Because I have a bit of a sweet tooth today, I’ll mention some sweet treats you’ll sure to love, like Justin’s Chocolate Almond Butter, Chocolate Hazelnut Butter and Chocolate Peanut Butter. You can get them in 16-oz jars or in a 1.1-oz squeeze pack – sooooooooo good and it’s good for you. Spread on crackers and bread or warm it up a bit and pour over vanilla ice cream – ohhhh stop it already, you say!

Best new ice cream has to be the Double Rainbow Premium Organic in a quart – and it’s one heavy quart; it weighs as much as the big containers of ice cream! No air baby! Choose from Chocolate, Coffee, Vanilla and Mint Chocolate Chip – it’s to die for! BTW: Leave out to soften or it will bend your spoon.

Have you tried Bobo’s Oat Bars? I know, I know, not another bar – please! Really, though, it’s g-o-o-d and filling, too! The peanut butter bar is my fave and it’s a big bar at 3 oz, enough for two servings if you prefer, and there are six flavors to try.

Did you know … Bonne Maman has come out with a new preserve in recent months: Apricot-Raspberry! The smooth flavor of apricot with the slightly tart raspberry is heaven on toast – no joke!

Enjoy!

How do you like all the new Greek yogurts? They’re the craze for sure. Now for the dirt! Most are “Greek-style,” whereas, the tried and true are “strained.” Hard to explain, but basically, the traditional way involves a long process that requires more time and money. The quick way – or “whey,” as in they don’t wait to strain the whey and instead add milk solids – is still good, just not “traditional.” My favorite is Chobani and Oikos. And there’s a really killer authentic one called Olympus that’s hopefully coming soon.

Next up is Alexis Flatza – that’s Greek for pizza crust – ha, not really! It’s a pretty good size pizza crust, though – large, rectangular and whole wheat. It doesn’t get much easier than this – just pile on the toppings and bake. Tip: I like a little olive oil under the crust – oh, and some cornmeal. Then bake on a cookie sheet to keep it from getting too dry.

Switching from Greek to Irish ... If you’re already prepping up your tastebuds for St. Patty’s Day, be sure to try City of Roses mustards from Portland – they are made for sausage and dawgs! Really creamy, no grainy texture.

And now on to India ... Have you heard of Shiba’s from Katmandu Foods in Salem? We use their products in your Market Kitchen to make entrees and sides – delicious! We also carry their jarred spices, curry, chutneys and clarified butters; you’ll find them in the ethnic foods aisle.

And last, but not least: Tasty Bite entrees in pouches, ready to serve. Simply empty into a bowl, heat and pour over rice. And they make rice, too! Tons to choose from, and on sale now!

So many new items, where do I start? How about the new salsa from Portland’s own Mama Chongas; this salsa could very well be the best jarred salsa we carry. The pineapple salsa is so refreshing and can be used in a variety of ways. The medium salsa is my favorite, only because the Hot is just that – HOT!! Mama Chongas also has a Salsa-Que that is smokey and can double as a BBQ sauce – very yummy. For an easy dip, mix it with some sour cream!

Good news! Kombucha is back – minus the alcohol kick it use to have – and it’s still great for digestion and keeps the healthy flora in your belly. I take 2-3 ounces each morning and sometimes an extra shot in the evening.

Lucini has some of the best products in our store – always top quality – one new item is Cinque e’ Cinque (Tuscan chickpea frittata mix) and its gluten free, easy to make and very hearty; you’ll find serving ideas on the package.

Ok, here’s a good one: Annie Chuns Gochujang, this is basically a Korean Bolugi sauce – not too hot and very flavorful. Everyone I’ve had try it is totally in love! I put this on almost everything, even mac ‘n’ cheese.

Also worth mentioning is Eugene’s own Blue Lotus Chai, a traditional Masala Chai –it’s the bomb! At first glance, you might think it a little spendy, but it makes 100 cups, so it’s a good price, really. I love chai. The magic is in the sweetener you love. For me, it’s old-fashioned honey, but I like agave too.

Something new that hasn’t even hit the stores yet is Santa Cruz Peach Lemonade, which is sure to be a big hit this summer and a good mixer also – if you know what I mean (wink, wink). Also on the horizon: Cascade Fresh’s new Almond Milk Yogurt – not supposed to tell anybody about this one – opps too late!

See ya back here soon!

Oh my! It’s almost that time again – summertime, when the kids are home all day! What should you have at home to keep them from eating the dog and cat cleaning out the neighbor’s fridge?  Some of my previous blogs have offered a few ideas, including easy pan pizza and salad with the kitchen sink thrown in. 

Here are a few new ideas: Try cooking a large pot of rice (normally 4 cups of water to 2 cups of rice). All you’ll need is a good pot with a tight lid. Cook up a bunch for dinner, then save the rest for your hungry kiddos. I like to warm it up and throw on some sesame seed salt, gomasio or tahini for taste. Yum.

They can also top it with some canned tuna or salmon – we happen to have some really good canned seafood at your Market. Most kids, though, just like it with butter and salt, but you might see if you can sneak in some peas or broccoli. Veggies, in general, are just plain good and healthy!

Pasta is another one you can make and keep in the fridge for those hollow-legged kids. Just be sure to keep the sauce and Parmesan right next to the noodles, or they’ll be calling you to ask where it is, and you be saying, “Move the milk!”

Also remember that your Market offered a great selection of sliced deli meats, meat substitutes and cheese that are super “kid friendly.”

Another easy one is a bag of tortilla chips, which can be conveniently left on the counter within easy reach. Simply brown some hamburger and leave it in the fridge alongside the shredded cheese, a can of black or refried beans and salsa for quick nachos. Or bagels for quick, mini homemade pizzas.

In the May 21 edition of Savories, and on sale this week as a “Web Only Special,” try Lucky Foods Spring Rolls, Potstickers and Potato Rolls – kids love them. Also try
Gardenburgers, Michael Angelo’s Italian entrees, Shelton’s hot dogs, PJ’s burritos, Quorn meat substitutes, Amy’s Kitchen meals – all organic!

Keep lots of veggies handy – that means out of the crisper. Remember, out of sight, out of mind! If it seems like fruit disappears fast, it does. Buy some ripe bananas and some green ones, too. (If you want to keep some all to yourself, be sure to hide them among the avocados – they help ripen the avos and the kids won’t look there, because they’re too much work!)

All in all, it’s hard to keep food in the fridge when the kids aren’t in school. So cook extra at dinnertime and label it (so they actually know what’s in there) and it will pay off, I promise.
When they’re screaming “We don’t have anything to eat” – you can yell back, “Yes we do, look in the fridge!”