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You are here: Home / Archives for snacks

snacks

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

April 17, 2012 By Joi Sigers

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!

 

Filed Under: Food Reviews, Game Day, Health Food Reviews, Tailgating Tagged With: caramel corn, cheese corn, gluten-free, kettle corn, popcorn review, snack review, snacks

Caramel Corn Recipe

November 29, 2011 By Joi Sigers

Southern Living 1988 Annual Recipes Cookbook

As I said in a recent post, I’ve fallen head over heels in love with Oh Nuts.  Their delicious pecans are the star in the recipe below.  Caramel Corn is outstanding for snacking on during ball games or as you run in and out of the house finishing up your Christmas shopping!

This recipe is from a favorite old cookbook in my collection, Southern Living 1988 Annual Recipes (Southern Living Annual Recipes). Try it, you’ll absolutely love it and your family will sing your praises through their sticky teeth.

Caramel Corn

Vegetable Cooking Spray
6 Quarts popped corn
1-1/2 cups pecan halves
1-1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1-1/2 cups raw peanuts
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coat 2 large roasting pans with cooking spray. Combine popcorn and pecans in pans; set aside.

Combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, and peanuts in a large saucepan; bring to a boil, and boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in soda and vanilla.

Pour mixture evenly over popcorn mixture. Stir with a lightly greased long-handled spoon until popcorn is well coated. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and immediately pour onto waxed paper, breaking it apart as it cools. Store in airtight containers.

Yield: 6-1/2 Quarts

*** Be sure to check out Oh Nuts! for nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and gift sets. Keep them in mind year-round as well (Valentine’s Day, Easter, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, Thanksgiving…)  Buy nuts in bulk for the best bargain.

Filed Under: Christmas Baking, Game Day, Halloween Treats, Oh, Nuts!, Tailgating Tagged With: caramel corn, nuts, pecans, snacks

Vanilla Caramel Corn Crunch

July 19, 2011 By Joi Sigers

Summertime!

Summertime! Even the word, alone, conjures up images of picnics, ballgames, the beach, camping trips, mini-vacations, backyard fun, and parks.

The Caramel Corn Crunch recipe below will make summertime even more delicious. It’s one of those snacks that’s perfect for traveling – no matter where you’re headed, it’ll keep kids of all ages happy!  One of my favorite things about snacks such as this one is that it makes clean up easier. Kids and husbands don’t end up getting it all over them, the vehicle, the pets…

Vanilla Caramel Corn Crunch

12 ounces air-popped popcorn or 4 (3-ounce) bags
natural microwave popcorn
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
2 teaspoons Nielsen-Massey Madagascar
Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Pop the popcorn, discarding any un-popped kernels. Arrange the popcorn evenly in a large roasting pan. Place in the oven.

Combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla paste and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil slowly. Boil for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly; do not burn. Stir in the baking soda and cream of tartar, which will cause the sugar mixture to rise. Pour over the warm popcorn, stirring until coated. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Variation: For added flavor, coarsely chop 1 cup of your favorite nuts and add to the popcorn before pouring the caramel mixture over the popcorn.

Yield: Makes about 20 cups

This recipe is courtesy of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas.

More About Nielsen-Massey Vanillas: Nielsen-Massey Vanillas’ Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste provides extra flavor to a variety of summer foods. Adding a tablespoon to milkshakes, fruit, whipped cream, frostings or honey makes for a desirable seasonal treat.

The flavor from the Vanilla Bean Paste is sweet, creamy and mellow. It also includes the seeds of the vanilla pod, giving it an upscale look usually found in vanilla bean ice creams and organic vanilla frostings.

Filed Under: Appetizers, Game Day, Summertime Favorites Tagged With: appetizers, snacks

Roasted Red Pepper Dip Recipe

November 17, 2010 By Joi Sigers

I love, love, love, love to experiment with different dips and sauces. Hummus, chip dips, cheese dips, spinach-artichoke dips… the list goes deliciously on forever.  We watch a great deal of sports around our home and simply can’t imagine any of our games without snacks.  Dips, spreads, and sauces are favorites of all.

A favorite ingredient for these dips and spreads is roasted red pepper. Not only does it amazing, it looks gorgeous!  The Roasted Red Pepper Dip below has an ingredient you might be surprised to see.  Trust me, though, this dip recipe can’t be beat.

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

1 x 12 oz. package House Premium Tofu Extra Soft or House Organic Tofu Soft
2 cups roasted red peppers
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. salt

Blend all ingredients together.

Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Serve with vegetables, pretzel rods, crackers or even seafood.

Here’s another great snack or tailgating idea: Grab some extra special sliced meat from your store’s deli.  I practically live at a local Kroger (honestly, sometimes I think I’m there more than the workers or manager), and I’ve tried a wide variety of their meats.  A recent addiction is called Cajun Turkey and you have to try it to believe it.  Buffalo Chicken, Bourbon Chicken, Bourbon Ham, and Buffalo Turkey are all also outstanding.

Have it sliced right there at the deli – they’ll do it for free.

Buy some pretzel sticks (the small ones).  When you’re ready to serve your snacks, cut off small pieces of meat (the Cajun Turkey is stupid good for this!) and pierce each piece with a pretzel stick.  Arrange on a platter and serve alongside a small bowl of honey mustard, horseradish, or even barbecue sauce – the condiments you choose pretty much depend upon your meat selection.  Honey or Spicy mustard is just about always perfect, though – the pretzels LOVE mustard!

For more Tofu Recipes, see House-Foods. They even have desserts made with tofu!

Filed Under: Dips and Sauces, Food Reviews, Quick and Easy Recipes, Tailgating Tagged With: dip recipes, dips, game day snacks, snacks, tailgating ideas

Cinnamon Applesauce Dip

November 1, 2010 By Joi Sigers

Here’s another healthy snack your kids (whether they’re 5, 15, 25 or fall under the category of “spouse”!) will really love.

Cinnamon Applesauce Dip

1/2 cup cinnamon applesauce (I use Mott’s Cinnamon Applesauce)
2 Tablesppons Vanilla Low-Fat Yogurt

Combine the applesauce and yogurt in a small, seal-able bowl. If you aren’t overjoyed with the taste of cinnamon (I’ve heard of people like that), feel free to use regular applesauce.

If you’re feeling jiggy, use Mott’s single serving flavors such as…

  • Harvest Apple
  • Pomegranate
  • Cranberry Raspberry

Whatever doth float your culinary boat.

Serve the dip with fun animal crackers, chocolate graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or (my girls’ favorite) Teddy Grahams.  Teddy Grahams come in honey, chocolate, chocolate chip – and I, personally, have trouble staying out of any of them.

Filed Under: Dips and Sauces, Health and Fitness Tagged With: applesauce, healthy snacks, snacks

Ocean Spray Dried Fruit: Healthy Snacking Made Delicious

September 29, 2010 By Joi Sigers

I go out of my way to buy and prepare food for my family that’s healthy and good for them.  Given the fact that we are, indeed, what we eat, I want only the healthiest foods going into the mouths of  those I love – including my own mouth for that matter.

Like most people, we’ve determined that snacking is one of our weakest areas.  We’re horrible when it comes to noshing in front of sports or our favorite television shows.  The thing is, this snacking can be horrendous for one’s health to say nothing of their waistline.

We’re trying to make smarter, healthier choices and I’ve actually been amazed at how easy it’s been.  Below are a few examples of things that have worked for us:

  1. I’ve started buying low fat frozen yogurt instead of ice cream, most of the time.  Frozen low fat yogurt is outstanding.  In fact, it’s what two of my daughters and I had last night as our Biggest Loser snack. Appropriate.
  2. My Halloween bowls are filled with roasted peanuts, sunflower seeds, yogurt-covered raisins, Ocean Spray Dried Fruit (more on this in a minute!), nuts, seeds, and even dried cereal.
  3. I’ve started keeping a bag of Ocean Spray Dried Blueberries on my desk in my home office. Delicious. Healthy. Convenient. Addictive.
  4. We’ve switched to air-popped, butter-free popcorn and actually prefer it now.
  5. We keep yogurt, cottage cheese, and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables on hand and conveniently ready in the refrigerator.

I have an on-going love affair with Ocean Spray beverages and Cranberry Sauce (can you say delicious year-round?!).  Because of this on-going love affair, they sent me three bags of their dried fruit to test for Get Cooking.  I was actually already quite familiar with the Dried Cranberries – we’d been tight for quite a while but I hadn’t yet tried the Dried Blueberries (and here I am, the biggest fan of blueberries in the world!) or the Dried Cherries.  I hadn’t even seen them, to tell you the truth.

I have now!

Each dried fruit is simply delicious and I’m now hooked on each.  My youngest daughter, Stephany, fell hard for the Dried Cherries and Dried Cranberries and I can’t blame her – they’re Heavenly.  However… the dried blueberries are really where it’s at!  We debate it all the time… her with dried cranberries in one hand and dried cherries in the other and me with my mouth full of dried blueberries.

We’re a sight. Really we are.

These convenient snacks are the ideal way to get your family – and yourself – to eat healthier snacks.  Let’s face it, we’re going to nosh.  Shouldn’t we at least make the noshing beneficial?!

From Ocean Spray:

Ocean Spray’s new Dried Fruit, featuring Jumbo Dried Cranberries, Dried Cherries, and Dried Blueberries, is a fresh way for families to enjoy their favorite fruits year round.  Easy to carry and convenient to store, Ocean Spray Dried Fruit is perfect for a quick snack at home, at school, or on-the-go.  Each Dried Fruit flavor is fat-free, cholesterol-free, low in sodium and packed with a full serving of fruit in every 1/3 cup.  Look for Ocean Spray Dried Fruit in the produce aisle at your local supermarket.  –  Ocean Spray

I’ve eaten the Dried Blueberries in yogurt, Cherrio’s, and in oatmeal.  My favorite way, to be honest, is straight from the bag.  I do a lot of research on food for Get Cooking and a great deal of research on mental health and fitness for my mental fitness blog, Out of Bounds.  Healthy food has a great impact on our mental health, our memory, and our brain’s fitness.   My beloved blueberry is actually a mental superfood.

Research shows that blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Below are a few of the recent articles I’ve written on Out of Bounds about Blueberries and other “brain food”:

Drink This to Improve Your Memory

The Breakfast of Mental Champions

The Mediterranean Diet for Brain Health: Delicious!

Improve Your Memory and Stay Sharp One Crunch at a Time

The more I read, the more I realize that our bodies AND our minds are only as strong and fit as we “decide” they’ll be.  We make this decision every time we make a choice – if we choose exercise and healthy foods, we’ve decided that we want our bodies and minds to be as strong as they possibly can be.  When we choose a sedative lifestyle and unhealthy foods, we’ve decided that we’re okay with risking our physical and mental health – come what may.

I totally just went off on a rant. My apologies – healthy food is something I’m passionate about, especially when it comes to young people.

I hope you’ll try these delicious dried fruit snacks from Ocean Spray.  They’re outstanding and your family will actually WANT to eat them.   Fat free, low in sodium, and low-calorie.  This is how food was meant to be enjoyed!

For a fresh and wonderful salad I know you’ll love, see Ocean Spray’s Effortless Spinach Salad recipe.  It calls for Craisins which really gives it a kicky personality.

Head over to Ocean Spray’s fun website for more information and nutritional values.  And by the way, if you don’t see these snacks in your produce section, check the snack aisle as well as the Health Food section.  My favorite grocery store actually keeps them in the Health Food area.  Sounds about right to me.

Filed Under: Calorie Counters, Food Reviews, Health and Fitness, Reviews, Table Talk Tagged With: fruit, healthy snacks, Ocean Spray, snacks

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Get Cooking’s 2019 Christmas Gift Guide for Cooks & Foodies!

The 2019 Christmas Gift Guide for Cooks and Foodies is kicking off this week! Click the link or image to find a growing list of gift idea. Be sure to check back often – I’ll be adding to the pages hot and heavy in the coming weeks. I guess you could say I’m already in the Christmas spirit – but the truth is I’m never out of it.

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My name is Joi ("Joy") and Get Cooking is where I celebrate some of my greatest passions - recipes, kitchen gadgets, gluten free food reviews, gluten free recipes, pig collectibles, chocolate, cookbooks, and coffee. Lots of coffee...
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