Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

I initially bought these Belgian Chocolate Fancies to be a prize at a Christmas Party I’m hosting next week.  I usually buy about (10) $5.00 prizes to award to the winners of the crazy games I conjure up.  This year will be my 15th Annual Girl’s Christmas Party and it appears I’ve already won (or cheated), since I’m eating them.  I’m not supposed to do that, but couldn’t resist after reading the package.  The natural fruit flavors sounded way too delicious, plus I’ve been craving fancy Chocolates after recently trying those made by Christopher Micheal Chocolatier.

These Belgian Chocolate Fancies are sold at Trader Joe’s for only $4.99, which is less expensive that those by Christopher Michael — They’re good too!  It looks like I’ll need to go back to TJ’s to buy a replacement box, before my party guests see this.  Nibbles of Tidbits highly recommends these Chocolates for their flavor and beauty.

Update 01/29/10:  When I last saw them at Trader Joe’s, they were on sale for $2.99 a box — I’m not sure if they’re still selling them, since their products change quite often.  The packaging didn’t do ’em justice.

It’s reported that Coca-Cola’s new aluminum bottle design keeps Coke 15% colder (longer) than a standard shaped can — I’m certainly a fan of that.  Nibbles of Tidbits previously ran a contest and the prize was a case (24) of them.  And since that time, I’ve learned they’re quite the hot commodity.  You’ll never see them in a boring grocery store — They’re way too cool!

We attended a Coca-Cola Tasting Event at Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach, steps away from the sand.  It was on their High Rooftop Lounge, that’s broken down into stylish pod groupings overlooking the ocean and city.  We missed the sunset, but the city lights were beautiful too.

At this tasting event, 3 cocktails were made with Coca-Cola Classic®, Coke Zero™ and Diet Coke®, each mixed with a different liquor and served in its respective aluminum bottle.  As common in parts of Europe, drinks are made and served in the same can or bottle.  The bartender at this par-tay mixed the drinks over ice, then funneled them back into the bottles before serving ’em with a straw.  They were strong, but good — We liked the Lemon Chilled the best.

The appetizers were good too — There’s a fabulous Chef at the Hotel Erwin.  My favorite was the Mini Corn Dog on a Stick.  The batter was light and corny-crunchy, and they were served with a Coca-Cola Ketchup Sauce.  All went together well.

It was fun to meet other bloggers, like Peachhead, Coastal California, The Girl Blogger and their guests.  My Interior Designer guest requested a tour of a couple suites, which added to our overall cool experience — Down to the fun robes in the rooms.

One takes the elevator all the way up, then walks a scenic platform to the High Rooftop Lounge.  This evening we enjoyed appetizers and Coca-Cola’s hottest coldest drinks.  The bottle design is nostalgic and the drinks were served extra cold — Hope you stumble upon them at a hip place soon.

As an occasional Tastemaker for Foodbuzz, I opted to try a new brand of 100% Natural Breads.  And although not much of a Bread person, especially Wheat Bread, I’m now sold on Nature’s Pride.  I didn’t expect to like their 100% Whole Wheat and 12 Grain Bread as much as I do — I most often prefer Sourdough, but was happily impressed from the start with the double wrapping and freshness.  The texture and color of the 12 Grain reminded me of the best Amish Friendship Bread I once had, a very good thing.  And the taste of the 100% Whole Wheat won me over.  Once it was finished, I started falling for the 12 Grain.  It appears Nature’s Pride makes high quality, tasty Bread.  Two thumbs up by each of our four Tastemakers who enjoyed the meals prepared above and below.  Hover over each photo for a brief description.  This opportunity was a pleasure.

Since we also report about cooking mishaps, keep an eye on your Toast.  We burnt way too many slices. 🙁

Have you wondered if there is Pomegranate Juice in Pom Wonderful’s New POMx Iced Coffee?  I did.  It doesn’t, but it does have an antioxidant rich extract from Pomegranates.  And a high caffeine content for an extreme energy boost — I was a little afraid of that, but it didn’t make me spazzier than I am.  Overall, they’ve got a well-rounded flavor and the Cafe Au Lait Iced Coffee (pictured here) isn’t fake creamy tasting, like some prepackaged Iced Coffees can be.  They’re found in the produce department and called a healthy buzz, and also come in Chocolate, Caramel, Vanilla and Chai Tea.

I’ve noticed a lot of different Frozen Yogurt shops opening up all around Orange County and thus far Pinkberry is my favorite — HOWEVER, it’s the only Frozen Yogurt I’ve tried in a long time.  I’m more of an Ice Cream fan, but just learned I can be converted by Pinkberry.  Their Yogurt has that tang I’ve missed in past Frozen Yogurts.  It actually tastes like Yogurt and I can’t wait to have the same combination again, especially the Passionfruit.

I tried a small with 3 Flavors — Coconut, Passionfruit and Pomegranate with Fresh Blackberries and Honey Almond Granola, and a friend had the same Yogurt with Fresh Coconut and Kiwi, while two others opted for the Original Flavor with Pinkberry’s new liquid topping of Italian Caramel.  When opting for toppings on a small, you currently get to choose two.

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Starting October 7, 2009, if you pay for toppings, you’ll be able to add as many as you like — That’s a good thing and makes sense, since only so many toppings can fit on each.  And it’s more satisfying and fun for Pinkberry’s customers, but I wrote this song…”You had me at two toppings.“

The new Orange County Food Examiner is me, Shelly Borrell.  For information about food in Orange County, visit the Examiner online.  You’ll find restaurant reviews, recipes, cooking tips, food product reviews, food event reports, and a whole lot more.  We’ve only just begun.

http://www.examiner.com/x-17290-Orange-County-Food-Examiner

We’ve just added Pink’s Chili Cheese Fries to our Chili Cheese Fries Comparison Post — And they’re now our second favorite, next to Original Tommy’s Chili Cheese Fries.  ALL are linked below.

Chili Cheese Fries Comparison Post & Photos:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2008/11/06/orange-county-chili-cheese-fries-comparison/

Pink’s of HOLLYWOOD: http://www.pinkshollywood.com/

Pink’s Chili Cheese Dog & OC Fair Booth Photos:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/07/15/more-food-fun-at-the-orange-county-fair/

Did you know these Circus Animal Cookies ceased production last year?  They did, but Kellogg Company acquired the trademarks and original recipes to ensure they continue.  That’s pretty cool.  I truly haven’t had them since I was a kid, but the flavor is just how I remember it.  I brought them to the office and all said the same.  The taste transports many back in time.

The aesthetics of the Cookie was also commented on.  Some think the Frosting could be a little thicker, since you can see the Cookie on several White Circus Animals.  Others commented that the animal shapes could be more defined, and all should have more nonpareils.  It’s like the Cookie assembly line runs a little too fast, HA.  I agree with the observations, but does it really matter since it tastes the same?  Some think so, and some think not.  I’m still eating them — They’re good.

Happy 95th Anniversary Mother’s Brand.  That’s a good thing.  My favorite Mother’s Cookie is the Oatmeal. 🙂

http://motherscookies.com/

Through Foodbuzz I was offered the opportunity to try Buitoni’s New Wild Mushroom Agnolotti — And as you can gauge from the headline, it’s really good.  To learn the “rest of the story” (Paul Harvey RIP), check out the links below.  Ciao.

Product Review Post on Foodbuzz:
http://www.foodbuzz.com/blogs/us/california/costa_mesa/1053757-wild-mushroom-agnolotti-pasta-by-buitoni

Buitoni DIRECT: http://www.buitoni.com/Public/Default.aspx

What is Agnolotti?: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnolotti

Yesterday Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) offered a FREE New Grilled Chicken Drumstick to ALL (above).  And today El Pollo Loco (EPL) offered the public a FREE Drumstick (below) and Wing.  I was curious to try KFC’s new product so we went for the free Drumstick, and we already knew the taste of EPL’s Drumstick, but paid for this one for true comparison. 

But let’s just get right down to it, there’s no comparison — El Pollo Loco’s genuinely Grilled Chicken is hard to beat.  It’s got a lot of great flavor and it’s cooked on the better grill.  Isn’t it obvious from the photos above?  KFC’s Drumstick wasn’t bad — It was just bland and nothing special whatsoever.  I certainly wouldn’t go out of my way for it, but I would for EPL’s Drumstick. 

This OFFICIAL comparison reminded me how good EPL’s Chicken actually is.  Can another well-known fast food chain just jump in and expect much with just okay?  I think not.  I like Kentucky’s “Fried” Chicken much better than this Drumstick — KFC should stick with its Original Recipe and Extra Crispy, and come up with something better for this CHICKEN WAR.  El Pollo Loco is the WINNER.

Related Links:

http://www.kfc.com/

http://www.elpolloloco.com/

http://fastfood.freedomblogging.com/2009/04/22/kfcs-new-kentucky-grilled-chicken-vs-el-pollo-loco/18537/

We started at it like a WISH BONE — Then a few of us shared this Pretzel as an appetizer.  We liked the taste of the Pepperoni and sweet flavor of the Pretzel Dough, but neglected to order a side of Marinara Sauce, which we think to be necessary for full enjoyment of Auntie Anne’s New Pepperoni Pretzel.  There’s an extra charge for a DIP, but you’ve gotta have the Sauce with this one — That was the consensus here.  P.S.  Did you know that Sunday, April 26th is National Pretzel Day?

Auntie Anne’s INFO: http://www.auntieannes.com/

WOW, this Ice Cream deserves a tablecloth and I sure wish I had a black one for these photos.  In any event, we love the densely creamy texture and bold flavors of Häagen Dazs New FIVE Ice Cream.  Nibbles of Tidbits conducted a Taste Test of 6 flavors – Pictured above from (L-R) are Ginger, Coffee, Vanilla Bean, Brown Sugar, Milk Chocolate, and Mint Ice Cream.

Häagen Dazs FIVE comes in 7 flavors — Passion Fruit wasn’t included in the Taste Test with the others, because I couldn’t stop eating it in the days leading up.  OMGosh, I’m in love!  It’s luxuriously creamy and the Passion Fruit taste is intense and exact.  I’ve got to have it again.

After the Taste Test, I asked our six tasters what one flavor each would pick and the tally is as follows:  Ginger (1), Vanilla Bean (1), Brown Sugar (3), Mint (2), and my favorite was the Passion Fruit (obviously), and the Brown Sugar in this Taste Test.

Milk Chocolate reminds me of the Best Fudgesicle I had as a kid, and the Brown Sugar tastes like a Werther’s Original (Toffee Candy) with notes of Black Licorice — It’s an interesting punch of flavor.  And the Ginger was a fun surprise, it’s spot on and enjoyable.  FIVE is an excellent Ice Cream and I was happy to try them ALL.

Häagen Dazs DIRECT:  http://www.haagen-dazs.com/

More INFO re FIVE: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=3592

Four of us recently shared one of Carl’s Jr.’s New Kentucky Bourbon Burgers and the consensus is that it’s pretty good.  We all liked it.  One said the Bourbon Sauce might be too sweet for him, but the rest of us thought it complemented the Burger nicely.  We especially like the Crispy Onion Straws, Pepper Jack Cheese and Bacon.  All together it’s a really good combination.  Pictured here is the Six Dollar Burger option — Apparently it comes in three sizes, a Single, Double, or Six Dollar Burger variation.

Carl’s did a good job on this menu item and the restaurant (Irvine Center Drive) did a good job preparing this Burger.  My main hope for all fast food restaurants is to maintain the consistency of respectable products.  All should look as heavily advertised, except for the dripping Sauce — I’m not a fan of that.

Carl’s DIRECT: http://www.carlsjr.com/

WHO?: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl’s_Jr.

Steak Sandwich: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1519

Crispy Burritos: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2978

I’ve got to get an Ice Cream Party scheduled real quick.  If not, I’m going at it alone.  I’m so excited about FIVE, a new line of Ice Cream by Häagen Dazs.  Each of the (7) flavors include only five ingredients (Milk, Cream, Sugar, Eggs), but I’m most keen on the uniqueness of the fifth ingredient — Ginger, Passion Fruit, Coffee, Mint, Milk Chocolate, Vanilla Bean and Brown Sugar.  And many will like that they advertise that it has surprisingly less fat — Less fat than what?  I’m not sure, but it sounds good.  Nibbles of Tidbits will post our verdict soon, but not soon enough. 🙂

Häagen Dazs DIRECT: http://www.haagen-dazs.com/

Review NOW Posted: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=3670

I received a coupon to try 4 Marie Callender’s Frozen Pie Crusts (Deep Dish Pie Shells).  I’d always liked their Pies from the restaurant, but never tried their Frozen Pies or Frozen Pie Crusts.  There’s a Marie Callender’s Restaurant & Bakery down the street and fresh is always best.

My Grandma used to make the best Pie Crusts, but it’s hard for her to do it these days.  She now uses the Mrs. Smith’s Frozen Crusts, but says the Marie Callender’s Crusts were very good too.  And I thought they were surprisingly great.  I would now choose these Frozen Pie Crusts when in need.  The 4 Pies I made were Blackberry with a Cinnamon Crumble Topping (above) and continuing.

Orange Cream Pie with Real Whipped Cream.  I used a Lemon Cream Pie Recipe and substituted Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice and Orange Zest for the Lemon.  This Pie was the BEST! 

Pecan Pie from the Karo Corn Syrup Bottle Label Recipe.  It’s good and simple.  I add just a few extra Pecans.  I write only a few, because one time I added too many – HA.

Custard Pie was the fourth Pie we enjoyed during our Marie Callender’s Tour De Pies.  I cooked the excess Custard in the toaster oven and will report the results of that later.  It’s fun creating Pies when the tricky part is already done — I’d rely on MC’s Crusts to do it for me.

Related Links:

http://www.mcpies.com/

http://www.karosyrup.com/

http://www.mrssmiths.com/

http://www.conagrafoods.com/consumer/brands/brand_info.jsp?cookietest=true&page=marie_callenders

I so enjoy these cute, sturdy triangular Tea Bags by Tea Forté.  They make me smile when I use them.  And the Teas (Silken Infusers) are superb.  I’m working my way through all the flavors.  I’ve almost finished the Exotics Box and my favorite is the White Ambrosia.  And now I’m enjoying the Dolce Vita Box, where I fell in love with the Raspberry Nectar (above) — It’s amazing!

Tea Forté INFO:  http://www.teaforte.com/

Tea Forté UNIQUE CUP:  http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1449

I think I’ve had these before — Not from Carl’s or The Green Burrito, but when I was in elementary school.  They taste like Burrito Day back when.  And they also taste like those Mini Tacos in the frozen food’s section of the grocery store, plus a food sample I once received at Costco on a Saturday afternoon. 

In other words, the flavor combination is reminiscent of foods gone by.  And I actually liked Carl’s Crisp Burrito’s flavor and texture.  I received a coupon to try a 3-Pack, but two are enough.  Three were a bit heavy, but they do hit a tasty note I’ve enjoyed before.  Next time I’d need a side of Sour Cream and Hot Sauce.

Coupon: http://www.carlsjr.com/promotions/coupon/free-small-drink-with-purchase-of-3-piece-or-5-piece-crisp-burritos/

Introducing Quaker “True Delights” — They’re new Chewy Granola Bars distributed by The Quaker Oats Company.  I was recently given the opportunity to try them before they hit the market in January 2009.  I received two of each flavor.  True Delights are made with real Fruit, whole Nuts, Dark Chocolate, and of course Quaker Oats and more.

The specific flavors are Honey Roasted Cashew Mixed Berry, Toasted Coconut Banana Macadamia Nut, and Dark Chocolate Raspberry Almond, respectfully pictured above from top to bottom.  Quaker Oats did an excellent job selecting the various Fruit and Nut combinations. 

My favorite is the Coconut Banana Macadamia Nut.  I ate both before anyone else had the opportunity to try them.  I’ll be purchasing a box in the future.  And I took the rest to the office where two others fell in love with the Honey Roasted Cashew Mixed Berry.  Overall, we were impressed with all three.  Thanks Quaker and Foodbuzz for the fabulous preview.  You both did good.

Related Links:

http://www.quakeroats.com/products.aspx

http://www.foodbuzz.com/search?feature=features&search_str=quaker+oats&commit.x=17&commit.y=11

I came across these Mini Beef Wellingtons in the frozen foods section at Smart & Final.  They were on sale and the picture looked good, so I gave ’em a try.  Thus far I’ve only tested three in the toaster oven, but the flavor of the Duxelles is perfect — I wish there was a little more inside.  And the Beef Tenderloin was tender.  The combination makes a yummy (authentic old school) appetizer or snack.  I can’t wait to serve them to someone.

Related Links:

http://www.originalrangoon.com/ (Note: For some reason I didn’t see a post regarding this specific product, nor the Smart & Final affiliation listing on the manufacturer’s website, but Original Rangoon’s other appetizers look good too).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duxelles – How to make Duxelles.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beef_Wellington – What is it?

http://www.smartandfinal.com/intro.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2findex.aspx

I like the Claim Jumper Restaurant because they give you tons of food.  I was recently offered the opportunity to try a few of their Frozen Entrees.  The main purpose of this post is to provide visual insight to assist with consumer selection.  I like the Classic Ravioli Parmigiana pictured above — It’s spicier than similar dishes and has good flavor.

Claim Jumper’s Shrimp Scampi.

Claim Jumper’s Chicken Marsala.

Claim Jumper’s Chicken and Penne a la Vodka.

I was also supposed to try Claim Jumper’s New Chicken and Shrimp Penne Rustica, but didn’t see it in the store.  Instead I selected the Salisbury Steak for old time sake.  I haven’t had Salisbury Steak since I was a kid, when it was the first frozen entree ever.  It took me back.  You’ll need an extra plate for the Claim Jumper’s Salisbury Steak, unless you don’t mind mixing the Gravy with the Macaroni and Cheese. 

An honorable mention should go to Claim Jumper’s Spaghetti and Meatballs (not pictured), since the Meatballs are the best “frozen” ones I’ve had — They’ve got a surprisingly good grilled flavor.

Related Links:

http://www.claimjumperretail.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claim_Jumper

Have you seen this yet?  I just got it from the OC Market Place aka the Orange County Swap Meet.  When you throw it against a hard surface, it appears to splat then slowly returns to its original shape.  This picture doesn’t do it justice.  A guy was demonstrating them by throwing Tomatoes against his mini-van window.  It looked really cool, so we had to get a few.  On Saturdays and Sundays, the OC Market Place sells these Tomatoes, Eggs and other non-food related splatting toys.  We bought two Eggs and this Tomato. 

HOWEVER, my Tomato started leaking after one of my throw downs, so I sadly had to say goodbye.  I hope that doesn’t happen often — I’m not that strong.  We’ll be monitoring the Eggs.  Be careful if your kids have these, since I’m not sure what they’re filled with.  Related Link:  http://www.ocmarketplace.com/

This Pizza was okay.  I bought Trader Joe’s Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauce, then added what I had on hand — It has Cheddar Cheese, Salami, Pineapple and Jalapeno.  The Sauce was good and the Dough works, but I might want to try it another time with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Olives, Pineapple, Artichoke Hearts, Jalapenos, and maybe more. 

I think I overcooked this Pizza and made the Dough too thick.  Good thing I didn’t videotape myself trying to spread out the Dough and make it stay – HA.  I really wanted to throw and spin it up in the air, but feared I’d drop it on the kitchen floor.  I wished I had a big bolt of plastic to lay down.  I might pick some up before the next Pizza.

Related Links:

http://www.traderjoes.com/

Tommy Pastrami’s NY Blackened Pastrami Sandwich (above).  http://www.tommypastraminydeli.com/home.asp 

OR

The Hat’s “World Famous” Pastrami Sandwich (below)?  http://www.thehat.com/index.htm

Both Sandwiches are good yet different from each other.  I liked the look of Tommy Pastrami’s Pastrami.  The meat was lean and athetically pleasing.  The Hat’s Pastrami was fattier, and I most often prefer a leaner meat — However, it’s not all over with that observation.

The Hat’s Pastrami was more flavorful and juicy.  In comparison, Tommy’s Pastrami was unexpectedly bland/dry, but tasted good with Mustard.  Between these two Sandwiches, I may wear The Hat for a while.  Whose Pastrami do you like better?  I know there’s a lot more Pastrami Sandwiches out there, but do you have an opinion on these two?

Related Link:  http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1110