Foodie Picks

July 14, 2014

Rachel Ray Pick #7: Cadbury English Toffee

These snack-size ice cream bars are coated with rich chocolate and toffee. One word: Delicious (and yes, with a capital ‘D’.)

Bonus! They’re an absolutely perfect right-before-bed snack when the usual chocolate craving hits. It’s a nice sweet way to wrap up one’s weekend.

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April 28, 2014

Rachel Ray Pick #6: Lean Cuisine Salad Additions

It’s easy to take your salad greens from blah to ooooh-la-la gourmet with chicken, crisp noodles and edamame.

It’s actually pretty dang slick. The additional toppings, a complimenting dressing and something crunchy are all included in a single box. You heat the chicken and veggies in the microwave for about 2 minutes, toss on the crispy bits, add the now warm chicken and veggies, and top it with as much or as little dressing as you like.

My favorite of the three I tried was hands down the Southwest-Style Chicken. Simple, a little kick in the pants, and pretty healthy. *Applauds* Well done, Lean Cuisine.

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APRIL 5, 2014

Rachel Ray Foodie Pick #5: Cake Boss Whole Lotta Carrots cake

That cream cheese frosting? So yum.

It’s one of six designs by celeb chef Buddy Valastro available in most supermarkets. It’s honestly one of the best things for my soul right now. We’ve had two snowstorms in the last seven days, leaving behind 10+ inches of disgusting, white, heavy stuff some call snow. I call it the end of all joy. It’s a dessert brimming with spring time —- bright green and orange, creamy frosting, a light taste.

Exactly what I need.

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MARCH 19, 2014

Rachel Ray Foodie Pick #4: MorningStar Spicy Black Bean Burgers

Let’s clear something up immediately. I like meat. I like all sorts of meat. Steak, salmon, hamburger, ham, bacon, prime rib…you can’t name a cut of meat I haven’t previously fallen in love with over the course of a meal. BUT as it is the season of examining one’s life (also known as Lent), I decided to break free of my meat-loving ways for a couple meals. Was it difficult? You have no idea.

But I found something pretty darn tasty. So if you find yourself craving falafel on Saint Patrick’s Day (or any day of the year, really), why not try these patties made of chickpeas and spices? They literally take about 5 minutes to cook. So to sum things up: delicious, quick, and fairly nutritious. Give it a go, yo!

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MARCH 14, 2014

Rachel Ray Foodie Pick #3 – Way Better Snacks Simply Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips

I didn’t think I’d like they either. Honestly, my first reaction was, “Absolutely not! These are vegan, health-nuts chips!” But I bought 2 bags for $5 anyways. I ate my first few. My comment? “These taste like air.” But then I kept eating them. Soon, the whole bag was polished off. Guess what? I ended up liking them. A LOT. (Even with the giant Gluten-Free labeling across the back!)

My recommendation? Enjoy these as a late night snack. Not only are they low in calories, but they’re also incredibly good for you. These chips boast high levels of omega-3s thanks to chia seeds and quinoa. Amen to that!

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MARCH 11, 2014

Rachel Ray Foodie Pick #2: Boboli’s Thin Crust Pizza

Chewy and full-flavored, this pizza crust makes for a quick, easy and ultimately delicious meal when you’re flying in through the front door at the seat of your pants. Why? Because you only have so many day-lit hours in a singular day and your brain won’t stop yammering at you, that’s why.

Just how easy is it to turn plain, uncooked crust into a meal that will make everyone at the dinner table happy? Slather on a little or a lot of pizza sauce, for starters. Pepperoni, onion, pineapple, green olives, five kinds of cheese…whatever delights your palette. Add your toppings and bake!

Done in 20 minutes flat. Totally fab.

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MARCH 10, 2014

A huge fan of Rachel Ray ever since I started cooking my way through her 30-Minute Meals cookbook (that I got for only $2!), it’s an understatement when I say I LOVE her monthly magazine.

I love it so much that when I stumble across an older issue, I may or may not slip it inside my oversized red handbag. (I love “satchels” for a reason.)

There’s a segment in every issue where Rachel highlights new products to check out (and daresay, purchase?) on your next foodie shopping trip. So, here I go, following Rachel’s footsteps into new territory where only Food Lovers dare to go!

First up…

Rachel Ray’s Foodie Pick #1: Target’s Archer Farm Low-Fat Latte Chai Tea

It’s a spicy, refreshing afternoon (or late Saturday stay-in-bed weekend morning) with less caffeine than coffee.