Suz's Rad Stuff: Galena Garlic Co.

Just when you thought I was about to post about venison again*, it's time for another installment of Suz's Rad Stuff! (You're on the edge of your seat, right?)

When Travis and I were in Galena for Valentine's weekend, one of the many shops we wandered into as we strolled along Main Street was the storefront for Galena Garlic Company. I asked the young woman working there if the garlic is actually grown in Galena, and she told me that indeed it is. I'm not sure where I'd gotten the idea from (because I don't recall ever really having a conscious thought about where garlic is grown), but when confronted by the truth that garlic grows quite well in Galena, I realized that for some reason I'd assumed garlic must be grown somewhere warm and exotic. Guess not.

Anyway, garlic is just one of the many products offered by Galena Garlic Company. They also have rubs and seasonings, flavored sea salts and sugars, vinegars, and olive oils (the components for most of those, however, are imported).

While in the store we sampled a few of the balsamic vinegars, and decided to purchase a bottle as one of our souvenirs from the weekend. We decided on Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar, and I am featuring it here in Suz's Rad Stuff because it is CRAZY good.

So far I've only used it to make a vinaigrette for spinach-apple-gorgonzola-and-whatever-else-I-feel-like-throwing-in-there salads, but I have a feeling it's going to be slammin' when used for other purposes, such as drizzling on strawberries (so excited for those to be in season soon) and maybe glazing some chicken.

*In case you were a bit disappointed not to see another episode of Year of Deer, not to worry...tomorrow night we're having Azorean Spiced Venison Stew! Stay tuned for the verdict!

Suz's Rad Stuff: Gourmet Affy Tapples

This post is a twofer: it's both an installment of Suz's Rad Stuff and another "nugget" review of the wedding.

For as long as I can remember, autumn has been my favorite season, and I dreamed of an autumn wedding that would incorporate some of the season's best colors, textures, and tastes. One of the ways I was delighted to be able to run with the autumnal theme was through the favors at the reception. We sent each guest home with a gourmet Affy Tapple in one of five flavors (plain caramel, original peanut, milk chocolate almond, double chocolate crunch, or m&m) with a note of thanks for celebrating with us.

Take it from me (and from the many guests we heard from later) - these apples taste even better than they look (and they look delicious)! I don't know how widely Affy Tapple distributes their apples, but if you happen to see these for sale somewhere, know that you won't be disappointed if you bring one home. (One of the bridesmaids confessed to me that her apple didn't even make it home from the reception, but was consumed in the car along the way!)

If you live in the Chicago area, you should know that you can stop by the Affy Tapple factory store in Niles and pick some up for cheap. They also have caramel corn, chocolate covered pretzels, fudge, and other items of sweet goodness.

Suz's Rad Stuff

Oprah has her "Favorite Things," Martha Stewart her "Good Things," and Rachael Ray her "Faves." Though I don't have quite the same audience or consequence, I thought I'd start a new series called "Suz's Rad Stuff." The purpose is simple: to tell friends (and anyone else who might happen upon this blog) about products I've tried that are something special. Freedictionary.com defines rad as "excellent, wonderful." And so shall be the stuff I feature here.

To kick off this series, I'd like to say that Cinnamon Roll Pudding, the newest flavor in Jello's line of sugar-free pudding snacks, is AMAZING. Really, it's that good. The bottom part tastes exactly like a cinnamon roll (except, you know, with the consistency of pudding) while the layer on top tastes just like frosting (but without that pasty sugary texture you sometimes get with real frosting as it hardens.) It's pure delight in a little cup. And for only 60 calories! Look for it at your local grocery store and try it. If it's not on the shelf yet, ask for it. If you like cinnamon rolls, you will love this pudding.

If my endorsement isn't enough incentive, head over to the Jello website where right now you can print a 60 cent coupon to use for your pudding purchase.

P.S. My thanks to Allison for introducing me to cinnamon roll pudding. And for leaving some in the fridge for me while I'm house & puppy sitting this week.