Discovering Joy and Normalcy: A Fall 2020 Product Review Roundup

The autumn of 2020 undoubtedly carved a unique path in our collective history. The carefree strolls through sun-dappled parks, the spontaneous moments of pure, unadulterated joy that once permeated every cell of our being, seemed to recede into a distant memory. The world underwent a profound transformation, and in turn, so did our perspectives. For someone inherently resistant to change, this period presented an undeniable challenge, reshaping my outlook on life in unexpected ways.

Yet, amidst these unprecedented circumstances, I found solace and inspiration in small, reassuring symbols of normalcy. I was incredibly fortunate to connect with various innovative companies eager to share their offerings. These collaborations allowed me to forge meaningful online relationships and explore a diverse range of informative and delicious products. This post serves as a comprehensive roundup of my favorite discoveries from Fall 2020 – my hope is that these insights will spark your inspiration too, offering glimpses of joy and practical solutions during extraordinary times.

Engaging Young Minds: America’s Test Kitchen Kids Kitchen Explorers Workbook

The challenge of keeping children engaged and intellectually stimulated after school hours and homework, especially during a global pandemic, is one many parents can relate to. The answer, often, lies in creative and educational resources that transform everyday spaces into learning environments. Enter America’s Test Kitchen Kids Kitchen Explorers!, an innovative workbook designed to seamlessly integrate at-home learning into family routines. This educational gem, from the acclaimed creators of the #1 New York Times Bestseller *The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs*, is touted as the ultimate interactive workbook for children aged 8 to 12. It’s packed with captivating recipes, fascinating science experiments, hands-on activities, and engaging games, all centered around the exciting world of food.

This brilliant resource leverages the home kitchen as a dynamic classroom, offering a unique blend of practical skills and academic concepts. *Kitchen Explorers!* features a wealth of kid-tested recipes that encourage culinary confidence, alongside hands-on experiments that demystify scientific principles. Interactive games transform learning into an enjoyable adventure, allowing young minds to hone educational skills in a truly creative and memorable fashion. The workbook also thoughtfully includes a dedicated section for parents, expertly authored by educational specialists, providing invaluable guidance to facilitate and enhance the learning journey. Ever wondered about the secret behind fizzy drinks? Or if salt can be an artistic medium? Can the power of smell be proven with jelly beans? This workbook holds the captivating answers to these questions and many more, inviting children to embark on a journey of discovery.

In a remarkable gesture of support for families navigating the complexities of at-home education, America’s Test Kitchen has committed to keeping all of its kids-related content on their website entirely free for the foreseeable future. This invaluable resource provides parents with a treasure trove of educational and delicious activities to share with their children. I highly recommend exploring their dedicated Kitchen Classroom section, where the talented ATK staff regularly curates and publishes weekly recipes and engaging hands-on activities. It’s an essential destination for parents seeking to enrich their children’s learning experience through the universal appeal of food.

From Farm to Table: The Janie’s Mill Story and Exceptional Flours

My culinary journey in 2020 led me to Janie’s Mill, a company that has truly distinguished itself, not just through its exceptional products, but also through a deeply inspiring life story. This Illinois-based operation, helmed by the dedicated Wilken family, embodies a profound commitment to sustainable agriculture. For over 15 years, they have meticulously employed certified organic and regenerative practices on their farm, cultivating a diverse array of crops through biodiverse rotation. This meticulous approach culminates in the transformation of these crops into dozens of wholesome, nutrient-dense products that nourish both individuals and the planet.

My introduction to Janie’s Mill began in February 2020, following a connection on social media, when they generously sent me a product to review. Shortly after its arrival, the world as we knew it was upended by the virus, prompting many, including myself, to focus on essentials like powdered milk and pasta. Despite the global upheaval, Janie’s Mill remained prominent in my thoughts. I closely followed their impressive and adaptive response to the burgeoning crisis, a testament to their resilience and community focus, which you can delve into further here.

The bag of golden yellow cornmeal they provided became a staple in my kitchen. I used it multiple times to prepare creamy polenta, a comforting dish we traditionally enjoy with generous dollops of feta cheese, sour cream, and butter. My culinary creativity was further sparked by my Instagram friend Tina, whose ingenious Pesto Polenta Veggie Pie inspired me to experiment. Drawing from her innovative idea, I crafted my own savory polenta “muffins,” incorporating homemade pesto and buttery sautéed vegetables for a delightful twist.

These freshly baked polenta “muffins,” served warm straight from the oven and crowned with a perfectly cooked organic egg, were a true revelation – as aesthetically pleasing as they were incredibly flavorful. The polenta itself boasted a remarkably clean, fresh taste that immediately set it apart. As a seasoned polenta enthusiast, I instantly recognized the superior quality compared to the standard grocery store cornmeal I had become accustomed to. The rich, authentic corn flavor was simply unparalleled, elevating a simple dish into an extraordinary culinary experience.

I wholeheartedly recommend Janie’s Mill for all your baking and cooking endeavors, not just for the festive season but for year-round enjoyment. Their products are not only bursting with flavor and of exceptional quality but also embody a commendable commitment to ethical farming practices and a community-driven philosophy that I deeply admire. By choosing Janie’s Mill, you contribute directly to the prosperity of local farmers and a genuine small community in Illinois, while simultaneously investing in your own health and the crucial wellbeing of our planet. It’s a choice that feels good in every way.

Fall Flavors Perfected: PBFit Pumpkin Spice Powdered Peanut Butter

As the leaves began to change and the air grew crisp, my palate naturally gravitated towards quintessential seasonal flavors. Among these, PBfit Pumpkin Spice emerged as an absolute delight. Having had the pleasure of reviewing PBfit products in the past, I eagerly anticipated trying their latest innovation, which made its debut on Amazon.com on September 1st. This seasonal offering promised to infuse the beloved flavor of pumpkin spice into a product known for its health benefits and versatility.

What truly sets PBfit Pumpkin Spice apart is its impressive nutritional profile: it contains a remarkable 90% less fat than traditional peanut butter and approximately one-third of the calories. This makes it an ideal ingredient for health-conscious foodies looking to indulge without guilt. This delicious fall-inspired powder seemed perfectly suited for a reimagined version of my baked stuffed apples. This particular recipe not only aligns with a healthier lifestyle but is also incredibly quick and simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a spontaneous treat.

For this delightful dessert, I cored fresh apples and generously filled them with a homemade orange peel preserve, adding a vibrant citrus note. This was then complemented by a luscious mixture of unsalted melted butter and the star ingredient: PBfit Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter Powder. The combination created a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful stuffing that baked beautifully within the apple.

The stuffed apples were then gently baked for approximately one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the apples to become tender. Upon serving, I adorned them with crunchy hazelnuts and a vibrant sour cherry spread, adding layers of texture and tart sweetness that perfectly balanced the warmth of the pumpkin spice and the richness of the peanut butter. The result was a truly satisfying and wholesome dessert.

These baked stuffed apples are not just ideal for embracing the cozy flavors of fall; they are utterly delicious at any time of the year. PBfit Pumpkin Spice proves to be a versatile and healthy addition to any pantry, perfect for elevating a variety of dishes with its unique blend of nutrition and seasonal charm.

Mooala Organic Vanilla Almondmilk: A Dairy-Free Delight

Have you encountered the charming presence of Mooala yet? This brand, with its endearing “Mooala koala” mascot, has been generating considerable buzz, capturing the attention of health-conscious consumers and dairy-free enthusiasts alike. But beyond the adorable packaging, what exactly lies within, and what contributes to this almondmilk’s growing popularity?

The genesis of Mooala is a compelling story of personal necessity meeting entrepreneurial vision. Its founder, Jeff Richards, embarked on a mission to create exceptional organic plant-based beverages after being diagnosed with lactose intolerance. This personal health journey led him to leave the world of corporate finance in 2016, driven by a passion to share Mooala with the world – and, as he humorously puts it, to escape his cubicle! His dedication to crafting high-quality, delicious dairy-free alternatives has clearly resonated with a wide audience.

It’s a common misconception that all almond milk is created equal, but Mooala truly distinguishes itself through its superior creaminess and delightful flavor profile. Its exceptionally silky texture makes it a perfect ingredient for a variety of culinary applications, particularly in desserts – a discovery I recently made with immense pleasure. Unlike some other plant-based milks that can be thin or watery, Mooala offers a rich, satisfying mouthfeel that closely mimics traditional dairy.

I utilized Mooala’s organic, dairy-free vanilla almondmilk, subtly sweetened with a touch of honey, to create a luxurious panna cotta. This elegant dessert was served with an array of complementary components: delicate honey kumquats, an assortment of both crunchy fresh and gently sautéed pears, and a vibrant ground cherry preserve. The almondmilk’s smooth consistency and natural sweetness provided a wonderful base for this sophisticated dessert, allowing the accompanying flavors to truly shine.

Beyond its exceptional taste and texture, Mooala’s organic vanilla almondmilk is also a good source of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin E. Its plant-based nature makes it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet. I am particularly enthusiastic about my dairy-free dessert creations using Mooala, and indeed, about the Mooala brand in general. Their commitment to organic ingredients and delicious taste makes them a standout in the burgeoning plant-based market.

If you’ve ever felt hesitant to experiment with non-dairy alternatives in your dessert recipes, now is the perfect opportunity to embrace culinary adventure. Mooala organic vanilla almondmilk is incredibly versatile – you can effortlessly pour it over cereal, froth it for coffee, blend it into smoothies, or, as I discovered, create fabulous, indulgent desserts. As for me, I’ll continue perfecting this delightful panna cotta, all while holding onto hope and optimism for brighter days ahead. Mooala has certainly brought a ray of sweetness into my kitchen during challenging times.

*Disclaimer: While I received complimentary products to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and reflect my genuine experience with these offerings.