AMAZING maple products from…Wisconsin?!?!

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/. 

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com. 

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Had you asked me a few weeks ago what my favorite food from WI was, I would have enthusiastically said the AMAZING soft pretzel from the award-winning Winzer Stube in the historic border town of Hudson.

However, I have recently had my eyes and mouth opened to the facts that, not only does WI have a maple industry, but that some of their farms make AMAZING stuff as well!

Case in point is Anderson’s Maple Syrup, an award-winning, family-run, friend-employing, sustainable sugar shack that has been pumping out sweet liquid amber for over 90 years! 

In addition to the Grade A syrup with which you may be familiar, Anderson’s Maple Syrup also offers organic syrup, apple syrup, maple cream and sugar, maple nut popcorn, and a specially-prepared pancake syrup that is a bit thinner but just as delicious! Sold across the country, Anderson’s Maple Syrup offers customized labels that make great gifts for any event. And as maple has a lower glycemic index and more vitamins and minerals that sugar, it is also a go-to ingredient for many chefs and health-conscious cooks. In fact, their website (https://andersonsmaplesyrup.com) has recipes not only for breakfast faves, but also for grilling, desserts, and holdays, so there is always a reason to try some!

The game stunk- Drink up!

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/. 

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com. 

Also, please follow me @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

After months on the lees, Debevino Winery in Walpole, MA (which originally opened just before the pandemic began) is reopening its winery and its patio and will once again be hosting tastings, entertainment, and events!

Known for its hand-picked Napa Valley grapes and handmade, minimally-processed wines (including its locally-favored Walpole blend) the family-owned winery quickly established itself as a fave of football fans and concert goers, as it is just steps away from Gillette Stadium. However, as the wine is so good and the vibe so fun, many more wine lovers come from much farther away for their wines and wine-based slushies, as well as their hand-selected, locally-sourced charcutierie from Antonia’s Italian Cuisine, and occasional live entertainment.

In addition to the eponymous blend, Debevino also offers such standout and signature selections as their Sangiovese, Malbec, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all of which are available by the glass, bottle, or case or as part of a customized tasting. As the wines are dependent upon the growing seasons, new varietals are rotated in all the time, making the winery a great palce to visit again and again!

For those who want to know about new offerings before the general public, Debevino also offers exclusive memberships that include special discounts and promotions as well as the capacity to host private events on the expansive patio that can accommodate up to 55 in socially-distanced comfort. The patio is currently open from 12-6 Saturdays and 1-6 Sundays, but almost anytime is a great time to drop by!

www.debevino.com

Doughp gets Regrained

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/. 

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com. 

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Here’s another Connoissuer’s Corner two-fer-

Our old friends at ReGrained (who have recently switched from bars to bagged snacks) have paired up with our new friends at Doughp (an AMAZING unbaked cookie dough) to come up with a Beast Mode Brownie flavor that is packed not only with flavor (as all Doughp doughs are) but also with the fiber and protein that comes frm ReGrained’s grains.

Combining the forces of two Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneurs, ReGrained and Doughp have brought together the satisfying sweetness of a fudgy brownie with the nutrition of whole wheat bread, opening up the possibilities of Doughp products beyond a decision between baking or eating out of the cup to one of dessert or – dare we say – main course? 

Even if it is only used as a sweet snack, the newest Doughp flavor will be a sure family favorite and one that you will need to reorder again and again. Fortunately, first-time orderers can get $5 off at www.doughp.com, which is also where you can join the Spoonlicker Club and earn more discounts or just salivate at a Doughp menu that also includes flavors like cookies and cream, s’mores and strawberry cheesecake, as well as doughs that are sprinkled with green M&Ms or “fairiy dust” (a.k.a., sprinkles). Even if you do not take advantage of a coupon, part of your sale will go to helpreduce stigmas associated with mental health and addiction recovery just like some other local clinics you can learn about at https://www.best-companies.co.uk/inpatient-rehabilitation-centre/

Available individually or in customizable packs, Doughp has a flavor for every taste and now has one flavor that packs some nutrition as well!

www.doughp.com

www.regrained.com

What could be better than milk? Apparently THIS!

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/. 

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com. 

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

For generations, people have been told that, when it comes to nutrition, there is nothing better than milk.

Oh, how times have changed!

As people become more aware of the environmental impacts of the dairy industry and as food-related allergies continue to grow, many are seeking alternatives that emulate the udder-ly satisfying taste of milk.

In the past, we have talked about options that range from the Coconut Collaborative’s coconut milk and Ayo’s almond milk to Nutty Lifes’ cashew-baed milk and even Banana Wave’s non-dairy banana milk. We have also enjoyed Schmilk Chocolate’s milk-free milk chocolate and Vegan Rob’s dairy-free cheese puffs. And while these and other organizations offer amazing alternatives, none of them have been bold enough to make the claim of being better than milk.

Today, however, one is being so bold!

Better Than Milk offers not just one alternative, but an entire menu that includes almond, oat, and rice drinks, all of which are made with Italian spring water and all of which are organic, vegan, Parve, gluten-free and impressively delicious! There is even a rice drink with added calcium and another with sustainably-harvested hazelnut that is great in coffee or cereal.

While the taste may be most important, the environmental impact (or lack thereof) is important to many people these days as well (especially with the 50thanniversary of Earth Day coming up April 22). Better Than Milk uses less water than traditional milk and does not release methane into the atmosphere. Even the shelf-stable recyclable packaging is better for the earth and can be recycled again into birdhouse and other environment-supporting projects that make each box fun and functiional.

While there are many great milk aletrnatives out there, few offer as wide a range and as international a set of sustainable sources as Better Than Milk.

www.drinkbetterthanmilk.com

ww.ayoyogurt.com

www.coconutcollaborative.com

www.bananwave.love

www.nutty-life.com

www.schmilkchocolate.com

www.veganrobs.com

It’s (ALWAYS) Custard Season at Abbott’s!

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

It’s spring and that can mean only one thing- It is time to get in line for a yummy cool treat from Abbott’s Frozen Custard!

While this has long been a special place for people in places as far apart as Rochester, NY, Needham and Lexington, MA, North and South Carolina, Florida and even New Orleans, every location consistenly draws folks from neighboring areas and have even inspired dedicated road trips from the stores’ devoted followers.

And no wonder! The creamy frozen custard is a special treat for any occasion and Abbott’s hand-made cakes make special occasions all the moreso.

While their vanilla and chocolate almond flavors remain atop the favorites board, new flavors like coffee, black raspberry and even cotton candy are always rotating in, rewarding repeat visits. And when you add the hand-made cookie sandwiches, shakes, frozen bananas, their Spainish peanut-loaded turtles, and other creative creations, there is always something new and delicious at Abbott’s, which may be why people come from so far away to reward themselves with their favorite warm weather treat.

In addition to providing a well-deserved break from staying inside all the time, Abbott’s has also been supporting our brave Veterans by collecting cards and care package items that have been sent to various bases so give our troops a treat as well.

For fans in the Boston area, look for the Needham Abbott’s team at the Dewey Square and Brighton Farmers markets and be sure to get in your licks!

Happy holidays (or ANY days) from the Happy Chocolatier!

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Gather ’round Gracie’s Table

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Dry and clean wines

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

From Israel with Health

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Welcome to Condiment Heaven!

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!