Ez Squeezees Refillable Pouch Review

About EZ Squeezees

Developed in the open air farmers markets of Baltimore, EZ Squeezees is dedicated to helping you conveniently serve nourishing food time and again. The creators search to feed their own toddler well-balanced meals led them to one conclusion: their desire for convenient and nutritious meals was being capitalized on by the manufacturers of processed foods. They found themselves compromising on nutrition and paying an extortionate amount for the convenience of pre-packaged purees.
 


On a daily basis they have experienced the frustrations of feeding a toddler at meal time. They know what it’s like to waste money on jars and pouches of pre-made foods that may or may not be the flavor of the day. They knew we had a good idea in EZ Squeezees after easily feeding their daughter healthy, nutritious purees made from affordable foods.
 


 Conversations at local coffee shops, farmers markets and restaurants, combined with their formal market research, fueled their passion to bring this product to life. Although the intent was to simply feed their own child homemade meals, they quickly realized the potential for this reusable pouch. They began filling it with mashed potatoes while out to dinner and simply buying large jars of applesauce or yogurt with which to fill the pouch. Its ease of use was matched only by the money saved on their monthly grocery bills.
 


My Thoughts 

I love EZ Squeezees. They have saved my family and me so much money since getting them. I really like how the side unzips to let you fill the pouch. It makes it easier to use than the pouches that you fill from the top or bottom. The opposite side also has a large gusset that expands, allowing you to fill the pouch extremely full (6.5 oz full!). I found that this pouch was super easy to clean, which makes me love EZ Squeezee even more. They are dishwasher safe, though I don't own one. No worries though, as EZ Squeezee pouches are easy to clean by hand as well. I really like how they give you a space on the back to write what is in the pouch. This makes it easy to make a bunch of snack squeezes in advance and freeze them, take them on picnics, etc. You can even write a different name on each pouch to not get them mixed up. I am not sure why, but EZ Squeezees carries both the small and large caps. I have never seen that in a product, as it is always one or the other. I actually really dislike the larger caps. They are hard for me to unscrew. The smaller ones seem to twist off super easily. I was sent the large caps, but found that the small caps from other products fit the EZ Squeezee (although, I may just have to purchase some small EZ caps.. I have a problem with the caps being yellow and the pouches being white.) I found several must-try recipes on their webpage, and cannot wait to try them. I really want to try their recipe for Strawberry-Beet Squeezees.

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Giveaway coming soon!

Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.  

 

Barbaras Cookie Pies- A dessert to enjoy when nothing else will do!

The last time I wrote about Barbara's Cookie Pies, I got to try the decadent Fudge Brownie Cookie Pie. I also spoke about how despite being is easier when you don't deprive yourself or some of life's simple pleasures: desserts! I find that I stick to a proper diet and healthy lifestyle when I let myself splurge on my calorie count at least once a month. Since I only treat myself every so often, I have to make sure my dessert of choice is well worth it. That's where Barbara's Cookie Pies come in. They are the perfect treat. I love that Barbara makes these cookie pies with the best ingredients possible. That really matters to my family and me.

In my last post, I mentioned how I would love to try the Peanut Butter Cup Pie. Well, I finally got to try it.. And it was amazing!!
 

Are you drooling yet!?

If not, peanut butter must not be your thing! In that case, you should check out all of the other unique Cookie Pies. They include Almond Joy, Almond Raspberry, Apple Caramel, Caramel Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Crumble, Key Lime Macadamia, Oatmeal Raisin, Oreo Creme, Fudge Brownie, Peppermint Bark, Peppermint Patty, Raspberry Chocolate, Rocky Road and Toffee Almond.

She also offers delicious looking Homemade Butter Cookies. Just like her Mom and Nana used to make! She even makes Baklava! yum

This delectable creation did not last long at my house! It reminded me of the peanut butter cups I would get in my Easter Baskets as a kid.

 

Disclosure: I received the above item/s in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.

Zingerman's Mail Order- Mmmm Cheese!!

 

The Zingerman's Community of Businesses (ZCoB) is a family of small food-related companies and entrepreneurial ventures. Each is located in the Ann Arbor area. They are operated by one or more partners who share ownership and manage the business.

The online shop for Zingerman’s food, gifts and more. Zingerman's Mail Order sends extraordinary, traditionally made foods anywhere in America. Featuring hearth baked breads, handmade cheeses, varietal coffee, estate bottled olive oils and customized professional presents. The proprietors are Mo Frechette, Toni Morell and Tom Root. 

I was sent several fantastic items from Zingerman's Mail Order site. I received an Apple Bacon Coffeecake and a Beginner Cheeses of the World Box. 

The Beginner Cheeses of the World Box came so adorably packaged. I love it! I cannot wait to find something else to keep inside, and I am even thinking about painting or staining it. It came with five different cheeses as well as a delicious looking loaf of sourdough bread.

Cheeses of the World
The envy of cheese lovers everywhere. Beginner & experienced collections.
There aren’t many cheesemongers in America who put together a cheese selection like this. Few take the time to discover, select, age, care for and cut each cheese to order like Zingerman's does. All the little steps add up— and you really can taste the difference!

Five cheeses weigh in at about two and a half pounds, serving 18-20. Packed in a wooden gift box with sourdough bread. Instructions for serving and care are included.

The beginner assortment focuses on five great, well-aged versions of familiar cheeses like Farmhouse Gouda and Antique Gruyère. 

I am a true lover of sourdough bread. The crisp, crackly crust, moist honeycombed interior and that trademark sour tang that tickles your tongue. This bread has got it! Some of the best sourdough I have had in awhile! I may have baked it a bit longer than you may like, but I love it that way!

 The Cabot Zingerman's Cheddar was hands down my favorite. It was so creamy and delicious, I swear I could have eaten the entire half pound by myself.. Aged just under a year, it's a great snacking cheddar. Zingerman's select batches that feature creamy texture and hearty, savory flavors that pair well with salami, crackers, crusty bread, beer, wine, etc. It also makes delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and will be the perfect accompaniment for my next cheeseburger.

OMFG! This was the best coffeecake! I have ever had. Ever! That includes homemade (although, to be fair, I have never made or known anyone to make a Apple Bacon Coffeecake..) The scent is intoxicating in itself, making me drool all over myself while trying to snap some photos. It seriously took some will power not to dive in with my bare hands. 

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Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 

Marich Chocolate Review

"After a lifetime of working for others, he felt it was time to venture out on his own. In 1983 Marinus and several partners founded Marich Confectionery Company. We (Brad pictured upper right/middle and Troy upper right) started working at the company sweeping floors and cleaning before being granted the right to learn the craft. Our dad’s philosophy was, “You cannot be a leader if you do not understand the job from the ground up. Once you learn how to keep a plant clean, you can learn how to make candy.” Being old-school Dutch, our Dad put us to the tasks of cleaning toilets, sweeping, making boxes and whatever had to be done. Over the years we both learned the art of fine candy making along side our Dad. True to family business form, we also learned to weld stainless, sweat copper, install equipment, electrical work and all the types of things that have to be done to keep a business running.” Anyone in a family business reading this is smiling… you know what we’re talking about!

After nearly 30 years we continue to enjoy building our business together and yes, we still eat chocolate. Honestly, rarely a day goes by that we don’t eat at least a little. If you are a candy maker, you have to love candy and you have to be a perpetual kid. Work should be fun; if it’s not, it is a miserable way to spend the better part of your day." Read the whole Marich story here!

I was so thrilled to get to try out several items from Marich Confectionery. I am a huge chocoholic, so it was hard to pick what I wanted to try. They offer confections of all sorts, ranging from Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans to Jelly Beans and other sweets. See what I picked below:

I love their packaging! So bright and colorful.

After my box of Marich goodies arrived, it was extremely difficult to decide what to eat first. they all looked delectable, and my mouth was watering before I opened a single package. After much debate, I decided to go with the Barista Blend Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans.

These Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans are the best I have ever had. All 4 varieties of chocolate taste of premium quality, and the beans add a tasty bite. I absolutely love how creamy the chocolate is, and how they melt so easily in your mouth.

Next up, I tried the Green Beans. The Marich Confectionery All Natural Green Jelly Beans. I love how the colors and the flavors both pop, creating an exciting experience while munching on these fine candies. I am the type of person who eats one bean at a time, trying to decide what the flavor is. I will then start experimenting with different combinations, creating the perfect mouthful of jelly beans.

Next I tried the Mint Chip Maltballs. Mint Chocolate Chip is one of my favorite ice cream flavors, so this malt ball had a lot to live up to. Boy did it ever meet if not exceed my expectations. These malt balls are so yummy! I cannot eat just one. They are dark chocolate covered maltballs redipped into a mint cookie confection. Absolute perfection! 

I am a lover a salted caramel. Add chocolate to that, and BOOM! I am in love. That is what happened when I took my first bite of Marich Confectionery's Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels. The chocolate is just dark enough to compliment the sweet, creamy caramel, boasting a hint of salt with every bite. I think these might be my favorite Marich chocolate.

Next, I decided to try the Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Blueberries. WOW! Were these ever delicious! I have had chocolate covered fruit before, but these babies take the cake. The blueberries were my personal favorite. Dried blueberries in dark chocolate and a fruity blueberry white chocolate mixed with dried strawberries in rich dark chocolate and silky strawberry white chocolate makes the perfect chocolate covered fruit combination.

Lastly, I tried the Marich Robin Eggs. I no longer see them on the site for sale, sadly. They were not very good to eat, but were very pleasing to the eyes. I love that shade of blue! They seemed a bit hard, and the taste wasn't that great.

 

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Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.  

Quinn- Microwave Popcorn Reinvented

Two years ago the Quinn creators set out to clean up microwave popcorn. Having just brought their first son, Quinn, home it was time to take this icon of adulterated food and transform it into something anyone can feel good about eating and sharing with friends and family. After a sleepless year their popcorn was finally ready for prime time!

First, they tackled the bag. Gone are the chemical coatings (PFOA, PFCs, Poly, etc.). They even pulled out the susceptor (gray metal/plastic patch). What’s left is a bag that’s made from paper and paper alone. Well, it is special paper that is pressed to make it grease proof. That wasn’t easy to figure out. Did I mention, it’s even compostable?

The ingredients got even more attention. Quinn Popcorn never uses GMO ingredients or preservatives. The popcorn is organic. The expeller pressed oils are high in omega-3′s. Their ingredients all come together in 7 sweet, salty, unique, and delicious flavors. Plain and sim­ple, our mis­sion is to pro­vide you with the best bag of microwave pop­corn. (Adapted from Quinn Foods LLC)

As you can see, I was sent three flavors of Quinn popcorn. They are all pretty amazing, but I would have to say that my favorite is the Vermont Maple and Sea Salt. Such a perfect combo of sweet and salty, and a fun way to make popcorn as a family!

I am obsessed with the packaging. It just looks so cool. Very fancy for microwave popcorn. Definitely not your average, run of the mill microwave popcorn, this stuff is incredible! 

Yeah.. so maybe we didn't do such a perfect job the first time. And to add insult to injury, they bag totally stated NOT to do what we chose to do.. Oops. Totally my fault. On to round 2!

Woo! We got it this time. See? It is right above where it says nice work! What a great little pat on the back the was after the horrific first go-round.I love being able to see through the bag! Makes it a fun experience to watch it popping. It is also great to know that I can compost them!

Getting the popcorn flavored is super simple! It only requires 2 steps. I think it is a great idea to have the seasoning packets separate from the kernals. Sometimes I want just a little flavor, sometimes I want a lot! Quinn popcorn is the perfect family treat. I hope they continue to make more flavors as they continue to grow. I saw them on my grocery store shelves a couple weeks ago, and was so thrilled!

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Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.