BAKED Brownies
Brooklyn, New York is the home of a bakery called BAKED that specializes in brownies and “American Classics Served Fresh” – meaning cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies, tarts, bars, and Brooksters (a combination brownie and chocolate chunk cookie). It’s the brownies though that take the cake, so to speak. Rich, dark (except for the Blondie) and intense, BAKED brownies are moist, sweet, and unforgettable. Read more 
Farm to Table Oatmeal
Farm to Table Foods is an organic food company that provides real and earnest food offerings to customers hungry for products that do more than just pay lip service to the organic food movement. We’re people who believe in traditional farming methods. We reject the notion that big agri-business is the only way to feed a community, and at every opportunity, we attempt to give back to the earth as well as to those farmers who work our earth in order to feed and nourish us. From Farm to Table Foods Read more
Muirhead Pecan Pumpkin Butter
Muirhead Pumpkin Butter is a delicious jam like spread that can be used on breads and cheeses or to make baked goods including a pumpkin pecan bread. Made by Muirhead Foods of Ringoes, New Jersey (about 20 miles north of Trenton), the pumpkin butter contains five ingredients: pumpkin, sugar, lemon juice, pecans, and spices. Despite the name “butter” in its name, there is no butter or even a trace of fat in this product which always surprises me because the taste is so rich. Read more
ROAD ID
One sunny day while walking my corgi, Daisy my friend, Nancy (whose corgi, Molly is Daisy’s BFF) told me I needed to get a ROAD ID bracelet like her husband, Lamar’s: a purple band that looked like a fashionable ID bracelet. For those who participate in outdoor sports and activities, the ROAD ID is an important accessory for both men, women and children because it speaks for the wearer in the event of an accident. Read more
The Philly Soft Pretzel
In the culinary world, Philadelphia is known for the Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich (sliced beef and melted cheese on a soft Italian roll), Italian Ice (frozen flavored ice) and the Philly Soft Pretzel: a soft tan-colored pretzel that is usually connected to another pretzel in the baking process (to ensure the softness of the sides) . Believed to have been brought over by the Germans and re-created by the Pennsylvania Dutch, the Philly soft pretzel was popularized by the Italians in the south end of the city, where most of the pretzel bakeries are located. Made throughout the night and distributed early in the morning to street vendors, shops, and bakeries, the Philly soft pretzel is found on virtually every street corner in Philadelphia and in more recent years through on-line vendors. Read more
The Coconut Macaroon
Most people have strong feelings about coconut and for those who possess a deep passion for this tropical fruit, there is the coconut macaroon cookie. Different than a typical sugar or butter based cookie, the coconut macaroon is both crunchy (on the outside) and chewy (on the inside) with a moist creamy texture. Read more
Pulled Pork For A Crowd
Processed and packaged foods are not often on my grocery list but every once in a while, I find a product worth buying and writing about. Williams-Sonoma, the kitchen supply/cooking/baking store sells a product under their label called Pulled Pork Starter that makes a saucy, slightly sweet and smokey southern style pulled pork that is always a hit with a big crowd – especially men (what is it about a pulled pork sandwich?).
A 26-ounce jar, Pulled Pork Starter’s ingredients include apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, spicy brown mustard, ketchup, tomato paste, natural hickory smoked flavor, organic black strap molasses, chicken demi-glace, chicken broth, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, crushed red pepper, and cayenne powder. Read more
Maytag Blue Cheese
When most people think of blue cheese, they think of a strong pungent cheese such as Roquefort Cheese – a blue cheese made from sheep’s milk that hails from the south of France. Maytag Blue Cheese of Newton, Iowa is a blue cheese made from cow’s milk that is tangy – almost lemony – with a moist and crumbly texture; a semi-soft cheese loved by many who give it a chance. Read more
NaturAlmond Butter
NaturAlmond Butter is an almond butter spread that contains exactly two ingredients: almonds and sea salt. Located in Chamblee, Georgia (just north of Atlanta), the company selects the finest California almonds and slow roasts the nuts in small batches to ensure quality, freshness and flavor. The almonds are then ground to a smooth consistency which releases the essential oils of the nuts. A touch of sea salt is added to enhance the flavor before being packaged in a 12-ounce jar in their peanut-free commercial kitchen. Read more
Bola Granola
“Como mola” (meaning “how cool”) is what my daughter would say in Spain when something impressed her and those are the first words I thought of when I tasted Bola Granola – the crunchiest granola I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating. Bola Granola has a catchy name that is fun to say but the real joy is the super crunchy granola in the bag.
One bite of this all organic grain granola brings a cornucopia of flavors: a mildly sweet and salty blend of toasty oats and nuts. Made with organic rolled oats, almonds, brown sugar, pumpkin seeds, water, canola oil, wheat germ, organic wheat flour, organic flaxseed meal, wheat bran, vanilla extract, salt, and vitamin E, Bola Granola is a delightful blend of what granola should be: delicious and healthy. Read more
Paddock Post 