food Archives - Page 9 of 20 - Have Sippy Will Travel

Muller Yogurt’s – New Dessert Inspired flavors #YogurtWithBenefits

September 14, 2015 by Samantha 5 Comments

Disclosure- The below has been provided in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest.

20150828_194755

Muller yogurt are known for their delicious and nutritious yogurts and their new line of dessert inspired flavors are no different. Muller yogurt’s new Dessert Inspired flavors provide a satisfying, self-indulgent moment you deserve. Dessert Inspired flavors feature creamy, signature Muller yogurt on top of a layer of fruit or caramel sauce and are served with delicious crunchy goodies on the side. The dreamy new varieties include Strawberry Cheesecake, Raspberry Brownie Supreme, Dulce De Leche Delight and Peach Cobbler. Muller Dessert Inspired flavors offer a decadent sweet treat you can feel good about:
• Provide a good source of protein and calcium
• Made with no high fructose corn syrup,
artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives
• Contain 220 calories or less

Each flavor tastes just like you’d expect, from the rich creamy strawberry cheesecake, to the decadent raspberry brownie, to the fruity peach cobbler- each flavor brings a new delight to your taste buds. The Dessert Inspired flavors feature creamy, signature Muller yogurt on top of a layer of fruit or caramel, and are served with delicious crunchy goodies on the side. What we really like about these is the fact that they each contain 220 calories or less per serving so they can act as that mid afternoon treat when your sweet tooth is kicking in. I honestly really like these, and have bought them since this review (and plan to continue buying them- they are a perfect snack or dessert alternative).

Muller Dessert Inspired yogurt varieties are now available at participating retailers nationwide for a
suggested retail price of $1.25.
Look for the black Muller packaging in the yogurt aisle.
Follow Müller Yogurt USA on Facebook and use the hashtag #YogurtWithBenefits to join the conversation on Twitter.

20150828_194802

Filed Under: food, review Tagged With: food, yogurt

Stew Leonard’s All-Natural Naked® Line @StewLeonards

September 9, 2015 by Samantha 3 Comments

Stew Leonard’s Naked® brand line, which includes Naked Beef, Naked Chicken, Naked Salmon, Naked Pork and Naked Hot Dogs & Chicken Sausage is Stew Leonard’s way of providing customers with high-quality, yet affordable options. The products contain no antibiotics, added hormones or preservatives, and are also raised and harvested humanely. Blind taste tests conducted by Stew Leonard’s butchers and chefs have proven Naked Beef, Chicken, Salmon and Pork to be more tender, juicy and flavorful than other natural brands. Naked Beef and Chicken are Pesticide Residue Free.
“The line has been a huge success ever since we launched it back in 2007 with Stew’s Naked Beef,” said Stew Leonard, Jr., CEO and President of Stew Leonard’s. “Each Stew’s Naked® product is the top-seller in its category.”

Outside, kids can visit the petting zoo and other adorable attractions.

NAKED® CHICKEN
In 2006, customers started clucking about the 100 percent all-natural fresh chicken that Stew Leonard’s has launched under the brand name “Naked® Chicken.” The chickens are raised on family farms in Pennsylvania’s Amish country, where they are fed a pure vegetarian diet of corn and soybeans, given ample room “to streak” in the barn, and are never given antibiotics or
hormones. Naked® Chicken has a natural creamy color, is moist and juicy with an authentic chicken flavor Chicken, and is additionally pesticide residue free.

Stew himself teaches the kids fun facts about lobsters.

NAKED® BEEF
Strip steak took on a whole new meaning in 2007 with the launch of Stew Leonard’s allnatural meat line, branded Naked® Beef because it is from Black Angus cattle that have never been given hormones, antibiotics or steroids, and are fed completely on grass and grain. Available in strip steaks, rib eyes, porterhouse, tenderloin and sirloin cuts, as well as freshly ground, Naked® Beef is guaranteed tender. Naked Beef is additionally pesticide residue free. Kim May is one of the ranchers who is supplying Stew Leonard’s with Naked Beef. On his 400 acre family-owned farm in southern Nebraska, Kim is committed to sustainable agriculture, and grows all the corn and hay that the cattle are raised on. A rancher for 20 years, Kim is in the upper five percent of all ranchers in the United States for the quality grade of his cattle. His philosophy is, “if you treat your cattle tenderly, you’ll get tender beef.”

NAKED® PORK
In 2008, Stew Leonard’s went “whole hog” and offered customers all-natural meat with the introduction of Naked® Pork. The breed used for the Naked® Pork line is the Duroc Pig, known for their tender texture and distinctive pork flavor as well as their muscular build and unique red coat. The pigs are raised in Samson County, North Carolina on family farms whose heritage
in pig farming goes back more than 100 years. Every pound of Naked® Pork is process verified, so it can be traced back to the farm where it was raised.
Naked® Pork is available in boneless center-cut pork chops, bone-in center-cut pork chops and pork tenderloin. Pork chops are the most popular cut from the pork loin, which is the area that runs from the pig’s hip to shoulder. The “classic” pork chop is boneless, while the bone-in pork chop makes for an elegant presentation at the dinner table. The tenderloin is the tenderest cut of pork, while also being the leanest.

One of the several animated displays to entertain the kids. This is not just a grocery store- it’s “The Disneyland of Grocery Stores”.

NAKED® SALMON
Stew Leonard’s unveiled Naked® Salmon in May 2008 just in time for the summer grilling season. Stew Leonard’s Naked® Salmon is antibiotic and chemical free, but costs less than half of what you would pay for wild Alaskan salmon. Our Naked® Salmon are raised on a farm in the waters off northern Scotland that practices environmentally-sound techniques and are fed a diet that emulates what is found in the wild, providing a rich omega-3 fat content. The farm harvests and delivers fish within hours of capture to provide the freshest fish possible.

NAKED® HOT DOGS & CHICKEN SAUSAGE
In 2009, Stew Leonard’s introduced 100% All Beef Hot Dogs and Chicken Sausage to its popular “Naked®” brand line, offering customers a comprehensive range of all-natural meat products. Unlike conventional hot dogs, Stew’s Naked 100% All Beef Hot Dogs are uncured and, therefore, contain no added nitrates or nitrites, which research suggests may be linked to certain chronic
diseases. They are also minimally processed and contain no antibiotics, added hormones, artificial ingredients or preservatives. Stew’s Naked Chicken Sausage is also minimally processed with no antibiotics, added hormones, artificial ingredients or preservatives and comes in six varieties: sundried tomato; bratwurst; sweet apple; mild Italian with pepper and onions;
buffalo wing style and; spinach and garlic.

Bagels and other baked goods made right on site- and the smells permeate the entire store. Don’t leave without trying some.

Filed Under: food Tagged With: food

Getting Creative with Box Tops #BTFE #ad

September 2, 2015 by Samantha 4 Comments

In one of our recent trips to Walmart, we picked up some Box Tops for Education products. My son picked out his favorite cereals as well as several kinds of yogurt. When shopping, it is very easy to grab Box Tops for Education items and still get everything on your list. At my son’s school they have worksheets that can be decorated and filled in with box tops, which help the school earn money.

20150821_131212

If I were trying to drum up box top donations for a school, I would take a more tongue in check approach. I am not sure how parking or pick up drop offs go at your school, but at most every school I’ve ever been to it is a mad house led by some administrator. No one likes car line, it’s no fun at all. We all also know about the “back to school” fairs at the beginning of the year- it would be fun to combing a box top drive with putting the car line to good use. Every paper turned in that is full of box tops, the parent gets an extra ticket for a tricky tray item, a fair ride, whatever your school is tormenting you with. I mean, whatever fun activity you get to go to for your child’s school.

A great way to fill up that sheet is with Walmart’s bonus Box Tops offers on select General Mills products, where you can get up to 5 box tops per purchase instead of only one. You can increase the funds your child’s school receives, and some of the cereals are in “buy two” boxes that also save you money.

20150821_130833

You have to get these things anyway, just clip the Box Tops when you are done and send them in with your child. Every little bit helps, and your child will be happy to contribute as well (in more then one way).

P1030398

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of General Mills®. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: back to school, food

The Mill Fudge Factory

August 29, 2015 by Samantha 7 Comments

08 29 15 green cannon 005

Family-owned and operated Mill Fudge Factory & Ice Cream Café is now offering its delectable line of hand-crafted fudge nationally through its online shop at www.themillfudgefactory.com . The Bristol, NH-based small business, founded by the Munro family in 2006, uses the family’s secret Scottish recipe and 100% natural ingredients to create authentic fudge unlike any that can be found on this side of the Atlantic.

The Mill Fudge Factory fudge is available in an assortment of classic and inventive flavors, including Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate Walnut, Natural Peanut Butter, Scottish Whiskey, Pure New Hampshire Maple, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Pumpkin Pie and much more. The Factory also offers an assortment of decadent truffles and toffee. All confections are available in gift baskets and elegant sampler boxes.

08 29 15 green cannon 008

“We take pride in creating fudge true to the recipe of my grandfather in Scotland and we do it right here in New England,” said Mill Fudge Factory Co-Owner and General Manager Noah Munro. “People tell us they can taste the care we put into our fudge. We’re so happy that we can now share it with folks across the U.S. Our fudge makes for a unique Halloween treat, a great addition to the Thanksgiving table and a fabulous Christmas or Hanukkah gift.”

Advocates of the slow food movement, the Munro family make their fudge with all natural ingredients including Callebaut Belgian dark chocolate, Cabot butter, pure honey and cane sugar and staunchly avoid corn syrup, preservatives, artificial flavors and colors. The hand-crafted fudge is now available for shipping across the United States through the Factory’s online store at www.themillfudgefactory.com .

Filed Under: food, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, review Tagged With: dessert, food, gifts, Holiday Gift Guide 2015

Fresh Mex Lobster at Chevy’s

August 23, 2015 by Samantha 6 Comments

In the heat of the summer season, there are quite a few foods which bring out memories of warmth, and ocean fun. One of these is lobster, and what better way to serve lobster then Mexican style? This may not sound like the norm, but honestly- the norm is boring.

20150802_125030

Chevy’s is known for there California inspired Mexican food. Each dish made from scratch daily with only the freshest highest quality ingredients.

Their most recent menu addition is the fresh taste of lobster added to some everyday dishes with some Chevy’s twists on classics. This is, of course, in addition to the long list of Cali-Mex inspired dishes. The main dishes introduced are Lobster Salad, Lobster Tacos, and Lobster Rolls. Each dish includes fresh lobster cooked to perfection just for you. I know what you are thinking- but it’s really fresh, and really good.

20150802_131437

Of the dishes available we tried out the lobster tacos and the lobster salad, as well as an interesting spicy shrimp.

We started out our meal with an appetizer, which was jalapeno bacon wrapped shrimp. Each shrimp is individually hand wrapped in roasted jalapeno peppers, manchego cheese, and bacon. This makes for a spicy smokey flavored shrimp that is hard to beat, so coming out the gate we are already winning.

20150802_130514

The Lobster salad is a spring salad mix, topped with a large portion of lobster meat, as well as avocado, corn salsa, tortilla strips, and any dressing you wish (although the cilantro lime works quite well). It was a huge salad- so big, we had to share a little bit, ha- but better to have too much then not enough, true? I’ve noticed, as I’m sure most of you have, that so many restaurants these days have smaller portions but bigger price tags- I don’t know if they think we won’t notice, or that we won’t care, but we sure do! I’m glad to say that doesn’t seem to be the case with portion sizes here.

20150802_131453

We also tried the lobster tacos, which are fresh made tortillas with lettuce, cabbage and topped with a Chevy’s mexi-style lobster salad. My son and husband both adored them, and we are going back tomorrow night for another round. The lobster was fresh, tasted delicious, and was light tasting- just right.

Both dishes have a ton of lobster which was fresh and succulent. Not only is the lobster a component of each dish, but it is the key component of each dish which is exactly the way lobster should be enjoyed. No one wants a teeny amount of the main dish they ordered- you will be pleased with your plates. Head to Chevy’s and try some soon!

Filed Under: review Tagged With: food, resturaunt

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

August 13, 2015 by Samantha 4 Comments

20150801_164144

A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, Medieval Times is a great show that the whole family can enjoy. For your moms and dads of little ones- no worries, the little ones won’t be afraid- the show is very tame (rated G!) while still offering tons of fun and action. Make sure you arrive early to give yourself time to check out the torture exhibit should you so desire- not recommended for kids, obviously. You can also (for an extra fee) have your child knighted for their birthday or other special occasion by the king in a special ceremony. My son was “knighted” at our recent visit, and it thrilled him! It was a little hard for me to get a decent photo (parents jostling), but no worries, because you are given a photo keepsake afterward. It is brought right to your table. Your child’s name is also announced at dinnertime, and everyone claps for him or her, it’s very cute.

P1030162

Launched in Spain in 1973, and in the USA just 10 years later, it is widely regarded as the longest running and most popular dinner attraction in North America- and I have to concur. During this 2 hour live performance, you and your family will experience a glimpse back in time- when knights defended the realm, and chivalry was not dead.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: review Tagged With: dining, food, NJ

It’s Sweeter With Honey #StoryofHoney

July 31, 2015 by Samantha 8 Comments

The National Honey Board sponsored this post and provided the opportunity to visit an apiary and bottling factory to learn more about the #StoryOfHoney. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

What are your thoughts about honey? Delicious, right? Did you ever wonder how your favorite flavor, gets to the grocery store? Sure you know it comes from bees, but you can’t quite figure the rest of it out, can you?

Voted 2015 Flavor of the Year by Firmenich, honey is a versatile culinary ingredient that contains one ingredient: honey. Honey is made from nectar, gathered by honey bees from flowering plants. How, you might ask? On a recent trip to the Midwest, I discovered the secret behind honey’s goodness.

The honey process begins on a bee farm run by apiarists. Apiarists are bee farmers.

BeekeepingGear

Bee farms are busy places and an excellent source of education. At a buzzing farm near Sioux Falls, South Dakota bees feed on certain flowers to produce certain flavors, called, varietals. To find a varietal in your area, visit www.honeylocator.com. You’re probably most familiar with clover or orange blossom honey, as those varietals are popular. There are more than 300 varietals in the United States; enough flavor to enhance every recipe.

Whatever flower the bees feed on turns into the flavor of the honey. Some honey contains one flavor only, and some honeys contain a myriad of flavors. It’s best to have your own taste test to determine which flavors you like best. The colors may range from nearly colorless to dark brown, the flavor may vary from delectably mild to distinctively bold, and even the odor of the honey may be mildly reminiscent of a flower.

The honey bees live in hives on the farms.

BeeHive

They deposit the nectar from the flowers into honeycombs. These honeycombs are removed and the extraction process begins. Byproducts from these honeycombs include honey and wax, which is used for candles. The honeycomb frames from the hives are placed in a giant machine called an extractor that spins, forces the honey out, and is collected.

Honeycomb

honeywax

extractor

centrifuge

This honey is then poured into giant tanks and shipped to a bottling facility.

HoneyDrums

At the facility the honey is cleaned. It is strained many times to remove impurities.

clean honey

Once the honey is free from impurities, it is poured into different size containers depending on where it’s going.

bighoneybottles

honeybearbottles

If the honey is going to a be mixed into cereal or cake mixes, for example, then it is poured into giant plastic boxes or metal drums. If the honey is going to your local grocery store, then it is poured into smaller receptacles, like the ubiquitous honey bear on your local supermarket shelf. For more background about the source and to hear from beekeepers and other experts, visit: www.storyofhoney.com.

Not surprisingly, honey is one of the most versatile flavors to cook with. Did you know that honey is naturally anti-microbial, which helps to resist spoilage and extend shelf life? Dig that old honey bear from the back of your spice cabinet and reuse it: if your honey begins to crystallize, gently warm it and stir periodically until crystals dissolve. Boom! Ready for cooking. Once you’ve located your favorite honey, visit www.honey.com for recipe ideas, videos, and tips to incorporate honey into your meals. Honey can substitute for other sweeteners, added to sauces, and masks the bitterness of gluten free flours.

honeytasting

And let’s not forget drinks! Honey is great is hot drinks like tea (I like mine in coffee) but it can also be used in lemonades, fruit punches, iced teas, and cocktails. You’ll have to heat the honey a little bit in order to get it to mix with the other liquids first (Remember back to 9th grade science or refer to a cookbook on why honey doesn’t work well when it’s cold.). There’s nothing that honey can’t improve the taste of.

So the next time you’re at the supermarket or shopping your local farmer’s market, look for a new flavor of honey to try; you might discover your new favorite flavor. Remember; do not give honey to children until they are older than one year. Don’t forget, honey is a natural cough suppressant.

Filed Under: food, travel Tagged With: food, travel, traveling

Family Pizza Night with Rustic Crust Pizza

June 10, 2015 by Samantha 6 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. All photos are my own, taken in my real house, with no crazy staging or photoboxes- and there are no filters, wild edits, or photoshopping done. They have been (size) cropped to fit into the post. This is real life- you know, how it is when you actually use things- because authenticity matters.

I’m not sure what the list of top meals in your house is, one of the meals my family likes most is pizza. Pizza has been a touchy subject until recently with my son. The only ‘real pizza’ is pizzeria pizza, home made just doesn’t qualify. Even home made crust and custom toppings pizza don’t hold a candle to that you order from a pizzeria. Until recently that is. Since our trip to Italy, where pizza comes in many shapes, sizes, crust types, and more- the food known as pizza has expanded to include all crust, cheese, and sauce combinations including the ones made from scratch and ones made with prepared dough.

So we are now pizza experts, and enjoy all things pizza. One such product line we have enjoyed recently was Rustic Crust Pizza. Rustic Crust is a line of pizza products that give you a big advantage when making pizza at home. Rustic Crust products contain all natural produce, herbs, and whole grains for a simple and healthy flavor. The crusts are also convenient and open up whole new food creations. The possibilities are only limited by your creativity. My son loves meats, so his favorites involve plenty of it, with only a little sauce and a hefty helping of cheese. Mom enjoys white pizza with broccoli or spinich, creamy ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. This cousin to a plain pizza is a delicious alternative. Dad loves odd things, like tossing left overs on pizza dough- such as pulled pork and coleslaw, or maybe Chinese lo mien and fresh tomatoes. By making your pizza at home with Rustic Crust, everyone can have a say in dinner without breaking the bank. The other nice thing is, the pizza will be done cooking well before a pizza could be delivered, way less then 45 minutes.

Be sure to check out your local grocery store for Rustic Crust today. Also available is a pizza sauce which is both good and an easy way to get the necessities of pizza at your fingertips and also knowing that the best ingredients are going into your pizza as well.