Krispy Kreme Ghostbusters Donuts

For the first time since January, I was off from work this past Saturday and couldn't have been more excited for the big day.  Knowing that it was the last Saturday before Halloween, my girlfriend and I wanted to treat it as such in celebration of the amazing season we've had in 2014.  The plan was to hop on the train, make the quick commute to NYC, grab a few Ghostbusters donuts from Krispy Kreme, eat at Jekyll and Hyde's in Times Square, drink at Times Scare afterwards, and enjoy a Haunted House followed by some Scaryoke.  It was quite the endeavor and, thankfully, I can say we pulled it all off without a hitch and it better than a few Halloweens I've had in the past.  It was too much fun to convey in words, but it wouldn't have been half of what it was without our very first stop at NY Penn Station!

Halloween at Dunkin Donuts - A Holidaze Tribute

Dunkin Donuts and I go way back.  For as long as I can remember, that logo you see above has been a part of my life in one way or another.  Whether it was my Dad bringing home that retro box of a dozen donuts to my Grandparents or my Mom ordering a large hot coffee, there are many memories and a great deal of nostalgia now associated with the pink and orange.  In particular, Dunkin Donuts will always have a strong connection to Halloween.  So much, in fact, that it's become an annual tradition to indulge as much as possible when this time of year rolls around.  Don't get me wrong, I drink two iced coffees a day, but the spooky season invites us to take our game to the next level and really soak in The Holidaze.

Dunkin Donuts - Valentine's Day

I'm addicted to Dunkin' Donuts and ever since I've started my new job, it's become even worse.  We may need to have an intervention, because co-workers are starting to call me "Dunkin."  With a nickname like that, you'd think there'd be some type of endorsement.  Maybe a gift card or lifetime supply of iced coffee in the winter?  But no, just me and a whole lot of money spent on donuts and bagels.  But hey, when they say America runs on Dunkin, they're not lying - at least on the east coast - because I can't start my day off without it.  It's become my morning tradition.

Now, I've always been a fan of Dunkin' Donuts during the holiday seasons because of the awesomely themed donuts they release.  For example, they just had Super Bowl donuts available in Broncos and Seahawks colors.  That's the type of dedication that I appreciate, but at the same time, I know they can do better.  Remember when their Halloween donuts were especially special?  Between orange spider web icing and candy shaped monsters on top, they truly went all out.  Those were the days and moments that shaped what is now nostalgia associated with Dunkin' Donuts.  To commemorate those times and to keep the tradition alive, Dunkin' Donuts has released a variety of Valentine's Day themed donuts that needed to be tried.  At the request of my cousin, Allie @AllieRandz, they're being reviewed for The Holidaze!

We have a few varieties to choose from here and they're all ready for Valentine's Day.  First, Strawberry frosted is my favorite on any day of the year, but Chocolate frosted is a close second.  The pink and red sprinkles add to the V-Day experience.  Especially made for the season, we have the heart-shaped donuts.  Boston Creme and Cupid's choice are great and have been around for a few years, but I really want to focus on the last two - Brownie Batter and the brand new Cookie Dough!  I hadn't tried either one of them and it was over due.  When my cousin told me I needed to talk about them on the site, it reminded me and inspired me to finally pick up a dozen.  Thankfully the snow didn't stop me.

First out from the box is the Cookie Dough donut.  Looks great, right?  The chocolate icing and chips would be enough, but the fact that there's a filling in there that tastes like cookie dough is even better.  I really didn't know what to expect, because it's a unique flavor for a donut, but I wasn't going to judge the book by its cover because, if I did, it would have already been a success.  We had to dive in there and really test it out.

Ahhh.. Unfortunately, I'm not feeling this variety of Valentine's Day themed donuts.  I don't really taste anything that resembles Cookie Dough and the filling looks too much like gravy for me to find appetizing.  For some reason, it's tangy and tastes more like a sweet, alcoholic, vanilla than anything close to cookie dough.  I don't know, maybe I got a bad batch, but this isn't something I'd buy again.  In theory, it's an awesome concept and I appreciate the effort, but I'm not a fan of this edition and won't be looking for it again in the future.  I hate to say that I didn't like it, because I really wanted to, but I'd have to give it a 5/10 and most of that is thanks to the chocolate chips on top of the icing.  But I'm curious to hear what you have to say.  Have you tried the Cookie Dough donut?  Did you like it?  Share in the comments below!

Next up, we have Brownie Batter which is entering its second year at Dunkin' Donuts.  For as much as I like brownies, I missed out on this one last year and was pumped to get another chance at it.  I had high expectations because Dunkin' Donuts brought it back in 2014 so that had to mean it was a success last year and left people wanting more.  So, going in, I really thought this one was going to blow me away and make up for the lackluster Cookie Dough.

Oh man.. Happy Valentine's Day to me!  This is amazing!  How in the world did I neglect the Brownie Batter donut in 2013?  This is like a gift from God.  I think he sent Cupid down from Heaven with a bow and arrow in one hand and a Brownie Batter donut in the other.  This will bring complete strangers together and I bet it leads to long-term relationships with Brownie Batter as their foundation.  It's so good..  I mean, I love brownies so I may be a bit biased, but this completely makes up for the Cookie Dough donut and should be a year-round offering.  If you haven't tried one yet, get it while you can!  They're only available throughout February and, believe it or not, we're halfway through the month!  Where is all the time going?

The Holidaze will keep the Valentine's Day posts rolling with one more at 4pm, today.  Check back later!

Apple Cider Donuts

About a week ago, I went camping with my family for the second time in my life.  The first time was around 1999.  I went with my Parents and cousin.  We went in the middle of April, it was freezing and, to make a long story short, we wound up "camping" in a heated hotel room with our tents stored in my Dad's truck.  This happened two nights in a row so, looking back on history, I didn't think I'd be cut out to make it through another round of camping, no matter how much older I am.  But, thankfully, it wasn't as cold, I was better prepared, and this city boy spent a night in the woods without any sign of Jason Vorhees or Racoons.  

But is that's not what this blog post is about.  See, before we made it to Cheesequake Park, we stopped at Path-Mark to get some snacks.  You know, the typical popcorn and smores.  We needed some drinks, too.  But, the first thing that caught my eye were donuts.  They're not the name brand variety, but they're not Path-Mark's either.  They're that in-between brand that never gets any recognition, but should because they're so good.

They had Pumpkin donuts, but here's what I went with..

Harvest Time Apple Crisp Donuts!  That's their official name, but Path-Mark had one of those hand drawn posters calling them "Apple Cider Donuts."  I like that much better!  I had amazing Apple Cider donuts last year while apple picking with my girlfriend, so I had high hopes for these.  They're made by Country Treats, but that doesn't mean much.  That most likely means they were made on some farm in the tri-state area.  Who knows what that means?  As far as I was concerned, these were new, looked good, and I had to try them!

These Apple Cider Donuts didn't actually get opened until we got home from our camping trip because I didn't want any bugs invading my beauties and getting a chance to try them before we did.  I absolutely hate bugs and because of a scary daddy long leg spider, I almost didn't get into my tent.  He was guarding it well with his tree-like legs and big black body.  No matter how big I am, I will always be more afraid of bugs than they are of me.  I can handle flies and tiny aunts.  But anything bigger than a quarter that flies?  I'm outta here.  I'm a big baby.

So, I popped the plastic open as soon as I got home and was very pleased with the scent.  It's appleicious.  That's not a word, but as soon as I smelled them, that word came to mind and I had to share it.  The donuts were also very soft so I knew they were fresh.  Sometimes, the baked donuts from grocery stores aren't so good.  Maybe they're made there and sit for a while, maybe the farm is slow with their delivery.  I couldn't tell ya, but I know these are good to go!

I used my Iphone to snap the pictures because I like the way the flash makes them pop.  They look more like cinnamon donuts than apple, but that's okay.  In fact, they're called Cinnamon Sugar Cake Donuts.  I know I told you they're called Apple Crisp, but obviously Country Treats has problems making up their minds.  That's why I just call them Apple Cider Donuts.  That makes things much easier and sounds better.  Even Path Mark didn't want to waste their time writing out "Apple Crisp Cinnamon Sugar Cake Donuts."  Other than Martha Stewart, nobody talks like that.  And by the time they do, I've usually lost interest.  Apple Cider.. Boom! Done!

No matter what you call these donuts, or who made them, they absolutely delicious.  These were soo good!  They're actually some of the best donuts I've ever had.  They taste like Apple, they have a hint of cinnamon, and are perfectly textured.  I sound like a fat guy, but look, I love these donuts.  They didn't last very long here because they're so addictive.  

I tried Googling Country Treats to find out where they come from, but I didn't find anything.  I wanted to tell you guys where to get them, because I know you'll be pleased with the Apple Cider Donuts, but I have no idea.  I don't know if they're exclusive to Path Mark or to my area.  I can't tell you where to go, but I do advise you to find them and give them a try.  I'm not usually into this type of donut, but I wanted something for the cool, Fall season and thought this would be perfect.  I was definitely right.  If you're looking for the same thing, check out your local Path Mark and see if they have it in stock.  It might be a long shot, but a worthy one.  But, if you happen to live near Jersey City, NJ, check out the Path Mark on Rt. 440 and you're guaranteed to find this Fall gem.

Halloween Treats

Growing up, Trick-or-Treating was one of the highlights of my year.  I loved everything about it.  That cool crisp air whistling through your Halloween mask.  The sound of dead leaves crunching as you walked over them to get to the next house.  The sights and sounds that come from highly decorated houses.  Everything about Trick-or-Treating contributed to the amazing memories I have now and, if I wasn't as tall as I am, I'd probably throw on a Scream mask and do it again!

But..come on, the atmosphere may provide an extra hint of spooky, but we all know what Trick-or-Treating is all about...The CANDY!  Halloween and the season I love to celebrate has become an unofficial holiday in The United States with 9 out of 10 kids in America hitting the streets in search of free goodies.  In recent years, over 2 billion dollars worth of candy flew off the shelves and you can bet your jack-o-lantern that this year won't be any different. 

Now, I may not be out there with the kids, but I sure as hell like the candy and, as I've gotten older, I've grown to love the Fall and Halloween packaging that distributors develop every year.  Anytime you take an ordinary Kit-Kat package and enhance it with cartoon bats, color me interested.  Anytime you change the actual candy itself, consider it bought.  I love those things and, every year, I look forward to seeing what these big companies are going to roll out.

To my surprise, we're already starting to see Halloween merchandise.  I'm pretty sure this is earlier than ever before, but that may just be my own experience.  Either way, here are a few things I picked up while out at Walgreens.

Here's a perfect example of packaging playing a major economic role.  I'm not the biggest Tastykake fan.  I don't dislike their donuts, but I don't love them.  I'd much rather pick up a dozen Dunkin' Donuts than this box but, unfortunately, DD hasn't impressed me with any orange donuts with chocolate bats just yet so, until then, these will have to do.

Regardless of which flavored donut you prefer (I'm boring and go with the plain jane cinnamon), you can't deny how great this packaging is.  It's completely fall with the perfect hit of Halloween.  Those pumpkins make me happy.  The one on top of the powdered donut gets me downright jolly.  I mean, if that pump isn't excited for this season, then I don't know who is.

Even the back of the box is completely decked out in Autumn.  Not only is this how you sell a box of donuts during the Holidaze, but it's also how you get a jump start on the competition.  September?  As soon as my family saw this box they said "wow, pumpkins already?"  Yep, already.. That's why there's a box of uneaten Tastykake donuts in my kitchen and not Entenmann's..

Next up.. Candy

Reese's, Butterfinger and York Peppermint Patty all have their Halloween candy out already and that's just how I like it.  This is nothing new but, for me, these packages are a symbol of tradition.  As soon as I see them in the aisles, I know the ominous spirit of Halloween is nearby.

Now, knowing that the flavor never changes in these legendary candy recipes, we have to look at the packaging and candy size and shape to see just how invested Hershey and Nestle are to pleasing that die-hard Halloweenies like me.  First up, York Peppermint Patty..

This is not your grandpa's Peppermint Patty.  No, this is a horrifying York Peppermint BATTY.  Nice touch.  Now, it's not the greatest looking package art I've seen, but I like what they've done.  They stayed true to their classic color scheme but added an overly round bat with yellow eyes.  I'll take it!  But most specifically, I like the fact that this isn't a pumpkin.  Everybody seems to make pumpkins.  Where's the love for Frankenstein and Dracula?  I'd love to see Hershey make a Frankenstein shaped Symphony Bar.  That would be insane but, oh well, at least they created a mint bat.  At least we're making progress here.

Now, let's see what this bat looks like unwrapped..

This is supposed to be a bat. I mean, I see it but he'd have to be mostly deformed.  It's, again, overly round and his sides are uneven.  I was also expecting the filling to be orange when I should have figured it'd remain white.  But, yeah, he's a bat.  See?

Obviously!

I know I've seen this packaging before but I like it so much that I don't mind that they haven't changed it.  Unless you're into the disgusting white chocolate Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, you know Reeses rarely strays from their orange wrapper.  But, every Halloween, they bring out that black and purple.  In my opinion, there are only 4 Halloween colors:  Black, orange, purple and green.  Yellow gets an honorable mention.  Reeses gives you three out of those four.  I love it..

With packaging like that, you know they pulled out all the stops on their peanut butter pump!  Right?

Are you serious, bro?  This is what I get for falling for that same old packaging every year?  This looks like they took two melted peanut butter cups and smashed them together to create a circle.  This is just unacceptable.  I love the taste of Reeses, but no flavor makes up for this complete lack of disrespect...

Obviously, I'm not taking it that serious.. but almost..

Regardless, this is one sad Pump

Ok, we have one left and we're breaking away from Hershey here to see what Nestle has in store for us with their Butterfinger Pumpkin.  Yep, another pumpkin..

Give it up for the package art!  This Butterfinger pumpkin obviously comes from an evil patch and one that we probably wouldn't want to pick from.  Not unless we were gullible enough to believe that Scarecrow Pump wasn't going to come to come alive, unhitch and chase us.  Ha, there's no fooling me, Nestle!

However.. Pedazos en chocolate con leche??  Last time I checked, this was America and our one and only official language is English.  If you don't understand the language, then you don't get to know that this candy features Butterfinger pieces in milk chocolate.  Come on, Nestle.. stop drinking the Kool-Aid.

Anyway.. ¿Qué hace este dulce parece?

To quote one-hit wonder Montell Jordan, "This is how we do it!"  Look at this Pump.. He's perfect.  Not only does he have a face, not only does he have a stem, but he actually looks carved.  He appears to be your typical Jack-O-Lantern and, for that reason, I am willing to forgive Nestle for forcing me to use Google translator.

So, in conclusion, which treat should you pick up when the time comes to make that decision? Well, I'd say get them all but, if you can only pick one, it comes down to who you are.  Are you the type who only wants to eat some candy?  Then go with what you think tastes best.  BUT, if you're the type who cares about the little things and attention paid to detail then, there's no decision to be made.. Butterfinger wins!

This was fun.. I enjoyed reviewing the Holidaze treats and I'm sure there will be many more to discuss in the coming weeks.  Like the Holidaze, this was a nice break from the real world.  But, on this day, there are obviously more important things to keep in mind and remember.  There's a reason why we're able to spend hours talking about candy and donuts and that reason is freedom.  Thank God we have it and may He continue to bless the United States.

Never forget.