Nutrition Archives | My Life on (and off) the Guest List

Crofter’s Organic Delivers More Fruit & Less Sugar in Every Jar

October 21, 2020/0 Comments/in Food, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Snacks /by Glasgow Skinner

We’re welcoming the fall season with lots of deliciousness. The cooler season brings to mind harvest time and when we think of harvests, we’re reminded of the jams and fruit spreads that are ready to eat. While we can’t go traipsing through orchards or have access to farmer’s markets, we have the next best thing; delicious jams we’ve enjoyed since we were first introduced to them six years ago – Crofter’s Organic Jams and Fruit Spreads.

Crofter’s is the #1 organic jam in North America. The jams and fruit spreads are made with specific and heritage fruit varieties chosen for their superior flavor. They are certified organic, Non-GMO, vegan, and vegetarian, allergen-free, and have no added color or high fructose corn syrup. Crofter’s uses fair-trade sugar from the Green Cane Project to sweeten and support soil restoration; they support 8,500 acres of sustainable organic farmland; uses their own wastewater treatment plant to reduce water consumption by over 85%; and recycle 99% of raw materials’ packaging.

This small, family business has been tantalizing the palates of families since 1989. We’ve enjoyed Crofter’s Organic jams and fruit spreads in many ways: on crackers and bread but our favorite is with a spoon, right out of the jar. You see each of their scrumptious Premium and Just Fruit spreads features 33% less sugar than your average jam, so you can experience the full flavor, aroma, and health benefits of their specially selected varieties of organic fruit.

Crofter’s offers a vast offering of flavors of organic spreads, twenty delicious flavors to be exact. Out of those twenty, there are three superfruit offerings. Blueberry Blast and Pomegranate Power from their Premium Spreads, all bursting with more antioxidants than a bottle of red wine; and their original Superfruit Spread from their Just Fruit range. The rest of the offerings are a variety of organic spreads that includes Mango, Morello Cherry, Peach, Raspberry, Black Currant (our favorite), Strawberry, Blackberry, Apricot, Seville Orange, and Wild Blueberry. Fair warning, one taste, and you too will be reaching for a spoon to eat right of out the jar.

Crofter’s Organic products can be purchased online, as well as retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Safeway, Kroger, Walmart, and more!

Bokksu Box Brings Unique Japanese Snacks To American Consumers

October 16, 2020/0 Comments/in Food, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Shopping, Snacks /by Contributing Writer

Anyone who loves to travel knows how easy it is to fall in love with a different country’s food. You discover all kinds of snacks and goodies while you’re there, helping make your trip feel truly special. When you get back on your shores, however, you’re left feeling a deep disappointment after you realize that none of those treats are in the international aisle at your grocery store.

Danny Taing had this exact experience after living in Japan for many years. He fell in love with Japanese delicacies, as well as the community that formed around them. When he returned to America and could no longer enjoy those tasty treats and the culture surrounding them, he became one of the 400 million entrepreneurs around the world by starting a monthly subscription box for Japanese snacks.

Taing’s company is called Bokksu and its tight-knit team curates a box of gourmet Japanese snacks every month. Bokksu sources these snacks from artisan makers in Japan, so when you get a Bokksu box you know that you’ve supported local businesses in Japan and not international corporations. The company even partners with the artisans in Japan to create new Japanese snacks exclusively for its customers. This authentic touch, combined with the deliciousness of the snacks, has spurned the success of Bokksu, which sold half a million snacks to customers in more than 75 countries in its first two years of business.

To give customers a wide diversity in flavor and experience, the snack box revolves around a different theme every month. When a customer orders their first box, however, the team at Bokksu will handpick a variety of snacks that represents the four seasons in Japan so that you can get an authentic taste of the country.

Japanese snacks are made with high-quality ingredients. This is unlike many common American snacks, the unhealthy and processed ingredients in which have contributed to obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which are among the leading causes of preventable death. The high-quality, richly-flavored ingredients make the treats you can find in a Bokksu box ranging from traditional Japanese desserts, known as wagashi, to modern confections.

When you open up a Bokksu box, you’ll find a variety of sweet and savory treats. These include mochi, edamame senbei, red bean doughnuts, matcha chocolate stick cakes, rice crackers, and so much more. If you find a snack that you can’t get enough of, you can shop a la carte items at the Bokksu Market so that you can stock up on your favorites.

You have a few different options when it comes to choosing a plan for your Bokksu Japanese snacks subscription box. You could do a monthly rate, a 3-month rate, a 6-month rate, or a yearly rate. Whichever you choose, you can rest assured that your financial information is secure. Although researchers believe that 4 billion records were exposed in data breaches in the first half of 2019 alone, Bokksu keeps your sensitive information safe in their secure e-commerce platform. Invest in local Japanese businesses while getting a taste of authentic cuisine by signing up for your first Bokksu Japanese snacks today.

Afternoon “Tea” Delight: Jaf Tea Fall Gift Sets for Tea Lovers

September 14, 2020/0 Comments/in Drinks and Beverages, Frontpage Article, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Nutrition /by Glasgow Skinner

“Teatime” is 365 days a year for us; we understand that for many, tea is preferred during the cooler seasons. Well, it’s days away from the Fall season and it’s the perfect time to share some delicious tea gift sets. Why tea giftsets? Firstly, they allow you to stock up on a variety of tea flavors without fear of running out too quickly; secondly, it’s a great way to try or discover new tea flavors without fully committing. That’s why we’re excited about Jaf Tea’s flavorful fall gift sets.

You may remember we first introduced you to Jaf Tea in March when we encouraged you to “Drink to Your Health.” Cuppa after cuppa of delicious flavors from this range of premium, hand-picked, and single-origin Ceylon teas kept our bodies healthy and our minds calm. For Fall, we’re very excited about Jaf Tea’s four fall gift sets. They include the Pure Fruits Collection, Pure Black & Flavored Tea Collection, Pure Teas & Infusions Collection, and the Pure Green Collection. Each of the Jaf Tea gift sets contains an assortment of 80 teas in foil envelopes. They come in a variety of classic black, green, and infusion teas.

Pure Fruits Collection

This collection contains an assortment of 10 tea bags of the following 8 exciting fruit-flavored black teas:

Forest Fruit – Bursting with lusciously ripe wild berry flavors and enhanced with real forest fruit pieces; it is then expertly blended with their premium Ceylon black tea.
Blueberry Delight – All the juicy tang of ripe blueberries and delicate sweetness of real cherry pieces gently fuses with Jaf their specially selected Ceylon tea.
Pink Grapefruit – Packed with the zingy, zesty flavors of ripe and juicy citrus, perfectly combined with our fine Ceylon tea.
Sunny Lemon – An invigorating blend of sun-ripened sweetness with the zesty tang of real lemon peel, infused into their superb Ceylon tea.
Peach Orchard – Savor the delicately perfumed, sweet flavor of freshly picked peaches, infused into our outstanding Ceylon tea.
Passion Fruit – A luscious balance of vibrantly sweet and tangy fruit flavors, expertly fused with our superior Ceylon tea.
Creamy Soursop – Creamy and comforting with the rich, tropical taste of exotic soursop, sweetly fused with our prized Ceylon tea blend.
Mango Banana – All the tropical sweetness of ripe mango with the smooth, mellow taste of banana, married together with our exquisite Ceylon tea blend.

Pure Black & Flavored Tea Collection

This bold collection contains an assortment of 10 tea bags of 4 classic black teas and 4 fruit-flavored black teas:

English Breakfast – This popular morning blend hails from the fine Dimbulla region of Ceylon and is noted for its strong, full-bodied, and brisk taste.
Ceylon Earl Grey – Named after the 19th Century British Prime minister our blend combines the distinguished taste of Bergamot with the finest Ceylon tea.
Organic Darjeeling – Their organic Darjeeling blend is made up of teas harvested during the months of May to June. They are replete with the signature aroma of muscatel grapes and summer fruits.
Ceylon Supreme – Few black teas on earth can equal this superlative blend for its perfect harmony of distinct Dimbulla character and strong full-bodied taste.
Forest Fruit Black Tea – Bursting with lusciously ripe wild berry flavors and enhanced with real forest fruit pieces, expertly blended with their premium Ceylon black tea.
Creamy Soursop – Creamy and comforting with the rich, tropical taste of exotic soursop, sweetly fused with their prized Ceylon tea blend.
Pink Grapefruit – Packed with the zingy, zesty flavors of ripe and juicy citrus, perfectly combined with our fine Ceylon tea.
Sunny Lemon – An invigorating blend of sun-ripened sweetness with the zesty tang of real lemon peel, infused into their superb Ceylon tea.

Pure Teas & Infusions Collection

An exceptional collection that contains 10 tea bags of the following assortment of 8 teas and infusions:

English Breakfast Black Tea – This popular morning blend hails from the fine Dimbulla region of Ceylon. It is noted for its strong, full-bodied, and brisk taste.
Ceylon Earl Grey Black Tea – Named after the 19th Century British Prime minister, this blend combines the distinguished taste of Bergamot with the finest Ceylon tea.
Forest Fruit Black Tea – Bursting with lusciously ripe wild berry flavors and enhanced with real forest fruit pieces, expertly blended with their premium Ceylon black tea.
Natural Green Tea – Hailing from the southern regions of China, this delightful natural variety is distinguished by its perfect balance of light body, fresh aroma, and mellow taste.
Strawberry & Kiwi Green Tea – All the sweet, fresh taste of strawberries enhanced with tropical kiwi and infused with our beautiful Ceylon green tea blend. Brew lightly to enjoy the fruity aroma and refreshing sweetness.
Soursop & Banana Green Tea – Creamy and comforting, with the sweet taste of soursop fruit and mellow banana, infused with our classic Ceylon green tea blend. Brew lightly and enjoy hot or cold.
Camomile Dream Natural Infusion – Create a sensory sanctuary with this calming infusion. It is the perfect way to unwind at the end of a long day.
Cool Peppermint Natural Infusion – Only the finest peppermint leaves, replete with essential oils, are used to create this cool and refreshing infusion.

Pure Green Collection

Last, but certainly not least, the Jaf Tea Pure Green Collection. It contains 10 tea bags of the following assortment of 4 Classic Green and 4 Fruit-flavored green teas:

Natural Green Tea – Hailing from the southern regions of China, this delightful natural variety is distinguished by its perfect balance of light body, fresh aroma, and mellow taste.
Jasmine Green Tea – This carefully crafted blend of Chinese tea is naturally scented with jasmine blossoms in the traditional way to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and fragrance.
Mint Green Tea – Natural mint leaves are expertly blended with the finest green teas from the lush mountains of Ceylon to create this cool and refreshing tea.
Strawberry & Kiwi Green Tea – All the sweet, fresh taste of strawberries enhanced with tropical kiwi and infused with our beautiful Ceylon green tea blend. Brew lightly to enjoy the fruity aroma and refreshing sweetness.
Lemon Mint Green tea – Ceylon green tea blend. Brew lightly to enjoy the invigorating taste and aroma.
Mango Green Tea – All the sun-ripened succulence and sweetness of mango, infused with their light and refreshing Ceylon green tea blend. Brew lightly to enjoy the aromatic burst of tropical taste and flavor.
Soursop Banana Green Tea – Creamy and comforting, with the sweet taste of soursop fruit and mellow banana; it is then infused with their classic Ceylon green tea blend. Brew lightly and enjoy hot or cold.
Oolong Tea – This prized Oolong tea from the Fujian province of China is produced using sophisticated and artisanal techniques to create a delightfully floral light-bodied tea.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on these perfect-for-fall, Jaf Tea gift sets. Will you be adding more tea to your pantry during the cooler seasons? If you are, now is the perfect time to get your hands on these tea gift sets. They are regularly priced at $29.99 but are currently on sale for only $19.99. We suggest you head over to www.jaftea.com and stock up before they’re gone.

Solex Catsmo Home: The Only NJ Food Delivery Service You Need

August 31, 2020/0 Comments/in Food, Lifestyle, Nutrition /by Glasgow Skinner

There’s nothing more disappointing than trying to eat healthily during this pandemic and dealing with roadblocks. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve placed an order for grocery delivery, only to see that half or more of the things we ordered be unavailable; or worst yet, subpar (we can’t tell you how many times we’ve had to throw things away). Our goal to have restaurant-level meals at home wasn’t always being met until we discovered Solex Catsmo Home, the only food delivery service you need if you live in the Bergen, Essex, and Hudson counties in New Jersey.

Solex Catsmo Home is a new home delivery food service that provides some of the best meat, fish, produce, dairy, bread, pasta, truffles (and more!) direct to homes in New Jersey. When many top restaurants had to close in March 2020, CEO, Markus Draxler, and his team decided to do what they know best; to provide exceptional and high-quality products to a vital new customer – YOU, the home cook!

This outstanding grocery delivery company is two well-respected companies in the foodservice industry. Solex Fine Foods and its sister company, Catsmo Artisan Smokehouse, come together to bring you the highest quality food products. Ingredients so high grade, they were favorites of Michelin-starred, NYC restaurants like Daniel, Eleven Madison Park, and Le Bernadin.

Solex Catsmo Home has everything you might need to cook your favorite meals. They provide a variety of Dairy and dairy-free products; New York State, Vermont, Italian, and Spanish Cheeses; the freshest of fruits, vegetables, and French Summer Truffle; pantry staples like maple syrup, tuna fish, coffee, Caviar, etc; farm-to-table oatmeal, authentic Italian pasta, and locally made pizza and bagels; a variety of oils and vinegars; amazing and top-quality cuts of meats like Wagyu, ribeye, chicken, Wild Game; and last but not least, an assortment of seafood (like the delicious smoked salmon above or the Chef Daniel Boulud’s prepare-at-home Bouillabaisse dinner below) that will make every meal special.

Don’t worry if you don’t know what to make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, as Solex Catsmo Home provides easy to follow cooking recipes you can follow to make your chef-quality meals.

All home orders are contactless and scheduled for Wednesday and/or Saturday delivery. Place your order no later than 8pm Tuesday for Wednesday delivery, and no later than 8pm Friday for Saturday delivery. The date selected at checkout is the date you will receive your delivery. While times are not slotted, you can expect your delivery to arrive between 9am and 3pm. Could Solex Catsmo Home save you from subpar foods and ingredients as it saved us? There’s only one way to find out. Visit their website and schedule your own home delivery of high-quality food offerings.

Must Drink: Caveman Coffee’s Sparkling Hibiscus Cold Brew Herbal Tea

Must Drink: Caveman Coffee Sparkling Hibiscus Cold Brew Herbal Tea

August 23, 2020/0 Comments/in Drinks and Beverages, Frontpage Article, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Nutrition /by Glasgow Skinner

About this time last year, we were neck-deep in food trends at the Summer Fancy Food Show. Learning about all the wonderful food trends we’d all be enjoying this year. One of those trends is something we’re very familiar with – the Hibiscus flower, one of the top food trends we highlighted last year. The main thing made with the Hibiscus flower is tea; a bold red tea with lots of health benefits that boasts slightly sweet and tart flavors. We were recently introduced to a new refreshing Hibiscus flower tea drink, Caveman Coffee’s Sparkling Hibiscus Cold Brew Herbal Tea.

Caveman Coffee Co. is the buzzed-about Amazon brand known for healthy, nutritious specialty coffees and they have expanded their line to include something different in the cold brew category. The brand’s original cold brew beverage is the number one best-seller with the stats to back up its title. This delicious, caffeine-free sparking tea is an herbal beverage brewed cold with hibiscus flowers, lemongrass, and organic natural flavors. Because it’s a natural adaptogen, it is packed with antioxidants and has been linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

The Sparkling Hibiscus Cold Brew Herbal Tea is lightly sweetened and carbonated after cold-brewing for 12+ hours for optimum flavor. Some benefits of drinking Hibiscus tea include helping to reduce body temperature, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol; This naturally calorie and caffeine-free tea is also used to help in the treatment of heart disease, sore throats, and can help with weight loss. Another great fact is the effect a cup of hibiscus tea can have on cramping and bloating during your period. It helps ease the pains of cramps, as well as elevating your mood and has a calming effect.

Although recently launched, Caveman Coffee’s Sparkling Hibiscus Cold Brew Herbal Tea is already receiving great reviews. Available in 11.5 oz cans, the 6-calorie drink is refreshingly delicious when served cold. The shelf-stable herbal tea is available in 12 packs for $30.00 and is available at Whole Foods, Amazon.com, and on their website, www.cavemancoffeeco.com.

BlendJet Pocketable Blended & Mixed Drink Maker

Blending on-the-Go: BlendJet, a Pocketable Blended & Mixed Drink Maker

June 28, 2020/0 Comments/in Cocktail Recipes, Drinks and Beverages, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Nutrition /by Glasgow Skinner

As we see several states begin to open up and several people making the mad dash to enjoy restaurants and bars, but some of you may still be leary about partaking. For those of you not in a rush to head out to the crowds for smoothies and mixed drinks, there is Blendjet, the pocketable blended and mixed drink maker.

Whether you’re holding up inside your home, backyard or fire escape, the park or just walking, the Blendjet portable blender makes it really easy to cool down with some fun, fruity, blended, or mixed adult beverages. With BlendJet, you can make an unlimited of healthy smoothies, whether you use your own ingredients or their variety of ready-to-blend Jetpack Smoothies. These delicious smoothie blends, all made with real fruit, include Banana Blueberry, Raspberry Dragon Fruit, Mango Matcha, Green Peach Ginger, Mocha Chia, and Tropical Blue.

This powerful, portable blender also serves double duty; it’s capable of making a dozen tasty cocktails on a single charge. Grab your favorite ingredients and spirits and blend away to some delicious adult beverages. Below are just a few super easy and tasty examples of what you can make.

CITRUS RUM PUNCH

1/8 cup spiced rum
1/8 cup light rum
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup grapefruit juice
1/4 cup pineapple juice
Lime juice from 1/2 lime
Add all ingredients to your BlendJet portable blender, and blend for 1 cycle. Serve over ice and enjoy!

CUCUMBER COCKTAIL

3/4 cup cucumber juice
1/4 cup vodka
1 Tbsp agave
Juice of 1 lime
2 ice cubes
Add all ingredients to your BlendJet portable blender, and blend for 1 cycle. Serve in a glass and enjoy!

TROPICAL BLUE PINA COLADA

1/4 cup white rum
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup coconut milk
1 Tropical Blue JetPack
1/4 cup optional ice
Add all ingredients to your BlendJet and blend for 1 cycle. Serve in a cocktail glass and enjoy!

CRANBERRY MARTINI

1/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup Malibu rum
3/4 cup cranberry juice, unsweetened
Juice of 1 lime
2 Tbsp agave
Add all ingredients to your BlendJet portable blender, and blend for 1 cycle. Serve in a fancy glass and enjoy!

GRAPEFRUIT COCKTAIL

1/2 cup grapefruit juice
1/4 cup vodka
Juice of 1 lime
Zest of 1 lime
2 tbsp pomegranate juice
2 tbsp agave
Add all ingredients to BlendJet and blend for 1 cycle. Serve in a cocktail glass or sip it right out of the BlendJet!

Now that you see what you can create, what delicious drinks will you make on-the-go?

Zero Sugar, 100% Delicious: PURE Winery Low-Calorie Wine Cocktails

Zero Sugar, 100% Delicious: PURE Winery Low-Calorie Wines

June 18, 2020/2 Comments/in Alcohol, Cocktail Recipes, Drinks and Beverages, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Nutrition /by Glasgow Skinner

To say it has been a stressful time is an understatement. We’ve had so much to deal with; so much so that Wine Shops were deemed essential. And truth be told, it has been a necessity. It’s gotten to the point where you need to reach for a glass of wine to escape the mental trauma that is 2020. The problem is, drinking lots of wine has begun to take its toll. Together with all the food we’ve been constantly eating, our sugar intake is double what it used to be. Thankfully, PURE Winery has come to the rescue with the launch of their new PURE Winery zero-carb, zero-sugar wine varietals. Which leaves us with one thing left to ask, ‘Won’t you join us in some zero sugar QuarantWine?”

Blending unique and traditional techniques in their wine fermentation process, we’re able to convert all-natural sugars into alcohol. Using blends of only the finest grapes — Pinot Noir, Pinot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Barbera, and Merlot — their wines are crafted by seasoned winemakers in one of Italy’s most respected wine regions. From red and white to sparkling white and sparkling rosé, they have a zero sugar wine variety to match every occasion. This occasion just so happens to all for wine cocktails. We’re sharing some low-calorie cocktail recipes, featuring three out of the four available varietals: PURE White Wine, PURE Red Wine, and PURE Sparkling White. Let’s get to know these guilt-free wines:

Sparkling Rosé:

Light pink in color with orange highlights, this sparkling rosé presents fragrant aromas of citrus, young red fruits, and red flowers. It is full-bodied, smooth, and velvety, with a fine effervescence and pleasantly sharp finish. This is a rosé that will take your palate seamless into the coolness of the fall season. The grapes in this varietal include Pinot, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Our cocktail recommendation? Pour and enjoy it.

Sparkling White:

Clear in color with golden reflections, this sparkling white wine also features a fine effervescence and pleasantly sharp finish. It boasts a vibrant floral and fruity aroma with a fresh scent, complimented by a velvety and full-bodied taste. Grapes in this varietal include Chardonnay and Pinot. The I Feel Good cocktail recipe below gives a new twist on the traditional mimosa.

I Feel Good

5 grams Yerba Mate infused in 50 ml Vodka
Macerate for 1-hour minimum and then strain well and mix.
100 ml Orange juice
Top with PURE Sparkling White
In a shaker or jar with ice, shake and serve in a glass. Garnish with an Orange peel

White Wine:

Balance is the name of this mellow white. Clear in color with golden reflections, this white blend offers light, floral and fruity notes. While it is full-bodied and fresh, it is well-balanced and boasts a nice acidity on the palate with a velvety finish. Grapes in this varietal include Chardonnay and Sauvignon. You can’t go wrong with a refreshing drink, so we know you’ll love the Green & Fresh cocktail. For those who want a bit of a kick, the Wise Hope cocktail has what you’re looking for. Enjoy them below:

Green & Fresh

50ml PURE White Wine
50 ml Coconut Water
7 – 9 Big green grapes
Put in a shaker or jar with ice, shake and serve in a glass.

Wise Hope (Sabia Esperanza)

50 ml Tequila white
1 Lemon Juice
30 ml PURE WHITE WINE
30 ml Capresse Cordial*
In a shaker or jar with ice, shake and serve in a glass.

*Capresse Cordial
200 ml Herbal Gin (BETTER OPTION) or Vodka
100 ml Honey diluted in water 1:2
Skins of 10 lemons.
5 – 10 Basil leaves
Oregano to taste.
Macerate the above ingredients for 24 hours. Strain with a superbag or coffee filter and ready to use. Garnish with a Basil leaf

Red Wine:

Red wine fans will love this blend for the use of Barbera grapes. Ruby red in color with hints of violet, this blend is a dry, smooth, and drinkable red. It is sharp but balanced and features an aroma that offers fresh and fruity notes of cherries and red fruits. The Barbera and Merlot grapes come together for a soft finish. Merlot-infused coffee beans exist and Barbera is perfect with anything earthy, and the below Stay ay Home cocktail celebrates those flavors.

Stay at Home (Stay in Home)

50 ml PURE Red Wine
30 ml London Dry Gin
6 Strawberries
5 coffee beans
In a cocktail shaker or jar with ice, shake and serve in a glass. Garnish with Strawberries.

The PURE Winery, based in Italy was founded with the vision to create a new category of zero-sugar and zero carb wine to meet the needs of today’s wellness-conscious consumer. PURE is passionate about empowering wine-lovers with a solution to the common dilemma between pleasure and guilt. The wines are crafted by seasoned winemakers in one of Italy’s most respected wine regions. Each PURE Winery bottle is available for $15.00 – $20.00 at Total Wine & More stores and other select retailers in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Versatile Pantry Staples From Mighty Sesame Co. and Wissotzky Tea

May 27, 2020/0 Comments/in Drinks and Beverages, Food, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Snacks /by Glasgow Skinner

If you’re experiencing what we have been during this stay-at-home order, then you’re looking for groceries and pantry staples that multitask. With many basics still sold out or unavailable, it’s time to look to foods that are versatile. While this can’t be done with fresh fruits and vegetables, you can with pantry staples. Thankfully, Wissotzky Tea and Mighty Sesame Co. have come to the rescue. The shelf-stable products from these two brands will add variety and versatility to your meals and snacks.

Our go-to for stressful times have always been tea, so of course, we were excited about the Wissotzky Tea offerings. Whether you’re reading a book or catching up on your shows, nothing relaxes you like a delicious cuppa; plus tea is full of antioxidants. You may not know, but Tahini is teeming with great health benefits. It is full of healthy fats, is anti-inflammatory, protects over and kidney functions, has antibacterial properties, and like tea, is rich in antioxidants.

Wissotzky Tea (Nana Mint, $3.99; Chai $4.99)

Wissotzky Tea Company has dozens of varieties of teas to satisfy any mood on every occasion. Its Artisan Spiced Tea collection artfully pairs hand-selected premium black tea leaves with market spices, herbs, and other natural ingredients. Enjoy their Salted Caramel Chai, Ginger, and Turmeric, Spiced Nana Mint, Pumpkin Spiced Chai, or any of Wissotzky’s premium teas and infusions – hot or iced. With these pantry staples, you can indulge in a trip around the world without leaving your home.

Mighty Sesame Co.

The Mighty Sesame Tahini creamy spread is a game-changer for sandwiches, marinades, dips, baked goods, desserts, salads, and even cocktails. It’s great to use in soups or drizzled over meat and fish. Grab the 10.9 oz. bottle for 5.99.

The creamy Tahini spread isn’t the only must-try from Mighty Sesame. For those with a sweet tooth, the yummy TahiniBars are a great snack option. With three varieties of all-natural tahini bars, Pistachio, Cocoa Nibs, and Vanilla, you get a delicious snack that’s only 100 calories per bar. Like their squeezable cousins, these addictive grab-and-go treats are premium-quality snacks that are good for you. They are gluten- and dairy-free, vegan, kosher, halal, non-GMO, 100% guilt-free, and delicious. Grab your favorite flavor(s) for $3.99 per box of 6 individually wrapped 0.63 oz. bars.

The Mighty Sesame products and Wissotzky teas are distributed by Kayco, the leading Kosher food distributor in America. You may be familiar with other kosher brands they distribute, including Kedem and Manischewitz. Now that you’re familiar with these great pantry staples, how can they rev up your meals?