Starbucks Breakfast: A Triple Threat

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to breakfast foods, Starbucks isn’t exactly what comes to mind. In fact, egg whites come to mind. But if I’m thinking in terms of something quick when I’m on the go, I think of Dunkin’ Donuts.

But when I think of coffee, my heart immediately beats for Starbucks.

And no, that is not an exaggeration nor a dramatization. I get a warm feeling in my chest when I know I am going to give in to Starbucks. Call me crazy.

Poking around on Facebook one day, I noticed that one of my “friends,” Starbucks, was promoting a $2 special. With any brewed or handcrafted drink purchase (this excludes bottled water, etc.) any breakfast sandwich was $2 through the end of the month.

Awesome!

One of the reasons why I stray from Starbucks is because it’s more expensive than Dunkin’, so this gave me the perfect excuse to indulge, especially since I knew that this week was going to be a breakfast-on-the-go kind of week.

So I made the treck to the Starbucks near my place of employment and, as usual, had to test the boundaries. I noticed that there was a breakfast wrap on the early morning menu, so I asked if that was included in the sandwich special. And, to my surprise and delight, it was! It seemed like the healthiest option with no meat, egg whites, veggies, whole grains and minimal cheese.

So, I ordered up a grande pumpkin coffee (bold) and a whole wheat, egg white, spinach, tomato and feta breakfast wrap. Breakfast, at Starbucks no less, for less than $5! Heck yeah, Happy Tuesday!

So, how was it? Absolutely delightful.

Fall had officially begun with lower temperatures in the air and new boots on my feet. I ordered my first hot coffee of the season and it was an absolute pleasure to drink. I opted for the bold coffee rather than the standard pike, thanks to the barista. He asked my preference, something that has never happened to me before, so I opted for the bold. Wise choice. I also asked for pumpkin, but half the amount of syrup. To be honest I don’t taste the pumpkin at all so I think they forgot it – which is fine by me since I don’t need the sugar anyway.

So, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the breakfast wrap. DELICIOUS! … for a non-homemade breakfast. It looked different than I had thought it would and it tasted different than I thought, too – in a good way.

I make wraps with egg whites at home most days, so I was expecting something similar, but it was anything but. The wrap its self was thicker, like a cross between a tortilla and a flatbread, and not quite the consistency or flavor of a pita. It was pliable but firm enough to be folded without breaking and it held the ingredients without dominating the flavor combination.

The cheese didn’t taste like feta. It was cheesier, if that makes any sense. Tasked more like a white cheddar. Either way it was delicious, so I’m not concerned. The egg whites were cooked perfectly, didn’t taste like an “egg patty” and the spinach and tomatoes tasted fresh.

It was savory and a little salty and completely satisfying. For 280 calories I feel full and nourished and am sure to be held over until lunch time.

It was a total success in terms of flavor, price and taste. Triple threat.

Oh, Starbucks, how I missed you. Welcome back.

Dunkin’ or Starbucks?

What’s your favorite on-the-go breakfast sandwich?

 

Flavors of Fall: Ichabod Pumpkin Ale

I was home on a Saturday night, which doesn’t happen often, and I was asked if there was anything special I would like from the liquor store. Saying no, as usual and, also as usual, Phil being able to read my mind, he suggested that we get Pumpkin Ale.

A little while later we cracked one open and I tried yet another pumpkin inspired brew. This one is called Ichabod Pumpkin Ale, a seasonal craft beer made by New Holland Brewing Company.

pumpkin aleI am a fan! Although it is dark, as I’ve noted before, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is heavy – and it wasn’t. Heavier than a Bud Light? Hell yes. Heavier than a Guiness? HELL no. On a continuum I’d say it falls right in the middle, a few degrees closer to the lighter side.

It had a distinguishable pumpkin flavor without being overpowering. It was a little hoppy – and if you’ve read any of my posts on beer, you know I prefer malts – so this being a malt with a little bit of a hops flavor was pretty perfect.

He said: “The thickness was stereotypical of fall beers with this pumpkin beer of the heavier variety, but not overly hoppy and not too much pumpkin.”

She said: “Loving the richness of flavor, the mild hops, mostly malted pumpkin ale. AND it wasn’t too filling!”

On the New Holland Brewing website, they describe Ichabod in the following way:

Ichabod combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg in a delicious and inviting brew. A rewarding complement to many dishes, Ichabod pairs well with autumnal foods such as poultry and root vegetables. After dinner, try it with your favorite dessert!

I had the same thoughts! My mom had made homemade meatloaf, mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli and breaded cauliflower and I thought it would go great with dinner.  As a real autumnal meal, although it isn’t poultry as they suggest, it was a great pairing! This definitely isn’t a drink for me to serve alongside my chicken cordon bleu or my one pan pasta primavera. Phil even said “This goes great with some comfort food and red meat!”

Are you a fan of Pumpkin Ale? Which is your favorite?

Any you think I should try?

What’s your favorite libation for this time of year?

Flavors of Fall: Apple Cider Yogurt

Welcome back to my second series, Flavors of Fall! If you’re just starting out, get caught up here.

News spread that I was interested in autumn-inspired flavors and I started getting tweets, emails and texts about different things I should try. When I heard about Target’s Archer Farms brand being on sale this week, I knew I had to try their pumpkin yogurt.

When I think of yogurt I think of greek yogurt, vanilla yogurt, and different berry flavors – raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry – then I think of peach. I never think of pumpkin or apple.

To my dismay, but not to my surprise, the pumpkin yogurt was sold out. You snooze, you lose. BUT they did have a whole array of other fall inspired flavors that I just knew I had to try.

First up: Apple Cider Yogurt.

apple cider yogurtYes, you read that right. Apple. Cider. Yogurt. First I was intrigued, and then I caught myself being seriously skeptical. For me the word cider has a tangy and sometimes even bitter flavor connotation to it. Never having considered apple as a yogurt flavor, along with this whole “cider” thing made it hard for me to comprehend the idea of apple cider yogurt. But you better believe I grabbed two and tossed them in my basket.

This morning as I sat and enjoyed my breakfast, answering e-mails and making a few calls, I grabbed that apple cider yogurt and gave it a whirl. Nothing like what I had expected. For some reason I thought it would be brown in color, like apple cider. I thought it would be very, very flavorful and not-at-all-vanilla. I thought very, very wrong.

It is almost white, ivory I would say. It is thick and doesn’t smell like much of anything. The first flavor I tasted with that very first spoonful was like a mild vanilla. I took a second spoonful and purposely took almost 15 full seconds to taste it. Ahh, there’s the apple.

apple cider yogurtArcher Farms’ apple cider yogurt is a thick, mild apple flavored yogurt. The third and all subsequent spoonfuls made me think they should have called it something more like “spiced apple” since I started to taste that cooked apple taste.

Nutrition wise this apple cider yogurt ranks with most yogurts: high in sugar at 9 grams, but fat free and its six ounces only contains 80 calories. I paired it with fresh raspberries and a huge water and called it breakfast.

Regardless of it’s name or intention, Archer Farms Apple Cider Yogurt is delicious and I think that being sans berries, it’s definitely a great flavor for fall.

What’s your go-to yogurt flavor?

Any other flavors of fall you think I should try?

Are you a fan of Greek yogurt? I know a lot of people don’t like it, but I’m a huge fan! Even use it in place of sour cream on frittattas!

All Mixed Up, Eatontown NJ

The other day I had to run out to grab something quick for lunch when I was at work. I came across a place called All Mixed Up, a local sandwich/salad/soup cafe in Eatontown, NJ. The result: slow service and cold chicken.

As soon as I walked in I saw a sign pointing to forms to fill out to expedite the process. Although these forms didn’t seem to expedite anything, in fact the fumbling/losing/mixing up (pun absolutely intended) of the forms made the process go more slowly, I thought it was a good idea.

Here’s how it goes: You walk in, choose whether you’d like a salad, wrap, panini or burrito and grab the respective form. You fill out your specifications, write your name on the form, grab the type of lettuce you want and proceed down the line where one of the employees constructs your lunch.

I like the logic, but I have to tell you: the follow-through stinks. The employees grabbed the wrong forms, made a few of the same exact order, couldn’t figure out which order went to which customer – they were all kinds of mixed up! (pun absolutely intended). They even had a few customers go back and start all over.

It could have just been a bad day but, enough about the service…

I ordered a grilled chicken, portobello, roasted red pepper, basil mayo/monterey jack cheese panini on wheat bread. I would usually go for a salad especially at this kind of place, but I was feeling a little under the weather and wanted something “heartier” than a salad. Big mistake.

All Mixed UpI bet their salads are great because the ingredients were a plenty and looked very fresh. The panini, however, not-so-much.

The bread was soggy and grilled at the same time – tell me how that happens. And the chicken was cold. It completely negated the warm, toasty-ness that the panini is known for.

It didn’t taste bad, but the bread was off and the chicken was cold, making for a less than stellar experience.

The cafe itself is very cute, the employees, although confused, were nice and the salad section looked great. Next time, if there ever is a next time, I will try a salad (minus the protein – it’s expensive!).

 

Have you been to All Mixed Up? How was your experience?

Do you have a favorite local or chain soup/salad/sandwich place?

If you have a bad experience somewhere, will you give it a second shot?

 

Ruby Tuesday’s Spaghetti Squash

A few weeks ago I went out to lunch with some co-workers to Ruby Tuesday’s in the Monmouth County Mall.

As I looked over the menu I noticed their new lunch menu that featured some low calorie and low fat options they call “Petite Plates – Fit & Trim”.

I opted for the Spaghetti Squash in Marinara. I didn’t really know what it was, it caught my eye at the last second, but I was intrigued so I went with it.

After about 35 minutes of post decision dissonance, it finally arrived.

It looks like skinnier, stiffer, more yellow spaghetti. No longer regretting my decision, I excitedly took my first bite.

Crunchy, but the good kind of crunchy. Savory. And… what’s that? The mariana tasted like more than just the classic tomato mariana I am used to, so I looked at the menu again and noticed that it is red pepper mariana. Very good! A little extra flavor makes the sauce more complex and delicious – certainly not mom’s homemade, but also no where near a NJ diner’s idea of “Italian mariana”.

It begged for salt. After seasoning it, the rest of the experience was really enjoyable. I liked the different texture and the way the flavors came together. The squash alone didn’t have a very strong flavor, so bites that had sauce seemed just like pasta other than the crunch.

I ate half of it for lunch that day and saved the other half for the next day. It was enough on both occasions, which means that it was less than 150 calories each time! And it kept and reheated very well.

This is something I would recommend, something I hope to make at some home time soon, and something I would definitely get again!

Have you ever tried spaghetti squash?

Any tips for preparing it?

Flavors of Fall: Leggo My [Pumpkin Spice] Eggo

Welcome to my second series! Last time we did the Summer Salad Series, and now the Flavors of Fall!

Despite the flip-flop weather [I'm talking about the personality of the weather, but also the ability to continue wearing flip flops] I have finally embraced the flavors of fall. I am sad to say sayonara to summer ale, but am excited to reintroduce myself to the Dunkin’ Donuts iced pumpkin coffee and the Starbuck’s Hot Apple Cider.

I have been struggling with what to have for breakfast lately. Now that I am on a schedule and eat around the same time every day, I am pretty hungry for breakfast, but want to get my day started on the right foot without sacrificing too much time or money.

I was in Target last night (surprise, surprise) and I came across a sale on Eggo Pumpkin Spice frozen waffles. Now, things like this aren’t usually part of my diet, and I’m not going to start buying these on the reg, but I did want to try them.

Eggo pumpkin spice waffles

A quick picture with my phone on my way out the door

If you’ve read along at all, you know by now that I prefer salty and savory to sweet, so of course I go the Country Crock (with Calcium!) route with waffles as opposed to syrup. I threw these babies in the toaster, put a little bit of country crock on them, packed them in some aluminum foil and was on my way.

When I got to work I threw them in the microwave for about 20 seconds to get them hot again and dove in.

The verdict? They’re delicious! Of course they pale in comparison to homemade and whole grain waffles, but they were very good, and very fall.

The pumpkin wasn’t overwhelming, but it also wasn’t underwhelming. Each bite was a little taste of fall without tasting like I was biting in to a piece of pumpkin pie.

If you like the flavors of fall or don’t really like pumpkin but want to like pumpkin (we know how that goes), I’d say that this is a safe bet.

At 210 calories per serving (2 waffles) there’s certainly worse things you could eat. For a quick breakfast this option is cheap, filling and tasty!

Next time I plan to have one waffle with an apple or a banana instead. Gotta mix it up a little!

Are you excited for the flavors of fall? Have you embraced them yet?

What do you look forward to most about fall?

What’s your favorite fall flavor?

Summer Salad Series: A Simple, Satisfying Side Salad

The Summer Salad Series didn’t turn out to be the best-series-ever, I admit it. But today I had a very random salad that I threw together with what I happened to have in the house, and it turned out great! Sometimes the best things come from throwing together whatever ya got!

Being the eve of Labor Day Weekend, I figured this would be a perfect time to post one last salad of summer, and also offer a great option for a side salad for this weekend’s festivities!

eat something new

What you’ll need:

  • Romaine lettuce
  • Mild Banana Peppers
  • Cucumbers – skin left on for extra crunch!
  • Reduced Fat (or Fat Free) Feta Crumbles
  • Italian dressing (I used Olive Garden’s I had left over from a salad I got to-go)

What you’ll do:

I think it is pretty self explanatory, but just for good measure: Wash and cut lettuce. Top with desired amount of the rest of the incredients, toss with dressing of your choice and enjoy! As always, this recipe is super easy to adapt to your tastes, preferences and allergies. I do recommend a lighter dressing because of the bold flavors from the feta and the banana pepeprs – you don’t want to cover them up! Light italian, light balsamic, or a little oil and vinegar would probably be best.

The verdict: It is so simple, but completely satisfying! I thought I would be left wanting more, so I packed a few light post-salad snacks, but I honestly don’t even need them! The little bit of fat from the cheese, the zing and heat from the banana peppers, the filling lettuce and super crunch from the cucumbers is a great combination. This is sure to make an appearance at least once a week!

Want to make it a meal? Throw in some grilled chicken, chick peas or tofu and you are good to go!

I also think that this salad would make a phenomenal side to go with burgers, chicken, barbeque or anyhting else, really.

How do you feel about banana peppers?
They are my latest obsession and I can’t get enough of them!

Do you have a salad you make for parties? Please share!

What’s your favorite must have ingredient for salad?

Have a Happy Labor Day!

Kopparberg Pear Cider

Koppaberg Pear Cider

It was dark in there and I was sitting front row, so...

This weekend I saw The Bither Brothers Band play at The Bitter End in NYC….PAUSE -  I can’t even get through the description of this lovely night without a grimace on my face as I remember the taste of this god awful cider.

I know I sound like a hater, but if you’ve followed this blog at all you may have been skeptical of my honesty up until now. I know what I like (and let’s face it, there isn’t much that I don’t like) so I know what to order and how to order it; what to cook and how to cook it (most of the time).

Because of my keen sense of awareness of my taste, I rarely blunder in ordering, leaving all of the blundering up to the establishments – which just hasn’t happened to me all that often.

So, I’m not a hater, I’m just being honest. And no, “god awful” is not too strong of a phrase. None of my friends who tried Kopparberg Cider were able to swallow it with a straight face (TWSS).

Back to the story: we’re having a grand ol’ time at The Bitter End listening to The Bither Brothers  (Lady Gaga played here back in the day) and I’ve already enjoyed a few libations. BUT now I am looking to try something new; you’re surprised, I know.

I mosey on over to the bar, take a look at the scribbled list (just how I like it) and I see “Kapp???? Pear Cider.” I couldn’t quite make out the name, but I love me some cider! And pear – even over apple – happens to be my favorite.

the bither brothers band

Michael

The Bither Brothers Band

Patrick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am immediately mentally (and possibly emotionally) taken back to my alma mater to a local bar and restaurant, HomeGrown where I would frequently order – and even recommend – the oh-so-delicious Ace Pear Cider . My mouth starts to water  (then and now as I write this) and I’m pumped for my cider.

I am given my receipt, the bottle and… a glass of ice?! I was so befuddled that I’m sure I hesitated, but I chalked it up to the bartender’s ignorance of cider. It’s not all that common so I wasn’t holding it against her.

Leaving it up the “expert” I poured some cider over the ice and took a nice, long sip. BLECH! What the F**** is this?!

It is super duper, crazy-over-the-top sweet, syrupy, watery (I know, that sounds contradictory – think watered down syrup) barely carbonated and bland all at the same time.

I said to myself, “okay, maybe it’s this weird glass-of-ice-thing,” and took another big swig right from the bottle: EQUALLY BLECH.

It didn’t taste terrrrrrible in that it wasn’t expired, it didn’t smell bad, it wasn’t thick or even flavorful at all. For that reason, and the fact that it set me back almost eight big ones, I finished it. But not without a grimace on my face.

It wasn’t good. To confirm my thoughts I passed that puppy around the table..

You know, the oh-so-strangely-common “This is gross! Wanna taste it?!” thing…

(Why do we ask that? And why do so many people say “yes”?)

I got the same review from every. single. person. A grimace.

I do not recommend, under any circumstances, that you try this cider. Not if you are a fan of cider. Not if you aren’t a fan of cider. Not if you are the cider expert of the world and… okay, maybe then. Otherwise: STAY AWAY.

I know that this seems like a very strong opinion. And you’re right. And although I’m sure someone somewhere likes this – they do continue to sell it and they do carry it is bars (apparently) – so maybe there is some kind of “acquired taste.” However, for those of you who like Strongbow, Ace or even Woodchuck’s – you’re not going to like this. It tastes absolutely nothing like it’s highly superior counterparts.

Have you ever tried hard cider? What’s your favorite brand?

Apple or Pear?

Ever have an equally surprisingly displeasing experience after ordering a drink? I’d love to hear about it!

Sorry, Kopparberg. I SEO’d the shit out you and your god awful cider. Hopefully for you your SEO is strong and Google won’t index this blog on your first page… Oh look, it’s actually on page one. Whoops.

Jazz! Apples

jazz applesThe power is still out due to Hurricane Irene and therefore this week’s grocery trip was short and sweet.. literally. I was only in the store for about 25 minutes (I check lots of labels and compare prices so this is short for me!) and I bought apples and new snack bars for work. I needed items that don’t need to be refrigerated, but I also didn’t want to completely sacrifice nutrition, either.

I have been in the market for new snack bars that are low in fat, calories AND sugar – a combination, come to find out, that is hard to come by. More on my thoughts on sugar and snack bars in a later post. This post is about Jazz Apples!

As I walked through the produce section, admiring all of the need-to-be-refrigerated fruits and veggies, I thought to myself: Apples and Pears! Both are great snacks for me at work and don’t have to be refrigerated. AND I could keep them in the office. Looking around for my normal favorite, Fuji or gala apples, I was surprised that I didn’t see any. I settled on some other variety, but then out of the corner of my eye I saw a sign that said Jazz! Confused at first and then intrigued, I put my apples back and made my way over to the Jazz! apples. They looked like both fuji and gala in that they were yellow and red in color. They were larger, though, and had a more of a “tall and skinny” look than the normal “short and fat” apple shape. Only 10 cents more per pound, I figured what the heck? Eat something new, right?

I snacked on one at work yesterday (and today) and they are delicious! Crisp, dense, NOT gritty at all – my number one attribute I look for in a good apple (the only macintosh I like is my computer) – and just the right amount of sweetness. Jazz apples have a distinct taste that is hard to explain, but nothing crazy or strange, just delicious!

This is what Wikipedia had to say about Jazz apples:

“Jazz is a relatively new apple variety from New Zealand. It is the result of a cross between Royal Gala and Braeburn made by Plant & Food Research in 1985.[1] It is also known as Scifresh. It was launched in April 2004.

The apple is sweet, crunchy and juicy. It has a firm, dense flesh and a complex flavor with the acid of Braeburn and the sweetness of Royal Gala giving it broad appeal.

The speculation about why the apple variety is named Jazz, is most likely the exciting color combinations that can be compared to the music style jazz which is often an advanced harmony with discoloration of a piecework.

Jazz apples are being grown under license in New Zealand, UK, Washington state in the US, Australia, France, Chile, Italy, Switzerland and Austria.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz_(apple))

After doing a simple Google search I noticed that Jazz apples even have their own website: jazzapple.com.

Here are a few images they featured that I thought were worth sharing:

They also boast many health benefits including:

  • Lots of fiber
  • Cancer fighting abilities
  • Help facilitate easier breathing

Anyone ever hear of the 3-A-Day Apple Diet? Jazz Apples link to the 3-Apple-A-Day Plan, claiming that on average, those who participate lose 20 lbs. in 12 weeks. Let me know if you’ve ever hear of or tried this. Very interesting!

Do you have a go-to apple variety?

What do you look for in a good apple?

What’s your favorite way to eat an apple? (plain, peanut butter, pie?)

Any out-of-the-ordinary fruits you think I should try?

Drink Something New: Harney & Son’s Green Tea with Coconut, Ginger and Vanilla

Today was the first day back to work since Hurricane Irene and we still don’t have power at home. Being that I have a few side projects (including this blog) that I usually work on at night, I had to go somewhere after work to get some things done. Where else but Starbucks where the caffeine and power are a plenty.

After setting up shop in at the Starbucks in my hometown Barnes and Noble, I headed over to the counter to ask for a platic spoon so I could eat my YoCrunch Greek (post coming soon!). As I sat down and started to “borrow” their electricity and their plastic spoon, I started to feel guilty. I also started to feel thirsty, so I decided to buy a hot tea. At the counter they had some point-of-sale items nicely displayed and, as a marketers dream (really ironic, I know) I fed right in to it.. kind of.

Sitting there was a bright green, beautiful tin of Harney & Son’s tea sachets. This is my favorite brand of tea – so much so that I’ve ordered some offline. If you know me, you know this is mildly out-of-character and shows just how much I love their tea. The Earl Grey Supreme with Lemongrass and Bergamot is my absolute favorite. But I digress.. Tonight they had Green Tea with Coconut, Ginger and Vanilla (and, come to find out, lemongrass). I just could not resist.

I thought it was a long shot, asking if they sold this in single cups, hoping I didn’t have to buy the whole tin that boasted a $10.95 price tag to satisfy my intrigue. I was in luck! I ordered a venti and brought it back to my work station to cool off.

I’m not a huge fan of green tea. Tea in Chinese or Japanese restaurants, quite frankly, I think is gross. I get it. I appreciate it. But I don’t like it. With the other flavors mixed in – all of which rank amongst my favorites – I figured I would like it.. and I was [mostly] wrong.

I take my tea plain. I hesitate to say black because unlike coffee, even black tea isn’t all that dark. I love my Earl Grey Supreme or Tazo Awake with nothing but, on occasion, a little light agave nectar. Sometimes I’ll add a splenda if I’m in the mood or if the tea stinks, but usually plain is just how I like it.

This tea is okay, but it tasted a little “earthy” and needed that extra bit of sweetness. I add a few drops of honey, which did the trick, and it wasn’t too bad. But then by sip three I started to think It tasted like spinach.

My tea tastes like spinach. Never a good thing.

I would recommend trying it if it sounds like something you would like and if you like green tea. But, unlike many other things I suggest, I don’t suggest you try it if it doesn’t sound like something you’d like. I will not be ordering this one offline.

Side note: These sachets come out to less than 40 cents each, which is less than K-cups. I was surprised and thought I would share! If you’re a tea lover and don’t mind spending 40 cents per cup, or currently buy the tea in K-cup form, I would head over to http://www.harney.com! The elegant tin is decieving, it’s really not that expensive.

Harney & Son’s Earl Grey Supreme, however, I would strongly recommend! Many restaurants bring a wooden box filled with Harney & Son’s Tea, so next time you’re out to eat and  in the mood for a little post-dinner tea, ask if they have Harney & Son’s and try the Early Grey Supreme.