Food Reviews

G.H. Cretors Popped Corn: Addictively Delicious, and No Gluten!

Kettle Corn and Chicago Mix Review

by Joi

G.H. Cretors Popped CornG.H. Cretors Popped Corn: Absolutely Amazing

The wonderful people at G.H. Cretors Popped Corn sent me bags of what can only be described as Popped Corn Heaven.  Although they, in the process, created a couple of brand new addictions in my family, I am forever indebted to them for their kindness, generosity, and stoopidly delicious popped corn.

I guess you can tell that this G.H. Cretors Popped Corn review is going to be a ridiculously positive one.

G.H. Cretors Kettle CornI’m a bit of a Kettle Corn addict, to begin with, so the first bag I tore into was the G.H. Cretors Kettle Corn.  If you aren’t familiar with Kettle Corn, let me lay it on the line for you: Kettle Corn is what all popcorn would be if it had a choice.  Kettle Corn is so additively delicious that you’ll find yourself going at it with both hands. G.H. Cretors has the best Kettle Corn I’ve ever tasted – and, believe me, I’ve been around the Kettle Corn block a million times. Okay, a billion times, but who’s counting?  At times, while deliriously throwing in G.H. Cretors Kettle Corn in, I forget to breath – let alone chew.

I keep reminding myself, “Pace yourself. No one’s taking it away from you.”

At one point, my husband (a new Kettle Corn addict – unaccustomed to its power) handed me the bag and told me, “Put it away before I kill myself.”   Oh I put it away all right.

From G.H. Cretors:

Today we make our Kettle Corn just like Great Grandpa did – with four simple, natural ingredients: popcorn, sunflower oil, cane sugar, and sea salt. That’s all it takes to bring you the perfect combination of sweet and salty – the tastiest fluffiest popcorn – with a little surprise in every kernel. From our kitchen to yours, enjoy!

All Natural…Naturally!

  • No artificial flavors or colors
  • No gluten ingredients
  • We use natural sweeteners
  • We use locally grown Non-GMO popcorn
  • Just four simple ingredients

G.H. Cretors Chicago Mix: Popped Cheddar and Caramel CornG.H. Cretors Chicago Mix

Equally delicious is G.H. Cretors Chicago Mix Popped Corn. Hold onto your seat for this one.  This is a delicious mixture of Cheddar Cheese popped corn and Caramel popped corn. My youngest daughter Stephany loves this particular variety so much I seldom see her without a bag in hand.  I can’t blame her, whatsoever, because this mix is out of this world.

Although I’m obsessed with cheese popped corn, oddly enough I’ve never been much of a caramel popped corn fan. For some reason it’s just too sticky for my taste.  I realize that some people live for that sticky caramel texture, but I’m not into it.  I was THRILLED that G.H. Cretors caramel popped corn doesn’t have that traditional stickiness. Somehow it keeps all the caramel flavor without making your teeth feel sticky and weird.

I love it for that.

From the Website:

Today we make our Caramel Corn just like Great Grandpa did- in old-fashioned copper kettles, one batch at a time. Then we mix it up the Chicago way, with our rich, creamy, Aged Cheddar Cheese Corn to create the perfect combination of Sweet and Salty. You don’t even have to come to Chicago to try this special treat. From our kitchen to yours, enjoy!

All Natural…Naturally!

  • We use Brown Rice Syrup
  • No artificial flavors or colors
  • No gluten ingredients
  • Made with fresh creamery butter
  • We use natural sweeteners
  • We use locally grown Non-GMO popcorn

 G.H. Cretors has the following varieties of Popped Corn:

  • Kettle Corn
  • Chicago Mix (Cheddar and Caramel)
  • Cheddar
  • Caramel
  • Caramel Nut Crunch

Each of these varieties should come with warning labels – these people know their popped corn like no one else.

G. H. Cretors Popped Corn is available on Amazon:

In addition to Amazon, G.H. Cretors is available in many stores across the U.S.  We don’t have any such stores in my area, so Amazon will be my source of deliciousness. Click HERE for the store locator.

G.H. Cretors Chicago Mix Popped Corn

G.H. Cretors Chicago Mix: Cheddar Cheese Popped Corn and Caramel Popped Corn: Unbelievably delicious!

 

YUM! Virginia Cocktail Toffee Peanuts

Delicious Choice for Gift Baskets and Care Packages

by Joi

Virginia Cocktail Toffee Peanuts Virginia Cocktail Toffee Peanuts: Too Good to Believe

I love what I do… whatever it is that I do.  You know, the thing that allows me to do food reviews, such as the forthcoming one for Virginia Cocktail Peanuts.  I was sent a adorable little tin of Toffee Virginia Peanuts to review and, I have to tell you, it was one of the most delicious things ever delivered to my door.  I’d love to be able to say that I’m enjoying them right now as I’m writing this review, but alas, they aren’t just gone, they’re long gone.

I can, however, say that I’m fondly recalling the flavor as I’m typing the words.  That’s something, right?

After one bite, the first thing I thought of – besides, “Mmmmmm… so good… mmmmm” – was how perfect these peanuts would be for sticking in a gift basket or gift bag.

  • Mother’s Day
  • Father’s Day
  • Birthdays
  • Christmas
  • Graduation
  • Weddings
  • Easter
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Boss’ Day
  • Secretary’s Day
  • Etc…

If you’re like me, you love to give people cool, original things they probably haven’t seen before.  If there were a point system for gift giving, being unique would rack up more points than anything else. When someone looks at me wide-eyed and says, “Where’d you find this????,” I do a little happy dance inside – as the chorus of Yay, Me! plays over and over.

They’d also be a MOST welcome surprise tucked into a care package for that very special someone across the miles. They’d think of you with each crunch.

Virginia Cocktail Peanuts come in a fun variety of flavors (Sea Salt, Toffee, Jalapeno, Milk Chocolate, Cajun, Unsalted), so you’ll find something to suit everyone you know.  A word of warning, though: You’ll most definitely want to order some for yourself.  Trust me, these are impossibly delicious peanuts.  If I hadn’t scarfed mine down so quickly, I could have done something really clever like tossing them into a bowl of popcorn or eating them with yogurt.  You know, something creative we foodies are supposed to do – something worthy of our title.

But, nooooo. I simply enjoyed them right out of the tin. One after the other.

The sad thing is, I’d do it again. Would not change a thing.  I’d pop one sweet and crunchy little toffee peanut into my mouth, make that face we all make (while hoping no one sees us making it), suck my teeth a little bit, then go back for another.

Click through for more information about Virginia Cocktail Peanuts.  I know you’ll want to order some for Mother’s Day.  If you need me, I’ll be in the corner crying because my tin’s empty.

Virginia Cocktail Toffee PeanutsAwww, the memories…

Kraft Milkbite Milk and Granola Bars

Kraft Just Raised the BAR on Snacks

by Joi

Kraft Milkbite Milk and Granola Bars

KRAFT MILKBITE Milk & Granola Bars: Chocolate and Strawberry

Mad crazy deliciousness.  I had the opportunity to review a couple of boxes of Kraft’s new Milkbite Milk & Granola Bars and my taste buds haven’t stopped buzzing since.  I’ve looked in one of my local stores for them and I’m checking another one for them today. Suffice to say I have every intention of loading up.

KRAFT MILKBITE Milk & Granola Bars are available in Strawberry, Chocolate, Oatmeal Raisin, Peanut Butter and Mixed Berry flavors. I was sent the Strawberry and Chocolate (I’m guessing my reputation as a chocoholic is known far and wide).  The bars carried the name KRAFT, so I knew they’d be great – however, I didn’t realize they’d be this great.  Naturally, I went for the chocolate first and, boy, did it not disappoint.

What makes these snack bars different?

• Made with real milk
• 30% daily value of Calcium
• 5g of Protein
• Good source of Fiber and Vitamin D
• No artificial flavor, colors or preservatives
• 7g of Whole Grains per bar

I’d add this to the list: They’re amazingly delicious!

As I said, I opened the chocolate Kraft Milkbite Milk and Granola Bars box first. There’s a code chocoholics live by and I don’t just know the code… I wrote the code.  The first thing I was struck by was how pretty the bar is. It looks like something on a dessert tray.  One bite in told me that it tastes like something on a dessert tray too.  Seriously, it tastes like something that could be behind the glass at Starbucks – but with a lot less calories.

A little later, I returned to the refrigerator to try one of the strawberry bars. Make no mistake about it, I’m exceptionally fond of strawberries and anything remotely strawberry flavored. So, I was anxious to try one of the Strawberry Kraft Milkbite Milk and Granola Bars.

It had me at hello.

I can’t possibly describe to you the amazing strawberry aroma that was released the second I tore open the wrapper. It was like standing in the middle of a strawberry field.  Heavenly.  Yet, even with that intoxicating experience, I was STILL caught off guard when I took a bite. Wow!  It was as though a Strawberry Smoothie and a granola bar had a baby, then drizzled her with a little icing. I’m getting so hungry for another one right now, the store had better have these Kraft Milkbite Milk and Granola Bars in their dairy aisle (where they’re found, incidentally) or they’ll have a situation on their hands.

These healthy and delicious bars are perfect to take along anywhere – walking, a ballgame, hiking, fishing, school, the office, etc. Convenient, healthy, low calorie, and fantastic.  You aren’t going to beat that combination.

You MUST grab a couple of boxes today – the Strawberry one and then another one (you can choose the second one, but you really have to grab the Strawberry first).  Personally, I’m going to grab 1 of the Strawberry, 1 of the Chocolate, and 1 of the other flavors I’ve yet to try. I’ll let you know how great each one is.

KRAFT MILKBITE Milk & Granola Bars

Learn more (and meet Mel Milkbite!) at http://www.kraftbrands.com/milkbite

Veggie Brown Rice and Orzo Pilaf Recipe

And Mad Love for I Can't Believe It's Not Butter

by Joi

At the risk of sounding like a commercial, have you tried I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter lately?  If you read this food blog regularly, you know what a stickler I am for the flavor of real butter vs. most margarine.  However, you may also know how I’ve become as health conscious as just about anyone.  Yes, butter tastes better than most margarine or spreads – but, let’s face it,  it’s also an unhealthy choice.

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter makes both mes happy: The butter-loving cook and the health conscious wife/mother/mother-in-law.  By the way, this isn’t a sponsored post or paid advertisement in any way, shape, or form.  I thought I’d throw that it because it’s sounding like one, isn’t it?!?!

It’s just me giving my honest opinion and advice: If you’re also a stickler for the taste of butter, you HAVE to switch to I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. You’ll be amazed by the butter-taste and grateful for the fact that there are no hydrogenated oils, No trans fat, and 70 percent less saturated fat than butter.  70 percent!  What’s more, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter has a blend of oils that are naturally rich in Omega 3-ALA.

You get the taste of fresh, creamy butter but you get it in a healthier way.  Use it as you would normally use butter or margarine.  You’ll find yourself looking at the tame on the front of the cheerful little tub and saying, “No I can’t believe it!”

Below is an I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter recipe – one that’ll quickly become a family favorite and supper staple.

Veggie Brown Rice and Orzo PilafVeggie Brown Rice and Orzo Pilaf

2 Tbsp. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® Spread
1 small onion, chopped
2 medium red, yellow and/or orange bell peppers, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. dried thyme leaves, crushed
1 cup uncooked brown rice
2-1/4 cups chicken broth
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta, prepared according to package directions
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Melt I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Spread in 3-quart sauce pot over medium-high heat and cook onion, red peppers, carrot, salt, pepper and thyme, stirring frequently, 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in rice and cook 3 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered 25 minutes or until rice is tender. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in hot orzo and parsley.

For more health information and recipes, check out I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter.

Gift Ideas for Foodie Friends and Family

Gourmet Olive Oils and Vinegars

by Joi

The Olive Tap Aceto Balsamico di Modena 4 Leaf QualityI was recently sent a few bottles of OUTSTANDING gourmet Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar blends from Olive Tap and I’m officially dying for more. Yep, as in I’ve already used them completely up.  One was the Tuscan Herb Olive Oil (an aromatic and delicious blend of several herbs including Oregano, Basil, Garlic, and Rosemary) and the other was the Aceto Balsamico d Modena, 4 Leaf Quality ( beautiful fruit and woody flavors).

The Tuscan Herb Olive Oil has just about ruined all other olive oils for me! I used it for dipping Italian bread, I used it with chicken, and I drizzled a little over tomatoes and mozzarella cheese slices for a healthy and delicious “salad.”  My favorite way to use the Tuscan Herb Olive Oil, however, was with eggs.  I used this wonderful oil in the skillet in place of butter. I’d fry my eggs, then add a little more of the Tuscan Herb Olive oil to the skillet and add chopped Roma tomatoes and chives. I’d allow them to get warm and ridiculously flavorful, then on top of the eggs they’d go.  Heavenly!

I used the Balsamic Vinegar on fish and chicken and it made each taste like dishes you’d expect in a ritzy restaurant. I also used it in place of vinegar in a vinaigrette for salad dressing once with flavorful, amazing results. A little of this balsamic vinegar drizzled over grilled chicken is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Olive Tap for Last Minute Gift Ideas

Popular holiday food gifts include a bottle of wine, a popcorn tin and a goodie basket filled with edible treats which, once opened, have a limited shelf life. For a more memorable, longer lasting option, holiday shoppers may want to impress the foodie on their gift-lists with artisan gourmet olive oils and vinegars from The Olive Tap.

With oils and vinegars that range from Sicilian Lemon Balsamic Vinegar to Garlic Olive Oil that are Italian and Californian in origin, these artisan olive oils and vinegars vary in taste and flavor for even the most discerning home chef. There are nearly 60 unique olive oils and vinegars available in 375 ml to 750 ml bottles that range from $9.45 to $33.90 and can be mixed and matched. Select specialty oils and vinegars are also available in 250 ml bottles. The Olive Tap also offers elegant yet affordable gift baskets.

“Our exclusive olive oils and vinegars are sourced from around the world,” said Rick Petrocelly chief executive officer of The Olive Tap®. “We pride ourselves on the uniqueness of our products and the distinct flavor profiles that each individual olive oil and vinegar brings. Holiday guests are sure to be impressed by the taste of dishes infused with products such as the Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and Aceto Balsamico di Modena.”

The olive oils and vinegars can be tailored to everyone on holiday gift list including hostesses, businesses, teachers and foodies. Because each 375 ml bottle includes an average of 35 servings, the gift recipient will remember the thought behind the oil or vinegar each time they use it. The Olive Tap offers a variety of affordable gift options including:

  • For the holiday party host/hostess: The Mini Dipper ($19.95) is a “bring along” appetizer for hosts/hostesses. It includes Arbequina 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, dipping seasonings and a decorative dipping bowl.
  • For teachers: A bottle of the Apple Balsamic Vinegar ($15.75) is the perfect holiday thank you for children’s teachers. It has a delicious flavor of red apples and a thick, rich blend of 3 and 4 Leaf Quality Aceto Balsamico di Modena.
  • For foodies: The Gourmet Sampler ($89.95) is the complete assortment of Olive Tap products. It’s sure to please any chef and includes Italiano 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the finest Aceto Balsamico di Modena, Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta Topping, Black and Green Olive Tapenade, Mad Mango Salsa, Sorrento Lemon Olive Oil, Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar and Roasted Garlic Champagne Mustard.
  • For yourself: Holiday shoppers can treat themselves with a single bottle of olive oil or vinegar. One of the most popular flavors is the Tuscan Herb Olive Oil ($15.95) which has a proprietary blend of several herbs including Oregano, Basil, Garlic, and Rosemary.
  • For the whole gift list: Any bottle can be personalized to fit a family, company or special holiday occasion. Dates, names, photos, logos or even a special quote or saying can be printed on either standard or custom labels (minimum required).
  • For corporate gifts: The You Pick Three Gift Box ($59.95) has a professional look great for those in the business world. These bottles can even be etched with the company name and logo (minimum required). It includes three 375 ml bottles of any olive oil, balsamic vinegar or specialty oil/vinegar.

Whether they are included in the feast or wrapped as a gift, olive oils and vinegars with their unique tastes are sure to become a memorable part of every holiday celebration. Gift givers can even pair the olive oil infused Chocolate Chipotle Cake recipe below with the gourmet gifts above.

Chocolate Chipotle Cake Recipe

1 cup plus 1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa
2-3/4 cups flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon The Olive Tap Cinnamon
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon The Olive Tap Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups lowfat milk
1/2 cup mild olive oil such as The Olive Tap’s Arbequina or Mission
1/2 cup The Olive Tap Chipotle Olive Oil
2 large eggs
3 tablespoon The Olive Tap Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar
Powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-in cake pans and dust with 1/4 tbsp. cocoa in each. Discard excess cocoa.
2. Whisk remaining 1 cup cocoa, flour, sugars, cinnamon, soda, cayenne and salt in bowl to blend. Add milk, oils, eggs and vinegar. Whisk until smooth. Pour into pans, dividing batter evenly.
3. Bake until a toothpick inserted in each cake comes out clean, about 40-45 minutes.
4. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Loosen the cakes from pans with a metal spatula. Turn each cake out onto a plate and cool completely. Sift powdered sugar onto cakes.

Additional Options: Mix 2 tbsp Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar with cocoa and spread glaze over cakes. Or mix Balsamic Vinegar with 2 tbsp raspberry preserves and spread over cakes.

About The Olive Tap
The Olive Tap is both a tasting emporium and gourmet market that offers a variety of olive oils, specialty oils, vinegars, spices, herbs, seasonings and more. Unlike mass-produced oils and vinegars, The Olive Tap offers pure The Olive Tap Oils and Vinegarsand fresh artisan products from around the world. The Olive Tap’s proprietary procurement storage and packaging processes ensure its customers are offered the freshest, highest quality olive oils and authentic balsamic vinegars.

The Olive Tap is headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois. It also has locations in Medina, Ohio, Downers Grove, Illinois, Manitou Springs, Colorado and West Palm Beach, Florida.

Learn more about The Olive Tap by visiting their website (just click the link and you’ll be transported to a very tasteful destination!)

Great Way to Fix Fish: Citrus Fish Recipe

With Holland House White Cooking Wine with Lemon Flavor

by Joi

Citrus Fish recipe from Holland HouseI’m a fish fanatic. When we go out to eat, 9 times out of 10, I’ll order fish. Fried, grilled, baked, blackened – it matters little to me what it wears to the table, as long as it comes. The recipe below is from Holland House. This recipe uses the beautifully aromatic Holland House White Cooking Wine with Lemon Flavor that I’ve completely fallen in love with. This particular cooking wine is a beautiful companion for fish and shrimp as well as chicken.

If you’re looking for fresh, new ways to cook and serve fish, this recipe will have you doing a happy dance all around your kitchen (just be sure no one’s tapping you – unless you want to be the next YouTube sensation).

Citrus Fish Recipe

1 cup water
3/4 cup HOLLAND HOUSE White with Lemon Cooking Wine
1/2 medium onion, sliced
6 black peppercorns (optional)
1 bay leaf (optional)
1 medium orange
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. cornstarch mixed with
1 Tbsp. water
1 to 2 Tbsp. butter
1 lb. petrale sole or orange roughy fillets (if frozen, thaw in refrigerator) 


DIRECTIONS
In large skillet, combine the cup of water, cooking wine, onion, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil; gently simmer 10 minutes (do not let boil away).

Meanwhile, use a zester to shred orange zest; set aside. Juice the orange. Heat juice with sugar in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Stir in cornstarch/water mixture; cook over medium-high heat stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat. Add butter (use 2 tablespoons for a richer sauce); stir until melted. Cover to keep warm.

Place fish in skillet with onion/wine mixture. Add water if needed to bring up to level of fish (do not cover fish with water). Bring to boil; cover and simmer over low heat until fish is just opaque and firm to touch, 8 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fish to platter lined with paper towels. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking liquid.

Add the 1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid to orange sauce; stir until smooth (strain for a smoother texture). Remove towels from platter; drizzle sauce over fish. Garnish with reserved orange zest.

Makes 4 servings.

Click HERE for more great recipes from Holland House

Holland House White Wine Vinegar with Lemon Flavor

Vegetarian Dressing Recipe for Thanksgiving and Christmas

With Holland House White Wine Cooking Wine

by Joi

Artichoke-Mushroom Stuffing from Holland HouseDo you have a vegetarian to consider when making your Thanksgiving and Christmas meals?  Maybe you, yourself, are cutting back on meat and are looking for flavorful vegetarian holiday recipes. Stuffing (or dressing) is one of the most important dishes on the Thanksgiving table, and my vegetarian daughter Brittany absolutely LOVES dressing. Normally, I just use a vegetarian broth (made from boiling a variety of her favorite vegetables and seasoning it with bay leaves, sage, and thyme).  However, I plan to make the following recipe for her this year, Artichoke-Mushroom Stuffing. Toasted nuts add crunch, which she’ll love and extra nutritional value, which mom loves.

I was recently sent bottles of Holland House White Cooking Wine and Holland House White Cooking Wine with Lemon Flavor to review on the food blog and I’m now officially addicted.  You know how there are certain things you refuse to run out of in your kitchen? These delicious, aromatic, and VERY flavorful White Cooking Wines  have made the list.  They’re perfect for chicken – as well as everything else.  They’re absolutely outstanding.

I’ll post a recipe for the White Cooking Wine with Lemon Flavor in an upcoming post – but look for each of these kitchen must haves at the store, and save this recipe for Thanksgiving, it sounds so amazing I think I’m going to have a trial run.  SOON.  This Thursday works for me…

Artichoke-Mushroom Stuffing

Aromatic vegetables, cooked in wine with mushrooms and artichoke hearts, make a delicious flavor combination for this stuffing. Toasted nuts—hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans—add a delightful crunch.

Although we find it easiest—and quite tasty—to bake the stuffing separately, this recipe will stuff two 3-pound chickens or a small turkey.
Approx 1 lb. sliced French or Italian sandwich bread
1 can (13-14 oz.) artichoke hearts (not marinated)
4 Tbsp. butter
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
8 oz. pre-sliced mushrooms, chopped
1 tsp. poultry seasoning
1 tsp. dried rubbed sage
1 cup HOLLAND HOUSE White Cooking Wine
1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, walnuts or pecans, chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth (plus more to taste)
Spread bread slices out on sheet trays for several hours to dry out a bit. Or place in a warm oven for 15 minutes. Tear bread into bite-size pieces. Measure 12 cups and place in a very large bowl.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 3-quart casserole dish (or a shallow 9×13-inch baking dish). Drain artichokes and cut into small pieces.

In a large skillet, combine butter, onion, celery and mushrooms. Cook over high heat 6-7 minutes. Stir in artichokes, poultry seasoning and sage; add cooking wine. Cook 5 minutes more; remove from heat.

Gradually spoon vegetable mixture, including liquid, over bread, tossing gently after each addition. Sprinkle in nuts. Drizzle with chicken broth and toss, using more broth if you prefer moister stuffing.

Spoon stuffing into buttered casserole dish. Cover and bake 45-50 minutes for a casserole dish (or 25-30 minutes for a shallow baking dish).

Makes 12 cups stuffing.

Holland House White Wine Vinegars

Kelapo Virgin Coconut Oil

A Fresh, Fun Ingredient to Introduce to Your Cooking!

by Joi

Kelapo Virgin Coconut OilI was sent a bottle of Kelapo Virgin Coconut Oil to review on the food blog and I can’t even begin to tell you how much fun I’m having coming up with new ways to use it.  Coconut is one of my absolute favorite flavors, as well as scents – the smell of coconut alone sends me to far away, exotic places.

Below are my favorite uses for my beloved Kelapo Virgin Olive Oil:

  • In smoothies (I’ll add a few recipes today)
  • On toast – just replace butter for a wonderful flavor.  Add a little blackberry jam for extra kicks.
  • On popcorn, instead of butter. YUM!
  • If you use coconut oil to “grease” your cookie sheet, cake pan, or cupcake tins, you’ll add a little coconut flavor – which for a coconut fanatic like me, is a beautiful thing. Coconut cake would get an extra boost by greasing the pans with coconut oil.
  • In recipes calling for butter, use coconut oil instead.
  • Use a silicone brush to brush the coconut oil onto a panini press before making the panini.  The extra flavor is outrageous!
  • Asparagus, broccoli, snap peas, red pepper strips, squash, and just about any vegetable you can think of is extra delicious when sauteed in coconut oil.  If you (for reasons that completely escape me) wanted less of the coconut flavor, heat the oil longer.

Benefits of Coconut Oil:

Virgin coconut oil is comprised of medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs, that you could say are the proprietary secrets of plant based saturated fats.  The most recognizable of all the MCTs is lauric acid.  Besides virgin coconut oil, lauric acid is found in breast milk. Rich in antioxidants, lauric acid and other MCTs, coconut oil helps the body absorb important nutrients and minerals, eliminate harmful bacteria, and fight the signs of aging.

Professional athletes have long been using coconut oil as fuel to build lean muscle.  Additionally, adding coconut oil to a smoothie, can increase your feeling of fullness and stabilize blood sugar for longer periods of time.  Some people have even reported the ability to burn more fat and achieve greater weight loss after the use of virgin coconut oil.

Mediterranean diets receive lots of attention but the people of the Mediterranean are not the only ones with a healthy diet.  In tropical countries where coconut oil has been consumed daily for hundreds of years, there are fewer cases of obesity, heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses, than reported in the US.

Lastly, scientific research is further looking into the connection between virgin coconut oil and brain function.  Over time, glucose inhibitors can limit the amount of energy to the brain, causing a decrease in cognitive function.  Consuming regular amounts of coconut oil however, can lead to ketone production, where ketones take over when glucose is not present, and help restore brain activity.

100% organic and all-natural, Kelapo™ Virgin Coconut Oil, should be enjoyed as a delicious part of a healthy lifestyle. – From Kelapo’s Website

A delicious, fast, and impressive-looking snack using Kelapo Virgin Coconut Oil:  Wash plum, beautiful strawberries, leaving their green caps on.  Dip the bottoms (about halfway up) into Kelapo Virgin Coconut Oil, then roll in one of the following:

  • shredded coconut
  • toasted shredded coconut
  • granulated sugar
  • Truvia or Stevia

Delicious!  You don’t get an oil-y taste WHATSOEVER, only wonderful coconut flavor.

As far as I know, Kelapo Virgin Coconut Oil can only be bought on Kelapo’s website, so be sure to click the link and take a closer look.  Also, notice that they also offer Vegetarian Coconut Oil Softgels.  Kelapo also sent me a couple of these to try and all I can say is, yummiest Nutritional Supplements ever!  I guarantee I’d never forget to take one of these each day.

It just occurred to me, I can’t wait for the next time I make coconut cake, coconut shrimp, pineapple upside down cake, Macaroons… I’m going to have to really stock up for making Halloween candy and Christmas baking.

Kelapo Virgin Coconut Oil Review

One of the many pigs in my collection beside a new kitchen staple, Kelapo Virgin Coconut Oil!  As you’ve probably noticed, I almost always put one of my pigs into the “scene.” Well, what can you expect? They’re camera hogs.

Honest Tea Organic Honey Green Tea

And So the Addiction Begins

by Joi

Honest Tea Organic Honey Green TeaAnother tea. Another addiction.

I can trace a lot of my addictions back to their original source.  Coffee?  I was somewhere between 8 and 10 and my pediatrician (a man I now list as a personal hero) made an unusual suggestion to my mother for my chronic asthma. Coffee.   During my next asthma attack, sure enough, my saintly mother made me a cup of coffee.  Granted, I was a novice, so it took about half the sugar bowl to make me happy, but I digress. A lifelong addiction began.  And if you, or anyone you know has asthma, coffee is aces when it comes to clearing air passages.  Even now (though my asthma is much, much better), when I notice that I’m having a problem, I head to the coffee pot.  What’s that?  You say I’m already there.   Okay, yes, but you’re ruining a a perfectly good story.

Speaking of RUINING – why do people add so much to glorious green tea?!  It’s as criminal as a child pouring half a cup of sugar into a cup of coffee.  Green tea’s beauty is its strong, distinctive flavor – the unmistakable taste that lets you know you aren’t drinking your grandmother’s tea (unless, of course, your Asian, the you very well may be..).

You know how much I love tea.  Heck, I even raised my oldest daughter to be a Crazy Tea Chick.  Tea is as big of an addiction for me as coffee, buttermilk recipes, and chocolate.   Green tea and I are particularly close, which is why it hurts me to see people messing with it.  Seriously, I’ve bought some bottled green teas, taken a drink, and literally checked the label to make sure green tea is even in there.  Note to green tea manufacturers, if I want to taste peach, I’ll buy a peach.  If I want a mango, I’ll buy mango juice.  Personally, I do love a little bit of honey with my green tea. Like salt to watermelon and sugar to strawberries, honey brings out a whole other side to green tea that I live for.

I was recently sent a bottle of Honest Tea Organic Green Honey Tea to review.  I watched the mail excitedly because I’m familiar with Honest Tea and their teas don’t lie.  Like George Washington and Shakira’s hips, they speak the truth.

When the bottle came, I could have poured it on ice and enjoyed it right away, but I wanted  to have that legit, fresh from the bottle taste to review.  So, I pretended to be a patient person and put the bottle in the refrigerator to chill for a while. After a while, I grew tired of standing by the refrigerator counting the minutes (1 miss-iss-ipp-i, 2 miss-iss-ipp-i…) and the cat was ridiculing me, so I popped the bottle open and had at it.

When giving food or drink reviews, I often tell you the first words to pop into my mind – like the a fore mentioned honest pillars, I think the’re the most “honest.”  In the case of Honest Tea Organic Green Tea,  the first words into my mind were, “Pure Green Tea” and “Finally, someone let green tea be the star of its own show.”  I, of course, chased these thoughts down with the rest of the bottle.  You’ve heard of drowning your sorrows in a bottle, I drowned my accolades in a bottle.

And were they ever grateful.

This summer, I intend to have plenty of Honest Tea sessions. I’ll keep bottles on hand for my husband while he’s mowing, my kids while they’re coming and going, and for me when I’m… well, when I’m awake.

Read more about Honest Tea on their hilarious website (just click the link).   You’ll learn WHY Honest Teas are so pure and delicious.  You’ll also read the remarkable nutrition and health benefits of Honest Teas. Their product is very, very well represented by their website and copy.  Honest Tea’s quirky, fun, and fresh flavor is mirrored by what you read on the site.  It’s actually one of the best jobs I’ve ever seen of a website capturing the essence of what it represents.  Pure, honest, and delightful.

In the end, when all’s said and done, Honest Tea is the best policy.

 

Expeller-Pressed Canola

A Better Oil with More Omega 6 and 3 than Olive Oil

by Joi

Expeller Pressed Canola

I was sent a bottle of Expeller-Pressed Canola from BetterBody Foods & Nutrition a while back to review on Get Cooking. As someone who is constantly looking for healthier things to feel her family, I was anxious to try this oil. I loved its byline, but the truth would be in the taste and in the performance.

I’m delighted to say, it exceeded all expectations. I truly can’t think of a single reason NOT to choose Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil in your own baking.

From the BetterBody Foods & Nutrition:

Our Expeller Pressed Canola Oil uses no chemicals during the extraction process, has ZERO trans fats, is GMO Free and isthe lowest in saturated fat of all oils. It is very high in “heart healthy” essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6) and is a great source of Vitamin E.

Most brands of canola are extracted using hexane, a petroleum-based product, and are then refined using phosphoric acid and other additives. Our Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil, much like virgin olive oil, is expeller pressed without the use of chemicals or solvents and is then refined using our proprietary steam filtration process. Our Expeller Pressed Canola Oil is lower in saturated fat than olive oil, is higher in Vitamin E, Omega 3 and Omega 6 than olive oil, and is also much more versatile in your kitchen (see “Uses Comparison” chart). It is so light and delicious that it can be used for salad dressings, dips, sautéing, baking and frying. You will definitely taste the difference.

Expeller Pressed Canola Comparison

As far as tasting the difference, you can count on it!

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