, but I think it is worth it to find a healthy, tasty, and versatile dressing that will keep me from getting tired of my daily salad. And with its healthy nutrition label and pleasantly sweet and not-too-tangy flavor, I'm giving this product a 4 out of 5 rating. Schnucks is the only grocery store where I have seen it sold, but I'm pretty sure you can purchase it at any Panera Bread bakery location as well.
Happy summer salad eating!
Panera Bread Poppy Seed Salad Dressing
Price: $4.49 for 12 oz bottle
Where purchased: Schnucks
Overall rating: 4/5
On a recent trip to Schnucks, I discovered that they actually carry the entire line of Panera Bread salad dressings. I had tried a poppy seed dressing from Kraft a while ago that I really did not care for, so I was pretty excited to find this dressing that would sweeten up my summer salad experience. I was also excited to see how healthy the dressing is - 15 calories per serving, 0 grams of fat, and very little sugar or "junk" in the ingredients. I did spot some sucrulose at the very end of the ingredients, but I'm thinking it must be a pretty tiny amount.
On the bottle itself, Panera gives you the "recipe" to duplicate their Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad: Romaine lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, and toasted pecans. I didn't have all of those things, so instead I first tried it with red romaine, strawberries, cucumbers, and 2 of my latest salad obsessions: Athenos Basil and Tomato Feta Cheese and Almond Accents - Honey Roasted flavor. Deeee-licious. The next time I tried it with some walnuts and craisins thrown in there. Also delicious. I have also seen recipes that suggest using the poppy seed dressing for fruit salads, spinach salads, and even chicken salads and wraps.
At $4.50 a bottle, this dressing is fairly pricey, but I think it is worth it to find a healthy, tasty, and versatile dressing that will keep me from getting tired of my daily salad. And with its healthy nutrition label and pleasantly sweet and not-too-tangy flavor, I'm giving this product a 4 out of 5 rating. Schnucks is the only grocery store where I have seen it sold, but I'm pretty sure you can purchase it at any Panera Bread bakery location as well.
Happy summer salad eating!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Time to bust my own rut
Ok readers - yes, I'm talking to all 8 of you :)
I'm struggling here. When I started my blog, I figured there were plenty of products out there to keep me busy. But the sad truth is... I live in Champaign-Urbana. Even when I read about new products online or get suggestions from readers in larger areas, I often have a hard time finding them in my local grocery stores. Also, I figured new products would be easy to spot due to a clear "New!" burst on the packaging. But, I am starting to wonder whether some companies don't bother putting a burst on their packages. Or, if the companies have simply eliminated the burst by the time the products reach our area. It seems I find plenty of products that I have never seen before, yet see no indication that they are "new."
I need your help! I think it is necessary to to open up my blog a bit, by coming up with more relaxed rules about what I should review. Here are a few ideas I have tossed around:
I'm struggling here. When I started my blog, I figured there were plenty of products out there to keep me busy. But the sad truth is... I live in Champaign-Urbana. Even when I read about new products online or get suggestions from readers in larger areas, I often have a hard time finding them in my local grocery stores. Also, I figured new products would be easy to spot due to a clear "New!" burst on the packaging. But, I am starting to wonder whether some companies don't bother putting a burst on their packages. Or, if the companies have simply eliminated the burst by the time the products reach our area. It seems I find plenty of products that I have never seen before, yet see no indication that they are "new."
I need your help! I think it is necessary to to open up my blog a bit, by coming up with more relaxed rules about what I should review. Here are a few ideas I have tossed around:
- New to me products. Any products that I have not tried before would be fair game. I, of course, would try to choose products that aren't incredibly mainstream either.
- New to you products. I would get a weekly "shopping list" from readers (and maybe solicit suggestions from Facebook friends if needed) on which products they wanted me to try. These would not have to be new, they could simply be something they have been curious about but haven't yet purchased.
- Expand the rut-buster scope. This would allow me to talk about new recipes, new ways of preparing food, etc. For example, tonight we tried pre-made turkey garden burgers from the fresh meat counter. Last week I clipped out a few recipes from Cooking Light that I want to make. Edy's makes a fantastic Butterfinger ice cream that even blizzard-enthusiasts would enjoy. All of these topics would be fair game for the blog.
What ideas do you like? What wouldn't you want to read about? What other suggestions do you have?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Old dog, new tricks
Just when you thought M&Ms had exhausted its ability to stay new and fresh...
Pretzel M&Ms
Price: 1.05 oz single size: $0.79; 9.9 oz medium bag: $3.49; 15.4 oz large bag: $4.99
Where purchased: No purchase. Sampled from Heather's office (Thanks Heather!)
Overall rating: 4.5/5
So I try to keep the foods that I review fairly nutritious, but let's face it - sometimes we just need some candy. When my friend Heather told me about these new pretzel M&Ms, I just couldn't resist a sample (or two or three...). I have always loved the salty/sweet combination that chocolate-covered pretzels provide, and here you get that same idea in the little M&Ms we all love. Somewhere between a peanut M&M and crispy M&M (whatever happened to those anyway?), these pretzel M&Ms hit the spot as a perfect movie treat, candy dish filler, or post-lunch sweet.
I am always intrigued by the ways traditional candies try to stay fresh for consumers (3 Musketeers Mint, Crispy Reeses, Dark Chocolate Milky Way, etc.) but this may be my favorite one in a long time!
I certainly don't want to get in the habit of trying every new candy out there, so instead I ask my readers: What new twists on old favorites have you tried? 3 Musketeers Truffle Crisp, Limited Edition Snickers Fudge, Limited Edition Coconut M&Ms, Starburst Summer Fun Fruits, others??
Pretzel M&Ms
Price: 1.05 oz single size: $0.79; 9.9 oz medium bag: $3.49; 15.4 oz large bag: $4.99
Where purchased: No purchase. Sampled from Heather's office (Thanks Heather!)
Overall rating: 4.5/5
So I try to keep the foods that I review fairly nutritious, but let's face it - sometimes we just need some candy. When my friend Heather told me about these new pretzel M&Ms, I just couldn't resist a sample (or two or three...). I have always loved the salty/sweet combination that chocolate-covered pretzels provide, and here you get that same idea in the little M&Ms we all love. Somewhere between a peanut M&M and crispy M&M (whatever happened to those anyway?), these pretzel M&Ms hit the spot as a perfect movie treat, candy dish filler, or post-lunch sweet.
I am always intrigued by the ways traditional candies try to stay fresh for consumers (3 Musketeers Mint, Crispy Reeses, Dark Chocolate Milky Way, etc.) but this may be my favorite one in a long time!
I certainly don't want to get in the habit of trying every new candy out there, so instead I ask my readers: What new twists on old favorites have you tried? 3 Musketeers Truffle Crisp, Limited Edition Snickers Fudge, Limited Edition Coconut M&Ms, Starburst Summer Fun Fruits, others??
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Leave it to Yoplait - UPDATE
Rather than creating an entirely new blog about this yogurt (because really, which one of my readers is NOT sick of reading about yogurt?!) I figured I'd just give this one a bit of an update...
So, I tried the Creme Carmel flavor of these Yoplait Delights... DELICIOUS. As I was gobbling it up and mentally composing its blog entry with the 4.5 rating, I came across an unexpected phrase on the label. "Contains sucrulose and other artificial flavors." What?! I had totally missed that the first time around. I hate artificial sweeteners. I think they are garbage, and I don't like putting them into my body. Yet this delicious product that did not taste artificial at all cheated and added some stupid splenda in with the regular sugar.
So, I now have mixed feelings about this product, but for those of you who could care less about a tiny bit of sucrulose...enjoy!! It really does taste like creamy carmel pudding, and makes a great snack or after-meal treat.
Remember this post? What did I tell you about the word "delight?" It's a food marketer's dream come true.
Yoplait Delights - Chocolate Raspberry
Price: $2.55/4 pack
Where purchased: St. Joseph IGA
Overall rating: 4/5
Does it feel like I've been overdoing it with the yogurt reviews lately? I'll admit I have done a few, but I can't help that there are about a million different kinds of yogurt out there. I can hardly stop trying them when so many exciting new varieties keep popping up.
I try not to get caught up in the "100 calorie" hype, as typically it seems like a way to get you to overpay for special packaging, or sell nearly the same product to a new market segment. But, I'd have to say that this 100-calorie snack is a great addition to the current offerings out there. To me, this product fulfills exactly what I had been hoping for from the less-than-stellar Breyers yogurt I reviewed earlier this month. It provides a sweet, creamy, and satisfying snack, with 5 grams of protein and only 1.5 grams of fat and 100 calories. I particularly enjoyed the raspberry and chocolate flavor because it makes you think you are eating something dessert-like. In fact, I don't think I'd even want to eat this as a breakfast food, but as a mid-morning or afternoon snack it is perfect. The chocolate flavor is pretty mild, but I didn't think it tasted artificial, which is usually the problem I have with lower-calorie yogurts.
This product receives a 4 out of 5 rating because it is a tasty treat, but a little pricey for only a 4 oz cup. Watch out for coupons though - Yoplait is handing out a lot of them right now (did you see the one on the product page?) I actually have 2 of them and forgot to use either when I was at the store, of course. That's ok, I still have other flavors to try. That Creme Carmel is calling my name.
So, I tried the Creme Carmel flavor of these Yoplait Delights... DELICIOUS. As I was gobbling it up and mentally composing its blog entry with the 4.5 rating, I came across an unexpected phrase on the label. "Contains sucrulose and other artificial flavors." What?! I had totally missed that the first time around. I hate artificial sweeteners. I think they are garbage, and I don't like putting them into my body. Yet this delicious product that did not taste artificial at all cheated and added some stupid splenda in with the regular sugar.
So, I now have mixed feelings about this product, but for those of you who could care less about a tiny bit of sucrulose...enjoy!! It really does taste like creamy carmel pudding, and makes a great snack or after-meal treat.
Remember this post? What did I tell you about the word "delight?" It's a food marketer's dream come true.
Yoplait Delights - Chocolate Raspberry
Price: $2.55/4 pack
Where purchased: St. Joseph IGA
Overall rating: 4/5
Does it feel like I've been overdoing it with the yogurt reviews lately? I'll admit I have done a few, but I can't help that there are about a million different kinds of yogurt out there. I can hardly stop trying them when so many exciting new varieties keep popping up.
I try not to get caught up in the "100 calorie" hype, as typically it seems like a way to get you to overpay for special packaging, or sell nearly the same product to a new market segment. But, I'd have to say that this 100-calorie snack is a great addition to the current offerings out there. To me, this product fulfills exactly what I had been hoping for from the less-than-stellar Breyers yogurt I reviewed earlier this month. It provides a sweet, creamy, and satisfying snack, with 5 grams of protein and only 1.5 grams of fat and 100 calories. I particularly enjoyed the raspberry and chocolate flavor because it makes you think you are eating something dessert-like. In fact, I don't think I'd even want to eat this as a breakfast food, but as a mid-morning or afternoon snack it is perfect. The chocolate flavor is pretty mild, but I didn't think it tasted artificial, which is usually the problem I have with lower-calorie yogurts.
This product receives a 4 out of 5 rating because it is a tasty treat, but a little pricey for only a 4 oz cup. Watch out for coupons though - Yoplait is handing out a lot of them right now (did you see the one on the product page?) I actually have 2 of them and forgot to use either when I was at the store, of course. That's ok, I still have other flavors to try. That Creme Carmel is calling my name.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
April recap
Thought it might be fun to do a little recap of this month (and March since I started halfway through)...
Top picks:
1. Blue Bunny Triple Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches
2. Kraft Sandwich Shop Chipotle Flavored Reduced Fat Mayonnaise
3. Hillshire Farms Smoked Chicken Sausage
Still a huge fan of the ice cream sandwiches. They have become one of my favorite week night desserts. The chipotle mayo has brought a whole new level to my sandwiches. I was definitely getting in a rut with those, but this mayo really helped bring my sandwiches to a new level of great taste again for me. And the smoked chicken sausage just makes a great easy, quick meal. Can't wait to try them in some new recipes.
Top flops:
1. Breyers Inspirations Yogurt - Chocolate Chip
2. Jif Natural Peanut Butter
3. Kraft Deli Deluxe Bacon Cheddar Cheese Slices
Please don't waste your money. I've already done it for you.
New products coming in May! Don't forget to e-mail me with suggestions!
Top picks:
1. Blue Bunny Triple Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches
2. Kraft Sandwich Shop Chipotle Flavored Reduced Fat Mayonnaise
3. Hillshire Farms Smoked Chicken Sausage
Still a huge fan of the ice cream sandwiches. They have become one of my favorite week night desserts. The chipotle mayo has brought a whole new level to my sandwiches. I was definitely getting in a rut with those, but this mayo really helped bring my sandwiches to a new level of great taste again for me. And the smoked chicken sausage just makes a great easy, quick meal. Can't wait to try them in some new recipes.
Top flops:
1. Breyers Inspirations Yogurt - Chocolate Chip
2. Jif Natural Peanut Butter
3. Kraft Deli Deluxe Bacon Cheddar Cheese Slices
Please don't waste your money. I've already done it for you.
New products coming in May! Don't forget to e-mail me with suggestions!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Leave it to Yoplait
Remember this post? What did I tell you about the word "delight?" It's a food marketer's dream come true.
Yoplait Delights - Chocolate Raspberry
Price: $2.55/4 pack
Where purchased: St. Joseph IGA
Overall rating: 4/5
Does it feel like I've been overdoing it with the yogurt reviews lately? I'll admit I have done a few, but I can't help that there are about a million different kinds of yogurt out there. I can hardly stop trying them when so many exciting new varieties keep popping up.
I try not to get caught up in the "100 calorie" hype, as typically it seems like a way to get you to overpay for special packaging, or sell nearly the same product to a new market segment. But, I'd have to say that this 100-calorie snack is a great addition to the current offerings out there. To me, this product fulfills exactly what I had been hoping for from the less-than-stellar Breyers yogurt I reviewed earlier this month. It provides a sweet, creamy, and satisfying snack, with 5 grams of protein and only 1.5 grams of fat and 100 calories. I particularly enjoyed the raspberry and chocolate flavor because it makes you think you are eating something dessert-like. In fact, I don't think I'd even want to eat this as a breakfast food, but as a mid-morning or afternoon snack it is perfect. The chocolate flavor is pretty mild, but I didn't think it tasted artificial, which is usually the problem I have with lower-calorie yogurts.
This product receives a 4 out of 5 rating because it is a tasty treat, but a little pricey for only a 4 oz cup. Watch out for coupons though - Yoplait is handing out a lot of them right now (did you see the one on the product page?) I actually have 2 of them and forgot to use either when I was at the store, of course. That's ok, I still have other flavors to try. That Creme Carmel is calling my name.
Yoplait Delights - Chocolate Raspberry
Price: $2.55/4 pack
Where purchased: St. Joseph IGA
Overall rating: 4/5
Does it feel like I've been overdoing it with the yogurt reviews lately? I'll admit I have done a few, but I can't help that there are about a million different kinds of yogurt out there. I can hardly stop trying them when so many exciting new varieties keep popping up.
I try not to get caught up in the "100 calorie" hype, as typically it seems like a way to get you to overpay for special packaging, or sell nearly the same product to a new market segment. But, I'd have to say that this 100-calorie snack is a great addition to the current offerings out there. To me, this product fulfills exactly what I had been hoping for from the less-than-stellar Breyers yogurt I reviewed earlier this month. It provides a sweet, creamy, and satisfying snack, with 5 grams of protein and only 1.5 grams of fat and 100 calories. I particularly enjoyed the raspberry and chocolate flavor because it makes you think you are eating something dessert-like. In fact, I don't think I'd even want to eat this as a breakfast food, but as a mid-morning or afternoon snack it is perfect. The chocolate flavor is pretty mild, but I didn't think it tasted artificial, which is usually the problem I have with lower-calorie yogurts.
This product receives a 4 out of 5 rating because it is a tasty treat, but a little pricey for only a 4 oz cup. Watch out for coupons though - Yoplait is handing out a lot of them right now (did you see the one on the product page?) I actually have 2 of them and forgot to use either when I was at the store, of course. That's ok, I still have other flavors to try. That Creme Carmel is calling my name.
Friday, April 23, 2010
A nutty idea
I find it funny that consumers would want to ingest something known as a "fatty acid." I mean, that's just not appealing.
Planters NUTrition Omega 3 Mix
Where purchased: Target
Price: $4.00 (on sale)
Overall rating: 4/5
I have to say I was intrigued by the marketing of this product. First of all, incorporating NUT into NUTrition? Brilliant. Also, I love how they call this an "Omega 3 Mix." What a great way of jumping on the Omega 3 hype and using it to create a new package for foods that already exist. Ok, enough talk from the Marketing Manager in me.
I'd have to say that walnuts are not my nut of choice, although they are an excellent source of Omega 3s, which we know have all kinds of health benefits. Planters does an excellent job of making these healthy nuts as appealing as possible (short of putting them in a baked good, of course) by pairing them with dried cranberries and dark chocolate-covered soy nuts. The cranberries provide a nice fruity tartness, and the dark chocolate soy nuts provide a sweet and smooth addition to the mix, along with additional omega 3s. I had no idea soy nuts would work so well here, but – as I should have learned from my experience with the chocolate covered cranberries – it turns out chocolate-covered anything is delicious.
My biggest complaint with this product is the packaging. I understand that Planters was trying to maintain it's brand by putting this mix into the same short, aluminum can that their peanuts come in. But peanuts are much smaller than walnuts are, and they are all about the same size. You open up this can and you can't even see past the 4 huge walnuts to get to the other good stuff. It is seriously frustrating to me. I started breaking up some of the walnuts to make them closer to the size of the soy nuts.
I'm giving this product a 4 out of 5 - good taste, a great way to incorporate some additional Omega 3s into your diet, and very satisfying. $4.00 (on sale) seems a little hefty for a small can of trail mix, but I always think nuts seem pretty expensive. I wonder how much better you'd do buying walnuts, dried cranberries, and chocolate-covered soy nuts individually and mixing them all together yourself? You'd spend a lot to begin with, but I'm guessing the price/serving would go way down. But, as long as this is just something you snack on occasionally, I suppose paying $.50/serving for the added convenience isn't bad.
I was also intrigued by Planters' Antioxident Mix, but I'm already guessing if you like all of the ingredients individually, as I do, you'd like them all together. But if anyone is unsure, I'd be happy to do another review :)
Planters NUTrition Omega 3 Mix
Where purchased: Target
Price: $4.00 (on sale)
Overall rating: 4/5
I have to say I was intrigued by the marketing of this product. First of all, incorporating NUT into NUTrition? Brilliant. Also, I love how they call this an "Omega 3 Mix." What a great way of jumping on the Omega 3 hype and using it to create a new package for foods that already exist. Ok, enough talk from the Marketing Manager in me.
I'd have to say that walnuts are not my nut of choice, although they are an excellent source of Omega 3s, which we know have all kinds of health benefits. Planters does an excellent job of making these healthy nuts as appealing as possible (short of putting them in a baked good, of course) by pairing them with dried cranberries and dark chocolate-covered soy nuts. The cranberries provide a nice fruity tartness, and the dark chocolate soy nuts provide a sweet and smooth addition to the mix, along with additional omega 3s. I had no idea soy nuts would work so well here, but – as I should have learned from my experience with the chocolate covered cranberries – it turns out chocolate-covered anything is delicious.
My biggest complaint with this product is the packaging. I understand that Planters was trying to maintain it's brand by putting this mix into the same short, aluminum can that their peanuts come in. But peanuts are much smaller than walnuts are, and they are all about the same size. You open up this can and you can't even see past the 4 huge walnuts to get to the other good stuff. It is seriously frustrating to me. I started breaking up some of the walnuts to make them closer to the size of the soy nuts.
I'm giving this product a 4 out of 5 - good taste, a great way to incorporate some additional Omega 3s into your diet, and very satisfying. $4.00 (on sale) seems a little hefty for a small can of trail mix, but I always think nuts seem pretty expensive. I wonder how much better you'd do buying walnuts, dried cranberries, and chocolate-covered soy nuts individually and mixing them all together yourself? You'd spend a lot to begin with, but I'm guessing the price/serving would go way down. But, as long as this is just something you snack on occasionally, I suppose paying $.50/serving for the added convenience isn't bad.
I was also intrigued by Planters' Antioxident Mix, but I'm already guessing if you like all of the ingredients individually, as I do, you'd like them all together. But if anyone is unsure, I'd be happy to do another review :)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Cheddar that melts better
Does the title of this blog entry make anyone's stomach churn as they think about that Velveeta vs Cheddar commercial, in which they show a big gross mess of cheddar that someone tried to melt? If so, I apologize.
Kraft Deli Deluxe Bacon Cheddar Cheese Slices
Where purchased: Target
Price: $2.89
Overall rating: 2.5/5
First, I'd like to say that I had to try this product three times before I felt comfortable posting about it. The first time I just ate it plain, the second time I had it on a cold turkey sandwich, and the last time I had it on a plain hot turkey and cheese sandwich. This is how thorough I am for my readers :)
My first impression was... yuck. I really didn't like it when I tasted it. But, I think the problem is that I was expecting to taste more of a sliced cheddar cheese than a sliced processed cheese. Even though it is called "Bacon Cheddar," it really is just cheddar flavored American processed cheese. I don't suppose that sounds particularly appealing to anyone. I mean, if Velveeta came out with a cheddar flavor would you want to just eat a hunk of it? Probably not. But if you melted it over some broccoli or a baked potato, it would be delicious.
When I actually put a half slice of the cheese on my sandwich, it was fine. I really didn't taste it. The flavor is very mild. I really don't taste any bacon flavor in it, so it is somewhere between a mild cheddar and American cheese flavor. Not enough to stand out amongst the company of lettuce, cucumber, chipotle mayo, whole wheat bread, and peppered turkey breast. I finally thought "Hey, this is essentially just a thick American cheese. It is meant to be melted." So I melted it over a pile of turkey and ate it on a bun. I think that was probably the way to go. It still didn't stand out, but at least I finally understood what the one appeal of the cheese is: To make a cheddar that melts better.
All in all, I wasn't impressed with the product. It gets a rating of 2.5 out of 5 because each slice has a high fat/calorie content because it is about twice as thick as I'd want it to be. And the flavor just isn't there. It isn't necessarily a bad flavor (unless you eat it straight out of the package), it just isn't better than regular "yellow square cheese" (courtesy of my nephew, Owen) or cheddar cheese. I think this product is simply trying to fulfill a niche that really doesn't need to be filled.
Kraft Deli Deluxe Bacon Cheddar Cheese Slices
Where purchased: Target
Price: $2.89
Overall rating: 2.5/5
First, I'd like to say that I had to try this product three times before I felt comfortable posting about it. The first time I just ate it plain, the second time I had it on a cold turkey sandwich, and the last time I had it on a plain hot turkey and cheese sandwich. This is how thorough I am for my readers :)
My first impression was... yuck. I really didn't like it when I tasted it. But, I think the problem is that I was expecting to taste more of a sliced cheddar cheese than a sliced processed cheese. Even though it is called "Bacon Cheddar," it really is just cheddar flavored American processed cheese. I don't suppose that sounds particularly appealing to anyone. I mean, if Velveeta came out with a cheddar flavor would you want to just eat a hunk of it? Probably not. But if you melted it over some broccoli or a baked potato, it would be delicious.
When I actually put a half slice of the cheese on my sandwich, it was fine. I really didn't taste it. The flavor is very mild. I really don't taste any bacon flavor in it, so it is somewhere between a mild cheddar and American cheese flavor. Not enough to stand out amongst the company of lettuce, cucumber, chipotle mayo, whole wheat bread, and peppered turkey breast. I finally thought "Hey, this is essentially just a thick American cheese. It is meant to be melted." So I melted it over a pile of turkey and ate it on a bun. I think that was probably the way to go. It still didn't stand out, but at least I finally understood what the one appeal of the cheese is: To make a cheddar that melts better.
All in all, I wasn't impressed with the product. It gets a rating of 2.5 out of 5 because each slice has a high fat/calorie content because it is about twice as thick as I'd want it to be. And the flavor just isn't there. It isn't necessarily a bad flavor (unless you eat it straight out of the package), it just isn't better than regular "yellow square cheese" (courtesy of my nephew, Owen) or cheddar cheese. I think this product is simply trying to fulfill a niche that really doesn't need to be filled.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
What's the big fat deal?
Greek yogurt seems to be gaining all kinds of popularity recently. So, I figured I'd find out for myself - What is the Big Fat Greek Deal?
Yoplait Greek Yogurt - Honey Vanilla and Strawberry
Price: $1.00 (on sale)
Where purchased: Schnucks
Overall rating: 3/5
As clearly displayed on the Yoplait Greek label, their big deal is "twice the protein of regular yogurt." This particular brand also boasts 0 g fat, 130 calories, 18 g of sugar, and no artifical sweeteners. Yoplait Greek is also made from cow's milk - which is apparently typical in Greek yogurts sold in the U.S. We Americans don't typically care for sheep's milk.
I can see why Greek yogurt would be ideal for cooking. It has a thick texture and doesn't get that extra liquid that you sometimes find in regular yogurt. But as far as eating straight from the carton goes... I'll stick with the regular yogurt. While I like that you can pack extra protein into the same number of calories (kinda gives you that same phenomenon that egg whites do - extra protein for very few calories), I found the thick texture to be undesirable and the taste was not particularly great either. While the flavor of the honey vanilla wasn't bad and closely resembled a traditional vanilla yogurt, the strawberry flavor tasted very artificial and lacked the necessary sweetness needed to counteract the natural bitterness of the yogurt. I also find the price to be a bit ridiculous. I do understand that it takes more milk to make 6 oz of Greek yogurt than it does to make 6 oz of regular yogurt and thus a higher price is needed... but come on. I can't be spending over $1 on every cup of yogurt I eat!
So, I'm giving this product a 3 out of 5. I do like the nutritional aspects of it - and we all know I love my protein - but I just can't sacrifice the money, texture, and taste to continue buying it. So don't get wrapped up in the Greek yogurt hype and the marketing if all you are looking for is a good-tasting, smooth-textured, somewhat healthy yogurt. I'd stick to the Stonyfield Organic or similar brand if I were you.
Yoplait Greek Yogurt - Honey Vanilla and Strawberry
Price: $1.00 (on sale)
Where purchased: Schnucks
Overall rating: 3/5
As clearly displayed on the Yoplait Greek label, their big deal is "twice the protein of regular yogurt." This particular brand also boasts 0 g fat, 130 calories, 18 g of sugar, and no artifical sweeteners. Yoplait Greek is also made from cow's milk - which is apparently typical in Greek yogurts sold in the U.S. We Americans don't typically care for sheep's milk.
I can see why Greek yogurt would be ideal for cooking. It has a thick texture and doesn't get that extra liquid that you sometimes find in regular yogurt. But as far as eating straight from the carton goes... I'll stick with the regular yogurt. While I like that you can pack extra protein into the same number of calories (kinda gives you that same phenomenon that egg whites do - extra protein for very few calories), I found the thick texture to be undesirable and the taste was not particularly great either. While the flavor of the honey vanilla wasn't bad and closely resembled a traditional vanilla yogurt, the strawberry flavor tasted very artificial and lacked the necessary sweetness needed to counteract the natural bitterness of the yogurt. I also find the price to be a bit ridiculous. I do understand that it takes more milk to make 6 oz of Greek yogurt than it does to make 6 oz of regular yogurt and thus a higher price is needed... but come on. I can't be spending over $1 on every cup of yogurt I eat!
So, I'm giving this product a 3 out of 5. I do like the nutritional aspects of it - and we all know I love my protein - but I just can't sacrifice the money, texture, and taste to continue buying it. So don't get wrapped up in the Greek yogurt hype and the marketing if all you are looking for is a good-tasting, smooth-textured, somewhat healthy yogurt. I'd stick to the Stonyfield Organic or similar brand if I were you.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Call me craisi
If the leading brand of dried cranberries calls them Craisins, shouldn't the leading brand of the chocolate covered variety call them Craisinets? It only makes sense.
Nestle Cranberry Raisinets
Price: $2.69 (5.5 oz bag)
Where purchased: Target (thank you, Jackie!)
Rating: 3/5
I love raisinets. I find them to be a great snacking candy. It's really no wonder they have been a movie-goers staple for so many years. And really, as far as candy goes, nutritionally you can't do much better. I mean, you are actually getting some nutrition underneath the sugar and fat of the delicious milk chocolate.
So, one could only expect Nestle would do an excellent job covering cranberries with chocolate as well, right? Right. They did. They did an excellent job of making their chocolate covered cranberries exactly like raisinets. Like... exactly. I really can't tell the difference. I was hoping the dried cranberry would add a little different tang and taste than the raisin, but the flavor is pretty much indistinguishable beneath the milk chocolate coating. This is the same way I think of fried appetizers at restaurants. Fry a mushroom, broccoli, onion... it really doesn't matter. It all tastes like deep fried breading.
So, I rated this product a 3.5 out of 5 not because I was at all displeased with the taste or value, but because Nestle did a poor job making a new product. If a company is going to bother making a different version of a classic, actually do something different. Maybe they should have covered it with white chocolate instead. Or put a little less chocolate to bring out the cranberry - something besides bragging about the antioxidents of the cranberries. Come on, it's been done.
That said, Nestle also has a new cherry raisinet covered in a dark chocolate coating that I will probably have to try. While I do know they make dark chocolate raisinets, I actually haven't tried them yet. In fact, by the time all is said and done I'll probably end up purchasing 4 different packages of raisinets and Nestle will have accomplished exactly what they set out to do. But what can I say - I am only a consumer.
Nestle Cranberry Raisinets
Price: $2.69 (5.5 oz bag)
Where purchased: Target (thank you, Jackie!)
Rating: 3/5
I love raisinets. I find them to be a great snacking candy. It's really no wonder they have been a movie-goers staple for so many years. And really, as far as candy goes, nutritionally you can't do much better. I mean, you are actually getting some nutrition underneath the sugar and fat of the delicious milk chocolate.
So, one could only expect Nestle would do an excellent job covering cranberries with chocolate as well, right? Right. They did. They did an excellent job of making their chocolate covered cranberries exactly like raisinets. Like... exactly. I really can't tell the difference. I was hoping the dried cranberry would add a little different tang and taste than the raisin, but the flavor is pretty much indistinguishable beneath the milk chocolate coating. This is the same way I think of fried appetizers at restaurants. Fry a mushroom, broccoli, onion... it really doesn't matter. It all tastes like deep fried breading.
So, I rated this product a 3.5 out of 5 not because I was at all displeased with the taste or value, but because Nestle did a poor job making a new product. If a company is going to bother making a different version of a classic, actually do something different. Maybe they should have covered it with white chocolate instead. Or put a little less chocolate to bring out the cranberry - something besides bragging about the antioxidents of the cranberries. Come on, it's been done.
That said, Nestle also has a new cherry raisinet covered in a dark chocolate coating that I will probably have to try. While I do know they make dark chocolate raisinets, I actually haven't tried them yet. In fact, by the time all is said and done I'll probably end up purchasing 4 different packages of raisinets and Nestle will have accomplished exactly what they set out to do. But what can I say - I am only a consumer.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Keep the doctor away
But you can't just do it with an apple a day anymore. Now you have to add antioxident-rich superfruits to your apple.
Musselman's Healthy Picks Applesauce - Key Lime Cupuaca
Where purchased: Super Walmart
Price: $1.50 (on sale?)
Rating: 3/5
Did you have any idea how many types of applesauce there are out there?? I had no clue. I always thought applesauce was just like.. umm... mashed up apples. Gee, was I wrong.
Add to the already crowded applesauce collection a new line of individual snack cups from Musselmans - Healthy Picks. These claim no added sugar, but do have fruit concentrates and "other natural flavors," as opposed to the natural applesauce that literally does just have apples and water. For an extra 20 calories, 5 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of sugar, the healthy picks applesauce gives you additional flavor, calcium, iron, vitamin C, fiber, and "antioxidents."
I can't imagine these additional benefits are worth a whole lot, as the applesauce mostly just tasted like... well, applesauce. There was a hint of lime in it that I really enjoyed, I just wish there would have been more of it. I was actually surprised at how well the two flavors complimented each other, and made the applesauce seem sweeter, not tart or sour as I had feared.
So, I'm giving this product a 3 out of 5 because it really isn't anything special. It had a good taste, was relatively healthy, and a good value, but there was nothing about it to get me excited. You may want to try it if you normally get regular unsweetened applesauce just for something slightly different, but don't expect to be thrilled by this product if you aren't a regular applesauce eater. I'll admit that I still am curious to try the other flavors - Blueberry Pomegranate and Raspberry Acai - just on the off chance that they might have a more unique flavor. It doesn't feel like too much of a gamble if I can pick these up for $1.50, and at the worst I'm left with something closely resembling applesauce!
Musselman's Healthy Picks Applesauce - Key Lime Cupuaca
Where purchased: Super Walmart
Price: $1.50 (on sale?)
Rating: 3/5
Did you have any idea how many types of applesauce there are out there?? I had no clue. I always thought applesauce was just like.. umm... mashed up apples. Gee, was I wrong.
Add to the already crowded applesauce collection a new line of individual snack cups from Musselmans - Healthy Picks. These claim no added sugar, but do have fruit concentrates and "other natural flavors," as opposed to the natural applesauce that literally does just have apples and water. For an extra 20 calories, 5 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of sugar, the healthy picks applesauce gives you additional flavor, calcium, iron, vitamin C, fiber, and "antioxidents."
I can't imagine these additional benefits are worth a whole lot, as the applesauce mostly just tasted like... well, applesauce. There was a hint of lime in it that I really enjoyed, I just wish there would have been more of it. I was actually surprised at how well the two flavors complimented each other, and made the applesauce seem sweeter, not tart or sour as I had feared.
So, I'm giving this product a 3 out of 5 because it really isn't anything special. It had a good taste, was relatively healthy, and a good value, but there was nothing about it to get me excited. You may want to try it if you normally get regular unsweetened applesauce just for something slightly different, but don't expect to be thrilled by this product if you aren't a regular applesauce eater. I'll admit that I still am curious to try the other flavors - Blueberry Pomegranate and Raspberry Acai - just on the off chance that they might have a more unique flavor. It doesn't feel like too much of a gamble if I can pick these up for $1.50, and at the worst I'm left with something closely resembling applesauce!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
What are you, chicken?
Just try this new smoked sausage. C’mon. I dare you.
Hillshire Farms Smoked Chicken Sausage
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $2.00 on sale (Regular $3.99)
Overall rating: 4.5/5
I guess I should warn you that I’m a fan of precooked sausages. I find them tasty and incredibly convenient. So if you are generally turned off by them and find them unnatural I guess take this review with a grain of salt.
I think these smoked chicken sausages are delicious. They are very flavorful, not at all dry, and relatively low in fat and calories. Hillshire Farms does a great job with the seasoning, bringing out a smoky and not too salty flavor. I could see these smoked sausages working in many types of dishes (soups, gumbos, casseroles, etc), although they are also great on their own.
I usually buy the turkey variety when I purchase smoked sausage, but I think these chicken ones turned out a little better. Not a significant distinction, I just found I enjoyed these a little more. Maybe it was just the fact that they were something different. I compared the two at the store and they are nearly identical in nutrition info – 5 g of fat, 90 calories, and similar in protein and sodium (yes, these do pack 440 mg of sodium, as you might expect from a prepackaged meat). So, if you have a recipe calling for smoked sausage or turkey smoked sausage, I’d give these guys a try.
I’m giving these a 4.5 out of 5, as they exceeded my expectations for a lighter smoked sausage. Plus, I was able to pick them up for two bucks – you can’t beat that!
Hillshire Farms Smoked Chicken Sausage
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $2.00 on sale (Regular $3.99)
Overall rating: 4.5/5
I guess I should warn you that I’m a fan of precooked sausages. I find them tasty and incredibly convenient. So if you are generally turned off by them and find them unnatural I guess take this review with a grain of salt.
I think these smoked chicken sausages are delicious. They are very flavorful, not at all dry, and relatively low in fat and calories. Hillshire Farms does a great job with the seasoning, bringing out a smoky and not too salty flavor. I could see these smoked sausages working in many types of dishes (soups, gumbos, casseroles, etc), although they are also great on their own.
I usually buy the turkey variety when I purchase smoked sausage, but I think these chicken ones turned out a little better. Not a significant distinction, I just found I enjoyed these a little more. Maybe it was just the fact that they were something different. I compared the two at the store and they are nearly identical in nutrition info – 5 g of fat, 90 calories, and similar in protein and sodium (yes, these do pack 440 mg of sodium, as you might expect from a prepackaged meat). So, if you have a recipe calling for smoked sausage or turkey smoked sausage, I’d give these guys a try.
I’m giving these a 4.5 out of 5, as they exceeded my expectations for a lighter smoked sausage. Plus, I was able to pick them up for two bucks – you can’t beat that!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Stick to ice cream
Sometimes you just gotta know what you’re good at, and stick to it. Yeah Breyers, I’m talking to you.
Breyers Inspirations Yogurt – Chocolate Chip
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $2.49 (pack of 4)
Overall rating: 1.5/5
I was actually really excited to try this product. Cream and chocolate chips in my yogurt? Sounds delicious! Not so much. I detected no hint of cream or even chocolate in this yogurt. The whole thing just blended together into one uninspired, articial-tasting 4 oz cup. Blah.
I was hoping this would make a fufilling snack or quick breakfast, with 140 calories, 3.5 g of fat, and 4 grams of protein. Instead, I found a product far less sweet and delicious than most yogurts, and nothing that would fulfill a chocolate craving. Very unlike what I would expect from Breyers, as I have never been disappointed in their ice cream.
I’m giving this product a 1.5 out of 5 for disappointing in taste and value - I honestly don't even know if I'll finish the other two cups sitting in my fridge. And at $.63 for only a 4 oz cup (most yogurts that price would be 6 oz) and an overall artificial taste, I would recommend you find better ways to spend your money. I haven’t tried the other flavors, but certainly don’t intend to either. I can’t imagine Mint Chocolate Chip, Strawberry, or Vanilla would be any better. Unless of course you plan to get them from the freezer aisle.
Breyers Inspirations Yogurt – Chocolate Chip
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $2.49 (pack of 4)
Overall rating: 1.5/5
I was actually really excited to try this product. Cream and chocolate chips in my yogurt? Sounds delicious! Not so much. I detected no hint of cream or even chocolate in this yogurt. The whole thing just blended together into one uninspired, articial-tasting 4 oz cup. Blah.
I was hoping this would make a fufilling snack or quick breakfast, with 140 calories, 3.5 g of fat, and 4 grams of protein. Instead, I found a product far less sweet and delicious than most yogurts, and nothing that would fulfill a chocolate craving. Very unlike what I would expect from Breyers, as I have never been disappointed in their ice cream.
I’m giving this product a 1.5 out of 5 for disappointing in taste and value - I honestly don't even know if I'll finish the other two cups sitting in my fridge. And at $.63 for only a 4 oz cup (most yogurts that price would be 6 oz) and an overall artificial taste, I would recommend you find better ways to spend your money. I haven’t tried the other flavors, but certainly don’t intend to either. I can’t imagine Mint Chocolate Chip, Strawberry, or Vanilla would be any better. Unless of course you plan to get them from the freezer aisle.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Opening Day
It’s officially grillin’ season!
McCormick Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $2.36
Overall rating: 4/5
Ok, so after trying this I realized there’s really not much you can say about seasoning. So this will be short and sweet.
If you are anything like us, we take every opportunity we have to grill out. Chicken, burgers, pork chops, fish, steaks – you name it, we grill it. So we are always looking for new ways to make our grillables just a little different from the last time. We might try one seasoning mix this time, next time try a marinade, make it spicy, make it cheesy, add some bbq… ok now I’m hungry. The point is – ya gotta keep it interesting.
That’s why I never mind finding a good grill seasoning mix. I thought this McCormick seasoning had a great smoky flavor, and just brought out the natural flavor of the pork chops we put it on (would also be great with chicken). Not too strong, not too spicy, just a good overall flavor. I also like these seasoning mixes because they are simple, allowing you to just sprinkle them on your meat of choice. No need for marinating or measuring.
I’m giving this product a 4 out of 5 – good taste, good value, and worth actually buying the seasoning blend. Sometimes I feel like I could just as easily have made the blend with about 3 of the seasonings already in my cupboard, but this one is pretty unique and a welcome addition to our collection.
McCormick Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $2.36
Overall rating: 4/5
Ok, so after trying this I realized there’s really not much you can say about seasoning. So this will be short and sweet.
If you are anything like us, we take every opportunity we have to grill out. Chicken, burgers, pork chops, fish, steaks – you name it, we grill it. So we are always looking for new ways to make our grillables just a little different from the last time. We might try one seasoning mix this time, next time try a marinade, make it spicy, make it cheesy, add some bbq… ok now I’m hungry. The point is – ya gotta keep it interesting.
That’s why I never mind finding a good grill seasoning mix. I thought this McCormick seasoning had a great smoky flavor, and just brought out the natural flavor of the pork chops we put it on (would also be great with chicken). Not too strong, not too spicy, just a good overall flavor. I also like these seasoning mixes because they are simple, allowing you to just sprinkle them on your meat of choice. No need for marinating or measuring.
I’m giving this product a 4 out of 5 – good taste, good value, and worth actually buying the seasoning blend. Sometimes I feel like I could just as easily have made the blend with about 3 of the seasonings already in my cupboard, but this one is pretty unique and a welcome addition to our collection.
Friday, April 2, 2010
“You like sugar, huh?”
If Buddy the Elf taught us anything, it’s that everything is better with syrup.
Stonyfield Organic Yogurt – Maple Vanilla Seasonal Flavor
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $.69 on sale (Regular $.99)
Overall rating: 4/5
I typically find vanilla yogurt pretty dull. I mean, it’s good and all, but why choose vanilla when you can have something like strawberry pomegranate or key lime pie? But, just add some maple flavor to your boring vanilla and you’ve got an exciting new flavor experience.
This yogurt is a “limited edition” flavor, so I thought it might be fun to review if you haven’t had a chance to try it yet. I’ve recently become a big fan of Stonyfield Organic yogurts. I was on a search to find a brand that did not have any artificial sweeteners, but also weren’t quite as sugary as the regular Dannon and Yoplait. I found a pretty good balance with Stonyfield Organic, which I’ve been lucky enough to pick up for $.69 for 3 weeks straight at Meijer. With the amount of yogurt I consume, I just can’t get myself to pay the regular $.99/piece for a cup of yogurt when they have plenty that are half that price.
Although the color of this maple vanilla flavor is a bit off-putting, the taste is great. The maple flavor really comes through, and it works great as a breakfast with some granola mixed in. And, for those who don’t like “stuff” or chunks of fruit in your yogurt, this one is nice and smooth and creamy.
I’m giving this yogurt a 4 out of 5 for just the right amount of sweetness in a 1.5 g of fat, 130 calorie, 6 oz yogurt with organic ingredients (that’s right – no high fructose corn syrup!). I still think even the $.69 sale price is high for yogurt, but it could be worse. I also like that Stonyfield Organic comes out with seasonal flavors like this to try, adding some variety to the usual flavors. I can’t wait to try the next one!
Stonyfield Organic Yogurt – Maple Vanilla Seasonal Flavor
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $.69 on sale (Regular $.99)
Overall rating: 4/5
I typically find vanilla yogurt pretty dull. I mean, it’s good and all, but why choose vanilla when you can have something like strawberry pomegranate or key lime pie? But, just add some maple flavor to your boring vanilla and you’ve got an exciting new flavor experience.
This yogurt is a “limited edition” flavor, so I thought it might be fun to review if you haven’t had a chance to try it yet. I’ve recently become a big fan of Stonyfield Organic yogurts. I was on a search to find a brand that did not have any artificial sweeteners, but also weren’t quite as sugary as the regular Dannon and Yoplait. I found a pretty good balance with Stonyfield Organic, which I’ve been lucky enough to pick up for $.69 for 3 weeks straight at Meijer. With the amount of yogurt I consume, I just can’t get myself to pay the regular $.99/piece for a cup of yogurt when they have plenty that are half that price.
Although the color of this maple vanilla flavor is a bit off-putting, the taste is great. The maple flavor really comes through, and it works great as a breakfast with some granola mixed in. And, for those who don’t like “stuff” or chunks of fruit in your yogurt, this one is nice and smooth and creamy.
I’m giving this yogurt a 4 out of 5 for just the right amount of sweetness in a 1.5 g of fat, 130 calorie, 6 oz yogurt with organic ingredients (that’s right – no high fructose corn syrup!). I still think even the $.69 sale price is high for yogurt, but it could be worse. I also like that Stonyfield Organic comes out with seasonal flavors like this to try, adding some variety to the usual flavors. I can’t wait to try the next one!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A delightful surprise
Healthy food marketers must love the word “delight.” A positive feeling with the word “light” built right into it. Perfect.
Quaker True Delights Multigrain Fiber Crisps – Wild Blueberry
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $1.99
Overall rating: 3.5/5
I picked up these “delightful” little crisps upon recommendation from my sister, Jackie. New to Quaker’s line of cereals, rice cakes, and granola bars, these snacks boast 17 grams of whole grain per serving, with only 110 calories, 1.5 g of fat, and 6 g of sugar.
I didn’t know exactly what to expect from a “fiber crisp,” but when I put it in my mouth I was a bit surprised by the texture. I think I was expecting one of those light and airy mini rice cakes, but these are denser and actually remind me more of a cereal texture or a crunchy granola bar. The flavor is tasty: pleasantly sweet and non-grainy, but nothing outstanding. My first bite reminded me exactly of something I have had before, although I still haven’t been able to figure out exactly what it was. Maybe some sort of blueberry granola? In any case, that might give you an idea. It kinda tastes like you are munching on dry cereal or a granola bar.
What I like about these, however, is that they aren’t as messy as dry cereal, and they aren’t as “restricting” as a granola bar (which are portioned out for you). You can munch on these freely like you would chips or pretzels, but know you are eating a healthier snack. I could see these being a nice car trip snack, or something to keep in the office for mid-morning or afternoon munchies.
I am giving these a 3.5 out of 5 for good, but nothing super special. $1.99 for a 3-serving bag seems like a fair price, and these could serve as a nice alternative to some of your regular snacks. I might try these or another flavor again if I see them on sale, but I don’t see them becoming something I put on my grocery list.
Quaker True Delights Multigrain Fiber Crisps – Wild Blueberry
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $1.99
Overall rating: 3.5/5
I picked up these “delightful” little crisps upon recommendation from my sister, Jackie. New to Quaker’s line of cereals, rice cakes, and granola bars, these snacks boast 17 grams of whole grain per serving, with only 110 calories, 1.5 g of fat, and 6 g of sugar.
I didn’t know exactly what to expect from a “fiber crisp,” but when I put it in my mouth I was a bit surprised by the texture. I think I was expecting one of those light and airy mini rice cakes, but these are denser and actually remind me more of a cereal texture or a crunchy granola bar. The flavor is tasty: pleasantly sweet and non-grainy, but nothing outstanding. My first bite reminded me exactly of something I have had before, although I still haven’t been able to figure out exactly what it was. Maybe some sort of blueberry granola? In any case, that might give you an idea. It kinda tastes like you are munching on dry cereal or a granola bar.
What I like about these, however, is that they aren’t as messy as dry cereal, and they aren’t as “restricting” as a granola bar (which are portioned out for you). You can munch on these freely like you would chips or pretzels, but know you are eating a healthier snack. I could see these being a nice car trip snack, or something to keep in the office for mid-morning or afternoon munchies.
I am giving these a 3.5 out of 5 for good, but nothing super special. $1.99 for a 3-serving bag seems like a fair price, and these could serve as a nice alternative to some of your regular snacks. I might try these or another flavor again if I see them on sale, but I don’t see them becoming something I put on my grocery list.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Choosy versus picky
If the choosy choose Jif, do the picky pick Skippy?
Skippy Natural Peanut Butter
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $1.99 on sale (Regular $2.29)
Overall rating: 4/5
Today’s entry stems from my sister’s comment regarding my review of Jif Natural peanut butter. Her family was also not impressed with the Jif Natural, but they do like the Skippy Natural. So, even though it is not “new” anymore, I purchased the Skippy Natural to see how it measures up.
Skippy Natural vs Jif Natural
Skippy did a much better job making their natural version more like their regular peanut butter than Jif did. I found it very creamy and smooth, and it didn’t taste dry to me at all. I really didn’t find that weird texture difference (or really a taste difference, though I’m not as familiar with Skippy’s regular taste) that I definitely noticed in the Jif Natural. Comparing the two brands’ nutrition/ingredient labels, I noticed that Skippy Natural kept the full 150 mg of salt (Jif reduced their to 75 mg in their natural version) and Skippy had only 4 ingredients – no molasses. Also of note: Skippy has 3.5 g of saturated fat while Jif has 3 g, and Skippy has 6 g carbs while Jif has 7.
Skippy Natural vs Original Skippy
Skippy Natural has 10 fewer calories, 0.5 g more saturated fat, and 1 g less carbs than its regular counterpart. The sodium content remained the same. While original Skippy has 0 g trans fat on its nutrition label, it does contain partially hydrogonated vegetable oils – which we know means there are trans fats, but less than 0.5 g per serving.
So where does this comparison leave us? If you are loyal to Jif, keep buying the regular version. Switching to the natural version just isn’t worth what you lose in texture and flavor. However, if you are a Skippy person or not brand-loyal, I’d recommend trying the Skippy Natural. Though you will still be consuming the saturated fat found in palm oil, you will eliminate those scary trans fats found in the regular version – and more importantly, you won’t be sacrificing flavor and texture. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much this spreads and tastes like the regular peanut butter. And if you are a natural peanut butter eater only because you are very concerned with receiving the health benefits, keep buying the “real” natural peanut butters that contain only peanuts and salt, with no added oils or sugars. If you are ok with the fact that it will never taste like that creamy smooth peanut butter you grew up with, then fine. At least you can feel better about your health while you stir it and fight to spread it on your bread!
I am giving Skippy Natural a rating of 4 out of 5 because they did a great job at keeping their natural version closer to their regular version. Normally a rating this high would mean I would purchase it again (and maybe I would if I was the only one eating peanut butter in our household), but I think I am actually going to just keep buying regular Jif. I will finish up the Skippy Natural, and Noah will finish up the Jif Natural (he didn’t think the Jif Natural was bad, but he really didn’t like the Skippy Natural because it “tasted like Skippy”), but in the end I think we’ll go back to our grocery rut and stick with the stuff we love.
Skippy Natural Peanut Butter
Where purchased: Meijer
Price: $1.99 on sale (Regular $2.29)
Overall rating: 4/5
Today’s entry stems from my sister’s comment regarding my review of Jif Natural peanut butter. Her family was also not impressed with the Jif Natural, but they do like the Skippy Natural. So, even though it is not “new” anymore, I purchased the Skippy Natural to see how it measures up.
Skippy Natural vs Jif Natural
Skippy did a much better job making their natural version more like their regular peanut butter than Jif did. I found it very creamy and smooth, and it didn’t taste dry to me at all. I really didn’t find that weird texture difference (or really a taste difference, though I’m not as familiar with Skippy’s regular taste) that I definitely noticed in the Jif Natural. Comparing the two brands’ nutrition/ingredient labels, I noticed that Skippy Natural kept the full 150 mg of salt (Jif reduced their to 75 mg in their natural version) and Skippy had only 4 ingredients – no molasses. Also of note: Skippy has 3.5 g of saturated fat while Jif has 3 g, and Skippy has 6 g carbs while Jif has 7.
Skippy Natural vs Original Skippy
Skippy Natural has 10 fewer calories, 0.5 g more saturated fat, and 1 g less carbs than its regular counterpart. The sodium content remained the same. While original Skippy has 0 g trans fat on its nutrition label, it does contain partially hydrogonated vegetable oils – which we know means there are trans fats, but less than 0.5 g per serving.
So where does this comparison leave us? If you are loyal to Jif, keep buying the regular version. Switching to the natural version just isn’t worth what you lose in texture and flavor. However, if you are a Skippy person or not brand-loyal, I’d recommend trying the Skippy Natural. Though you will still be consuming the saturated fat found in palm oil, you will eliminate those scary trans fats found in the regular version – and more importantly, you won’t be sacrificing flavor and texture. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much this spreads and tastes like the regular peanut butter. And if you are a natural peanut butter eater only because you are very concerned with receiving the health benefits, keep buying the “real” natural peanut butters that contain only peanuts and salt, with no added oils or sugars. If you are ok with the fact that it will never taste like that creamy smooth peanut butter you grew up with, then fine. At least you can feel better about your health while you stir it and fight to spread it on your bread!
I am giving Skippy Natural a rating of 4 out of 5 because they did a great job at keeping their natural version closer to their regular version. Normally a rating this high would mean I would purchase it again (and maybe I would if I was the only one eating peanut butter in our household), but I think I am actually going to just keep buying regular Jif. I will finish up the Skippy Natural, and Noah will finish up the Jif Natural (he didn’t think the Jif Natural was bad, but he really didn’t like the Skippy Natural because it “tasted like Skippy”), but in the end I think we’ll go back to our grocery rut and stick with the stuff we love.
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