New This Month: March 2013

 Can you believe it’s already MARCH?! Winter is flying by and I am so looking forward to what spring will bring: warmer temperatures, flowers, warmer temperatures, seasonal fresh produce, and did I mention – warmer temperatures?! As you can see, I’m not a huge fan of cold climates and living in New England really doesn’t help. This month’s new-to-me product blew me away. Seriously blew my culinary mind and tongue to another flavor planet! I hope you discover new items and if you can, please support these companies by purchasing their amazing products; I promise you, you will not be disappointed! 

Torie & Howard Organic Hard Candy

Who would have ever thought that a hard candy could change your outlook on every other hard candy out there? And no, I’m not a grandma with those weird candies in the bottom of her purse. These organic candies from Torie & Howard come in some amazing natural flavors – NOTHING artificial in them! Plus they’re gluten/dairy/soy/nut free, which makes them even better. You might think I’m still joking but these little candies pack a LOT of flavor – my favorite is the D’Anjou Pear & Cinnamon, it’s like taking a bite of a pear-cinnamon infused dessert at only 12 calories, ha! (Every morning I wake up and find empty wrappers on our coffee table. Seems M. has a slight addiction to late night hard candy eating!)

 Krave Jerky

First, let me say that I’m not a huge jerky lover. I find them to always be dry and tough, with no flavor other than smoke and salt. But this jerky from Krave is unlike any other jerky I’ve ever tried. My favorite? Their Garlic Chili Pepper Jerky, not even pictured below because I eat the entire bag before I could snap a picture! It’s flavorful, moist, and best of all it has no nitrates, hormones, or artificial flavorings. Offered in varieties that include turkey, beef, and pork, plus the addition of some amazing ingredients like basil, lime, honey, garlic, and more, they’ve crafted some unique combinations that will make you see jerky in a different light.

NuNaturals Liquid Stevia

Amazing what a drop of this liquid stevia in your tea, coffee, or smoothie can do. A burst of fresh flavor, my favorite being the NuNaturals Orange Stevia, and a touch of natural sweetness, make these tiny bottles essential now in our kitchens. The latest recipe using the Orange Stevia is a “dreamsicle” smoothie: blend greek yogurt, coconut milk, and 3 drops of the orange stevia and you’re well on your way to heaven! We loved the fact that these don’t have any artificial colors or flavorings and are made with real citrus and other ingredients.

Fruition Chocolate’s Sipping Chocolate Mix

If you haven’t noticed, we’re huge fans of Fruition Chocolate. Bryan was one of my Teacher’s Assistants in my last class at the CIA and is now the chocolate maker and founder of Fruition Chocolate in upstate New York. We recently ordered some of his new products for Valentine’s Day, including this Sipping Chocolate Mix. This cold winter has made me a huge fan of discovering hot chocolate mixes and this one is in my top 3! The thing that irks me about hot chocolate mixes is that I have to tweak them, add vanilla, sugar, salt – just to make them taste good. But to this mix, I didn’t add a thing and it made the most luscious, slightly sweet, and chocolaty sipping chocolate I’ve ever had. Great balance of sweetness, this mix is made in small batches by Bryan himself, so be sure to grab a tin before the end of the season.

Kopali Dark Chocolate Covered Bananas

Bananas and Chocolate, two of my favorite things. Organic bananas and fair trade chocolate? Even better! Kopali Organics is doing amazing things in Peruvian communities and here’s a behind the scenes information directly from them: “We use extraordinary cacao from small sustainable farmers in Peru – and we go above and beyond that, doing all of our manufacturing and even our packaging right at the point-of-origin in Peru, to ensure the highest quality of flavor, intense freshness, least transit/carbon footprint, and, greatest possible positive impact, both social and environmental, directly supporting the farming communities.” – Norman Brooks, Kopali Partner. If you’re looking for a treat to satisfy your sweet cravings after hours, I’d recommend these: they’re filling after just a few, the chocolate is sweet and not too bitter, and the texture is chewy in the best of ways. I’ve become slightly addicted to these and will be ordering more!

 Disclaimer for New This Month: Some products were sent as samples, other products I personally purchase. Anything on here, I recommend 110%. A combination of flavors, company ethics, and customer service are what get products on this list.