Try it Tuesday.....Owl's Nest 3 Cheese Italian cheese spread

Ok, so I couldn't find an image for the 3 Cheese Italian cheese spread, but the Vermont White Cheddar container looks the same with a diff name. I really would like to try the white cheddar too. Actually, I'd like to try the whole crazy line of this cheese spread!

The inspiration for trying it was the New York Style Focaccia Sticks that I had tried a couple of weeks ago. Find that review HERE.

I was looking for a cheese spread to eat along with the Focaccia Sticks . I was bringing them to a *FUN* get together at my friend Caity's house. (It was a nice, relaxing night by the way...lots of laughter. I needed it. Thanks Caity!)

I stumbled upon Owl's Nest 3 Cheese Italian spread at my local Meijer in the deli section. $3.49 for a 10 oz. tub. I really love cheese, so a spread with 3 cheeses really appealed to me. It contains Romano, Parmesan and Asiago cheeses.

The Focaccia Sticks are a *4* cheese bread stick, so we were cheesing it up that night!

Taste? Well, I really enjoyed it. It was creamy and smooth. The container says it can be a dip, but I thought it was more of a spread. A little thicker than a dip. It can be spread on a cracker, pretzel or whatever you choose.

Eaten alone and this cheese spread is quite strong. As a matter of fact, little Ava just dipped her pretzel in it and made a funny, yet cute squinty face! Don't get me wrong, it isn't that strong. There is no strong smell etc. But I would suggest eating it on a cracker or something else and not eaten alone out of the tub.

If you are looking for low fat, go somewhere else. This crazy good cheese is also crazy fattening. 2 tablespoons has 100 calories and 8 grams of fat. Combine that with the Focaccia Sticks and you have a fattening little appetizer. On the bright side, the Owl's Nest cheese spread can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 60 days after it's opened. You can also freeze it, but it will be crumbly after thawing.

Owl's Nest spreads come in these yummer sounding flavors:

3 Cheese Italian
Horseradish
Mozzarella Garlic
Port Wine
Cheddary
Vermont White Cheddar

Don't they all sound delish? Get out there are try them!

Oh, and I hate to do negative reviews, but 2 people that tried this cheese, really weren't into it. One was my hubby and he isn't a fan of strong cheese. He also thought it was a bit dry but I have NO idea where he gets that. It's creamy goodness to me. A little goes a long way.

My 13 year old daughter Macie, loves the stuff, but she loves most anything (this coming from a girl who had therapy as a toddler because she wouldn't let food touch her mouth!). She dips Deli Style Pretzel Crisps. We bought the garlic flavor. Yummo! They were excellent with the Owl's Nest cheese spread. The pretzel crisps also have the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.

Oh, Owl's Nest has a store locator on their website if you want to find it in your location.

Oh, and on the personal side, look for a 'catch-up' post to come soon. I haven't posted much lately, so I have some random photos to share. I'm failing as a journal blogger lately. I guess life gets in the way too much. And Facebook! I Facebook waaaay too much. Why? I dunno. You tell me ;)

Try it Tuesday....New York Style Focaccia Sticks

Have you tried the newest product from New York Style brand? Focaccia Sticks come in 3 flavors: Roasted Garlic Herb, Rosemary Sea Salt and Quattro Formaggio. I picked up the Quattro Formaggio at my local Wal-mart for $2.48. I was intrigued by the ingredients in this one. Parmesan, Romano, Cheddar and Blue cheeses. The blue cheese hooked me into buying it. Weird how they spell it Blue, but isn't it really "bleu"?

Too bad I can't really differentiate between the cheeses. The blue/bleu cheese could be non-existent because I don't really taste it. Good gimmick, but please add more bleu cheese!

Here is what the company says about their new Focaccia sticks:

Focaccia Sticks are a tasty new snack from New York Style. These unique
snacking sticks are made from real focaccia bread at a traditional bakery in New
York City. Twice-baked for a hearty crunch and lightly seasoned with natural
herbs & spices, they are delicious snack right out of the bag or
to serve at parties with your favorite dips and spreads. They also add crunchy
flavor to your favorite soup or salad.

I loved that they are baked!

These sticks are about 2 to 2- 1/2 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide. You get 3 pieces for 70 calories, 4 grams fat, 7 carbs and 0 fiber. I think there's kind of an ouch factor for the fat grams given the size of the pieces. Eat 6 of these and you're consuming 8 grams of fat. See? Ouch. Plus, there are lots of broken ones in the bag, so good luck trying to count calories.

But I DO have to say that these are yummy. They are crunchy like a crouton yet more dense. More satisfying. I ate them with dip and it was yummo. I ate them with no dip and they were yummo. But my favorite was to dip them in my Wolfgang Puck soup. Extra yummo. Personally, for me a few goes a long way. I can get by with eating 3-4 of them.

Speaking of dip.....New York Style brand has a section of recipes on their website here.

New York Style also makes these:

• Bagel Crisps (I looove these!)


• Pita Chips


• Pretzel Flatz


• Crispini Flatbreads (never tried those but they are next!)

Plus, I hear they make a biscotti. Hmm.

It seems like everything New York Style brand makes is perfect for a party. GNO anyone??

EDIT: Speaking of bleu cheese.....a hint for the locals: Hobo's has the *best* beach bread with hot melty bleu cheese. Mmmm. Check it out.

Try it Tuesday.....Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites...Cheese and Spinach flavor

I had a coupon, so I was just waiting to spy these little appetizers at one of the local grocery stores. I didn't see them for a long time. Finally I found them, but had lost the coupon by then. They are kind of expensive at almost $4 a box, so I passed on them when I did see them. And,THEN, my local Meijer gave me a coupon to try them for FREE! Woot!

Pillsbury is always making products to tempt me. I'm a big, big carb eater (emphasis on BIG...big behind that is), so I really wanted to try the new Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites. They come in 3 flavors: Buffalo Style Chicken, Mozzarella-Pepperoni, and Cheese and Spinach. I figured the Cheese & Spinach would be my best bet. Don't get me wrong, I love anything made with puff pastry, but I'm not a big fan of buffalo flavored anything and I figured the mozzarella and pepperoni would taste too much like pizza. The cheese & spinach one sounds more like an appetizer-ish combo doesn't it?

There are 12 of these little cuties in a box. Individually, they aren't very big, but appetizers aren't supposed to be monsters. If I were to bring this appetizer to a party though, I'm sure I would need 2-3 boxes. So to me, the price is a little high. Bring it down Pillsbury and I will buy these more often! They are truly TASTY!

They are plump with just the right amounts of cheese and spinach. I can also really taste garlic, so if you like garlic, you will love these. If you aren't a fan, then you had better stay clear because like I said, I could definitely taste garlic.
Even my picky-eater kids tried these and liked them. We were all fighting over them, so we ended up having to split them up. Of course they wanted more. 12 small-ish appetizers don't go far with 5 people.

I bet I could get these cheaper at Wal-mart. I also wonder if they come in a larger size at say, Sam's Club or Costco?

I think I will try the mozzarella & pepperoni next time. Someone else can weigh in on the buffalo.
Now let me think....what other flavors would be tasty in these little puff pastries? How about crab & cream cheese? Artichoke? Bacon? Mushrooms? Oh the possibilities. And I wouldn't have to make them! Just knowing that I could buy something tasty to satisfy us all at a party, makes my cheese bubble! :)

As for the calories and fat....I didn't even look on the box before I threw it out...but something tells me I really didn't want to see it anyway. Hello? It's puff pastry and cheese.

Oh, if you would like a coupon for $1 off, visit the website here.

Next week, I hope to review the new Hershey Kisses....milk chocolate with MARSHMALLOW. Mmmm...those sound devilishly yummo. Something tells me I will find them at Target. Are they actually new? Or am I just behind on the times? Anyway, I've been a bad girl in the calorie and fat department lately and it shows.....but I have a feeling I won't find the willpower to get back to my normal routine until after Christmas. Bad, bad, bad.

Last but certainly not least....today is my niece Kara's birthday!

Happy Birthday to YOU Kara! Enjoy your day and be a little selfish by eating some chocolate and not sharing! Weeeee. Oh, and check your Facebook, I sent you some, "gifts". Luv you.