Tag Archives: Snack

Chocolate Covered Wasabi Peas from ChocWasabi

???????????????????????????????

Product Description:

Chocwasabi is based on the foundation of a basic snack item or tasty treat combined with the eclectic mixture of chocolate & the hot, exotic taste of wasabi. 

The first offering in our line of exciting new items is the chocolate covered wasabi pea.

I received a package of these chocolate covered wasabi peas in my March Love with Food box.

Tea Suggestion:

For these yummy morsels, I recommend something light and refreshing, and because the heat does build, you want something that will cool the palate too.  I chose a white tea, specifically, this Organic Silver Needle tea from Nature’s Tea Leaf.  A perfect choice!  Because the flavors were delicate, it didn’t interrupt the unique flavors in these amazing little treats!  A delightful tea time snack!

What I Think:

I was not sure what to expect with these.  I am not a fan of peas.  That is to say that they are probably the one vegetable that I DO NOT like.  And … I can’t even say that with complete confidence, because it’s been years since I’ve actually had peas with the exception of a few peas floating around in a soup or stirred into a stir-fry.  And I didn’t mind the peas in the soups, stews and stir-fries that I’ve had them in.  And for all I know, I might actually like peas now – after all, our taste buds do change every so often.

But, I’ve never had confidence enough to actually try wasabi peas.  I don’t like peas, and while I do like wasabi when it’s stirred into something like a ranch dipping sauce (this is awesome when served with french fried green beans), I don’t have a whole lot of experience with wasabi outside of that spicy take on a dipping sauce.

But, these are CHOCOLATE wasabi peas and I have plenty of experience with chocolate … and most of that experience is positive.  I can’t really think of anything that I didn’t like that was chocolate.  I’m sure that there have been occasions when I’ve disliked something chocolate, but nothing really comes to mind at the moment.

So I decided to give ‘em a try.  And these are AWESOME!  The pea doesn’t have much flavor at all … basically all I get from the pea is a dense crunch from it that is very satisfying.  A bit like biting into a very crunchy peanut.  The dark chocolate is sweet and smooth … and the wasabi is HOT!  And I am loving the burn from these babies!  The contrast between sweet and spicy is amazing, and I love the crunch.

My Final Thoughts:

These are a total win!  I want more.  I think this may have to be a re-order, because they’re so darned good.  (Note: I did reorder them – definitely a delicious and unique treat!)

Light Sea Salt Plentils from Enjoy Life

???????????????????????????????Product Description:

This crispy, crunchy lentil chip tastes similar to a potato chip with subtle earthy undertones. Made with lentils, one of the best sources of plant-based protein, and with 40% less fat than the leading potato chip, it’s a smart and tasty snack choice.

I received a bag of these Plentils in my January Goodies Box.

Tea Suggestion:

With salty snack chips like this, I prefer to drink iced tea, and this Blue Shadow Black Tea from The Tea Smith is yummy iced.  It was a really nice pairing … the sweet, fruity flavor of the tea was a nice contrast to the lightly sweet, crunchy Plentils.

What I Think:

These are really … unique.  They have a texture that is similar to the onion ring snacks, only thinner and a little crispier and less “fluffy” … the flavor is unlike any other snack chip I’ve ever tasted.

I’m not generally big on lentils.  Not that I dislike them, really, there’s just so many other things that I prefer, so since it’s been a while since I’ve actually had lentils (we’re talking years here … I used to eat them pretty regularly when I was a vegetarian, but I’ve only had them maybe a handful of times since then, and not at all in the last five years or so) it’s hard for me to say that these taste like lentils.  But they do not taste like any other snack chip… so I’m guessing the difference is the lentil.  And while they are different … they aren’t bad at all.

My Final Thoughts:

The light sea salt is just right.  These taste lightly salted, not salty.  Very enjoyable, and surprisingly satisfying.

Apple Strawberry Applesauce from GoGo squeeZ

???????????????????????????????About GoGo sqeeZ (from their website):

We’re proud to be the leading squeezable, re-sealable, 100% fruit in a pouch. GoGo squeeZ’s products are crafted with high-quality natural ingredients to provide wholesome goodness for sipping, squeezing and enjoying, wherever life takes you.

I received a pouch of this applesauce in my January Love with Food Box.

Tea Suggestion:

I don’t have a tea suggestion for this product, because nothing can improve the taste of this.  It’s horrible.  I recommend, instead, brushing your teeth after consuming applesauce from GoGo Squeez to get the taste out of your mouth.

What I Think:

OK … there’s just no easy way for me to put this … this is awful stuff.  It has the consistency of baby food.  It’s been a long time since I’ve eaten baby food, but, it’s also about as bland as I’d imagine baby food to be.  I don’t really taste apple, I don’t really taste strawberry … I just feel mush in my mouth and it’s gross.

I could only stand a couple of squeezes of the applesauce before I had to stop eating it, I really tried to find something redeemable about this product, but I couldn’t.  It’s horrible.

I then took the pouch to my youngest daughter, and she was of the same opinion.  This stuff is nasty.

My Final Thoughts:

Gross.  I’m actually glad I had a chance to try it without having to buy a whole package of several pouches, because now I know that this stuff should be avoided.  If you want to eat baby food, just buy baby food.

Organic Spicy Falafel Chips from Flamous

???????????????????????????????Product Description:

Like a bold tortilla chip, these spicy falafel chips are a fun way to explore the exotic flavors of the East Mediterranean. Made with organic corn, beans, veggies and spices, they’re packed with flavor and also rich in protein, fiber and antioxidants.

I received these falafel chips in my January Goodies Box.

Tea Suggestion:

Because these chips are on the spicy side, I chose a white tea to enjoy with them – white tea has natural cooling properties and helps to calm the palate after eating something spicy!  I found this Silver Needle tea from Enjoying Tea to be just the thing to sip while munching on these delicious chips!

What I Think:

Having tried the “Original” variety of falafel chips from Flamous, I was pretty sure that I’d enjoy the spicy variety as well.  But I had no idea that I’d enjoy them as much as I do!

I think I may have just found a new favorite chip.  These are unbelievably good.  They have a nice, satisfying crunch and a similar texture to a tortilla chip.  They are hearty like that … but they’re thinner than most tortilla chips – which I really like – and they are not greasy.  I even did the white paper test … I opened the package and poured the chips out onto a piece of white paper to see how much residual grease the paper would absorb.  Usually with most conventionally produced chips, there are grease spots, usually quite a bit!  But with these there are only the tiniest grease spots.  And more importantly, they don’t taste greasy either.  They just taste delicious.

This particular variety is SPICY, and as someone who favors spicy things, I like that too.  They certainly don’t need a salsa dip … but you might want to consider a ranch dip or sour cream (or perhaps a cucumber yogurt dip might be delicious!) to help cool things off.  Me … I like the spice.  It warmed me up!  Delicious!

My Final Thoughts:

These are absolutely delicious.  I prefer them over “traditional” chips like tortilla/corn chips or potato chips … I prefer the texture, the flavor and the fact that they are not greasy like those other products.  These are just … really REALLY good.

Traditional Hummus Dip & Multi Grain Pita Chips Snack Combo to Go from Wild Garden

???????????????????????????????Product Description:

Hearty multi-grain pita chips make the perfect partner for creamy hummus in this deliciously portable snack pack that needs no refrigeration. The classic Mediterranean dip, made with chickpeas, sesame paste and a hint of lemon is healthy and all-natural.

I received this “snack kit” box in my January Goodies Box.

Tea Suggestion:

I recommend a sweet, vegetative green tea to go with hummus and pita chips!  This Lin Yun Green Tea from Infussion is perfect!  A delightfully refreshing tea to serve with this snack.

???????????????????????????????What I Think:

This is a fun snack kit.  Inside the box is a bag of pita chips and an easy-to-squeeze tube of hummus.

The multi-grain pita chips are very crunchy and dense.  They look to me like they were made from real pita bread … they’re thick and dense like that.  The flavor is hearty and nutty, with a nice saltiness.  Not too much salt … but enough to enhance the overall flavor of the chip.

???????????????????????????????I probably wouldn’t want to eat these on their own though.  The thickness is really kind of difficult to get past without the dip.  They aren’t enjoyable to snack on without the dip.  With the hummus dip, though, this becomes a really enjoyable snack.  The hummus dip is smooth and creamy … and I like that there is enough dip in this little tube to generously cover each of the pita chips in the bag … I’m not left with a lot of extra pita chips and no dip to enjoy with them.

My Final Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this snack kit.  I think I probably would have preferred a little something in the hummus dip, since I usually prefer a roasted pepper or a garlic flavored hummus as opposed to the plain or traditional hummus.  This is good, but, I think that a roasted pepper or garlic flavored hummus would have been even better.  Good, but not awesomely great.

Crunchy Cinnamon Apple Chips from Barefruit

Crunchy Cinnamon Apple Chips

Crunchy Cinnamon Apple Chips

Product Description:

These 100% natural apple chips are crisp and satisfying. They’re slowly baked in a wood-burning oven to intensify the apple’s natural sweetness, then kissed with a whisper of warm cinnamon. Only 50 calories per serving, no added sugar or preservatives.

I received a sample pouch of these apple chips in my December Goodies Box.

Tea Suggestion:

I love these apple chips as a tea-time snack!  The naturally sweet, apple-y taste goes along so well with this Dong Ding Oolong from Far Leaves, because I liked how the cinnamon notes of the chip and the sweet, apple flavor melded with the natural caramel-y undertones of the Oolong. It made for a really lovely treat!

What I Think:

Apple Chips are often a swing and a miss with me, because they are either so thin and wispy that they lack a good, strong, apple-y flavor or when cut thicker, they often lack crunch, making them more like soft, dry fruit chunks rather than something I’d call a chip.

These are great!  They thicker cut – no wimpy, thin cut apple slices here!  And they pack a crunch too!  These taste like apples with a lovely cinnamon accent.  They have a very pleasing, crisp texture that I want when I want a snack chip, and they are sweet and flavorful too.

I did get one or two “chewier” textured chips that were reminiscent of the aforementioned “soft, dry fruit chunks,” but overall, these were a definite HIT with me.

My Final Thoughts: 

Apple Chips are not something I frequently indulge in, primarily for the reasons I mentioned in my first paragraph of this review … I simply haven’t found apple chips that I found to be satisfying in both flavor and crunch.  These Apple Chips from Barefruit offer both sweet, delicious apple-y (and cinnamon-y!) flavor as well as a that great crunch that I look for in a chip-like snack.

I’m a Bit Behind!

January's Knoshbox

January’s Knoshbox

OK, so I’m a lot behind!  I have to update on the two boxes that I’ve received.  I received my January Knoshbox “on time” – that is, about the same time of the month that I usually receive it … but, I haven’t posted about it.

I also received January’s Goodies Box … in February.  I didn’t post about it either … so I’m going to combine my posts for the Knoshbox and the Goodies Box this time around.

The theme for January’s Knoshbox is “Snow Day Snacks,” and included A huge pouch of “Just Good Chocolate” hot cocoa mix.  And when I say “HUGE” I mean it … we’re talking 12 ounces of product!  Also in this box was a full package of Salted Rosemary Shortbread cookies from Lark Fine Foods, which I’ve previously reviewed so I won’t do that again.  These are a favorite of mine so I certainly was happy to have another package of them!

Also in this month’s box is a “Mighty Maca Bar” from Beareded Brothers, and a box of Sea Salt Caramels from Liddabit Sweets.  The Sea Salt Caramels are another product that I’ve reviewed previously, but I’m NEVER going to complain when I get some of these!  They are so good.

January's Goodie Box

January’s Goodie Box

January’s Goodies Box has the theme “New Year, New You” and included seven very tempting goodies.  So, even though I was a little dismayed that it appeared that we AGAIN were receiving late boxes, getting so many goodies in one box for such an affordable price, it’s a little hard to complain, you know?

This month’s box included a Whole Wheat fig bar from Nature’s Bakery, A can of Cascal soda, Strawberry Fruit Chews from Stretch Island (which I’ve already enjoyed – they were delicious!  Sweet and deliciously strawberry, I love that these are made with fruit only … no sugar added!)  Traditional Hummus and Pita Chips snack kit from Wild Garden, Blueberry Granola from Go Nola, Spicy Falafel Chips from Flamous Brands, and a cookie from Skeeter Snacks.

So, another great box from Goodies Company … but, I do wish they’d get their shipping on track.  I think this month might be better, because I’ve already received a notification that the package was shipped.  Let’s hope!

And … of course, another great box from Knoshbox.  No surprise there, Knoshbox is my favorite monthly food box subscription.  If you can only get one box per month … this is the box I’d recommend.  It might cost a bit more, but it is OH so worth it!

Jam Sandwich Cookies from Butter + Love

cookies2Product Description:

These Jam Sandwich cookies will remind you of holiday baking with your family. The cookie sampler brings you four incredible flavors to try: raspberry lemon, blackberry lime, marionberry rosemary sea salt, and strawberry balsamic marjoram.

I received this sampler basket of cookies in my December Knoshbox; additional sampler baskets can be purchased for a limited time in Knoshbox’s Market.

Tea Suggestion:

I love shortbread cookies with a cup of good, hot black tea, and this English Breakfast tea from Butiki Teas proved to be just the right choice!  The richness of the tea together with the buttery, sumptuous flavor of the cookies was just heavenly!

What I Think:

Oh my goodness!  Is there anything better than a buttery shortbread cookie?  I think – other than peanut butter blossoms – that shortbread might just be my favorite kind of cookie.  And really, peanut butter blossoms are my favorite for sentimental reasons – they remind me of gramma.

But when it comes to the taste my palate craves, it’s butter shortbread cookies all the way!  I just love them.  So rich and delicious … I love the way the cookie just sort of crumbles over the palate and then seems to melt on the tongue, tasting of deliciously sweet butter.  YUM!

So, needless to say, I was thrilled when this cute little basket filled with four shortbread cookies … and because these are jam sandwich cookies that means double the shortbread pleasure.  And with a bakery name like Butter + Love, the buttery part of the shortbread is implied, isn’t it?  I knew I was in for a rich, buttery treat!

cookies
From the top, clockwise: Marionberry Rosemary Sea Salt, Raspberry Lemon, Strawberry Balsamic Marjoram, and Blackberry Lime

The first thing I notice about this sampler is that each of the four cookies are different, so, I consult the Butter + Love website to find out which one was which!  Here are my thoughts on each cookie:

Marionberry Rosemary Sea Salt:  This cookie is a culinary experience in savory and sweet.  The marionberry jam is sweet with just a hint of tartness to it.  I like that I am not noticing a lot of seeds from the marionberry jam here.  The rosemary is baked right in to the cookie, and it delivers a savory taste to the otherwise sweet, almost creamy taste of the shortbread.  Slightly resinous and woodsy tasting, I think that the rosemary gives this gourmet treat an almost rustic kind of taste.  The touch of sea salt here adds not so much of a salty taste (there is a bit of that too, though), and acts more to accentuate the flavors.  It brings out the buttery taste of the shortbread and marionberry and rosemary.

Blackberry Lime:  This was the next cookie I grabbed from the basket.  Another love at first bite!  Here I am able to notice the texture of the cookie better, I think, and I realize that these are not “golden brown” but quite pale.  They look like they might even be slightly underbaked, although they do not taste like it.  No doughy taste, they taste as though they’ve been perfectly cooked.  But what this pale color means is that there is very little crunch or crispy snap to the cookie, instead, it is soft and crumbly.  I like!  I like!  It tastes very fresh and I love the soft texture.  And the blackberry and lime is a compelling contrast of sweet and tart.  A well conceived combination of flavors.

Strawberry Balsamic Marjoram: YUM!  I love this sampler … every single cookie is like a new adventure.  The one thing in common between the four cookies is the cookie itself … the buttery shortbread.  But for the two square cookies – this and the Marionberry Rosemary Sea Salt cookie – there are other ingredients added to the shortbread.  Here, the addition is marjoram.  The marjoram gives the cookie a slightly citrus-y undertone with just a hint of woodsy flavor.  The strawberry balsamic jam is delightfully sweet and tart, and I like that the balsamic is just a hint of flavor, acting more to accentuate the strawberry rather than take on a big presence of its own… except in the aftertaste, where I notice the balsamic more.  This was a really yummy cookie.

Raspberry Lemon: I saved this one for last because I had a feeling it would be my favorite … I love lemon cookies, and I love the combination of raspberry and lemon.  This is delightful!  The raspberry gives just a little bit of sweetness, and the lemon brightens the whole cookie.

My Final Thoughts: 

While the Raspberry Lemon was my favorite of the bunch, I loved every single one of these cookies … and I don’t know that I’d choose one over another!  I’d want to get all four of them again … these are definitely going on my re-order list!

Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn from 479°

seasaltcaramel

photo from 479°
Click on the pic to go there

Product Description:

Indulgence doesn’t have to be guilty — especially when it comes in our 100-calorie single serving packs. Now you can enjoy a delicious treat of air-popped organic popcorn coated with caramel and sprinkled with sea salt. No regrets!

I received this pouch of Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn in my Love with Food tasting box for December.

Tea Suggestion:

I enjoyed this popcorn with a cup of this Japanese Black tea from Tealet.  I liked the way the cocoa notes of the tea brought out the sweetness of the caramel.  It made for a decadent treat at tea time!

What I Think:

What do I think?  YUM … of course!

I love caramel, I love salted caramel even more.  And this Sea Salt Caramel popcorn from 479° proves to be my favorite popcorn from 479° so far.  I mean, I’ve tried a few different popcorn flavors form 479° … and some I’ve liked, and some I found just alright.  But this … this is AWESOME!

There is just the perfect amount of sea salt on these fluffy, crispy popcorn kernels that are well coated with caramel.  I like that it doesn’t just cut through some of the sweetness to lighten the sweet notes a little, but, I can taste enough salty taste to make this a true salty-sweet snack.  And a deliciously satisfying crunch, too!

My Final Thoughts:

What I liked best about this, really, is that I found it to the sweet point before I finished the 1 ounce pouch that I received in my tasting box from Love with Food.  I didn’t feel like I over-indulged.  I felt like I got just enough salty-sweet flavor without feeling guilty after I munched on this treat … and my sweet-tooth was satisfied after consuming only 50 calories!  That doesn’t happen often … and I love it … and I love this popcorn!

Sea Salt & Vinegar flavored Wai Lana Chips

saltvinegarProduct Description:

Made from nutrient-rich cassava, these gluten-free chips contain 30% less fat than regular potato chips. With an unforgettable crunch and an abundance of tempting flavors, Wai Lana Chips are a uniquely delicious, all-natural snack.

Learn more about Wai Lana on their website.

Tea Suggestion:

With these zesty chips, I highly recommend iced tea!  You’ll want something that quenches the thirst and washes over the palate to ready it for more!  I brewed some of this Red Vineyard tea from Fusion Teas and let it cool, and I loved how the sweet fruity notes contrasted with the sharp acidic tones of the vinegar and the salty taste in these chips.  A really delicious snack!

What I Think:

Oh goodness … these just may be my favorite Wai Lana Chips thus far.  I love Sea Salt and Vinegar flavored chips anyway, because I love that tangy, sour vinegar-y taste together with the salt.  And that is coming from someone who normally shies from sour flavors, but all bets are called off when it comes to vinegar.  I became a huge vinegar fan when I was young … my gramma used to add a splash of vinegar to green beans when she served them to me, and this is the way I prefer to eat this vegetable now … and let’s not forget the malt vinegar sprinkled over french fries (chips?) like they do at H. Salt Fish & Chips.

And even though these chips aren’t made from the humble potato, but the Cassava (Yucca) root, they sure do the distinctive flavors of vinegar and salt proud!  These are tangy and delicious.  The yucca root notes are mild with the stronger flavors of vinegar and sea salt, but, it does taste different than a potato chip.  It has more of a savory flavor, and I like the way this melds with the other flavors.  I prefer these over salt and vinegar potato chips!

My Final Thoughts:

As I’ve professed with my previous reviews of the Wai Lana Chips, I’m a sucker for the texture of the Cassava chips.  Here, the slightly savory, very mild onion-ish kind of taste of the cassava works so well with the flavors of tangy vinegar and salt.  I love these.