Author: Leonard

REVIEW: Betty Crocker Dunkaroos Cookie Dough

Leonard 5 Comments

Betty Crocker Dunkaroos Cookie Dough Package

What is Betty Crocker Dunkaroos Cookie Dough

Ready-to-bake sugar cookie dough paired with Dunkaroos classic frosting for a 90s DIY snack fresh from the oven!

How is it?

Betty Crocker Dunkaroos Cookie Dough with Frosting

Dunkaroos, at its core, is a playful sugary concept that boils down to cookies that you dip into rainbow speckled frosting. This refrigerated version offers up a fresher take, and for the most part, it is pretty successful. The cookies are nothing special as they seem to be just any regular old sugar cookie dough. The magic here is that it comes with vanilla frosting with rainbow sprinkles.

Betty Crocker Dunkaroos Cookie Dough Dunk

Betty Crocker is no stingy gal. There are two packets included when I was most definitely expecting only one, and the sprinkles themselves are big and plentiful. I decided to use the frosting in its proper form as a dip, and I really did feel like I was a kid again eating my Dunkaroos straight out of my lunch box in the cafeteria! (Tradesies, anybody?)

Anything else you need to know?

Betty Crocker Dunkaroos Cookie Dough Raw

This is not just a nostalgia trip as it is also very much a trendy DIY dessert. You can use the frosting to make little sandwiches or just drizzle it over them right after baking. You can also play with the sizing to make either six big cookies (although they look regular size to me) or 24 mini ones.

I’m lazy, so I went with the six since the 24 requires slicing and rolling. I also did it this way because I like my cookies to be a little chewier in the center, and you can only do that with bigger ones. However, I must caution that I followed the baking time in the directions, but the centers did not seem done. So I let it go a little longer, but that caused the bottoms to be a little burnt. So make sure you pull out right when the edges are a VERY light brown.

Conclusion:

Betty Crocker Dunkaroos Cookie Dough Frosting

These are not revolutionary by any means. It is just prepared sugar cookie dough with the added bonus of colorful frosting. Give them a try if the 90s was your favorite decade or if you love pre-made cookie dough cookies and want to be a little bit more creative. However, most of all, give these a try if you want to experience a fun take on the break-and-bake segment where the end result is a fun and colorful but sugary dessert.

Purchased Price: $2.50
Size: 8.6 oz
Purchased at: Giant
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 big cookie with frosting) 170 calories, 7 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 100 milligrams of sodium, 26 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, 17 grams of sugar, and less than 1 gram of protein.

REVIEW: Perdue ThanksNuggets

Leonard 6 Comments

Perdue Thanksnuggets Pouch

Thanksgiving might just be the biggest food-related holiday there is. So with that, companies have recently decided to capitalize on it in the most creative ways possible.

For a few years, Pringles was having all the fun with its multitude of coordinating flavors encompassing the full feast. But this year, Perdue decided to throw its hat into the ring, and it is most definitely not messing around. The company has brought a clever name, vibrant packaging, cute themed shapes, and various wildly appropriate flavors.

Perdue Thanksnuggets Shapes

The only disappointment here is the super limited availability, with only 100 bags available on its website. The 100 number was meant to celebrate Perdue’s 100th anniversary, but as you will see below, these deserve to be in way more people’s bellies!

Breaded Breast Meat Turkey Nuggets

Perdue Thanksnuggets Split

These are white meat nuggets in the cutest little shape of a turkey with a secondary sweet potato flavor. They look very much like regular nuggets with a light brown coating, and the inside is chock full of delicious white meat.

The meat is very tender and the coating is good, but I wish the nuggets could’ve been a little thicker/crisper. The sweet potato starts to emerge as you chew, and it doesn’t let go. The first few nuggets to me were just a tad sweet, but the flavor really developed for me after a few more. Holy cow (or turkey?) these really taste like I am eating a side of sweet potatoes. Yum!

Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (4 Nuggets) 210 calories, 8 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 35 milligrams of cholesterol, 390 milligrams of sodium, 16 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and 17 grams of protein.

Breaded Dark Meat Turkey and Cranberry Nuggets

These are dark meat nuggets are drumstick shaped and inspired by stuffing and cranberry sauce. I was a little hesitant with this flavor because I have never been a huge fan of dark meat, nor have I ever had it in nugget form. The two different flavors as an add-on also seemed a little odd.

Perdue Thanksnuggets Innards

These are much darker in color, but I can’t tell if it is just because of the dark meat interior, because of the actual composition of the breading, or maybe a little bit of both. The dark meat definitely gives these a more intense chicken flavor. But it is heavier too, and I am not sure I’m digging the texture as it is not as consistent as the white meat nuggets. These do have better crunch, though.

Just like the sweet potato with the other, the flavors here are very noteworthy. I can absolutely taste some onion and garlic, which is definitely giving me stuffing vibes. Do you see those little darker specks? They aren’t mystery meat particles. Those are actual cranberry pieces! When you get one, it is rather jolting but also a very nice tart surprise.

Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (4 Nuggets) 220 calories, 9 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 590 milligrams of sodium, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, and 13 grams of protein.

Perdue came to the Thanksgiving-themed boxing ring and just KO’d the competition! These have a lot going on with the different shapes, meats, and flavors, but all in all, they are creative and delicious. Kids and adults alike would enjoy these, and I hope Perdue brings them back next year for more to try. Fingers crossed that the company doesn’t make us wait until the 200th anniversary for 200 bags to fight over.

Purchased Price: $19.20 (For both flavors)
Size: 24 oz bag
Purchased at: Perduefarms.com

REVIEW: Snickers Peanut Brownie Squares

Leonard 1 Comment

Snickers Peanut Brownie Squares WrapperSnickers Peanut Brownie Squares Wrapper

What is Snickers Peanut Brownie?

It’s a candy bar featuring individual squares with a luscious caramel layer and a chewy peanut-brownie filling all coated in milk chocolate.

How is it?

Snickers Peanut Brownie Squares Coating

The Snickers name carries a lot of weight to it. It’s supposedly the world’s best-selling candy bar, and in a decade, it will be an entire century old!!! That is a big shadow for any candy bar, let alone one in the same family. So, I guess I’m trying to soften the blow that this is, well, just okay.

It is a good sugary confection and a nice little treat. It is undoubtedly chocolatey. Is it an ooey-gooey just baked brownie chocolatey? No, not really. The Fudge Brownie M&M’s are far superior in that regard.

Snickers Peanut Brownie Squares Interior

The two key components from the original also seem to be a little lackluster. The caramel is there but just doesn’t seem as thick of a layer as I remember and gets lost a bit. However, I was able to do that lovely trick where you pull two pieces apart and the caramel gloriously slowly separates. I’m sad about the peanuts, though. In one of my squares, there was maybe one full nut, and the other had maybe one and a half. It is really nice when you get one as the crunch and peanut flavor is superb. They also offset all the sweet chocolate, but there are just not enough!

Anything else you need to know?

You’ll be able to grab them in single-serving packs with two squares, share sizes with four, and also sharing stand up pouches with even more. If you are feeling extra hungry or want to be your co-worker’s best friend, you can also order an entire box from Walmart.com.

Conclusion:

I thought these were going to be Snickers bars, except delete the nougat and add in the delicious fudge brownie center from the recent Fudge Brownie M&M’s. Unfortunately, they fall a little short. Together, the four components are still a good mix and worth a try if you like the OG Snickers.

We owe it that, at least, because the brand had to fight in both World Wars and walk to school two miles in the snow! Just lower your expectations a bit before you dig in.

Purchased Price: 88 cents
Size: 1.20 OZ
Purchased at: Walgreens
Rating: 5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 Package – 2 Squares) 180 calories, 8 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 85 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 18 grams of sugar and 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Hissho Sushi Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Roll

Leonard 6 Comments

Hissho Sushi Cheetos Flamin Hot Roll Tray

What is the Hissho Sushi Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Roll?

A unique and insanely creative sushi experience where Eastern cuisine meets Western snacking in the form of a Cheetos Flamin’ Hot sushi roll. The red-hot roll features spicy krab, crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, a drizzle of hot mayo along with avocado, cream cheese, and cucumber.

How is it?

Hissho Sushi Cheetos Flamin Hot Roll Tray Closeup

Just like those Cheetos Rorschach tests where you try to come up with what your cheese puff looks like (Is that a beluga whale or Jesus Christ?) I’m having some trouble with this one. There are certainly some moments of divine intervention. The red color is spot-on and perfectly reminiscent of the spicy snack.

Hissho Sushi Cheetos Flamin Hot Roll Back

It has some great heat and the cooling trifecta of avocado, cream cheese, and cucumber was a genius idea. They are the perfect antidote to the spice that builds, especially from the hot mayo. Although it never gets as hot as the actual snack. The cucumber also offers a satisfying crunch, while the cream cheese has the most significant impact on flavor, really coming through amongst all the components with the krab and avocado occasionally showing up to the party in your mouth.

Hissho Sushi Cheetos Flamin Hot Roll Closeup

Hissho Sushi Cheetos Flamin Hot Roll Rice

However, there are also some shortcomings considering the crazy concept. For this dangerously cheesy mashup, I couldn’t detect any cheese. The mashed-up Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and cheetle (the official name of the Cheetos dust!) are visibly present as they provide the fantastic bright red hue. Because of that, you would expect they would shine, but as far as any flavor or crunch goes, they are mostly just rendered inert by unfortunately dissolving into the moist sushi rice or mayo. It’s like a disappointing prank from the sly Chester Cheetah.

Anything else you need to know?

Hissho Sushi Cheetos Flamin Hot Roll Sign

There is nothing bootleg here! This is an official collaboration between Frito-Lay and Hissho Sushi, and they are putting some serious money/resources behind it. Look at the sign that greeted me on my hunt for this. This is not at the sushi counter. This is at the front entrance to the entire grocery store!

Conclusion:

This is an absolutely delicious spicy sushi roll with good heat, a gorgeous hue, and a multi-layered and refreshing cool crunch. I gobbled it up pretty quickly, actually. However, the spicy mayo and cream cheese overpower the star ingredient. I wish there was a hint of cheesiness and a heavier-handed approach to how the snack is showcased.

Purchased Price: $5.55
Size: 8.1 oz
Purchased at: Giant
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 roll) 510 calories, 29 grams of fat, 9 grams of saturated fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 1160 milligrams of sodium, 52 grams of carbohydrates, 4 gram of dietary fiber, 6 grams of sugar, and 10 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Green Giant Veggie Rings and Fries

Leonard 10 Comments

Green Giant Veggie Fries and Rings

Have you ever felt neglected or wanted more from your life? Or were you envious of the so-called cool kids and wondered why you weren’t one of them? If the vegetable world is any indicator, just keep the faith as soon the tide may change.

I mean, look at cauliflower. In my youth, it was the white broccoli that no one cared about. Not good enough to be showcased in those divine kid TV dinners, but also in the shadow of regular broccoli. My oh my, how things can change. Cauliflower is now the bell of the vegetable ball! It works as a mashed potato replacement or a base for pizza crust. If breaded and fried, it can even be a chicken wings substitute. WOW! You go, cauliflower! No one will ever doubt you again.

Cauliflower is the star ingredient in three new frozen Green Giant treats, with zucchini taking the reins for one as well. They are shaped like either rings or fries, seemingly so that they can replace your hankering for onion rings or French fries.

The packaging on all shouts that these are CRISPY & CRUNCHY. You will see below that the fries do a better job of achieving this. The fillings are also all very similar, more of a very slightly chunky puree. Akin to a potato mash, but not so heavy, with definitely a lighter hit to your stomach.

Cauliflower Three Cheese with Bacon Rings

Green Giant Veggie Rings Cauliflower Three Cheese with Bacon Bag

These have a nice crunch, but also a subdued flavor. It’s tough to tell that the cheese is there, so I’d like to adjust the description to a one or two cheese flavor. Three is definitely pushing it. I thought it was going to ooze out, but I found only one or two orange pockets of goodness.

Green Giant Veggie Rings Cauliflower Three Cheese with Bacon Closeup

The bacon flavor is a little more prevalent, and I can definitely taste the smokiness throughout. I didn’t see any actual pieces, but bacon is there in the ingredient list. Coupled with the breading, the puree’s creaminess, the smokiness, and the occasional burst of cheese, these were pretty good. Nice complex flavor!

Purchased Price: $2.09
Purchased at: Acme
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (About 3 rings) 210 calories, 8 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 330 milligrams of sodium, 30 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of protein.

Cauliflower French Onion Rings

Green Giant Veggie Rings Cauliflower Frnech Onion Bag

These look similar to the one above, but with more herbs speckled throughout the filling. The French onion flavor is there, but it is at a level even less so than the cheese or bacon from the previous one. You definitely have to work for the taste, which is a tad artificial. It makes me long for an actual onion that I could slurp out of its deep fried shell. I was definitely missing onion rings while eating this one.

Green Giant Veggie Rings Cauliflower Frnech Onion Closeup

Purchased Price: $2.09
Purchased at: Acme
Rating: 5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (About 3 rings) 200 calories, 7 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 270 milligrams of sodium, 30 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of protein.

Cauliflower Ranch with Bacon Fries

Green Giant Veggie Fries Cauliflower Ranch with Bacon Bag

The fries’ preparation requires double the amount of oven time from the rings, but it makes a huge difference. While they do come out a little on the oily side, it is worth it as they come out super crispy. In fact, with my first few cauliflower fries, I thought I was maybe eating actual French fries for a second!!!

Green Giant Veggie Fries Cauliflower Ranch with Bacon Closeup

The filling stays really creamy, and it is a nice contrast to the crunchy outside. But the flavors for this one are disappointing. I taste zero bacon, but the ranch does make an appearance.

Purchased Price: $2.09
Purchased at: Acme
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (About 11 fries) 170 calories, 7 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 320 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, and 4 grams of protein.

Zucchini Garlic and Parmesan Fries

Green Giant Veggie Fries Zucchini Garlic Parmesan Bag

This last iteration uses zucchini as its base instead of cauliflower. It is a nice change of pace as you can really taste the zucchini. In contrast, cauliflower doesn’t have an intense flavor profile.

Green Giant Veggie Fries Zucchini Garlic Parmesan Closeup

These are gloriously crispy like the other ones, and while there is a little bit of garlic, the parmesan is predominant and a bit intense. However, with everything going on, it actually becomes a little too salty, kind of ruining the entire experience.

Purchased Price: $2.09
Purchased at: Acme
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (About 11 fries) 180 calories, 8 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 360 milligrams of sodium, 23 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and 4 grams of protein.

French fries and onion rings are safe atop their deep fried throne, but if you are looking to switch it up and get a couple of servings of veggies in there, these are a fantastic choice.

You can probably skip the French onion rings and zucchini fries. Go for the three cheese rings as these are best eaten on their own with their multi-layered flavor. And definitely pick up the bacon ranch fries but make sure you eat them with your favorite condiment.

Amongst all this dining on rings and fries, I hope potatoes and onions don’t get too jealous!