McCormick Gourmet Garlic & White Wine Chicken Scaloppine

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 10+

I found this package of McCormick Gourmet Garlic & White Wine Chicken Scaloppine on sale and decided to give it a try.  Sure glad I did.  This is one of the best chicken dishes I've had in a long time.  The flavors are perfectly blended and absorb into the chicken and orzo giving both a wonderful taste.  The original recipe called for 1 1/2 cups of water or chicken stock and 1/2 cup of white wine.  I increased the broth and eliminated the wine.  My food testers that were given this to try have all raved about how good this turned out.  And it's so simple to make.

Scrub Daddy

On a scale of 1 - 10 I give this product a 10+.

Now and then someone gives me something that is simply great.  For Christmas this year a friend gave me 2 Scrub Daddy 'sponges'.  I'm actually not sure if this qualifies as a sponge or not but I do know it is right up there with sliced bread.

This little cleaning tool works a couple of ways.  If you use it in cool water it stays firm.  Use it in warm water and it softens up.  This dual texture makes it more useful than any sponge I've ever seen.

Now does it work?  I've been using it with cool soapy water on my counter tops.  I hate to admit it but I've removed stuff that I didn't even know was there.  Don't get me wrong, I keep a clean kitchen but apparently the counters end up with a build up from cleansers.  I've also used it on my refrigerator door handle.  It's textured and no matter what I've sprayed it with it never seems to come clean.  Does now!  The door handle on my refrigerator looks new.

I'm now on a cleaning spree and can't wait to try this little smiley face on all kinds of things.

Almost forgot - everything washes off and you can even put it in the dishwasher.  Can you tell how much I love this simple little present?!  Now, where do you buy them.  Go to the Scrub Daddy site and you'll find where they are available in your area.

Sun Bird - Phad Thai Seasoning Mix

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 9.

I used this mix to make the Phad Thai not knowing what it even was.  It's a product I've not tried before so had no idea as to how it would turn out.  I followed the recipe on the back of the package, which was really simple.  It required soy sauce, water, chicken, oil, noodles, and of course the packet.  I'm not one who has tried too many different Thai dishes so I'm not sure exactly how this was supposed to taste but I have a couple of friends who love Thai and after eating a good helping they both told me the flavor was great.  It is slightly sweet and has a touch of heat (flavor wise).

I've given this dish a 9 because it is so easy to make and judging by my Food Testers the taste is really good.  I would recommend this product to anyone who likes Thai food and a touch of heat.  I am now planning to try some of this company's other products, such as their Honey Sesame Chicken (that is one dish I love even though it is sweet), their Lettuce Wrap seasoning and maybe even the Bourbon Chicken.

Nonni's Thin Addictives

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 100!

I've found my new favorite snack. I love almonds and pistachios but when I saw these little Biscotti style 'cookies' I had my doubts.  The almonds I've eaten in Biscotti before but never pistachios.  I've also never eaten almonds and pistachios together.  And with the unmistakable 'nip' that comes from pistachios I just couldn't see the combination working.  BUT... they were on sale buy one get one free and that was a sale I couldn't pass up, especially when I could buy just 1 and get it for half price.  That turned out to be a really big mistake.

I decided to give these new cookies a try so as soon as I got home I opened the box.  Inside there are 6 packets with 3 Biscotti in each.  I took my 1st bite.  OMGoodness!  They are delicious and I only bought 1 box.  Well, the next day I went back for more.  They had ONE box left.  I bought it and also got a rain check to buy more.  I have now been to 2 of the grocery store locations and they were both out so I guess I'll have to wait until the sale goes off and hope they restock.

There are other flavors that I fully intend to try.  They come in Cranberry Almond, Cinnamon Raisin Almond, Blueberry Oat Almond, Banana Dark Chocolate Almond, Mango Coconut Almond, and of course the Pistachio Almond.  Oh Yeah, did I tell you that there are only 100 calories in each pack?  The sugar is 5 g and the sodium is 65 mg.  Not too bad for some really tasty treats.

Earth Balance Coconut & Peanut Spread

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 20+

I don't think I'll ever eat regular peanut butter again... on purpose.  I like peanut butter and I love coconut.  I would never have thought to put the two together to make a spread but someone did and in my book it is a winner!  I could sit and eat this from the jar, on crackers, as a sandwich with bananas.  The possibilities just keep going.  I now want to make peanut butter cookies using the coconut and peanut spread and maybe sprinkle a little coconut in the batter.  This is the best thing since 'sliced bread.'

And listen to these ingredients:  Peanuts, organic extra virgin coconut oil, agava syrup, palm fruit oil, natural flavor and salt.  It is Non-GMO and doesn't require refrigeration after opening.

So, if you're a coconut lover and at least like peanut butter, you have to give this spread a try.  I don't think you'll be sorry.

Blue Dragon Stir Fry Sauce

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 10.

I don't always use products as the package suggests and that was the case with this Stir Fry Sauce.  It is actually called Broccoli Beef Stir Fry Sauce.  It's a blend of ginger, garlic and sesame oil and made to be served with stir fried broccoli and beef over noodles or rice.  I'm not a big beef eater so I decided to give it a try with chicken.  I had originally planned on making the dish as directed on the package but use chicken instead of beef.  I also wanted to cook my chicken first so I baked 2 large chicken breasts, let them cool so I could pull the meat from the bone and go from there.

This all changed when I opened the package of sauce.  I gave it a taste and really loved the flavor.  I then dipped a piece of chicken in the sauce and gave it a taste.  That was all it took.  This sauce became a dipping sauce for me.  It is something that I will eventually use as a sauce in stir fry but I will also be serving it to friends and family as a dip for chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp.  So, if you too like the delicious blend of ginger, garlic and sesame, give this one a try as a dip or as a sauce.  I don't think you'll regret it.  There are other flavors of this company's product, which I plan to try in the very near future.

If you can't find Blue Dragon in your grocery store check out their website for places that do carry their products.

This is another perfect example of what happens when you Think With Your Taste Buds!

Eat Well Embrase Life Hummus

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 15+!

One of my local grocery stores ran a sale on a Hummus that I had never tried.  The company was listed as Eat Well Embrace Life and the hummus was made from baby soybeans, which is something I've never tried either.  Well the price this was being sold for (under $2.00) made it impossible for me to not give it a try. 

I first spotted one that was flavored with roasted red peppers and toasted sesame, 2 of my favorite flavors.  I looked at the package and it said Gluten Free and Cholesterol Free.  It had only 80 calories for 2 tablespoons.  And the edamane bean is rich in protein, fiber, magnesium and vitamin K.  I decided to buy this one as well as one they listed as Sweet & Spicy Black Bean Hummus with Spicy Roasted Corn Relish.  More flavors I like.  Then I saw they were located in my home state of Georgia.  After reading that there was no way I couldn't give them a try. 

Then I went on the internet to see what I could find out about this company and their products.  This is what I found.  'Made from the finest ingredients and with the greatest attention to detail, Eat Well Embrace Life has Americanized the hummus category by creating hummus form other beans.  What makes them different and better is their commitment to product innovation, resulting in new, exciting flavors with the Wow! taste and healthy attributes you've come to expect.'

Now, did these 2 products live up to the hype?  YES! and then some.  The roasted peppers and sesame is so good I could take a spoon and just eat it from the container.  I can taste both and when I put some on a piece of chicken I just wanted more.  Then I tried a slice of cucumber.  YUM!  The black bean was a bit spicy hot and also good on the chicken but not the cucumber so I tried it on a corn chip.  It has a slight Mexican taste so it was of course perfect and it gave me another idea.  I took a taco shell, spread some of my black bean hummus on it, added some shredded chicken, a little cheese, lettuce, and just a touch of sour cream.  Made the best taco ever!  This stuff is great and I can't wait to try their other flavors.

Fresh Food Concept Spinach Dip

On a scale of 1 - 10 with I rate this product a 10+.

I'm trying to watch my carb and sugar intake so while reading labels in the grocery store I ran across this dip.  I was in a little bit of a hurry and didn't notice that it was 'made with Green Yogurt' until I got home and went to put it in the refrigerator.  Well I've bought yogurt dips before and didn't really like them but what the heck.  I put my mind to work and ended up with an idea to use the dip in place of mayo for a chicken salad.  It is simply perfect!  I love it and it only took 2 Tbsp. for 1 chicken breast.  This is a must try, even if you aren't trying to eat healthy!  Go to my mother site Stir, Laugh, Repeat to view the complete recipe.

Kraft Chargrilled Burger Barbecue Sauce

On a scale of 1 - 10 I give this product a 25!

The bottle says it's a Limited Edition but I'm really hoping that won't be the case.  This stuff is too good to be limited.

I love the taste of a burger cooked over charcoal but hate to do it, especially for just 2 people.  Gas grilling is easier but you don't get the same taste.  That is until now.  I took a pound of lean ground beef, added about 1/4 cup of the barbecue sauce and 1/4 cup of plain bread crumbs, mixed it all together and cooked it in a frying pan on the stove.  If you had not seen me cook those burgers you would swear I grilled them over charcoal.  And if I had cooked them on my Foreman indoor grill they would have had grill marks and you would really have thought they were cooked outside.

This is so good that since it does say Limited Edition I'm going back to the store and buy at least 6 more bottles just so I'll have some after it's no longer available.  You might want to do the same.  Or better yet, contact Kraft and ask them to continue making this bottle of smoke.

Oh yeah, just in case you're wondering why I added the bread crumbs I'll tell you.  I made one patty without, put it in the pan and due to the added liquid (the sauce) it would not stay together.  That's when I knew it needed just a little something to bind the meat together.

New Keebler Town House Sea Salt Pretzel Thins

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 15+!

While walking through Walmart the other day I spotted these new crackers.  They are called Pretzel Thins and I love pretzels so I picked up a box to check it out further.  According to the package they are baked crackers that taste like pretzels.  When I saw the price, which I don't know if it was an introductory price or their regular price ($2.50), I decided to pick up a box.  Boy am I glad I did.

They do taste like pretzels.  They are crisp and crunchy with just the perfect amount of salt sprinkle.  They are thin but still thick enough to dip and maybe even top with a little chicken salad.  They go perfect with a salad and I'm even using them in place of bread with my meal.  Now I can't wait to use them in some of my recipes... like crushing some to coat baked fish... maybe crumbled and used as a crust in a dessert... and even sprinkle some on top of a casserole.

This is a product I believe anyone who likes pretzels and even just crackers would love.  Almost forgot, bet they would be good with soup too.

I do believe there is another flavor but I'm so hooked on the Sea Salt flavor that I haven't looked for nor tried any other flavor.

Campbell's Slow Cooker Sauces - Sweet Korean BBQ

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 10+!

The directions call for a beef roast of 2-3 lbs. but I decided to give it a try with pork so I bought a Boston Butt weighing about 5 lbs. so I used 2 packages of the Sweet Korean BBQ.  I put the Butt in my slow cooker and poured on both packets and let it cook on high for 7 hrs.

Juicy, tender, and tasty.  I love the sesame/ginger taste.  I know this is good on pork and bet it's just as good on beef but I want to give it a try on chicken.  Got to be delicious!  If you're an Asian food lover, you'll love this product.

The Spice Hunter Ranch Organic Dip Mix

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product an 8.

I love Ranch dressings/dips and when I can find it Organic I'm even more drawn to it, so when I saw The Spice Hunter Ranch Organic Dip Mix I just had to give it a try.  It's made with Organic - onion, garlic, cane sugar, yeast, parsley, black pepper and even canola oil.  It's Gluten free and so easy to make.  You simply add sour cream.  Can't get any easier than that.

I must say that I've never bought the Spice Hunter products before so I really didn't know what I was in for.  This product is good but I don't know if its because everything is organic, making it stronger in taste, but the onion flavor of this dip is extremely strong for my taste buds and that is why I'm giving it an 8.  The key words are it is strong for my taste buds but that might not be the case for you.  I will be trying this product again but I'll only use, maybe 1/2 the package.

H. T. Traders Basmati Brown and Wild Rice Blend With Wheat and Rye Berries

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 20!

Now and then one of my food testers will bring me a product to try and to create a recipe for.  She always leaves it on my patio along with any dishes she might have accumulated from sampling.  This time she left me about a cup of rice mix that her sister had given to her.  I love the flavor of Basmati Rice.  I love the texture that comes with Brown Rice.  I love the taste and texture of Wild Rice, as well as the coloring it adds to a dish.  But I had never tried Wheat and Rye Berries so this would be a 1st for me.

That evening I had planned on making what I named my Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole.  The recipe that this dish came from called for macaroni since I was making ingredient changes I decided to use rice.  I followed the directions on the package which is simply combine water, salt, butter and rice blend.  Bring it to a boil.  Turn it down to low.  Add a tight lid and let it sit for 45 minutes.  When the time was up I decided to take a bite to make sure it was done.  Well, that bite became another and then another and another.  It was so good that I almost didn't want to add it to the casserole... but I did.  It was so good!

The blend of the different rices with the wheat and rye berries combined with the flavor that comes from the basmati has become something I can't begin to describe.  This is one you really need to try.

Aidells All Natural Chicken Meatballs

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 10+.

While at the grocery store I noticed a lady passing out samples of this product and since I'm a sucker to try just about anything new I had to stop and give it a try.  It was really delicious!  The meatballs are made from chicken, are gluten free, have no nitrites and no added hormones.  These Italian Style meatballs are fully cooked and even have mozzarella cheese in them.  The package gave a couple of serving suggestions but I put mine away in the freezer and knew that sooner or later I would come across with the perfect recipe that would allow me to include them.  And that recipe came from an old cookbook dated 1971.  The original recipe was for a Quiche type dish that I found came out more like a custard so I titled my new dish Meatball Custard.  

I've never been a fan of ground chicken in any form.  The taste has never been quite right.  I don't know what this company has done to change that but if I had not know these meatballs were made from chicken, I would have never guessed it.  This is the 1st time I've tried products from this company and am looking forward to trying more.  They have a Caramelized Onion Meatball made with chicken that I can't wait to try.

Sensible Portions Apple Straws Cinnamon

On a scale of 1 - 10 with I rate this product a 15!

I spotted these little goodies on the grocery store shelf a few days ago and decided to give them a try.  I read the package and found that you are allowed 1 oz. which came to 130 calories, 0.5 g saturated fat, 0 trans fats, 0 cholesterol, 100 mg. sodium, 15 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g sugar and 1 g protein.  Sounded pretty good to me, especially when I saw that 1 oz. was about 38 straws!  Well, I not only like them I love them.  I use them as my dessert after my evening meal.  But I have never been able to eat all 38 straws.  I'm usually satisfied after about 15-20.

The texture is crisp.  It's slightly sweet with just a hint of cinnamon.  They are hollow in the center making it look like you're eating more than you really are.  I simply love these enough that when was back at the grocery story I picked up 2 more packs just to have on hand when needed.

They also come in Garden Veggie which I intend to try.  If they are as good as the Apple I'll be using them instead of chips.

(I don't know why but my bag is green where the bag shown on the internet is the one above - red.  I don't find any differences in the product ingredients of either package.)

Funley's All Natural Super Crackers

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 10+

When I first saw these crackers and noticed that there was a dog imprinted on largest cracker pictured on the box cover I thought they were for dogs.  Wrong!  These are people crackers that are so good that my dog does like them too.  They are all natural and even have a little spinach hidden in them.  And each pack has only 90 calories.  The Ranch dressing taste is so perfect that you don't need anything else to go along with them.  No cheese, dip, nothing.  I liked the fact that they have no trans fats, preservatives nor anything artificial.  And the size of each pack is perfect.  You will be surprised when you see how many little crackers are packed in that little package.  It's enough to fill me up when I want a snack.

Now that I know how good the Ranch N' Stuff flavor is I can't wait to try a few more of their flavors.  They have Cheddar, Pizza and even one called Cornbread N' Stuff.  That one I really do want to try.

Zatarain's New Orleans Style Salmon Cake Mix

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product an 8+

Years ago my mother made Salmon Cakes/Patties for me at least once a week.  I loved them but never thought to ask her what and how much of everything she used.  I do know that she added corn meal, chopped onions and a nice big can of salmon with bones in.  I actually liked the little crunch you would get when you bit into a bone.  Since I didn't think to get her recipe it was lost when I lost her but I still remember them and have tried many times to copy what she made to the point of trying just about any recipe I run across as well as a few mixes here and there.

When I decided to try Zatarain's Salmon Cake Mix I had no doubt that it would be nothing like my mom's but after reading the directions I felt it would be quick and easy - which it is both.  This mix calls for an egg, mayonnaise and canned salmon.  All ingredients are mixed together, shaped into patties and refrigerated for 30 minutes.  They are then fried in a small amount of oil browning on both sides.  How simple is that!

Now for taste - they are delicious.  A little on the salty side but not enough for me not to enjoy eating 2 of them before pushing away from the table.  Texture wise - this is why I gave them an 8+ and not a 9 or above.  Apparently there are dehydrated onions in the mix and the 30 minute refrigeration doesn't allow them to absorb enough liquid to make them soft again.  Other than that and the slight saltiness, this mix is great.  I will buy them again and they will go on my inventory list of products to keep on hand.

Organic Freekeh - Roasted Green Wheat

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 10


I actually found out about this product by watching Dr. Oz.  After listening to him praise it I had to do more checking on my own.  I went to Freekeh Foods and this is what I found:

What is Freekeh?
According to legend, Freekeh originated by accident when an ancient Middle Eastern village was attacked and their young wheat fields were set ablaze. In attempts to salvage their crops, the villagers rubbed away the burnt chaff and found that the roasted kernels inside were delicious! Since that time, Freekeh (which literally means, “to rub”) became a mainstay of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

Freekeh is a wheat product & therefore contains gluten. 
Yes, Freekeh contains gluten—but because of when the wheat is harvested and processed, the gluten is denatured.  Some people find that Freekeh has fewer side effects than other wheat products; however, keep in mind that Freekeh still contains gluten.

I have Celiac disease; can I eat Freekeh?
No, you probably shouldn’t—as the allergen is still present.

How do you cook it?
You can cook Freekeh on the stovetop in a saucepan, or in a rice cooker (on the brown rice setting). Simply use 1 part Freekeh to 2 1/2 parts of water or broth—bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender.

What does it taste like?
Freekeh has a smokey flavor, and nutty chewy texture. Our freekeh comes in three varieties: The Classic Original, and two seasoned flavors—a savory blend of organic Rosemary and Sage, and a bold and authentic Tamari, flavored with organic shoyu sauce.

Where can I find Freekeh?
Our product is found in the same grocery aisle as other grains like quinoa and rice. If you can’t find it at your local health food store, ask them to carry Freekeh!

How does Freekeh compare to other grains?
Freekeh has up to three times the fiber and protein found in brown rice, and fewer calories than quinoa and white rice.

Freekeh is a great choice to use in recipes you already enjoy—the cook times are comparable to brown rice, so it’s easy to choose Freekeh.  I used it in a recipe I'm calling Freekeh Chicken.  It is delicious.

Betty Crocker's A&W Root Beer Float Cookies

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 10+.

If you like root beer as much as I do you'll simply love these cookies.  They are simple to make adding 1/3 cup of butter and 1 egg to the package mix.  They cook up in about 10 minutes so you don't have long to wait before sampling these delicious treats.  In fact the directions say to wait 1 minute before removing from the cookie sheet and cool completely on a wire rack.  That is really hard to do.  I had to give them a try while they were still nice and hot.

I wasn't quite sure how they would get the actual 'float' taste but with the root beer taste and the addition of white chips, that is exactly what you get.  When I spotted this mix while in Walmart (this is a Walmart exclusive so that is the only place you'll find them) I only bought 1 package just to give them a try.  I took several to a friend who fell in love with them.  I took the majority of what was left to my 95 year old neighbor who loved them so much that  I went back to Walmart the next day and bought 2 more packages making 1 batch just for her.  Her daughter said she will eat them when she won't eat anything else.

I'm hoping these aren't a limited edition.  If so, I'll just have to stock up on them for future use.

Spanakopita - Plats du Chef, Inc.

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 20!

I have to tell my introduction to this product for you to see just how much I love it.  Our condo complex had an after Thanksgiving lunch where everyone brought a dish.  One of my neighbors brought 2 trays of what she called Spanakopita.  I could tell it was some form of spinach (which I'm not a big fan of) wrapped in Phyllo Pastry (which I love).  Being nice I decided to try a wedge and being hungry I decided to take a bit as I was walking back to my seat.  That first bite delayed me from putting my plate down because I stood there eating this delicious little triangle.  Then it hit me.  There are a lot of people here and there are only 24 of those little bites.  I went back to the serving line and got another.  Apparently most of the people who knew spinach was a major ingredient didn't opt to give them a try, but that was ok with me.  When the meal was over there were 6 triangles left.  I had brought desserts and had 1/2 a pecan pie left over to take home.  I made a deal with our HOA president who is a friend and also loves the Spanakopita almost as much as I did.  She could have the pecan pie (which is another favorite of mine) if I could have the last 6 Spanakopitas.  She thought about it for a minute and agreed.  Needless to say, they didn't make it through the night.

The neighbor who introduced these goodies to us said she didn't make them.  She goes to Costco where she buys them in boxes of 4 trays with 12 in each tray.  I'm not a Costco member but she is kind enough to pick up a box for me when needed.  I did spot a Greek store in our neighborhood that carries Spanakopita and bought a box. Not the same!  Their's had an overpowering dill flavor.  These have the perfect blend of spinach, feta cheese and spices (no dill) giving them the perfect flavor.

I'm still not a big spinach lover but I do have to control myself.  They come in their own little baking tray that you simply put in a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes, let them stand for 5 minutes (and that's hard to do without taking a bite while waiting) and enjoy.  I do have one problem with these tasty bites.  I tell myself that I'll only eat 6 at the most but unless I bag up the other six and put them in the refrigerator quickly I'll eat them all.  I even find myself getting up at night, when there are leftovers, grabbing one from it's container and eating it cold.  Yes they are that good.  So spinach lover or not, give these a try and I think it will change your mind too.

All Natural Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Chips

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 15+!!!

While at my local health food store I ran across a bowl of cookies.  I took one and started eating it as I was walking away.  The more I ate the more my taste buds perked up.  I found that I had to go back and get a second cookie.  Same routine, I'm walking through the store eating this simply delicious cookie and found myself right back at the cookie bowl.  This time I picked up the bag to see how something this delicious could be healthy.  This is what I found.

No Trans Fats; No Preservatives; No GMOs; No Artificial Flavors or Colors; 130 calories per serving of 6 cookies!  Of course I had to buy a bag.  Then I read the actual description of the cookie.  'We start by adding a hint of cinnamon to our Original Cookie Chip dough, then we hand dust them with pure cinnamon and cane sugar for the ultimate cinnamony crunch experience.  We use only whole ingredients, just like you would if you baked them at home.'

These cookies are the best!  They come in other flavors like Chocolate Chip and Sea Salted Peanut Butter which I will be trying very soon.  If you can't find these at your local health food store, try their website www.hannahmaxsnacks.com

Hunt's Dinner Starter Lasagna

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product an 8.

This is a product I will continue to buy but I'll adjust my recipes when using.  I love the ingredients, one of which is Spinach and I love the flavor but the dish is a bit salty which can be corrected by adjusting the salt added to the rest of the dish.  It is a little thick but again, that can be taken care of by adding just a little liquid.  The one thing that I'm not crazy about is the color.  It's very dark making the dish a little less appealing to the eye.  I'm sure the spinach has a lot to do with that and I wouldn't want them to remove that one ingredient just to lighten the color.  So, the salt, thickness and color are the only things that kept me form giving this dish a 10.  Taste wise it is a 10.  I'm looking forward to trying their Beef Stew starter.

Pot-Sized Spaghetti

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 10+

I love this spaghetti.  It fits in a small sauce pan making it convenient to cook for 1 or 2.  Yes, I know that I can always break up my own spaghetti but it never seems to be quite even.  I end up with small pieces, long pieces and some that actually go down the sink when I drain.  Also, I can take out a handful and put it all in the water at once.  When breaking my own to size, I break some, put it in the pot, break some more, put it in the pot, and usually end up with more than I planned on.  All-in-all this is just convenient to use.

Pillsbury Limited Edition Red Velvet Cookies

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 10.

If you like Red Velvet Cake, you'll love these cookies.  At least I do and I think I like them better than the cake.  I enjoy the slight crisp that the cookies have that the cake doesn't and the cream cheese flavored chips make it almost perfect.  I made mine into Woopies by mixing a little cream cheese with a little powdered sugar and a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts.  So good!

Progresso Recipe Starters Cooking Sauce - Cheese

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 9.

A couple months ago I bought a can of Progresso's Cheese Sauce and finally decided to give it a try.  On the package I found a recipe for Bacon Mac and Cheese which was easy to make and sounded pretty tasty.  I didn't follow the recipe completely, making several changes along the way but I was still able to determine the advantages of this product.

It is an extremely convenient product that can be bought on sale and used much later.  With our busy world today it shortens the time that would be required if you made your own fresh sauce.  As for flavor, it's really good.  Actually it's good enough that I'm looking forward to trying some of the other flavors.  I've already bought a can of Progresso's Recipe Starters Creamy Portabella Mushroom sauce which I plan on using in the very near future.

Why a 9 and not a 10?  Fresh made is always just a little bit better in taste but this one is still pretty good.

Barilla Tortellini Three Cheese

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 9.

I've used this product in several recipes and it's always come out perfect.  I've even used this in my recipe for Bacon Tortellini 'n Cheese which you can find on my site Martha's Recipe Cabinet.

It boils up quickly, stores in your pantry instead of the refrigerator making it more convenient because it will keep longer, and it's has so many uses.  Add a little sauce and it easily becomes the main course of any meal.
So if I like it so much, why a 9 and not a 10?  Fresh/refrigerated Tortellini to me is the best but this takes 2nd place, especially when you add in the convenience of storing for longer periods of time.

Slim Jim Bacon Jerky

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this newest product a 8.


I love this product enough to give it a 10 but the name doesn't quite fit, at least I don't think so.  I've tried eating this as a 'jerky' but it resembles thick, soft cooked bacon to much for me to feel like I'm eating jerky.  Therefore I had to bring my rating down just a bit.


So why rate it an 8 but love it enough to call it a 10?  This is the best thing that has come along since pre-cooked bacon!  It has so many uses other than being a jerky.  You can use it as a seasoning in veggies, add it to a casserole, chop it up and sprinkle it over baked potatoes or a salad.  The uses go on and on.  And I like it as much and at times better than pre-cooked bacon because it is thicker.  This is a product that I think will be around for a long time if it's moved to the bacon/salad toppers in the grocery store.

Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 9


I've not had much experience with Creole foods so when one of the Authors I review for send me a book based in Louisiana as well as a recipe for Red Beans & Rice I decided to give the Creole foods a try.   I found several different seasonings on the grocery shelf and decided on the Tony Chachere because it had no MSG.  The package stated it was world-famous, which sounded good, and that it was goon on just about anything you might add salt to.  Well, they were right!  I've used it in the Red Beans & Rice - it was great.  I've sprinkled it over chicken before cooking - it was great.  And now I want to give it a try in, yes, Mac and Cheese.  I think it would be simply delicious. 


The only reason I don't give it a 10 is that it does have a little too much salt, so if a dish calls for salt and Creole Seasoning both, don't add the salt.  Can't wait to experiment with more dishes using this seasoning.  Bet it would be good in collards!

Zim's Max-Freeze

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 9


This may not be food related but that doesn't mean that can't use a little info on some of the other products that are out there.



I have degenerative disk disease and I stay in pain constantly which has me looking everywhere for a product that will relieve my discomfort, especially at night.  Max-Freeze has proved to be one of the best products I've tried.  It's organic and greaseless too.  The only thing I don't like is its scent but it only lasts for a few minutes so I can accept that small negative.  I would overall recommend this product to anyone who has back, muscle and joint pain.  It really works.  It also comes in a roll-on and spray but I like the gel.  It's easy to rub in which I feel gives a deeper penetration.

Cream of Rice

On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this product a 10+

This isn't a new product on the market but a new product for me.  I grew up with Cream of Wheat but have never even considered trying Cream of Rice.  That is until I found how healthy it really is so I decided to give it a try.

First - it's Gluten Free.  Second it's Fat Free.  Third it's Cholesterol Free.  Now I'll tell you about the other good things about this product.  It's quick and easy to make.  You can have a 1 cup serving without feeling guilty.  It only contains 160 calories!  I do add a little salt, a little butter and a splash of evaporated milk to mine which I'm sure takes it up a few but boy does it taste good.  I'm sure you could add sugar and maybe cinnamon but I liked mine without.

If you've never tried Cream of Rice you should.  I think you'll love it too.