Artichoke Bread Pudding
Our first item was the intriguing Artichoke Bread Pudding. This savory casserole, made with artichoke Tuscan bread and cheddar cheese, was a pleasant surprise. Its resemblance to traditional stuffing makes it a strong contender for a Thanksgiving side dish. The creamy texture of the cheese melded beautifully with the artichoke, though we both agreed a pinch of salt and pepper could elevate it further.
Trader Joe’s Chicken Schwarma Bowl
Next, we tried the Trader Joe’s Chicken Schwarma Bowl, a medley of basmati rice, chicken, bell peppers, spinach, pickled red onion, and garlic sauce. While the concept was promising, the execution fell a bit short. The chicken was tougher than expected, and the rice slightly undercooked. It couldn’t quite match up to the fresh schwarma chicken we adore grilling on our barbecue.
Stollen Crisps
The Stollen Crisps were a delightful discovery. These sweet crackers, inspired by German holiday bread and dotted with raisins, powdered sugar, and citrus peels, offered a unique tasting experience. The sweetness was well-balanced, and the chewiness from the raisins added a nice textural contrast. It’s a snack that’s both comforting and surprising.
Cinnamon Bun Inspired Truffles
Imagine the essence of a cinnamon bun captured in a chocolate truffle. These milk chocolate truffles, with their cinnamon and caramel filling, were a treat to the taste buds. Dusted with powdered sugar, they delivered a creamy texture and a harmonious blend of cinnamon and caramel flavors.
Cinnamon Swizzle Sticks
A simple yet brilliant idea, these cinnamon sticks partially rolled in rock sugar transformed our regular coffee into something special. As the sugar melted, it infused the coffee with a gentle sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. It’s a perfect addition to any warm beverage during the chilly season.
Barbells Protein Bars
Lastly, we sampled the Barbells Protein Bars in Cookies and Cream, and Chocolate Dough flavors. Unfortunately, these didn’t quite hit the mark for us. Both flavors tasted too similar and lacked the distinctiveness of their respective names. While they might serve well as a protein boost, they wouldn’t be our first choice for a snack.
My Favorites
Out of all the items, the Stollen Crisps and Cinnamon Swizzle Sticks stood out as our favorites. Their unique flavors and comforting qualities made them memorable and enjoyable.
As we wrapped up our taste test session, we reflected on the diverse range of flavors and experiences these products offered. We’re excited to bring more taste tests and reviews your way. So, stay tuned for next week’s culinary adventure! Until then, happy tasting! ?️?