Raincoast Crisps with Tapenade

I am off to Seattle to attend the International Food Bloggers Conference and one of the sponsors is Raincoast Crisps.
We are huge fans of these crackers. They elevate any cheese plate and are delicious on their own.
They come in a variety of flavor combinations and now also have several wheat free options, Thank You!
Today, along with some cheese, I am serving the Raincoast Oat Crisps with Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Tapenade. The Raincoast Crisps hold up to any dip or pate.

1-9 ounce jar roasted red pepper, drained and chopped

Raincoast Crisps with Tapenade

1-12 ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup parmesan, grated
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until mixture resembles a chunky pesto.
Allow the flavors to meld for a few hours.
This could also be used over pasta, as a sauce or on top of grilled fish.

Kale Chips with Nutritional Yeast

This is just a little twist on the kale chips. We like a little kick to it, so we add some red pepper flakes. They can be omitted if the heat is not desired.

Kale Chips with Nutritional Yeast

Preheat oven to 300F.

5-6 cups kale leaves, centers removed and loosely chopped
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 heaping teaspoon nutritional flakes

On a foil or parchment lined baking sheet, toss kale with olive oil and sea salt (massage in well)!
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired.

Bake kale about 20-30 minutes until crispy, but not burnt.
Remove from oven and sprinkle nutritional yeast over top.

Favorite Chocolate Bars

Favorite Chocolate Bars

Whether at tea time with a cup of hot tea or coffee, or depending on the chocolate, a glass of red wine, chocolate is actually good for you. It is full of antioxidants and it takes only a small amount to feel satisfied. One little square is all I have in a day.
My current favorite is D54 Salt and Pepper. It is made by Chocolate Necessities. It is 54% Callebaut chocolate with smoked sea salt and green and black peppercorns, WOW.
Second place would go to Ginger Crystallized in Dark Chocolate by Chocolove. It is 65% dark chocolate with crystallized ginger that melts in your mouth with a hot cup of tea.
And third place, because I don't have it as often, is also by Chocolate Necessities and it is Semi Sweet Port Wine, a Dark Belgian chocolate with Port wine.
What is your current favorite??

Trader Joe's Top 10 Aisle Favs

1: Applewood Bacon

2: Mirepoix (Ready starter for soups)

3: Nuts, especially Candied Pecans (salads) and Marcona Almonds

4: Premium Peeled Garlic (Time saved peeling)

5 :Steamed and Peeled Baby Beets (saves time and mess, great for salads or sides)

6 :Bruschetta Sauce (great for a quick pasta sauce or with a baguette, bruschetta)

7: Orange Flavored Cranberries (salads, trail mix, or snacks)

8: Ginger Snaps (gluten free)

9: Grilled Marinated Artichokes and Mediterranean Hummus

10: Creme Fraiche

Finishing Salts

In the past year I have enjoyed finishing a dish with flavored salts. They add an enhanced flavor and often a little crunch to the dish.
I have found them in little shops, cooking schools and online. The first 3 salts mentioned were bought in Nice at Girofle & Cannelle. Lydele and I were zipping down the street when I did a double take; a shop of flavored olive oils, salts and sugars, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few and their uses.
1: Fleur de Sel au Safron-to use with risotto, paella, or seafood
2: Sel Toscana Basil-Olives-Tomatoes- to use for vegetables, summer salads, fresh or fried cheese
3: Sel a la Figue-good with duck foie gras, vegetables
4: Murray River Pink Salt-for use as a garnish or finishing salt
5: Salish Smoked Salt- great on salmon, red meat off the BBQ, or creamy pasta
6: Truffle salt- for use on french fries, scrambled eggs, or popcorn

All of this has me thinking that I could make flavored salt in my own kitchen. How about a little dried lavender and salt? On top of chocolate truffles or caramels?

My Top 10 Trader Joes Freezer Favs

1: Pastry Bites with Feta cheese and Caramelized Onion
(a favorite appetizer to have on hand)

2: Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Pizza
(this and a salad, great if someone stops by for lunch)

3: Thai Shrimp Gyoza
(with a lemon or orange sauce)

4: Wild Blue Shrimp
(a main course ready in minutes)

5: Asparagus Risotto
(use to stuff roasted red pepper)

6: Organic Brown Rice and Organic Jasmine Rice
(great in a pinch, when time is short)

7: Frozen Mixed Berries
(for smoothies, or a sauce)

8: Mango Chunks
(for smoothies, sauces, drinks)

9: Trader Joes French Vanilla Ice Cream
(did not make photo)

10: Chocolate Ice Cream Bon Bons
(Ready to go dessert)