My husband loves peanut butter. Sure enough, the apple does not fall far from the tree. A peanut butter sandwich is one of Big B's favorites. Although I don't get too creative using it, because hey, it can totally stand on it's own, I have used it apart from bread. Imagine my surprise when I was introduced to chocolate flavored peanut butter, or raspberry peanut butter.
Snack time at our house is inconsistent. We actually don't snack during the weekdays. Maybe it's because I don't have snacks out for my family to eat. However, it doesn't mean that I don't enjoy trying new snack items.
Lately, I've been experimenting more with recipes; creating my own or doctoring up existing ones. I enjoy eating a lot more than I enjoy cooking, but certainly do like the fact that I control what goes into our food when I cook at home instead of go out to eat. One fun thing about cooking is all the products you can use to create dishes. It's amazing how one simple ingredient can really spruce up a dish.
I'm not a big snacker. However, when I do snack, I prefer healthier alternatives to fried chips. After discovering the wonders and versatility of granola, I was hooked. There's so many different flavors of granola, it can be both thrilling and overwhelming to pick a favorite. For me, anything with nuts is a definite must try.
March is National Nutrition Month and this year, I would like to feature a couple of healthy snacks I've discovered. These snacks are definitely a better alternative to others out there on the market as they are made with all natural ingredients; ingredients you won't have to struggle pronouncing and can picture what it looks like. Snackle Mouth granola cluster nuts are not just fun to say (Snackle Mouth), but these are healthy snacks that even my somewhat picky preschooler couldn't have enough of.
Gift baskets are a fun way to give, and receive, gifts. It's not just one gift, it's an assortment of gifts that you get to enjoy. There are a plethora of gift baskets that cater to the recipient, whoever you are. Companies hand select items to create thematic baskets for specific age groups, holidays and special occasions, hobbies, and just about anything you can think of. Some companies even have their own speciality and niche.
I love chocolate. I adore chocolate in any form: candies, bars, fondue, cakes, brownies. It's really the only type of candy I will eat. Tomorrow is halloween and I have no doubt that there will be lots of chocolate candies in our house. In the past, I've handed out organic lollipops. I'll be switching it up this year and handing out bite-sized chocolates instead.
We are fans of berries...blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. When I used to live in north San Diego County, we lived next to a strawberry patch and had access to fresh strawberries year round, yum. My recipe below can be made with fresh or frozen berries. I've made it with both but somehow, I like the version with frozen berries better. Although fresh food is best, sometimes frozen foods provide certain conveniences: the price is the same year round, they have a longer shelf life, and foods are prepared and ready for cooking or consumption.
Consumers know that organic products such as produce, snacks, clothes, etc. are better. Why? Some find comfort in knowing that what they are putting in, and on, their body is all natural and free of pesticides or chemicals. Those who are eco-conscious like that organic products are grown with the earth in mind; grown with methods that conserve resource and reduce pollution. Organic snacks are not just good for the earth, but good for the tastebuds.
Food exploration used to be something I did quite often. During college, I would open up the phone book (pre Yelp era) and pick a place. Often times it was a hit, very rarely was it a miss. Now, picking a place is made easy with online search engines and reviews. Despite the technological advances, I still rely on good old fashion recommendations from people. Last week, I went to lunch at Stonefire Grill for the first time, and it definitely won't be my last.
I wanted to find something fun, creative, and tasty to feature for my National Nutrition Month® series. Element Bars certainly fits the bill. The company provides nutritious, flavorful, and customized snack bars. There are many healthy snack choices available out in the market, but who says you can't make your own?
As part of my National Nutrition Month® series, I was in search of products that are both nutritious and tastes good. During my research, I found Nuts About Granola. Typically, granola consists of natural ingredients such as oats and grains, with added fruits, seeds, and sweeteners to vary flavor. Due to its contents, granola is relatively healthy and provides fiber as well as macro and micronutrients. What made me gravitate towards Nuts About Granola was the fact that all the ingredients they use are local.
Last week I was fortunate enough to attend a blogger event for the Vons just for U™ program. I had a great time and met some amazing SoCal bloggers. I'm really excited about this program because although I use coupons, I am by no means coupon savvy. What I like about just for U™ is that I don't have to be savvy about couponing; the program will give me the best possible deal for the items that I buy. Who wouldn't get excited about saving money, and for things you already buy anyway?! Oh, and you get a dozen free eggs when you sign up.
Gourmet Gift Baskets is an online retailer for all your gift basket needs. You can find a gift for everyone on your list for any occasion from holidays to events (baby shower, anniversary, graduation) to thoughtful gestures (sympathy, congratulation, thanks). Their wide variety of products include: snacks, baked goods, gourmet foods, ethnic foods, gluten-free foods, alcohol, sports paraphernalia, flowers, and many more. Gourmet Gift Baskets offer products that can fit any budget with products priced below $50 to over $125. They also offer same day gift delivery for your last minute gift giving needs. The user-friendly website can be easily navigated; you can shop by category, price, occasion, recipient or theme. Their outstanding reputation has garnered recognition in a variety of media from print to television. In addition to providing good quality products, Gourmet Gift Baskets is a proud partner of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and supports community activities through donations.
As the holidays (and massive feasting) are right around the corner, I thought I'd share a snack that is not only guilt-free, but is actually good for you. Homemade kale chips are easy to make, free of preservatives, better than store-bought chips (even the healthy alternatives), and did I mention easy to make? But before I get to the recipe, just a little bit of background info.
March is National Nutrition Month and this year, I would like to feature a couple of healthy snacks I've discovered. These snacks are definitely a better alternative to others out there on the market as they are made with all natural ingredients; ingredients you won't have to struggle pronouncing and can picture what it looks like. Snackle Mouth granola cluster nuts are not just fun to say (Snackle Mouth), but these are healthy snacks that even my somewhat picky preschooler couldn't have enough of.
