Cheers to Summer July Product Picks

This season, I am thrilled to continue my ongoing collaboration with Oatsome and its esteemed parent company, Better Body Foods. My previous articles have highlighted the exceptional quality of Better Body Foods’ products, showcasing their commitment to wholesome, plant-based nutrition (read more here, here, and here). This time, I’m excited to dive into some of their latest and most convenient oat offerings: Organic Quick Oats, Organic Rolled Oats, and Organic Overnight Oats.

Oats are a cornerstone of a healthy diet, celebrated for their incredible versatility and nutritional prowess. Oatsome’s range truly embodies this. The Organic Quick Oats and Organic Rolled Oats are perfect for crafting hearty breakfast staples like traditional oatmeal and overnight oats. Beyond breakfast, their robust texture makes them ideal for baking wholesome goods like cookies and muffins, or for creating crunchy, homemade granola. For those seeking ultimate convenience without compromising on nutrition, the Organic Overnight Oats blend is a game-changer. Infused with a powerful mix of chia, flax, and hemp seeds, along with oat milk powder, it offers a complete and satisfying breakfast solution that’s ready when you are.

What sets Oatsome products apart is their unwavering commitment to quality. Each variety is made with 100% whole grain, ensuring you receive the full spectrum of nutrients nature intended. Furthermore, they are certified gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for individuals with dietary sensitivities. Beyond being delicious, these oats are a fantastic source of fiber, supporting digestive health and promoting a feeling of fullness, and they provide a good source of plant-based protein, essential for sustained energy throughout your day. Incorporating Oatsome into your daily routine is an effortless way to boost your nutritional intake.

While I often indulge my sweet tooth with cinnamon-spiced or fruit-laden oatmeal, I’ve recently fallen in love with the vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits of savory oatmeal. It’s an exciting twist that brings wonderful variety to the breakfast or lunch table. For a truly satisfying savory bowl, I prepared the Oatsome Organic Quick Oats on the stovetop over medium heat for just a few minutes until creamy. To this comforting base, I added a colorful medley of diced sweet yellow and orange bell peppers, finely grated carrots for an extra touch of sweetness and texture, and a generous sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami depth. A dash of everything bagel seasoning provided a delightful crunch and a burst of savory spices, while an abundance of fresh dill, plucked straight from my garden, brightened the entire dish with its aromatic freshness. This combination transforms simple oats into a gourmet experience.

The result was a truly delightful and unexpectedly flavorful meal. The warmth of the oats paired beautifully with the crispness of the peppers and carrots, while the nutritional yeast and everything bagel seasoning delivered a rich, comforting, and savory profile. The fresh dill was the perfect herbaceous counterpoint, tying all the flavors together harmoniously. This savory oatmeal bowl is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a nutritionally dense option, packed with fiber, protein, and a wealth of vitamins from the vegetables, making it an ideal choice for either a hearty breakfast or a light, yet fulfilling, lunch. It proves that oats are far more versatile than just a sweet morning meal, opening up a world of culinary possibilities.

Embracing a savory oatmeal breakfast or lunch is a fantastic way to diversify your diet and enjoy the health benefits of oats in a new and exciting way. It’s a meal that truly satisfies and leaves you feeling energized.

One of the most compelling reasons I eagerly anticipate attending The National Restaurant Association Show each year is the unparalleled opportunity to connect with inspiring individuals and discover truly exceptional products. My experience at this year’s edition of the Show was particularly memorable, highlighted by a fantastic encounter with Kelly, the incredible visionary behind Greenville, South Carolina-based The Pickled Pepper People. Until then, I had never heard of pikliz, and I am profoundly grateful for the enlightening introduction and the delicious culinary inspiration it brought into my life.

The Pickled Pepper People’s story is one rooted in cultural pride and a passion for sharing authentic flavors. As they beautifully articulate, their mission is to “work with local farmers and producers to source vegetables that we prepare and pickle in a spicy brine. This delicious spicy vegetable slaw is a traditional food served in Haiti, West Indies, where we are from. Haiti has a rich history and culture, and we want to share it and make this wonderful slaw a staple in the United States.” This dedication to preserving tradition while supporting local communities makes their product all the more appealing.

Pikliz, pronounced “pick-lees,” is a vibrant and fiery condiment that holds a special place in Haitian cuisine. As acclaimed food writer Melissa Clark describes in The New York Times, this spicy medley of cabbage, carrots, and chile-laced pickle is traditionally served with rich meats and fried delicacies, such as the iconic pork dish griot. Its bright, tangy, and intensely spicy profile masterfully cuts through the richness of these foods, providing a refreshing counterpoint that balances and enhances the overall flavors. But its versatility extends far beyond traditional pairings. Pikliz is also a magnificent accompaniment to simpler dishes like rice and beans, noodles, or roast chicken, elevating any gently flavored meal with its invigorating zing. Like many pickles, it boasts an excellent shelf life, keeping well for weeks in the refrigerator. A word of caution: when handling the potent chiles, gloves are highly recommended to protect your hands from their heat.

Inspired by its description and inherent vibrancy, I envisioned pikliz as the perfect accompaniment to homemade polenta. Our family typically enjoys creamy polenta with a dollop of feta cheese and sour cream, a classic comforting combination. However, for this occasion, I decided to experiment. I omitted the sour cream and, in its place, added a generous spoonful of The Pickled Pepper People’s pikliz. The transformation was immediate and spectacular. The fiery, crunchy slaw delivered an exhilarating spicy kick and a burst of tangy freshness that perfectly complemented the smooth, mild polenta. The contrasting textures and the vibrant flavors created a mouthwatering experience, making each bite an adventure. It was so fiery, so delicious, and an exciting departure from our usual preparation, proving pikliz to be an exceptionally versatile and flavorful condiment.

For those eager to experience this unique Haitian delight, stay tuned! A special giveaway featuring The Pickled Pepper People’s amazing products will be launching soon on my Instagram channel. Don’t miss your chance to bring this incredible flavor into your own kitchen!

Transitioning from the bustling halls of The National Restaurant Show to the innovative aisles of The Sweets and Snacks Expo, I had the pleasure of discovering another game-changing brand: The Only Bean. This year’s Expo showcased countless delicious innovations, but The Only Bean stood out with its exceptional line of edamame bean snacks and pastas. It was a true pleasure to learn about their philosophy and product offerings, which align perfectly with today’s health-conscious consumer demands. Their commitment to quality is evident in every aspect, with all products certified non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, keto-friendly, kosher, low in sugar, and boasting a low glycemic index. These certifications are more than just labels; they represent a dedication to providing truly wholesome and accessible food choices for a diverse range of dietary needs and preferences.

At the heart of The Only Bean’s snack line are their high-protein edamame beans. What makes them particularly appealing is their preparation: they are dry-roasted, never fried, which preserves their natural goodness and ensures a healthier, guilt-free crunch. Packaged in convenient, resealable bags, these snacks are super portable, making them an ideal companion for busy days, gym sessions, or simply when you need a quick, nutritious pick-me-up. I must admit, I’ve developed a slight obsession with these crunchy delights. The delightful crispiness of the beans, combined with their satisfying texture and rich flavor, makes them truly impossible to resist. They’ve quickly become a go-to snack in my household, satisfying cravings without derailing my healthy eating goals.

Beyond being a standalone snack, The Only Bean edamame beans are incredibly versatile ingredients that can elevate simple meals. Here’s one of my favorite quick meal ideas (or perhaps a very substantial snack!): a thick slice of homemade bread, generously spread with creamy farmer cheese, topped with an assortment of fresh veggies, tender baby basil leaves, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for an extra layer of flavor and texture. The star of this assembly, however, is undoubtedly The Only Bean edamame. In the sandwich pictured, I specifically used the sriracha-flavored beans. Their subtle spiciness and wonderfully satisfying crunch created the perfect textural and flavor contrast with the other elements, most notably with the smooth, mild farmer cheese. The interplay of creamy, crunchy, fresh, and subtly spicy was absolutely delicious, transforming a simple open-faced sandwich into a gourmet experience. It’s a testament to how innovative, healthy snacks can truly enhance everyday eating.

BrainPOP positions itself as “a healthy, productive, tasteful, and fun smart soda packed with 4 amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, complemented by an anti-oxidant caffeine blend in all four flavors.” This unique blend is designed to offer more than just refreshment; it aims to provide a cognitive boost and support general wellness. The brand offers an enticing sampler pack that includes four distinctive flavors: Coconut Delight, Mango Colada, Mojito Madness, and Dragon Berry Warrior, each crafted to deliver a delightful taste experience. What’s more, BrainPOP is committed to ethical sourcing, utilizing fruit purées purchased from a family-owned business in the Midwest. This partner operates with “the highest trade standards in how it treats its farmers around the globe,” ensuring that every delicious sip supports a responsible and sustainable supply chain. This dedication to both product integrity and ethical practices adds another layer of appeal to an already impressive beverage.

I thoroughly enjoyed sampling this innovative functional soda and delving into its impressive nutritional benefits. The combination of fruity goodness and invigorating, refreshing bubbles creates a truly satisfying drinking experience. But BrainPOP offers something even more profound: a drink with a mission. It’s not just about quenching thirst; it’s about nourishing the mind and body while supporting a brand built on resilience and ethical values. This blend of delicious taste, tangible health benefits, and an inspiring story makes BrainPOP a standout choice in the functional beverage market. Yes, please!

Anyone up for a luxurious vegan coconut panna cotta, exquisitely paired with fresh sour cherries and finished with a rich, aromatic hibiscus margarita reduction? This sophisticated dessert highlights the incredible versatility of non-alcoholic beverages, transforming them into culinary stars. The growing appeal of mocktails and mindful drinking has opened up exciting new avenues for creativity in both beverages and desserts, proving that sophisticated flavors don’t always require alcohol.

While I don’t consume alcohol frequently, I have a deep appreciation for expertly crafted mocktails and, of course, an undeniable love for desserts. So, when Per Se (formerly known as Muddle & Mint) extended an offer to send me their mocktails to sample, I accepted with immense enthusiasm. My mind immediately began to buzz with ideas for incorporating these vibrant beverages into sweet preparations, envisioning them not just as drinks but as key flavor components in innovative culinary creations. This exploration led me down a delightful path of discovering their true potential beyond the glass.

Per Se is a proudly women-owned drink brand dedicated to crafting exquisite beverages for all lifestyles. Their mocktails are meticulously made from a thoughtful blend of natural teas, fresh juices, aromatic fruits, and fragrant herbs, ensuring a complex and refreshing flavor profile in every sip. The range includes three captivating options: the elegant Hibiscus Sage, the zesty Grapefruit Rosemary, and the invigorating Green Tea Mint. Each flavor is designed to be enjoyed on its own as a sophisticated non-alcoholic drink or to be artfully incorporated into creative cocktails and, as I discovered, unique dessert components.

For my dessert endeavor, I decided to create a luscious vegan panna cotta using creamy coconut milk, sweetened with Zulka powdered pure cane sugar for a refined sweetness, a hint of vanilla extract, and set with agar agar, the plant-based gelling agent. This velvety panna cotta was served alongside a generous portion of fresh, tart sour cherries, which we had recently picked during our delightful cherry-picking trip to Fruit Acres Farm Market and U-Pick in Coloma, Michigan. To elevate this dessert further, Per Se’s Hibiscus Margarita mocktail—a vibrant blend featuring pomegranate, hibiscus, cinnamon, and sage—proved to be the perfect choice for a reduction sauce. Simmering it down created a sticky, intensely flavorful, and unapologetically vibrant sauce. Its deep, aromatic notes and rich color made for an amazing addition, harmoniously tying together the ethereal sweetness of the coconut panna cotta with the bright, refreshing sourness of the cherries. It was, indeed, a scrumptious treat, a true celebration of flavors and textures. Isn’t cherry season truly the best season of all when it inspires such delightful creations?

While I didn’t personally test ANTI Elixir as a hangover cure, given my infrequent alcohol consumption, I found it to be an absolutely delightful and functional ingredient for mocktails. My favorite way to enjoy it was blended into a refreshing concoction with sweet strawberry puree, sparkling seltzer, ice cubes, and a garnish of fresh mint. The ginger notes in the Anti Elixir provided a subtle warmth and complexity that beautifully complemented the sweetness of the strawberries and the crispness of the seltzer, resulting in a perfectly balanced and invigorating non-alcoholic drink. If you’re searching for a sophisticated and health-conscious non-alcoholic beverage option for brunch, a festive gathering, or simply a refreshing pick-me-up, ANTI Elixir is an excellent choice. It can be enjoyed on its own for its inherent restorative properties or creatively integrated into a variety of mocktails, offering both flavor and wellness benefits without the after-effects.