As a food lover, I sometimes obsess over new flavors I experience. That happened to me a few weeks ago when I tried almond butter. I read an article in my husband’s Runner’s World magazine (September 2010, pg 52) that compared peanut butter, a long-time favorite fuel for athletes, to almond butter. They both have the same amount of fat, but almond butter has less saturated fat and more calcium, magnesium and vitamin E than peanut butter.
I bought Justin’s Almond Butter in the natural foods section of my grocery store, a brand I chose over the others purely based on its packaging. It was fabulous—a grainier consistency than smooth peanut butter with a wonderful roasted almond flavor. After trying a spoonful on its own, I made an almond butter & jelly sandwich and have had one for lunch most days ever since. It’s also great smeared on apples and would also taste great on a bagel.
One week later, while watching the Cooking Channel (another new favorite of mine), I saw Justin and his nut butters featured on a program called “Food Crafters.” It turns out he’s a hiking fanatic who developed these nut butters as an alternative to energy gels and created his recipes obsessively by pulling all-nighters in his small kitchen. I patted myself on the back for making such an excellent choice of almond butters my first time out. (Yes, I know, it was just the packaging.)
Not all of my food obsessions are based on random purchases at the grocery store, but all have become favorites because of a first, addiction-developing taste that connected with me from the start. Here are a few more of my favorite things that I heartily recommend trying. (NOTE: These items are here solely based on my passion for them. I have not received, asked for, or even considered any compensation for including them here.)
Pleasant Ridge Reserve cheese
This is an artisanal cheese made from Uplands Cheese Company in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, that I tried at the Kohler Food & Wine Experience several years ago. It was in a wine and cheese pairing seminar—the same one that introduced me to Moscato d’Asti wine (see my earlier blog for more info). Pleasant Ridge is made in the style of gruyere and has a smooth, slightly nutty flavor. We adore this cheese in our home, kids and parents alike. It can be hard to find—in Northeast Wisconsin, their website lists only McKnight & Carlson Wines in Appleton and Oshkosh and Nala’s Fromagerie in Green Bay (both are great places to shop, and they really know their stuff)—but well worth it.
Malbec wine
Malbec grapes grow primarily in South America, primarily in Argentina. The resulting wine is dark and full-bodied with nice spiciness. It has started to appear more frequently on wine lists but is often (and unfairly) overshadowed by the more commonly known varietals. If you like Shiraz or want a more interesting alternative to Merlot, give this a shot. My absolute favorite is Catena, and there are many other Malbecs including Felino, Crios and Alamos that can be very good as well.
Alterra Blue Heeler coffee
Like many people, my day does not begin until I have had my coffee, and it’s not uncommon to see me with a coffee mug in my hand at all times of the day. I adore the taste, the smell, the caffeine. Of the many coffee beans I have tried over the years, I have locked in on Indonesian beans as my go-to coffee. Alterra Blue Heeler is a blend of regular and dark-roasted Sumatra beans that make a bold, full-bodied brew that lacks the acidity and other sharp flavors that many other regions’ coffees exhibit. I use it for espresso, but it also makes a fine cup of regular coffee. The Alterra beans seem fresher and more flavorful than other Sumatra beans I’ve tried, so I order whole beans shipped directly to me one to two times per month. Whatever coffee you buy, PLEASE grind your own beans—it makes for a much better cup of coffee!!
I could go on for days, but frankly I’d rather hear from you on this subject so I can find even more food addictions. What are your favorite things? Let me know at pythiaeats@yahoo.com or post a comment.
Per a reader request, here are links to the products and purveyors mentioned above:
Justin’s Nut Butters: http://www.justinsnutbutter.com/
Uplands Farms (Pleasant Ridge Reserve Cheese): http://www.uplandscheese.com/
McKnight & Carlson Wine Sales: http://www.mc-wines.com/
Nala’s Fromagerie: http://www.nalascheese.com/
Catena Malbec (get from your favorite wine shop; mine is McKnight & Carlson): http://www.catenawines.com/
Alterra Coffee: http://www.alterracoffee.com/
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