Snackshots: Cheese & Crackers

My snacking game has always been elite or, at the very least, consistent.  NTB.  No one can accuse me of not putting the time in.  But, like the rest of the world, I've been able to take my nibbling to the next level during these Covid times.

The snack I'm sharing today is simple and somewhat healthy.  It's served me well from quarantine all the way through to whatever's happening now. 

You'll need three ingredients:  wafer crackers (I like 34 Degrees Crisps and Olina's Bakehouse Wafers); a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese (I use the Lite variety or the Asiago one); and a spoon full of jam or jelly (fruit jam, pepper jam, bacon jam -- whatever you fancy).

As a WW gal, I portion out my crackers at the start of my snacking session.  7 Oleo Wafers or 9 34 Degree crisps = 1 WW point.  

 

I just make my way methodically through my crackers, spreading some of the cheese wedge on each and then a little smear of jam.  Salty, sweet, and simple as that.

One bonus of this snack is that it reminds me of one of my best right-before-quarantine memories.  My sons both had roles in their school production of Shrek the Musical, which was staged the weekend of March 6-8 ... a few days before the world turned upside down.  My parents came into the town for the show and my aunt and uncle came from elsewhere in suburban Chicagoland to join us as well.  The non-performers had appetizers, dinner, and a nice visit at our house before Shrek.  On a whim, I had picked up 34 Degrees wafers at Jewel for my cheese and cracker tray, and my mom and I discussed how they made a nice, low calorie vehicle for cheese.  I finished that package of crackers during the first week of quarantine and ended up ordering more via Amazon (they are now a Subscribe and Save item for me) and ordered the Olina's variety to be delivered with my Oberweis milk.

One word of warning:  the 34 Degree crisps are fragile so you'll need to be a bit gentle when spreading your cheese.  The Olina's ones are sturdier.  Neither cracker tastes like anything special on its own so don't come back to me complaining the crackers are bland.  Both brands have some flavored varieties if that floats your boat, but the plain ones are plain.  This plainness is not a problem for me as I believe the point of any cracker is to serve as a vehicle by/upon which something more exciting gains access to your taste buds. 

A final note:  if you are a WW point person, you probably know that most of the Laughing Cow cheese varieties are 1 point per wedge, but not all of them, so check your app if that matters to you.  I don't count points for jam (or FYI, for ketchup or the sauces at Chick-fil-A) even though I am well aware that it is not a zero point food.  I just tell myself that if I am eating it mindfully and sparingly, it's fine.  I gained some Covid pounds, but not from teaspoons of jam.  

 

 

 

Snackshots: Q1 2019

Favorite snacks from the first quarter of this year...

I found these Lumpy Bumpy Mandarin Oranges at Marianos.  They are larger than clementines, easy to peel, and SO GOOD.  I've had six in two days and now the kids are in on the act so there's only one left.  Need to hurry back as the packaging warns of "limited availability."

Two things going on in this Snackshot.  First, there are the Nabisco Corn Thins.  Honestly, it's not the most exciting cracker you'll ever eat, but for those of us living the WW lifestyle, the bargain is attractive:  17 crackers for 1 WW Smartpoint.  The Corn Thin is salty enough to enjoy on its own, but I prefer it as a vehicle for other foods (see hummus above and once I even used the Corn Thins as a nacho base). 

Second thing happening in the Snackshot ... carrots!  I think I actually forgot that you don't have to eat raw carrots in their slightly slimy, bagged baby form.  I was tasked with bringing a veggie platter and a fruit tray to a ladies' painting party.  I found some baby cucumbers that I wanted to slice longways (first things to disappear, btw) and thought it would be more symmetrical and visually appealing if I had longer carrot sticks as well.  I got out the Costco peeler I've had since my wedding shower (thank you, Aunt Pat!), went to town, and then sliced them up.  And I haven't looked back.  I've been eating way more carrots that I peel and slice myself than I ever did babies from the baggie.  I'm embarrassed that I forgot peeling and cutting carrots myself was an option.

 

If you're like me, regular Um, Skinny Pop isn't blowing you away these days.  Sure, it's a caloric bargain, but the plain version is starting to feel blah to me.  I tried the Pepper Jack version at an airport in January and loved it.  It's got plenty of flavor and a lil kick.  I haven't seen a movie yet in 2019 but when I finally do, I'll be packing some Pepper Jack Skinny Pop in my large mom purse.  Outside of airport convenience stores, I've only been able to find the Pepper Jack variety at Walgreens, but as I go there at least thrice a week, it's been easy to stay supplied.  I've also tried the Black Pepper Skinny Pop, which I like but not as much as the Pepper Jack.  I am not a fan of the Aged White Cheddar.

Noted but not pictured because I am pretending I didn't eat them:  two bags of Brach's Conversation Hearts purchased at Walgreens (see above) as part of post-Valentine's Day clearance; a bag of Starburst Jelly Beans because they are amazing, even six weeks before Easter.

Favorite snacks these days?  Do tell.

Snackshots PSA: Beware 'o These Beans!

You think I would have learned my lesson after our family's experience with the Kirkland container of Jelly Belly beans. 

But alas, learning (or not learning) lessons about food seems to be part of my life path.

Back in December, I purchased the Sam's Club container of Member's Mark Gourmet Jelly Beans, not for at home enjoyment but as part of my supply contribution to a Second Grade Moms' Gingerbread Decorating Party that I was co-hosting.  As the beans sat poised on the dining room table in the days leading up to the party, each child repeatedly asked if they could be opened and was rebuffed.  When we ended up with way more candy than the second grade moms of Pleasantville needed for their gingerbread creations, I brought the unopened vat home.

And then began a cycle of sampling, followed by disappointment and self-loathing, similar to that experienced with the Kirkland Jelly Belly vat.  The main difference is that this time the cycle was experienced with jelly beans that were, on the whole, even less delicious than the Kirkland ones.  I found the flavor guide on the Member's Mark Gourmet Beans to be unhelpful and took to avoiding certain beans that I renamed sunscreen, margarine, CVS green candle, and Pledge.  Every member of my family (and we are not discriminating snackers) remarked on the disgustingness of the jelly beans.

And yet we persisted. 


We were nearing the bottom when my middle guy caught me reaching in for another round of fruitless searching and sampling for a single tasty bean.  He wisely suggested that we throw them out, and I'm proud to report that I complied.

Of course, I saved the empty container for two months before tossing it into the recycling last week, but that's a story about another part of my life path:  the ongoing struggle with stuff.

Late Summer Snackshots

So there's a lot going on here and the color scheme and pattern of the packaging sort of suggest pet food, but this popcorn is delicious, addictive even.  It's not a low calorie treat.  You'll need a water or DC on hand because it's rich.  I polished off two bags and am now on a self-imposed break.  Available at Sam's Club.
 

PSA:  No!  Took one bite, took one photo, and then threw the bag away.  Shame on me for thinking mango, coconut, and caramel could create something harmonious.  Last time I saw it at Sam's, it was marked down to $1.98 for a giant bag. 

Click the Snackshots label below this post if you're interested in previous snackshots.

Snackshots -- June 2017

I first enjoyed these Coconut Bites at my parents' house.  Yum, I thought, but I wasn't obsessively thinking, "I must have my own bag in my own snack bin in my own house."

Then I spied them at Sam's Club last week and went ahead and secured my own bag for my own snack bin in my own house.

And just in case you think the my own thing is kind of repetitive, you should know that a) there is a bin in the pantry that exclusively houses my snacks & b) no one in my house ate a single Coconut Bite except for me. 

I ate every single bite, crumble, scrap, and loose seed on my own.  Here's what the Coconut Bites have going for them:  deliciousness, texture, the perfect amount of sweetness, the illusion of healthiness, and lots of coconut (I adore it, but I understand some cannot abide it).  Alas, the bites are also 150 calories for a half cup serving.  Eeks!  I didn't eat these as mindfully as I could have and definitely exceeded portion size.  They never made me feel gross or bloated, but I don't think I'll invite them back into my snack bin, tasty though they were.  If I were the sort of person who could just sprinkle a bit atop some 0% Greek yogurt, we might have a story here.  I'm not that sort though so I'll have to look back fondly on that one week that one June when I really enjoyed those Coconut Bites.

And that's my Snackshot for June 2017.

Snackshots -- April 2017 & Important PSA

For my April snackshot, I'm sharing the Buffalo Chicken Dip I purchased at Sam's Club.  I know what you're thinking, "Oh, I have a great recipe for Buffalo Chicken Dip."  The thing is that if I made your recipe, I'd have to really acknowledge all the fatty ingredients that contribute to the dip's deliciousness.  And then, because it was "fresh," I'd have to really make a commitment to eating dip every day before it spoils.  There's a generous expiration date on this tub of dip (preservatives mixed with the fatty ingredients, I presume) so I don't have to binge.  Two or three times a week, I can zap a couple spoonfuls on dip in the microwave and enjoy with a few gluten-free crackers or tortilla chips. 

And, now, the first-ever Snackshots Public Service Announcement.  Do not bring this giant container of Jelly Belly jelly beans into your home.  Of the 49 flavors, I would estimate that I genuinely enjoy the taste of, maybe, 17 of them.  However, I made myself eat whatever assortment I scooped, including Buttered Popcorn (barf) and Coffee (not for me).  I couldn't stop eating the beans even though I only enjoyed one out of every three beans I tried.  They made me feel gross and yet I kept going back for more.  My children did not impose similar restrictions on themselves with two results.  My daughter would simple spit out jelly beans she did not enjoy, and it was fun finding them on the tablecloth and kitchen rug.  My oldest was picking and choosing without shame and thus, there was nary a red jelly bean (red is your best bet for a decent flavor) to be found once we were about halfway through.  The good news is that we're at the end.  This period of self-loathing, sickness, and disappointment is over. 

Since we're talking food, I thought I'd also share the progress I've made with the Instant Pot I ordered.

Finally, I've already told you about my love for Nora Fleming serving pieces.  Nora Fleming has a new utensil crock out on the market that I've been using as a vase for my grocery story flowers.  I love it because it makes it easy to enjoy my minis day-to-day instead of just when entertaining.  How cool is that?

What's your snack of choice these days?

Snackshots -- March 2017

Haven't posted a Snackshot in months.  I found these Fisher Nut Exactly Snack Bites at my local grocery store (Jewel).  My best snacks always combine salty and sweet, and these little bites are tasty.  I joined Weight Watchers in January (I do this every winter -- an ongoing cycle of winter weight loss in preparation for summer weight gain), and I like that two snack bites are 1 Smart Point.  That's not really a bargain as the bites are small, but the Smart Points system is very punitive when it comes to treats (many small treats are 4 points each) and it's nice to have something sweet without breaking the point bank. 

Sweet Treats

Two treats that sweetened my weekend ...

My Goodreads friends (I'm booksandcarbs there if you're interested) already know that I've been on a Kristan Higgins kick.  I read If You Only Knew last year, enjoyed it, and then forgot all about it.  I bought All I Ever Wanted during an Audible sale, enjoyed it, and have since also read The Next Best Thing and Higgins' brand-new novel, On Second Thought.  These romances are well-written and truly funny.  They feature likable women who have interesting (often complicated) relationships with men and women (moms, friends, sisters, co-workers).  Picked up the library hold on Friday evening.  Finished the book by Saturday evening. 

I did my civic duty and bought some Girl Scout cookies this year.  Before I avoided most gluten, I used to savor my Samoas and Hoedowns.  This year, I bought Thin Mints and Samoas for the family and decided to give the new gluten-free Toffee-Tastics a whirl for mama.  Two thumbs up.  It's a substantial shortbread-type cookie with some chunks of toffee.  If I ever again have the time/patience for a cup of tea, a toffee-tastic would go, um, toffee-tastically, with it.

What sweetened your weekend?

Oh Wow, Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is my favorite treat.  When I make a batch, I eat it obsessively.  Wake up in the morning?  Puppy chow and Diet Coke.  Lunch not quite satisfying?  Little bowl of puppy chow to supplement.  TV time snack?  Puppy chow.  My kids also enjoy it but have been overheard saying, "What happened to all the puppy chow?"  Oops.

I use the proportions of the standard "Muddy Buddy" recipe (listed on back of the Chex cereal box) with one essential change:  white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips.  This tweak is critical.  Trust me.

Here's the recipe with my tips ...

Ingredients:
9 cups of Chex (rice or corn, your choice -- generic brand works fine)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/12 cups of powdered sugar

Equipment:
large flexible bowl
medium-sized microwave safe bowl
2-gallon plastic storage bag (zip top better than slide top if you can find it).
sheet of wax or parchment paper

Procedure:
1.  Pour 9 cups of Chex in a large plastic bowl (a cheap bowl that you can bend a bit works best).

2.  Melt white chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl for one minute and then in small increments as needed.  Stir until the lumps are gone.

3.  Stir in vanilla extract.

4.  Pour melted goodness over the Chex.  Stir gently with a spatula so that you cover the Chex without crumbling it.

5.  Pour powdered sugar into your giant plastic storage bag.  Then pour in the gooey Chex and seal bag tightly.  Shake the bag so that the powdered sugar covers the Chex. 

6.  Pour your finished puppy chow onto a sheet of parchment or wax paper to cool.

7.  Make someone's day!  Then, go back to step one and make another batch.  You can use the same bowls and the same plastic bag.

I've given batches of puppy chow as new neighbor gifts, thank you gifts, and hostess gifts.  I've brought it as the "dessert" for my tennis team lunch before.  People love it.  Only caveat is to be aware of peanut allergies and never send in to school and never serve for a group of kids unless you know for sure there are no allergies.

One more bonus?  It's gluten free.

  
 

Finally Fall

I sweated through my shirt as recently as Sunday afternoon whilst watching a fifth/sixth grade morning football game, but am happy to report that I've since been able to wear my new hoodie/cardi combo every day this week.  Fall seems to be here ... finally.

Here are some autumnal snapshots...

These fall-colored flowers were a hopeful gesture back in early September.  Whadya think of my fancy new vase from a clearance end cap at Target?

Yes, I love my grocery store flowers in fall colors.  And my oilcloth tablecloth, which is especially great in Fall (even though I use it throughout the year).

You can't have Fall without some Friday Night Lights or, in this case, Friday KNIGHT Lights.  My son plays on this field on Sunday afternoons, but I snapped this pic at a Friday night high school game.

I'm no gardener, but I usually manage to fill two pots for my porch.  This summer, I never got around to it.  I redeemed myself, I think, by putting together this little pot of autumnal delight (plus, its twin on other side of porch).  The kale, mums, and pink things were all purchased from a boutique nursery called Jewel-Osco.

When it comes to pumpkin spicery, I'm neither obsessed nor intolerant.  I am always up for testing a new KIND bar though so took a chance on this "limited batch."  I quite enjoyed the Caramel Almond Pumpkin Spice bar.  However, as with many KIND products, I'd love it if they included some more salt on the nuts as I really love the salty-sweet flavor sensation.

Don't hold your breath for apple picking or pumpkin patch photos. 

For now, that's all for Fall. 

Snackshots -- July & August

I've neglected to post Snackshots for the past few months.  You can rest assured that I've been snacking like a champion, which tends to be how I roll in the summer. 

My mom brought a Costco-sized box of Tate's chocolate chip cookies to Hilton Head for our large family vacation.  They lasted about twenty-four hours.  Even though I have limited my gluten intake over the past three years, I sampled a couple and found them ... completely delightful.

I was thrilled to find the gluten-free Tate's cookies at Jungle Jim's International Market.

These gluten-free Tate's cookies are ... just as delightful. 

Lucky I don't live near Jungle Jim's and won't be able to replenish any time soon.

And, because you might be curious, I am not gluten intolerant.  However, I began experimenting with gluten-free living several years ago and found that I was more clear-headed and less HANGRY when I avoided gluten.  Basically, what happens when I eat foods with gluten is that those foods make me want to eat more and more and more of those foods.  I was very strict for the first eighteen months or so.  Now, I have some gluten here and there without feeling like an powerless carboholic (you know, the kind of person who would name a blog "books and carbs").  I know some people are very eye-rolly on this topic.  I never pretend to have a gluten allergy and don't ask/expect others to make special accommodations for what is, for me, a preference and not a health issue.

One last thing ... the snackshot above features my cookie, a cold Diet Coke, and a great book on my kindle -- heavenly tableau!  The book was Katja Millay's The Sea of Tranquility.  Hated the cover and the title, but I really enjoyed the book.  A great YA read with interesting characters and a perfect balance of heft and hope.

My Bar Method

I'm not talking about fitness.  Bar method may be a great workout, but group fitness is not for me.

My bar method is to eat a KIND bar for breakfast or to grab one for a boost if I have a tennis match at an odd time, say 10:30 a.m. -- too early for lunch, well past breakfast.

I reviewed some KIND bars a few months back, and I'm at it again.

From top to bottom:
Dark Chocolate Nuts and Sea Salt is my gold standard, go-to bar.  I'd be shocked but delighted if another KIND bar ever topped it.  I love the saltiness of the nuts and the thin layer of dark chocolate.

Dark Chocolate Almond Mint:  It's almost not fair for me to review this one because I don't really care for mint and chocolate together.  I enjoy the green (not blue) minty lifesavers and adore the muddled mint in a mojito, BUT thin mints, mint chocolate chip ice cream, grasshopper cookies (do those still exist?), peppermint patties, Andie's mints ... nope, nope, nope, nope, and nope.  I tasted this bar and found it palatable.  I suspect that those who love the marriage of mint and chocolate will really love this bar.  Minty without that icky artificial flavor.

Goodness Knows Peach & Cherry Almond Dark Chocolate:  The flavor of this bar is okay, not offensive and not tremendous.  I do like how the bars are portioned into four big bites.  I had one in my purse at tennis and was able to grab squares during a couple water breaks.  These bars weren't expensive, but I doubt I'll buy them again.

Dark Chocolate Almond & Coconut:  I know that some people's feelings about coconut mirror mine about the mint/chocolate combination.  I LOVE the flavor and texture of coconut.  This KIND bar is phenomenal, like an Almond Joy that you can pretend is sort of healthy.  I am excited to add this one into the rotation and am pleased to report that it is available at my local Jewel.  I would rank it number two after my gold standard.

Goodness Knows Cranberry Almond Dark Chocolate:  Better than the Peach & Cherry one but, still, just okay.  

What's your bar method?

Sweethearts, Redeemed

Elsewhere and several years ago, I wrote about my disappointment with the changes to the Sweethearts brand conversation hearts.  Their product had always been my favorite Valentine's treat.  I loved the flavors and the satisfying crunch of the Sweethearts conversation hearts (you're not actually going to crack a tooth, but there's a sort of edgy pleasure to the bite) UNTIL they innovated with some new flavors (and colors--garish blue) that did not appeal to me at all.  I felt betrayed. 

Since then, I have boycotted Sweethearts brand and made do with the unoffensive flavor but inferior texture of the Brach's brand conversation hearts.

Imagine my delight when I spotted the 150th Anniversary "Classic Edition" bag of Sweethearts at Walgreens.  They went immediately into my basket and were tested as soon as my daughter and I got in to the Odyssey.  The same deliciously crunchy conversation hearts you may fondly remember from your childhood are back. 

I wish I could report on whether the messages on the hearts are vintage, contemporary, or a mix, but I haven't read a single heart.  Just crunched.  Sort of a one-sided conversation, but I heart that sometimes.

Snack Stories: Holiday Edition

I wish I had taken a photo of the delicious popcorn I took down during today's 12:10 showing of Road Chip (a surprisingly watchable film), but my fingers were too covered in butter to reach for my phone.  I paid for this pleasure with the inevitable popcorn hangover feeling wherein your stomach feels empty and queasily full at the same time.

Here are some of the culinary moments that I did photograph this holiday season.

 

I purchased these specialty Frito's at a gas station in Northwest Indiana on the way back to Chicagoland after Thanksgiving.  They were okay, but I doubt that I'll buy them again.  Note that it is not a single-serve bag.   

These are the Bacon Fondue Fries from Wendy's.  I treated myself to these (for the bargain price of $2.49) after a lunchless day spent crawling in traffic on North Avenue in an attempt to obtain twelve identical hooks between two different Menards.  I think it would be excessive to eat these as a side for a burger, but as a stand alone snack/lunch replacement on a frustrating day, these fries hit the spot.

I decorated these cookies myself, NTB.  Of course, I did so at a friend's house where she baked all the cookies in advance, provided all the decorating materials, and had a professional cookie lady on hand.  But still, I decorated them.  My kids were impressed!

A mom I know makes and sells these heavenly turtles.  I bought two boxes at a Christmas shopping event with absolutely no intention of gifting them.  I think my husband and I made the box last about two weeks.  So, so, so, so good.  (Also, please note my super cool vintage Christmas oilcloth tablecloth).

Driving from Chicagoland to Ohio the day after Christmas, we stopped for gas, snacks, and a break from the relentless rain.  I'm not sure what possessed me, but I chose these chips.  Every member of my family was disgusted either by the chips themselves or the very idea of them.  I kind of liked them and their tangy zip (to borrow a phrase) but won't actively seek them out in the future.  

Too Kind, Too KIND

I eat a KIND bar for breakfast every morning.  The bars are quick, easy, satisfying, and tasty.  They pair well with Diet Coke.  My favorite is the Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt, but I am trying to force myself to mix it up.  If I overdo it on my favorite and burn out, I'm going to be a hungry, crabby girl.

I had breakfast with friends over Thanksgiving and one mentioned her love for the Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan.  Later that day, I was at the amazing Jungle Jim's International Market and was able to find one for myself, plus a couple of other varieties that were new to me.

Brief reviews:
Peanut Butter and Strawberry -- Has the flavors of a PB&J.  It wouldn't get me out of bed in the morning, but I'll definitely add it into the rotation.  I had it with a DC, but I think this is a KIND bar that would be better complemented by a cold glass of skim milk.

Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan -- I really liked it.  Can see it as an every third or fourth day option.

Almonds & Apricots in Yogurt -- I like almonds, apricots, yogurt, and the coconut in this bar (even with the dental challenges coconut flakes pose), but I found this bar too sweet.  If the almonds were saltier, I think this bar would be a real contender.  But they're not.

One of my friends brought up one of the logistical challenges of eating a KIND bar in the car, which we both often do:  chunks of the chocolate can flake off.  Next thing you know, you're walking around with a smudge of dark chocolate on your backside or near your crotch.  We discussed the possibility of using a tea towel or dish cloth on our laps to catch the chocolate crumbs and chunks.  You heard it here first.

The other thing I want to point out is that KIND bars are full of nuts.  I try to wash my hands after eating them, especially if I am going to be in contact with anyone who may be allergic.

Are you KIND?  What's your flavor?

Secret S'Mores

I ordered some campfire roasting forks (and these with the gingham bag) last week so that we could use them for a Cub Scout bonfire and s'mores party.  My secret hope is that our family will eventually have a fire pit of our own, around which we can use these adorable and useful sticks.  I was also thinking that campfire roasting sticks would make a cute gift for a housewarming, a family present, or a grab bag -- all packaged up with the s'more fixings.

I don't actually enjoy s'mores, but I do love a nice roasted marshmallow.  Melty on the inside and carbon crusty on the outside.  A burnt marshmallow, if you will.  This culinary delight is easy to produce if you have a roasting stick, a gas stove, and a husband who's out of town (and might give you some grief about this sort of thing were he around).  I'm not sure you could get a golden brown marshmallow with this in-house method.  Even when I thought I was giving my giant marshmallow some clearance, it was igniting.   Ignite.  Extinguish.  Rotate.  Repeat.

One bonus to charring your marshmallow at home:  you can plate it and eat it with a fork.

Do not tell my children about this menu item.


Disclaimer:  The above links go to Amazon, but I don't get a thing if you buy these items because I have no idea how to set up affiliate links and no clarity about whether I'd even want them.

Snackshots -- November

We're only five days into the new month, but I already know what my favorite snack will be.  Tis the season when Costco sells three-packs of Boursin.  Bring it home and spread it on crackers.  Not rocket science, just a reliably tasty snack.  I've also use Boursin in stuffed mushrooms and in deliciously creamy scrambled eggs.

August Snackshots

 

I made myself a G&T for the last Saturday evening before school started and had a few minutes to sip and read (Jennifer Weiner's latest) before it was time to start dinner.  Glorious. 

 

I saw these glazed pecans at Costco and said to myself, "Well, wouldn't these be lovely in a salad with some strawberries and soft cheese."  And then ... I loaded all of my Costco purchases into the back of the van except the pecans.  The pecans sat shotgun.  I went through the McD's drive-thru for a DC and the rest is history (or will be soon -- note the shadow just under "PECANS").  Delicious.

July Snackshots

Some snacks I have been enjoying this month ...

 

See's Vanilla Lollipops are a year-round treat when I have them "in stock."  I bought a bunch at the See's Store at Kenwood Towne Center when I was visiting my family, but have recently discovered that there is a large See's corporate store in nearby Downers Grove.  Perfect treat for a movie (after you've made yourself sick overdosing on buttered popcorn).

Combination here is Pecan Thin cracker, goat cheese, and Kissel's Plum Tarragon Spiced Jam (the cherry fennel is also tasty).