We are really in the throes of it right now, aren’t we? The holiday season! I can’t believe next week is Christmas. I’m so grateful that I’m still feeling so good- these natural cures are the real deal so check them out! I had another ACV drink yesterday to keep the good going while I’ve been spending some quality time with my mom and the girls. I love having my mom here to teach the girls life’s important lessons…
like how to spray whipped cream directly into your mouth. Oh Nana 😉
Anyway, it’s a been a fun and busy time of year for sure! With the chaos of December, I’ll fully admit I’ve reached for a few more convenience foods than normal. I’ve also probably had a few more libations than the norm, but alas, it tis the season! As I’ve tried these new items, I’ve snapped (sometimes not the best) pictures to share my taste testing results with you. In case you’re looking for a wine, beer to new food to try, check these out!
Sweet Earth Natural Foods– You guys know I love making freezer breakfast sandwiches for David. Well, time (or perhaps my organization?) has been lacking lately, so I’ve grabbed some short cuts to have on hand. I picked up these vegetarian (and some vegan)-friendly breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches from Sweet Earth Natural Foods at Target and locally at Healthy Home Market. Though I’m not usually big on meat substitutes (some of their products use non-GMO tofu, seitan, etc) they are also packed full of quinoa, cage-free eggs, vegetables, beans, spirulina, and other pretty awesome ingredients. I was impressed with their label and the taste- yum! Though David still prefers my breakfast sandwiches, he did say he liked the larger-sized burritos they make. Totally worth checking out if you need a quick, healthy and hearty breakfast option!
Shortstacks Pancake & Waffle Mix. Another Target find that I couldn’t resist after recognizing the brand from Shark Tank. The judges loved the pancakes and I see why- this Meyer lemon and blueberry variety was not-too-sweet and the girls and I loved the slight lemon flavor and real blueberries. They use some organic ingredients and are non-GMO certified, plus the ingredient list is super short and simple. I just checked and all their mixes are on sale for $5 right now, and if you order by Friday you can get it before Christmas. Would be a fun stocking stuffer or Christmas morning breakfast, especially this bourbon salted pecan!
Immaculate Flaky Biscuits. Let’s stick with the breakfast theme shall we? You know those biscuits in a refrigerated tube? David LOVES them. I hate their ingredients. Every single one I’d ever seen has hydrogenated oils… until I found this one! The picture above is terrible but I was so surprised by how flaky and fluffy these got that I snapped an after-thought picture. If you’re looking for some quick biscuits to have on hand, definitely pick these up. They’re great with jelly, but my favorite is to layer them up with bacon and eggs. Mmm…
Blissful Eats. I’ve mentioned how much I love the connections I’ve made through blogging, right? Well Nicole, creator and owner of Blissful Eats, and I have “known” each other through the internet for what seems like I really long time. Recently with periscope, I feel like we’ve gotten to know each other better and now even text back and forth. I’ve been itching to try her paleo and vegan granolas, so when her company offered a holiday gift bundle, I immediately ordered a variety to try. Not surprisingly, they are SO GOOD! I love that they’re made with coconut oil, flax seed and other high quality ingredients. They’d make a great gift/stocking stuffer for health-minded friends, so check out her shop if you’re into healthy, delicious granola!
Artisan Tropic Cassava (Yuca) Strips. I fully admit I’m a sucker for grocery store samples. If I try your product, chances are I’m going to buy a bag. I often eat it and move on, but I can’t not brag on these delicious cassava strips/chips- they are so addicting! When the girls and I sampled these at Whole Foods, Hailey immediately asked to bring a bag home. We did and I think I ate them in a day! They are hearty enough for dipping, tasty enough to eat completely on their own and have a great crunch. They are non-gmo, paleo, vegan, gluten-free and also local to Charlotte, which I didn’t realize until I read their story. I love supporting local! You can order through their website here.
The Reaper Hot Sauce. I’m sure many of you are familiar with the ghost pepper, right? It was the world’s hottest pepper for awhile until… the reaper. The reaper pepper was developed by Ed Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company in Fort Mill, SC (a Charlotte suburb!) and is now the Guinness Book of World Record’s Hottest Pepper. I’ll be honest, I have not tried this, but I did buy it to give to a friend who loves all things hot. What a fun stocking stuffer, right?! If you have a friend who loves hot, you can see all their pepper-related merchandise or buy seeds here.
Firebrand Pinot Noir. I know nothing about wines, expect what tastes good to me, so take this advice for what it’s worth. Still, David and I really enjoyed this light-bodied pinot noir recently. If was super smooth and under $10 at Total Wine, so if that’s your jam, it’s a good one to check out!
Silent Night Imperial Stout. When David poured this beer for my mom, me and himself last night I really didn’t think I was going to like it. A bourbon barrel aged stout with hints of coffee and molasses isn’t something I’d usually choose for myself, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it! I started reading the bottle to find out it is brewed locally(ish) in Kinston, NC, just south of Greenville. I thought it was a fantastic winter beer, so grab one for the beer lover in your life if you see it.
Whew, I think that abut does it!
Have you tried any new food or drink products lately that are worth sharing!?
John J. says
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John J. says
Nana is a great teacher, and she loves a good Pinot!
Brynn says
The pancakes sound delicious! I’ve been loving the Boom Chick a Boom holiday flavores. The peppermint and sugar cookie flavored are my favorite!
Kate says
Mmm… Pinot Noir. I usually go more the Tuscan route, but recently discovered some great Pinot Noirs – although all European. Mental note: need to try a Californian Pinot Noir like yours. 🙂
Btw, love the greyish nail polish in the picture with the Cassava Strips.
gassmama says
Where did you pick up the stout? I think my husband would really like it
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says
Want to try those cassava chips – it isn’t easy to find good grain free crunchy munchies!
Heather says
Love the Immaculate brand! Sometimes we do their cinnamon rolls and those are really good as well! That stout sounds amazing! Lately we’ve been trying all the different kinds of non-kid-friendly Root Beer that we can find and have been enjoying that a lot.
Kelly says
Youve mentioned three non-GMO items in your list… Could you do a post about your opinions on GMOs? Id like to read that because I don’t know much about them myself.
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
I love breakfast sandwiches, and those look right up my alley! That pancake mix looks so amazing! And it’s at Target? That’s so easy, and I think I’ll definitely be on the lookout for that.
Cassie says
Clearly I need to get off the computer and go eat some lunch, because my tummy is now grumbling! Ha. Our Kroger just started carrying Immaculate Refrigerated Cookie Dough. I have a dairy allergy, and these are dairy free. I think they still have eggs, but the ingredient list is pretty clean even though they are still cookies and still have sugar and flour but rice or spelt whole wheat flour and cane sugar and/or brown sugar. A minor victory for someone who doesn’t have time to cook her own cookies right now.
christina says
i promise i read this whole post (love blissful eats!) but i just had to comment on the fact that mom is wearing designer jean. LOVE THAT.
Nicole says
thanks Christina! 🙂
Monika says
Peppermint Oreos are the BOMB. I recently read an article about “25 foods you can’t eat after the age of 30” (I just turned 27), and Oreos were on that list and I was just like …no. Not listening.
Hilary says
I have been loving kodiak protein pancake mix! It’s so simple easy and delicious!
Nicole says
Thanks for the support Brittany! It means so much!
Love the girls matching outfits!