Gagne’s Blueberry Petite Pie
When I think about Maine, I am reminded of rocky beaches, the cold salty ocean, lighthouses, lobster, and blueberries. In fact, the wild blueberry is the official fruit of Maine and is as much a symbol of the state as the lobster or the lighthouse.
Some people like to say the beacon in the lighthouse and the promise of lobster bring tourists to Maine but the possibility of eating deep blue pea-sized wild blueberries bursting with sweetness is also a draw. So, it’s no surprise that Gagne Foods of Bath, Maine combines their skill at pastry – the company’s 24-layer cream cheese biscuits are award winners – with wild blueberries to produce one amazing Blueberry Petite Pie that is also referred to as a Blueberry Turnover. Read more 
Purcell Mountain Farms Lentils
For many years, the extent of my relationship with lentils was limited to lentil soup which never seemed to have as much flavor as a bean and vegetable soup and was certainly not as appetizing to look at. Then, while shopping in a small grocery store, I noticed bags of multi-colored lentils which intrigued me as I always thought lentils were limited to either the little French dark green puy variety or the big hearty American version. Read more
I Heart Keenwah
Quinoa (pronounced as Keenwah) is a grain-like crop whose edible seeds are being touted as a superfood: the only “grain” that is a complete protein source with all nine amino acids. In recent years, quinoa has grown in popularity as an alternative food for those on gluten-free diets and for those who want a crop with a high protein content (18%). High in carbohydrates and a good source of dietary fiber, quinoa has a light fluffy texture and a slightly nutty flavor when cooked but is crunchy and nutty when baked with a sweetener. That quinoa is also high in magnesium and iron also adds to its appeal. Read more
Theo Chocolate
Touted as the first organic and Fair Trade chocolate factory in the US, Theo Chocolates is a Seattle-based company that makes a variety of chocolate caramels, cream-based ganache chocolates, bars, sipping chocolate, and nibs. Most chocolate manufacturers specialize in producing gift box assortments or bars but not Theo, who controls the entire chocolate manufacturing process from the bean sourcing to the final packaging. This approach allows the company to produce a varied product line that is sure to please the consummate chocolate lover. Read more
Palouse Brand Green Split Peas
Grown, harvested, and packaged in the USA, Palouse Brand Split Peas are without a doubt the most flavorful split peas I have ever tasted. The Mader family has been farming for five generations in Pullman, Washington, which is located in the southeast part of the state. About 15 miles north of Pullman is a town called Palouse where the raw harvested peas are taken to be cleaned and packaged in a family owned plant. Read more
Seggiano Paté: Olive, Sun-Dried Tomato or Artichoke
For those who love olives, tomatoes, or artichokes, Seggiano, the company with the logo “Real Food from Italy,” makes three (3) patés that seem more like tapenades. The word “paté” conjures up thoughts of liver or meat chopped up and seasoned into blocks of spreadable toppings. But, the paté cooked up by Seggiano does not contain any meat or dairy products; in fact, the three spreads are vegetarian and vegan. But most importantly, the three patés are delicious on crackers, a piece of a baguette, toasted bruschetta and even on pasta. Read more
Early Bird Granola
Grocers are slowly dedicating more space in the cereal aisle to granolas although this oat-based cereal is no longer limited to being a breakfast food. These days we also sprinkle granola over frozen yogurt, gelato or ice cream and eat this healthy treat as a snack. There are dozens of types of granola available as we all have our preferences with mine being heavy on the oats and nuts. So, when I came upon a bag of Farmhand’s Choice Granola by Early Bird Foods & Co., I immediately read the label, which listed the following ingredients: organic rolled oats, toasted organic coconut, organic pepitas (pumpkin or squash seeds), organic sunflower seeds, fancy pecans, real maple syrup, extra virgin olive oil, organic brown sugar, and salt. Wow, was all I could say. Read more
The Yoku Moku Cookie
The Yoku Moku cookie is a delicate buttery confection made with all natural ingredients with no preservatives or additives. Made primarily of butter, sugar, egg whites, wheat flour, almond powder and vanilla, the Yoku Moku cookie literally melts in your mouth. Light and crunchy, the Yoku Moku cookies have several variations: Read more
Twinkle Pops
A Twinkle Pop is a beautiful small lollipop that comes in a variety of colors and shapes. The pop is distinguishable from other lollipops by an extra long hollow plastic stick that not only makes the pop easy to hold but fun to sway back and forth, as well. Holding a Twinkle Pop feels like you’re holding a long-stem tulip only better because it’s edible. Read more
John Kelly Chocolates
John Kelly Chocolates is a California-based company that makes award-winning chocolate fudge products by hand in small batches using premium all-natural ingredients. The company’s signature piece is the Truffle Fudge Bar which combines the rich, creamy texture of a truffle with the intense flavor of fudge. Scrumptious and decadent, the Truffle Fudge Bar is best described as a silky fudge bar coated with a thin layer of semi-sweet chocolate. Made primarily of sugar, chocolate, evaporated milk, and butter, the bars come in a variety of flavors: Read more
Paddock Post 