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5 Things I Can’t Get Enough Of: May 2013

balsamic reduction-1 copy

Balsamic Reduction on Fries

When I was in Philly for the Type-A Advanced Conference in April, Cheryl from Middlesex County Parent and I had lunch at a cute outdoor cafe. When our sandwiches arrived, they were served with a heap of fries drizzled with a sweet balsamic reduction — and it was incredible. I told her it would soon appear on SCB (and I totally wasn’t kidding). I’m telling you — you have to try this (and for the fries, the thinner, crispier and saltier, the better!). Since arriving home, I’ve even introduced my kids to this — and they love it too.

Get it: If you aren’t familiar with balsamic reduction, it’s just a thick, reduced version of the vinegar. You can sometimes buy it ready to go (it may be called glaze) or you can make your own at home. Here’s a good tutorial from Fit-Bottomed Eats.

Kind Bars

KIND Bars

A few years ago, Cate from Sweetnicks and I headed to Seattle for a business trip and our host (Starbucks!) left a few KIND Bars in our welcome bags. I promptly fell in love. It should speak volumes that since then, I have regularly bought KIND Bars — especially when I need something quick when I am on the go. Of course, they can be pricey, so I make sure to stock up when they are on sale at the grocery store — particularly when they are $1/bar (Yes, it happens!).

Get it: You can buy these in many stores including Stop and Stop, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Starbucks also sells them, but you pay a premium for the convenience of purchasing them there. Locally, Caraluzzi’s carries a big selection.

coffeemate natural bliss

Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss Sweet Cream

Typically, I take skim milk and sugar in my coffee. I am not a big fan of half and half and have been on the fence about flavored creamers — until now. I recently discovered Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss Sweet Cream while trying to choose a creamer at the grocery store and fell head over heals in love with it. The ingredients list is super short (and totally familiar), and the flavor is sweet, but not cloyingly so. Now, this is what I grab in the morning for my coffee.

Get it: Grocery stores everywhere sell this. But Target sells a giant bottle of it, and it’s less expensive then the grocery store. That’s where I prefer to buy it.

KitchenAid

KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor

I know some people rarely see the need for a food processor, but me? I can’t get enough of it. I love using mine for slicing, shredding and chopping because it’s just so easy. And last November, KitchenAid sent me their KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor to try — and I started using it daily. It’s sturdy, well-made (read: no annoying extraneous parts to break!) and easy to clean. Also, I love the adjustable slicing disc, which means less parts to keep track of. The only thing I wish it came with is an ultra-thin slicing disc, but overall this is one awesome food processor.

Get it: You can buy this food processor from Amazon and from many stores. KitchenAid also sells it on their website.

Hint Water

I am a water lover. I could drink it 24/7 and never get tired of it. But still, sometimes it’s nice to have a little flavor. And here’s why I love this water. It’s really subtly flavored with natural flavors (Strawberry Kiwi is my favorite) and it’s also unsweetened — as in no sweetener of any kind. The one thing is that you absolutely have to drink Hint chilled — it’s best that way. Also, I can’t remember how I first tried this water. It might have been a sample I was sent, but I’m not sure — I have been buying it for years now and really love its subtle flavor.

Get it: Hint Water is available at most grocery stores and can be purchased online from Amazon.


Disclosure: As noted above most of these products were purchased by me. The KitchenAid food processor was provided by the company, but I wasn’t obligated or compensated to write about it. And in all cases, my opinions are totally my own.

Foodie Finds: A New Way to Enjoy Fries, How to Eat an Apple Like a Boss

Thursday 9th of May 2013

[...] Balsamic reduction on fries—brilliant! —Sarah’s Cucina Bella [...]

Debra

Monday 6th of May 2013

I'm so going to try the balsamic reduction on my fries. It sounds delicious.

Sarah W. Caron

Monday 6th of May 2013

Let me know what you think! We adore it.

Libby

Saturday 4th of May 2013

Loved this article Sarah. I'll be watching for these products, especially the creamer. Looking forward to your next list.

Sarah W. Caron

Monday 6th of May 2013

Thank you, Libby! Hope all is well with you and yours.

Cate O'Malley

Friday 3rd of May 2013

KIND bars! Yay! One more tip for finding them cheaper - if you buy them by the box through Amazon's Subscribe & Save feature, it really drives down the price (and free shipping!).

Sarah W. Caron

Monday 6th of May 2013

Great call! I haven't ordered that way, but it's a great idea.