Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com/media/feed_logo.gif Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/The Jelly Jar jams reviewedhttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/09/16/the-jelly-jar-jams-reviewed/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/09/16/the-jelly-jar-jams-reviewed/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/09/16/the-jelly-jar-jams-reviewed/#commentsJam combines my two favorite things: Food and violently crushing stuff. So when The Jelly Jar sent over an assortment of their prized preserves - boasting a couple of new-fangled flavors - I was jam jazzed. Even better? They were across-the-board jaw-droppingly delicious. Here, my reviews:

Low Sugar Strawberry Jam
One might say that a jam low in sugar is a jam not worth eating. But I daresay that this Low Sugar Strawberry Jam is even better than its saccharine cohort. For those wary of the hypersugarized corporate conserves, this jam brings the traditional tartness of a slightly ripe strawberry, with a hint of apple to cut the bite.

More reviews after the jump.

Continue reading The Jelly Jar jams reviewed

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Kristyn PomranzTue, 16 Sep 2008 18:05:00 ESTStarbucks new breakfast items reviewedhttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/09/10/starbucks-new-breakfast-items-reviewed/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/09/10/starbucks-new-breakfast-items-reviewed/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/09/10/starbucks-new-breakfast-items-reviewed/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Last time I reviewed Starbucks (for their Vivanno Smoothies) a comment kerfuffle ensued. Well, friends, Starbucks has introduced a new line of "nutritious breakfast options" so strap yourselves in for Sbux Redux.

According to the java junket, "Starbucks will offer six new delicious and satiating breakfast items made with wholesome ingredients that include whole grains, real fruit, and healthy fats from nuts, seeds and Omega-3's to help you start your day the right way."

Hey, awesome! But do they taste any good? Reviews after the jump.

Continue reading Starbucks new breakfast items reviewed

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>berry baked stellaBerryBakedStellachewy fruit nut barChewyFruitNutBarmultigrain roll with spreadsMultigrainRollWithSpreadsperfect oatmealPerfectOatmealpower protein platePowerProteinPlatestarbucks breakfast linestarbucks reviewStarbucksBreakfastLineStarbucksReviewKristyn PomranzWed, 10 Sep 2008 11:30:00 ESTLimited Edition Twix Java reviewhttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/09/04/limited-edition-twix-java-review/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/09/04/limited-edition-twix-java-review/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/09/04/limited-edition-twix-java-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ahh, Twix. The pinnacle of snackitecture. I mean, a buttery cookie draped with caramel, then cloaked in milk chocolate? And then to have not one, but two bars in each package?! Frank Gehry himself could not have constructed a more impressive confectionery structure.

Now, I usually see no reason to mess with excellence, but those evil geniuses over at Mars have a history of riffing on perfection. Case in point: TwixPB. With peanut butter in lieu of caramel and a chocolate cookie base, it is a decadent, special occasion kind of Twick.

Given this example, I do not deign to question Mars' judgment. So when I found Twix Java (boasting coffee caramel and chocolate cookie covered in milk chocolate), I didn't recoil in horror. Instead, I chose to embrace their vision and put my faith in the Artificial Flavorteers.

Although Twix Java is by no means better than Twix original, it is successful in its own right. The coffee flavor is so bright (it tastes the way Sanka smells), it actually pairs well with the slapdash chocolate cookie and milk chocolate robe. Think of it as a Starbucks caramel mocha in candy bar form: A bastardization of many great things, but so trashily delicious, you just don't care.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>limited editionlimited edition candyLimitedEditionLimitedEditionCandytwixtwix javatwixjavaKristyn PomranzThu, 04 Sep 2008 19:00:00 ESTTootsie Pops' "How Many Licks" sweepstakeshttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/08/05/tootsie-pops-how-many-licks-sweepstakes/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/08/05/tootsie-pops-how-many-licks-sweepstakes/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/08/05/tootsie-pops-how-many-licks-sweepstakes/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's been 38 years since Boy first asked Mr. Owl how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. And for the past 38 years, Mr. Owl has unflinchingly maintained that it only takes "...a-one ...a-two-hoo! ...a-three." But as we all know, Mr. Owl is a filthy cheater who bites on three.

Tootsie Pops' new "How Many Licks" sweepstakes asks you to submit your own confection calculations. Just visit AskMrOwl.biz and fill out a short entry form with your lick estimate. One grand prize winner will receive $50,000 (and a bonus $5,000 if they guess within 3% of the average licks calculated from all entries combined). Sweeter odds lie in monthly drawings which award five entrants with 27 pounds of assorted Tootsie Roll goodies.

Keep in mind, owls usually only live until 40, so this may be your last chance to prove Mr. Owl wrong before he bites it for the last time. Have any of you (other than Sisqo) conducted the "How Many Licks" experiment?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>how many licksHowManyLickslollipoplollipopsmr. owlMr.Owlsweepstakestootsietootsie popTootsiePopKristyn PomranzTue, 05 Aug 2008 18:35:00 ESTSlashfood Ate (8): August Food Holidayshttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/31/slashfood-ate-8-august-food-holidays/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/31/slashfood-ate-8-august-food-holidays/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/31/slashfood-ate-8-august-food-holidays/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You know what I love most about America? The way that we have a holiday for everything. And even when we run out of holidays, we just make up more holidays and continue using them as excuses to glut. And when it's a food holiday, we are officially permissed to double-gorge! So here's a heads-up for my favorite August food holidays -- y'know, so you can get your shopping done early and beat the mad holiday rush.
  • August 1 - Raspberry Cream Pie Day: This shortcut Chilled Raspberry Cream Pie recipe from Rachael Ray can be whipped up in a jif. It'll be just like one of those No-Bake commercials when your friends and family are fawning over you for spending the day slaving over the stove while you're secretly sniggering to yourself, "Heh heh, it was no bake, you fools!"
  • August 2 - Ice Cream Sandwich Day: Sure, you could wade through the freezer case, or you could man up and make your own. Consider these decadent peanut-butter-'n'-honey-flavored "Bee-Nut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches" from Domestic Goddess.

Continue reading Slashfood Ate (8): August Food Holidays

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bratwurstfood holidayfood holidaysFoodHolidayFoodHolidaysice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichmarshmallowmustardpotatopotatoesraspberry cream pieRaspberryCreamPietoasted marshmallowToastedMarshmallowtrail mixTrailMixwatermelonwatermelon carvingWatermelonCarvingKristyn PomranzThu, 31 Jul 2008 18:01:00 ESTSpecial Edition Reese's Peanut Butter Bat reviewhttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/29/special-edition-reeses-peanut-butter-bat-review/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/29/special-edition-reeses-peanut-butter-bat-review/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/29/special-edition-reeses-peanut-butter-bat-review/#comments
Some say that Heath Ledger's chilling performance as The Joker is the best thing about The Dark Knight. But I dare say that the best thing about The Dark Knight is its promotional Special Edition Reese's Peanut Butter Bat.

Before I get to that, I must expound my philosophy: Reese's Special Edition Cups (which also include Halloween Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkin and Easter Reese's Peanut Butter Egg) consistently trump traditional cups because they have a higher peanut butter to chocolate ratio. See, classic Cups are weighed down by the shell's chocolate crimping, which leaves us peanut butter lovers pining. But Special Edition Cups forgo the frills and pack as much PB as possible into a thin chocolate casing. In fact, if we're really getting down to brass tacks, Egg beats Pumpkin solely because Pumpkin has the little all-chocolate stem at the top.

Continue reading Special Edition Reese's Peanut Butter Bat review

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>batmanlimited editionlimited edition candylimited editionsLimitedEditionLimitedEditionCandyLimitedEditionsreesesreeses peanut butte...reeses peanut butter batreeses peanut butter eggreeses peanut butter pumpkinReesesPeanutButte...ReesesPeanutButterBatReesesPeanutButterEggReesesPeanutButterPumpkinspecial editionspecial editionsSpecialEditionSpecialEditionsthe dark knightTheDarkKnightKristyn PomranzTue, 29 Jul 2008 18:00:00 ESTSlashfood Ate (8): Gourmet coffee at homehttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/24/slashfood-ate-8-gourmet-coffee-at-home/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/24/slashfood-ate-8-gourmet-coffee-at-home/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/24/slashfood-ate-8-gourmet-coffee-at-home/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This recent post about Starbucks - as with most posts about Starbucks - caused the typical coffee cacophony over price and quality. Although I happen to like Starbucks just fine, I certainly appreciate a good homemade cup. Unfortunately, quality espresso machines are pricey and people rarely use them enough to meet their ROI ('Fess up: How many of you have a schmancy DeLonghi at home, but still go to Starbucks every day?). As a veteran barista (of both indie and corporate coffeehouses), I've come up with a stock of supplies to help make gourmet coffee at home.

Espresso drinks:
  • Moka pot (like this one from Bialetti): Many Italians still brew their espresso the old-fashioned way -- on the stovetop. The pot steeps espresso grounds in boiling water until the bubbles force the creamy coffee into the top of the Moka. Pour it out, and there's your shot.
  • Milk Frother (like this one from Aerolatte): This bad boy has a high-speed whisker that whips any kind of milk into foamy shape. (For a cappuccino, use half steamed milk/half foam; for a latte, use mainly steamed milk, with a layer of foam on top).

Continue reading Slashfood Ate (8): Gourmet coffee at home

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>aerolattebialetti coffeemakerBialettiCoffeemakercoffeegourmet coffeeGourmetCoffeemochamoninstarbucksstarbucks coffeeStarbucksCoffeeteaKristyn PomranzThu, 24 Jul 2008 18:00:00 ESTBook lover's chocolatehttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/23/book-lovers-chocolate/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/23/book-lovers-chocolate/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/23/book-lovers-chocolate/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Some associate San Francisco with Rice-A-Roni, cable cars, and the gay lib movement. I, however, take the shallow route and associate it with fine American chocolate. Between The San Francisco Chocolate Factory and Ghirardelli, San Fran is just about the only city in the contiguous United States that produces decent corporate chocolate. [Note that I said corporate; there are plenty of lovely indie chocolate shops around.]

To wit: Upon her return from the golden state, a colleague presented me with The San Francisco Chocolate Factory's new "Book Lover's Chocolate". The bookshelf-ready packaging evokes an old leather-bound novel (albeit a tiny one, at only 5 inches), and contains rounds of milk chocolate (also available in dark and dark espresso). The schpeel: "Chocolate has been proven to boost brain power, so let our luscious bite sized discs help you devour your new book while pleasing your palate." Uh, okay, whatever you say, Book Chocolate.

But lo, this book chocolate is divine! The disc shape is perfectly contoured for mindless tongue-palate melting (no impatient biting here!), and the flavor is so creamy and rich, they're like little poppable drinking chocolates. I also test-drove the chocolate's promise of enhancing any reading experience, and while they didn't make the oeuvre of Ann Coulter any more digestible, they sure make it more palatable.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>book lovers chocolateBookLoversChocolatechocolatechocolatesdark chocolatedark espresso chocolateDarkChocolateDarkEspressoChocolatemilk chocolateMilkChocolatesan francisco chocolate companySanFranciscoChocolateCompanyKristyn PomranzWed, 23 Jul 2008 15:00:00 ESTBreakfast Cereal ID Quizhttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/20/breakfast-cereal-id-quiz/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/20/breakfast-cereal-id-quiz/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/20/breakfast-cereal-id-quiz/#commentsFiled under:

Breakfast Cereals
Wheaties may be the breakfast of Champions, but are you the champion of breakfast cereals? See if you can identify Cocoa Pebbles from Cocoa Krispies and Cap'n Crunch from Kix. Crunch your way through this quiz, and then come back here to share your score and dish on your favorite cereals!

Breakfast Cereal ID Quiz

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple jacksAppleJacksbreakfast cerealbreakfast cerealsBreakfastCerealBreakfastCerealscapn crunchCapnCrunchcocoa pebblesCocoaPebblescorn popsCornPopscrispixfroot loopsFrootLoopslucky charmsLuckyCharmsraisin branRaisinBrantrixKristyn PomranzSun, 20 Jul 2008 14:00:00 ESTStarbucks' new Vivanno Nourishing Blendhttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/15/starbucks-new-vivanno-nourishing-blend/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/15/starbucks-new-vivanno-nourishing-blend/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/15/starbucks-new-vivanno-nourishing-blend/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Starbucks new Vivanno blends
There are few corporations as polarizing as Starbucks. Even on this blog, it is the rare Slashbucks post that doesn't incite a ruthless comments war. Yet there is no denying that Starbucks is a fast food force and their products deserve coverage like everybody else, so simmer.

Today Starbucks is introducing yet another beverage to their liquid arsenal. Though frozen and blended, the new Vivanno isn't another tired variation on the -ccino theme. Nope, this is Starbucks' answer to Jamba Juice: A protein-packed smoothie.

Here's the scoop:
  • One whole - real! - banana (seriously! it will be peeled and pulsed before your very eyes!)
  • Whey protein (16 grams) and fiber powder (5 grams)
  • Choice of milk (default is 2%)
  • Ice
  • Secret Starbucks-Proprietary Orange-Mango Naked Juice
  • Portion controlled (default is Grande, and always has less than 270 calories)
Although I believe it is rather naive of the financially-woed coffee conglomerate to try and break into the oversaturated smoothie market with a mere four options, I decided to give 'em a go.

Continue reading Starbucks' new Vivanno Nourishing Blend

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>espressofibersmoothiesmoothiesstarbucksstarbucks coffeeStarbucksCoffeevivannowhey proteinwheyproteinKristyn PomranzTue, 15 Jul 2008 17:31:00 ESTSlashfood Ate (8): Cooking with Coffeehttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/10/slashfood-ate-8-cooking-with-coffee/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/10/slashfood-ate-8-cooking-with-coffee/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/10/slashfood-ate-8-cooking-with-coffee/#commentsFiled under: ,

Doughnuts and Coffee Cupcakes

Man alive! I've been so busy drinking all of the coffee within a 10 block radius that I didn't even notice 2008's greatest trend: Cooking with coffee! Though long favored for desserts (such as the awe-inspiring, diabetic-coma-inducing Doughnuts and Coffee Cupcakes from Cupcakeblog.com, above), coffee had never really struck me as a viable ingredient for sauces, marinades, crusts and the like. But apparently, people are pilin' on the Columbian grounds like it's freakin' salt'n'pepper. Below, eight recipes I intend to take black:
  1. Doughnuts and Coffee Cupcakes
  2. Pork with Port and Coffee Sauce
  3. Ribeye Steaks Marinated in Coffee
  4. Summer Lovin' Fish Tacos
  5. Short Ribs with Coffee and Chilies
  6. Almond Strusal Bundt Cake with Coffee Glaze
  7. Coffee Chili
  8. Coffee Chicken Wings

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>coffeecoffee chilicoffee crustcoffee cupcakescoffee recipescoffee sauceCoffeeChiliCoffeeCrustCoffeeCupcakesCoffeeRecipesCoffeeSauceKristyn PomranzThu, 10 Jul 2008 19:30:00 ESTSlashfood Ate (8): Red, white and boozehttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/03/slashfood-ate-8-red-white-and-booze/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/03/slashfood-ate-8-red-white-and-booze/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/07/03/slashfood-ate-8-red-white-and-booze/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Patriotic Strawberry Daiquiri
It's only July 3rd and my foodie forefathers have already dished out plenty of Independence Day eats in such posts as American Flag Cakes and Delicious Foods for July 4th. But let's be honest: There is no food or cake that can rival the great American tradition of getting rip-roaring drunk. Even Uncle Sam's cheeks wear a warm flush!

But tradition aside, I do not condone drinking to excess, so I have devised a list of patriotic cocktails that are too lovely to chug. In the words of the great George Washington as he crossed the Delaware: Take it slow, kids, take it slow.
  1. Starfruit and Stripes Daiquiri - The fine folks at MaisonBisson came up with this capital idea: Take a traditional strawberry daiquiri, top it with whipped cream and blueberries, then garnish with a slice of starfruit. Ta da! Liquid flag!
  2. Red, White and Blue Sangria - Punctuate some white sangria with blueberries and raspberries for that good ol' U.S. of A. color scheme.
  3. Boston Pops Martini - This Massachusetts-made martini celebrates the famed Boston Pops' national independence day broadcast. The true fireworks begin with the rim that's dipped in - what else? - Pop Rocks!
  4. Red, White and Blue Shot - Although there are a number of variations on this popular Fourth of July shooter, the key is a careful pour to ensure those colors don't run.
  5. Patriotic Margarita - The arbiters of blue vodka put their hued booze to good use with this layered margarita: HPNOTIQ 'rita, topped with strawberry 'rita, dressed up with a coconut rim.
  6. Red, White and Blue beers - According to the results of this poll, beer is the bev of choice for cookouts. So if you want to keep with the patriotic theme, stock up on PBR (in the unmistakable red, white, and blue can) or for something a bit classier, invest in an assortment of Chimay Red, Chimay White, and Chimay Blue.
If you are declaring an independence from alcohol, whip up one of these constitutions:
  1. Patriotic Tea Punch - Try out this tart punch that boasts an iced tea base, pomegranate juice, and gobs of fresh fruit.
  2. Bomb Pop Mocktail - This red, white, and blue pousse-cafe layers cranberry juice, blue Gatorade, and diet 7-up to mimic everyone's favorite patriotic popsicle.
Have a festive Fourth, everyone!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>beercocktailsdrinksfourthfourth of julyfourth-of-julyFourthOfJulyindependenceindependence dayindependence-dayIndependenceDayjuly 4july 4thjuly-4thJuly4july4thmargaritamartinimocktailmocktailspousse-cafeKristyn PomranzThu, 03 Jul 2008 17:00:00 ESTSlashfood Ate (8): Foods I can't stomach during the summerhttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/26/slashfood-ate-8-foods-i-cant-stomach-during-the-summer/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/26/slashfood-ate-8-foods-i-cant-stomach-during-the-summer/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/26/slashfood-ate-8-foods-i-cant-stomach-during-the-summer/#commentsFiled under: ,


There has been an overwhelming response to AOL's round up of America's Most Hated Foods. I mean, people are vomiting through their computers and damning foods to illegality (poor cooked carrots). I've gotta admit, I don't have any aversions that strong. Sure, I have foods I dislike (I'm lookin at you, Mr. Sun-Dried Tomato), but nothing that is going to make me weep into my dinner plate.

That said, I do have a pretty serious issue with seasonal food hatred. Certain foods that I enthusiastically eat all winter long just cannot cross my plate during the summer.
  1. Mint-Chocolate. As stated in this M&M review, mint-chocolate means wintry warmth. Although there has been accusation that I got this association from Starbucks (damn you, Grande Soy Mint Mocha!), I maintain that this comes from Christmas' candy cane cataclysm.
  2. Potato Soup. Obviously, it's hot. But what's worse, it's dense, and starchy, and thick, and kinda fuzzy. These are not acceptable adjectives for summer outerwear, let alone my internal organs.
  3. Breakfast sausage. Now, I'm all about a sausage on a bun; toss on some spicy mustard and it's a par-tay. But a girthy link of meat just sitting on my plate first thing in the morning, waiting for a greasy, snappy bite to set it free? Hell no.

Continue reading Slashfood Ate (8): Foods I can't stomach during the summer

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bananascinnamon toastCinnamonToasthateleftoversmint chocolateMintChocolatepasta saucePastaSaucepotato soupPotatoSoupsummerKristyn PomranzThu, 26 Jun 2008 19:00:00 ESTSlashfood Ate (8): Homemade Ice Creamhttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/19/slashfood-ate-8-homemade-ice-cream/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/19/slashfood-ate-8-homemade-ice-cream/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/19/slashfood-ate-8-homemade-ice-cream/#commentsFiled under: ,

Beet Ice Cream
Ice cream is the great equalizer. Every person from every walk of life loves ice cream. (Except for lactose intolerant people, but they're obviously being punished by God.)

While it's perfectly acceptable to march into Baskin-Robbins and demand a triple cone of Jamoca Almond Fudge (you weirdos), or dive head-first into the Haagen-Dazs freezer for a pint of Sticky Toffee Pudding (you English people), wouldn't it feel exponentially more gratifying to make your own?

With a little bit of patience (or an ice cream maker), you can stop begrudging that Sesame, Soybean and Dried Kelp Ice Cream that you couldn't afford to have dry-frozen and shipped from Japan - and just make your own!

Here, eight ice cream recipes worth a whip:
  1. Thomas Keller's Red Beet Ice Cream
  2. Fig & Rosewater Ice-Cream with Crushed Pistachios & Dark Chocolate
  3. Candied Bacon Ice Cream
  4. Fennel Ice Cream
  5. Key Lime Pie Ice Cream
  6. Cherry Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips
  7. Tamarind Coconut Ice Cream
  8. Roasted Peach Ice Cream
An informal poll: Whether homemade, store bought, or imaginary, what is your ultimate ice cream flavor?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bacon ice creamBaconIceCreambeet ice creamBeetIceCreamfennel ice creamFennelIceCreamfig ice creamFigIceCreamhomemade ice creamHomemadeIceCreamice creamIceCreamkey lime pieKeyLimePieKristyn PomranzThu, 19 Jun 2008 17:03:00 ESTWine glasses for posers (like me)http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/18/wine-glasses-for-posers-like-me/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/18/wine-glasses-for-posers-like-me/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/18/wine-glasses-for-posers-like-me/#commentsFiled under: ,

wine glasses made to look like disposable cups
Scrolling through my daily Thrillist email blast, I found a tout for "Sommelier Wine Glasses." Ever feigning an earnest and legitimate interest/knowledge of wine, I clicked through, only to find this truly stellar stemware.

These kegger-cups-cum-wine-glasses are ideally suited for people like me who pretend to care about Viticulture, but are actually throwin' back jugs of Carlo Rossi.

Just remember, these are hand-blown glass, so try and refrain from playing Wine Pong. (Or worse, Flip Cup.)

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>beerglassesglasswaresommelierstemwarewineKristyn PomranzWed, 18 Jun 2008 15:00:00 ESTFamily Circle keeps First Ladies in the kitchenhttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/16/family-circle-keeps-first-women-in-the-kitchen/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/16/family-circle-keeps-first-women-in-the-kitchen/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/16/family-circle-keeps-first-women-in-the-kitchen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain
As much as I abhor the tradition, Slashfood would be remiss to not cover Family Circle's famous would-be-First-Wives Cookie Bake-Off. 'Cause nothing reflects a man's ability to run the United States like his wife's baking skills! But misogyny aside, the winning cookie recipe has, indeed, accurately predicted the White House winner for four elections running. And, interestingly enough, all four of said recipes have riffed on America's love affair with oats'n'chips. Oh Americans, so set in your ways.

Ever the people-pleaser, Cindy McCain submitted a can't-beat combo of oatmeal cookies with butterscotch chips. (Hopefully this was not another recipe she plagiarized from Giada De Laurentiis.) And what did Michelle Obama do? She opted for shortbread cookies with citrus zest and a pour of Amaretto. Great. *facepalm*

Politics aside, I am predisposed to Obama's Shortbread Cookies. Although the pictures on Family Circle make them look a bit like unappetizing li'l fruit cake slices, the dried fruit is optional, so really, it's just shortbread spiked with zest and almondy alcohol. Um, yes please.

Who are you voting for? Keep it to cookies, please, no need for political drama in a foodie forum!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>cindy mccainCindyMccainmccainmccain vs. obamamccainvs.obamamichelle obamaMichelleObamaobamatrail mixTrailMixKristyn PomranzMon, 16 Jun 2008 19:00:00 ESTKool-Aid + Pickles = Koolickleshttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/13/kool-aid-pickles-koolickles/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/13/kool-aid-pickles-koolickles/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/13/kool-aid-pickles-koolickles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Koolickles
I am all about pickles. One of my favorite eating sensations is when you chomp into a kosher dill and the sweet-salty brine makes your cheeks cave in. Yeah, that's good stuff.

Y'know what else I like? Kool-Aid. Because even hyperexaggerated interpretations of fruit deserve their own flavor palette. That, and I have no shame.

There was a point in my life when these two snack joys maintained independent existences. It was a simpler time. But then someone pointed me to Alton Brown's recipe for Koolickles and my world was upended. Apparently, these are standard fare in the Mississippi Delta, and the trend picked up steam when the New York Times ran a piece on them last year. So now I must ask: Who here has tried these? What are they like? Are they the solution to all of my Kool-Aid-pickle-pairing problems? Or are they hell in the form of an cylinder? I demand answers.

Recipe after the jump.

Continue reading Kool-Aid + Pickles = Koolickles

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>kool aidkool-aidkoolaidpicklepicklesKristyn PomranzFri, 13 Jun 2008 17:35:00 ESTTed Allen: Food Detectivehttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/10/ted-allen-food-detective/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/10/ted-allen-food-detective/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/10/ted-allen-food-detective/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

image of Ted AllenY'know what I love about Ted Allen? Everything. His carefully sculpted coiff, his evasion of the Queer Eye curse, his smug yet disarming way of knowing so much more about everything than I ever will. And now, as if I needed another reason to worship the damn man, he is hosting the genius new Food Network series Food Detectives.

As if granting my TV prayers, Food Detectives is described as the epicurean answer to Mythbusters. The upcoming primetime show, debuting on July 29th, will feature Allen working with a team of culinary and technical scientists to verify or debunk famous food myths. Slated thusfar: the five-second rule, the gestation of gum digestion, and an apple-a-day's effect on doctors.

Additionally, viewers can submit their own culinary queries. First on my list: Can eating too many carrots turn your skin orange? 'Cause I'd sure like to see Ted all tannined. Which food fables would you like to see tested?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>food detectivesfood networkfood scienceFoodDetectivesFoodNetworkFoodScienceted allenTedAllenKristyn PomranzTue, 10 Jun 2008 16:35:00 ESTRachael Ray fan pushes the boundaries of body arthttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/03/rachael-ray-fan-pushes-the-boundaries-of-body-art/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/03/rachael-ray-fan-pushes-the-boundaries-of-body-art/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/06/03/rachael-ray-fan-pushes-the-boundaries-of-body-art/#commentsFiled under: ,

Okay. I'm all for rabid celebrity fanaticism, and I enjoy the occasional portrait tattoo. But seriously?

Yep, a Rachael Ray extremist showed up at Borders Books in Syosset, New York for Monday's signing of Ray's new Yum-O: The Family Cookbook and proudly showed the chef her moderately-to-completely terrifying ink.

I can't help but wonder at what point in Rachael Ray's career trajectory this chick decided to indelibly inscribe her devotion. 'Cause honestly, if this is from 2002's $40-A-Day Ray, I can kinda get behind it, 'cause we all need a gentle a reminder to eat on a budget (even internationally!).

Continue reading Rachael Ray fan pushes the boundaries of body art

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>rachael rayRachaelRaytattooyum-oKristyn PomranzTue, 03 Jun 2008 12:30:00 ESTIndiana Jones and the inexplicable M&M promotionhttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/05/28/indiana-jones-and-the-inexplicable-mandm-promotion/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/05/28/indiana-jones-and-the-inexplicable-mandm-promotion/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/05/28/indiana-jones-and-the-inexplicable-mandm-promotion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

bag of Indiana Jones M&Ms
Let it be known that I am a die hard Limited Edition Foods fan. I lived and died by Pepsi Kona, and I essentially redefine myself with each new incarnation of Kit Kat. That said, imagine my excitement when a friend of mine presented me with New Indiana Jones Mint Crisp M&Ms. (While they do not specifically say "Limited Edition", they do imply as much with "Get 'M' Before They're Lost!") One look at these puppies and you know you're in for an epicurean adventure of chilled-monkey-brains-buffet proportions, 'cause these M&Ms are all kinds of divergent from the original.

To wit:
  • They are shades of green and white
  • In place of the simple "M", some of the candies have mystical graphics (including a skull, a compass, a temple, and Indy's hat)
  • They are chocolate-mint flavored
  • Their core is a rice crisp


Continue reading Indiana Jones and the inexplicable M&M promotion

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>chocolate mintChocolateMintIndiana JonesIndianaJoneslimited editionlimited edition candyLimitedEditionLimitedEditionCandymmKristyn PomranzWed, 28 May 2008 16:31:00 EST