Food and drinks that are of Interest
Arnott's Tim Tam Cookies are Australian made, chocolaty on the outside, light and crunchy on the inside in two varieties original and chewy caramel. Two cookies contain 190 calories, 5 grams saturated fat (of 10 grams total) and 18 grams sugar.
Balls Vodka is an American made, non-GMO corn-based vodka distilled four times. It has a smooth, sweet and slight vanilla aftertaste. The December 2014 issue of Tasting Panel gave this vodka a 91 rating.
Plum Organics Soups are single serve, kid friendly soups filled with vegetables and whole grains. These USDA-certified organic soups contain no antibiotics or hormones. One pouch varies from 110 to 130 calories, no saturated fat (of 1 to 2 grams total fat), 480 milligrams sodium, 7 to 8 grams protein, with an excellent source of vitamin A in the Chicken noodle soup.
Bialetti introduced Aroma Classico, ground coffee specifically made for use with the Moka Express stovetop coffee maker, but can be used with any coffee maker. The espresso is a strong full-bodied blend made from 70 percent Arabica and 30 percent Robusta beans.
Nestle Crunch has partnered with Peanuts for their Easter chocolate collection featuring certified, sustainable cocoa. Nestle has expanded their commitment to sourcing sustainable cocoa by using UTZ certified cocoa for the Easter chocolate collection, marking a first for a major U.S. candy manufacturer. Each variety varies from 170 to 220 calories, 5 to 8 grams saturated (of 9 to 11 grams total) and 19 to 24 grams sugar.
With the help of chef Calvin Harris, SELF magazine has launched a frozen meal line called SELF Healthy Kitchen; the frozen meals are non-GMO, are under 350 calories and 500 mg of sodium. One entree contains: 280 to 340 calories, 2 to 2.5 grams saturated fat (5 to 7 grams total), 400 to 480 mg sodium, 5 to 8 grams fiber and 11 to 21 grams protein. - bonnie: Not tasty enough to spend hard earned dollars on! Follow @BonnieBOTB
Stonyfield introduced Oh My Yog!, made from organic whole-milk that contains three layers of fruit, honey-infused yogurt and cream. The yogurt is Kosher and made without artificial hormones, antibiotics and GMOs. One 6-ounce container varies from 170 to 190 calories, 3 grams saturated fat (of 5 grams total), 22 to 28 grams sugar, 7 grams protein and excellent source of calcium.
The new belVita breakfast biscuits now offer Bites in two flavors, chocolate and mixed berry. The mini biscuits contain no high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oil or artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. One pouch contains 230 calories, 0.5 to 1.5 grams saturated fat (of 7 to 8 grams total), 2o grams whole grains and 4 grams fiber.
Snack Factory Pretzel Crips introduced new variety Sriracha & Lime. These pretzel-shaped crackers are perfect for dipping or eating alone. Each 10-cracker serving contains 110 calories, 0 grams saturated fat (of 1.5 grams total) and 430 milligrams sodium. - bonnie: These have just enough heat from the Sriracha to titillate your palate. Follow @BonnieBOTB
Late July Clásico Tortilla Chips introduces four flavors inspired by taco trucks - bacon habanero, jalapeño lime, nacho chipotle and crispy yellow corn. The chips are made with certified organic, non-GMO stone ground corn. A one-ounce about 12 chip serving contains 130 calories, 0.5 grams saturated fat (of 7 grams total) and 65 to 210 milligrams sodium.
Nature Valley introduced two Nut Crisp Bars containing mainly roasted peanuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkins seeds or almonds. One flavor has salted caramel, the other dark chocolate. Each bar varies from 130 to 140 calories, 2 grams saturated fat (of 9 grams total), 160 to 170 milligrams sodium and 3 to 4 grams protein.
Walkers Shortbread just introduced a new Gluten Free Pure Butter version. It's made contain the same butter and sugar content but replaced the wheat flour with a blend of rice flour, corn starch and potato starch. The cookies contain no artificial flavoring, coloring, additives or GMOs. They are Kosher certified. Two cookies contain 160 calories, 5 grams fat (of 9 grams total), 80 milligrams sodium and 7 grams sugar.
Chobani introduced ancient grains with yogurt in two varieties mixed berries and apricot. The ancient grains in the Greek yogurt includes a blend of oats, quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth and chia. Each 5.3-ounce serving has 170 to 180 calories, 1.5 grams saturated fat (of 3 grams total), 3 grams fiber, 16 grams sugar and 10 grams protein. - bonnie: This container of Greek yogurt is packed with whole grains (1o grams, actually) in addition to the fiber and extra protein, making it a good-for-you satiating snack. I'm a berry lover, but liked the apricot even better. Follow @BonnieBOTB
As a Sauvignon Blanc devotee, I opened that bottle that Josh Cellars sent to me first to try. The wine is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced throughout Sonoma country. I found it bright, clean and citrusy with a hint of stone fruits. I liked that it is not as grapefruity as other SBs. Only $13.99. Their Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99) is rich with dark berry notes, made from both Cabernet Sauvignon (90%) and Merlot (10%) grapes source from throughout California wine growing regions. There's only a hint of the oak from the wine's 10 months in new French oak casks. I like that. I'd recommend either of these approachable wines for [...]
Sartori Reserve Citrus Ginger BellaVitano cheese is hand rubbed with a blend of spices that include ginger, onion, garlic, red bell pepper and citrus. One ounce contains 120 calories, 5 grams saturated fat (of 10 grams total), 165 milligrams sodium and 7 grams protein.
Heinz introduces Tomato Ketchup Blended with Sriracha Flavor. This version infused with chili peppers and garlic flavors. Each tablespoon contains 20 calories, 160 milligrams sodium and 4 grams sugar. - bonnie - Being a Heinz Tomato Ketchup Blended with Real Jalapeño fan, I looked forward to sampling this new Sriracha version. The former gets its wonderful kick from dehydrated jalapeño peppers; sadly this new one has paprika extract not the chili peppers paste that give sriracha it's character. Follow @BonnieBOTB
Davidson's Safest Choice are eggs that have been pasteurized to eliminate the risk of salmonella without changing the nutrition content or flavor. The egg are sourced from vegetarian-fed hens that are hormone and antibiotic free and also kosher certified. One egg contains 70 calories, 1.5 grams saturated fat (of 4.5 total), 6 grams protein, 37 milligrams omega-3 and 700 milligrams omega-6. - bonnie: If you're worried about eating raw or runny eggs, these are the ones for you. I learned that Darden restaurants (Season 52, Olive Garden, The Capital Grille, etc) uses them. Follow @BonnieBOTB
Mionetto IL Ugo is an Italian semi-sparkling cocktail made with elderflower blossom. The beverage contains 8% alcohol and pairs well with grilled vegetables, cheeses, barbecue and spicy fare. - bonnie: An unusually flavored and deliciously, light low-alcohol bubbly! Follow @BonnieBOTB
Honey Bunches of Oats introduced two new Whole Grain Honey Crunch cereal featuring crispy whole grain flakes and granola clusters that each contains 4 grams of fiber per serving. A one-cup serving contains 22o calories, no saturated fat (of 3 grams total), 4 grams of protein and is an excellent source of iron, B vitamins, vitamin A and zinc.
If you were to associate cooking with a form of art, the act of smoking food would fall under the scope of impressionism. With the addition of wood-fueled smoke, the color and structure of the original form of food is changed, creating a new harmonic experience different than that of the original. If that’s too artsy of explanation, try this: smoking food infuses flavor more easily and consistently than any other form of cooking; and it’s f’ing delicious. Smoking purists may balk at that statement; but, with the introduction of the digital smoker, the 5am wake-up call to stoke the fire is all but history. The Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker, [...]
