Categories: 4 1/2 stars

21 Nov 2011, Comments (8)

Cosi Turkey and Stuffing Sandwich

Author: Healthnuttxo

Presenting….

one of the BEST sandwiches I ever had!

Well, at least best sandwich I had eating out. Nothing can beat a homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwich on fluffy white (yea, I said it) bread with globs of peanut butter and jelly. MMM.

Anyway, insert the Cosi Turkey and Stuffing Sandwich. I’ve been WAITING for this baby. It’s seasonal, and I always happen to fall in love with seasonal items. Good for the companies, bad for me when I want a stuffing sandwich in July, or some fruity flavored thing in the winter (so typical of my body to crave out of season….how DARE it!!!?)

I went to the gym Friday and afterward wanted to reward my muscles with some protein after a hard muscle workout.  My options were scrambled eggs (which…. I have every day), yogurt (for lunch? Nah…) or a nice sandwich from Cosi. Bread? Carbs? Protein? Count. Me. In.

I ordered the sandwich, which came with carrots, and a drink and it came to about $10.00. A little on the pricy side for sure, but usually worth the money in flavor.

Here’s what the sandwich looked like once I got home.

One bite….and I was hooked.

Starting with the bread (<3) which I’m almost positive I asked for Whole Grain, and I’m pretty sure I got white bread. I would know…the Whole Grain usually has a whole bunch of flax seeds and such in it, and this one I found MAYBE one or two stragglers. Hmm. Whatever. It was still beyond delicious so even though the inner soon-to-be nutritionist was yelling Uh, RETURN THIS! Go get your whole grains! Stop eating refined carbs! my brain was yelling There’s no way I’m walking back 10 blocks to return a sandwich and taste buds were yelling this is too dang delicious to stop eating.

So it was settled. I ate the white-possibly-whole-grain-but-I’ll-never-know bread. Flaky, crusty, goodness. Mmm.

The turkey pieces (medallions??) were chewy and there were PLENTY of them. They were a bit salty and otherwise a wee bit bland/dry if eaten alone, but still good.

The stuffing was so good. It was flavorful, and I tasted a piece of celery in there. It was very bready, and very yummy, with spices (but NOT spicy!)

Lastly, the cranberry. Sweet and soft, and like a spread. Went perfectly with the stuffing and turkey.

Overall, HELLO leftover sandwich BEFORE Thanksgiving! I would call that a win. There’s 435 calories in this sandwich which is a bit more than I’d eat normally for lunch also considering the carrots (um…and the cookie I ate with it but let’s forget about that….) but it was well worth the money and the calories.

Who invented this sandwich? She or he is a genius. 4.5 stars

18 Nov 2011, Comments (3)

Batter Blaster Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Batter

Author: Healthnuttxo

I FINALLY tried this stuff. I pass by Batter Blaster Pancake & Waffle Batter in a can all the time at the stores. I always see it, I always wonder, ponder for a few minutes or so, and end up not buying it. But WHY?!

I don’t know. I’m a creature of habit.  My brain reasons with me, Why buy this if it might be bad?… I usually eat cereal for breakfast…I don’t even really like pancakes….then I’d have to clean the pan…. (LAZY)

But this time, my friends, THIS TIME I bought it. Batter Blaster Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Batter went into my shopping cart, up to the register, and then home with me.  I want to say it was a bit pricy…maybe 4 or 5 dollars or so, and I bought it at Whole Foods.

The other day I wanted something other than oatmeal. A girl can only have cereal or oatmeal so many times, and since I don’t own a toaster that puts a damper on my breakfast options. (Ever try “toasting” a piece of bread in the oven? Yea, 15 minutes for one slice of bread is so not worth it….)

I cooked up one large pancake instead of two small ones as the serving size suggested, along with some eggs. I saw that there was very little protein/fiber in the Batter Blaster Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Batter, so I knew I needed something to hold me. And what better to pair up pancakes with than eggs?!

Here’s the outcome…

Look yummy? Yes? Well….

IT WAS.

It was SO good. I cooked it over medium heat with a little Pam/buttery spray. The result was crispy edges, a fluffy  and soft middle, and just overall delicious. I only needed to add a bit of SF syrup (would probably be even better with REAL maple syrup, but you guys know I am a diabetic!) and it was perfect! It had a yummy buttermilk flavor, and honestly tasted exactly like Ihop pancakes. In fact, I think Ihop uses this pancake batter….. ; )

And, well,  it was SO EASY. A college dormer’s/lazy person’s/my brother’s dream. Literally shake the can, turn it upside down over a pan, and cook. Voila!

Obviously, the nutrition facts could be better. More fiber, less sodium. But these are SO good, so like I said, pair them with some eggs for lasting effect! Or yogurt, whatever floats your boat =) 4.5 stars

Pancakes or waffles? Which one is your favorite? Normally I’m a waffle person, but this batter blaster has CONVERTED me!!

15 Oct 2011, Comments (7)

Panera Bread Breast Cancer Bagel

Author: Healthnuttxo

Source

Does it really get any better than Panera Bread? Soups, sandwiches, paninis, salads….delicious food items all under one roof. I went  to visit home this weekend (WHY oh WHY is there no Panera where I live?!?!) and knew I had to make a stop to get Panera. I’m addicted to their Chicken Apple Salad and Tuna Sandwich =)

So, as I walked in I was greeted by someone at the door who asked for a dollar donation, in exchange for some bread. I thought why not. What’s a DOLLAR if it helps cure Breast Cancer?

Unfortunately, I ate mine before I took a picture (woops!) but it was pretty much identical looking to the picture from this website listed above.

But, it was delicious. One of the best dollars I ever spent. It was chewy, light and fluffy in consistency. It had a rather sweet flavor, with hints of cinnamon as well. There were a few scattered dried cranberries in the bagel, which added just a touch of unexpected flavor.  In all honesty, it was perfect by itself. I ate it as is, kind of like how someone would eat a hot pretzel. I just tore off parts of the bagel and ate it. However, I definitely think it would be awesome with butter or some cream cheese!

Overall, 4 1/2 stars. A yummy bagel for you, and a $1 toward the Cure. Total win-win!  ; )

What’s your favorite type of bagel?  I really like cinnamon raisin ones!

4 Oct 2011, Comments (8)

Red Mango Pumpkin Spice Frozen Yogurt

Author: Healthnuttxo

Ahh, it’s that time of year again.

I’m a summer girl at heart, but I do love fall. A time of pumpkin and apple picking (love me some candy apples!!), bringing back the UGG boots (woo!!), and….Pumpkin Spice Frozen Yogurt at Red Mango.

It came back to the establishment a few days ago, and while schedule conflicts KEPT PREVENTING ME from getting there, I finally did. And so glad I did too!

I got a small Pumpkin Spice, with graham cracker topping and mango pieces as well.  I believe it was around the higher side of 4 dollars. The pumpkin spice yogurt itelf is amazing. It was smooth in consistency, and thick but not thick like greek yogurt. It was sweet but not too sweet, and just the right amount of tartness. Enough so you can taste it, but not enough to make you scrunch your face up saying that’s TART! So, a good balance in my eyes. There was a mild yet yummy pumpkin flavor.

The graham cracker topping was finely chopped, and even resembled sawdust (although, THAT’S not a recommended fro yo topping!! ; ) ) . It added a pumpkin pie kind of feel to the yogurt, and had a slight honey flavor, which I really enjoyed.

Lastly, the mango chunks were perfect! Sweet and very soft, and not tart at all! A few times I have gotten frozen yogurt, the mango chunks were very firm and very tart. Yes…I am guilty of going in the dead winter when it is practically 0 degrees outside, so I’ve had my fair share of exposure to toppings and flavors- I think it’s safe to say these mango chunks were very delicious, and perfect on the frozen yogurt.

Overall, I would definitely get this again. I wish there were more Red Mango establishments nearby where I live, as I would get it more often! Although maybe it’s a good thing there aren’t too many…I would spend my whole paycheck there ;)

4 1/2 stars

What’s your favorite season and why? There has to be someone out there who loves winter, right??  ; )

30 Sep 2011, Comments (7)

Chocolate Chip Cherry Torte LARAbar

Author: Healthnuttxo

Look-ee what I got in the mail, as a complete surprise to me…

YEP- some Chocolate Chip Cherry Torte LARAbars! With a cute little bag, button, sticker and slice of information pie.

What a nice welcome surprise once I walked in the door and had a package waiting for me. Thanks, LARAbar!!!

Now, down to business. It looks like your standard LARAbar….

….but it’s not.

This one ROCKS!!!! I noticed the bar seemed softer than usual when I took a bite, but still had that sticky density we all know and (hopefully) love. As I kept chewing, I really loved this bar. It tastes like chocolate covered cherries!!

It was sweet and tart, with that classic date taste. But,  then you get a hint of  dark chocolate flavor and a teensy bit of crunch. I really felt like I was eating almost a cordial cherry, with chocolate covered coating. This is definitely one of my new favorite Larabars!! And, according to the wrapper, this baby is Gluten Free and gives 1/2 of a fruit serving. What’s not to love??

Overall, this gets 4 1/2 stars. Really delicious! I will definitely buy in the future!!

What’s your favorite food involving cherries? I cant say I would turn down a slice of cherry pie ;)

chipped nail polish. *sigh* forgive me??? ;)

28 Sep 2011, Comments (3)

Popcorn, Indiana Bacon Ranch Popcorn

Author: Healthnuttxo

So this ones for you guys. Bacon seems like it’s such a big deal. As in a big deal as in people love it.

To me? Eh.

While I do appreciate a good slice of turkey bacon, I never liked bacon as a kid. Always left it on my plate on the diner, and scrunched my nose when I saw the grease my dad would pour into a glass jar after making breakfast. But that’s just me.

So when I saw this product, Popcorn, Indiana Bacon Ranch Popcorn I knew it would be a perfect thing to review. Plus, well, ok….it sounded pretty awesome. And I’m all for snacking. Guess what store I bought it at. No really, guess.

Why, WHOLE FOODS of course! ;)

Anyway, here’s what a bowl of the bacony-ranch goodness looked like.

*sniff* *sniff*….does someone smell bacon?

This popcorn was unbelievably delicious. It had a soft crunch to it, and a light residue on top of each piece of popcorn. I barely found any pieces that didn’t have a good coating on it, which was a positive. Nothing like a plain piece of popcorn to bring down the flavor party. Yea, I said flavor party.

Anyway, there was a salty taste, and a sharp white cheddar cheese flavor. And yes….I tasted bacon. There were also onion flavors as well, and it just really had a powerful and delicious ( insert ADDICTIVE) tastes. It reminded me of the Smoked Gouda popcorn I really loved as well.

This popcorn gets 4 1/2 stars. Why not 5 you ask? Well, it’s called Bacon Ranch popcorn, and I sort of missed the “ranch” element. It was more of a cheesy-bacon popcorn to me, with a bit of onion flavor.  It’s also a touch high in fat and sodium. Regardless, beyond good, and highly recommended.

What about YOU- fan of bacon? or no?  I like Veggie Bacon too! :)

s

17 Sep 2011, Comments (2)

365 Cheese Curls

Author: Healthnuttxo

I know how I’ve made comments in the past on how I do NOT like cheese. And well…

That’s still true.

But I don’t count cheese curls. Or cheese doodles. Or cheese puffs. Or whatever your preference on what you call your favorite salty, cheesy, crunchy snack.

Even though it may be made with cheese, CHEESE to me is the stuff that comes in the huge blocks that you have to slice yourself (or rather, have the deli slice for you). That kind of cheese turns me off. Especially goat cheese.

I’m sorry, cheese lovers, please dont hate me.

ANYWAY, how I fill the cheese void in my life is with cheesy snacks. Like these. The 365 Cheese Curls from Whole Foods.  Did I really NEED to buy these with the 8 million snacks at my house? No… But I’m me. I’m never satisfied. I always want more. So I  bought another snack. Oh well.

These were cheesy, and left a light residue on my fingers. Slightly salty, but in a good way. A way that makes me crave a Diet Dr. Pepper (or Dr. Zevia!) . They had a light crunch, with just the right amount of cheddar cheese flavor. Oh, and they were certainly addictive. Like, I’m done with my bowl but go back for a few more handfuls addictive.

These were delicious, if not perfect for cheese curls. I have had Cheetos in the past, and I think these taste almost identical. I would definitely buy these again! My only complaint, which I guess is just due to handling, was that there was a LOT of little pieces of curls, rather than “longer” curls. I mean pieces the size of the tip of my finger! But again, nothing major. Still delicious!  I also liked how these weren’t crazy high in calories, fat or sodium. 4 1/2 stars

If you had to give one up for the rest of your life, would it be cheesy snacks? or actual cheese? I think my choice is obvious ;)


20 Aug 2011, Comments (7)

Corazonas Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Square

Author: Healthnuttxo

Remember my oatmeal debate?  How I’d love to eat oatmeal all the time since it’s healthy, filling and deliciously versatile. But, I’m, well lazy. I don’t like cleaning pots, or waiting for the oatmeal to cook. Especially if a cold bowl of cereal is ready in five minutes after slciing up some fruit and pouring some almond milk. It’s just too easy!

However, I discovered I could still eat those healthy oats, but in an oatmeal square. I enjoyed the Chocolate Brownie with Almonds Oatmeal Square by Corazona, so I was sure I would also like the Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Square they sent me to try for free as well.

Some quick facts from the wrapper, this oatmeal square has 16 grams of whole grain, is all  natural, and “is made with ingredients proven in more than 140 clinical studies to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol”.

I opened this square up before a workout for a quick boost. I didn’t have time for a complete breakfast, so I figured this would be good to give me some energy alongside a scoop of peanut butter (you probably saw that one coming ; ) ). This also explains why there isn’t a picture. I’m a bad blogger and was in a rush to eat this. Sorry! : (

This bar was actually really tasty. It was decently sized, about the size of my palm. It was sweet and almost fruity in flavor, it was chewy and a bit dense, but really good.  It was light and slightly sticky as well. It had a mild oatmeal cookie flavor, but wasn’t as sweet as an oatmeal cookie would be. The chocolate chips added a nice touch, and tasted like a smooth milk chocolate. Also, the texture and taste almost reminded me of a sticky banana bread. It was really quite good!

Overall 4 1/2 stars. I would certainly buy it if I saw it in stores, and it provided me with a good amount of energy for the gym! Plus, who doesn’t like eating chocolate chips with some whole grains? :P

Favorite oatmeal add in? Mine is good ol cinnamon, butter, and milk. Like this yummy recipe here! : )

Here’s the nutrition facts from the website

18 Aug 2011, Comments (13)

Oogie’s Gourmet Popcorn Smoked Gouda

Author: Healthnuttxo

Source

Now, I’m not a cheese kind of person. I could totally live my entire life without eating any, and I’m even known to pull the cheese off my pizza (sorry!). So I wasn’t expecting this popcorn to be anything special.

Ok, ok. Smoked Gouda. Probably tastes like the rest of the popcorn I had in the past. I thought.

But I was so wrong.

This popcorn, is ah-mazing.

Sure, it looks like your average, store bought popcorn. But it wasn’t.

It was light, and crunchy, and fluffy popcorn. Fluffy might be a weird adjective to describe popcorn, mostly because I immediately asociate fluffy with pillows, but it was fluffy. And yummy.

It was cheesy, light and had just a wee bit of heat/spice to it. There was almost a (get ready for it) BACON flavor to it. I haven’t eaten bacon in years, but bacon is goood. Turkey bacon always hit the spot for me, and this popcorn had flavors vvery similar to bacon. Perhaps it was the “smoked” aspect of the popcorn. Regardless, I’m going to roll with it.

It was also a bit salty, but in a good way, and some other deeper flavors going on. I really, really liked this popcorn. And if I see it in the stores, I’m definitely buying it again. Minus the fact I already demolished the bad. So much for sharing.

4 1/2 stars. I may be becoming a cheese convert. Also loving that it’s gluten free, all natural, and has some healthy and filling fiber : )

What about YOU- what’s your favorite type of cheese? If I had to pick, parmesan all the way!

I received this bag of popcorn to try for free from the company. Regardless, my opinions are unaffected and genuine.
8 Aug 2011, Comments (4)

Stouffer’s Farmers’ Harvest Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Bake with a Vegetable Medley

Author: Healthnuttxo

Not going to lie….I didn’t expect this to be as good as it was. I’m almost strictly an organic frozen meal kind of girl, or one that’s made with the best ingredients possible. I normally go for Amy’s Kitchen Meals, like this one, or sometimes even Kashi, like this pizza here. Online Colleges is a resource for finding information about health and nutrition. There is always more to learn about what the best ingredients in foods are.

Regardless, browsing the frozen food section, I saw this and was intrigued. I took a peek at the ingredients, and approved. I didn’t see any ingredients I didn’t really approve of, so I thought it would be worth a try.

mmmm.

Once it was done cooking, I could certainly smell the sauce throughout the kitchen. It smelled really good, and seeing as I just did a weights workout, I was hungry. This meal I felt was perfect post workout- protein, carbs, and some healthy fats alongside some veggies. I also had a chocolate chip cookie….but that’s besides the point ;)

I have a complaint when it comes to frozen meals and the vegetables sides. For the most part, I feel like the vegetables on the side are either

1. Too chewy/hard

2. Too mushy

3.Too plain.

THESE vegetables, however, were different. They were almost sitting in what I’m assuming is olive oil, and had a bit of seasoning to them. There were peppers, carrots, and broccoli, all perfect consistency. Not mushy, not chewy. So delicious. In fact, I kind of wish I could buy just the side compartment on vegetables and eat them alone. Yes, I am talking about broccoli and carrots. The peppers I could have done without, but I’m not a pepper kind of person.

Moving on, the pasta was a little on the soft side, but pretty good. It rested in a sauce that was a tad salty, but had a good flavor and even soft chunks of tomatoes. On top was the chunks of chicken and some pieces of cheese. The cheese was sparse, but certainly delicious. The chicken, not going to lie, was the letdown of the meal. It was a bit chewy, and I had some fatty parts I wasn’t happy about. It was juicy and not dry, so that was good, but I really wasn’t digging it. There was a mild pepper flavor I noticed too.

Overall? I really liked this meal! I would definitely buy it again. 4 1/2 stars

What’s your favorite product by Stouffer’s? I haven’t had much that I remember in the last few years, so this is my new favorite!

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