I still find it endearing that Pepperidge Farms gives each of its cookie varieties their own name.  Most companies are content to just call it a "white chocolate chunk macadamia nut cookie," but to Pepperidge Farms, it's a Tahoe.

The combination of white chocolate and macadamia nuts seems so quintessentially 80s that I'm surprised to see it still in action.  It's a very pale combination - pale in color, and pale in taste.  Subtle, I should say, like a good vanilla ice cream.


Read more >

I'm a big fan of wafer cookies.  I recently bought and ate an entire packet of wafer cookies ON PURPOSE.  I like the lightness and the crunch of the wafer.  So I was moderately interested when I purchased these three "crisped" versions of some standard candy bars.

All three bars have a few things in common.  Each one is actually two mini candy bars in one wrapper.  I guess that probably makes it easier for them at the factory, since they don't have to make "regular size" and "fun size," just the one size packaged differently.  


Read more >

I should start by saying that I am a real wimp when it comes to spicy foods.  I can't take too many Hot Tamale candies before I start thinking "These must really appeal to masochists."  When I go to a Thai restaurant, I order one or two stars.  Just to frame the discussion that follows.

If you are a fan of spicy foods, you may be able to get more enjoyment out of Good & Fiery.  But I kind of doubt it.


Read more >

I have very mixed feelings about this Special Edition flavor of M&Ms.  I guess on balance, I'm just glad it's a special edition and not a real thing.

On the one hand, I applaud companies for mixing things up.  I'm not one of those people who get upset when a company ventures away from its usual products and tries something new.  I'm always curious about new candy, and new forms of old standards.  It's fun!  And sometimes they're really good.  


Read more >

I love our London friends - they can really make an impression - for instance the story "Chocolate bugs fly off the shelves at Fortnum & Mason" is a real hoot and can really tell us something about the business over there at Fortnum & Mason - but I suppose that is beside the point. Chocolate and insects both have a rich history, and occasionally pop up together in the media - this is likely due to our society and how this is an oddity in our culture.

Read more >

Okay, so what is classier than box wine? Making a delicious, expensive sounding, Sangria out of that box wine! Here's what you need to do:

To start you need a lot of wine, preferably the cheapest wine you can get in a large amount (like everyone's college favorite FRANZIA). This wine should have a really simple taste to it - you do not need any of that fancy "oaky flavor" grape-named wine - in fact the cheaper it is the better. Seeing as this is Sangria Blanca you want the wine to be white.

We need a vessel (or a few vessels) for this magical summer elixer so grab a punch bowl or some other large liquid-holding container you can find.

Read more >

I assume that Cakesters are a cynical attempt to cash in on the grassroots foodie groundswell of popularity for whoopie pies and macarons.  (Not macaroons - macarons, those colorful little French sandwich cookies.)  

I'm not sure if I approve of this or not.  I mean, I want to hate Nabisco for co-opting a movement towards delicious artisanal fresh cookies, and turning it into yet another pre-packaged branded "artificial food-like substance," in the words of Michael Pollan.

The problem is, THEY'RE JUST SO DANG GOOD.


Read more >

Well, this is an oldy - but a goody... well grossy...

Im a huge fan of Amy Winehouse. In fact I aspire to be like her someday. honestly, who wouldn't want to be under the infuence, semi-conscious, out of control, and rich? I guess I do not want to be exactly like her though - I mean she does do and say some pretty bizarro things, but I like to think of them as British and "charming"... sometimes.

Read more >

These cookies always remind me of home. They are the traditional cookies of the Ohio State Buckeyes (named for the horse chestnuts of the Buckeye tree) and they are as delicious as they are easy to prepare.

Here's what you need:

    * 3/4 cup Peanut Butter    * 1/2 cup butter, softened    * 2-1/2 cups confectioners' (powdered) sugar    * 1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips    * Tooth Picks

Here's what you need to do with the above:

Read more >

I was at my local Safeway store today and noticed they have Cantaloupe on sale for only $ 0.99 each! Whatta deal! I was at the store because I had the urge to grill on what is likely one of the last beautiful Seattle Summer days before the "long grey" approaches. Naturally, I was hoping that I could include this miracle melon in my plans - and I did. I have got to tell you Grilled Cantelope may just be my new favorite thing.

Read more >