Apple Pie Pop Tarts

Because I only like a few flavors, particularly the Frosted Strawberry and Chocolate Chip, I don't purchase many boxes of Pop Tarts throughout the year.  I have to really be in the mood for them or extremely hungry as I'm walking the aisles.  But, whenever I see a new or Limited Edition flavor, you can pretty much bet I'll give it a shot, especially when they're holiday related.  So, of course, when I saw these Apple Pie Pop Tarts, I had to have them.

I'm pretty sure Kellogg's used to make Apple Strudel Pop Tarts and, if I'm right, I believe there were pretty much the same thing as the new Frosted American Apple Pie Pop Tarts.  But that's not why I bought them, anyway.  I bought these because of the box design.  More specifically, I bought these because of that American Flag flying in the right-hand corner.  I would have liked to see that red one dressed in American colors, too, but that one is just about all it takes for me to waste my money.  But with the Fourth of July just days away, I thought it was fitting for the Holidaze.

There's probably nothing more American than apple pie, baseball, and fireworks on the Fourth of July.  Through those things, we get to celebrate our freedom and take a break from the stress of everyday life and enjoy the rare simplicity of life.  That's what's so great about a box of Pop Tarts. 

I think I've mentioned this here before, but I don't toast Pop Tarts, I microwave them.  I like them softer and obviously don't mind burning my tongue with scolding hot filling.  As you can see above, it looks like Apple Pie.  More importantly, it tastes like Apple Pie.  These are actually some of the better flavors I've had in a while.  They're almost good enough to have on Thanksgiving, but not quite.  I'd say give them a shot, though.  I think you'll like them.

One thing I will say about these Frosted American Apple Pie Pop Tarts is that they're not fun.  There's nothing fun about the box or design.  The excitement level is so low that I couldn't even come up with anything witty to say in this post.  Not that I usually do anyway.  But just look at the back of the box.  They wrote facts about apples.  Really?  What kid wants to sit down at the breakfast table and read about apples?  Do they really think some kid is going to go to school and tell all their friends that China is now the number one apple producer in the world and not the United States?  Actually, I didn't know that.  Why the hell are they symbols of Americana then?  That explains the red flag next to the American flag on that box.  Oh boy, enjoy your Frosted Chinese Apple Pie Pop Tarts.

Summer Oreo Cookies

I wasn't planning on writing about Oreo cookies back-to-back, but today this is just too fitting.  In New Jersey, it's well over 90 degrees and feels like 100 on this first day of Summer.  It's the type of day you either go to the beach and relax, or do the same in the cool air of your own air conditioned home.  That is, of course, if you're not trapped inside a stuffy workplace.  But hey, no matter where you are, there's to excuse to no have your own bag of Summer Edition Oreo Cookies with you.  It's a wonderful way to kick off the season.

I had yet to write my first Holidaze entry last Summer, so I'm not sure if these seasonal snacks were available or if they're entirely new.  Did they use the word "Summer" and not include the awesome graphics?  Has that sand castle stood for 365 days or did some little kid just make that in 2012?  Was the creme blue or did they stick with the traditional white?  I couldn't tell you because I honestly wasn't looking for anything I could write about at the time.  However, had I seen these, I know I would have picked them up anyway because.. BLUE Creme!!  That's an instant purchase.  Who doesn't love blue food?  It's the best and this year, it's mine.

Take a look at the beautiful blue color.  Blue isn't my favorite color, (green is) but blue is a close second and this light North Carolina shade is perfect for their Summer edition.  I missed out on the Spring edition, but that's truly because I just didn't want them.  Like these, the Spring edition features the traditional Oreo flavor, but the creme was yellow.  Yellow?  Who wants that?  That's just boring, especially with all the special/limited edition Oreo varieties out right now.  So move over Spring and let the blue days of Summer make their way through.

Just like the Halloween, Winter, and even Spring versions, the Summer edition features five themed designs to go along with the product.  You should be able to see, but if you can't, we have "Beach Day" with a beach chair and umbrella.  "Happy Summer" with palm trees on an island.  "Start The Fun" with a sand castle.  I wonder if the same kid who made the castle on the bag made this one too?  Corny joke alert.  Sound the alarm.  Moving on, we have "Fun Under The Sun" with a.. go figure.. Sun.  But not just any Sun, he's a happy Sun wearing Sunglasses.  That makes no sense if you really think about it, but who doesn't love a smiling, shaded, Sun?  Finally, we have "Sail Into Summer" above a floating sailboat.  They're all amazing and I love how well they represent the time of year, but that has come to be expected with these seasonal cookies.  Nabisco doesn't mess around.  The blue creme can attest to that!

The blue is SO bright!  I love it.  When I was little, I used to always buy the blue raspberry blow pops.  The flavor was great, but had it been a white or purple lollipop, I would have passed and gone with the watermelon.  There's just something about blue colored food that attracts me.  Is it just me, my generation or guys in general?  I'd love to read a scientific study done on the relationship between the colors of food and those who eat them.  There must be a reason why I love blue so much.  When Ketchup was green, my favorite color, it didn't make me want ketchup any more, so why does blue make me want a regular Oreo that much more?  Craziness!

Creamsicle Oreo Cookies

First off, Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there, especially my own.  I'm sure he'll be proud to know I honored him in an entry about cookies.  Especially when he finds out that the cookies got more attention.

Now, One of the most popular of all my posts have been those focused on Oreo Cookies.  Those posts have received the most views since I began The Holidaze and rightfully so.  While, in my opinion, chocolate chip cookies hold the number one spot in the world of cookies, there's no doubt that Oreo Cookies hold their own.  I don't think there is a treat on earth that goes better with milk and that's probably why this classic cookie has stood the test of time.  Plus, who doesn't love twisting off the two sides?  I always play a game in my mind.  If the cream doesn't stay intact one side, and one side only, then I lose.  It's the little things, really..

Lately, Nabisco have been releasing a great variety of limited edition Oreo Cookies and I've been snatching them up as soon as I find them.  So far, I've picked up four bags which will all be covered on The Holidaze over the next few days and weeks.  But to begin, we're kicking off with the limited edition Creamsicle Oreo Cookies.  They're the first ones I found, so they're the first ones I'll discuss.

I'm a big fan of the golden Oreo Cookies and, more times than not, I'll take them over the chocolate variety any day of the week.  That made this edition more exciting.  However, I'm not the biggest Creamsicle fan.  But honestly, that didn't matter because I had to give these a shot.

In the photo above, you can't tell that these cookies are any different than the traditional golden Oreo Cookies.  But, twist them and..

Boom! There we go.  That is what I was looking for.  That half orange, half creme design screams Summer.  It reminds me of the orangeade I used to get down the shore when I was a kid.  If you've ever been to Pt. Pleasant, NJ, then this should immediately bring Kohrs ice cream to mind.  What's better than a swirled cone on the boardwalk in 90 degree heat?  It's perfect.  I know Creamsicle wants you to think of them, but they come in third.  Luckily for them, the flavor is on point and represents them well.  But, like I said, I'm not all that fond of Creamsicles to begin with.  That doesn't mean these cookies are bad by any means.  These are very good and if you're a fan of Creamsicle, then you have no other choice than to pick these up and chomp into Summer.  If you're not a fan, that's okay, too.  We have three more bags to review and, in due time, we will.

By the way, did you notice I didn't manage to keep the cream on one side for all three cookies?  I hate losing, even if it's only in my head and means absolutely nothing.  Oh well, two outta three aint bad ;)

Cinnamon Roll Crunch

It has been a long time since I've written anything on The Holidaze.  There were so many things I missed, and so many things I meant to write about, but either never found the time or was limited in one way or another.  So, to catch up quickly, let me wish you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, Happy St. Patrick's Day, and Happy Easter.  I hope each holiday found you well and you enjoyed yourself.  Believe me, even though it wasn't shared with the three people who read this blog, I certainly had a great time.  No doubt, CK was in a 'daze!

But now, let's forget about what I missed and focus on the present.  Summer doesn't officially begin until June 20th, but that doesn't mean we can't kick the party off early.  In New Jersey, the weather has been beautiful for months.  The shorts and t-shirts are out and, before you know it, the beaches will be packed with bikinis, flip flops and board shorts.  It's one of the greatest times of year and should be celebrated as a three-month-long holiday.

There is so much you can get out of the Summer months.  Everything from food and snacks to parks, beaches and events.  In case you've forgotten, The Holidaze celebrates everything and anything that puts you in a daze during the holidays.  For Summer, the possibilities are endless and I plan on capturing as much as possible between now and our transition into Halloween.  To begin, let's talk about something that caught my eye yesterday and was fundamental in my decision to once again get motivated and rock this blog...

CINNAMON ROLL CRUNCH!

I'm the type of guy who can sit back and relax with a bowl of cereal at any time of day.  For some, it may strictly be a breakfast item, but not for me.  In fact, in my life, I've probably eaten more cereal before bed than I have upon waking up.  It's quick, it's simple, and it's awesome.  So whenever I find something new, especially when it relates to the time of year, you know it's on.

In October, Cap'n Crunch pumps me up with Halloween Crunch.  In December, they do it again with Christmas Crunch.  Both of those limited edition cereals are amazing, but at that time of year, while they're highly anticipated, they're also expected.  So, when I was walking down the aisle at Path Mark last night, this was a big surprise!  I was actually looking for the new Spider Man cereal, but this was much better than finding that.  Cinnamon Roll Crunch?  Awesome!

I don't know who manages the Cap'n Crunch brand, but they do an amazing job.  Every time they release something new (or even the classics,) they never cease to impress me.  Look at that box.  The graphics are perfect.  It's just enough without going overboard and, much like Summer, it emits the feeling of warmth.  It expresses Summer and, for that reason, it was a no brainer.

Cinnamon Roll Crunch Cereal looks like a box of golden Crunch Berries, but they're much softer and taste like..well..cinnamon!  I know, right? Who woulda guessed it?  It's actually not a flavor I would have ever associated with Cap'n Crunch, but that's what makes it even better.  You're not really sure what to expect when you buy this, but you can only assume it's going to be greatness.  Believe me, it is!

One of the greatest cereals I ever had as kid was French Toast Crunch made by General Mills.  Not only did it taste exactly like French Toast, but the cereal was shaped like bread.  It was tremendously popular in the CK household and I couldn't leave for school until the bowl was completely gone.  Then, out of nowhere, it was gone and I was stuck with Waffle Crisp.  Well, guess what?  Cinnamon Roll Crunch is as close to French Toast Crunch as you can get!

It's been a long time since I had French Toast Crunch, but I know the flavor is close, if not exactly the same!  In my opinion, the only difference is the shape.  There have been many cinnamon flavored cereals that have come and gone, each tasty in their own way, but this new Cap'n Crunch flavor takes the bun and I hope it sticks around.  It doesn't appear to be limited edition, so let's hope it isn't!

The back of the box features the "Family of Great Flavors" and a game that asks you to find the differences.  We've all seen this game before.  It's on hundreds of boxes of cereal, but it never gets old.  How many can you find?

For those of you too lazy to play, (or aren't any good at it) here are the differences..

Not too hard, right?

Now, get get yourself a box of new Cap'n Crunch Cinnamon Roll Cereal!