Snacks

The ART of Great Food (and Ice Cream)

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In my constant search to find great places to find great food made by great people from our great community (and beyond), I recently came upon a place – actually a series of places – that not only sells some of my favorite brands that I’ve talked about before (some MANY times!), but also a huge selection of soon-to-be-favorites!

Run by the husband-and-wife team of Art and Jen Negaryan, Art’s Specialties has everything from chocolate, coffee, and cookies to cheese and crackers to oils and spices to international foods that are hard to find ‘round here, as well as a wide array of local and international beverages that ranges from beer and wine to cider and sake. They even have an entire set of flavored olive oils and vinegars that are delicious to taste and perfect for any recipe or gift package.

Speaking of gift packages, Art and his talented team are more than happy to help you pick out the perfect presents for any friend or colleague.

And while many suppliers have been raising their prices, Art and Jen do all they can to make it easy and affordable to try new things so you too can find new favorites.

When you want to reward your great taste, head across the street from the Belmont store to Art’s Creamery or to the Sherborn store or soon to a new location near the Cambridge/Arlington line, where flash-frozen flavors from New City Microcreamery, Nightingale Ice Cream, and Van Leeuwen and their own Ice Cream Bike Sandwiches, all of which have proven so popular that they are staying open all year!

With locations in Belmont, Carlisle, Maynard, and Sherborn, there is probably a store near you. And if not, go to www.artsspecialties.com and www.artscreamery.com to see what is new and what you will be enjoying next.

“…PASS THE BEER NUTS!”

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While the Boston Beer Company continues to strain at the definition of “microbrewery” as they continue to release more delicious varieties of beer to go with almost any food or event, it is good to know that another beer-loving company has begun to create foods that go perfectly with their beers.

Created by a pair of North Carolina women, Sippin Snax Gourmet Bar Snacks offers a collection of nuts, pretzels, and other sweet and savory snacks that go well not only with Sam Adams but with any other beverage…or just on their own!

Originally known as Hops + Nuts, the recently-revived sipper-savvy snack suppliers offer craft peanuts topped with beer salt, lager-lovin’ lime essence, “savree” aromatic herbs, or cocoa, espresso, and porter beer and also a flavor-bursting bar mix that features peppery peanuts, honey sweet sesame sticks, and piquant pretzels that will surely have you asking for more snacks and drinks to wash them down. For those who prefer other adult beverages, Sippin Snax has wine-washed nuts that pair perfectly with a Pinot or Merlot.

While this new set of snacks is sure to stir up fans fast, the original Hops + Nuts products are reliably delicious as well and include beer-flavored pretzels and peanuts that are topped with hot peppers and others that are meant to be paired with IPAs.

Perhaps the most notable pairing of all, however, is the one that Sippin Snax made with Sam Adams as part of the Brewing the American Dream entrepreneur showcase – Samuel Adams Boston Lager Craft Peanuts. Not only do they go great with Sam’s legendary brews, but the hand-crafted seasoning also mics the flavors of the original craft beer and can help that Boston Beer signature sudser shine in a bottle or a stein.

It’s so brilliant- it’s nutty!

HEMP HEMP HOORAY

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 As I prepare to interview medical cannabis expert Dr. Benjamin Caplan on November 19 at the Needham Free Public Library, I have been doing a lot of research about this exciting and ever-expanding realm of healthful edibles and other items.

Among my latest finds are evo hemp bars.

Made from a delicious combination of cashews, protein crisps, and hemp seeds (a cannabis-related ingredient that are among the world’s most nutritionally complete superfoods), evo bars offer 12 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per bar, making them a great option for a snack or pre- or post-workout refueler. And as they are gluten-free and vegan and easy to digest, evo bars can fit into most diet plans deliciously, with flavors like brownie chip, cookie dough, matcha latte, and even birthday cake!

If bars are not your delivery system of choice, evo also offers other hemp-based foods – with or without cannabinoids – including whole hemp hearts, hemp seed oil, pre-prepared hemp protein powders, and hemp chocolate, as well as CBD oil, powder, crystals, and blends made specifically to help you focus, relax, and support your immune system.

For those of you who want to learn more about hemp but can’t make it to Dr. Caplan’s book talk, evo’s website (https://evohemp.com) has an entire library of informative blog posts and other materials that can help you learn about what benefits various forms of hemp can have and how each can support your overall health and wellness. It also has a comprehensive and international set of recipes that can help you introduce hemp into every meal and every taste.

WATCH FOR THIS PROTEIN BAR

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As I have been in the food and fitness spaces for many years, I am always looking for ways to take better care of myself, my friends and family, and my Matt’s Meals fans.

Among the mentors I have found are longevity guru Peter Attia and all-around science stud Andrew Huberman.

So when both of them recommended a new protein bar, I jumped on it even before they were released to the public to make sure I could tell others first.

For decades, the protein bar space has been ruled by a handful of glutenous Goliaths. Fortunately, thanks to Peter Rahal – inventor of Rx Bar (which is still a favorite!) – there is now the new David bar to – as the young people say – slay them all.

In addition to having an amazing 28 grams of protein, David bars have only 150 calories (a full 75% of which come from the protein, making them a great way to get your gram-per-pound a day), at most 2 grams of net carbs, and – get this – no gluten and no sugar!

Oh- And did I mention they are easily among the best-tasting protein bars around?
Whether I enjoy a cookie dough bar before a workout, a fudge brownie bar before a big writing assignment, a cake batter bar before I talk about my book on the Ivy League, or a blueberry pie bar…whenever, the bars taste like the flavors they claim and not like they were just flavored to taste like them. Even the pastry-like consistency is a step up from most other bars, which can resemble eating chalk or dried spackle.

Protein is key to muscle growth, weight loss, and many other bodily functions and personal goals. If you want to ask for the best one by name, get to know David.

NUTS TO NIBS

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I was recently back at Boston Public Market for their annual Harvest Party and there is a lot of news to share!

In addition to hosting one of the largest pumpkins in the area, the carnival-themed fair offered guests opportunities to try their luck at various games and to enjoy free samples from many of the Market’s vaunted vendors.

In addition to such carb-y faves as pizzas from the Bagel Guild, popovers from The Popover Lady, and hot pretzels from Hearth & Hug that came with a mustard I wanted to bottle and take home, there were also fall-spiced popcorn from Curio Spice, mouth-watering sandwiches from Beantown Pastrami, and the widely-distributed but rarely bested ice cream from Crescent Ridge!

One of my favorite discoveries, however, was that Q’s Nuts (which has supplied many of my author talks and presentations of my book on the Ivy League with their delicious and nutritious snacks) was expanding their menu of offerings not just into more new creative flavors of fresh and healthy almonds, cashews, peanuts, and more, but into superfood-worthy cacao nibs!

While Q’s has been a favorite source of protein and energy (and also of gifts for family and friends), they are now adding addictively-delicious roasted nibs to their ever-expanding menu of tasty treats, making a visit to the Market or to qsnuts.com even more worthwhile!

The BPM Harvest Party means that winter and the holidays are around the corner. What better time to stock up on delicious nutritious snacks that CAN last through the season but that you will probably devour the day you get them?

Fortunately, Q’s always has new flavors and ideas coming so reordering is not only easy but required.

GETTING A DELICIOUS BOOST

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As I have been in the health and fitness world for so long, I am well aware of the benefits of adding creatine to your fitness regimen.

In addition to fueling your muscles, Creatine also helps keep them hydrated and supple, and has also been shown to support cognitive function and energy production.

For many, however, the major obstacle to getting Creatine in their bodies is getting Creatine in their bodies.

As most Creatine supplements come in the form of a chalky powder, it can be unappetizing and difficult to ingest and integrate into your diet.

That is why I was so thrilled to find Boost Nutra’s ATPerform (pronounced A-T-Perform) creatine gummies!

In addition to using the highest-quality ingredients that are custom manufactured and processed under strict health and sanitation standards, the founding friends at Boost Nutra made sure to add a number of other beneficial ingredients – including mind-helping nootropic L-Theanine, energy- and metabolism-boosting vitamin B-12, and the recovery-boosting antioxidant powerhouse black currant – and to remove any GMOs, dyes, and toxins, including sugar!

The result is a delicious vegan-friendly gummy that can be tempting to eat as a snack and that has benefits no matter when you enjoy it.

Whether or not your day begins with a high-intensity interval training or a low-key stroll through the park, Creatine has benefits to offer and with the help of Boost Nutra’s ATPerform gummies, it is more appealing than ever!

CELEBRATING CELIAC

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As September 13 is National Celiac Awareness Day, I wanted to make people of all dietary proclivities aware that there are plenty of great-tasting and healthy foods that can comply with any restrictions they may want or need to impose on their diets.

For those who desire to eschew gluten, Mightylicious has recently released a new set of flours that work and taste as well and good as any traditional brand. Instead of using buckwheat and amaranth, which can often come with a gritty mouth feel, Mightylicious uses superfine GMO-free rice flour that they mill specifically for baking to deliver a soft, airy texture to all your favorite recipes.

Whether you want all-purpose flour or even vegan all-purpose, Mightylicious has you covered. And if brownies are your goal, they also offer a vegan brownie mix that takes the guess work out of yummy.

Speaking of yummy, Mightylicious also offers already made gluten-free cookies – some of which are vegan. From their rich and creamy brown butter cookie and even browner double Dutch chocolate cookie to a hearty oatmeal raisin and traditional shortbread and salted peanut butter, these crumble-free cookies come individually wrapped and not only fit in your lunchbox, bag, or pocket but also fit the bill for those who like tasty treats regardless of their digestive history.  

Whether you choose their handcrafted cookies or choose to use your own hands, you can be sure that Mightylicious uses only the best, allergen-friendly ingredients available so you never have to worry whether anyone can or will not enjoy every bite. No wonder they were a Food & Beverage Magazine “Top Pick” last year!

https://mightylicious.com

PICKLE…POPCORN…PERFECT!

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I’ve spoken often of the delicious flavors of Sweet Chaos popcorn.

Most recently, I discovered one that is more chaotic than sweet, and yet I can’t get enough!

As Matt’s Meals fans know, one of my favorite snacks (other than popcorn) are pickles. So how excited was I when I found out that my friends at Sweet Chaos were coming out with a dill pickle-flavored popcorn?

As soon as the box arrived, I tore open the first bag and was pretty much done with it within minutes. The combination of dill and vinegar was perfect and I ended up going back to the bag later that night while watching a movie on TV and then to the next bag a day or so later. 

Perhaps if movie theaters used Sweet Chaos popcorn, Netflix wouldn’t have such a stranglehold on the entertainment industry. In any case, Sweet Chaos surely has a hold on this popcorn lover! And even if you do not like pickles (I’m talking to you, “Green”!), Sweet Chaos has enough flavors to satisfy every taste. From traditional kettle corn made with real cane sugar and popcorn wrapped in real white cheddar cheese to their bag-at-a-time black and white cookie and peanut butter cup drizzled varieties and such seasonal stock-ups as peppermint stick and pumpkin spice, Sweet Chaos has been a regular resident in my pantry since I discovered them and I look forward to seeing what they develop next.

All of their amazing flavors are made with non-GMO corn kernels and hand-cooked in coconut oil for a creamy flavor that actually packs a little extra nutrition. 

Pickles and popcorn may sound odd, but believe me, it will at least be a gateway to some of your next favorite snacks – Sweet Chaos popcorns.

CORN – NUTS

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When I recently interviewed Jordan Rich at the Needham Free Public Library about his wonderful book – On Air: My 50-year love affair with radio (proceeds from which go to Boston Children’s Hospital), many of my fabulous food friends donated samples to share with the audience.

And while there was an impressive spread to go along with Jordan’s impressive stories of his life and career and the many other lives he has touched, two of the most popular items were bags of Q’s Nuts and fresh-made caramel and cheese popcorn from Johnson’s.

While Qs has been a friend and supporter for many years, Johnson’s was a more recent discovery. Even so, my fans and I loved them both equally and, when the interview was over, I mixed the scant leftovers together for a delicious post-event treat! 
Since 1940, Johnson’s has been bringing the flavor of the New Jersey boardwalk to snack lovers around the world. Their air-popped, freshly-packed popcorns are available in an ever-expanding menu of flavors and come in sizes that work well for a family movie night or corporate event.

Though a few years younger, Q’s commitment to quality is no different and their selection of flavors is even greater- wrapping their fresh and nutrient-packed almonds, cashews, peanuts, and pecans in everything from maple and bourbon to garlic and an entire line of chocolate-based varieties.

While I look forward to more author talks and more great food, all you need to do to enjoy a taste of my Writer’s Block series is to visit needhamchannel.org, and please also check out Johnson’s and Q’s anytime you want a delicious snack that is made with love.

BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME

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Though I grew up in the Merrimack Valley, my writing career first took root when I lived in Marblehead.

And when you consider that my family shopped at Shubie’s all the time, it may be no surprise that I now write about great independent food makers.

As they have been around for over 75 years, it is a safe bet that I am not the first person to fall in love with the wonderful wares of independent makers with help from the Shube family. 

From freshly-prepared foods, handcrafted salads and sandwiches, and customized cakes at their recently-renovated Foodbar to candies and treats from other local legends like Harbor Sweets and a wide selection of gifts that includes great books to wine and spirits from around the corner and around the world, Shubie’s has everything you need to feed your family, sparkle a party host, and find a new favorite every time you visit! 

If you need help finding new favorites, be sure to take suggestions from third-generation Shubie, Dougy. 

If you need help finding great food for more than just yourself, Shubie’s also carters and consults on menus that are perfect for any occasion. And while a visit to the store is always fun, Shubie’s also offers online consultation and ordering and can deliver even to far-flung festivities beyond the beaches and beauty of the North Shore so you can keep enjoying even if you do not live nearby anymore (though I hope to go back soon!).