Snacks

An Easier Way to Forij

Posted by

As a writer who makes my living with my vocabulary, I am very aware of my brain and how to take care of it. 

That is why I am such a fan of brands like IQBar, HOP WTR and our tent-living, brain-loving pal Parker Olson, founder of Forij.

Many has been the day when I prepare to create with a big bowl of Forij’s delicious, protein-packed, and (perhaps most importantly) brain-boosting granolas. With no GMOs or gluten and not that much sugar (especially for a granola product), Forij leaves more room for vitamins and nutrients. And with ingredients like pure maple syrup, English walnuts, flax and chai seeds, fresh cinnamon, cacao, nootropic Lions’ mane and other cognitive-caring (and non-hallugenogenic) mushroom types, the functional foods are as good for your tongue and tummy as they are for your body and brain!

As it is admittedly not always easy to carry a bowl of cereal to work (even when you work from home), I was happy to learn that Parker recently released a set of chewy and satisfying bars that allow you to take the brain and body-benefits on your bike or in your briefcase. The first pair of flavors includes a convincingly cookie-esque oatmeal raisin and a rosemary walnut that is earthy, floral, nutty, and yummy! 

Apparently, a lemon blueberry and coconut-based flavor are on the way, but the debut two are terrific on their own (or when purchased in a combo pack)!

If you want support with supporting your brain, go to www.forij.co and sign up for the 30-day brain challenge and to receive daily doctor-designed brain games and other tasteful tips for better health.  While there, design your own cute and colorful Forijer friend to keep you motivated as you deliciously develop body and brain.

Whether you need to clear the cognitive cobwebs out in the morning or keep the mind moving midday, Forij has the forms and flavors to give you all you need whenever and wherever you need it.

https://www.forij.co

Mucho Biena

Posted by

I have been a fan of the stoic chickpea for some time, long before it began to have its “moment.” And yet, I must say that even I have been impressed with the ways in which various foodmakers are using the legendary legume.

Among my favorites has been Biena Foods- the Boston-based, mom-founded, substantially healthy snack food brand that has been packing the perky pea’s powerful protein in surprising places for over 10 years.

Though they were inspired by Founder Poorvi Patodia’s favorite snack from her childhood home of Mumbai, India, Biena snacks are named for the Spanish word for “good.” And appropriately so, for they are as good tasting as they are good for you (and that is saying a lot!).

While many know Biena (as they should) for their roasted chickpeas that come in such satisfying flavors as Habanero, honey roasted, ranch, and the appropriately-entitled lil’ bit of everything, Biena has recently expanded their line of dairy- gluten-, GMO-, grain-, and both pea- AND tree nut-free vegan treats to include two new tasty and healthy options 

The first is a set of super crunch mixes that add such tasty treats as pretzels, almonds, dark chocolate gems, and fava beans (which go great with or without a nice Chianti) to Biena’s famed roasted chickpeas and that offer great taste and protein-packed energy without cavities or crashes. 

The second is a trio of tasty thins that offer all the satisfaction of chips with much more nutrition (thanks to the inclusion of other veggies that your kids don’t have to know about) and a fraction of the calories, making even mindless snacking mindful! In fact, you can eat twice as many Biena thins for the same guilt index as other equally-dip-worthy tortilla chips and nearly four times as many as popular wheat crackers. And with such delicious options as Hawaiian BBQ, Tuscan herb, and sea salt, it will be easy to put down a bag in one sitting- but who cares?Watch for Biena Snacks at CVS, Roche Bros. and at www.bienasnacks.com

Expanding the Villa

Posted by

I know that I have said it before, but I LOVE Donut Villa.

And though the name may not do justice to the amazing and amazingly varied menu (all of which is, as I said, amazing!), the fact that the name has stuck for over 50 years and what started as one donut-forward store in Malden has since expanded to Cambridge, Newton, and now Arlington (what, no Needham?!) is reason enough to offer this amazing (did I say that?) place more press.

Though the sign may now say “Brunch Club and Bar,” this additional explanation still does not do the Villa justice. After all, what donut shop or brunch place has a full bar featuring local favorites and flavors from further afield and enough lunch and dinner items to come back multiple times a day? 

While the “donut” part of the name is dead-on, as they have some of the most amazing (sorry!) and creative flavors around and while they make some of the most creative and delicious meals out of them, including donut-based sandwiches, pizzas, and a maple donut bread pudding that is worth a trip on its own, the Brunch Club has plenty of bagels, Benedicts, and Boston cream pancakes, but also offers the VIlla chili bowl, chicken parmesan, steak tips, salads, subs, and a tuna sandwich that is also worth its own trip (especially when paired with their amazing pickle fries!). There is also a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options as well (including a vegan BLT, vegan grilled cheese, and a faux but fabulous chicken and waffles) so everyone can come again and again and perhaps even find themselves full before they pick up some donuts for the road (as if they will ever make it home!).

A well-known writer *(whose own name I cannot recall right now, but I surely Will soon) once asked “What’s in a name?” When it comes to Donut Villa Brunch Club and Bar, there is certainly a whole lot more!

www.DonutVila.com

Great Greeks

Posted by

I have long been a fan of Farm Grill in Newton and its sister store, the Greek International Market in Boston. The only problem I have with them is that, no matter what I try when I visit either place, there is always something new and amazing that I have not tried before, so I have to go back again and again.

Some problem to have, right?!
Among the latest temptations have been the growing selection of Ambrosi-c Greek honeys (which are not called “the food of the gods” for nothing!). While most Greek honeys are particularly delicious and particularly important this time of year as a balm against bacteria, infections, and, of course, sore throats, the Market features one variety from another great Greek food family – the Fragiadakises – that comes from the pine forests of Crete and that retains much of that Retsina-like floral flavor. 

While the honeys are delicious on toast or even on a spoon, they pair particularly well with the Market’s mega-collection of Greek teas, including the chamomile that owner Katerina Iliades used to prepare with her grandmother back in the land of Helena and which she now ships (along with pretty much anything else) around the world through the Market’s website, https://greekintlmarket.com.

Another recent great Greek find has been the vegan Greek-style kabobs from Mega Meatless that offer all the flavor and protein of a freshly-sliced gyro without all the GMOs, soy, or guilt that other meaty meals contain. They even include authentic Greek olive oil (which is some of the best in the world) and Greek herbs and spices for that authentic taste!

If you want more real Greek flavor, drop by Farm Grill in Newton for lunch or dinner (their traditional Greek salads, grape leaves and kabobs are always amazing, as is their sweet and flaky kataifi) or have them bring their homemade treats to your home or office. All you have to do is go to www.farm-grill.com to see (and almost taste) what amazing new stuff is on the menu- and enjoy!

OH HOLE-Y NIGHT

Posted by

As so many people in the world seem to be more interested in dissention and division than unity these days, it is more important than ever for those who are so inclined (which is hopefully most of us!) to come together, especially in this season of giving and spiritual renewal.

And what better means of coming together and what better things to give (and get) than donuts?

Thanks to our friends at Kane’s, this sweet sense of unity is easier to enjoy than ever!

Through December 26, Kane’s is offering donuts that are friend and flavored like the traditional Chanukah treat of sufganiyot. These dreidel-worthy donuts are filled with black raspberry jelly that oozes with sweetness for eight nosh-y nights and topped with an extra bit of powdered sugar and jelly on top to make them shine even for donut-y devotees like me!

For those who came to the Jewish party later, Kane’s is decking their halls (and hopefully yours too!) with a red velvet candy cane donuts that is dipped in their signature honey glaze, eggnog donuts made with Lawley’s dark rum and real eggnog and a molasses-kissedgingerbread donut that will surely make you run run as fast as you can to get some. In Kane’s ongoing effort to include everyone, they are also offering a gluten-free chocolate candy cane edition and, as part of the miracle of the holidays, Kane’s has even created their first vegan donut – a  festively-decorated cake-style donut that is made with fresh ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove and rolled in snowy powdered sugar. All of these are available until New Year’s Eve so you can use them for thoughtful after-last-minute gifts and sweet starters to 2023.

No matter what (if anything) you celebrate and with whom (if anyone), Kane’s donuts are always a great gift for everyone, including yourself! 

So be sure to pick up a dozen (or two) and make your holiday nights hole-y ones.

www.kanesdonuts.com

HOLDAYS AT HAYMARKET

Posted by

Now that we are (hopefully) visiting others for the holidays it is time once again to get gifts for them all!

As usual, our friends at Boston Public Market have everything we (and everyone we know) could ask for…and more!

From gifts to groceries and treats to trimming, BPM makes holiday prep easy. And not only will you be helping the Market’s marvelous makers, you will also be supporting area entrepreneurs through the “Market on a Mission” non-profit program as well.

As part of its December Happenings series, the Market is hosting such special events as Pine Bar tap takeover featuring Shelburne, VT’s Fiddlehead Beer on December 22, a visit from Frosty the Snowman December 18, and a Holiday CrEATor Market (with an emphasis on the “E A T”) every weekend right up until Christmas Eve! There will also be a sleigh-full of tours, tastings, and classes, including pasta ornament making with Seven Hills Pasta December 17, ornament decorating with Laurel Greenfield Art December 20, and a coffee tasting with George Howell on the 23rd that will help you power through the final shopping days and get ready for what is sure to be a great holiday (or at least better than last year)!

No matter when you visit, there are always plenty of pretty and practical pieces from the enviro-conscious crafters of Peterman’s Board and Bowls, American Stonecraft, and the ever-able artists at HOPe Unlimited. If you have already finished your holiday shopping (as if!), you can still enjoy local legends like Beantown Pastrami, Crescent Ridge ice cream, Red’s Best seafood, and the ever-popular gift-makers at Q’s Nuts (as well as bagels from Bagel Guild for those who prefer to shmear through the snow).

Whether you need gifts for others or a well-deserved treat for yourself, Boston Public Market is always ready to deliver. And as we prepare to give to others we love, a visit to the Market is a great opportunity to also give to some of our most creative our friends and neighbors as well!

www.bostonpublicmarket.org

BAA-BAA-AAH!

Posted by

While Chanukah may be a favorite for the younger set, I have always been a fan of Passover. Though I have long enjoyed the family time, in recent years, my yearning for the Exodus has been enhanced by the annual arrival of my mother-in-law’s amazing meringues!

Black Sheep CBD meringues combine all-natural, responsibly-sourced, soy-, gluten-, dairy-, and GMO-free inspired ingredients such as pure cane sugar and fresh egg whites with what many are finding to be the best ingredient of all- CBD.

As they offer the healing elements of 100% hemp-derived cannabidol (which has been shown to minimize anxiety and pain, among other benefits) without any of the “high” that comes from another hemp-based element commonly known as THC (or even any of the aftertaste that many other CBD products have), Black Sheep stand out, but in a good way- just like my mother-in-law’s meringues.

As they are so yummy, it can be tempting to overdose. Fortunately, Black Sheep come in both 100 and 200 mg varieties, making it easy to control how much of a tasty treatment you take.

Speaking of variety, Black Sheep meringues and THC gummies come in a wide range of flavors that includes cappuccino, caramel, chocolate, cotton candy, vanilla, and even an appropriately celebratory birthday cake flavor, all of which come in at just 20 calories per treat!

Though nothing may make me feel as good as having my family come to visit and having one of them bring mouth-melting meringues, Black Sheep can at least keep me feeling no pain the rest of the year while I wait to leave Egypt once more.

https://blacksheep-cbd.com

WORK WITH WATCHA’ GOT

Posted by

Though many of us may not be cooking at home as much as we had before the masks (thankfully!) started to come off, when we do have the urge, it can be frustrating to be foiled by a lack of foil (or other pantry staples).

Fortunately, our friends at America’s Test Kitchen have come up with another great guide that will help get even reticent or retired rotisseurs revived and ready to go!

The Complete Modern Pantry offers nearly a year’s worth of ideas for ways to make what you want with what you have.

Realizing that everyone sees different items as “must-haves” in their kitchens, The Complete Modern Pantry puts common items in categories (e.g., bulk and base items, frozen foods, baking-based bites, creamy and crumbly foods, and textured toppings) each of which is elaborated upon so that you can choose your favorites and be sure to have at least them on hand so you can make food you like and will actually eat (which is the point, no?!). The book also suggests substitutions and multiple uses for various items and offers alternative and even improvised edits so that almost any chef can comply with the books’ guidelines and reap the rewards from their own refrigerators. It also offers encouraging advice so readers can feel more comfortable and confident moving about the kitchen even if they feel it may be understocked (at least in terms of certain foods or food categories) and so they can take their available foods and this great guide and make unique recipes that are truly efficient and their own!

From breads and baked goods to drinks and desserts to sweet and savory snacks and soups and stews to a Little Italy’s worth of dishes based on one-pot pastas to other internationally-inspired dishes and spice blends that bring you the world without going to the international market, this book has what it takes even for those who may not.

Forget the shopping list at home? Head back there, grab this book, and make a great meal anyway!

www.AmericasTestKitchen.com

One GIANT Step for nutrition

Posted by

As a food fan, I am constantly offered foods that are supposedly healthy or that have so-called “superfoods” that will take care of my every ailment- either actual. potential, or hypochondriacal.

And while some seem legit, the fact that there is not much of a supervisory system makes me wary.

That is why I am so glad that I am getting into the Step One family of snack foods!

Not only were they created by a cardiologist, but they have also been put through a series of independent tests and clinical trials at the world-famous Mayo Clinic to confirm the accuracy of their nutritional claims.

Though Step One foods are geared to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and support cardiac health with just two servings a day, the non-GMO, antioxidant-, fiber- and plant sterol-packed, plant-based, real food products also reduce inflammation throughout the body and can even help you lose weight.

Oh- and did I mention how delicious they are? Well let me just say that it is pretty easy to enjoy two a day!

From well-portioned bars that come in such great flavors as chocolate crunch and cranberry pecan to oatmeal, smoothie and pancake mixes, and what they call “anytime sprinkles” that can be put on pretty much anything to add flavor and nutrition, Step One has great options for any meal or in-between-meal snack. They even have a book by the founder Dr. Elizabeth Klodas that explains how prevention of medical issues is far better than treatment after they arise. This being the case, eating Step One foods can lower your medical costs as well!

As we all learned during the pandemic, we are nothing without our health. That is why I am excited to take Step One (and step two) into the world of a clinically-proven set of foods that make good health easy and delicious!

www.steponefoods.com

Generally Great

Posted by

As kids go back to school and holidays lurk just around the corner many are looking for places to stock up on supplies and other good stuff.

In my town of Needham, we are fortunate enough to have most of it taken care of at the Needham General Store!

Located just across the street from the Hersey stop on the Commuter Rail, the General Store offers not only a full Dunkin’ Donuts but also great food and gifts from other local makers. They even have books from folks who have been on my TV show “The Writer’s Block” (including my book, Lions, Tigers, and…Bulldogs? An unofficial guide to the legends and lore of the Ivy League)!

One of their latest offerings is a weekly meat pick-up from Bianco’s in Medford that allows participants to trim their weekly shopping list by a few delicious pounds.

They also offer all-natural salts from Saltire Brands, a woman-owned business that took inspiration from Paris markets and now hand-harvests sea salts from Duxbury.

If you need a quick gift (or yummy snack), bags of small-batch Minute Man kettle corn are always a hit! This Worcester-based company takes inspiration and recipes from the American Revolution and is sure to change how you see (and taste) popcorn.

Another great snack that is especially popular in my house is the GIANT peanut butter cup from Swampscott’s CB Stuffers. They apparently make the largest peanut butter cups available, as well amazing bars and other sweet treats, including items with the Red Sox logo that can let you end a sour season on a sweet note.

If you need a bit of a bridge from your typical store to one that offers as much as this specifically-situated “general” store does, remember that it also has a full Dunkin’ counter so you can enjoy a “regular” while finding unique gifts.

Keep track of wine tastings, author talks, and other events by following www.facebook.com/NeedhamGeneralStore or visiting https://the-needham-general-store.business.site and have a General-ly better shopping experience!