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Product Review – Treasure Valley Salsa

February 4th, 2009

Product Review – Treasure Valley Salsa
2.2.09
Products: Medium Salsa, Black Bean and Corn, Habanero & Lime, Salsa Verde

Who is Treasure Valley Salsa?
Treasure Valley Salsa, located in Eagle, Idaho is a new startup salsa company owned and operated by Jason Hall. Treasure Valley Salsa has developed a unique line of extraordinary salsa products in an otherwise ordinary (and saturated) category that we were truly blown away with. Normally, another salsa is just that – just another salsa among hundreds – but Treasure Valley really caught our attention….

Packaging/Labeling: 
This is where we first knew that Treasure Valley was on to something; their packaging really impressed us (and we aren’t impressed to easily, especially by salsa companies). Instead of the “dime-a-dozen” standard salsa jar and label, Treasure Valley opted for a tall, narrow jar that really has a neat slender look. Although a bit more difficult to dip directly from the jar with, the presentation certainly made an impact (plus, most people pour the salsa in a bowl for group eating anyway, right?)

In addition to the non-standard jar, Treasure Valley really hits a home run with the label. The attractively designed, glossy labels have a really cool burned edge look that is completely different from any other salsa out there. Surely it’s a bit more expensive to produce, but also more likely to jump out at consumers on the shelf. If we were shopping for a new salsa, we guarantee that we’d try it just because of the label. In fact, we’d say Treasure Valley gets our nod for the “Best Salsa Packaging” on the market!

Taste/Consistency/Quality: Most salsas taste about the same these days, and everyone has their own recipe that is really not too unique. Occasionally we’ll get someone  who tries “break the mold”, and goes too far with some crazy flavor concoction that is either too sweet, too hot, or just flat out unappetizing. Treasure Valley does it just right with a wonderful fresh-tasting, deliciously textured line of salsa containing a good mix of classic flavors (done right) and unique combinations that aren’t too crazy.

Our favorites were easily the Habanero Lime and the Salsa Verde. The Habanero Lime has absolutely perfect flavor with a nice kick that really leaves you craving more. A bit hot for some, we’d guess, but not so much that it drowns out the flavor you are intended to taste.

The salsa verde certainly turned some heads as well. One evening, Brooks surveyed his refrigerator and found that he was running low on chicken dinner components. The beautifully labeled jar of Salsa Verde on the counter caught his eye, and he decided that chicken, after browning in butter, would be delicious if he simply poached it in the Treasure Valley Salsa Verde. It was a stroke of bad refrigerator genius. He simply took the chicken, all dark meat, and slowly cooked it in that delicious green concoction. That evening at dinner, it was a giant hit with his dinner guests (virtually all foodwriters and critics); spicy, clean, and delicious when served over rice.

To our surprise, the black bean and corn salsa was also extremely good. Normally, most corn/bean salsas are WAY too sweet, or way too bland. Treasure Valley’s version was absolutely perfect – a bit sweet, but not so much that you feel sick after a few bites – and still full of great flavor.

Summary: Take the best packaging you’ve ever seen on a salsa product and fill it with perfectly crafted gourmet salsa, and you’ve got Treasure Valley – an instant favorite here! We’ll keep a close eye on this company as we think they are destined to be America’s next favorite salsa brand!

How to purchase: Consumers can order directly online at http://www.treasurevalleysalsa.com. 

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Review: VermontCountryGourmet.com

September 12th, 2008

Review - Vermont Country Gourmet
8.6.08
Who is Vermont Country Gourmet?

Vermont Country Gourmet is a woman-owned business specializing in unique, upscale products from Vermont. What started originally as a brick and mortar retail store is now a rapidly growing online business and hotspot for foodies seeking out unique, rare Vermont-made products that are not commonly available throughout the US.

Product Summary: Vermont Country Gourmet really does a great job of reminding us just how great products from Vermont are. From cheddar cheese to maple syrup, the State of Vermont truly offers a great bounty of truly fabulous gourmet and specialty food products.

Our favorite product from Vermont Country Gourmet was the Maple Rosemary Grilling Sauce, hands-down. We simmered some chicken with this sauce and were blown away by the savory-sweet combination of rich maple syrup and the perfect touch of rosemary. We even used some of the sauce poured over rice, which oddly reminded us of a sweet and savory Chinese-style dish (very good). We felt that this product would also be amazing on some pulled pork (possibly on a sandwich instead of BBQ sauce) and with salmon.

We also had a Vermont BBQ sauce from Richard’s (a Vermont producer, of course), which was cleverly packaged on top of the fact that it was excellent tasting. On the front label, there is an animated picture of some farm animals looking over a fence, and on the back, it shows them from behind - very neat!

Upon viewing the Vermont Country Gourmet website, we were blown away by the amount of products offered. We had sampled only 4 items, but there must be at least a couple hundred more - each looking as delicious as those we tried. Vermont Gift Baskets, Vermont cheese, Vermont maple syrup, dips, salsas, sweets and desserts, meats, sauces, and so much more!

The site is beautifully designed with a simple, classy, and colorful look and is very easy to navigate. Ordering from the site is very straight-forward and secure. The site even has an excellent embedded video showcasing some of their delectable offerings.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for some of the finest, gourmet artisan products from Vermont, there is NO better place online than Vermont Country Gourmet. Looking for a unique gift? Look no further, Vermont Country Gourmet has you covered with ideas that will really put a smile on your recipient’s face.

How to purchase: Consumers can order directly online at www.VermontCountryGourmet.com.

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Product Review: Heidi and Arthur Chocolatiers

September 12th, 2008

Product Review - Heidi and Arthur Chocolatiers
9.12.08
Products: Assorted chocolates boxWho is Heidi and Arthur Chocolatiers?

Heidi and Arthur Chocolatiers, located in Valley Cottage, NY is a father and daughter team of artisan Chocolatiers that have created an exquisite and beautiful line of upscale gourmet confections, chocolates, truffles and candies.

Packaging/Labeling: Heidi and Arthur don’t skimp when it comes to packaging and presentation. Our assorted box of chocolates came in a beautiful (elegant) green box neatly tied with a large dark brown bow. With the box came two mini-brochures talking about the company and products, including stunning product photography. As a gift, this product definitely has tremendous ‘wow-factor’.

Taste/Consistency/Quality: Heidi and Arthur started the business to create the highest quality, artisan gourmet chocolates and confections - and they have certainly succeeded. Each handmade product is beautifully designed, and full of mouth-watering taste. After each bit, It is quite apparent that these products were made with care and precision from top-notch ingredients. If you are looking for the Rolls-Royce of chocolates, Heidi and Arthur Chocolatiers fits the bill.

Summary: Beautiful elegant packaging and presentation coupled with unparalleled quality chocolate and ingredients, Heidi and Arthur makes for a knockout gift item or as an excellent indulgence for a tastebud reward you’ll not soon forget. A+

How to purchase: Consumers can order directly online at www.heidandarthurs.com or http://ibuygourmet.com/

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Product Review: River Bend Bakery Pralines and Biscotti

September 5th, 2008

Product Review - River Bend Bakery
8.6.08
Products: Creamy Pecan Pralines, Biscotti

Who is River Bend Bakery? River Bend Bakery, located in Kenner, Louisiana (suburb of New Orleans), is a producer of upscale gourmet biscotti and New Orleans-style confections. River Bend Bakery currently sells their products to local retailers and gift shops, online at their website, and at www.iBuyGourmet.com.Packaging/Labeling: River Bend Bakery packages their products in simple, Southern-themed boxes and bags, reflecting a classy old time New Orleans look and feel.The biscotti comes packaged in a way we had never seen before - thick, high quality paper bags rolled and sealed at the top with the biscotti standing vertically. Not only is the type of packaging unique, they really pulled it off with a classy and elegant southern design.The packaging for the gift box of pralines was also unique and impressive. Each individually shrink-wrapped praline comes nicely packed standing vertically separated by the white paper-stock dividers which are part of the box they come in. Hands-down, this was the neatest way we had seen pralines packaged!

Taste/Consistency/Quality: First, let’s start with the pralines. Now keep in mind that our business was founded in New Orleans where there are undoubtedly more praline shops than anywhere in the country - so we know pralines. Before we tried River Bend’s pralines, we were a bit skeptical; who was this little company out in the ‘burbs competing with the likes of big names like Aunt Sally’s? After our first bite, we were in disbelief. How could a company we hadn’t previously heard of be making such an amazing praline right under our nose?The first thing we noticed about River Bend’s pralines is the color, which is very light compared to most commonly caramel colored pralines - which is not a bad thing, just our first observation. After taking our first bite, we were absolutely blown away. These pralines are THE creamiest pralines on the market, period. The melt-in-your-mouth consistency is plain addictive and unlike anything out there. In addition to the amazingly smooth texture, these pralines are rich and sweet - but not overly sweet - and loaded with fresh Southern pecans. We give these pralines a definite 10/10!Next came the biscotti, which we enjoyed pulling from the unique bags in which they came packaged as much as we enjoyed eating them. Although the flavors were somewhat common, we enjoyed these southern-style biscotti immensely. In addition to a great crunchy, but not-too-hard-on-the-teeth texture, these biscotti are loaded with a liberal amount of fresh ingredients and plenty of flavor. Compared to other biscotti brands (which are usually too bland), River Bends reminded us more of a yummy sweet traditional cookie. Biscotti flavor ranking: 8/10!

Summary: River Bend Bakery makes some of the best products you’ve probably never tried - and you are missing out! For quite possibly the best praline you’ll ever have, River Bend is a must-try, and if you eat biscotti on a regular basis, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with River Bend Bakery’s delectable varieties.

How to purchase: Consumers can order directly online at www.riverbendbakery.com or http://ibuygourmet.com/

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Product Review: Garlic Lady

July 29th, 2008

Review written by Brooks Hamaker

Last week I received a package from The Garlic Lady. While not a big box, it was, in fact, pretty heavy. I knew that I was going to be receiving a bottle of Thai Style Bloody Mary Mix from them, but I didn’t realize that I was going to be getting examples of their whole line. I have to admit, I was pretty pleased. I love a good bloody mary and all of the things that traditionally, or even not so traditionally, are loaded into that spicy mix of tomatoes and vodka. Having been born and raised in the Deepbestbloodymary.jpg South, I have a great appreciation for condiments that traditionally find their way into the drinks. Discovering that this box contained not only the usual accompaniments that most people think about as going along with Bloody Mary’s, things like Pickled Green Beans, Pickled Asparagus, and, my favorite kind of pickle in the world, Pickled Okra. The box also contained a bottle of Sicilian Dirty Martini Mix and a couple of kinds of pickled cocktail onions. Generally, this well packed box (all of this glass and liquid arrived via UPS in perfect condition) looked like it would provide for a very interesting reviewing project.

First up, I immediately opened up the okra and forked out a couple. That was a good move and the start to a very satisfying tasting session. The cold packed okra had a nice snap and a really nice blend of pickling flavors, most pronounced to me was a nice combination of garlic and ginger, with a nice peppery finish.

Next, as I was in the pickle world, I decided to give the asparagus a try. I will admit that I was ready for some soft, canned type asparagus in vinegar and was very pleased to find out that I could not have been more wrong. The perfectly sized green spears had a nice crunch and fresh flavor that I don’t believe I have ever experienced before. The Garlic Lady has done herself proud with this effort.

On to the Crispy Pickled Green Beans, something that I am beyond familiar with. Not only have I been eating them all of my life, but I have been making them, every Summer, for most of my adult life. I know a good pickled green bean and trust me when I say that the ones from Garlic Lady are just about as good as they get. Not only are they delicious in Bloody Mary’s, they are also perfect for (as is everything mentioned above) for the ubiquitous holiday relish tray found on many tables around the country, particularly in the Southern U.S. They are also really nicely packed and some out of the jar perfectly, making them an attractive addition to any cocktail, salad, or relish tray.

At this point in my tasty, afternoon’s project, I was getting thirsty. A Bloody Mary seemed like a brilliant idea, as I had some interesting makings right there on the table in front of me.

The first thing I did, before I actually made the drink, was to go through and taste all three types (there are three different levels of heat available from Garlic Lady) of Thai Style Bloody Mary Mix. The first thing that I noticed as I poured the mild, was that it is extremely thick. That’s a good sign as it means that it’s chock full of tomatoes and not just some common, off of the shelf, vegetable juice cocktail. It had a really interesting aroma that was actually pretty complex. I detected vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, but also some vegetable aromas that really were unlike anything I had ever picked up in a Bloody Mary Mix. After a look at the really well done, easy to understand label, I discovered that there were purees of garlic, cocktail onion, and asparagus, to compliment the usual heavy dose of black pepper. Once I tasted Thai Style, I began looking forward to a delicious Bloody Mary. I had never tasted a mix like this and immediately began mixing up a properly mixed bloody mary-2 oz. Good quality vodka, poured into a tall cocktail glass containing hard, cubed ice and then added the Thai Spice Mild Bloody Mary Mix, leaving a bit of room at the top of the glass to allow for the addition of the pickles, in this case green beans. I then poured the entire glass into another and back into the original, just to mix the whole drink well. I added a couple of Crispy Pickled Green Beans to the glass and took my first sip. It was really, really perfect. I live in New Orleans, coincidentally around the corner from a place that I live, serves one of the best that I have ever had and they are deservedly famous for it. The one that I was holding in my hand was better than that-definitely better.

I continued on with the other two flavors, making identical drinks as the one above, but using Thai Spice Medium Bloody Mary Mix in the first one and Thai Spice Bloody Mary Mix in the second one. They were both as complex as the mild, but the added heat really brought out some of the other flavors, not to mention the addition of pureed habenero spiced onions for the added heat. This is a really delicious idea. Hot, pickled onions for spice? That’s right up my alley!

The next evening, well rested from the previous day’s Bloody Mary adventures, I delved into the remainder of the box, which consisted of Garlic Lady’s Sicilian Style Dirty Martini Olive Juice, a jar of Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives, and a bar of beautiful looking Special Olives.

I made a basic, shaken martini (using Vodka, as I was trying to taste the mixers and additions more than I was the traditionally added Gin), to which I added a bit of Garlic Lady’s Dirty Olive Juice. I poured it into a chilled, standard martini glass and added one of each of the olives. It was an absolutely delicious drink. The Dirty Olive Juice added just the right amount of saltiness, as well as complimenting both of Garlic Lady’s delicious olive selections. I was very impressed especially with the Blue Cheese olive. Not only did it add to the flavor of the drink, but it was a nice prize when I got to the bottom of the glass.

All in all I give all of the Garlic Lady products a very high ranking. The Bloody Mary Mix and the vegetables, in particular, are something that I will be keeping around the house on a regular basis. If you are a Martini drinker, I highly recommend that you search out the Garlic Lady line of Martini accoutrement. They will certainly heighten your cocktail enjoyment.

Reviewer Ryan Montague hailed the bloody mary mixes as, “THE best bloody mary mix on the market. Period.”

Order online at www.GarlicLady.com

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Product Review: Vino de Milo wine-based salad dressings

July 21st, 2008

Product Review - Vino De Milo
7.3.08
Products: Wine based salad dressings

Who is Vino de Milo?

Vino de Milo is a producer of upscale, gourmet wine-based pasta sauces, simmer sauces, and gourmet salad dressings. Their newest line of salad dressings recently debuted at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City.

Packaging/Labeling: Vino de Milo really hits a homerun with elegantly designed packaging and labeling. Their label is brightly colored; full of reds and purples artisticly contrasting on a solid black background - certain to stand out on retail shelves and catch the eye of shoppers. The high gloss labels are simple and classy; each touting a unique pair of suggested recipes which sound so delicious that, alone, are probably enough to convince first-time buyers to purchase!

Taste/Consistency/Quality: We’ve sampled numerous salad dressings - each with similar recipes or different takes on the classics (Ranch, Blue Cheese, Italian, etc) - but Vino de Milo goes completely away from the norm with their truly one-of-a-kind wine based dressings. Never before had we experienced such unique and delightful combinations in a salad dressing. Couple with perfect consistency and out-of-the-box thinking for ingredients, these dressings top our list of favorites.

Aside from the uniqueness of the flavors and actual quality, the suggested uses really made these dressings unforgettable. In fact, we all agreed that when used in ways other than as a salad dressing, the products really performed the best. For example, we tried the Roasted Garlic with Chardonnay dressing  as a spread mixed with Mayo, and it was absolutely amazing - by far our favorite use. Also, the Artichoke Parmesan with Pinot Grigio made for a mouth-watering replacement for alfredo sauce when tossed with pasta and used as a bread dipping sauce.

Oh, and don’t forget, these products are all-natural, gluten-free, and have no added sugars. Delicious and healthy at the same time; a rare combination in a world of sugary, fatty, and preservative-laden salad dressings inundating the marketplace.

Uniqueness: Salad dressings are a “dime-a-dozen”, but Vino de Milo certainly breaks the mold. By far, these are the most unique salad dressings we’ve encountered to-date.

Summary: For the most unique and versatile salad dressing (that is really much more than just a dressing) with beautiful classy packaging, you can’t go wrong with Vino de Milo. You won’t want to settle for anything else once you’ve tried them!

How to purchase: Consumers can order directly online at www.MilosWholeWorld.com or www.iBuyGourmet.com
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Product Review: Gravel Road Goodies

July 6th, 2008

Product Review - Gravel Road Goodies
7.6.08
Products: Buttermilk Banana Bread, “Dirt Clods”, Little Bits of Gravel Road, Chocolate Gravy, Mud Pie, Peanut Butter Dirt Dobber

Who is Gravel Road Goodies?

Gravel Road Goodies, located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is a producer of upscale gourmet confections, sweets, and snacks with a Southern “down-home” feel. Gravel Road Goodies currently sells their products online at Etsy.com and iBuyGourmet.com.

Packaging/Labeling: Sometimes the finest things come in the simplest of packages - which is exactly the case with Gravel Road Goodies. All of Gravel Road Goodies’ products come packaged in raffia-filled, brown cardboard boxes and brown paper bags with simple-yet-classy labels describing each item - reflecting a simple Southern homemade look with upscale gourmet quality. Overall, we really liked the presentation and agreed that the unique Southern down-home look really offers a nice break from the cookie-cutter presentations and packaging themes inundating the marketplace.

Taste/Consistency/Quality: With each product we tried from Gravel Road Goodies, it was apparent that no corners were cut when hand-producing these delectable treats. Each product was fresh, rich, and perfect in presentation - reminding us of Mom’s home-cooking as children.

The “Dirt Clods” (the label claims that city folks call them truffles) were absolute perfection; hand made sweet, rich chocolate truffles lightly rolled in semi-sweet cocoa powder that creates a heavenly duo of sweet and dark/bittersweet chocolate. Unlike most mass-produced truffles with waxy consistency, these were a breath of fresh (chocolate) air. Each bite of the smooth and rich “dirt clod” confirmed the fact that only the highest quality ingredients and handmade care was used in making them.

Like the “Dirt Clods”, the mud pie shared an equally impressive combination of rich chocolate taste and perfect texture. Served in a handmade flaky pie crust, these mud pies were extremely rich and moist - leaving us craving more after each bite.

Probably the biggest surprise was the “Little Bites of Gravel Road” - a unique snack/treat made with toasted walnuts and almonds baked in meringue and butter. The result is a very addictive combination of softened almonds and walnuts (with a slight crunch) and a salty/sweet coating of melt-in-your-mouth meringue. Unlike anything else, this snack became an instant favorite and is sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet, salty, and crunchy cravings in one fell-swoop.

Almost as surprising as the “Bites of Gravel Road” was the “Chocolate Gravy” - a dry mix that, when heated in a saucepan with water or milk, creates a rich chocolate sauce with the same consistency of typical gravy. What really makes it so unique is the way in which it is served - over a plate of hot biscuits. The “Gravy” itself was fabulous, but when served over the biscuits even better - creating an entrée that can only bring a smile to your face (for breakfast or as a treat!).

Finally, our unanimous favorite was the Buttermilk Banana Bread - ridiculously moist and rich banana bread that is the best we’d ever had. We got an idea of what was in store when we first unwrapped it; the loaf must have weighed five pounds! This banana bread was so thick and moist that it took a little extra effort when cutting slices, which gave us a nice giggle of excitement before even trying it. This banana bread had it all - delicious banana and buttermilk taste with a baked-to-perfection texture creating a moist and dense loaf of banana bread heaven that we couldn’t get enough of.

Uniqueness: Gravel Road Goodies fared well on the uniqueness scale with their one-of-a-kind “Bites of Gravel Road” snack, dessert-for-breakfast “Chocolate Gravy”, and their wonderful Southern/down-home/gourmet packaging.

Summary: Gravel Road Goodies has created a superb lineup of delectable handmade gourmet products with top-notch quality and freshness, packaged in a very attractive down-home presentation with upscale appeal. Excellent products for gift-giving as well as self-indulgence!

How to purchase: Consumers can order directly online at www.iBuyGourmet.com/GravelRoad or at www.gravelroadgoodies.etsy.com

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Product Review: Doc Jack’s Grillin’ Soss

July 4th, 2008

Product Review - Doc Jack’s Grillin’ Soss
7.3.08
Products: Doc Jack’s Original Grillin’ Soss and Habanero Grillin’ Soss

Who is Doc Jack’s?

Doc Jack’s is a producer of gourmet grillin’ and bbq sauce located in Solvang California producing 2 unique sauces that are perfect for grilling/barbecuing, marinades, and dipping.

Packaging/Labeling: Doc Jack’s Grillin’ Soss comes nicely packaged in 16.5 ounce glass jars with a very classy, thick-paper label with intentionally-cut jagged edges. The jar combines an old-fashioned Mason jar look with a classy gourmet look, and really pulls it off well.

Taste/Consistency/Quality: Doc Jack’s really surprised us with a delicious sauce that really stands out in a crowded market of bbq/grilling sauces. Unlike anything else, this sauce really leaves you craving more. Sure, it’s labeled as a bbq/grilling sauce, but the unique, tangy flavor and thinner-than-normal consistency opened a whole world of imaginative uses for it. In fact, we all agreed that it was so good that we could enjoy it on sandwiches as a condiment - and even drizzled over salad. We ate the chicken with some rice, and the sauce actually tasted wonderful when mixed in - quite to our surprise.

The sauce has no tomato in it, so it definitely doesn’t come off as being a typical bbq sauce that you’d expect. We agreed that it is certainly more of a grilling/brushing/marinating sauce .The presence of vinegar is certainly there (giving it the tangy flavor) but not so much that it was overpowering. At the same time, the sauce is not reliant on sugar or molasses so it’s not too sweet and syrupy either.

The original “Soss” had a slight spicy kick that was more apparent when sampling it by itself. When brushed on the grilled chicken, the heat level was reduced (as expected). The habanero version of the “Soss”, contrary to the implications of its name, wasn’t too hot either. Definitely hotter than the original, but not too hot for those who typically stop at medium heat levels. The biggest test for a product with a higher heat level than the original is if the heat factor masks the flavor of the product - and Doc Jack’s certainly passes this test with ease.

Uniqueness: Not only are Doc Jack’s Grillin’ Sosses deliciously flavored, they do it without any tomato products in the recipe which means that the sauce won’t burn on the grill. Never before had we seen a bbq/grilling sauce do this while still offering a high level of flavor. Instead of burning and creating that unpleasant charcoal taste, the sauce basically bubbles and keeps its wonderful flavor. Also, the “Soss” isn’t loaded with sugars and/or molasses like most bbq sauces, so it doesn’t have the syrupy-sweet flavor and health-factor concerns like the others.

Overall, Doc Jacks gets a “10″ in the uniqueness department for creating a truly one-of-a-kind bbq/grilling sauce that is a nice break from the other products inundating store shelves.

Summary: Doc Jack’s is a “must-have” sauce for those looking for a versatile, outside-the-box, unique bbq/grilling sauce. This product can be used on just about anything - chicken, pork, fish, and even salads and rice!

How to purchase: Consumers can order directly online at www.docjacks.com

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Product Review: Dunkluv Biscotti

July 3rd, 2008

Product Review - Dunkluv Biscotti
7.3.08
Products: The Collection (Sampler of each biscotti flavor)

Who is Dunkluv Biscotti?

Dunkluv Biscotti is a husband and wife owned business located in Grapevine Texas that produces an exquisite line of delicious gourmet biscotti in 5 flavors; Chocolate Chunk, Cranberry Walnut, Lemon, Honey, and Almond.

Packaging/Labeling: We received The Collection, which is a beautifully packaged assortment of each flavor of biscotti. The Collection comes in a very classy dark brown box with a teal/turquoise bow wrapped around it, and really makes for an elegant and upscale presentation. The box is a 2 piece box with the top lid lifting off to reveal the biscotti, which are individually wrapped in clear plastic.

As a gift, there is a hand written “to and from” tag that is makes a great added touch if you are giving this as a gift. As an order for yourself, the package includes a nice thank you card that adds a personal touch and shows appreciation for your business.

Overall, the presentation of Dunkluv’s packaging is absolutely fabulous and would really make a wonderful gift for just about anyone.

Taste/Consistency/Quality: The packaging was so attractive that we were pretty happy with the product before we even tried it. We were even happier to find that there was more to smile about on the inside. Dunkluv cut no corners when producing this delectable line of biscotti; each flavor being packed full of flavor and texture. The chocolate chunk was loaded with huge chunks of delicious chocolate as was the same for the cranberry walnut - stuffed with no shortage of fresh-tasting cranberries and walnuts. Each variety had just the right amount of flavor while not being overly-sweet and sugary.

In addition to trying the biscotti by itself, we also did the standard ‘dunk test’ in coffee where Dunkluv really stood apart from other biscotti products we have tried. Some biscotti products are too crumbly and fall apart when dunking while others are too hard and don’t really absorb much of the coffee. Dunkluv’s biscotti were perfect; not too crumbly while still able to soak up a perfect amount of coffee.

The next thing we tried was eating the biscotti with ice cream (as was suggested) which turned out to be a unanimous favorite. If the ice cream is soft enough, you can use the biscotti like a utensil for scooping. After a few minutes of being immersed in ice cream, the biscotti started to soften slightly, which made for a nice semi-crunchy contrast to the soft ice cream.

Overall, Dunkluv scores big points for being stuffed full of delicious ingredients and passing the “dunk test” with flying colors!

Uniqueness: Dunkluv Biscotti comes in pretty standard flavors for biscotti, but they get an “A” in the uniqueness department for having outstanding packaging presentation and a very liberal use of ingredients (chocolate chunk and cranberry walnut specifically).

Summary: Dunkluv gets an A+ for stunning packaging and presentation and a fabulous biscotti that passed our tests with ease. This is a product worth ordering for yourself (don’t settle for the cheap stuff at the grocery store) and makes an even better gift due to the ‘wow-factor’ of the packaging/presentation.

How to purchase: Consumers can order directly online at www.dunkluv.com

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Product Review: Duncan’s Foods bourbon-based “Drunken” products

June 24th, 2008

Product Review - Duncan’s Foods
6.18.08
Products: Original “Drunken” Weenies, Smokies “Drunken” Weenies, “Drunken” Weenies Sauce, “Drunken” BBQ Sauce (sweet, hot, and fire)

Who is Duncan’s Foods?

Duncan Foods offers a unique line of delicious appetizers and sauces revolving around a sweet, smooth bourbon sauce: Duncan’s Drunken’ Weenies, three types of Drunken’ BBQ Sauces, and Duncan’s “Drunken’ Weenies” Sauce. The unique smooth bourbon flavor comes from genuine Kentucky bourbon which is “flashed off” to only about 2% alcohol during the cooking process, leaving only the sweet, smooth smoky bourbon flavor.

Packaging/Labeling: The “Drunken” line of products comes packaged in very neat glass jars with labeling that, in our opinion, had a cool 50’s retro theme. The “Drunken” weenies came conveniently packaged in a wide-mouth jar that makes for easy serving if you prefer to microwave and serve straight from the jar (although not recommended). The BBQ sauces come in a non-standard jar for BBQ sauce (compared to most plastic flat-wide bottles) - instead it is bottled in a round, slightly stout bottle.

Taste/Consistency/Quality: First, the “Drunken” weenies were very well-received for several reasons. First, the flavor of the sauce is amazing; a definite sweet Bourbon flavor is present, but not overpowering. Second, the weenies themselves were deliciously plump and full of flavor. Most cocktail weenies seem to have a low-quality mushy/soggy consistency to them, while these “Drunken” weenies were perfect and juicy. When simmered in a saucepan over low heat, they really turned out delicious - perfect to impress for a party or event. The Smokies were just as delicious as the original with the same soft-Bourbon taste but with an added smoky kick.

Next, we tried the “Drunken” weenies sauce with some pre-cooked homestyle meatballs that can be found in the grocery section of your local grocery store. After simmering the meatballs in the Drunken weenies sauce on low heat for about 20 minutes in a saucepan, we had a delectable gourmet creation that really had us excited. Not only were they great eaten solo as an appetizer, but they could have been used in a number of ways as a main course - our favorite way was to serve the “Drunken” meatballs over some rice. About half way through, we realized that some green peppers, onions, and other vegetables could be added to make a delicious bourbon-flavored, Asian-style stir-fry.

Finally, we sampled the BBQ sauces with some grilled chicken, which were just as good as the meatballs we previously sampled. Each variety of the “Drunken” BBQ sauce shined in its own way, obviously with the subtle, but perfect amount of Bourbon-flair making its presence known. What we really liked about the BBQ sauces is that the “Hot” and “Fire” versions weren’t overpowering like most fiery BBQ sauces are. Even with the “Fire”, we were still able to taste the sweet and smoky bourbon flavor - which is what makes this BBQ sauce a real winner compared to other basic BBQ sauces on the market.

Uniqueness: “Drunken” Weenies. We haven’t seen too many ‘heat and eat’ cocktail weenies that are really ‘gourmet’, but Duncan’s Foods certainly fits that bill. Normally, you’d end up buying some cocktail weenies and paring them with a separate sauce (or settling for the boring standard weenie sauce), but with these, all you have to do is simply heat and serve the ready-to-eat “Drunken” weenies which area already drenched in a delectable gourmet sauce. Convenient and delicious!

The “Drunken” Weenies sauce is certainly a unique product - unlike anything we’ve sampled. Sure, the natural use is going to be as a sauce for cocktail weenies, but you could really use this sauce with almost any meat in place of traditional marinades and condiments. We felt that the sauce was PERFECT for simmering meatballs as they soaked up the flavor of the sauce and added to the juicy texture. We also agreed that the sauce would have been great on some grilled chicken.

As for the “Drunken” BBQ sauce, we were a bit skeptical because it seems as if everyone has a BBQ sauce these days, and so many don’t have anything unique about them. However, Bourbon-infused BBQ sauce was something we weren’t too familiar with, so it definitely had a unique appeal right away. Other than Duncan’s Foods, I think we had only heard of one other Bourbon-based BBQ sauce (which none of us had tried). After sampling each variety, we were glad we did as we realized that Bourbon makes a wonderful ingredient in BBQ sauce. If you haven’t tried a Bourbon BBQ Sauce, (which most probably haven’t), we strongly suggest you give it a try!

Summary: Duncan’s Foods really offers a delectable lineup of ‘crowd-pleasing’ products with many ways to shine. Not only are they ideal appetizer products - garnering our “Amazing Appetizer” nomination, but they also have a definite place in everyday use.

How to purchase: Consumers can order directly online at www.DrunkenWeenies.com.

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