Every month, I highlight products and foods that I am really enjoying. Here’s what I can’t get enough of this month … Enjoy!
G.H. Cretors popcorn
We are a popcorn family. At home, at the movies, everywhere, we love popcorn. And popcorn often gets tucked into containers for snack time at school too. All that said, we most often opt for popcorn popped at home and seasoned by hand. However, when G.H. Cretors sent me a box of their popped corns in flavors like Just the Caramel Corn, Just the Cheese Corn and Chicago Mix (which has both caramel and cheese corn!), I was totally blown away. The kernels are huge, round globes of flavorful goodness. The Caramel Corn is out of this world — and the Chicago Mix, which sounds so odd, is absolutely amazing. Also, it’s a huge comfort that this popcorn is completely GMO-free. This is definitely something that might make it into lunch boxes here this fall. For nut-free schools, Caramel Corn, Cheese Corn, and Chicago Mix don’t contain nuts — but they are produced in a facility that produces nuts so be aware.
Get it: Check the G.H. Cretors website for location information. You can also order online from the company.
Pretzilla Soft Pretzel Burger Buns
I’d heard about these burger buns, but whenever I saw them I would pass right by — until the day I didn’t. Honestly, as Will, Paige and I dashed through Whole Foods picking up dinner one night, I almost didn’t buy the Pretzilla Soft Pretzel Burger Buns because Paige was so deadset against them. But then I did … and it was the best decision ever. There burger buns are out of this world. Incredible. Unforgettable. Try them. If you love soft pretzels, you will be totally smitten too — I am sure of it.
Get it: I bought these at Whole Foods. But they are available elsewhere and online too. Try the Pretzilla website for locations.
OXO Avocado Tool
The OXO Avocado Tool was gifted to me at a conference I attended this spring (sorry — I can’t recall which one!). At the time, I thought it would probably be something I would try once and then give away. I mean, it’s an avocado. They are simple to deal with as it is, right? Except then something funny happened: I loved it. This tool takes a few minutes process and makes it a few seconds process. And what I love even more is that I can open, pit and slice and be on to the next task without a single second of worrying that I’ll cut myself. Easy peasy and totally worth it — especially if you love avocados like I do.
Get it: This is available at stores and online at stores like Amazon and Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Rubbermaid Divided Containers
The first time I bought these containers was more than a decade ago when I was just out of college. They were perfect for taking lunch to work. Now, as a mom, I love them because they make packing lunches for school a breeze. The compartments are awesome, and they make packing fun lunches for the kids a breeze, particularly when your kids love variety in their lunches. And best of all? They are BPA-free and pretty darn inexpensive. Score!
Get it: These are sold all over the place. I bought ours at Target most recently.
Hidden Valley Spreads
Can we be super honest here? Had I just seen these spread in the grocery store, I would have totally ignored them. Worse, I would have walked by them in defiance. Because ranch? It’s not my thing and I would have judged these based on knowing that Hidden Valley does ranch. That alone would have prevented me from trying Hidden Valley’s new spreads. However, I had an assignment to do (more on that soon) so I had to buy them and try them. After working with them for a few days, I found myself head over heels in love with these spreads. Sure, I tried them because I had to for an assignment, but I will buy them again because we truly adored them. There are several different flavors and they add great dimension to quesadillas, sandwiches and more. I can’t recommend them enough.
Get it: Hidden Valley Spreads are new, and just hitting stores. I’ve found them in some grocery stores and Target too. Keep your eyes open — they are generally near the mayo.
Disclosure: Where noted, I received product samples to try some of these items. However, this is editorial content and all opinions are my own.
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper
Thursday 15th of August 2013
I need to find those pretzel buns!!
Aviva Goldfarb
Monday 12th of August 2013
Great finds, Sarah! I might have to try that Oxo avocado tool, we eat so many avocados. If you like Rubbermaid's divided lunch containers you might love EasyLunchboxes and they're created by a wonderful mom in LA, Kelly Lester. Here's her site: www.EasyLunchboxes.com
Kate
Friday 9th of August 2013
Have you tried Garrett Popcorn? It's another Chicago popcorn factory. I'm just wondering how they compare with GH Cretors.
Sarah W. Caron
Friday 9th of August 2013
I haven't! But I will have to now. Thanks for the suggestion, Kate!!