Friday, February 27, 2009

Obama Cookie

So as all of the news has been going nuts about (particularly here in Canada). Obama bought some cookies on his visit here and to my surprise I haven’t made a beeline to the bakery to try one myself. I’m not sure if I will either, it almost seems over hyped.

CC

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Twitter got me thinking

So I’ve started to use Twitter a whole lot lately (I’ve been Tweeting everything that I eat). It’s kind of fun but for me, at first, it was pretty useless. Then I found links from places like the FDA and food blogs and I’ve been inundated with candy related links and news.

This just came in, a recall notice for Boston Baked Beans. There are other treats too, so keep an eye out.

Click here to read more.

I’ve never tried anything from Maxfield Candy Co. but if I did I might think before I bit down because of this recall.

Click here to read more.


The LA Times asks if you could tell the difference between fake and real vanilla flavouring?

Click here to read more.

Well this is pretty much all I’ve found lately. I’m sure I’ll lose some interest in this kind of thing, but until then I’ll try and keep you guys in the know.

CC

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

I’m down with the kids


I just finished an interview with the Carleton University newspaper The Charlatan. For those that don’t know I’m a student at this school, so it was kind of strange. I’m pretty sure I made a fool of myself and didn’t answer a single question without rambling about something else. Hopefully Andrea (the nice girl that interviewed me) can make something interesting out of my insane chatter. Apparently they might be taking some pictures of me in the future for the article too. I’ll keep you posted as to when it’s coming out.

CC

New Donut Day

I’m not sure if Tim Horton’s has any kind of schedule for releasing their new or special donuts but I decided today to pick up a treat and lo and behold a new donut was out. They call it “Chocolate Blossom” and it looks like their “Strawberry Blossom” donut from last summer.

The main difference is the other Strawberry Blossom donut from the summer was good and this one is not. I think it’s supposed to be cherry in the centre with some sort of cherry and chocolate candy sprinkled on the outside. The problem I had with it is that I tasted mint all the way through. It may have actually been cinnamon but either way it didn’t really work.


CC

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Shreded Stick, the first experiment.

So today I brought the Shreded Stick to Dr Tyler Avis. He took a look at them and was somewhat baffled. I asked him if there was any kind of test I could attempt to try and figure them out. He said that maybe boiling them in water might work.
So I went home and boiled up a pot of water ready to cook up these plastic looking anomalies.
I made sure that I stirred them regularly; I’m not sure why it just seemed like the right thing to do.
I pulled a few out after cooking for 5 minutes and bit into one.
Yuck, it was crunchy and kind of slimy. Worst of all it basically had no flavour at all.
I cooked a few more for 5 more minutes (that’s 10 in all) and although slightly floppier it was still kind of crunchy in the middle and still tasted like nothing. More experimentation is needed.


CC

Monday, February 23, 2009

Back from the USSR

Allison got back from Moscow this weekend and she picked up all kinds of cool stuff for me on her adventures. It’s nice that Allison understands my weaknesses.
Funny Hats
And candy.

CC

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Spring break is over, update day has come.

So spring break is over, it’s not that anyone would notice with all the snow on the ground here, although maybe your idea of a fun spring break is snowboarding or skiing in which case I guess it’s pretty cool around here. Speaking of travel, this weeks review was picked up all the way in Egypt. So does that make it a sure fire winner?

Click here to read the review.

CC

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Some news for ya

Recall of Choxie Brand Dark Chocolate Nut Truffle Meltaways, so if you’ve got a bag of them you might not want to give them to your date tonight.

Proof that candy fanatics aren’t all good people; it’s sad but true.

Click here to read more.


Recession isn’t hitting food industry… yet.

Click here to read more.

CC

Friday, February 20, 2009

Hey we’re on The Chive

The folks at thechive.com have just posted a few of my candy shots and I couldn’t be happier. For those that have never been to The Chive, it’s basically a blog filled with Internet photos and it’s one of my favourite places to check out daily. Thanks gang at the Chive!

Click here to check out the site.

CC

Chocolate dipped strawberries.



I just had a craving.

CC

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Obama gets some Canadian treats.

Obama just stopped into my neck of the woods today to say hello to all the Canadian leaders but he was sure to stop by what I’ve already described in this blog as one of the best treat spots in the world. He grabbed one of the great Canadian Beavertails and a few baked goods for the kids. Cool as well because to celebrate his visit the folks at the Beavertail stand made a special Obama tail, so he actually had the chance to try one.

Click here to read more.

CC

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

A note from Allison (she’s in Russia right now)

Allison’s on a work trip to Russia right now but she’s had a few candy experiences so far:

“I just had a delicious in-flight lunch - Thai chicken curry without fish sauce! But then, the dessert was these chocolate-nut truffles. The white chocolate one was so-so, but the chocolate chocolate one was indescribable! So the flight attendant gave me a box of them for you to review. Not a big box - just the little packet of two. He's looking forward to reading the review.

The flight attendant gave me some airplane-shaped gummies for you.”

CC and CCE

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Not so thirsty anymore

This is why I don’t review soft drinks. It appears that a company in India is going to produce cow urine drinks for all to… well enjoy?

Click here to read more.

Lots to learn here. Pepsi made bottler of the year. Their trying some cool new stuff to changing things up a bit. And there’s a web site dedicated to beverages. I learn so much.

Click here to check it out

CC

Monday, February 16, 2009

This is why you’re fat.

A cool site all about food excess. I can’t tell if some of this food is wrong or pure genius.

Click here to check out the site.

CC

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Update Day or as they say in Russian movies translated into English “Update Day”

I sure hope you got all your chocolate lovin’ out this week. The only thing better than getting a box of chocolates or any treat from the one you love on Valentines Day is going to the stores the day after and stocking up on left over treats for cheap. I think the reason I’m so hyper right now is because this week’s treat was slightly caffeinated and I don’t do well with caffeination.

Click here to read the review.

CC

What the heck is a gumdrop?

Have you ever had one of those moments when you’re mind goes completely blank and simple ideas just don’t come through at all? I’m sure you have or you’d be some kind of super human. Well today is national Gumdrop Day and I decided to go out and pick up a little bag of the chewy treats to celebrate.

So I went to my local store and stood in front of all of the candy wondering exactly what a gumdrop is. I completely forgot. In fact as I write this I’m still not 100% sure what I got is in fact a “Gumdrop”. Not a single package said the words gumdrop on it but maybe that’s a copyright issue or something.
I even considered asking one of the people working there which one of these was gumdrops but my ego (being the Candy Critic) took over and I just took my best guess. So happy “National Gumdrop Day” I sure hope I’m eating gumdrops.

CC


Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Valentines Day

Enjoy the day filled with candy and love. Fortunately for me I love candy, so I’m guaranteed to be happy.

Also National Confectioner’s Association snagged some special Valentine’s Day recipes straight from renowned chocolatiers Jacques Torres and his wife Hasty!

Click here to check out the recipies

CC

Friday, February 13, 2009

You’re so sweet.

I always thought this was kind of a love song. And I love the animated version.

CC

Thursday, February 12, 2009

What’s in my Twinkie?

Boing Boing posted a great article about how we’re affected by the names of the ingredients on the packaging of our food. Well worth checking out.

Click here to check it out.

CC

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Early Valentine from my friends at Kohler

The fine folks at Kohler’s chocolates just sent me a box of what might be the best looking chocolates I’ve ever seen in my life.
It’s not that they’re more appetizing than any other chocolate, although they are appetizing; it’s just that they look so cool with those stripy things on them.
I could give these away to a special someone on Valentines day and make good on all of the things I may have done wrong over the year… or I could pig out on them myself.

CC

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

The folks at Hershey have something to say about “healthy” chocolate:

“Chocolate lovers rejoice! Just in time for National Chocolate Month and Heart Healthy Month in February, Hershey®’s Extra Dark Chocolate has become the first chocolate bar to earn the respected Best Life Treat Seal of Approval. Designed by renowned health and fitness expert Bob Greene, the Best Life Treat Seal is awarded to products that have a nutrition edge over products in their class and are available in portion sizes of 150 calories or fewer. The Treat Seal appears on select grocery products and is intended to help consumers make healthier food and lifestyle decisions. Starting in February, Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate will feature the Best Life Treat Seal. Bob Greene recommends the chocolate in his Best Life Diet books, and the companion Web site, http://www.thebestlife.com/.

“When establishing eating habits, it’s important to allow yourself an appropriate treat to help ward off feelings of deprivation,” said Greene. “Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate’s great taste, naturally occurring antioxidants and documented cardiovascular benefits make it the perfect treat to help you stay on track to living your best life.”

Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate features 60 percent cacao and offers just the right balance of taste, aroma and sweetness for both snacking and cooking. In addition to recommending the chocolate as a sensible indulgence, Greene has incorporated Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate into a number of The Best Life Diet recipes. Consumers can visit www.hersheys.com/thebestlife to learn how to incorporate Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate into their daily Best Life Diet with recipes like Chocolate Ginger Spice Muffins, Baked Pear with Chocolate Sauce, Chocolate-Banana Sherbet and more.

“The Hershey Company is excited to offer products like Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate that offer both enjoyment and balanced lifestyle choices to our health-conscious consumers,” said Debra Miller, Ph.D., Director of Nutrition, The Hershey Company. “In addition to working with Bob Greene and the Best Life team, recent studies linking dark chocolate to cardiovascular health make Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate a great treat for people looking for a sensible indulgence.”

Prior to Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate receiving the Best Life Treat Seal of Approval, a Yale University Prevention Research Center study used Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate to uncover an important link between dark chocolate and cardiovascular health. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate (75g) as well as Hershey’s Natural Cocoa (22g) lowered blood pressure and improved endothelial function in 45 participants two hours after consumption.

Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate can be enjoyed in moderation as part of the Best Life Diet and is available wherever candy is sold. Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate features several indulgent flavors including Hershey’s Extra Dark with Cranberries, Blueberries, and Almonds and Hershey’s Extra Dark infused with Raspberry flavor. For more information on Hershey’s Extra Dark and the Best Life Diet visit www.hersheys.com/thebestlife and http://www.thebestlife.com/.”

I’m always sceptical about healthy chocolate myself. I’m sceptical because sometimes it tastes fine and other times it tastes horrible. I also don’t know if people should start downing any kind of candy in hopes of being healthier. My opinion is eat candy because it’s fun, eat your meats, vegetables and grains because they’re healthy.

CC

Monday, February 09, 2009

Candy Segregation?

It would appear in the fictional world of candy characters a soap opera type scenario is starting to unfold. Apparently M&Ms have segregated themselves to separates packages because of some kind of… well I’m not really sure why these fun loving characters would fight. Either way it appears that they’re not getting along. If you happen to find a mixed bag you could be eligible for prize but you’ll also be promoting love among the candy world as well. This whole thing seems a little strange, I never really think of my treats as having a race.

Click here to check out the site.

CC

Sunday, February 08, 2009

Update Day Again

This week once again we have an awesome new treat up for review, and we also have a new photo to show you guys. This weeks review is really neat for me because not only did I get to put up a cute little Valentines Day treat but it’s also a classic treat that I’ve never reviewed before.
Click here to read the review
The photo this week is pretty neat too. And I guess because it’s all red too, you could always give it to someone for Valentines Day. This couldn’t get any better for all you guys trying to impress a lady.
CC

Friday, February 06, 2009

Melty Rolo

Is this gross or super appetizing? I’m really not sure.

CC

Thursday, February 05, 2009

News of late

Apparently a huge truck filled with cocoa flipped over. It’s both tragic and beautiful all at the same time.

Click here to check out the site.
More old chocolate discovered. They haven’t however yet searched under the shelves at my local Walmart.

Click here to check out this site.

Men’s Health Magazine posts their worst foods for you list. Number one is making me hungry.

Click here to check out this site.

CC

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Shreded Stick Returns

I’m not sure if any of you remember but about a year ago I went to San Francisco and for a fun little trip. I came home with all kinds of treats including a bag of something called “Shreded Stick”. I had no idea what they where so I had no idea how to make them.

Well fast-forward to a year later and I happen to be enrolled in a Food Science class. My professor Dr. Tyler Avis is a pro when it comes to food science. So I decided to ask him what he thought they might be. Here’s what he came up with:

“B?t khoai màu is apparently Vietnamese for: coloured potato starch.
b?t = starch, flour

khoai = potato or sweet potato

màu = colour

I'm guessing that you put it in boiling water, something like pasta.It can't only be potato starch since 4 tbsp (80 g) = 108 Cal. If it was only starch is would be 80 g x 4 Cal/g = 320 Cal per serving.”
Basically he’s still not sure how one eats it, but he’s pretty sure that they’re eatable and that they’re pretty strange. I’ll keep you posted if I find out more.

Click here to check out the origional post.

CC

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Doritos Guys

I found this shot of a pack of Doritos on the Chive. I’m wondering if I could manage to eat something that came in such a strange package. What does it mean?

CC

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Update day, and I made a little mistake.

On the site I list a few of the upcoming reviews on Candy Critic, all you have to do is click on the review button on the site. Well last week I forgot about Valentines Day. I forgot to post my special Valentines Day treat in the upcoming reviews. So this week I had to do a little re-arranging. It’s all better now and the only loss is that you have to wait a little longer to read about the “Twix Java”. This weeks review however should make up for something… I hope.

Click here to read the review.

CC