Holiday Pretzel Crisps

Amazingly, tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and there's no better bridge to Christmas than Turkey Day and time spent with family.  By now, you've probably purchased everything you need for your festive feast, but did you pick up the Pretzel Crisps?  What, you've never heard of them?  They're amazing!  In a time where everybody is flipping out over a chocolate covered Lays potato chip, these are completely flying under the radar.  Having never seen them before, I first tried "Buffalo Wing" Pretzel Crisps at a family party and got hooked.  They were so great that we went out and bought more when we got home.  Sure, they're a bit expensive compared to your traditional bag of chips, but you truly get what you pay for.  Whether it's Original, Chipotle Cheddar, or Cinnamon Toast, you're really in for a treat.

Now, with the holidays upon us, Snack Factory has released seasonal Pretzel Crisps that are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and this time of year!

Mint Chocolate Crunch!

The tagline is "Rethink Your Pretzel" and I think that's fitting.  For a second, think about this - you're getting a tiny, crunchy, salted pretzel, coated in mint chocolate and covered in chocolate chips.  How in the world are you going to go wrong with that?  Between the green bag, snow graphics, and images of deliciousness, this is the type of product that pulls you in and takes your money.

Okay, not gonna lie - the bag is definitely misleading and borders on false advertisement.  If you look at the Pretzel Crisps displayed on the bag, they're evenly and overly coated in an abundance of mint chocolate.  The actual Pretzel Crisps?  Not so much.  Fortunately, these pretzels are covered enough for my liking and, at the end of the day, flavor is all that matters.  Because these taste so good, there's no way I can be mad at the lying bag.  This is what you expect from a chocolate covered pretzel.  You need that perfect contrast between sweet and salty.  Combine that with mint, which I didn't even think would work, and you've got a great snack for the holidays.  Sure, it may not look as pretty as depicted, but once they hit your taste buds, you won't even care.

To go along with Mint Chocolate Crunch, we have White Chocolate & Peppermint flavored Pretzel Crisps.  Look, between now and Christmas, just about everything is going to be dedicated to peppermint and gingerbread flavored products.  Just about everything I've purchased already tastes like one of those two things, but that's okay during this time of year.  It should be expected and welcomed as flavors of the season.  For me, personally, it sparks the spirit and that's why this bag, even if the flavor was close to the other, had to be picked up.  Besides, the Candy Cane theme is more Christmassy than the Chocolate Mint Crunch.  I'm easy, what can I say?

Unlike the first batch of Pretzel Crisps, this White Chocolate & Peppermint variety does a better job living up to it's promised coating and, for the most part, matches the photograph printed on the bag.  I wasn't expecting much from these, but wow, they're so much better than the Mint Chocolate Crunch!  Believe me, that's saying a lot because they're both outstanding products.  The broken Candy Cane pieces add so much to the flavor but aren't so crunchy that they'll break your teeth.  It's like salted candy!  Everything about these Pretzel Crisps work so well together and I'm happily surprised by their punch.  This is the type of knockout game you want to play!

I'm not exactly sure where you can buy Pretzel Crisps, but we found them at Target.  They're the type of chips that I don't go looking for, but love when I have them.  In that way, they're similar to Pringles, but I think they're a hell of a lot better.  Obviously I wouldn't eat these two varieties outside of the holiday season, but Pretzel Crisps offer much more than even I was aware of and, now, I'm hungry and want to go buy more.  If you're out and still have time and money to pick up a last minute snack for Thanksgiving, make these your choice.  They'll get everybody excited for Christmas and thankful that they came to your house for the big day!

Pringles : Pecan Pie & Cinnamon and Sugar

I never thought I'd see Pringles deck out their cans for the holidays, but given their increase in flavor choices, this actually does make a lot of sense and is a great move for the brand.  Pringles are a unique snack because they're never on my list of go-to items.  I usually only eat Pringles when somebody else buys them or they're at a party.  Yet, every single time I pop, I truly can't stop.  If there was one company that live up to their tag line, Pringles may very well be it.  I don't believe there's a person on this planet who's had one and said, ah, no thanks, I'm good now.  So would the same rules apply to these new limited-edition seasonal flavors?

Pecan Pie and Cinnamon & Sugar!!

First, I have to point out that Cinnamon & Sugar isn't actually new to me.  I picked up a can to review last year, but that never happened.  So, given the fact that I've already tried them, let's start with the oldie and save Pecan Pie for last.

When I first heard about these in 2012, they didn't appeal to me.  A potato chip that tastes like Cinnamon & Sugar?  I figured that would fall down the same drain Lays Chicken & Waffles went, but I had to give it a chance.  Any time something new is released, ya gotta figure it's somewhat decent or it wouldn't have passed taste tests.  At least, that's what I tell myself to justify my purchases.

Even though my Iphone photo, with an ugly paper plate background, doesn't look pretty, these chips are actually awesome.  There's something about them that works so well.  Sure, they taste and feel like potato chips and they'll stand out as Pringles, but the flavor is unique.  It has a hint of maple to go along with the brown sugar and cinnamon.  It's great and I killed the entire can in one night.  The biggest downside to popping open Pringles is that you'll be seeing the bottom of that can before you know it.

Now... Pecan Pie?  This one is new for 2013 and, much like the Cinnamon & Sugar, I had no idea what to expect.  I'm not a huge fan of pecans and don't go out of my way to find them, but I do like them and can eat them without any problems.  But still, I was weary of how pecans would translate over to a potato chip.  Sure, reviews I read were good, but I needed first-hand experience.  Let's get to this pie!

See what I did there with the pan?  Pecan... PIE? Get it? Ah, I tried..

But back to what actually matters - the taste.  Once again, Pringles does it right and delivers one hell of a product.  I think they're good, but my girlfriend thinks they're great!  I'm not arguing with her because, really, these are a must-try for the holiday season.  They taste like pecans, but have more than that and they all hit you at the same time.  Who woulda thought a chip could be changed so much and still maintain quality?

Instead of picking up a bag of boring old potato chips this Thanksgiving, go out and bring home Pecan Pie Pringles!  They're perfect for the big day and the whole family will thank you.  In fact, unless you're an awesome cook, they may steal your Turkey's thunder.  Just saying!

Pillsbury Pumpkin Cookies

I could be wrong, but I assume Target is unable to effectively store their refrigerated items because that's all I've been able to find, so far.  First, it was the Halloween Lunchables, and now it's cookies from Pillsbury.  At this point, it's a shame that everything isn't cold and frozen because we're 50 days away from the big day and continue to be stiffed by major retailers.  Oh well, at least we have Pillsbury Pumpkin Cookies to enjoy!

As far as I know, these Pumpkin Cookies are new for 2013 and, really, it's about time.  Pumpkin flavor has taken over the season in recent years and it seems like every company is cashing in on the obsession.  There's just something about the smell and taste that screams Fall and wipes away the sweat of Summer.  It's like we're all unable to truly walk away from the beach and heat until we eat or drink something that tastes like pumpkins.  Then, and only then, is it really Fall.  With every bite, another leaf falls from a tree.

Ironically, we just hit 90 degrees here in New Jersey and the Summer is desperately clinging on to a few more days.  But I'm sorry pal, we've had a good time, but the Doughboy is here to help me acquire the taste of pumpkin and cream cheese - two flavors who are not my taste buds - and usher in change.

 

To be honest with you, these aren't something I'd be interested in aside from the package art and newness of it all, but my girlfriend wanted to try them and that was enough for a Holidaze post.  I didn't have any problems with trying the pumpkin flavor, but the "cream cheese flavored chips" gave me reservations.  If you read The Holidaze, you know how picky I am.  I hate the texture of cream cheese, but don't really mind the flavor.  I know, I'm a nut job, but I was excited to see what these had in store.  As soon as we opened the bag, I realized the shape and size were different than the Pillsbury cookies I've come to know.  They're not "doughy," they're "cakey."  That's not a bad thing, but even better was the smell.  Wow, these smell just like pumpkin pie and, instantly, it felt like Thanksgiving in September.  That may be getting ahead of ourselves, but it definitely reminds me more of November than October.

In and out of the oven they go on my charred "Freddy Krueger Cookie Sheet."  This sheet has been around forever and has obviously been burnt to a crisp, but I've never found one any better.  It always brings us the best cookies, top to bottom, and this was no exception.  I was pleasantly surprised by how well these Pillsbury Pumpkin Cookies developed.  The cream cheese chips really pop and look delicious.  And if I'm saying that, I'm either hungry or it's true.  Time to see which..

These. Are. GOOD!  I've learned something about my love-hate relationship with pumpkin and cream cheese.  For me, it all comes down to texture because, with the traditional texture of chocolate chip cookies, these Pillsbury Pumpkin Cookies have an amazing flavor.  We're in the early part of the season, but I think it's safe to say that we've found Fall's new cookie.  I gave it to the Caramel Apple Cookies last year, but we may have a new champion.  I will admit that I didn't eat many because I'm still adjusting and acquiring the taste, but I'd love to have these again throughout the season and especially on Halloween or Thanksgiving.  Now, unlike last year, I may have to give Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Cheesecake cookies a chance.  The more and more I acquire this taste, the more and more I want to try.  This could lead to problems, both physically and financially, and I blame you all for making pumpkin such a prominent fixture of the season.

If you're interested in trying these Pillsbury Pumpkin Cookies, they're available now at Target in addition the the classic sugar cookie pumpkins released by Pillsbury!  I say get 'em!

Happy Thanksgiving...Two Days Late

Some blog I run here, right?  I'm supposed to cover the "Holidaze" and I totally missed Thanksgiving.  I apologize to anybody who checked out the site, but between work and family, I was just too busy over the holiday to write anything worth while.  However, I can't let it go without mentioning it at all!  They say it's always better late than never, so here comes a healthy helping of late headed your way. 

If you've paid attention to that big pie above (how could you miss it?) then you know we're about to talk about gum that tastes like dessert.  I made it as obvious as I possibly could without being creative at all.  Blame that on the fact I'm so late.  But see, I didn't want to come on here and talk about turkey and stuffing.  Everybody eats that on Thanksgiving and it's just not interesting.  No, today, we're going to talk about some of the odd things I found leading up to Turkey Day.  After that, we're going to forget all about Thanksgiving and get back into what really matters... Christmas!

Check that gum out, man!  Wrigley's Extra Dessert Delights introduces Apple Pie!! I've had the Mint Chocolate Chip, and it was okay, but this was just perfect for Thanksgiving.  My girlfriend found this but didn't buy it when she saw it.  I was like "whaaaaat?"  How do you see gum flavored like apple pie and not pick that up?  When I saw it, it was a no brainer.  My only complaint is that it's not blueberry.  It's not that I prefer blueberry over apple, because I don't, but I really wanted to make a Willy Wonka reference here.  Whenever you find a piece of gum that tastes like real food, just know that Willy Wonka was the originator.  Roast beef and blueberry pie would have given me so much more to talk about, but that's okay.  He still would have had us scour the streets for golden tickets if he made apple pie gum so that just goes to show how special this is!

"Have Your Dessert and Chew It Too!"  Not a bad slogan, right?  I'll take it.  I really like the design.  The multi-colored waves and apple pie graphics really remind me of Thanksgiving.  Unfortunately, I couldn't get a decent shot of the gum out of its wrapper.  It's a light green, which is awesome, but it kept coming out white.  It looked like a strip of paper and, no matter how far away I stood, I couldn't get it right.  I was going to tell you that I kept it a mystery on purpose, but you're too smart for that.  However, if you do want to see what this gum looks like, you're going to have to pick it up yourself.  And really, you should.  This tastes just like apple pie!  It's amazing.  It may not be blueberry pie, but you'll know exactly how Violet felt when she chewed Wonka's forbidden gum.  I can't even describe it well enough to do it justice.  All I can say is it surely blows that Mint Chocolate Chip out of the water.

If you've been reading long enough, then you may remember the corner store cupcakes I found down the block from my house.  They were themed for Halloween, and are here if you'd like to check them out again.  I don't know where they came from but, apparently, they're not alone.  Look at the Thanksgiving cupcakes my Dad found while he was out!  Who is making these?  My corner store isn't a bakery, it's an overpriced money stealer.  I'm sure they're buying these for a dollar and re-selling them for $5, but I need to know where they're getting them.  Not because they're good, because they're pretty crappy, but they look nice and I want to take more pictures when the next holiday rolls around.

This Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and chocolate chip concoction isn't really themed for Thanksgiving, but it's brown, white and black and I can only associate those colors with one holiday.  Other than that, I don't have much to say about this cupcake.  I just wanted to mention it before I talk about the cupcake it was next to.  That one is the reason why this one is being mentioned at all.

I love that Turkey!  The icing and sprinkles remind me of Halloween more than Thanksgiving, but that Turkey erases any doubts.  This cupcake is made for Turkey Day and picked the only mascot you can choose from to be their sugary wafer.  He's brown, red, yellow and has blue feathers.  I've never seen a Turkey with blue feathers, so he might actually be a peacock, but I get the point and that's all I care about.  Besides being with family, Thanksgiving is insanely boring, so I found a lot of excitement in this little guy.  That's pretty sad, but we're not talking about Christmas here.  There's not much to be excite over.  Thankful on T-Day?  Of course.  But excited?  Eh, not me.. Maybe that will change next year.

There are many different drinks to choose from on Thanksgiving.  At my Aunts house, you can pick from soda, beer, wine, coffee, tea, milk, juice.. you name it.  But one thing that isn't offered is seltzer.  That's probably because it's gross, but my Dad actually enjoys it and bought these for himself.  He said he bought them for blog purposes, but I'm not so sure.  He knows the rules -- don't open anything until it's photographed.  But look at that Candy Cane Seltzer.  That top has clearly been snapped.  Either he couldn't wait or doesn't want to admit that he loves himself some Seltzer.  I think it's disgusting, but is there actually a large fan base out there?  What's so great about it?  The only thing good about these two bottles are their flavors.  At least Polar --whoever that is--joined in on the festivities.

I love writing in the blog, and I've eaten a few things that I normally wouldn't just to review them here, but I can't bring myself to drink this.  There have been times in the past where I've been really thirsty and all we had in the kitchen was Seltzer.  That always pissed me off, but I would drink it anyway just to quench my thirst.  I fooled myself into believing that this time would be different and it would taste great and, every time, I would up spitting it down the drain.  There's no more fooling CK.  I'm never drinking Seltzer again, especially Pumpkin Spice (ughh).  But I'll give credit where credit is due and I love the fact that they cared about the holidays at all.  That's awesome.

Candy Cane definitely smells better.  It has a strong scent of peppermint and I thought, for a second, that maybe the minty flavor would overwhelm the seltzer after taste and I could review it, but I'm not taking the chance.  To me, seltzer is like poison.  I don't know why I hate it so much, but I do.  But, actually, to be fair, I haven't had a sip of Seltzer in years.  The last time I had it was well before my 21st birthday and I used to say I'd never drink vodka, too.  Perhaps this is an acquired taste?  Oh man, I'm going to regret this.. I'll be right back.. I'm going to go taste this in real time.

Here's another picture of the bottle to keep you busy while I drink this Candy Cane mess..

Blahh.. I gagged.  It's disgusting!  I'll admit, it's not as bad as I remembered and I'd take that over a shot of Jameson if we reached the same results, but it's definitely not drinkable.  No way I could drink that whole bottle.  That's horrible.  But it's minty and I assume you could mix it with something?  I have no idea how seltzer works.  Maybe you can pour it into your Coke and call it Coca-Cane.

I'm certainly not tasting the Pumpkin Spice, so we're going to end our belated Thanksgiving entry here.  I hope you enjoyed the random slew of nothing that would have been better suited for your liking two days ago.  I wish I had the time, but I usually write these things 3 or 4 at a time to make sure the countdown runs smoothly.  Now, let's put Turkey Day behind us (more than it already is) and continue the Countdown to Christmas.  I have a few layout changes to make soon.  That dinner table has to go, along with Charlie brown.  Stay tuned, Holidazers.  The big day is less than a month away now!!  Whoa..