By Mike Pomranz
Since the mid-80s when Frito-Lay stopped selling original, plain Doritos in most local stores, commercial snacks seem to have gone all flavored and fancy. Whatever happened to good old chips and dip, and can any of these newfangled treats compete? Read on as we give you a run down to see if these post-modern munchies can hold up against an old standard -- a bag of Ruffles potato chips and jar of Lay's French Onion dip. Time for a snack attack!

Rachel Been

Tostitos Multigrain
One of the few "plain" products I got to sample, Tostitos Multigrain were quite enjoyable. Multigrain is typically intended to read as "healthy" more so than "tasty," but these chips had a lot of corn chip flavor with a touch of sweetness. And healthiness aside, I'm always happy when I recognize every item in the ingredients list -- especially in a mass-market product). Tostitos Multigrain chips are a solid contender to the Ruffles throne.

Rachel Been

Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili
What was Doritos thinking? Not that this latest incarnation is terrible, just bizarre, with an Asian food flavored, almost teriyaki edge. When it comes to Doritos, I tend to be a purist; Nacho Cheese is pretty much where I draw the line -- sorry Cooler Ranch. While this Spicy Sweet style might satiate some buds looking for a unique taste, I'd probably spend more time at the French Onion dip bowl.

Rachel Been

Rold Gold Pretzel Waves Parmesan Garlic
Speaking of far-out tastes, Rold Gold swings and misses with their Parmesan Garlic Pretzel Waves. Even forgoing determining what a "pretzel wave" is exactly, I can tell you precisely what taste these Frankenstein snacks leave in your mouth: Clam sauce! I'm all for dipping bread in my leftover mussel juice, but this snack just doesn't capture the essence. If I want waves, I'll stick with the Ruffles.

Rachel Been

Sun Chips Peppercorn Ranch
As far as wavy snack chips go, Sun Chips are definitely a step up from the aforementioned "pretzel waves." I'm a big fan of Sun Chips in general. They're light and reasonably healthy aso far as chips go. Still, this Peppercorn Ranch variety leaves something to be desired. The ranch flavor is pretty prominent, weighing down the Sun Chip's natural levity. Personally, I'd prefer plunking some plain Sun Chips in my ol' fashioned French Onion dip jar.

Rachel Been

Cracker Crisps Zesty Herb & Parmesan
Another product to file in the "I'm-not-sure-what-this-is" department, I was skeptical of so-called "cracker crisps." But these part potato, part wheat, bite-size hybrids won me over with their superior light crunch and their simple subtle herb flavor. Dipping chips requires expending energy and snacking is a lazy man's game. Cracker Crisps are pure toss-'em-in-your-mouth simplicity. Go ahead and plop this bag next to me on the couch.

Rachel Been

Stacey's Parmesan Garlic & Herb Pita Chips
Good things come in small packages, which might explain why pita chips, with their propensity towards smaller bag sizes, rule! Parmesan, garlic and herb are all regularly revisited flavors on this list, but Stacey's is one of the few to truly get it right. They're straightforward and simple, letting the chip do most of the talking. You might feel a little non-macho chowing down on pita chips during the big game, but with their killer crunch and perfectly tasty baked flavor, Parmesan Garlic & Herb Pita Chips are a worthy change of pace from those pedestrian potato chips.

Rachel Been

Archer Farms Sea Salt Baked Pita Chips
Stacey's set the bar pretty high, but I'm also a sucker for traditional tastes, so could the standard Sea Salt Pita Chips top their flavored cousins? Oddly enough, where Stacey's showed some restraint, Archer Farms really rocked out with the sea salt making their chips taste a bit like you're slurping up brine. The chips themselves were worthy competitors, but let's go lighter on the sodium next time. Maybe try dipping these guys in your French Onion to help take the edge off.

Rachel Been

Goldfish Flavor Blasted Monstrous Mozzarella Stick Baked Snack Crackers
Goldfish Crackers have been a favorite of mine since childhood, but this Monstrous Mozzarella Stick incarnation is more like a monstrosity. Two possibilities exist here: Either Pepperidge Farm thinks mozzarella sticks taste like stale Cheese Goldfish or my test bag was compromised. I'd like to give the guys down at PF the benefit of the doubt on this one, but the "sell by" date says otherwise. Buyer beware: Once again, stick with the old school styles!

Rachel Been

Market Pantry Bite-Size Rice Snacks Ranch
After spending my day sampling snack foods, rice crackers are actually a wonderful respite. Ranch isn't my favorite fake flavor and shoving my nose in the bag made me nauseous. Luckily, your average snack eater won't be eating these face-first, so I can give these mini Market Pantry rice cakes a big thumbs up as a healthy, crunchy alternative snack.

Rachel Been

By Mike Pomranz
Stocking appropriate beers to satisfy the diverse range of guests who may arrive at your Super Bowl party can be a quite difficult task. We hate seeing folks fumble their hosting duties, so we've assembled this guide to a variety of typical Super Bowl party guest personalities and the proper beer to have prepared for them upon their arrival should you encounter them. Game on!

Getty Images

The Relentless Prop Bettor
"Who'll win the coin toss?" "I'll bet you 18-1 Larry Fitzgerald will have between 151 - 160 receiving yards, but if he gets injured the bet is off!" If comments like these keep ringing in your ears, it's likely the guy standing next to you is an inveterate gambler. It's possible he might work himself into such a frenzy he'll pass out after losing all his money when the second quarter total isn't under 13 and a hook, but most likely, beer will fuel this guy well into the evening, even after the game is over. Have some Lionshead, Lone Star or Mickey's bottles on hand, all of which have puzzles under their caps. Seeing who can solve these the fastest will create some fun betting action during halftime and beyond.

The Guy Who's Only In It For the Commercials
There's one in every crowd. Keep an eye out for the guy wearing team paraphernalia for a team who didn't make the big game, or look for the guy who's working the dip bowl during the first big fourth and inches play. But as soon as the zebras call a TV timeout, this guy's glued to the screen. Keep a couple of Miller Lites around for him. It's not that he really drinks beer, but he's got a "Tastes great, less filling!" line locked and loaded for you. All you have to do is toss him that can.

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The Guy Who's Only In It For the Drinking
He'll be easy to spot; just look for the guy wearing a T shirt with a beer logo that has been co-opted to promote his fraternity's spring fling. He's gonna guzzle up a case of whatever you've got, so make sure to stock a 30 pack of something cheap and mass-market. Milwaukee's Best or Natural Light should be right up his alley and keep him away from your good stuff. Don't worry if you buy too much, because he'll take your extras home for you.

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The Confused Non-American
Perhaps your British coworker Charlie overheard your party plans for viewing the biggest football game of the year. Charlie assures you he is a huge football fan and invites himself over after inquiring upon whose "pitch" they'll be playing the "match." Odds are this outspoken Englishman will have more than his fair share of questions and complaints about "American football." Make sure to have some pub lagers well stocked -- preferably in 16 oz. cans -- to keep this guest properly elephant trunk. (That means drunk, to us non-Cockneys.) Some Stella Artois or Kronenbourg should do the trick.

The Living Room Color Commentator
It took us over 20 years to finally get Joe Theismann off the air, and now you have this jerk making witless comments after every play. Your only refuge -- get this guy so well lubricated he decides to take a nap. But you'll be riding a fine line -- if he doesn't chill out, that extra alcohol will just feed into the volume and inanity of his blather. Get something really strong. Any barley wine or Belgian Trappist-style ale should do the trick but Weyerbacher's Blithering Idiot (clocking in at 11% ABV) seems exceedingly appropriate, providing a subtle hint to boot.

The Top Secret Arch-Nemesis
He'll find his way in. Sure, he wasn't invited, but he's a friend of a friend, and he's just arrogant enough to think he's welcome anywhere. That's why you hate him so much to begin with. While you're actually interested in the game, he's over in the corner making a move on your girl. As you're keeping an eye on his moves, you just missed the huge third down conversion. I hate that guy! Get your revenge. Keep a six-pack of Michelob Ultra around. Tell him, "Chicks dig guys who drink this stuff. It makes them look healthy and athletic." He's just dumb enough to believe it. Now he's the laughing stock of the party.

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The "Only-Hangs-Out-With-You-For-One-Game-A-Year" High School Friend / College Buddy
The Super Bowl is rich with ritual and tradition. Even where and with whom you watch it can be habits that are hard to break. Maybe the Super Bowl is the only time of year you get to hang out with your old college buddy who's always trying to one-up you with his fancy finance job while you're still stuck doing frustratingly unfunny beer write-ups. Here's your trick to pull one over on him this year -- offer him a Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA. He'll surely call it an "Enjoyable, if somewhat pedestrian craft beer selection," which is when you reply, "Oh, I only save those for the non-discriminating beer drinkers" and whip out a Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA for yourself. Gotcha!

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The Undercover First Date
Inviting that special girl you've had your eye on to your Super Bowl get-together is a great casual way to sneak in that "undercover first date." She'll never know what hit her. And here's the trick -- when you first see her making a move towards the keg, loudly pronounce, "Oh! You don't want to be drinking swill from the same tap as the rest of these drunken losers!" Then, lead the young lady into the kitchen and say, "This should suit you better. It's my personal stash of Love Stout from Yards Brewing Company." Then give her the most seductive wink of your life. It's a surefire winner.

The Girl Who Only Watches One Game A Year
Let's face it: Any woman who catches only one football game a year probably isn't a fan of testosterone-fueled keg fests. Sure, she might love to drink, and maybe American macro-brews are even her standard suds. But for an event like this, she'll probably just want to distance herself from the whole ordeal. To satiate her ladylike side, make sure to keep some fruity and refreshing lambics on ice; a Lindeman's Framboise will do perfectly. The classy Belgian fruit beer will get her comfy enough to handle any forthcoming football antics, while openly airing her general disdain for such beer-brained ridiculousness in the process.

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What makes a tip-top potato chip? That's a mighty hard call -- especially when you're testing nearly 5 dozen kinds. The good folks from Anchor's Chip of the Month sent spuds from around the country, and our panelists evaluated each for crunch, salt & grease levels, flavor, and overall appeal. Plain, salted chips only were allowed (though we've included a few wild card faves at the end), and while we found good things to say about 58 of the 59 chips we tasted, 15 of 'em made it to the top of the heap. Read on for our chip picks.

#15 BALLREICH'S MARCELLED ORIGINAL / NO SALT ADDED
(Tiffin, OH)
What the heck does "marcelled" mean? In the 1920s, early in Ballreich's history, the marcelled, or waved hairstyle, resembling the chip's surface was all the rage. The coiffure may have gone out of favor, but the chips have remained a local Ohio favorite ever since. While they weren't a hit with everyone, several panelists raved over the satisfying Krispy Kreme-like greasy mouth feel of both the salted and unsalted varieties. It's stand-out sinner in an increasingly health-centric snack market.
Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

#14 TERRA RED BLISS
(Nationally available)
Frankly, several folks couldn't stand these, but plenty of others ranked these intensely thick, skin-on, olive oil cooked chips among their favorites. The stand-out appeal seemed to be in the elemental, natural potato flavor of the Red Bliss -- a distinct departure from the salt and oil-centric taste of the vast majority of our brands. Terra's Yukon Gold variety also ranked highly, but didn't quite make the final cut.
Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

#13 GOOD'S ORIGINAL
(Pennsylvania)
Good's likely benefitted from our blind testing method (chips were presented on numbered paper plates with bags hidden away), as panelists reading the contents may have shied away upon reading "lard." However, hog fat is exactly what lends gives this chip the rich, sweet flavor and mouth-feel that have made it, and its sister chip, the red bagged Homestyle Good's, cult classics.

Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

#12 WISE RIDGIES
(Berwick, PA)
Ruffles may have ridges, but Wise Ridgies reigned supreme over 'em for our panelists, who ranked these chips higher for their excellent texture, lower salt level, and "character." We dig Ridgies for their picnic appeal and easy availability.

Slashfood blogger Stefani Pollack loves Ruffles, but for a very particular rrrrrreason. Read why at Slashfood.com.

Rachel Been, AOL

#11 DOOR COUNTY KETTLE COOKED ORIGINAL
(Milwaukee, WI)
Our boss crunched one of these and exclaimed, "This is an outstanding chip!" We're willing to admit the man has good taste, but we still put it to our panel, which determined the chip had great taste as well, and that the taste was somewhat reminiscent of a nice, aged cheese. Amusing, considering that Door County is smack dab in cheesehead central -- Wisconsin. The grease factor is a tad high, but the intense crunch and distinctive flavor send these to the head of the herd.
Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

#10 KETTLE CHIPS LIGHTLY SALTED
(Nationally available)
Kettle Chips are another maker of our most beloved flavored chips, but it seems they don't skimp when it comes to cooking up a small batch of the plain ones. Our panelists were quick to cite the lightly burnt quality as "very appealing," "subtle" and "nicely balanced," and ranked the crisp quality as a standout.

Slashfood blogger Marisa McClellan loves Kettle Chips. Read what she has to say.

Rachel Been, AOL

#9 MIKE-SELL'S GROOVY
(Dayton, OH)
Our food editor was pleased to find her childhood favorite in the mix, and even more delighted once she saw how well they fared with the palates of her peers. The rippled chips were among the saltier in the mix, which proved to be a welcome standout amongst the heap of restrainedly seasoned offerings, and the sturdy, crunchable shape earned 'em a slew of "Great!" statements on the score sheets.
Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

#8 LAY'S NATURAL THICK CUT SEA SALTED
(Nationally available)
Very few of the mega-brands cracked the Top 15, but crispy appeal of this Lay's offering was undeniable. Tasters were equally pleased by its simple, subtly salted flavor, evocative of childhood picnics and the chip shape light enough to make it endlessly edible either solo or paired with a lunchtime sandwich.

Slashfood blogger Bob Sassone loves these chips. Read what he has to say.

Rachel Been, AOL

#7 UTZ CLASSIC RUSSETS
(Hanover, PA)
We're unapologetic Utz fans, and while we tend to gravitate toward them more for their flavored varieties (stayed tuned for our flavored chip test in a few weeks), these stood out for their robust, dark, earthy flavor and remarkable crunch. Panelists used plenty of exclamation points, and we took that as a sign of a chip well done.
Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

3 days. 4 editors. 185,000 new food products. 8 favorites each. It's a tough job, but Kat Kinsman and Kristyn Pomranz of AOL Food, Marisa McClellan of Slashfood and Heather Tyree of Epicurious munched their way through the 54th Summer Fancy Food Show* in search of the most mouthwatering edibles on the market. Flip through to find your new craving.

*Don't let the name fool ya -- it's been around since 1955. Some of our faves are just about as "fancy" as Heinz ketchup.

Mari's New York

(Kat's Pick)
DOCKSIDE KEY LIME CAKE
On my, ahem, second trip back to this booth, I heard a story that made me weep into my Key Lime Cake. A regular customer once called to make a special order for a Saturday arrival. The shop made sure he knew that the delivery service added a weekend charge, and he said it didn't matter. This cake was for his dying wife, they'd enjoyed this Florida favorite together for the past 30 years, and by gosh, he was going to get it to her. After sampling an intensely tart, moist and luscious morsel for myself, I can only imagine that she departed this earth one happy, satisfied soul.

Dockside Market

Dockside Market

(Kat's Pick)
TEXAS SASSY PICKLE SAUCE
America, meet your new favorite condiment. Maury and Brenda Smeyne's signature sauce is an artfully balanced blend of slightly sweetened bread and butter-style pickle brine with a kiss of pepper and I haven't found a single darned food on which it doesn't taste amazing. From burgers and bloody marys to cut veggies and plain ol' tortilla chips, the sweet-sour-salty Texas three-step sasses up the flavor of just about anything edible. Yeeee-haaa!

Texas Sassy

Texas Sassy

(Kat's Pick)
FIRECRACKER DARK CHOCOLATE BAR
Snap, crackle, pow! This bar is like a little chocolate powder keg packed with smoky, spicy chipotle pepper, salt and plenty of giggle-inducing popping candy. As the confection is held on the tongue or against the roof of the mouth, the chocolate melts, slowly revealing both heat and an audible, palpable explosion as the candy emerges. It's a multi-sensory extravaganza that's just begging to be shared with a fellow chocolate fiend. Bring on the fireworks!

Chuao Chocolatier

Chuao Chocolatier

(Kat's Pick)
SWEET LEAF CHERRY LIMEADE
Fresh cherry limeade is a drink of which I'm so fond, I served it at my wedding. So, as you might imagine, my bar is set pretty darned high. I was utterly gobsmacked to see Sweet Leaf sail right on over it. Their tart, tangy organic blend is the essence of summer, squeezed and saved in a bottle for enjoyment the whole year 'round. I'm not saying I'll give up making my own in peak cherry season, but it's refreshing to know where I'll be getting my fix come wintertime.

Sweet Leaf Tea

Sweet Leaf Tea

(Kat's Pick)
FAT WITCH BROWNIE MIXES
I'm sometimes hesitant to write about my favorite local perishables, 'cause I figure it's just cruel to taunt folks without easy access to them. The hex has been lifted, though, and soon everyone across the USA will be under the spell of wickedly rich, moist and naturally delicious Fat Witch Brownies, conjured up in their very own kitchen. Head witch Patricia Helding spent two years formulating brownie mixes that would allow home cooks to mimic at home what she's been whipping up to rave reviews in her Chelsea Market bakery since 1991. Though they won't be in stores until August, jump on your broomstick and sign up for advance notice at her website.

Fat Witch Bakery

Fat Witch

(Kat's Pick)
CYPRESS GROVE TRUFFLE TREMOR
Cypress Grove's Humbolt Fog and Purple Haze have long been my go-to party cheeses, but this truffle-studded addition to the herd totally got my goat. A luxurious cake of chevre is shot through with a knee-weakening allotment of earthy truffle, making for a flavor balance that's simultaneously rock solid and earth shattering. They're really not kidding around.

Cypress Grove Chevre

Cypress Grove Chevre

(Kat's Pick)
LITTLE WINGS BUFFALO WINGS CHIPS
It takes a lot for a chip to stand out from the crowd, but this snack is a superstar. From the multi-grained crunch and ear-warming Frank's Red Sauce-based spice to the intriguing creamy blue cheese drizzle, every single flavor and texture element was in perfect harmony. Consider me a groupie.

Rock-n-Roll Gourmet

Rock-n-Roll Gourmet

(Kat's Top Pick)
WHITSON'S MOIST CHILI SEASONING
Sarah Whitson Bourbon's booth was far from the fanciest looking at the food show, but once she lifted the lid from her crock pot, the heady scent of the seasoned meat within was all the décor she needed. Her grandfather developed this soulful, savory blend of spices at his Denton, Texas store in 1932, and while the company has changed hands several times, she's reclaimed and revived it, staying true to his original formulation. I realize that "chili" is in the name, and I've no doubt of their claim that it "makes unsurpassed Frito Pie," but I'm pretty sure it could make my couch, a subway platform or a sweat sock taste delicious if applied in sufficient quantities. It's that darned good.

Whitson Chile Products

Whitson Chile Products

(Kristyn's Pick)
INGLEHOFFER SWEET HOT MUSTARD
Spicy or sweet, sweet or spicy? It's the never ending conundrum faced by a society of die-hard mustard consumers. Sometimes we want the fiery burst of a solid mustard seed, other times we want the crystallized smoothness of sweet, sweet honey. Inglehoffer Sweet Hot Mustard has magically, seamlessly blended the two flavors, and the effect is flooring. The mustard is definitely hot, but the spice is sealed with a kiss of sweet, confounding the brain and delighting the tongue.


Beaverton Foods

Beaverton Foods

by Kat Kinsman
With hundreds of mustards on the market, we had to set some serious parameters for our search. Brands had to be easy to find on national supermarket shelves, free of any fancy flavoring, and cost less than $3.99.

Even with these restrictions, we sampled more than five dozen varieties, and chose runners-up and winners in the categories of yellow, honey, deli/brown, dijon and hot, with one solitary mustard pot reigning supreme. See if your favorite made the cut.

Rachel Been

Runner-up: Yellow
Gulden's Yellow Mustard

French's was a close contender, but the clear, bright tang of this textbook yellow mustard gave it a slight edge. Said one tester, "This is Hot Dog Mustard 101."
Website: ConAgra Foods

Rachel Been

Runner-up: Yellow
Best Yet Mustard

The creamy, sharp kick of Best Yet led more than one tester to evoke its similarity to their favorite cheddar. We're overcome with a sudden, major craving for a hot, soft pretzel upon which to slather it.
Website: Best Yet Market

Rachel Been

Runner-up: Yellow
Plochman's Mild Yellow Mustard

Though possessed of a slightly lighter body than the previous two contenders, Plochman's proves a milder-flavored workhorse of a yellow mustard. On a sandwich or a ballpark dog, it's perfectly pleasing, but unassertive enough to step back and let the other ingredients shine.
Website: Plochman's Mustard

Rachel Been

Winner: Yellow
Annie's Natural Organic Yellow Mustard

In the end, Annie's took home the gold, winning raves for its sturdy, glossy mouthfeel and exquisite blend of simple spices. Asked one tester, "Is it the cloves? It must be the cloves. Do you think it could be the cloves?" We're pretty sure it's the cloves.
Website: Annie's Naturals

Rachel Been

Runner-up: Honey
Hellman's Honey Mustard

We'll admit we were a tad shocked that this one made it to the finals, given its close resemblance to the much maligned Dijonaise. However, this dark horse contender brought something rare to the table -- an honest to gosh burst of real honey flavor that set our tasters all abuzz.
Website: Hellman's

Rachel Been

Runner-up: Honey
Olde Cape Cod Sweet & Hot Honey Mustard

The luxurious heft of honey gives way to a pleasing, crystalline grit against the tongue, easing into a lazy heat that warms all the way into the nasal passages. Said one taster, "Fire in the hive!"
Website: Cains Foods

Rachel Been

Winner: Honey
Billy Bee Original Honey Mustard

It should come as no great surprise that the queen bee in this category would come from a company that knows a thing or ten about the honey biz. Billy Bee is best known for their pure, natural clover honey, and they've paired it perfectly with a creamy, medium-bodied mustard for a blend that would be as at home on a hot pretzel or panini as it would be drizzled over a salad or a fresh slice of ham.
Website: Billy Bee Honey

Rachel Been

Runner-up: Brown/Deli
Kosciusko Spicy Brown Mustard

Roll out the barrel! This tart and tangy meld had tasters aching for a pint of stout and a big ol' bratwurst on which to slather this. It polkas right up to the edge of being a li'l bit too sour, but luckily never quite topples over.
Website: Plochman

Rachel Been

Runner-up: Brown/Deli
Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Mustard

Just a wee dram of whiskey deepens the flavor of this sumptuously thick, zesty blend. Jack Daniels is known for licensing its name for everything from coffee to nuts -- with varying degrees of success, but our tasters gave solid thumbs up to this use of Old No. 7.
Website: T. Marzetti
Website: T. Marzetti

Rachel Been

by AOL Food Editors
Our team of food editors shook, stirred, popped the top and puckered their way through 70 cartons, bottles, cans and pouches in search of the most thirst-quenching, soul-satisfying brand of store-bought lemonade. In the end, they selected several runners-up and a winner in each of seven categories: plastic bottle, can, juice box or pouch, powder, glass bottle and paper carton, as well as the best pink lemonade and the absolute best and worst overall. Read on for results and see how store brands can sometimes rule.

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Plastic Bottle
Tropicana Lemonade

Sweetener: High Fructose Corn Syrup
Calories per serving: 100
Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 3
Lemon strength: Medium
Our panel says: "More like lemon soda than lemonade, this was light and refreshing."

Learn more about Tropicana

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Plastic Bottle
Simply Lemonade

Sweetener: Natural Sugar
Calories per serving: 120
Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 3
Lemon strength: Medium
Our panel says: "It was balanced and non-sticky with a smooth, lime-like finish." "I tend to like the 'Simply' series -- orange juice, limeade, etc. -- and this does not disappoint."

Learn more about Simply

Rachel Been, AOL

Winner: Plastic Bottle:
Citarella Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

Sweetener: Pure Cane Sugar
Calories per serving: N/A
Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 5
Lemon strength: Mild
Our panel says: "With notes of (unadvertised) coconut and lime, this was a tropical dream." "It's like a vacation in a bottle."

Learn more about Citarella Store brand

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Canned
Country Time Lemonade

Sweetener: High Fructose Corn Syrup
Calories per serving: 140
Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 3
Lemon Strength: Solid
Our panel says: "It's wonderfully bold and lemony, neither too tart or too sweet." "The finish is a little bit sticky, but the flavor makes up for it."

Learn more about Country Time

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Canned
Arizona Lemonade

Sweetener: High Fructose Corn Syrup
Calories per serving: 110
Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 2
Lemon Strength:
Our panel says: "The flavor is just about perfect -- a wonderful balance of sweet and sour. Only drawback is the slightly sticky mouth feel, but just solve that by ditching the can and serving over ice." "Nicely balanced, assertive, no messing around."

Learn more about Arizona

Rachel Been, AOL

Winner: Canned
San Pellegrino Limonata

Sweetener: Sugar
Calories per serving: 141
Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 2
Lemon Strength: Intense
Our panel says: "This is incredible front-porch lemonade -- if your front porch happens to sport marble columns with ivy growing up them. This is grown-up lemonade that's strong, clear, effervescent and utterly addictive."

Learn more about San Pellegrino

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Juice Box
Minute Maid Lemonade

Sweetener: High Fructose Corn Syrup
Calories per serving: 90
Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 4
Lemon strength: Medium
Our panel says: "A refreshing small box for when you're on the go" "It wasn't as sweet as I thought it would be -- and that's a good thing."

Learn more about Minute Maid

Rachel Been, AOL

Winner: Juice Box
Hi-C Poppin' Lemonade

Sweetener: High Fructose Corn Syrup
Calories per serving: 100
Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 3
Lemon Strength: Mild
Our panel says: "A crowd shocker, it wasn't as sweet as the majority of juice boxes." "A well balanced drink."

Learn more about Hi-C

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Powdered
Crystal Light Lemonade

Sweetener: Aspartame
Calories per serving: 5
Tart (1) - Sweet (5): 3
Lemon Strength: Right up front
Our panel says: "This is the rarest of all creatures -- a low-calorie lemonade that doesn't have a nasty aftertaste! The taste that it does have is actually a really nice balance of tart and sweet."

Learn more about Crystal Light

Rachel Been, AOL

We're not coffee snobs, but we're hard pressed to think of a single instance where we'd pick the stir-in stuff over some java that's hot from a freshly-brewed pot. Still, sometimes we need a caffeine fix on the go or in a jiffy, and there's not a bean to be seen.

We chugged our way through more than two dozen different blends so you'll know which brands are worth sipping -- and skipping. Keep clicking to see our reviews from the deepest dregs to the creme de la cafe.

Rachel Been, AOL

Chock Full O'Nuts

Sip or skip? Skip. Skip very, VERY far away.

Pass for brewed? No

Tasting Notes: Wow, what a tease. We were beckoned in by a yummy smell, but the flavor -- ugh. It's cruelly sour with an undertone of rotting veggies and chock full o' yuck.

Rachel Been, AOL

Nescafe Clasico

Sip or skip? Skip

Pass for brewed? Never

Tasting Notes: This barely even passes for instant java, and packs a bitter, chemical afterburn that took forever to get off our tongues. No mas, por favor.

Rachel Been, AOL

Folgers Coffee Singles Classic Roast

Sip or skip? Skip

Pass for brewed? No way

Tasting Notes: It smells okay, but has no flavor whatsover. Sure, the pack's convenient -- if you have an on-the-go hankering for the taste of brown water.

Rachel Been, AOL

Folgers Coffee Singles Classic Decaf

Sip or skip? Skip

Pass for brewed? No

Tasting Notes: No aroma, no flavor, no caffeine -- not a single reason to bother.

Rachel Been, AOL

Rocket Fuel

Sip or skip? Skip

Pass for brewed? As the worst gas station coffee you've ever had

Tasting Notes: It smells like dust, and while it's billed as "rich, dark, powerful coffee," all we're getting is a seismic blast of bitterness.

Rachel Been, AOL

Sanka

Sip or skip? Skip

Pass for brewed? Really bad, burned decaf

Tasting Notes: We're really feeling the burn on this one. The flavor is oddly reminiscent of scorched cheese -- not something we're looking to encounter first thing in the a.m.

Rachel Been, AOL

Brown Gold

Sip or skip? Skip

Pass for brewed? Perhaps for metallic conference room coffee

Tasting Notes: It's got a strange dusty, papery smell and a tinny taste -- is that the "gold" part? And what the heck is an Excelsio bean?

Rachel Been, AOL

Folgers Classic Roast

Sip or skip? Skip

Pass for brewed? No

Tasting Notes: If this odor-free, sour, bitter blend is indeed the best part of waking up, we suggest you just stay tucked in bed.

Rachel Been, AOL

White Rose Original Blend

Sip or skip? Skip

Pass for brewed? Maybe at Homer Simpson's nuclear plant.

Tasting Notes: Savor the taste and aroma of cardboard dunked in hot water? Have we got the brew for you!

Rachel Been, AOL

Our intrepid pack of testers chomped their way through 50 different franks, hot dogs and wieners in hot pursuit of the top tube steak in all the land. Not a single chicken, turkey or tofu dog made the final cut, while beef and pork reigned supreme.

Did your favorite frank lead the pack? Read on.

Nathan Ellis Perkel

20. DIETZ & WATSON NEW YORK BRAND BEEF FRANKS
(All Beef, Natural Casing)

The strong casing caused our panel to snap to attention, and the solid, beefy interior makes this a dandy, workaday dog.

Nathan Ellis Perkel

19. SABRETT SKINLESS BEEF FRANKFURTERS
(All Beef)

Our panelists were split on the subtly peppery aftertaste, but all sang the praises of the juicy, gently salted initial flavor experience.

Nathan Ellis Perkel

18. COLEMAN NATURAL UNCURED BEEF HOT DOGS
(Uncured, All Beef)

All tasters sang the praises of the smoky, bratwurst-like flavor or this firm, un-fancy frank.

Nathan Ellis Perkel

17. HILLSHIRE FARMS LIT'L BEEF FRANKS
(All Beef)

These wee wieners pack a lot of meaty, salty flavor into a bitty bite. The size allows for lots of skin crisping, and our panel deemed 'em a 'perfectly respectable cocktail frank.'

Nathan Ellis Perkel

16. WOLFE'S NECK UNCURED HOT DOGS
(Pork, Beef, Natural Lamb Casing)

Our tasters were in agreement that a pinch more salt would really make this pup pop, but still, the snappy, crunchy skin and juicy inside more than made up for it.

Nathan Ellis Perkel

15. OSCAR MEYER PREMIUM BEEF FRANKS
(All Beef)

On the other hand, this one got a teensy bit too silly with the salt shaker, but still nosed ahead with a distinctive smoky sweetness, and a snappy skin that crisps up beautifully over an open flame.

Nathan Ellis Perkel

14. OSCAR MAYER WIENERS
(Turkey, Chicken, Pork)

This childhood classic holds its own against the fancier franks, earning raves for its spicy, smoky flavor combo and sturdy casing. Oh, Oscar, we are still in love with you.

Nathan Ellis Perkel

13. BALL PARK BEEF FRANKS
(All Beef)

Every single tester waxed wacky over the satisfying juice jolt of this beefy stadium staple. The flavor may not be a grand slam, but it's a solid base hit.

Nathan Ellis Perkel

12. OSCAR MAYER MINI HOT DOGS
(All Beef)

This tiny dog has the heart of a champion, fetching maximum intense flavor per square centimeter. As one panelist suggests, 'Wrap some Pillsbury around these, and you've got a party!'

Nathan Ellis Perkel

Cheese Pizzas - Worst to Best

Ellio's
Our Verdict: Worst Cheese Pizza
Style: Cheese Pizza 16 oz
Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 320 / 7 / 3
Crust (1-5): 1
Cheese (1-5): 1
Sauce (1-5): 1
Toppings (1-5): n/a
Flavor (1-5): 1
Overall appeal (1-5): 1

Comments: "How is this considered food?" "Not even in the middle of the night." "Looks like brain." "Tastes like dough. Tasteless dough."

Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

Betzio's

Style: Cheese Pan Pizza 24 oz
Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 175 / 5 / 1
Crust (1-5): 1.25
Cheese (1-5): 1.25
Sauce (1-5): 1
Toppings (1-5): n/a
Flavor (1-5): 1.5
Overall appeal (1-5): 1.5
Comments: Our five-year-old friend Izzy thinks this slice is "Yummy!"; adults were less enthusiastic, calling it "Prison food." Final verdict: "Unbearable."

Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

Lean Cuisine

Style: Deep Dish Margherita 6 oz
Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 320 / 9 / 4 Microwave Only
Crust (1-5): 1
Cheese (1-5): 1
Sauce (1-5): 2
Toppings (1-5): 2
Flavor (1-5): 1.5
Overall appeal (1-5): 2
Comments: A microwave mess: "Just awful." "This should not be mass-produced."

Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

Jenos Crisp & Tasty

Our Verdict: Highest Calorie Cheese Pizza
Style: Cheese 6.9 oz
Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 440 / 20 / 1
Crust (1-5): 2
Cheese (1-5): 2
Sauce (1-5): 2
Toppings (1-5): n/a
Flavor (1-5): 2
Overall appeal (1-5): 2
Comments: "Not awful tasting, just has zero taste."

Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

Tony's

Style: Original Crust Cheese Pizza 15.10 oz
Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 360 / 15 / 2
Crust (1-5): 2
Cheese (1-5): 1.5
Sauce (1-5): 2.5
Toppings (1-5): n/a
Flavor (1-5): 1.5
Overall appeal (1-5): 2
Comments: "Sauce is not bad," was the highest praise we could muster. Otherwise, tasters "did not like the cheese at all." Also, "crust tastes too doughy."

Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

DiGiorno

Our Verdict: Biggest Letdown
Style: Rising Crust 4 Cheese 28.2 oz
Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 320 / 11 / 2
Crust (1-5): 3.5
Cheese (1-5): 1
Sauce (1-5): 1
Toppings (1-5): 1
Flavor (1-5): 1.5
Overall appeal (1-5): 2
Comments: "Looks amazing, but tastes like plastic." "Tastes weirdly artificial."

Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

Stouffer's French Bread Cheese

Style: 10 3/8 oz
Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 360 /15 / 4
Crust (1-5): 3
Cheese (1-5): 2.5
Sauce (1-5): 3
Toppings (1-5): n/a
Flavor (1-5): 2.5
Overall appeal (1-5): 3
Comments: "Not good. Not bad. Just frozen."

Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

Tombstone

Our Verdict: Middle of the Road (Which Is Just Fine With Us)
Style: Original Extra Cheese 20.5 oz
Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 350 / 15 / 4
Crust (1-5): 2.5
Cheese (1-5): 3
Sauce (1-5): 3
Toppings (1-5): n/a
Flavor (1-5): 3
Overall appeal (1-5): 2.5
Comments: "Tastes exactly how you'd think frozen pizza should taste." "Most average pizza ever, which is not really a bad thing." "Cheese is its strong point."

Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

Red Baron

Style: Singles French Bread 5 Cheese & Garlic 8.8 oz
Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 410 / 22 / 2
Crust (1-5): 4.5
Cheese (1-5): 4
Sauce (1-5): n/a
Toppings (1-5): n/a
Flavor (1-5): 3.75
Overall appeal (1-5): 4
Comments: "Love the garlic, but it's a little too salty." "Too salty." "Tastes artificial and cheap. Made me feel dirty inside."

Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

Red Baron

Our Verdict: Great for Late Night Munching
Style: Singles Thin & Crispy 4 Cheese 7.2 oz
Cal./Fat g/Fiber g: 300 / 14 / 1
Crust (1-5): 2
Cheese (1-5): 3
Sauce (1-5): 3
Toppings (1-5): n/a
Flavor (1-5): 3.5
Overall appeal (1-5): 3.5
Comments: "Do you think I could grab that whole thing before anyone else gets to it?" "That's just how I remember it tasting, and that's a good thing."

Rachel Been, AOL. Shot on location at The Lofts at 45 White Street

by Kat Kinsman
A recent AOL Food survey revealed that 85% of respondents are toting their lunch to work these days. We've certainly noticed an uptick in waiting time at our break room's microwaves -- as well as co-workers scrounging for snacks after their lunch failed to fill them up. Our editors road-tested a month's' worth of lunches so you won't waste another cent on sub-par frozen fare.

Rachel Been

Monday
Amy's Organic Ravioli Bowl

Buy it again: Without a doubt
Fills you up: Yes
Texture: Perfectly cooked pasta
Taste: If we got it in a restaurant, we'd be happy. The sauce was gorgeously seasoned, the generously, fluffily filled ravioli neither limp nor leaden and heck -- it's even organic.
Calories: 380
Total Fat: 12 g
Sodium: 680 mg

Casey Kelbaugh

Tuesday
Banquet Selects Classic Fried Chicken

Buy it again: No way
Fills you up: No
Texture: Like deep-fried particle board
Taste: The batter's seasoning wasn't so bad, but gnawing through it nearly undid years of orthodontia -- and for very little reward. The few shreds of meat within were stringy, gamey and overcooked, and the pool of grease in which the whole mess swam hardly added to the meal's appeal. The potatoes and corn are best left unmentioned -- and uneaten.
Calories: 440
Total Fat: 26 g
Sodium: 1140 mg

Casey Kelbaugh

Wednesday
Lean Pocket Applewood Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Breakfast Pocket

Buy it again: No
Fills you up: Yes
Texture: Gummy
Taste: We bit into what we thought was a potato cube, then checked the ingredient list. No potatoes. It would seem that the chewy, white blob was in fact the much-touted applewood bacon. It just got worse from there, with a creepy, over-processed filling.
Calories: 290
Total Fat: 8 g
Sodium: 480 mg

Casey Kelbaugh

Thursday
Southwest Style Grilled Chicken

Buy it again: Just the potatoes
Fills you up: Yes
Texture: Misleadingly good
Taste: If they'd just stuck with the taters, we'd be telling a different tale. Those spuds are fluffy, creamy and memorably savory. The chicken, however, was slathered in an inexplicably sweet and fruity goo that somehow lost direction on the way to the Southwest.
Calories: 430
Total Fat: 15 g
Sodium: 1510 mg

Casey Kelbaugh

Friday
Lean Pockets Whole Grain Turkey, Broccoli & Cheese Pocket

Buy it again: Only on sale
Fills you up: Yes
Texture: A bit doughy
Taste: It would hardly be our first choice, but in a serious pinch, we wouldn't turn up our noses at it. Let's get one thing clear, though -- while the whole-grain wrapper is a cute little stab at nutrition, you're still chomping down processed cheese and nuked broccoli. Health food, this is not.
Calories: 260
Total Fat: 7 g
Sodium: 390 mg

Casey Kelbaugh

Monday
Claim Jumper Chicken & Penne a la Vodka

Buy it again: Maybe
Fills you up: Yes
Texture: A bit soggy
Taste: We weren't immediately convinced and kept grabbing just one more forkful to figure out why. Wouldn't you know, we polished off the whole darned thing. It's not the most assertive sauce straight out of the box, but woke up with a dash of black pepper. Note -- while the prep notes call for a tablespoon of water on the broccoli, half that might have been a better idea to to avoid veggie sog.
Calories: 500
Total Fat: 20 g
Sodium: 1350 mg

Casey Kelbaugh

Tuesday
Kashi Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Buy it again: Happily
Fills you up: Yes
Texture: Fresh
Taste: If someone tried to pass this off as take-out from the health food place down the street, we'd take their word for it. Flavors popped, veggies crunched, chicken stayed moist, and our tastebuds rejoiced.
Calories: 330
Total Fat: 9 g
Sodium: 640 mg

Casey Kelbaugh

Wednesday
Stouffer's Pepperoni & Provolone Stromboli

Buy it again: Sure
Fills you up: Yes
Texture: Better that we'd expected
Taste: Holy stromboli! This is slightly dumbed-down pizza shop fare, but it's still a really solid surprise. While we'll nitpick that the bread could be a little better, the fillings proved hearty, meaty and overall pleasing. Keep a couple of 'em stashed in the freezer for lazy weeknight meals.
Calories: 430
Total Fat: 17 g
Sodium: 1110 mg

Casey Kelbaugh

Thursday
Lean Cuisine Cheddar Potatoes with Broccoli

Buy it again: No
Fills you up: We can't imagine trying to eat the whole thing
Texture: Mushy
Taste: It doesn't bode well for a dish when the tasters are having a hard time distinguishing potatoes from broccoli florets. The whole bowl was gummed together by a soggy, flavor-free mess that was advertised as cheddar sauce, but could just as easily have been wheat paste. Sure, this cuisine is lean, but it's 'cause no one can bear to eat more than a few bites.
Calories: 230
Total Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 640 mg

Casey Kelbaugh

by Kat Kinsman
Nothing's sweeter than giving V-Day chocolate to a loved one, but don't you wonder what's gonna be under the lid? Our panel popped the tops off 22 heart-shaped boxes from $.99 drugstore counter specials to $55 chi-chi boutique bon-bons so you can help guide Cupid's arrow straight to your beloved's sweet spot. In ascending price order... (read on)

Rachel Been for AOL

Producer: Elmer

Verdict: DEFINITELY NOT
Style: Small cardboard heart box
Contents: 4 chocolates
Weight: 2.4 oz
Price: $.99
Website:elmercandy.com
Note: Every single person spat theirs out.
Our panel said: "Bleeeaaaauuugggh!" "Awful - plastic-like." "Way, way too sugary. I could almost taste the granules."

Rachel Been for AOL

Producer: Russell Stover

Verdict: GOOFY & SWEET
Style: Looney Toons Mini-box
Contents: 3 chocolates
Weight: 1.75 oz
Price: $1.29
Website: russellstover.com
Note: It's also available with a Bugs Bunny or the Tasmanian Devil design.
Our panel said: "Totally darling!" "I'd be so excited to get this." "Great for giving out at school."

Rachel Been for AOL

Producer: Gillham & Grand

Verdict: CUTE & FUN
Style: Novelty tin with "kiss / hug / tickle" spinner
Contents: 3 chocolates
Weight: 1.5 oz
Price: $3
Website: hallmark.com
Note: Gillham & Grand is made by Fannie May exclusively for Hallmark Gold Crown Stores.
Our panel said: "Very cute! You could give this to anyone." "Fun!"

Rachel Been for AOL

Producer: Russell Stover

Verdict: WEIRD CONCEPT, DECENT CHOCOLATE
Style: XOXO Just For Him cardboard heart
Contents: 6 assorted chocolates
Weight: 3.5 oz
Price: $2.99
Website: russellstover.com
Note: More deluxe editions come in metal, tire-tread embossed tins.
Our panel said: "Why is this for men in particular? Are they beef and sweat flavored or something?""Pretty standard, but yummy."

Rachel Been for AOL

Producer: Russell Stover

Verdict: HORRIBLE
Style: Foil-wrapped cardboard heart
Contents: 7 assorted sugar-free creams, chews and crisps
Weight: 4 oz
Price: $4.99
Website: russellstover.com
Note: A sugar-free pecan candy assortment is also available.
Our panel said: "Tastes like a tire. Rubbery." "If your sweetie is diabetic, just get them flowers or something instead."

Rachel Been for AOL

Producer: Russell Stover

Verdict: HIT OR MISS
Style: Foil-wrapped cardboard heart
Contents: 13 assorted creams, chews and nuts
Weight: 7 oz
Price: $4.99
Website: russellstover.com
Note: This is the #2 best selling heart-shaped box assortment in the US. The 1 lb selection is #1.
Our panel said: "Seems a little old-fashioned. Not that there's anything wrong with that." "It really depends on which pieces you get. Some are great and some are kind of nasty." "Not for me, but my Mom would love this."

Rachel Been for AOL

Producer: Reese's

Verdict: CAN'T GO WRONG
Style: Cardboard heart
Contents: 30 miniature Reese's peanut butter cups
Weight: 8 oz
Price: $4.99
Website: reeses.com
Our panel said: "You know exactly what you're getting, and it's GOOD!" "You can never go wrong with Reese's, even if the package design is cheap." "The taste is classic goodness. I'd be thrilled to get this. As muchas I'd like to be high-end, I can't escape my love for Reese's."

Rachel Been for AOL

Producer: Hershey's

Verdict: GOOD, BUT GO WITH THE REESE'S
Style: Cardboard heart
Contents: 54 Hershey's Kisses
Weight: 8 oz
Price: $4.99
Website: hersheys.com
Our panel said: "Who doesn't love to get Kisses?" "Cute & romantic." "I love this, but it seems a little plain." "It's nice knowing just what you're getting."

Rachel Been for AOL

Producer: Godiva

Verdict: OKAY IN A PINCH
Style: Miniature heart gift box
Contents: 6 foil-wrapped milk chocolate hearts
Weight: 1.1 oz
Price: $5
Website: godiva.com
Our panel said: "Cute, but not impressive." "Good valentine for the teacher."

Rachel Been for AOL

We crunched, munched and blind taste tested our way through more than 100 bags in search of the tip-top flavored chip in all the USA. In the end, we selected three runners-up and one winner each in the categories of Salt & Vinegar, BBQ and Sour Cream, and ten each for Hot and Wild Flavors. Flip through to find a new fave, or see if we gave the thumbs up to (or skipped!) your favorite chip.

Get snacking!

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: BBQ
DIEFFENBACH'S BAR-B-Q
(Womelsdorf, PA)

An appealing combo of sweet heat and a whisper of smoke makes this cult chip worth seeking out.

Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: BBQ
LAY'S BARBECUE
(Nationally available)

Nearly every taster used the word "subtle" in their description of this chip's flavor, but also noted that the light BBQ spice, minus any overpowering heat, would make it oh so easy to munch one's way through an entire bag at a picnic.

Blogger Bob Sassone shared his Lay's thoughts on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: BBQ
MISS VICKIE'S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ
(Dallas, TX)

This chip lives up to its "Smokehouse" title with a sweetly fire-kissed 'cue taste and a tangy, crunchy, full-mouth feel. We just can't seem to quit loving you, Miss Vickie.

Blogger Bob Sassone shared his Miss Vickie's thoughts on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Winner: BBQ
BETTER MADE RED HOT BARBECUE
(Detroit, MI)

We were almost put off by the unnatural hue of the chip's surface, but gosh are we glad we blazed on through. This is one standout chip, with a lingering, yet not overpowering sweet heat that creeps up and warms the ears, and leaves the tongue a-tingling. Of all the BBQ chips we sampled, this is the one with the most potentially addictive appeal.

Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Salt & Vinegar
KETTLE CLASSICS SALT & VINEGAR
(San Francisco, CA)

An avowed kettle chip disliker on our tasting panel loved the interplay of explosive acidity and unapologetically applied salt so much, she grudgingly used the word "perfection." We could hardly disagree, and boy, did we love the crunchy texture.

Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Salt & Vinegar
MISS VICKIE'S SEA SALT & VINEGAR
(Dallas, TX)

Quality potato flavor stands up to a slightly sweet vinegar sting for an especially well-balanced and quite crunchable chip.

Blogger Monika Bartyzel shared her Miss Vickie's thoughts on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Salt & Vinegar
LAY'S KETTLE COOKED SEA SALT & VINEGAR
(Nationally available)

This chip's a major mouthful, with a pleasing tease of malty flavor, and slightly briny salt. Since they're a cinch to find on grocery store shelves, wow the crowd at your next big shindig.

Blogger Bob Sassone shared his Lay's thoughts on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Winner: Salt & Vinegar
DIRTY SALT & VINEGAR
(Gramercy, LA)

Ka-POW! This chip knocked us in the kisser so hard one of our tasters claimed she popped straight to a London pub for a sec. A solid crunch matches the initial vinegar and unsubtle salt burst for a truly vibrant chip experience.

Buy these chips at Anchor's Chip of the Month
Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Sour Cream
STEWART'S SOUR CREAM & ONION
(Saratoga Springs, NY)

After an initial salt kick, a subtle, sweet, creamy flavor underpins an onion essence present enough to please the palate, but light enough not to leave any aftertaste.

Did we miss or hit your favorite chip? Shout it out on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Taco Bell Black Jack Taco
Grade: B
Taco Bell may be trying to provoke with its new Black Jack taco ads, but the only thing that stands out with this taco is the shell -- and bummer for Taco Bell, black has no taste. The "zesty pepper jack sauce" really doesn't stand out in this taco. What you're getting here is a regular taco with a spiffy shell.

Rachel Been, AOL

Wendy's Bacon Deluxe
Grade: B+
This new bacon cheeseburger from Wendy's is big on applewood-smoked bacon flavor, which helps this sandwich rank well amidst the competition. Single, double or triple patty versions mean this Bacon Deluxe can try to satisfy the heartiest of appetites.

Rachel Been, AOL

Dunkin' Donuts Pumpkin Donut
Grade: A-
Imagine a cider-mill-style glazed cake doughnut with the gentle spices of autumn. That's what you have with Dunkin' Donuts seasonal 89-cent doughnut. Our testers found it to have a distinctly cruller-like consistency. Be warned: It's very orange!

Rachel Been, AOL

Dunkin' Donuts Pumpkin Muffin
Grade: B+
Our tasters were split on this muffin, with some calling it super moist and some thinking it to be super mushy. It tastes like pumpkin bread -- and that's good cause the muffin is the size of a small pumpkin.

Rachel Been, AOL

Dunkin' Donuts Low-Fat Apple Caramel Muffin
Grade: C-
Dunkin' Donuts says this is it's first low fat muffin, with only 3 grams of taste. But what they've created is a healthy monster -- a very dry, crumbly monster with veins of caramel and a heavy overcoat of sugar crystals. Tough, dry and chewy -- yum.

Rachel Been, AOL

Domino's Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes
Grade: B
Remember when pizzerias did those awful sugary dessert pizzas? Well, Domino's has wised up and decided to forgo such nonsense for its new lava crunch cake. Our order arrived warm with its advertised "flowing chocolate fudge" looking a bit like glossy plastic. But it did well in the taste department, with our eaters likening it to brownie batter or warm frosting. The cake itself tasted like a crunchy chocolate cookie.

Keith Morrison

KFC Grilled Chicken
Grade: B
Pardon us, but where did these chicken snobs come from all of a sudden? Folks all over the country were a-cluck over Oprah's free grilled chicken coupon giveaway, wondering how dare she throw her considerable influence behind something so declasse and unhealthy. Were they planning on going home and slow-poaching some tilapia with a pilaf of quinoa and an acai infusion? Because really, this stuff (the portion on the left) is pretty tasty. It's smartly seasoned, nicely juicy, properly cooked and yes, while it might be a wee bit greasy, a paper towel quickly blots off the excess. We're crying fowl on the naysayers.

Rachel Been

Taco Bell Volcano Burrito
Grade: D
This burrito is all bark and no bite. Either the chef grabbed the mild sauce by mistake or the 'volcano' they're getting their sauce from is dormant. The whole thing is so tightly packed with beef, there isn't much room for anything else, save for random strips of red tortilla shell sprinkled throughout. We're assuming they're supposed to add crunch, but they ended up just being soggy from proximity to the greasy beef filling. Sour cream, supposedly included as a cooling agent really just adds a layer of calories, but if you're just in it for the beef, go ahead -- have a cow.

Rachel Been

McDonald's Snack Mac Wrap
Grade: C+
Meet the Snack Mac Wrap, the Big Mac incarnation of the fast-food wraps that are increasingly popular with folks who like thinking they are eating healthily. So what do you get? The signature Big Mac sauce with two squished down meatball patties, a sprinkling of iceberg lettuce strips and two dill pickle rounds. Yes, it is a little less carb and calorie laden but since when is a tortilla a satisfying substitute for the three buns a regular Big Mac packs? In the end, go big or go home. If you really want a Big Mac, eat one. Your taste buds won't be fooled by this wrap unless you're only in it for the sauce.

Rachel Been

Taco Bell Chicken Soft Taco
Grade: B
Lettuce, cheese and chicken in a folded tortilla -- Taco Bell is keeping it simple with this one. And at 89 cents, the only way to describe it is 'pretty good' for a fast-food taco. One qualm -- the filling barely filled the shockingly normal-sized tortilla. With the addition of one of Taco Bell's mild, medium or hot sauces, it might have been able to achieve a B+. Don't let the price fool you though; you need to eat more than one of these to actually be full.

We admit we're a li'l funny when it comes to chocolate bunnies. They're awfully cute in an Easter basket, but so often they collapse into shards upon the first munch. Or, even worse, they're chock full of mystery goo or taste just plain nasty. We lopped the ears off a few dozen hippity-hoppers so you and your kids will know just what's under the wrapping.

Follow our bunny trail from most to least expensive chocolate treats, or use the menu feature to hop all around.

Rachel Been, AOL

Palmer
Bunny Buddy with Double Crisp Bunny Pop 27 oz

We're usually not so big on the hollow chocs, but this buddy comes bearing gifts! He may be empty inside, but the charming lolly fills the void.

Bun for the buck: Good, but only because of the extra treat
Contents: Hollow, with a solid, crispy chocolate lollipop
Price: $9.99

Rachel Been, AOL

Lake Champlain
Milk Chocolate 4 oz

It's cartoon cute, but tastefully so, and boasts some truly delicious chocolate to boot.

Bun for the buck: A very solid bet
Contents: Solid milk chocolate
Price: $9.99

Rachel Been, AOL

Lake Champlain
White Chocolate 4.5 oz

Not everyone's a white chocolate fan, but if you've got one on your bunny trail, this elegant, creamy cottontail is definitely the one to snare.

Bun for the buck: One really regal rabbit
Contents: Solid white chocolate
Price: $9.99

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Ferrero Rocher
Plastic Box 5.7 oz

The box isn't chocolate, but it's crammed chock full of some of our favorite little nibbles. We won't quibble.

Bun for the buck: So good, it's kinda nutty
Contents: 13 Hazelnut-filled chocolates
Price: $7.99

Rachel Been, AOL

Palmer
Diva Da' Bunny 14 oz

What's not to love about a bunny who brings her own bling? She may not be the most delicious, but she's certainly the most diva-licious.

Bun for the buck: Top of the hop, design-wise
Contents: Hollow milk chocolate with candy necklace
Price: $7.49

Rachel Been, AOL

Godiva
Milk chocolate 2.25 oz

If you've got a Godiva freak on your must-give list, this is your cheapest way out. It's cute (oh, that bow!) and silky-smooth, to be sure, but would it have killed 'em to make him solid?

Bun for the buck: Pricey for the size - you're mostly paying for the Godiva name
Contents: Hollow, foil-wrapped
Price: $6.50

Rachel Been, AOL

Frankford Impressions
Jackrabbit 5 oz

We held off from cutting into this one until the very end because it was sooooo cute, and even after, there were scuffles to see who'd take him home. Think of it as décor rather then dessert.

Bun for the buck: Not much choc for the dollar, but that's not why you're buying this one
Contents: Hollow multi-chocolate
Price: $5.99

Rachel Been, AOL

Belfine
Belgian Chocolate 2.65 oz

Often when design gets this fussy, the chocolate flavor suffers. Not so for this multi-colored cottontail. Bonus points for the fancy li'l bag.

Bun for the buck: Beaucoup
Contents: Hollow chocolate
Price: $5.99

Rachel Been, AOL

Russell Stover
Milk Chocolate 12 oz

This one's a classic for a reason. It may not be life-changing chocolate, but it'll keep 'em smiling 'til 'round about Flag Day.

Bun for the buck: Big time
Contents: Solid milk chocolate
Price: $5.99

Rachel Been, AOL

While we love the idea of always having a freshly-brewed pitcher in the fridge, we're often on the go and have to make a grab from the deli cooler. All summer long, our editors will be sampling bottled, canned and fast-food iced teas to let you know which ones are worth chugging, and which you should leaf behind.
Lipton Pure Leaf Black Tea with Lemon
Grade: B-
Tea purists will blanch at the extreme lemony sweetness, but those weaned on the powdered stuff will happily sip their way down memory lane. The flavor is remarkably strong and tangy with a lingering apple juice finish that's not so much refreshing as it is simply satisfying.
Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Stewart's Unsweetened Tea Refresher
Grade: F
We're all for utterly unadulterated, unfancy iced tea, but this harsh brew tastes like squeezings from bags left to moulder at the bottom of a pot. We sipped, swished with water, sipped again, spat it out, re-swished and ran off to brush our teeth repeatedly, and still the bitter, metallic tang that had set up camp at the backs of our tongues refused to depart quietly. We're seriously considering mouth-ectomies.
Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Joe Tea Lemon Half and Half
Grade: A
Call it an Arnold Palmer. Call it a half & half. Just don't forget to call us when Joe's coming over. While other brands attempt to pass off over-lemoned iced tea, Joe knows that the ultimate blend begins with equal parts of high quality, full-flavored iced tea and lightly tart lemonade. The finish is nothing short of sweet 'n sour sunshine in a bottle.
Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Arizona Iced Tea with Lemon Flavor
Grade: B-
Remember when you were fifteen and you'd hit up the convenience store for a post-practice drink? This is that iced tea, in all its tawdry glory. $.99 affords a tall 23 ounces of super-sweet, lemon-tinged black tea, and though the corn syrup sweetener gums up in the back of the throat, hey, it'll go great with that Twinkie.
Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Arizona Southern Style Sweet Tea
Grade: B-
Had this just been touted to us as a plain ol' sweetened tea, we'd pleased, even if not especially impressed. Problem is, it's billed as Southern-style sweet tea, which is a different critter entirely. Real sweet tea delivers a smooth, mellow slug of plain white sugary deliciousness to the whole palate, while this brew brings a weirdly artificial, cloying sweetness that sits just on top of the tongue. Hold out for the real deal.
Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.
Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

McDonald's Sweet Tea
Grade: A
We're pretty sure we'll catch heck from our Southern in-laws, but we just have to go ahead and say it -- Mickey D's Sweet Tea is every drop as delicious as the gallons we've slurped down at Lexington BBQ, the High Point Country Club or any given K&W Cafeteria in the North Carolina Triad. That is to say it's an ideal balance of tooth-cracking sweetness, mellow orange pekoe and gentle brain freeze, both smooth enough to sip all day and intensely sugary enough to ensure that it's a physical impossibility to do so.

It's most definitely sweet tea, rather than sweetened iced tea, so folks not familiar with this culinary signature of the South might want to just dip a toe in before they fully commit. At $.99 for a giant jug, it's a worthy experiment.

Also - purists, take note -- it's often served with a slice of lemon already tossed in, so speak up if you wish to avoid that.
Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Sobe Green Tea
Grade: D
Y'know what this doesn't taste like? Green tea. In fact, it tastes like watered-down white grape juice that someone spiked with mystery herbal infusion. Or a lime Saf-T-Pop that spent too much time on the doctor's desk. The very idea that Sobe markets this as green tea is downright lizardbrained.

Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Arizona Blueberry White Tea
Grade: B
Hello, fruity! This iced tea finds blueberry out in full force with some well-dressed pear on its arm. Though sweet, the tea isn't sugary, instead delivering its nectar au natural. The organic sweetness melds nicely with the earthiness of the tea, resulting in a summery swig that's the perfect antidote for a dog day afternoon.
Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Teany Green Tea with Ginseng
Grade: C+
While we're big fans of musician Moby's New York City tearoom and plenty of of his other bottled offerings, this one falls a little flat. It's not actively awful, by any means, but for a brew with all natural, health-friendly ingredients, the flavor has odd notes of artificial sweetener and feel slightly medicinal. We're all for reaping the body benefits. We just wish it didn't have to taste that way.
Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

Ito En Japanese Green Tea
Grade: B+
This one's got a light, tannic body, with straightforward fresh, unsweetened green tea flavor that the can claims is a result of its having been "Produced with our state-of-the-art T-N (Tea & Natural) Blow technology." Further research reveals it as a technique that removes air from the can just before sealing, so as to prevent oxidation and ensure freshness. It works.

There's no weird or wow factor, but it's definitely more "healthy" feeling than either soda, or some of the other sweetened bottled tea offerings. It pairs well with sushi, sashimi and green salads.
Did we miss your favorite brew? Let us know on our blog at Slashfood.

Rachel Been, AOL

by Kat Kinsman
Myths, Truths & Shopping Suggestions

Boxed wines of the past had a deservedly bad rap, but new packaging techniques have enticed makers of excellent vino to get juiced about wine boxes. We sipped and swirled over a dozen of 'em, so keep clicking to get our top picks (and a list of ones to skip) and one heck of a lot of reasons why we think great boxed wine is the wave of the future.

Nicole Goksel

Delicato Bota Box Chardonnay - 2005 (California)

Verdict: We liked it.
Tasting notes: Great floral smell, easy-drinking, a little bit dry
Tip: Once bottled wine has been opened, it's got a 4 day shelf life before it starts to really oxidize and turn. Because the majority of boxed wines are built with a bag-in-box system that doesn't allow air in, it'll stay fresh for at least 4 weeks.

Nicole Goksel

Three Thieves Bandit Pinot Grigio - 2004 (California)

Verdict: Our favorite of the white wines
Tasting notes: Light, herbal, kiwi
Tip: Because boxed wine stays fresh for a significant amount of time, it's easy to keep a box on hand in the cupboard or fridge so you can pour a single glass whenever you'd like -- without having to go to the fuss of opening a new bottle or worrying about waste. It's perfect for those drinking a glass a day for a healthy heart.

Nicole Goksel

Washington Hills Columbia Valley Chardonnay - 2004 (Washington State)

Verdict: We loved it.
Tasting notes: Citrusy, grassy, fresh, slightly chalky
Tip:While a few wines come in 1 or 5 liter boxes, the box you'll usually find on the shelves is the "3 liter cask," which holds the equivalent of 4 bottles of wine.

Nicole Goksel

Banrock Station Chardonnay - 2006 (South Eastern Austrailia)

Verdict: We loved it.
Tasting notes: Peachy, vanilla, not too oaky
Tip: The 3-liter boxes we sampled cost between $11.99 and $29.99, with the average being around $16.99. While the high end of that range might be a bit more than you might wish to spend on an everyday bottle, remember -- you're actually getting 4 bottles worth. Even at $7.50 a bottle, that's still a steal.

Nicole Goksel

Three Thieves Bandit Cabernet Sauvignon - 2002 (California)

Verdict: Our favorite of the red wines (tie)
Tasting notes: Buttery, blackberries, also comes in a 4-pack of single-serving boxes
Tip: Even if you're short a home wine rack, there's no need to worry, 'cause the flat box packaging makes it as easy to store as cereal.

Nicole Goksel

Cintra Venezie Pinot Noir - Non-Vintage (Italy)

Verdict: We liked it
Tasting notes: A bit astringent, complex
Tip: Not so crafty with a corkscrew? No worries, 'cause the tab or cap is built right in-- eliminating the risk of crumbled cork and the resulting air exposure which taints the taste. Taps and screwcaps might have seemed tacky once upon a time, but more and more great winemakers are sealing the deal.

Nicole Goksel

Chateau de Pena Cuvee de Pena Vin de Pays - 2004 (France)

Verdict: Our favorite of the red wines (tie)
Tasting notes: Spicy, hint of blackberries, complex
Tip: If your friends seem resistant to the idea of boxed wine, try pouring in another room, and bringing in the glasses on a tray. Only after they've ooh-ed and ahh-ed, let 'em in on what it is they've been drinking. Great wines can come in square packages.

Nicole Goksel

French Rabbit Merlot - 2004 (France)

Verdict: We liked it
Tasting notes: Cherries, spicy chocolate
Tip: Because boxed wine has been kept under such tight wraps, aerobically speaking, make sure to give it a big ol' swirl in the glass, let it sit for a minute to fully open up and aerate, or dig out that decanter from the back of the cabinet.

Nicole Goksel

Thirsty Lizard Shiraz - 2005 (South Eastern Australia)

Verdict: We liked it very much
Tasting Notes: Plummy, jammy, easy-drinking
Tip: While this might all seem like a packaging revolution, folks in Europe and Australia have known and enjoyed the benefits of boxed booze for a long time. It's the perfect no-fuss way to enjoy the sorts of wines that are best enjoyed while they're still young and fresh -- no wine cellar required.

Nicole Goksel

by Sarah De Heer
We boiled, stirred and microwaved our way through more than 50 boxes in search of the very best boxed macaroni and cheese. In the end, we selected several runners-up and a winner in each of four categories: cheese sauce, organic, powder and microwaveable, as well as an overall winner and the absolute worst. Did our panelists find a new fave, or were they loyal to that nostalgic blue box? Read on for results.

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Cheese Sauce
Velveeta 2% Milk

Creaminess: Very creamy and thick, almost gloppy.
Cheese Factor (1-5): 4
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "With a creamy texture, it had a decent taste without being overwhelming."

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Cheese Sauce
Kraft Deluxe 2% Milk

Creaminess: Very creamy
Cheese Factor (1-5): 4
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "While creamy and smooth, the cheese flavor was mild, not particularly tangy or cheesy."

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Cheese Sauce
Velveeta -- Original

Creaminess: Very Creamy
Cheese Factor (1-5): 5
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "The cheese tasted very eggy, too rich -- though it was smooth."

Runner-up: Cheese Sauce
Clear Value Shells

Creaminess: Sauce was really smooth, but became overwhelming creamy.
Cheese Factor (1-5): 4
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "The shells were kind of rough, but the sauce made up for that. Though, it had absolutely no taste and didn't even smell like cheese."

Rachel Been, AOL

Winner: Cheese Sauce
Kraft Deluxe -- Sharp Cheddar Sauce

Creaminess: Extremely thick and creamy
Cheese Factor (1-5): 3
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "The noodles are thick, therefore they hold the sauce well. The cheddar flavor stands out; it's hearty and satisfying."

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Organic
365 Organic Cheddar (Whole Foods Market)

Style: Powder
Creaminess: Gummy and viscous
Cheese Factor (1-5): 4
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "Using less butter or unsalted butter would improve the flavor of the cheese. The powder mixed well with the pasta, leaving behind no chunks."

Runner-up: Organic
Annie's Elbows & Four Cheese Sauce

Style: Cheese Sauce
Creaminess: Thick, but not too sticky
Cheese Factor (1-5): 5
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "Great balance between al dente shells and cheese. The four-cheese blend was delicious."

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Organic
Annie's Whole Wheat White Cheddar

Style: Powder
Creaminess: Not creamy at all, sauce sat at the bottom of the pot
Cheese Factor (1-5): 2
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "The whole wheat shells were great -- nutty and grainy just like whole wheat pasta should be. Though, the texture of the sauce was too runny to match the density of the pasta. With a little added grated cheese, this boxed mac and cheese could be a winner."

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Organic
Annie's Bunny Pasta

Style: Powder
Creaminess: Slightly creamy
Cheese Factor (1-5): 4
Instructions (1-5): 4
Our panel says: "While it had a great texture and certainly pleased our craving, I would use less powder, butter and milk next time."

Rachel Been, AOL

by Kat Kinsman
Some of the country's finest BBQ joints and cooking teams have bottled their signature sauces and rubs. We're sharing our regional favorites so you can start planning your road trip to visit the pitmasters -- or just order online.

We'd give an arm and a chicken leg for a taste of this next one. Read on.

Rachel Been

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q Championship Red Sauce
Decatur, AL

Slather it on: Beef, pork, chicken, burger, your arm

We're actually not kidding 'bout that last one. With thick, sweet, savory, smooth sauce like this, it's hard not to grab a straw and slurp it straight out of the bottle. The flavor begins with a deceptively light, spice bite lolling in a molasses and tomato base, then builds to a lingering, light burn on the back of the tongue. It's absolutely luscious - though of course we'll have to sample again to make sure. And again...

Website: Big Bob Gibson

Rachel Been

The Salt Lick Original Recipe Bar-B-Que Sauce
Driftwood. TX

Slather it on: Pork or turkey

This light-bodied, easy-pouring sauce lets warm spices like mace and turmeric come to the fore, bringing an almost Indian note above a gentle mustard base. If you're a fan of the sweet heat of a gentle curry, come scampering on over to the salt lick.

Website: Salt Lick Bar-B-Que

Rachel Been

Baker's Ribs Sauce
Garland, TX

Slather it on: Smoked brisket, smoked ribs and salad

There's no ducking the Worcestershire and herb one-two punch of this thin, tomato-based sauce. The spice level is more of a zing than a zap on the tongue, and forgive us for saying so, but we'd welcome the sweet, anchovy-tipped flavor on our favorite Caesar just as much as we would on a half-rack.

Website: Baker's Ribs

Rachel Been

Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue KC Original Sauce
Kansas City, MO

Slather it on: Brisket, ribs, burnt ends

This thick, initially tart, tomato-based sauce melts to a subtle, smoky undertone, allowing the flavors of the meat to assert themselves. It's an enhancement, rather than a scene-stealer, and your spareribs will thank you for it.

Website: Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue

Rachel Been

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q Original White Sauce
Decatur, AL

Slather it on: Chicken, cole slaw, potato salad

Since 1925, Decatur residents have lavished their barbecue with Bog Bob Gibson's distinctive white sauce. Its mayo and vinegar base blend delivers an appealing tang, followed quickly by a king-sized bite of black pepper flakes. It's a must for finishing grilled chicken or even poured over slaw.

Website: Big Bob Gibson

Rachel Been

Scott's Barbecue Sauce
Goldsboro, NC

Slather it on: Chopped whole hog

There's no mistaking this gigantic vinegar bite for anything but Eastern North Carolina style sauce. The original thin mixture of vinegar with a visible sediment of salt and red and black peppers at the bottom of the bottle dates back nearly 90 years, and was finally patented by Adam Scott, the inventor's son, in 1946. To taste it is to savor the the region's rich barbecue tradition.

Website: Scott's Sauce Co.

Rachel Been

Checkered Pig Mild Original Barbecue Sauce
Martinsville, VA

Slather it on: Ribs, ham or chopped pork

A kiss of molasses brings just the slightest sweetness to this thin, smoky sauce. Over 20 years ago, pitmaster Tommy Houston, the official caterer for NASCAR's Martinsville Speedway developed this mellow, vinegar-based sauce to amp up the flavor of the fresh Virginia hams he uses to craft his 'cue. It proved to be a winning formula, and we love it as much for marinating as we do for pork dunking purposes.

Website: Pigs R Us BBQ

Rachel Been

Blackjack Barbecue Mustard Sauce
Charleston, SC

Slather it on: Pork and chicken

South Carolina Lowcountry soul comes full force in this thin, tart, mustard-based sauce. Apple cider vinegar provides an initial tangy bite, them gives way to a sweet, buttery flavor, speckled through with visible pepper and spices. The acid content also makes it an ideal marinade for all cuts of pork.

Website: Blackjack Barbecue

Rachel Been

Ubon's Dipping Bar-B-Q Sauce
Yazoo City, MS

Slather it on: Chicken, fish, pork, brisket, eggrolls

This medium-bodied, tomato-based sauce is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and (with its dappling of minced onions) crunchy flavor, ideal for dipping just about anything you'd care to stuff in your mouth. Oddly enough, it makes us crave Chinese food. Sweet and sour spareribs, anyone?

Website: Ubon's

Rachel Been