Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Madelaine Chocolate Company Review & Giveaway Ends 6/27/11

Winner selected and emailed, Becca you have 72 hours to get back to be before I'll have to select another winner!  Congrats!  Thank you for reading my blog and participating!
Becca said... 49
I follow on gfc as Becca. I would love to try the Dark Chocolate Almonds, thanks! sbcashortie at hotmail dot com


The Madelaine Chocolate Company sent me three items to review and they have offered the same items for a reader of my blog to win.  I received the Caramel Popcorn, Peanut Butter & Caramel Duets, and the Peanut Butter filled Butterflies.  They came wrapped up nicely and with a cold pack because I live in Florida and it's almost 100 degrees outside right now.  The chocolate arrived in great condition.  I immediately tried the Peanut Butter & Caramel Duets.  They are so good.  The mixture of caramel and peanut butter inside a chocolate ball is an amazing combination.  They melted in my mouth.  I had 2 of them right away and then put them aside so I could try the next item.


Next I tried the Caramel Popcorn.  It was chocolate covered caramel popcorn.  The picture indicated a mixture of caramel and chocolate so I didn't expect it to all be covered in chocolate but it is.  The caramel popcorn is out of this world.  I have never had chocolate covered caramel popcorn before in my life.  I was really impressed with the taste of this popcorn.

Next I tried the Peanut Butter Filled Butterfly.  I unwrapped the butterfly and took a bite.  It's a milk chocolate butterfly with peanut butter in the middle.  I really love peanut butter and chocolate.  It's a great combination.  The quality of the Madelaine Chocolate is top notch.  This chocolate is wonderful!

Giveaway:
You must be a follower of my blog to enter.


Mandatory Entry:
Go to Madelaine Chocolate Company and pick out an item that you want to try first.  They have a lot of items so it will be hard to choose just one.  Come back here and comment on which item you want to try.  Leave your email if it's not visible on your blogger profile.


Extra Entries:

Like them on facebook.

Follow them on twitter.

Sign up for their newsletter.

Leave a comment for each entry you do.  You have a total of 4 chances to enter.  Giveaway ends 6/27/11 at 7:00 PM EST.  I will use random.org to select a winner.  I will email the winner and they will have 72 hours to respond with their address for shipping.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Mediterraneo: Milos Karadaglic (Artist) CD Review & Giveaway Ends 7/3/11 at 7:00 PM EST

Check him out on facebook http://www.facebook.com/milosguitar.

 



Track Listings


1. Asturias
2. Recuerdos de la Alhambra
3. Sevilla
4. Lágrima
5. Spanish Romance
6. Adelita
7. Granada
8. Koyunbaba 1. Moderato
9. Koyunbaba 2. Mosso
10. Koyunbaba 3. Cantabile
11. Koyunbaba 4. Presto
12. No. 3 Mera magiou
13. No. 4 Vasilepses, asteri mou
14. Capricho árabe
15. El testament de n'Amelia
16. Andaluza
17. Oriental No. 5 & no. 2 from Danzas españolas
18. Fandango

Product Description

"The music on this recording reflects my character. It tells the listener who I am," says 28-year-old guitarist Milos Karadaglić. As one would expect of a citizen of tiny, turbulent Montenegro, whose career was set in motion by an audacious decision to come to London, that character is marked by a rare single-mindedness. Milos's love affair with the guitar began when he was eight and his father played him a recording of Segovia making magic with Albeniz's Asturias. Armed with the family's dusty old guitar (missing some strings), Milos was enrolled at a specialist music school, where in six months he learned all its teachers had to impart. Such quick progress prompted the school to put him in a different class, one that used the rigorous Fernando Sor method. At nine he gave his first public performance and at eleven entered (and won) his first national competition and, on the same day, also won a singing competition. Subsequently, Milos became a star performer on television and radio, took guitar master classes in Belgrade and then, at the age of 16, followed his childhood dream and decided to audition for a place at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
The timing was poignant - NATO's bombing of his region had just come to an end. When he phoned the Academy he was told that applications for the following academic year were closing. "So while my parents were at work, I found myself filming my favorite pieces, one at a time, five days in a row, in our living room." He was accepted on a scholarship. "Everyone back home was so supportive and proud of my success, and when I finally arrived in London, I was terribly homesick. But, at the same time, I was suddenly surrounded by superb teachers in a fabulous institution - at last exposed to the world. It very quickly felt as if someone had given me wings and I could fly."
Though Milos in his teens had made John Williams his exemplar, in his early 20s Julian Bream became his main influence. "His sound and technique were very different from mine, but listening to his recordings was inspirational on every level. He was an amazing musician... When I later received the Julian Bream Prize from his own hands, it was such an honor." Milos's artistry is reflected in his attitude toward public appearances: "When I'm performing, it's close to dreaming for me - afterwards I don't remember much about it. I just remember feeling very well, with a high level of energy and emotion. Each day I try to find new colors and timbres." The colors and timbres to be found in this album have been dictated by his desire to reflect the rich musical ambiance he was born into, with influences from both the eastern and western ends of the Mediterranean. "Montenegro itself," he says, "is at a cultural crossroads, which is why the music I grew up with is so interesting and diverse."
Albeniz's Asturias earns its place because of Segovia and "because, no matter how young or old I have been, it has always been a challenge - it allows me to express my character to the extreme. Sevilla is so incredibly exciting that it always makes me want to dance. But, whenever I play his Granada, right from the first phrase it feels like I am falling in love. It reminds me of the heat and salt of the Mediterranean."
Many of the pieces here were originally written for piano, yet they sound entirely natural on the guitar. Granados's Andaluza had previously been arranged for the instrument, but Milos and his mentor Michael Lewin of London's Royal Academy have made their own version of it, as well as this composer's Orientale. As Milos explains, "It's challenging because while the accompaniment is smoothly arpeggiated in the bass, the melody in thirds comes in on top. Putting it on to one guitar was very exciting."
Karadaglić doesn't have much personal connection with Greece, "but when I heard Mikis Theodorakis's A Day in May I started to cry. It talks about political upheaval and loss of a loved one. A few years ago my uncle lost his only son and I wanted to dedicate this piece to him. Performing this song always makes me feel very emotional. It reflects a time of hardship, and that too is a big part of who I am."
The work which reflects the biggest part of Milos's story is the Italian guitarist-composer Carlo Domeniconi's 1985 suite Koyunbaba: "I heard it for the first time when I had just arrived in London. With its Turkish folksong theme, and magical soundworld, it brought back all those memories and places I had left behind. Whenever I play it, it is different, like the sea itself, sometimes calm, sometimes a storm..."
Since Francisco Tárrega was the father of the modern Spanish guitar, pieces by him were de rigueur. "They tell us so much about this amazing box with six strings," he smiles, adding, "From the famous Recuerdos de la Alhambra to Lágrima and Capricho árabe, all the works on the album are so pure and magical. At the same time they speak equally to the most educated classical musician and the man on the street. This is the beauty and true essence of the classical guitar." 

Review

I really enjoyed this CD.  I do not normally listen to instrumentals but this is entertaining and calming.  I played the CD while I washed dishes and folded laundry.  It is a really relaxing album.  I would recommend this to anyone who needs to unwind.  I am so excited to be introduced to Milos Karadaglic.  I am a big fan now.  I went on Amazon to check out his other works.

I will post a giveaway once the CD is released.

Please connect with Milos on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/milos.karadaglichttp://www.facebook.com/milosguitar?sk=app_217443188285857.  You can listen to the album streaming on his facebook fan page.

Giveaway:
I am able to giveaway 2 copies of this album.  To enter just like Milos on facebook and come back here and post your facebook name and your email if it's not visible in your blogger profile.

For USA entries only.


I will use random.org to select the two winners and I will email them to notify them of their win.  The winners will then have 72 hours to respond with their mailing addresses so that I can get the sponsor to mail the album to them.




Thank you for reading and thank you for participating.

winners selected:


mverno said... 2
i like milos on facebook susan v mverno@roadrunner.com

Monday, May 23, 2011

Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels Review and Giveaway Ends 6/25/11

Winner selected and emailed.  Winner has 72 hours to respond to my email.

Thanks for participating.
wcc said... 39
I like them on Facebook (username: Les Cerises). whitechocolatecherries at gmail.com


Review

I received 5 boxes of Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels to review.  I tried the cheddar jalapeno, grilled cheese, apple cinnamon, pizza and spinach feta pretzels.  Each box contains 2 of these gourmet pretzels.  I have had frozen pretzels before but never any that were as good as these.  The stuffing is amazing. 
I tried the Cheddar Jalapeno first.  I do like jalapenos and I love cheese.

Doesn't that look good!  It looks good and smells good and best of all tastes good.  They are
stuffed with real cheddar cheese, chili flakes, cumin, garlic & chopped jalapeños. Topped with more freshly shredded cheese and jalapeños.
Apple Cinnamon was the next one I tried.  I really love apples and cinnamon.  These pretzels are delicious.  They are really easy to prepare.  Just pop one in the microwave for about a minute and you've got a treat! 
Apple Pie with a twist! Stuffed with our made-from-scratch apple pie filling, apples, cane sugar, brown sugar & cinnamon. Topped with cinnamon sugar crumble!
The pizza pretzel was the next one I tried.  Stuffed with freshly shredded mozzarella cheese & homemade pizza sauce.  I love pizza.  This pretzel is the next best thing to pizza.  I really love the pizza pretzel.


Stuffed with fresh chopped spinach, crumbles of feta cheese and a touch of garlic.  The spinach feta pretzel is really delicious also.  I really love feta cheese.  This is my absolute favorite of the pretzels that I tried.  I shared one of these with my mom and she fell in love also.
Grilled cheese, stuffed with delicious real cheddar cheese & topped with MORE freshly shredded cheddar cheese. This American classic oozes with flavor.  This pretzel is just like a grilled cheese but a lot easier to make.  Just heat it up and enjoy. 

Giveaway:

Kim & Scott's has offered a prize pack similar to the ones that I reviewed.

If you would like to enter just make sure you are following my blog.

Mandatory Entry:

Go to Kim & Scott's and come back here and leave a comment with which pretzel you want to try first.

Extra Entry:

Like them on facebook, come back here and leave a comment that you like them on facebook.

Follow them on twitter, leave a comment that you are a follower.

Email subscribers get an extra entry, just leave a comment that you subscribe by email to my blog.

Put your email in the comment if it's not visible on your blogger profile.

You have four chances to enter.  Giveaway ends 6/25/11 at 7:00 PM.  I will email the winner and they will have 72 hours to respond before I'll choose another.  I use random.org to select the winner.




Saturday, May 21, 2011

Vibrant Flavors Review & Giveaway Ends 6-15-11

winner selected and emailed.   winner has 72 hours to get back to me.


Vibrant Flavors Giveaway & Review
I received a box with pretzels and dukkah to sample and review from Vibrant Flavors.  Here's some information about Vibrant Flavors from their website:

About Vibrant Flavors

An Oregon company, whose mission is simple: to bring healthy, flavorful and exotic foods to you.
Vibrant Flavors is a dream come true. Literally. Donna Dockins created original recipes and healthy meals for her clients in a private chef and catering business. She often thought about how to bring these delicious recipes to the world. When a friend from New Zealand introduced her to dukkah, the dream became reality. Dukkah, a blend of nuts, seeds and spices, is a traditional food from Ancient Egypt. Eaten as a snack or part of a light meal, dukkah is known for its complex flavors, crunchy texture and nutritious attributes.
After realizing that dukkah’s main ingredient was hazelnuts, one of Oregon’s major crops, Donna’s quest began. She developed five unique flavors of dukkah using the traditional base of hazelnuts, sesame seeds and peanuts. Vibrant Flavors Oregon Dukkah is a healthy, delicious product made from locally sourced Oregon ingredients. The packaging for Oregon Dukkah is produced in Oregon and is made from recycled and biodegradable materials.
Donna’s attraction to the unique and unusual soon had her experimenting again. This time with an old favorite – hard pretzels. Crunchy, flavored snacks have always been a favorite of hers. Never liking the greasy film or sticky powder that coated her hands when eating flavored chips, she engaged her creative spirit to develop something clean, crisp and different. After many months of trial and error, she developed a unique way to flavor hard pretzels. Vibrant Flavors Pretzels are all natural, crunchy and delicious.

Happy Snacking!
Donna
First I tried the sweet onion pretzels.  They are really good.  I like the shape, it's different.  They have just the right amount of salt.  They are sweet and oniony, it's a really good combination.  I would recommend these even to those who do not like onion.
Roasted garlic are my favorite.  I really enjoy garlic and these pretzels satisfy my garlic cravings.  They are so easy to just grab and go.  These are a wonderfully easy snack.

The beerzels are very good.  I do love beer and I do love pretzels.  I would have never thought to put the combination together, but I am so glad that they did.  This is a really great combination.  I really enjoyed the beerzels.

Italian herb is another really great flavor.  I am so glad that I found vibrant flavors and got to try these amazing pretzels.


The barbecue pretzels are my husband's favorite.  He ate the whole bag before I could even get one.  I asked him what he thought about them and he just smiled and showed me the empty bag.  I know they must be amazing or he would have given them to me.





I had never heard of Dukkah before trying it now.  I was not sure what to expect, but it's like dip only dry.  I ate it with bread, on chips, on pretzels, and on a pita.  I really did like the dukkah.  The sweet was my favorite.

Giveaway:
Vibrant Flavors will send a sampler pack to the winner.

Mandatory Entry:  You must follow my blog, comment here that you are a follower and go to vibrant flavors and tell me which product you are excited to try.

Extra Entries:

Like them on facebook.

Follow them on twitter.

There are three total chances to enter.  Leave a separate comment for each entry that you do.  I will notify the winner via email.  I will use random.org to choose the winner on 6-15-11 after 7:00 PM EST.  Put your email in your comment if it's not visible on your blogger profile.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks Introduce Tedeschi Trucks Band

SUSAN TEDESCHI AND DEREK TRUCKS
INTRODUCE THEIR NEW 11-PIECE ENSEMBLE
TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND

Debut Recording Revelator Available June 7

(NY, NY – March 14, 2011) Revelator (Sony MASTERWORKS), the long-awaited, song-oriented debut album by the husband-wife team of singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi and guitarist Derek Trucks, will be released June 7.  Filled with smoky, blues-dipped rockers and heart-stilling ballads that show off, respectively, the gutsier and softer side of Tedeschi’s vocal ability, plus a series of emotive, story-telling solos shaped by Trucks’s uncanny agility on slide-guitar, Revelator also serves to introduce the couple’s new, 11-piece ensemble—Tedeschi Trucks Band.

A dramatic leap forward for two of the music world’s most dynamic performers,  Revelator is a confident yet unforced triumph offering a cohesive vision: an idyllic, musical world in which the echoes of so many great traditions—Delta blues and Memphis soul, Sixties rock and Seventies funk—organically flow together, blending with an entirely original, modern sensibility.

In addition to the combined weight of Tedeschi and Trucks’s equally renowned abilities, Revelator benefits from an impressive circle of talent that the two brought together. Trucks co-produced the album with multi-Grammy-winning engineer Jim Scott, whose genre-bending credits include popular albums by the Dixie Chicks, Johnny Cash, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Both Tedeschi and Trucks co-wrote the album’s twelve new songs with an impressive list of experienced songwriters, including Jeff Trott, John Leventhal, David Ryan Harris and Sonya Kitchell; Gary Louris and Oliver Wood—of the Jayhawks and the Wood Brothers, respectively; and old friends like guitarists Doyle Bramhall II and Eric Krasno (of Soulive), and band members Mike Mattison, Kofi Burbridge and Oteil Burbridge.

Most notably, Revelator features the newly formed Tedeschi Trucks Band, an eleven-member ensemble overflowing with talent and musical familiarity. Brothers Oteil Burbridge (noted for his years as bassist with the Allman Brothers Band) and Kofi Burbridge (longtime keyboardist/flutist with The Derek Trucks Band) have joined forces with a pair of drummers J. J. Johnson and Tyler Greenwell, trumpeter Maurice Brown, tenor saxophonist Kebbi Williams, trombonist Saunders Sermons, and harmony singers Mark Rivers and Mike Mattison. (Additionally, Ryan Shaw and David Ryan Harris supplied harmony vocals to various tracks on the album, and Alam Khan adds his masterful sarod playing to “These Walls”.) The fact that this aggregation includes so many musicians related by experience—and blood—clearly adds to the notion of Revelator as a true group album, the product of a musical family.

Revelator and the Tedeschi Trucks Band are the result of a process that began in 2010 with the decision by the couple to place their careers as individual artists on hold, dismantle their own groups, and join musical forces. In many ways, it made sense: the two often performed together in each other’s bands, and with the Allman Brothers Band (with whom Trucks continues to play as co-lead guitarist.) They also guested on each other’s recordings and shared a musical sensibility best described as a swampy mix of rootsy, rockin’ American music. Last year Trucks and Tedeschi both received individual Grammy nominations in the category of “Best Contemporary Blues Album” for their 2009 albums, Trucks for Already Free and Tedeschi for Back To The River .  The Derek Trucks Band ultimately won the friendly “family feud” taking home the award but Tedeschi gladly shared the honor having sung lead vocals on the album track “Back Where I Started.”  Once they decided to make their collaboration official, a year of trying out various band lineups and songwriting partners followed. When producer Jim Scott entered the picture last fall, their vision shifted into high gear and the group began recording in Tedeschi and Trucks’s fully equipped studio situated on their home property in Jacksonville, Florida.

With an eye on allowing the creative juices to flow naturally and unimpeded, they eventually wrote thirty songs, which were whittled down a final dozen—twelve tunes that delivered on the promise that was made when the two dedicated themselves to their common venture. From the raunch-and-drive of “Bound for Glory” and “Learn How to Love”, to introspective, mood-setting performances like “Midnight in Harlem” and “Shelter”, to the tuneful and uplifting messages of songs like “Don’t Let Me Slide” and “Easy Way Out”, Revelator offers a marked, feet-on-the-ground notion of modern reality (“These Walls” focuses on the simple idea of day-to-day survival in these harsh times) while marveling in the unasked-for joys that life often delivers (the refrain of “Simple Things” that sings of “life without sorrow, love without pain” could well be the album’s motto.)

“These songs are all life-adventure stuff,” says Tedeschi, whose gospel-trained voice brings them all to life. “Whether soul-searching or love-searching, looking for shelter, or hope, or just a break. That’s what’s truly different about this album for Derek and myself. Rather than extended solos like he’s done in the past, Revelator is about storytelling through songs—songs with nice musical structures, with beginnings, middles and ends, a lot of content that people can really dig into.”

The album’s focus on songs, according to Trucks, means all the more focus on his wife’s voice. “I’m super-proud of the work that Susan’s done on the record – at the end of the day it’s her voice and she has to carry it. We really tried to catch different parts of her singing—not just the belting thing that she’s known for, but the sweet side too. She’s really laying it all out there.”

Relative to her years leading her own group, Tedeschi admits to feeling “a lot less pressure because now I have the best guitar player in the world my band so I have a lot less responsibility on my guitar. I love playing with my husband and now I get to hear him every night..”

“In fact, there are so many new things happening on this album, it’s hard to know where to start,” adds Tedeschi excitedly, “Especially with this group.  Everyone is an amazingly accomplished musician who is able to listen intensely and react with their own soulful music at the drop of a hat.   It is an honor to be in this band.”

Trucks echoes Tedeschi’s sense of anticipation and pride in their new collective. “I’m really looking forward to hitting the road and letting things grow until each show feels like an event. It’s nice having all these new songs but also having that looseness and spontaneity that comes with a great group of musicians. There are few bands that do that—hold on to that element of surprise. One moment could be a train wreck but the next, it’s church.”

Tedeschi Trucks Band plans to tour the U.S. and Europe on the heels of the release of Revelator, performing the music from the album as well as old favorites.


Revelator Tracklisting

1.       Come See About Me
2.       Don't Let Me Slide
3.       Midnight In Harlem
4.       Bound For Glory
5.       Simple Things
6.       Until You Remember
7.       Ball And Chain
8.       These Walls
9.       Learn How To Love
10.   Easy Way Out
11.   Love Has Something Else To Say
12.   Shelter

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Three Sisters Cereal Review and Giveaway - Ends 6/15/11

Winner has been emailed and has 72 hours to get back to me with mailing information.

Thank you for reading and thank you for participating.



Review
Three Sisters Cereal sent me a very nice selection of products to try and review.  I received the Cinnamon Sweets Cereal, Honey Oaties Cereal, Dark Chocolate Instant Oatmeal and Cinnamon & Apples Instant Oatmeal.

Three Sisters cereals are now exclusively on the shelves of Whole Foods® Markets around the nation. Three Sisters offers all natural cereals that taste good and are environmentally conscious.
Our cereals are made using renewable wind energy.

Instant Oatmeal


From texture to flavor, Three Sisters is committed to providing consumers with great-tasting instant oatmeal. Some Three Sisters oatmeal varieties utilize old fashioned oats, which are heartier than the instant oats used by the category leader.
Three Sisters also sources quality ingredients, like real berries, premium chocolate, and unique spices, which contribute to the brand’s distinctively bold taste.
Try any of these four flavors at a Whole Foods® near you:
  • Cinnamon & Apples
  • Brown Sugar & Maple
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Plain Grain (Organic)
Stovetop cooking instructions
STEP 1: To prepare our oatmeal on the stove top, bring water to a boil in a kettle
(1/2 to 2/3 cup water, depending on desired thickness).
STEP 2: Turn the heat down to simmer and cook oatmeal for 90 seconds, stirring frequently.
STEP 3: Remove from heat and let stand for 1-2 minutes before

The Cinnamon & Apples was the first one I tried.  It is amazing.  I have had instant oatmeal before, but never this good.  I really loved the smell and texture.  The old fashioned oats really filled me up.  It really is hearty!  I plan to make this my breakfast most days of the week.  So easy to just grab and pack and take it with me to work and then eat it at work when I get hungry.

The Dark Chocolate instant oatmeal is really good also.  I haven't ever had a chocolate flavored oatmeal before and wasn't sure what to expect but I really did like this.  I was full after eating this for breakfast and it really held me over until lunchtime.  I love chocolate and this is a great way to get some chocolate without feeling like you've been bad.  This is a good for you way to get in that dark chocolate.

Honey Oaties ®

All natural sweetened whole grain oat cereal with real honey. Yummy, heart-healthy whole grain oats and no phony flavors.

I love this cereal.  I ate it with milk for breakfast.  I also ate it dry for a snack.  It's great either way.  I'm sure there are a lot of other ways to enjoy the honey oaties.  I am really pleased with this cereal.  It tastes great and it is so good for me too!

Cinnamon Sweets ®

All natural cinnamon sweetened rice and whole grain wheat cereal. No trans fat, partially hydrogenated oil or phony flavors.

The Cinnamon Sweets were a huge hit in our house.  They are just the right amount of sweet and crunch.  I really enjoyed them with yogurt or milk.  This cereal would be great with ice cream too!  It is also good as a dry snack, just grab and go.  

For more information about Three Sisters cereal, please check them out online.
3SistersCereal.com

Disclosure:  I received sample product for review.  Any opinions expressed above are my own.  Although Three Sisters provided the prize for this giveaway, they are not sponsors, endorsers or affiliated with the giveaway.

Giveaway:

Win cereal for a month.  4 coupons for free Three Sisters Cereal.  This is only available at Whole Foods.

Mandatory Entry:

You must be a follower of my blog to enter.  Leave a comment here that you follow and put your email in the comment if it's not visible on your blogger profile.  

Extra Entries:

Like them on Facebook.com/3SistersCereal.  Leave a comment with your facebook name.

Follow them on Twitter.com/3SistersCereal.  Leave a comment with your twitter name.

Go to their 3SistersCereal.com and tell me what other product you would like to try besides the ones I reviewed. 

There are 4 chances to enter.  Leave a separate comment for each entry you choose to do. 

Giveaway ends on 6/15/11 at 7:00PM EST.

I will use random.org to choose the winner and email them.  Winner will then have 72 hours to get their address to me.  I will mail the coupons to the winner.





Monday, May 16, 2011

Raising The Candy Bar - Illinois Nut & Candy Review and Giveaway Ends 5/31/11

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said... 8
follower

 

Raising The Candy Bar.com

About the Company (from the website)
We've raised the bar on indulgence for individuals and businesses with our unique offerings and uncompromised customer service. We specialize in Gluten Free Candy, Kosher Candy, Kosher Gift Baskets, Organic Candy, Sugar Free Candy, Nut Free Candy and more. Our goal is to provide the highest quality in candy and confections and service.

They sent me the Creme de Menthe Cordials.  They are so good.  They tasted like minty chocolate.  Perfect for an after dinner mouth refreshment.  I shared these with my Mom, Dad and brother.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed these mints.  I forgot to take them home and they were gone the next time I was at my parents house.


About Us

(from the website)

Raising the Candy Bar is the latest addition to Illinois Nut & Candy Home of Fantasia Confections. For over a quarter of a century Illinois Nut & Candy formerly Illinois Nut Outlet has been doing just that raising the bar. Since September 2004 Melissa and David's goal has been to constantly raise the candy bar by not only being the largest Kosher candy store in the Midwest but by trying to be the largest niche candy store as well. We offer Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Sugar Free, Organic, Vegan Friendly - all under Kosher supervision.
We have over 600 confections from apple rings to zebra bark. Our expansive selections of nuts are freshly roasted and our dried fruits come from around the world. Our highly trained chocolatiers combined with their experience and our valued recipes have given us world renowned confections such as our own hand made English Toffee as well as our Taffy Apples. Our chocolate confections include miniatures filled with crèmes, barks, dipped glazed fruit, turtles, rocky road bars, and two separate lines of truffles our traditional line and our signature line for the more discriminating pallets. All of our chocolates are available in both a smooth creamy milk chocolate and in a rich semi sweet chocolate. What truly separates us is our commitment to customer service. Our goal is to make your experience a sweet one.

They were a pleasure to work with and have offered a giveaway to one of my readers as well.

Giveaway:

You can win the cordial flavor of your choice https://www.raisingthecandybar.com/shop/?iCat=11&iSubOne=55.

Mandatory Entry
In order to enter you must be a follower of my blog.  Please post that you are a follower and put your email if it's not visible in your profile.


Extra Entries
Go to https://www.raisingthecandybar.com/shop/?iCat=11&iSubOne=55 and pick out which cordial you choose if you win.  Leave a comment saying which one you will choose.

Email subscribers get another entry, just post a comment saying you are an email subscriber to my blog.

Like them on facebook for another entry.  Leave a comment with your facebook name.

Sign up for their newsletter for another entry.  Leave a comment that you signed up for their newsletter.

There are 5 chances to enter, only being a follower is mandatory.

This will run until 5/31/11 @ 7:00 PM EST.  I will use random.org to choose the winner.  Winner will be notified by email and have 72 hours to get their shipping information to me.

Thank you for reading and participating.  I really do appreciate it.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Newman's Own Organics Review & Giveaway

llinda29 said... 39
I sub to email
I received a huge box full of Newman's Own Organics to review.  I am so excited to tell you all about this wonderful company.  Here's a little bit of information about them.


When Nell Newman and business partner Peter Meehan started Newman’s Own®
Organics: The Second Generation® in 1993, they were sure there was a market for organic snack
foods, but they couldn’t have anticipated just how fast the demand for their products would grow.
What started with pretzels and grew to include other snack foods has now expanded to many other organic items: coffee, tea, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, organic dried fruit, and pet food. The partners anticipate adding a number of new items each year in all these areas. 
            Nell approached her father in 1992 about the possibility of an organic division. He offered to cover one year’s expenses for Nell and Peter to determine the feasibility of an organic product line under the Newman name. The one stipulation was that, once established, they would return the seed money, so that it could be added to his charity money. They not only managed to do this within a short period of time, but also became an independent company in early 2001. This had been the goal from the beginning. They are committed to following the philanthropic role of Paul Newman and bringing out products that he was proud to have his name associated with. 
            “Great tasting products that happen to be organic is our slogan,” says Nell. “It really says a lot about us. We’ve seen in recent years that people want to know more about the food they eat, not just how many calories a product contains. It’s becoming more important to them how ingredients are grown and processed on the way to their grocers' shelf. Once people see how much organic foods have improved since the early days of packaged `health' foods, we feel they'll seek them out.” 


Newman-O's

Newman O's
16 oz. package
No Partially Hydrogenated Oils
No Trans-Fatty Acids

NEWMAN-O'S: MILK DUNKIN' GOOD
Cream Filled Chocolate Cookie Expands Organic Cookie Line

Nell Newman loves chocolate and can't go too long without dreaming up a new use for it. This time it's Newman-O's, a delicious addition to Newman's Own Organics' cookie line. "Dad's name has been in lights - and now it's on our cookies, too." states Nell. The cream filled chocolate delight is easily recognized by the distinctive package featuring "Pa" and Nell Newman in American Gothic dress and its accompanying courtly sentiments:






Ode to Newman-O's
You might, m'lady tweak my nose.
You could, m'lord step on my toes.
But Heaven help those poor bozos, who try to filch my Newman-O's. 






We tried the original, chocolate and peanut butter.  The original were our favorite, but then we also enjoyed the others.  My husband loved the peanut butter.  My brother loved the chocolate.  These cookies are amazing.  They are so good.

The chocolate bars will be available in two sizes: 3.25-ounce and 2.25-ounce, in the following flavors:

  • Dark Chocolate
  • Super Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa - NEW!
  • Mocha Milk Chocolate - NEW!
  • Milk Chocolate
  • Espresso Dark Chocolate
  • Orange Dark Chocolate

Signature Series Chocolate
We received all six of the chocolate bars.  They did not disappoint.  I love chocolate so I was very excited to try this.  My favorite was the espresso dark chocolate.  The flavor was rich and creamy and dark.  I really enjoyed all of these chocolate bars.  They were a huge hit in our house!

Organic mints in four flavors have been added to Newman's Own Organics' product line. The Cinnamon, Ginger, Peppermint and Wintergreen varieties are packed in eye-catching 1.76 ounce tins with colorful cover designs designating their flavor. They carry the USDA organic seal on the back ingredient panel.
"This is the first time we haven't used our familiar American Gothic style logo on the packaging," says Nell Newman, who appears in the logo with "Pa" Newman. "We were delighted with the illustrations for the tins and thought they'd be fun to use for other purposes after the mints are eaten. The inner paper does carry the familiar logo."
The same flavors are available in a convenient pocket size .75 oz roll and a four roll multi-pack bag with the familiar logo of Nell and "Pa" Newman and are perfect for a quick pick-me-up whether at home, work, or school.
All flavors in both the tins and rolls are made from organic sugar, organic corn syrup, gum arabic and natural flavors. Three pieces (2.0g) contain ten calories with 2g of sugar and no total fat, sodium or protein.

 The mints were good.  I liked the cinnamon the best.  I am not a big mint user so I passed these along to my mother who loves mints and she was so excited that they were made with organic ingredients.  


Hermits

Newman’s Own Organics has added Hermits, an old-fashioned soft cookie, to its popular cookie line. The cookies are available in three flavors: Original, Cinnamon, and Ginger.
The 9 oz. package with the familiar Nell and “Pa” Newman logo contain twelve cookies.
       “Hermits were a family favorite when I was growing up,” say Nell Newman, co-founder and president of the company. “Our recipe, which is based on one we used to make at home, is filled with our delicious organic raisins and sweetened with organic molasses. These spicy, chewy cookies are said to have originated in Colonial New England. One theory is that hermits were named for their long keeping qualities—better when hidden away like a hermit for several days. I doubt if these will last long enough to hide.”
            
The hermits were a huge hit with my husband.  I am not a fan of these, but my husband loves them.  We also shared with our neighbors and they really enjoyed them as well.  I think I just don't care for molasses.  My parents really loved these.  My dad wanted them all for himself.
Dried Fruit Packages Dried Fruit Packages
Raisin Packages
Coffee
Newman's Own Organics® introduces 3 new items to our line of organic dried fruits! In addition to our current stars Raisins, Cranberries, and Pitted Prunes, we now have Apples, Apricots and a Berry Blend. The dried fruit line is 100% organic and contains no sulfites. "We are proud to partner with U.S. Certified Organic Farmers and Processors whose commitment to organic practices makes these wonderful dried fruits available to you. Purchasing our organic products supports their efforts," states Nell Newman, Co-founder and President of Newman's Own Organics.
Dried fruits have gone beyond their traditional roles and are now replacing high-fat, high-sugar snacks and drinks. Prunes, once thought of only for the older set, are being touted for their high antioxidant qualities; second only to blueberries. Raisins, always a treat, have made the leap from the lunch box and oven to trail mix, granola, and other mixed snacks. Cranberries are not just for holiday sauce anymore. They add zip to fruit salads and stuffings, are tossed into mixed snacks, are baked into muffins, breads, and cookies, or, like the others, are perfect for eating alone. Apricots are a healthy, delicious treat right out of the package. Or, try adding them to yogurt, cereal, salad, or desserts. All can be used to add a special flavor to today's ethnic recipes and family favorites, as well as continuing to be a staple for bakers.

We tried the dried apples.  These were really good.  Not too dry, just the right amount of flavor.  I really enjoyed these.





Newman's Own Organics Adds Winner With Champion Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a Newman family favorite. Since Nell grew up making and eating them, it was natural that they would become a very popular cookie for us.
Champion Chip Cookies are available in six tasty flavors:
  • Chocolate Chip
  • Espresso Chocolate Chip
  • Orange Chocolate Chip
  • Double Chocolate Mint Chip
  • Chocolate Chocolate Chip
We loved all of these, we got them all to try and they were so good.  They didn't last long in our house.  They were great with coffee or tea or even milk.
Samantha got to review the dog biscuits.   She was so excited to be included in this review.  She loves to eat.  I give her 2 or 3 biscuits when we go on walks.  She loved the Newman's Own Organics biscuits and I felt good about them for her.
Premium Ranch Style Dog Treats from  New Zealand



Giveaway
Newman's Own Organics has offered a selection of products for a winner from my blog.  Newman's Own Organics will allow the winner to choose anything from their site except the coffee. 
In order to enter you must be a follower of my blog.
Mandatory Entry:
Go to Newman's Own Organics and  tell me which product you would like to try.  Leave your email in the comment if it's not visible on your blogger profile.
Extra Entries:
Like them on facebook. Come back here and leave a comment with your facebook name.
Email subscribers get an additional entry, just leave a comment that you are an email subscriber.
Giveaway will end on 5/31/11 at 7:00 PM EST.  I will use random.org to select a winner.  Winner will be emailed and have 72 hours to respond with mailing information.  USA only.