Saturday, October 16, 2010
Giveaway winner!
Well, since I only had one comment, the gift certificate goes to Liz! Send me your email address, and we'll get the pertinent info to you!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
My First Giveaway!
Since I've been given some products to review, I wanted to share that opportunity with my readers. So, I'm doing a giveaway! CSN Stores offer just about anything you'd ever want to buy, from nesting tables to cookware to fitness equipment. They're providing a $20 gift certificate that can be used on any of their 200+ websites.
All you have to do is leave a comment about products you'd like to see reviewed on this site. Comments will close at midnight on Friday, 10/15. Winner will be announced on Oct. 16.
Good luck!
All you have to do is leave a comment about products you'd like to see reviewed on this site. Comments will close at midnight on Friday, 10/15. Winner will be announced on Oct. 16.
Good luck!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Pillsbury Sweet Moments
I came across some coupons for Pillsbury's Sweet Moments, so I thought I'd give them a try. I purchased the Molten Lava Brownie Bowls, both the Chocolate Caramel and Chocolate Fudge. The instructions for both included a 10-15 second warming in the microwave. Note: I did not try the Bite Size Brownies.
After tasting both kinds of brownies, I was disappointed. They certainly did not live up to my expectations. Not only are they expensive for 2 brownies ($2.99 at my local grocer - I paid $1 with coupons), they are also not very good. They are a good size portion, and you can get a 'chocolate fix' from eating one, but you will be left with an artificial aftertaste that makes you aware that what you just ate was not real chocolate (i.e., "Chocolate Flavored Confectionary Coating"). The tops of the brownies are crusty and dry; the Chocolate Caramel is better in terms moistness simply because of the caramel. If you need to satisfy a chocolate craving, eat a fun-size or even full-size candy bar. It will be cheaper in terms of money and calories. The Pillsbury Brownie Bowls pack a whopping 360-370 calories each (most regular size candy bars contain 280 calories, fun size are ~80). If it's a brownie that you must have, then purchase a good quality mix and make a whole batch (or, make them from scratch!); when cool, wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap, and stash in a zip-top bag in the freezer. Then you can pull one out whenever you want, warm it in the microwave if you wish (I think cold brownies are delicious, too), and enjoy your chocolate and savings.
Final Opinion: Skip these. Make your own, either from a good quality mix or from scratch.
To be fair, click here for an alternate opinion.
After tasting both kinds of brownies, I was disappointed. They certainly did not live up to my expectations. Not only are they expensive for 2 brownies ($2.99 at my local grocer - I paid $1 with coupons), they are also not very good. They are a good size portion, and you can get a 'chocolate fix' from eating one, but you will be left with an artificial aftertaste that makes you aware that what you just ate was not real chocolate (i.e., "Chocolate Flavored Confectionary Coating"). The tops of the brownies are crusty and dry; the Chocolate Caramel is better in terms moistness simply because of the caramel. If you need to satisfy a chocolate craving, eat a fun-size or even full-size candy bar. It will be cheaper in terms of money and calories. The Pillsbury Brownie Bowls pack a whopping 360-370 calories each (most regular size candy bars contain 280 calories, fun size are ~80). If it's a brownie that you must have, then purchase a good quality mix and make a whole batch (or, make them from scratch!); when cool, wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap, and stash in a zip-top bag in the freezer. Then you can pull one out whenever you want, warm it in the microwave if you wish (I think cold brownies are delicious, too), and enjoy your chocolate and savings.
Final Opinion: Skip these. Make your own, either from a good quality mix or from scratch.
To be fair, click here for an alternate opinion.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Why the new blog?
I'm excited to start this new blog as a way to review various food and food-realted products yet keep it separate from my recipe blog. I've had various folks contact me about trying products, which I'll be posting about here, including CSN Stores, which offers just about anything you'd ever want to purchase via their 200+ websites, from corner tv stands to kitchenware to children's furniture. So, this should be a fun little adventure! Stay tuned to see what the results will be!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Pam's Pantry: A Review
No, I'm not reviewing my blog. There actually is another Pam's Pantry (http://www.pamspantry.net) that sells a variety of mixes that are "the best darn gourmet dip mixes in the country!" Pam's Pantry is a small business that began in Michigan a few years ago, and quite a while back Pam sent me some samples to review. I am deeply sorry that it has taken me so long to write about her products.
So, on to what she sent to me: Spinach Surprise, Sweet & Sassy Salsa, Bac'n & Tomato, Cheesy Garlic, and Strawberries 'N Cream.
By far, my favorite mix that she sent was the Sweet & Sassy Salsa. It was so good, I don't think this even lasted a day in my house. I'll definitely be ordering several packets of it. (And, by the way, her prices are very reasonable. Each packet is $3.50, 3 for $10, or $3 each when you order 4 or more.)
The Spinach Surprise was good, too, but it made a lot. Since I didn't have a party to take it to, it took us a while to eat it. But, it made a great veggie dip. I used fat-free sour cream and low-fat mayo, and it turned out a nice consistency.
The Cheesy Garlic tasted similar to a spread I've made using Cheese Whiz, cream cheese, garlic powder, & cayenne pepper. Great on toast or crackers.
The Bac'n & Tomato dip was not one I enjoyed. It contains imitation bacon bits (which I don't like), and the flavor of the bacon bits was too strong...tasted too 'fake' for me. However, my in-laws seemed to like it, so I left the rest with them.
The Strawberries 'N Cream was okay on bagels, as Pam suggests. I don't think I'd use it as a pie filling as recommended. The flavor was a bit too artificial for me. Again, it makes a lot (2-3 cups).
Overall, I liked the products, and I'll definitely order some salsa mix from her. Pam's suggestions for serving as well as yields for each packet are helpful in determining how to use them. I'm sure if you poured the mix in a bowl and mixed up everything, it would be quite easy to adjust the amount you make to your needs.
So Pam's Pantry, again, I am VERY sorry for taking so long to review your products, but I greatly appreciate you giving me the opportunity to try something new!
So, on to what she sent to me: Spinach Surprise, Sweet & Sassy Salsa, Bac'n & Tomato, Cheesy Garlic, and Strawberries 'N Cream.
By far, my favorite mix that she sent was the Sweet & Sassy Salsa. It was so good, I don't think this even lasted a day in my house. I'll definitely be ordering several packets of it. (And, by the way, her prices are very reasonable. Each packet is $3.50, 3 for $10, or $3 each when you order 4 or more.)
The Spinach Surprise was good, too, but it made a lot. Since I didn't have a party to take it to, it took us a while to eat it. But, it made a great veggie dip. I used fat-free sour cream and low-fat mayo, and it turned out a nice consistency.
The Cheesy Garlic tasted similar to a spread I've made using Cheese Whiz, cream cheese, garlic powder, & cayenne pepper. Great on toast or crackers.
The Bac'n & Tomato dip was not one I enjoyed. It contains imitation bacon bits (which I don't like), and the flavor of the bacon bits was too strong...tasted too 'fake' for me. However, my in-laws seemed to like it, so I left the rest with them.
The Strawberries 'N Cream was okay on bagels, as Pam suggests. I don't think I'd use it as a pie filling as recommended. The flavor was a bit too artificial for me. Again, it makes a lot (2-3 cups).
Overall, I liked the products, and I'll definitely order some salsa mix from her. Pam's suggestions for serving as well as yields for each packet are helpful in determining how to use them. I'm sure if you poured the mix in a bowl and mixed up everything, it would be quite easy to adjust the amount you make to your needs.
So Pam's Pantry, again, I am VERY sorry for taking so long to review your products, but I greatly appreciate you giving me the opportunity to try something new!
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