Thursday, January 30, 2014

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.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

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.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

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!


Wednesday, January 22, 2014

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.

Monday, January 20, 2014

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.