Foods I'm Diggin'

Hi there!

Nothing too new and exciting to share with you today. Just some foods (and a beverage) that I'm really diggin' these days.

Let's start off with my addiction: coffee.

I say I'm addicted to coffee because I am a really, really crabby person without coffee in the morning. But I'm not the type of person who drinks it all day long. I just really enjoy a hot, steaming cup first thing in the morning. After that, it's just a bonus if I have another cup during the day.

Most days, Brian and I make a pot of half-caffeinated coffee in the morning. It allows both of us to have a couple of cups without getting jittery. But on the weekends, when I know we're going to be laz-ing around all morning, I really love a good cup of fully-loaded caffeinated coffee.

Enter, Cracker Barrel coffee. 

 

Mmmm... it's so good. Not bitter, or knock-your-socks-off-French-Roast-strong, but just good, tasty coffee. I love getting a cup (or two) of it at the restaurant. So you can imagine my excitement when I saw a bag of it sitting on the shelf in the "Country Store" calling out my name.

It's a bit expensive at $9 a bag, but I don't drink it all the time, so it lasts for a while.

(It's also really delicious sometimes around 3 p.m. when I feel like I need a nap to get through the rest of my day. Instant wake-me-up!)

My next item is for all you Crock-Pot users out there.

This ingredient is so simple, yet adds SO much flavor!

Campbell's Golden Mushroom Condensed Soup

I got a recipe from my sister-in-law that called for Golden Mushroom soup, but I had never heard of it. It took a bit of searching on the soup aisle, but I'm so glad I found it. It is similar to Cream of Mushroom soup, but it also has beef stock and tomato puree in it, which gives it its golden color.

I promise you, this little baby will add so much flavor to your Crock Pot meals. Look for recipes that call for it, or substitute it for Cream of Mushroom if you think it will work with the recipe. You will not be disappointed!

Next up is something I got hooked on over Spring Break.

Our good friends who own the river homes that we stay in when we visit them always buy these crackers to take out on the boat as a snack.

Nabisco Premium Saltine Minis

Seems like such a simple idea... take a Saltine and shrink it down to a bite-size mini version.

I don't know why these things are so good, but just trust me... they are!

I can't eat just one. I have to have at least a handful, if not a bowl-ful. 

The kids love them too.

I make a little "snack mix" using these crackers, cheddar Goldfish and dry roasted peanuts. The boys devour it!

Here's maybe something you've never tried... Pine Nuts (also called Pignolias).

They're my new obsession when it comes to making salads. 

I love sprinkling them on top of any kind of salad. 

They add crunch and a delicious mild nutty flavor.

I also love them in pasta salad, or just a handful as a snack. YUM!

Last but certainly not least... let's talk peanut butter.

Here's my favorite.

Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter

(I've been known to eat it by the spoonful)

I like this peanut butter for so many reasons, but mainly because it tastes like PEANUTS! Isn't that what peanut butter should taste like?

Here is the ingredient label of this Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter:

Peanuts, and 1% or less of salt.

That's it.

Now, check out the ingredient label of Publix Peanut Butter:

Roasted Peanuts, SUGAR, less than 2% of FULLY HYDROGENATED vegetable oils.

What? Hydrogenated vegetable oil in my peanut butter? No thanks.

Yes, natural peanut butter costs a bit more. But for a mom who serves it to her kids (and eats it herself) multiple times a week, it's worth it to give them the healthier option.

And it really does taste better. :)

Okay foodies, that's it for today.

Leave me a comment and tell me your latest food obsession. I'm always willing to try new things!