Bokksu Tasting: An Evening with the Ambassador of Japanese Snacks

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During the summer we introduced you to Bokksu, the ultimate foodie’s guide to Japanese snacks and a great gift idea for snack food lovers. Well, we’re back to remind you why it makes such a great gift during the holiday season; and to highlight meeting Bokksu Founder Danny Taing, the Ambassador of Japanese Snacks.

We enjoyed an evening of sushi, sake, and of course Bokksu snacks. We had the delicious opportunity to try some of Bokksu’s exclusive snacks, all of which are not available outside of Japan. It was wonderful to speak with fellow Bokksu fans, some of whom hold unboxing get-togethers, enjoy the variety of wonderful snacks; and meet the man behind the exclusive subscription snack box.

Some of the Japanese snacks we enjoyed include Green Tea Cream Sandwich, an assortment of Foliage Rice Crackers, Edamame Rice Crackers, Matcha Chocolate Covered Azuki Beans, Kinako Mochi, and Olive oil Salt Senbei.

Along with the above-pictured snacks, we also enjoyed exclusive snack reveals from their November and December holiday boxes. These artisan snacks included the White Chocolate Strawberry, the world’s first chocolate-infused strawberry. It is a delectable organic strawberry which has been carefully preserved with and infused with White Chocolate for a delicately tart and sweet confection, unlike anything you have tasted; handmade Apple Hard Candy, and Sweet Potato Langue De Chat.

Last but certainly not least was the Holiday Bokksu “Snow Festival” snack box, a Limited Edition Bokksu x Bento&Co. box featuring Hokkaido delicacies. The Holiday Bokksu is the first to feature a pristine white and gold box, with limited edition gourmet Bento boxes available. Hokkaido, due to its unique climate and agricultural focus, is renowned for its wide variety of gourmet cuisines and artisanal delicacies.

The December Bokksu features innovative new snacks including the Mimosa of Snow White Chocolate and Cheddar Cheese bars, alongside all-star favorite Bokksu classics such as the White Strawberry (pictured above). Delicate melt in your mouth savory snacks includes the Milk Mochi and the Potato Butter Rice Crackers. The Holiday Bokksu also includes their brand new private label Mikon Orange Candy and a warming Hojicha Green Tea Latte pairing from gourmet maker Hoshino. You can purchase the holiday Bokksu as a subscription or by itself.

The Limited Edition Bokksu x Bento&Co. with a collectible Bento box – $79.00
The Classic Bokksu – $39.00 (less with subscription)
Tasting Bokksu – $25.00 (less with subscription)

What do you think of these delicious snack offerings from the Ambassador of Japanese Snacks? Will Bokksu be added to your holiday gift list for the foodies in your life?

New York Welcomes the 1st EVER Jarlsberg Pop-Up at Sockerbit

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Jarlsberg Cheese, the nationally recognized brand of cheese with a mild, mellow and nutty taste is celebrating over 60 years of its Norwegian heritage. New York is the chosen location for the first-ever Jarlsberg Pop-Up at the wildly popular Swedish candy store, Sockerbit. Located in the West Village, the candy store is transformed into a Nordic cheese haven.

Jarlsberg’s roots go back to 1956 when their original recipe was developed in Norway. Their cheese is known around the world for their nutty, mild flavor and large holes. As one of Norway’s most iconic brands, Jarlsberg connected with Sockerbit’s Scandinavian style – “Sweet & Swedish” meets “Nutty & Norwegian” became a natural, fun fit! Learn about Jarlsberg’s rich history and their cheese making process.

The Jarlsberg Pop-Up is open from now through October 7th; visit this fun pop-up to enjoy samples and pairing advice at the Tasting Table; inspiration on creating your best cheeseboard ever; and plenty of other tasty treats. Their Tasting Table features Jarlsberg cheese plate inspiration by Brooklyn based food blogger, Marissa Mullen. Visitors to the Jarlsberg Pop-Up can also watch Marissa build two fabulous cheese plates on September 29th from 4 pm – 6 pm, which attendees will then have a chance to sample.

“We are thrilled to be debuting our first ever Jarlsberg pop up store In NYC,” says Valerie Liu, Marketing Manager for Jarlsberg.  “Some of life’s best moments revolve around enjoying food with family and friends – and we can’t wait to share amazing cheese plates and pairing concepts to inspire your next special occasion.”

With high-end cheese wares provided by BOSKA Holland, this Nordic trio comes together to create a memorable and delicious experience. Not only will you be able to enjoy samples, but you can purchase Jarlsberg cut fresh from the 22lb wheel; any size or shape you desire. When you buy Jarlsberg cheese at the pop-up, bring home a BOSKA Holland mini cheese planer as Jarlsberg’s free gift.

Another NYC-based sponsor of the Jarlsberg Cheese Pop-Up Store is ABC Beer (Alphabet City Beer Co.).  This craft beer store and bar in the East Village gives you the opportunity to expand your experiences with brews.

ABC Beer at the Jarlsberg Cheese Pop-Up

“One of the few things we love just as much as sweets is cheese, and especially Scandinavian cheeses. This is a great opportunity to experience the best of both worlds,” says Steffan Ernberg, co-owner of Sockerbit.

Celebrity Chef George Duran was at the Jarlsberg Pop-Up and will visit again to share his favorite Jarlsberg pairings. He also provided personalized tips on making your next special occasion even more memorable and delicious.

One of our favorite things from the Jarlsberg Pop-Up was the tire swing, which we couldn’t resist getting on for a fun Instagram boomerang. The pop-up has interactive areas to take photos and a hashtag printer on-site so you can take home printed copies of your Instagramable moments. There are so many reasons to come visit the Jarlsberg Pop Up. You only need one to experience the world of Jarlsberg Cheese for yourself.

Pereg Natural Foods Ancient Grains

The Latest Exotic Spices and Ancient Grains From Pereg Natural Foods

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One of our favorite things about attending the Summer Fancy Food Show is the introduction of new foods, food trends, and seeing what’s new from our favorite food brands. One of our favorite brands, Pereg Natural Foods, a brand we’ve previously written about, has added lots to their lineup. Along with new flavor additions to old favorites, like their exotic spices and ancient grains, they’ve introduced new products to make your meal even more healthy and delicious. Let’s get to know them……..

Fine Breadcrumbs & Seasoned Panko

Pereg Natural Foods Ancient Grains

Pereg’s seasoned breadcrumb collection just got even bigger with the introduction of three delicious new flavors: Thai Sweet Chili Panko Crumbs, Whole Wheat Panko, and Golden Crisp Bread Crumbs. They join a crunchy family that includes Classic, American, Viennese, Mexican, and Italian Fine Bread Crumbs and their Japanese cousins Spicy Panko, Coarse Panko, and Fine Panko. Grab the 9 oz re-sealable bags for $4.85 each.

Pereg’s Whole Wheat Panko Crumbs are baked to an airy, lightly textured goodness to enhance your favorite recipe. They add a distinctive crunch to vegetables, baked macaroni & cheese, meatloaf, seafood, or chicken dishes. You can use it as a coating on sliced potatoes and bake as an alternative to frying.

Pereg’s Thai Sweet Chili Panko Crumbs are also baked to an airy, lightly textured goodness to enhance your favorite recipe. They add a deliciously flavorful crunch to chicken wings, seafood, and pasta dishes. Boasting a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, your taste buds will love the kick of flavor. Try it as a coating on sliced potatoes and bake as an alternative to frying.

Flavor Infused Quinoa

Pereg Natural Foods Flavored Quinoa

In addition, Pereg features new flavors of Quinoa side dishes, including ginger sesame, quinoa with lentils (pictured above), quinoa with nuts and berries, and quinoa with roasted garlic in 6 oz boxes retailing for $3.99. Quinoa, the “mother of all grains”, is a healthy and easy food to prepare. It holds a pleasantly light, fluffy texture when cooked, with a mild and slightly nutty flavor. We love the flavor varieties and how they paired perfectly with things like Freshé ready-to-eat superfood; a meal in a tin (see them pictured together above).

Freekeh Grain 

Pereg Natural Foods Freekah Grain

If you’re tired of rice or just looking to cut it out of your diet. We have a great alternative for you. Freekeh is a young, green wheat that is roasted over an open flame for a rich smoky flavor and cracked to reduce the cooking time. This grain makes a great alternative to rice or couscous for a delicious and healthy side dish. Grab a 5 oz bag for only $3.99.

Gluten-Free Flours

Pereg Natural Foods Gluten-Free Flours

Gone are the day when only one type of flour existed. Thanks to Pereg Natural Foods, you now have six flour varieties to bake with, including Almond, Banana, Buckwheat, Chickpea, Quinoa, and Coconut.  Available in 16 oz. re-sealable stay-fresh bags, the flours are the perfect healthy alternative when you want to create sweet treats and savory dishes. Imagine Buckwheat, Quinoa, or Chickpea dumplings or homemade pasta. How about flavorful cookies made with banana, almond or coconut flour. With these Gluten-Free Flours, the possibilities are endless. Get them all for $4.99 each.

Are you up to trying out these specialty flours, exotic spices and ancient grains from Pereg?

The Ginger People Ginger Products

Food Trends: All Things Ginger From The Ginger People

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For the past several weeks, while office AC units have been set to Siberia levels of cold, overindulging in delicious foods and drinks, interacting with a few sick people, not getting enough sleep, and basically running ourselves ragged. Normally, all of this would result in us being very sick right now, but NOT surprisingly we’re not and that is thanks to products from one brand – The Ginger People. No, we’re not talking about a group of cool redheads; we’re talking about the makers of the most wonderful ginger-based products we’ve ever had.

The Ginger People Ginger Products

We are now all aware of the amazing health benefits that ginger has to offer and the products from The Ginger People are what we have to thank for getting us healthily through everything we mentioned above. Ginger energizes and stimulates the circulatory system, it helps with nausea, is an amazing anti-inflammatory food, a powerful anti-Cancer, helps with digestive issues and anti-flatulence, is a fantastic cold and flu remedy, a great migraine reliever, highly antioxidant, and of course wonderful as an aphrodisiac. We had the pleasure of getting to know the delicious product from The Ginger People including Ginger Rescue Ginger Shots, Turmeric Latte Mix, Gin Gins Ginger Candy, Ginger Soother Tonics, Arjuna Organic Ginger Bites with Turmeric, and Ginger Rescue Chewable Ginger Tablets.

Ginger Rescue Ginger Shots

The Ginger People Ginger Shots

Enjoy a healthier day with one shot of caffeine-free boost of energy. The Ginger Rescue Shots are available in three flavors: Wild Turmeric, Lemon & Cayenne, and Coconut. All three offer a potent supply of proven health benefits your body will thank you for. Each shot is intense and made with 30% ginger juice. Non-coffee drinkers will love this as a caffeine alternative. You’ll love the sweet creaminess of the coconut, the earthy and peppery taste of the Wild Turmeric, and the hot and spiciness of the Lemon & Cayenne. We highly recommend this for those sluggish feeling days.

Turmeric Latte Mix

The Ginger People Ginger Turmeric Latte

Another of The Ginger People’s great turmeric and ginger combinations is their Turmeric Latte Mix. It’s double the health benefits in an addictive hot creamy beverage. This caffeine-free, plant-based powdered mix is supercharged with ginger and Curcumin, the power behind turmeric. All you have to do is add your favorite milk and prepare to indulge in this nourishing hot drink. If you’ve ever enjoyed a golden milk, this will blow you away.

Ginger Soother Tonics

The Ginger People Ginger Soothers

Say goodbye to your upset stomach with these delicious, soothing tonics. These stomach-settling ginger elixirs are available in two flavors: Lemon & Honey and Turmeric. They are made with antioxidant-rich, fresh-pressed punchy Peruvian ginger, lemon juice and pure honey and wild Fiji Red “Aromatica” turmeric respectively. These should be your go-to drink whenever you and your stomach has a disagreement.

Gin Gins Original Chewy Candy

The Ginger People Ginger Candy

Chewy ginger candy is one of our favorite things and to say we’re addicted to The Ginger People’s delicious original ginger chews is an understatement. As the #1 selling ginger candy in North America, we know it will be your favorite as well. You’ll never worry about the fear of nausea again once you grab a bag of these. In fact, the only thing you have to worry about is how to stop eating Gin Gins. We’re still working on that.

Ginger Rescue Chewable Ginger Tablets

The Ginger People Ginger Rescue Chewable Tablets
For those who need a little more potent way to fight nausea, just grab a pack of The Ginger People’s 24 chewable and tasty tablets. These drug-free tablets boast greater ginger actives to help promote digestive health, relieve motion sickness, and ease gas and indigestion. Available in two options, Strong and Mighty Mango for kids and those with sensitive stomachs, one tablet works wonders, especially when you need fast relief.

If you’ve been looking for a way to integrate ginger into your health and wellness regime, check out all the products from The Ginger People. You’ll thank us.

Kind Bars Kicks Off #giveKINDatryNYC Campaign w/ Protein Bars

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Against the backdrop of one of the most luxurious views in the city, we had the opportunity to celebrate Kind Bars. Along with welcoming their new delicious protein bars, we helped kick off the #giveKINDatryNYC Campaign with TechStyle NYC. With the help of some amazing brands that promote wellness, we were ready to kick off this city-wide campaign. And what better place than the stunning penthouse apartments of One Vandam in downtown NYC to celebrate the kick-off.

The Kind Protein From Real Food bars delivers 12 grams of protein and is made from real food. Not only do they taste delicious, but they also deliver protein from premium, whole ingredients; so you don’t have to choose between health and taste. The gluten-free, kosher bars boast a creamy, crunchy texture that packs a lot of nutrition. They are a good source of protein and fiber, have zero trans fats, no genetically engineered ingredients, a low glycemic index, and are low in sodium.

The launch event featured several activations from Fabletics, Nini Bissap Beverages, Velvet Eyewear, Gotham Greens, SnappyBooth, and Summer Stage. We were more than happy to be treated to the great wellness brands that perfectly complimented the #giveKINDatryNYC campaign.

All the event’s participating brands are a must for anyone looking to have a better-balanced lifestyle, both physically and mentally. We think we’ve found ourselves a new favorite healthy and delicious beverage in Nini Bissap. After getting better acquainted with the new Kind protein bars, we ventured upstairs to the penthouse apartment’s spectacular rooftop deck to enjoy the city views. A beautiful sunset, spectacular views, and refreshing Deep Eddy Vodka cocktails were the perfect way to celebrate the #giveKINDatryNYC campaign.

We want to know, have you tried the new Kind Protein Bars? Are you interested in finding out more about the #giveKINDatryNYC Campaign?

EAT THIS! Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked Egg Snacks For Anytime of the Day

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Snack time should be an easy concept but when you take into account we tend to eat things that are not good for us or overdo the number of snacks we consume in one sitting, it’s not so easy after all. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy a complete healthy snack any time of the day, look no further than Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked Egg Snacks. This new snack range contains a nutritious Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked & Peeled egg, along with two other delicious items that you crave in a portable and convenient snack tray.

hard boiled egg snacks

The Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked Egg Snacks include three favorite snack items in one convenient ready-to-eat trays with individual compartments. These single count packaged snacks are perfect for breakfast, mid-morning, lunch, afternoon, or evening. The protein-packed Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked Egg Snacks satisfy your savory or sweet craving any time of day. Available in four snack varieties:

hard boiled egg snacks

  1. Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, and Hard-Cooked EB Egg: Perfect for breakfast or anytime you have that craving for a classic breakfast combination of bacon, egg, and cheese.
  2. Salame, Provolone Cheese, and Hard-Cooked EB Egg: Pretend you’re having an Italian picnic right at your desk with sliced Genoa salame and provolone cheese to accompany your EB hard-cooked egg.
  3. Olives, Feta Cheese, and Hard-Cooked EB Egg: This true Mediterranean delight of imported Kalamata-style olives, creamy feta, and a hard-cooked egg will have you daydreaming that you’re on a Greek island.
  4. Chocolate Covered Almonds, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, and Hard-Cooked EB Egg: Combine the flavors of rich chocolate-covered almonds with sharp white cheddar to compliment your EB hard-cooked egg, any time of day for that satisfying indulgence.

Whether you enjoy these for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack, these nutritious and delicious snacks will keep you going and give you the energy you need to get through your day.

Bokksu, the Japanese Art of Omiyage: A Foodie’s Guide to Japanese Snacks

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Usually, when you want to indulge in the wonderful snack offerings from another country, you’d have to either travel to that country or know someone traveling from that country. We remember enjoying a plethora of delicious snacks when we were in Tokyo and we thought we’d have to do travel back to enjoy them again. That is until we were introduced to Bokksu Japanese snack box, the ultimate foodie’s guide to Japanese snacks. Bokksu celebrates the ancient and enduring Japanese custom of Omiyage, souvenirs brought back to family and friends…….. in delicious snack form.

Bokksu is a premium subscription-based snack box and à la carte menu of gourmet Japanese snacks. It is the only gourmet snack box sourced and curated directly from local snack makers in Japan, has grown rapidly since its founding in May 2016. The company, Founded by Danny Taing, has quadrupled subscribers in the first 4 months of 2018, finding enthusiasm for their curated mixes of artisanal and hard to find Japanese snacks with subscribers from the United States and the UK to Singapore, Brasil, Kyrgyzstan and even Japan.

Their July gourmet snack box (pictured), themed as Citrus Refresh, is packed with some of Japan’s most refreshing citrus snacks. What’s inside this box? It not only features in the usual orange and lemon flavors, it also boasts Yuzu, Hyuganatsu, and Shiquasa flavors as well. Here’s what the July Japanese snack box has to offer: Orange Stick Cake, Rich Orange Biscuits, Handmade Yuzu Candy, Lemon Rusk, Low Carb Lemon Cake, Hyuganatsu Jelly, Kabukiage Rice Cracker Shiquasa Salt, Ofu Smoked Crackers & Peanuts – Lemon Salt Flavor, Olive Oil Senbei Yuzu Pepper, and Satsumarche Yuzu Ryoku Tea.


Previous boxes have featured the following rare and sought-after Japanese snacks: limited edition Kit Kats such as Mandarin Orange,  exclusive collaborations like the heavenly Caramelized Apple Cobbler from world-renowned Japanese pastry shop ChikaLicious, white chocolate and raspberry cookies selected by Michelin-starred chef Chikara Sono, and matcha azuki beans that have been popular in Japan since the late 1800’s.

The upcoming August “Summer Festival” snack box, which sips on July 15th, will feature favorite festival-themed Japanese snacks like Goldfish Apple Yokan, Handmade Apple Candy, Chocolate Banana Langue de Chat, Tai Strawberry, Honey Castella cake and so much more. Bokksu Japanese snack box comes in two subscriptions boxes. The Tasting Bokksu ($19.00/month) consists of 8-10 Japanese snacks & a tea pairing; and the Classic Bokksu ($39.00/month) which boasts 20-25 Japanese snacks & a tea pairing. Both subscription boxes of these Japanese snacks can be purchased on www.bokksu.com.

Are you ready to try Bokksu, the ultimate foodie’s guide to Japanese snacks?

avocado mayo recipes

Celebrate Avocado Month with Better Body Avocado Oil Mayo

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When it comes to describing mayonnaise, the words exciting, innovative, or even flavorful have never been used…..until now. Say hello to a new, exciting and flavorful new mayonnaise, Better Body Avocado Oil Mayo. It’s everything you love about the taste of avocado for a creamier, more flavorful mayo spread. June is Avocado Month, and what better time than now to celebrate enjoying better sandwiches, potato salads, and the freshest, tastiest sauces and dressings thanks to this superfood.

Better Body Avocado Oil Mayo is available in three flavor varieties, the original Avocado Oil Mayo, Avocado Oil Mayo With Chipotle and Lime, and Avocado Oil Mayo With Lime. All three varieties are Non-GMO, Keto friendly, gluten-free, and Soy and Canola free. We are happy to share some great recipes to show how these Better Body Avocado Oil Mayo varieties can make your favorite meals even more flavorful.

Avocado Mayo Dill Dip

½ cup Sour Cream
½ cup BBF Avocado Mayo
1 Tablespoon dried dill weed
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon celery salt
Combine all ingredients into a bowl and stir until combined. Refrigerate dip for at least one hour. Serve and enjoy with your favorite vegetables.

Elote – Mexican Street Corn


4 ears of corn
8 Tablespoons BBF Avocado Mayo Lime
⅓ cup cotija cheese (feta or fine grate parmesan work as well)
2 limes
Chili powder
Grill or boil your ears of corn. Once corn is cooked, spread a bit of mayo all over each ear of corn, about 2 tablespoons each. Scoop the cotija cheese generously on the corn, making sure it covers all sides. Sprinkle with a little bit of the chili powder and lime juice. Serve.

Sweet Potato Salad

Salad
4 medium-sized sweet potatoes – Peeled and chopped
1 large red onion- chopped
3-4 Tablespoons of BBF Avocado oil
Salt and pepper
1 can Black beans- Drained and rinsed
1 yellow bell pepper- chopped
1 orange bell pepper- chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro- chopped

Dressing
1-2 fresh Jalapenos
Juice of 2 limes
1 clove of garlic
2 Tablespoons BBF Avocado Mayo Chipotle lime flavor
⅓ cup BBF Avocado oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place chopped sweet potatoes and onion on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Mix around til evenly coated. Cook until sweet potatoes are tender. Place all of the salad ingredients into a large bowl. In a food processor or blender, combine all of the dressing ingredients. Pulse until combined. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix around. Serve and enjoy.

Avocado Mayo with Chipotle & Lime BLT

2 slices of bread
4 slices of bacon
2 lettuce leaves, romaine or red leaf
2 slices of tomato
1 Tbsp BBF Avocado Oil Mayo with Chipotle & Lime
Cook the bacon to your desired doneness. (I love mine crispy) place on a paper towel when done cooking to absorb the excess oil. Spread the Chipotle Lime mayo on both slices of bread. Top with tomato slices, lettuce, and bacon.

If you’re ready for more delicious meals, get a 28oz jar of any of the Better Body Avocado Oil Mayo flavors for $17.48 each on www.betterbodyfoods.com.