Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 05:35 PM
As part of the Featured Publisher Tastemaker Program, Foodbuzz recently sent me a sampling of Organica Deluxe Ginger Cookies. My first reaction to the sample was “Woah, fancy cookies! Yum!” But, after further investigation, I realized that Organica Deluxe is a company who supports sustainable manufacturers, organic farmers, and community artisans around the globe. Their tagline is “Natural, organic, sustainable, fair trade – and always luxury.”
I am pretty easy to please when it comes to cookies, so I’m sure you guys are expecting a wonderful review… and you’re right, these cookies are incredible, but they’re not like any old ginger cookie. Honestly, they’re so heavenly, I’d probably cough-up the $40 for 16 of these bad boys. I agree, $40 is an INSANE amount to pay for cookies, but seriously, I would.
Ok, so let me explain why Organica Deluxe’s Ginger Cookies rocked my world. They were topped with tons of sugar crystals, which made quite a mess, but added extra sweetness and a fun, grainy texture. Each bite was a flavor explosion of ginger, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Truly heaven! The over-sized cookies were also rich, moist, and very soft– basically, they melted in my mouth! 
These treats would be the perfect compliment to a mug of coffee, tea or a cold glass of milk. I wish that I still had some to enjoy! 
In addition to being holy yum, these cookies are completely ORGANIC! Let me tell you, this company goes beyond delicious ginger cookies. Organica Deluxe is an online eco-friendly, luxury gift website serving customers throughout the continental United States. Their products range from flowers to wine to home decor to spa and baby care items to much more. Organica Deluxe is perfect for special occasions– I’ve already bookmarked their website for future birthday and wedding gifts. And the packaging for their goodies is unbelievable! It’s colorful, fresh, and sophisticated. Love it!
Organica Deluxe is committed to delivering their fine gifts in the “most responsible and attractive manner” possible, which includes choosing a single box delivery, using post consumer recycled tissue and wrapping paper, and packing their products in peanuts made from cornstarch. Impressive, right? To read more about Organica Deluxe’s mission and principles: ORGANICA DELUXE PRINCIPLES
Well, if you couldn’t tell by now, I am totally impressed (and obsessed) with this company! I thought I was finished with my Christmas shopping, but a couple last-minute gifts from Organica Deluxe might be in my future!
Posted by: Tina
Posted in: Uncategorized, products
Tags: cookies, ginger
Monday, December 1, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Busy Monday here at work today! Gotta make my lunch-snack post snappy this afternoon! Ok, here goes…
Lunch started with a ham and cheddar cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread. I usually eat my sandwiches “dry,” but today I added a little smear of mayo to one side of the bread. The mayo actually made quite a difference in the overall flavor of my sandwich! I liked it a lot!
I cut my sammy into quarters for consumption manageability and duration! (How nerdy!)
On the side, I had a small portion of leftover Thanksgiving mashed sweet potatoes. So good!
And lunch concluded with holiday sugar cookies! Yay! My favorite!
A holiday bell with green sprinkles…
Gingerbread man shape with multi-colored sprinkles…
Together…
Afternoon Snack
After plowing through most of my to-do list, I finally broke for my afternoon snack: Stonyfield Oikos (vanilla flavor = delish!) with TJ’s high fiber cereal and English Teatime tea (love the name).
I’ve only had a few sips of my tea so far, but it actually does remind me of teatime in England! I spent a semester abroad in York, England, and my flatmates and I would break each afternoon for teatime. We would sit around the kitchen table and chat about our days while we sipped our tea. It was so relaxing and enjoyable– I wish we would adopt this practice in the US!
Once the cold weather hits, I love drinking hot tea. My office didn’t have much of a selection, so I slipped out to the nearby grocery store to purchase some tea. I really wanted a “holiday” flavor– peppermint/candy cane or spicy-Christmas tree, but unfortunately, I didn’t see anything like that. Instead, I opted for a variety pack with an assortment of tea bag flavors.
My (hopefully) filling snack… I’m working at HW tonight, so let’s hope it holds me over until my late dinner!
Ok, back to work I go! It’s just another manic Monday!
Banana Diet?
Bananas are flying off the shelves in Japan as a banana-based diet captures the public’s fancy. Minnesota nutritionists share their thoughts on the mighty — but not quite miraculous — fruit.
Japanese go bananas over latest fad diet
Posted by: Tina
Posted in: Uncategorized, products
Tags: cheddar, cookies, ham, sweet potato, tea
Sunday, November 30, 2008 at 10:34 AM
I woke up around 8:30 this morning, and laid in bed thinking about what I could make for breakfast for another 10 minutes or so. I’m so weird… but thinking about and being creative with food is so fun for me! I love thinking-up new combos and interesting flavors to mix together. Of course, some ideas turn out better than others, but it’s always exciting to give them a try!
This morning’s breakfast creation: Sweet Potato Oatmeal Pancakes topped with maple syrup.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup dry oats
- 1/3 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
- Maple syrup (optional)
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients and blend well
- Divide batter in half and create a pancake on greased fry pan
- Cook each side of pancake until lightly browned; repeat for second half of batter
- Recipe makes 2 small pancakes
Breakfast concluded with an angel Christmas cookie and an iced coffee with milk and agave nectar. I’m feeling sort of chilly this morning, so I might put on a pot of hot coffee instead. I don’t enjoy iced coffee nearly as much in the winter as I do the summer.
Not much on Sunday’s agenda today, except working at Healthworks tonight. It’s a short shift, so hopefully, it will fly by. Happy Sunday!
Posted by: Tina
Posted in: recipe
Tags: cookies, oatmeal, pancakes, sweet potato
