Product Review: California Pasta Shops Inc. - Fresh Handcut Gourmet Pasta

California Pasta Shops Fresh Handcut Pasta

33905 HARPER
CLINTON ,  MI  49236

Phone: 586.790.7080
Price: $$

In a pasta mood, I decided to try California Pasta Shops fresh Handcut Gourmet Pasta.  I am glad the grocery store had placed a "Made In Michigan" tag on the self to highlight this product, because due to its name I would have never guessed it was made here in Michigan.  A 1 lb. package of this pasta was only $3.19, a good value considering it makes enough pasta for 3-4 meals.

I followed the instructions on the packing, placing the pasta in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.  As son as the pasta was drained I immediately grabbed a noodle for my first taste test.  I was surprised, the pasta tasted perfectly al dente.  My only complaint is that some of the pasta failed to separate, causing a few dense clumps of pasta. Overall this pasta was just average, tasting better then boxed noodles, but not good as some other fresh pastas I have had.  

Leslie @ Munchin' Michigander. 

Product Review: Cardillo Pizza Sauce Seasoning - Spicy Mix

Carrillo Pizza Sauce Seasoning

Cardillo Seasonings
16751 Curtis
Roseville, MI 48066
Phone: 248.333.2425
Price: $





www.CardilloPizzaSpice.com

Browsing the aisles at Hillar's Market, I stumbled upon little packets of pizza sauce seasoning hanging on a chip clip in the pasta sauce section of the grocery store.  These intrigued me.  I immediately grabbed a packet and flipped it over to see what else was needed to make it.  All that was needed in addition to the seasoning packet was a 15oz can of tomato sauce and two tablespoons of olive oil.  I always have olive oil on hand, so at $1.69 for the seasoning pack and $0.99 for the tomato sauce, I tossed the little packet in my cart. 

This sauce was extremely easy to make, I grabbed a bowl and dumped in the tomato sauce, seasoning, and olive oil.  Whallah after a quick stir and about 30 seconds I had pizza sauce.  It smelled amazing, but it was time for the taste test.  I grabbed a spoon, stuck it in the sauce.  I was a little overwhelmed at first, this sauce packs a punch.  When they say "spicy mix' they are not kidding around.  The sauce has a really good flavor and I like spicy food, but this was a bit to spicy for me. 

Prepared Sauce

Overall I really like the concept of this sauce as tomato sauce is usually a staple item in most homes.  The seasoning packets are cheap enough and shelf stable, making them another easy item to keep on hand.  I often find myself craving pizza and having everything to create something resembling one, minus the sauce, so problem solved.  The flavor of this sauce is really delicious and I can't wait to try their "less spicy" verities.   

Below is a video from the Cardillo Pizza Sauce website, showing you just how easy it is to make their sauce.


Leslie @ Munchin' Michigander

Product Review: Towne Club Soda - Vanilla Cream

Towne Club Soda

6400 E 8 Mile Rd
Detroit, MI 48234
Price:$

Towne Club is a Michigan brand of soda pop.  It is produced and sold primarily in the Detroit, Michigan region.  Towne Club first started selling soda in the mid-1960s in its own retail outlets called "Pop Centers"  The concept was simple, 24 bottles of mix 'n match flavors were sold in wooden grates.  The prices were low, making it an affordable alternative to big brand soda companies.  In the mid- to late-1980s the company fell on hard times, closing its retail outlets.  Today Towne Club soda is still produced and sold in the Detroit area in both glass and plastic bottles.

 

While shopping at Hillar's Market in Ann Arbor, I was lucky enough to stumble upon this soda on sale for $0.88 in the beverage cooler.  Being a sucker for vanilla flavored soda I couldn't resist the chance to sample it.  I had never heard of this soda company so I wasn't sure what to expect.  The anticipation was killing me so I didn't waste time cracking open the cold glass bottle as soon as I got home.  YUM!!! was my  first reaction.  This was probably the best vanilla soda I have ever had.  I was born and raised in the Detroit are, so how did I not know something so delicious existed here?  The soda has an excellent flavor and will be making the top of my list for treats.  The only reason I am not giving this soda a full 5 stars is that it is just a tad to sweet for regular drinking.  Overall this is an amazing soda and I can't wait to try the other flavors.  

Towne Club Soda

16 fl oz. glass bottle - $0.99

Grape - Orange - Tropical Fruit Punch - Peach - Strawberry

Leslie @ Munchin' Michigander

 

Product Review: DeYoung's Fore Seasons Chipotle Blend

13501 Austin Court
Hartland Michigan 48353
Phone: 810.333.5531
Price: $




www.deyoungsforeseasons.com/

My husband and I had the opportunity to try DeYoung's Fore Seasons seasonings at a taste of Michigan tent while we were in Midland. We had committed to purchase a few of our favorite items to support our local entrepreneurs. Tasting all the products was a small feast to say the least, and DeYoung's Chipotle Blend was our top pick. Not only because it is made in my home town of Hartland, but it delivers a flavor explosion that leaves your taste buds begging for another bite.

Chipolte Blend is a mixture of 18 herbs and spices. This blend is not topping the scoville scale, but does pack a smokey heat. There are an array of recipes on DeYoung's website utilizing this seasoning. However, if you have meat and Chipolte Blend you have a 5 star meal in the making. Mix it in ground beef for burgers, or sprinkle on chicken, pork, beef, or fish, before grilling. However you end up using this seasoning, I promise you will run out of seasoning before you run out of flavor. Check for it at your local retailer.

Grilled Pork Chop Seasoned with Chipotle Blend.

Lindsey @ Munchin' Michigander