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!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
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.
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