Fancy Food & Culinary Products blog

Editor's Choice: Manja! Gourmet Glaze & Drizzle

2012-02-21T09:00:00.012-06:00

The next time I get down to North Carolina, I sincerely hope to stop in at Mama Brava's family restaurant. It is described as being "in the cozy little hamlet on the Shallotte River in coastal NC." Doesn't that sound like a little slice of heaven?

After giving their Manja! Gourmet Glaze & Drizzle a try, I can well believe they make the heck out of their BBQ too. Though Mawji Foods (www.mawjifoods.com), the creator of the sauce, claims never to use corn syrup, I just don't know how they get such a sweet and spicy sauce without that key ingredient in many sauces.

We used it on roast chicken for dinner, one night. At my house, we are meat lovers. All meat, all the time (with a veggie and a salad of course). So, following the directions, we coated the whole chicken with a layer of glaze for the last 30 minutes of cooking. We coated it twice, actually. One at 15 minutes and another five minutes from the end. It seemed to be a good system, because the chicken browned beautifully and got a lovely caramelized glaze.

The chicken was tender and juicy and the glaze gave it such a sweet and peppery taste that everyone had double portions. Actually, I am not a fan of peppers usually. I don't do fajitas, chili, or stuffed poblanos, or really any pepper-heavy food. But this level and depth of pepper didn't drown out everything else (chicken and sweetness and the seasoning in the sauce), which is usually my complaint. Oh, we will be using our whole bottle of Manja! Yes, we will.

-Elizabeth

Editor's Choice: The Hampton Popcorn Company

2012-02-14T17:35:00.000-06:00

For me popcorn has always been a comfort food, associated with lots of good memories. Growing up, it was a special treat. Back then my dad made the popcorn for us. Hearing the sound of the kernels being poured into the pot signaled good things ahead. Minutes later fresh, hot popcorn was served.

Later on popcorn became a part of going to the movies — something that’s true to this very day. It was also part of baseball and basketball games. My popcorn tastes expanded: caramel popcorn, cheese popcorn, a couple of other toppings that seemed like good ideas at the time.

But what if someone took another one of my favorite things, like chocolate, and combined it with the popcorn in one treat? That’s what The Hampton Popcorn Company (hamptonpopcorn.com) does in its White & Dark Chocolate Swirl Popcorn.

Appropriately enough, I tried the popcorn the other night while watching a movie on TV. The popcorn is a great blending of flavors. The caramelized popcorn has just enough crunch. The white chocolate drizzle is light and sweet and makes a good contrast with the rich dark chocolate.

The popcorn is packaged in a cute red and white striped box, which would make it a good gift. It is even tied with a red ribbon and bow. In addition, the clear window on the package lets you see all the good stuff inside.

The popcorn is available in a variety of flavors and package sizes — all ready to be a part of more good memories.

Barbara

Editor's Choice: Cat Cora's Kitchen Olive Snack Pack

2012-02-07T12:38:00.000-06:00

I have always loved Greek food. And, when it’s possible to get Greek food minus the fat and calories, I’m doubly excited. That being said, it’s obvious that I’m an avid Cat Cora fan. Cora, who’s known for her dedication to a healthy Mediterranean diet, recently teamed up with Gaea — Greek for mother Earth — a company that shares her vision. Together, the two created the Greek Harvest Whole Kalamata Olive Snack Pack. My Papaw first introduced me to Kalamata olives when I was a child. And, they’ve held a soft spot in my heart ever since.

The first thing I noticed about Cora’s pack wasn’t the taste or texture of the olives inside, however. The first thing I noticed was the convenient packaging. The olives are contained in a handy resealable package perfect for use in lunch boxes or picnic baskets. These snack packs would be a wonderful addition to a Greek themed gift basket, as well.

After sampling the olives, though, nothing but the flavorful taste resonated. The packaging states that the, “Kalamata olives are sun ripened and 100 percent natural. But, more than anything else, the olives are a delicious snack that’s perfect anytime of day.” I couldn’t agree more. Seasoned only with the finest sea salt, vinegar and extra virgin olive oil — Cora’s olives were beyond flavorful. They were perfection. Moreover, the olives are rich in natural antioxidants, vitamin E and dietary fiber. And, if consumers are looking for products and companies that give back, look no further. Cat Cora’s Kitchen and Gaea donate a portion of the proceeds from this product to Chefs for Humanity — a non-profit that battles world hunger. My Papaw would certainly be proud!

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Marché Noir Cabernet Brownie

2012-01-31T09:00:00.017-06:00

That's right: wine and brownies. It is an embarrassment of riches. Marché Noir, Foods (marchenoirfoods.com)has combined two of my loves into one concoction: the Cabernet Brownie, Brut Cacao. This dark chocolate treat uses Wine Flour (milled from the skins of Cabernet grapes) to make a brownie that is both high in iron, fiber, and Res-V (Resveratrol, a natural anti-oxidant recognized for its significant health benefits particularly in relation to heart diseases and cancer).

Seriously, from the first time I helped my mom pour out that dark, rich batter into a baking pan and watched it rise and darken, I have been searching for a way to make brownies healthy. And the main thing about brownies are the schools of thought on them: cakey and a little arid with a lot of chocolate flavor or moist and fudgey with more butter and sweetness. I am in the former category and not only are these brownies cakey without being dry, but they have a sharp bite of dark chocolate and something a little lower down, which I can only assume is the wine coming out in the flour.

The idea of Wine Flour is interesting as well. Marché Noir also uses the flour in their line of Pasta Caberneti, which is a dark, almost black pasta (that be used in place of Pasta Nera, which contains squid ink and can be a turn-off to American consumers) and contains the same health benefits as the brownies. Additionally, the Wine Flour is a sustainable American agricultural product and can make you customers feel good...well better, about eating brownies, pastas and other carby treats.

- Elizabeth

Editor's Choice: Biscottea Inc.

2012-01-24T18:40:00.000-06:00

For me, there’s always been something special about shortbread cookies. The rich, buttery taste and melt-in-your mouth texture make them perfect comfort food. But the latest treat to arrive in the office, takes a favorite cookie to a whole new level.

The box contained Biscottea (biscottea.net), shortbread squares that are made with tea. The tea adds another level of flavor to a delicious cookie. The taste is subtle, but definitely there. The Mint Tea, made with organic Spearmint Tea and Peppermint Tea, is refreshing and the Blueberry has a nice sweet taste of the fruit, Shortbreads are baked with organic teas and all natural ingredients. So you don’t have to feel so guilty. Other flavors include Earl Grey, Rooibos (Red Tea) and Chai Tea. The squares, which are wrapped individually, became an office favorite and have gone quickly.

But the shipping box held another taste adventure. The same company also makes Bis-Cof-fee Shortbread (biscoffee.com). Just as the name implies, they are shortbread squares baked with organic coffee. I love the smell of coffee and these squares, especially my favorite, the Espresso, reward you with that great smell when you open the package. Inside the coffee taste blends perfectly with the shortbread. Other flavors are Cappuccino and Mocha. These haven’t gone as quickly, and for that, I am grateful.

Both the tea and coffee squares are available in a 16-ounce box of 24 assorted individually wrapped squares. The boxes would be great as a gift or I could see them opened for sampling in a store.

They are also are available in 5 ounce single flavor boxes.

Barbara

Editor's Choice-Rossi Pasta

2012-01-17T10:55:00.000-06:00

When I was growing up, every Friday night was pizza night. This often followed the fanfare and whimsy of high school football games or preceded preadolescent slumber parties. And, while Friday night football games and slumber parties have long since disappeared from my life — pizza night remains. It’s a tradition my husband and I greatly enjoy, seeking to discover the best-prepared pies in the city. However, last Friday I stepped outside my comfort zone and used a mix from Rossi Pasta to create a homemade pizza.

The dough comes in single serving packaging and is available in a variety of flavors. While I swiped the Spinach, Whole Wheat and Plain crust — I decided to play it safe and constructed a sausage and cheese pizza on plain crust. The dough was easy to prepare by adding salt, sugar, water and olive oil. Moreover, the entire pizza only took about 30 minutes to create (which is much faster than any delivery you can get in the big city)! I also used Rossi Pasta’s Pizza Sauce. The sauce complimented the crust well with robust flavors. All-in-all, it was a good and convenient Friday night meal.

Rossi Pasta offers a variety of pizza dough, pizza sauces, pastas and pasta sauces. The line would be a great addition to your shelves or as a themed gift basket alongside a block of cheese, olive oil and a bottle of wine. I can see Rossi Pasta becoming a permanent fixture for Friday night dinner. It’s certainly found a permanent place in my cooking rotation.

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Tortuga Rum Cake Company

2012-01-10T16:56:00.000-06:00

Like probably many people, chocolate is one of my favorite things so when the package from Tortuga Rum Cake Company (tortugarumcakes.com) arrived, I was happy to see that a chocolate cake was included in the group of 4-ounce cakes. I had enjoyed samples of the original flavor cake and was curious about what the addition of chocolate would do to the taste.

I have to admit the cake sat for several months. But a cold night in December, New Year’s Eve to be exact, seemed like the perfect time to share a taste of the Caribbean with a couple of friends.

The packaging itself gives it a special feel. It looks like a treasure chest waiting to be opened. The consensus was the cake inside was indeed a find. It had remained fresh and moist. The cocoa powder blended perfectly with the other ingredients to give the cake a deep, rich chocolate taste. It had just the right hint of rum, not overpowering.

All in all, it was a tasty end to a meal. And that packaging makes it a great gift as well.

Barbara

Editor's Choice-Epicurean Organics

2012-01-03T17:11:00.000-06:00

I am a huge proponent of the home cooked meal. After all, what kind of gourmet blogger would I be otherwise. However, in today’s hectic and frantic environment — who has time to chop vegetables and sauté fresh herbs. Thankful, lines such as Epicurean Organics from Mountain Rose Herbs (mountainroseherbs.com/epicurean/) take the guesswork out of selecting proper seasonings. Recently the company sent a variety of their products to our offices and I was delighted with the result.

Mountain Rose Herbs is committed to providing exceptional quality culinary ingredients that even the most discerning epicurean will applaud. The bold flavors, rich colors, penetrating aromas and nutrients found within whole organic botanicals inspired the creation of the Epicurean Organics collection. I was immediately drawn to the Garlic Pepper seasoning. My favorite thing about this is that nearly every dish I create has a combination of salt, pepper and garlic. It’s so diverse and definitely necessary to prevent bland proteins. One addition reason I loved this product was the balance within it. Oftentimes, garlic can be insanely overbearing. Moreover, I have a bit of a salty palette. The combination of these ingredients solves both problems.

Other products within the line include the all purpose seasoning, Cajun spice, Caribbean blend, celery salt, chili powder, Chinese 5 Spice blend, curry, garam marsala, grilling herbs, Herbs de Provence, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, Mediterranean seasoning, Mexican seasoning, pumpkin pie spice, Thai curry blend and the West Indies blend.

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice-479 Popcorn

2011-12-20T14:29:00.000-06:00

I grew up in a small town in southern West Virginia. So, when we went to the local theater, our choices in popcorn flavors were butter and plain. Therefore, when an assortment of 479°’s gourmet popcorn came to the office, I lunged at the opportunity to expand my popcorn palette. And, my education is much appreciated. The company’s Chipotle Caramel + Almonds flavor is one of the tastiest treats I’ve sampled during my tenure at Fancy Food & Culinary Products.

The company, whose name was rendered from the fact that Founder Jean Arnold believes 479°Fahrenheit is the optimal temperature for popping corn, has a variety of flavors. But, all of the popcorns contain no trans fat, are naturally gluten free and are certified kosher. The Chipotle Caramel + Almonds flavor is an ideal mixture of sweet caramel kernels delicately drizzled with traces of spicy chipotle. I was initially skeptical of the flavor combination. After all, a chipotle is a jalapeno chili ripened on the vine and then smoked for a few days. How would the company tame that spiciness? The answer is simple, a delicate hand. The popcorn isn’t overwhelmed by the various flavors, which allows them to co-exist simultaneously. This line is all about contrast in both flavor and texture. So, Arnold wisely threw in two big handfuls of almonds. The crunchiness of the nuts is a nice juxtaposition against the fluffiness of the actual popcorn.

I’m eager to try 479°’s other unusual flavor combinations. In fact, maybe I’ll smuggle a little of the Chipotle Caramel + Almond into my local theater. It will make those sappy chick-flicks I love even more enjoyable.

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Sorrell Ridge

2011-12-13T19:41:00.000-06:00

Even though I grew up in the Midwest, I have never liked winter (OK in this case pre-winter). It seems no matter how sunny the day starts out by mid-day the skies have turned gray and cloudy. It was in that frame of mind that I recently picked up a jar of Sorrell Ridge Premium Orange Marmalade (alliedoldenglish.com). I figured if I couldn’t have the warm weather right now, at least I could have a taste of it. Besides marmalade has that little luxury feel to it.

Sunday morning seemed like the perfect time to try it. I spooned it on some low-fat pancakes. The marmalade blended well with them. It is thicker and that gives it a nice full flavor and orange peels give it an interesting texture. The peels also made it not too sweet. It was a flavorful combination and a good way to start the day.

I’m sure it would be great on waffles, English muffins or used in making a different take on a PB&J. I could also see it used with white cheeses for a tasty appetizer.

For retailers, it would be good in a fruit spread assortment or in a breakfast basket. Its consistency makes it ideal for sampling on crackers.

But for me, right now, it’s a taste of the good life.

Barbara

Editor's Choice: Bove's Pasta Sauce

2011-12-06T10:37:00.000-06:00

No matter what I do, I can never recreate my Nonnie’s marinara sauce. I have her recipe. I use the finest ingredients. I watched her make it. Regardless, my sauce doesn’t taste quite the same and I am left with a poor imitation. Therefore, I was thrilled when I discovered Bove’s Roasted Tomato, all-natural pasta sauce. While this canned sauce isn’t my Nonnie’s, it’s closer than I’ve ever come.

Last month, Bove’s Café (a third generation restaurant) celebrated it’s 70^th anniversary. And, with a sauce this delicious, this longevity is no big surprise. Louis and Victoria Bove have been bottling the family sauce for the past 15 years. “We began selling my grandmother’s signature Marinara sauce, the same recipe she made at the restaurant,” says Mark Bove, company president. “But that wasn’t enough. People wanted more.”

And with Bove’s line of signature sauces, including: Vodka, Roasted Garlic, Mushroom & Wine, Basil and its newest flavor, Roasted Tomato — customers got their request. I have always loved the flavor of roasted tomatoes. So, when this jar came into the office I jumped at the chance to sample it first. The recipe combines fire roasted plum tomatoes, onions, fresh garlic and spices, olive oil and crushed red pepper. The sauce is spicy without being completely overwhelmed with heat. Moreover, you can tell the flavors are cleverly layered. Initially, I tasted the smokiness of the tomatoes. But, the more I ate, the more I detected other components with the recipe. My Nonnie taught me that the best Italian food focuses on simplicity, fine ingredients and respect for these ingredients. It’s clear Bove’s sauce has all these qualities in spades!

~Cathryn

Editor’s Choice: Pasta Mama’s

2011-11-29T10:30:00.000-06:00

I could eat pasta any day of the week, and I actually come pretty close. The only time I have gourmet pasta, though, is when my husband and I go to a local Italian restaurant. That’s why I was delighted to try a sample of Pasta Mama’s line of dry pastas and sauce mixes: Delicious, restaurant-quality pasta at home and without the fancy-restaurant price tag.

I chose the tomato basil linguine and creamy garlic sauce. The pasta, stored prettily in a clear, plastic bag with a gold-foil tie, is simple to cook: Boil water, throw in the pasta and cook until it’s al dente. The sauce is just as easy: Mix water and milk (or just milk) with the dry mix, and simmer in a saucepan until it thickens to your liking. The pasta was packed with a sweet tomato flavor, and I loved its thick texture. The sauce had just the right amount of garlic to be strong but not overpowering. And, both flavors went wonderfully with my simple, pan-fried and lightly seasoned pork chops.

Pasta Mama’s offers a variety of mix-and-match pastas and sauces for anyone to have an Italian adventure in the kitchen. The company’s website offers combination suggestions — such as pairing the apple spice fettuccine with the apple spice sauce — but to truly have fun, Pasta Mama’s recommends experimentation. Actually, I think the chocolate fettuccine embodies this philosophy. You can create dessert by serving this cocoa-infused pasta with Pasta Mama's chocolate sweet topping or cocoa mocha sweet topping.

Pasta Mama’s can throw a delightful wrench into any meal that needs new life breathed into it.

-Tara

Editor's Choice: Recchiuti Confections

2011-11-22T16:05:00.000-06:00

I’ve read recently that chocolate consumption continues to increase in the U.S. I don’t find it hard to believe, since I know I’m one of those people. So you can imagine how happy I was with our latest “feed the editors” package. Recchiuti Confections (recchiuti.com) had sent us a selection of its artisan chocolate bars, including several new flavors.

I immediately picked out the Bittersweet chocolate bar. I opened the package, which incidentally can be resealed, and broke off a piece. I was rewarded with chocolate that had just the right amount of sweetness blended with a rich, yet smooth taste. It really was what bittersweet chocolate is supposed to be. I stashed the rest in the desk drawer to enjoy during the week.

Since there were several new flavors, the next day I sorted through the other selections. I was pleasantly surprised to find, that Hazelnut, another favorite flavor of mine, was still there. It is one of the new creations. The combination of flavors sounded intriguing and was. First you taste a full, smooth dark milk chocolate accented with a little sea salt. It then moves into the crunchy hazelnuts and finishes off with the taste of the burnt caramel syrup that coats the hazelnuts. A complex blend that is truly delicious.

The 3-ounce bars are also available in Semisweet, Feve (cacao nibs), Dark Milk, Almond, Sesame Nougatine and Orchard.

The bars are contained in stylish packages that display the initial of the flavor. I can see them used in gift baskets or as part of a gourmet chocolate display. With the holidays coming, they would be a fun stocking stuffer. Or, as one of my co-workers chose, the lettered packages can be used as a family initial to give a great, personalized treat to a chocolate lover.

Barbara

Editor's Choice: Casa Martinez Salsa

2011-11-15T16:38:00.000-06:00

My house is a football house. Whenever our alma mater (WVU) is playing, you can find my husband and I eagerly cheering on a victory. However, it would be impossible to do so without a hearty mixture of snacks available. Our favorite, as much for its flavor as for its convenience, is chips and salsa. But, while I favor more flavorful varieties, my cohort wants his salsa to be hot and spicy. Luckily, with Casa Martinez’s Salsa — we discovered the best of both worlds.

Casa Martinez recently released its signature line of five salsas (Habinero, Quemada, Nopal, Tatemada and Chipotle) this summer. And, the line’s been met with remarkable success. One of the biggest advantages to the salsa is the lack of mystery ingredients. To ensure the salsa is jam packed with flavor, the company uses only the freshest vegetables. Tender tomatoes, tangy peppers and a perfect blend of spices provide the base for the simply artful line of salsas Casa Martinez brings to the table. On a chilly Halloween eve, we sampled both the Chipotle flavor and the Habinero. I was remarkably surprised by the amount of heat each salsa gave off. However, the spice wasn’t so overwhelming that it kept me from going back for more. Nor did it overpower the other flavors within the salsa. What’s remarkable is that despite the heat, all the ingredients within the salsa blended harmoniously.

While this line would obviously make an excellent dip, I can see it being used as a condiment on sandwiches or heated and used as a sauce. One thing’s for sure, it’s our go to tailgating treat during Mountaineer games! For more information about the line, visit casamartinez.com.mx/

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Pamela's Products

2011-11-07T11:35:00.002-06:00

I’ll be perfectly honest: I was not expecting to like Pamela’s Products’ Whenever Bars. But one bite was all it took to prove myself wrong.

These things taste so good! I was expecting a hard-as-rock granola bar. Instead, the bars are chewy, like a freshly baked oatmeal cookie. The Oat Chocolate Chip Coconut bars are simply addicting with creamy chocolate and sweet coconut flavors; they make great afternoon snacks. The Oat Cranberry Almond bars are fantastic for breakfast with a tangy, fruity taste.

Besides the two flavors that I tried, the Whenever Bars are also available in Oat Blueberry Lemon and Oat Raisin Walnut Spice. And Pamela’s gluten-free and wheat-free products include biscotti, cake mixes, cheesecake and more.

Don’t think that healthy foods taste like cardboard. Pamela’s Products definitively put that myth to rest.

-Tara

Editor's Choice: Snikiddy Snacks

2011-11-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

I have to admit that I am always on the lookout for a good snack. So I was intrigued when this week’s subject, Snikiddy Snacks’ Eat Your Vegetables snikiddy.com), arrived in the office. I decided to sample the Sea Salt flavor. The veggie chips had a nice crunch, a good start. Of course you first taste the salt. Then, however, there’s a little bit of spice blending into a rich flavor and even a bit of sweetness. All in all, a satisfying taste that brings you back for more.

Then there are the bonus points. I have been trying to eat more healthy snacks and it turns out that an ounce of the chips (about 13) have a full serving of vegetables in them, along with being a good source of Vitamin A.

But back to the taste, I could see them as a good accompaniment to a sandwich or soup. They could also be used with a favorite party dip. And of course enjoyed right out of the bag as a tasty snack.

Retailers could also highlight them in a display for children’s lunches. In addition, they are gluten and wheat free, another consideration for some people.

Besides Sea Salt, the chips are also available in Sour Cream & Onion (a popular choice with several co-workers) and Jalapeno Ranch flavors.

A snack without guilt — always a welcomed find.

Barbara

Editor's Choice: bakeshop Cookies

2011-10-25T17:06:00.000-05:00

With Halloween right around the corner, it seems like everyone’s mind is on candy, candy, candy. That is, everyone except the staff of Fancy Food and Culinary Products magazine. Our minds are on cookies, marshmallows, brownies and coconut macaroons. And, thanks to the newly opened New Jersey sweets company, bakeshop, we have plenty of these delicacies to go around. I’m lucky that fall has finally arrived so I can hide the extra pounds from these sweet treats beneath a bevy of bulky sweaters.

Nicole Mahoney, the founder of bakeshop, believes that cookies and baked goods should be delicious, fun and the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Therefore, all the company’s products are handcrafted in small batches using the finest quality, all-natural ingredients including locally sourced products such as farm-fresh eggs and Brooklyn-based Mast Brothers chocolate. It’s easy to taste the love and care put into these products. The brownies are so moist they melt in your mouth. The macaroons are the perfect combination of sweet coconut flavoring and melted chocolate and the waffle cookies would be an ideal addition to either your breakfast table or a dessert tray. The cookies are understandably light without being crisp. The waffles provide a nice, savory juxtaposition against the sweetness of the milk chocolate.

Any of these treats would be a great addition to gift baskets or used as wedding favors (trust me, your guests will thank you). Just make sure the ceremony is during the fall or winter months … and instruct guests to bring a bulky cardigan. They will definitely want to go back for seconds. For more information about bakeshop, visit bakeshopcookies.com or call 973/919-1988.

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Cypress Grove Chevre

2011-10-18T12:35:00.002-05:00

Just from browsing the Cypress Grove Chevre website, you can tell that this California-based company is run by people who are deeply devoted to goat cheese. Not only do they make excellent fare, but their website is teeming with cheese facts. For example, did you know that France has a different cheese for each day of the year? Or that the love of cheese is called “turophilia”?

I might become a turophiliac myself if I keep eating Cypress Grove’s cheese. I sampled the PsycheDillic and Purple Haze fresh cheeses, which are both part of Cypress Grove Chevre’s Flashback Family Gift Pack.

Both cheeses were wonderfully creamy and smooth. I found that eating them at room temperature (which Cypress Grove recommends) brought out each flavor to its fullest. The Purple Haze, meshing lavender and wild fennel pollen, was light and tasted fragrant. The PsycheDillic was made with dill pollen, and it tasted herbal and earthy.

The Flashback Family Gift Pack has a groovy hippie theme and even comes with blue John Lennon-styled glasses. In addition to Purple Haze and Psychedillic, the pack includes:

-Sgt. Pepper

-Ms. Natural

-Herbs de Humboldt

Each flavor is sealed into 4 ounce packages. The family pack should not be restricted to just families, though. It would make a great gift for any wine or cheese lover, as well as any foodie.

-Tara

Editor's Choice: Jolly Llama

2011-10-11T16:29:00.000-05:00

There was great joy in the office last week as a special package arrived. Since it was marked perishable, it had to be opened immediately. The package contained Jolly Llama (jollyllamasorbets.com) Real Fruit Sorbet Squeezups. You could hear the enthusiastic response as the boxes were taken out and the flavors were revealed.

I selected a raspberry one and with the first taste realized why the llama on the package was so jolly. It brought a taste of fresh raspberry, just sweet enough. It was also creamy. The combination of texture and taste made a satisfying treat.

The next day, I tried a peach one. Again I was rewarded with a wonderful fresh fruit creamy taste. I’m told the mango flavor was another crowd pleaser with my co-workers. I say heard, because I was too late to sample one. Incidentally, there is a reason for the great taste. The squeezeups are made from sun-ripened whole fruit.

Besides raspberry, peach and mango, they are also available in blueberry, strawberry, acai and banana coconut. And you don’t have to feel guilty because they are fat free and also offer Vitamins C & A.

For retailers, they are also gluten-free, an important consideration for many people.

The squeezeups, are a delicious treat and a taste of summer, all rolled up into one.

Barbara

Editor's Choice: August Kitchen's J. Burger

2011-10-04T17:14:00.001-05:00

Even as summer fades to fall, I love a good barbecue. And while barbecues are normally a hearty collection of beers and brats — my favorite element is the burger. I recently told my husband that I could eat burgers daily and it wasn’t an exaggeration. In fact, in my house I’m the Burger Connoisseur. So, I was completely surprised when I discovered a way to simplify making burgers without sacrificing the taste.

Enter August Kitchen’s J. Burger. This jar of seasoning can be used as a marinade or a dip. Sold in both Original Onion and Chipotle & Onion flavors, J. Burger makes traditional ground chuck gourmet. It’s clear from the flavor profile that August Kitchen uses real onions (not onion powder) in the mixture. When preparing you burger, add 1 tablespoon into every 5 ounces of ground meat before making patties or balls. While the preparation method is the same for the company’s Chipotle & Onion flavor, this mixture is much richer and spicier. While it’s not for the faint of heart, it will definitely still be a crowd pleaser. If you’re looking for an alternative to red meat, the company recommends its use when marinating chicken or fish.

So, if you want a burger that isn’t part of a value meal, be sure to stock up on August Kitchen’s J. Burger. Even burger connoisseurs won’t be able to turn up their noses at this gourmet delicacy that makes an ordinary meal extraordinary.

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Curt's BBQ Sauce

2011-09-26T11:51:00.002-05:00

Besides ice cream, barbecue sauce is my husband’s favorite thing to eat. We often joke that we should cut out the middleman and not bother with cooking meat: just pour some sauce on a plate and lick it up; better yet, drench a few pages of newspaper in it for a heartier meal.

Needless to say, I was excited when Curt’s BBQ Sauce (218/731-2432 or curtsbbqsauce.com) arrived in our office. I brought home a bottle of the Mild flavor and asked my husband to slather it on the pork chops that he grilled that night.

Both of us gave the sauce two thumbs up. The sweet, tangy flavor went well with the pork, but I can imagine it also being tasty with steaks, chicken, ribs or onion rings and French fries when used for dipping. The sauce is thin, so it means you can spread it out to go a long way, or use half a bottle between two people (like we did) to get as much sauce onto each bite as possible.

Curt’s offers its tantalizing sauce in Mild, Medium and Hot flavors. It also comes in sizes ranging from 4 pints to 1 gallon and ranges in price from $16—$52, not including shipping.

I had wanted to bring home the Medium flavor to satisfy my husband’s taste for hotter barbecue. But I didn’t move quickly enough—another staffer whisked away this flavorful sauce.

—Tara

Editor's Choice: Bentley's Reserve

2011-09-16T12:20:00.000-05:00

When it comes to popcorn snacks, we all have our favorites. It might be a local brand, and/or a childhood treat. For me, the most important part is it has to taste fresh. So I was more than willing to try a sample of Bentley’s Reserve (bentleyspopcorn.com) a couple of months back at a gift show. The popcorn had a great rich taste. It was not overly sweet, but filled with a delicious toffee caramel flavor. It was definitely a winner.

I was given a couple of sample bags to take home. This week, since it was my turn to review, I opened one and found that it tasted just as fresh as I remembered. That great toffee caramel flavor once again brought that “this is so good” feeling.

The Bentley family has been making the gourmet popcorn from old family recipes for a many years. But there’s a little more to the story. The family members are also passionate about helping homeless pets. In fact, the company is named after the family dog. Through the Bentley’s Buddies program, for every bag sold, Bentley’s Buddies make a charitable donation to the Homeless Pets Foundation.

The gourmet popcorn also comes in cinnamon almond and praline pecan. I could definitely see it used as a holiday party treat. For retailers, it is available in bags and gift boxes, so it would make a fine gift. And it is also offered in grab-n-go 2.5-ounce bags, perfect for store display.

Barbara

Editor's Choice: Hammond's Candies Pumpkin Pie Dip

2011-09-13T12:39:00.001-05:00

The weather has already started to cool in Chicago as summer melts away. But, I’m not depressed. Fall is my favorite season (despite the fact that dreary winter weather follows it). Fall is a season built around rust colored hues, football games and adequately layered clothing. Most importantly though, it’s the season for all things pumpkin flavored. Therefore, when Hammond’s Candies sent us a sample of their newest condiment — Pumpkin Pie Dip — I was thrilled.

I have to admit, I am not much of a pie baker. Therefore, I was incredibly impressed with the flavor and subtle seasoning employed. The dip sincerely tasted like a homemade pumpkin pie in a jar. However, what is most noteworthy about Hammond’s Candies’ dips are their product versatility. I bought a package of pretzels and used it as a condiment. But, I can also see the flavor being warmed and used as an ice cream topping. Or, melted down to compose a glaze for cakes. Or, as the filling for pies and tarts. Because it’s not overly sweet, the dip can perfectly accent either an appetizer tray or a dessert table.

Hammond’s offers a variety of flavors in the company’s dip category to match various seasons. While Pumpkin Pie is perfect for fall, sample the company’s Peppermint Patty or Chocolate Cherry Cordial dips during the holiday season. Grandma’s Apple Pie dip would be ideal for springtime. And, the Lucious Lemon Drop dip is light enough for summer evenings. All five flavors come in 9 to 10 ounce jars and retail for $6.95. So, be sure to ring in my favorite season with a delicious corresponding flavor, Pumpkin Pie. YUM!

~Cathryn

Editor's Choice: Gimbal's Fine Candies

2011-09-06T09:00:00.002-05:00

Every once and a while, the Fancy Food editors take a little break from so much, well, fancy food. Don't get us wrong — we're still passionate about gourmet products and specialty food retailers, but every once in a while, we review something a little more low brow. No high quality ingredients, eco-friendly organic origins or impressive-sounding health benefits; instead, we go for the check-out counter appeal of good, old-fashioned, bad-for-your-teeth candy. And today's fix comes in the form of Gimbal's Fine Candies' Sour Lovers, a rainbow of gummi candies that make your mouth pucker upon contact.

The Sour Lovers are exactly what they sound like. Each flavor packs quite a sour-tasting kick, but with enough sweetness that you'll find yourself eating way more than you realized you could. My mother wouldn't want me to leave out that the candies are made with real fruit juice and are high in vitamin C, although most kids frequenting your store will only see the rainbow of colors and a thick, grainy coating of sugar encasing each piece. Sour Lovers are just as addicting as I had suspected they were, and if you're ready to take a little fancy food break yourself, keep a few bags of these intensely sour candies at the front of your store for an unexpected yet welcome change of pace.

—Melody

Editor's Choice: Simply 7 Snacks

2011-08-30T17:28:00.000-05:00

Like probably many people I like to have a little something to munch on to go with a sandwich. Unfortunately, most of those treats, like French fries and chips of many varieties are not the best for you. It’s the old trying to eat healthy thing, again. I was faced with this dilemma at home this weekend and discovered a tasty alternative.

I had picked up a bag of Simply 7 Snacks (simply7snacks.com) Hummus Chips at a show recently. The chips are baked, giving them health points and at the same time providing them with a good crunch. The Sea Salt flavor offered that first satisfying salty snack taste. This is paired with the hummus, which gives them a fuller, richer flavor. The chips are the perfect accompaniment for sandwiches and soups. Since they are formed like shells, they also would be good for scooping up hummus and other dips.

Sea Salt is the original flavor, but the chips also are available in Tomato Basil and Spicy Chili Pepper. Retailers could promote them as a snack alternative, an option to include in school lunches and in college care packages.

And, of course, a fine addition to the snack drawer.

Barbara