Exploring New Products

As per the usual means I went grocery shopping for a couple of items and got suckered in by the brilliant marketing scheme of "NEW" on a couple products. Reminded me of kids cereal where the mascots are always looking down so they make eye contact with your kids and then make them want to have it. Same concept with me except instead of the silly rabbit its just the word "NEW". Pretty sad but a lot of good discoveries have been made from it so can't complain to much.

First product was a breakfast found in the frozen section. Jimmy Dean Stuffed Hash Browns. As you can see in bright yellow on the top right of the box "NEW!"

Jimmy Dean's unhealthy breakfast option

Seemed to be a combination of stuff I enjoy (hash browns, bacon, and veggies) so figured why the not. Per the instructions it was only 2 minutes in the microwave which I count as another positive. Overall it wasn't bad. Would I go out and buy it again- most likely not. I think probably could have cooked longer as I didn't really get the whole "cripsy in minutes" its has on the box and on the little cooking sleeve. I think it more less was more hash brown than bacon or veggie tasting. I mean I do love hash browns but if it was going to be the main flavor I would just buy a regular hash brown and save on money and calories (about 100 calories for you health nuts out there). Also contrary to common sayings size does matter as this will leave you 240 calories wasted and still hungry afterwards. I think overall if you see it in the store it's a "keep moving nothing to see here" option. 

Looks like a baby  in a baby carrier

Size wise about the same as McDonald's (no pun intended) 

It's what's on the side that counts

 Still in the freezer aisle, I think I originally intended to pick up waffles for Lily), I came across this new limited edition ice cream:

Purple Cow Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Ice Cream

Not as flashy as the yellow "NEW!" but it still caught my attention with the words "LIMITED EDITION". I'm not a strawberry rhubarb expert and mostly picked it up for Karen who loves rhubarb. So much so she actually has some planted in the garden. Honestly I can't even tell you what rhubarb tastes like in general. That being said my best opinion is this tasted like strawberry ice cream with bits of pie crust in it.  If you like strawberry ice cream and pie crust you'll love this ice cream. Pretty crappy hype job I know but this was pretty good. Will say this was the first time buying Purple Cow brand so nothing to compare it to but really it's kind of hard to screw up ice cream. The expert of the house on things rhubarb liked it so I would have to think that means its really good in general.

On a healthier note, Karen made a BBQ chicken salad which on the high level sounds bad cause BBQ but really wasn't. So had chicken breast, Portabello (or Portabella depending on your preference) mushrooms, black beans, salad components I'm too lazy to list, and cheese. The beans and mushrooms were leftovers from cooking dinner for my folks the night before. Made steak tacos at Mexican Street Corn Salad in case you were wondering on that end. Didn't documented it as I figured I've blogged about it previously.

Karen's BBQ Chicken Salad

She cooked the chicken in the air fryer which has a preset for cooking chicken. Starting to think that's been my best investment so far for 2017. Just saved on using oil and cuts prep/cooking time down a lot. Definitely will explore more options in terms of recipes for it but when it comes to frozen items and meats it has worked great. If you have the funds and space I high recommend it. If not, possibly get someone to let you borrow it and or shoplift one probably works just as well.

#Foodie4Life,
Reef

A breakfast of champions...just kidding. Breakfast of delicious

First and foremost, I decided (slash *someone* coughJeremycough) I should make some biscuits and gravy for breakfast. I haven't made them in a few months so I went along with it. Also, I bought biscuits the other day for making this giant breakfast sandwich  which, I CANNOT WAIT to make). Turns out though I needed refrigerated bread dough, not biscuits. Oops. So I cheated a little with the biscuits (you know it killed me to not make scratch biscuits, but it's ok). 

So. I took four sausage patties and cooked them and broke them up....

 

Then pulled them to make the gravy. I drained them this time but I don't always. I just happened to think about it today. 

 

Then I added in flour (hmmm maybe 1/3-1/2 cup). I just dumped it in and then mixed it all with my sausage grease. 

 

Next up was milk. I think 2ish cups? I don't know. My milk was also frozen so hard to gauge exactly. I mean, because measuring is hard and I only had had one cup of coffee (which my servants, I mean children) DID NOT bring me but my dear Jeremy did so overall a win. Also a win, I DID NOT spill coffee in my bed today, which may or may not have happened last weekend.

 

Anyway. Voilá. Biscuits and gravy. Mmmm

 

Now. Onto the new and exciting. A few weeks ago I saw this cake mix at Walmart so in the spirit of my dear friend Reef, I decided to try some new products. 

 

Only needed oil, water and eggs and cooked super quick. Also, a good time to test out my new bundt pan. 

 

I also very lazily put the "glaze" on. The kids LOVED IT. It's sort of donutish. I recommend it. I mean, you aren't going to be tricked into thinking you are eating actual Krispy Kreme because, let's be honest, nothing is like those donuts right off the line....but as a novelty it's cool. Also, it was a pretty cheap cake mix, less than $3. Yes I fed my kids cake for breakfast. I mean, it's randomly winter again soooooooo

 

I'm making some salsa verde chicken in the crockpot and I haven't made it in like a year so I'm super stoked about it. Pictures maybe if it goes well. 

 

Copycat or should I say copychicken

Well friends. I haven't been cooking or really eating much takeout that's different these days. However, when I read that Taco Bell was going to get rid of the Naked Chicken Chalupa, Jeremy and I decided that WE MUST TRY IT. Especially since Reef did all the hard work and already vetted and reviewed it. (He liked it.) Also my assessment. It was surprisingly good, though I thought for some reason that there would be beef or something inside the actual "shell". Nope, just lettuce, tomato and cheese and a sauce. I totally enjoyed it. I mean, would I go to Taco Bell again specifically for that? Maybe? I do like a Doritos Locos taco, sooooo prolly yeah. I just try to not eat at Taco Bell more than like twice a year. 

Shut up.  

Overall, I totally enjoyed it. 

 

 I also highly enjoy the cheesy gordita crunch so I *may* have gotten one of those with a Doritos cool ranch taco shell....shut up. I'm garbage, I  know it. I don't pretend to be fancy! 

 

 On that note, Jeremy and I went to the Lagunitas Brewery tour for my birthday, and let me tell you, it was FANTASTIC. I write this now and not as the drunkypants I was then....

 

It was pretty sweet. They had a huge room with all kinds of knick knacks and games to play as well as deliciously delicious free beer. 

Also, the furniture looked like my house, a mishmash of styles and garage sale. It was fantastic. Have I mentioned my 70's lamp? I must at some point write a whole post about my awesome 70's lamp. 

 

 

But, I digress. Jeremy and the bearded lady were totes friends. Sadly the popcorn machine was NOT running.

 

We felt this book was very appropriate. 

 

So, you got to sample the five or so beers they had on tap and then pick one for a full size for your tour. Naturally I finished mine quickly and then struggled to listen, but it was really interesting and FREE. But also, very interesting about how their brewery came to be. Sadly, their tap room was closed but we would definitely go back because it was awesome. 

 

 

Lagunitas has been one of my faves for awhile and we got some Brown Shugga and some other beer called Interrogation. There were stories about those names that I don't recall.....but they rock in at over 9% Abv so that's really all you need to know. Mmmmmm 

Weeks of Randomness

Been meaning to write a blog for a bit but haven't really done much in terms of "new" adventures of late. My go to excuse is mind overload from work. That being said there's been new items here or as El Guapo use to say a plethora of food items. Let's get started with the healthier options with in the last two week: Panera.

Nothing says I love you on Valentine's day like Panera. LOL. Technically it was Karen's choice after we ate very unhealthy in Denver. My choices were two brand new items that I've never had before... also they happened to be on the advertisement behind the cashier so made what to order very obvious. I went with the Pick Two option with the Bistro French Onion Soup and Roasted Turkey & Caramelized Kale Panini.

Valentine's dinner: 

Better glimpse at the inside of the panini (not code)

Not really sure if each is seasonal or not but just in case they aren't I'd say its worth going out and giving them a try if you're into such things. I'm not a big french onion soup fan...if you count the number of times I've actually ordered it. Nothing against it to be honest just always pick soups that seem more filling. That being said I don't really have much to compare to but found this to be very tasty. 

The Roasted Turkey & Caramelized Kale Panini was pretty good as well. Interestingly enough the kale was not overpowering. I know this because Karen actually liked it and she hates kale. So at the very least you have to know its decent. Definitely on the would get again. I could see it pairing very well with a tomato soup. Might have to try that next time I hit up Panera.

Now for the unhealthy options of the previous weeks. Went to McDonald's per Lily's choice- I think I lost a bet with her. Basically she has to practice her writing so on a nightly basis she writes 8-10 sentences in her journal. Just to make it more fun with her we have competitions to see who can write their sentences first. I some how never seem to win. Dang...Anyway she picked McDonald's. Honest the only things I enjoy from McDonald's are the fries and coke. Some reason their coke machine game is on point compared to other fast food joints. Once again like the Panera experience their monitor/billboard/menu thing had a picture of the Jalapeno McChicken sandwich on it so decided to for it.

 

Jalapeno McChicken is McSad

I'm not really sure what they were going for with this sandwich. All those jalapenos on it and wasn't even spicy. I mean it had crispy jalapenos on it too...definitely pass on this one unless you love terrible food then by all means go for it.

Last entry was from Karen's shopping trip. She found Oreo came out with a Peeps flavor. For starters she loves Oreo and she loves Peeps. So this was a definite buy for her. 

Peeps Oreo

This version of an oreo was highly disappointing. The only positive was it turns your mouth pink which lead to Karen laughing at me.  Otherwise not really much to it. You would think it would at least taste like peeps/marshmallow. Nope. Not even in the slightest. I would explain the taste as golden Oreo cookie with crystallized sugar in the middle. As boring and stupid as that reads is exactly the expectations you should have for them if you buy a package. It was a novel idea but complete failure production wise. Working on getting some foodie adventure set up in the near future just to avenge the loss on this one.

#RamblingMan

Reef

Adventures in Babysitting in Denver...More like Visiting

Flew up to Denver for the weekend to see my family and the newest edition Serena (my niece). What a cutie pie she is! Definitely a great reason to hit up Denver whenever we can from now on. While in Denver we hit up a couple of new places that were well worth the blown calories and unhealthiness.

As usual you can't really go wrong with Mexican food...well from the right places- I'm looking at you Taco Bell. Luckily there was an awesome stop one block away from their humble abode: Las Tortas. Not going to lie I failed terribly at taking pictures of everyone's tortas and just took one of my own. In my defense we were all hungry and just started eating but least I remembered to take one.

I got La Cubana which I would call the torta version of a monster cookie. It contained chorizo, milanesa, ham, smoked pork chop, hot dogs, and eggs. That torta was probably the best I've had in a long time. Fascinating enough they actually press their tortas like a panini.

Las Tortas: La Cubana

In my limited Denver experiences - but my second torta joint- this one ranks up there for sure. I might have to go on a torta adventure (not code for anything) here in the state of Illinois in search of the top spot(s).

We had Sam's No. 3 for dinner but we all devoured that instantly so no pictures were taken of the food. That's a must stop for Karen.

The next place we went to for breakfast, picked by my lovely sister-in-law Leslie, was Lucile's Creole Cafe. She had hyped up Lucile's as one of her favorite places to eat. After going there I have to agree that it was amazing for sure.

Fresh squeezed Orange Juice-

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Beignets

Buttermilk Biscuit

Eggs New Orleans w/ goat cheese, cheesy grits and potatoes

Blackened Salmon with poached eggs and grits

French Toast

Cheese Omelette with cheesy potatoes

Eggs Sardou with potatoes

Apparently their website is being updated but did did find their menu on Zagat's so can do a quick run down of the items. First off their orange juice is freshly squeezed by your server there. Karen and Lily got their homemade hot chocolate. They did not share so I can only assume that it was awesome. I believe all the entrees came with biscuits which they serve to you first. Oh lawd the struggle not to eat all of it before your food shows up is hard. They have homemade jam on the table (blueberry, Strawberry, and

I got the Eggs New Orleans which per the description: Fried eggplant slices with creole sauce, poached eggs and hollandaise. Served with grits or potatoes and a biscuit. I had seen it on the menu and it sounded very appealing but Leslie hyped it up as her favorite item so it had to be picked. It was fantastic. Couple of notes on ordering- they actually give you options on how you want your eggs cooked- I went with runny. It says grits or potatoes- but they actually asked if you want some of both and if you want cheese on it. Then I was asked if I wanted to add goat cheese. Leslie got the same thing minus the goat cheese.

Lily got the french toast which really you can't go wrong with if you're a kid...unless you're a picky eater than possibly. Lily really loved it. Karen if you couldn't guess from the pictures got the Cheesy Omelette which menu wise is right up her alley: White cheddar, muenster and ricotta cheeses. Served with potatoes and a buttermilk biscuit.Karen loved it so she was very proud of her selection.

My mom got Eggs Sardou: Creamed spinach, Gulf shrimp, poached eggs and hollandaise. My mom really liked it (I think). I tried it and thought it was pretty good.

Everything was so good. So much so that even though I was full I kept staring at my food like I wanted to finish. So much so that I ended up buying a shirt to rep Lucile's. Well technically my mama bought it for me as she heard me talking about shirts and then told the waitress I wanted one. Hey can't knock that. On a positive- if you come to Lucile's wearing one of their shirts you get a free Beignet. That's awesome in my book.

Back of shirt which I found hilarious

Lucile's was definitely was the star of the weekend food wise. I think its going to be a must go to food destination every time we are in Denver. Shout outs to Leslie for introducing us Lucile's.

#Foodie4Life,

Reef

New? Chicken? Sure Why Not...

Kind of been crazy couple of weeks training all day at work. Pretty much left me brain dead which a couple co-workers can attest to. That being said kind of got lazy a couple times over the last two weeks and decided to tryout a couple of new items from the fast food establishments. I think the common theme was chicken.

First up was Taco Bell. Honestly don't know when the last time I've eaten there was. If I had to guess I would say 2015 as the most recent. I mean with real Mexican food around, why waste your time? Sorry Taco Bell fans. Anyway saw the buzz and talk on the internet about the Naked Chicken Chalupa. I'm kind of curious who thought up this idea. Given that you see a lot of KFC/Taco Bell combo restaurants most likely mad genius who thought up the KFC Double Down. I mean I suppose its a step up name wise as the Double Down was just stupid to say on top of being overkill. Either way I decided to give the Naked Chalupa a try...no that's not code for anything.

Naked Chicken Chalupa

So what's in it in case you're unaware- Per Taco Bell's website: a Chalupa shell made of crispy, marinated all–white meat chicken and filled it with crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese and avocado ranch sauce. Not really sure if it was the seasoning on the chicken shell or a part of the sauce, but there was a slight kick to it which was unexpected. Funny enough the chicken wasn't overpowering and everything blended in very well. Surprisingly I actually enjoyed it and dare say would get it again... if I ever go to Taco Bell in the near future... and it's still a menu option. Overall if you asked "how was it?" I would say not too shabby.

Also during this past week Karen got sick with something. Not sure if she got it from Lily, not washing her hands somewhere, or just walking germs from folks who don't cover their face while sneezing/coughing. She wasn't feeling well and me still in zombie mode from work decided we should get some soup from Panera. Karen just went normal chicken noodle soup and Lily did her standard meal so I didn't bother taking pictures of their food. I on the other hand went a new direction and hit up their seasonal menu. I picked the Southwest Chicken Tortilla Bowl.

Panera's Southwest Chicken Tortilla Bowl and bread

Per Panera's website: Smoked pulled chicken, quinoa tomato sofrito blend, brown rice, spinach, napa cabbage blend, fresh lime, pickled red onions, roasted red peppers, adobo corn and chile lime rojo vinaigrette topped with fresh cilantro and masa crisps in hen broth.

Southwest Chicken Tortilla Bowl was kind of disappointing as is. I think the overall flavor was the lime. Otherwise I felt like nothing really combined flavor wise and just felt bland to me. So much so that I ended up adding a bunch of Adobo seasoning and Sriracha to it before I was content with it. I will say quantity  wise it was very filling. 

So finally the last chicken item going back to the KFC reference was actually from KFC. I had been seeing a lot of ads with the golden Colonel Sanders for the Golden Georgia chicken. I think Karen was trying to get me to cook tonight but work continued to zap my brain so vetoed that idea. Lo and behold there were KFC coupons in the mail so it was meant to be. 

KFC's Golden Georgia Chicken tenders and biscuit

The Golden Georgia extra crispy chicken tenders were surprisingly good as well. Actually more surprising because I legit had no idea what they were suppose to taste like. I mean the ads don't really give you a clue as to if its sweet, spicy, or a combination of the two. I didn't bother to look it up either so had no expectations. Karen's reaction to trying it was "Wow not as bad as I thought it would be." She thought it was going to be strong mustard/vinegar taste to it which it wasn't.  Not really sure why the put a pickle slice on each tender- maybe so you can think BBQ? Once again  was presently surprised and enjoyed it. I'm not a fast food fried chicken aficionado so I don't know how it would stack up against Popeye's or Brown's. Definitely would give get it again at some point.

What's the matter Colonel Sandurz? Chicken?

Reef
 P.S.- Bonus points if you got that reference