Cole's Quality Foods New Stuffed Bread Snacks are Taking the Frozen Food Aisle by Storm! (Review) #tastymiddles

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Middles combine consumers two favorite things – bread and cheese.  What’s not to love?

It wasn't until I had kids of my own that I realized just how busy parents are, and especially how busy my mom was raising my two brothers and I growing.  She was always on the ball with things, including snack time after we got off the school bus. It was like clockwork she would say, when we walked through the door and dropped our backpacks...we would head to the fridge looking for a drink and quick snack to hold us over until dinner.  And, with three kids with different food tastes, it was a challenge for her to have snacks on hand for each of us to grab.  Now, I am experiencing this firsthand with my two girls.  Savannah is my picky eater, while Bella is more willing to sample foods and has a bigger list of foods she will eat.  

If I let Savannah, she could live off of bagels, mac and cheese, cold cuts, toast with peanut butter and chicken noodle soup.  Snack time is always a challenge with her, as I have to make sure the fridge is stocked with jello, pudding, cheese sticks and apple sauces for her.  But, from time to time she grows tired of these and will start looking for something new to try.  This happened the other day, and it was a good thing that samples of Cole's Quality Food's Middles arrived in the mail to sample.  

What are Middles you ask? 

"Middles are the next best thing shaking up the snacking world from leading frozen bread manufacturer, Cole’s Quality Foods, Inc. Each Middle is stuffed with a delicious, creamy cheese – bringing together all of your favorite things in the simplest way ever. Simply pop in the oven or microwave and enjoy. And because options are everything, you can enjoy six varieties that allow you to customize every snack, dinner, and breakfast. Now go grab a bite!"

We received three of of the Middles which are available at most Walmart stores -- Mac & Cheese filling, cream cheese filling and beer cheese filling.  Use the online store locator to find a retailer who carries Cole’s Quality Foods, Inc. Middles -- https://tastymiddles.com/stores/.

Both of the girls thought the illustrations on the boxes were cute.  But, when I told them the flavors they were hesitant at first to try them out.  They weren't sure how bread with mac and cheese inside would taste. You can either cook these up in the microwave (3 middles for 1 cook time and 1 minute rest time) or in the oven for 7-9 minutes.

I usually like cooking frozen foods in the oven over the microwave because it tastes better and the food is not as soggy.  I told my girls to give the Middles a try, and I am glad they listened as this snack was a hit with the girls. While they loved all three varieties, they both agreed that the Mac and Cheese one was their favorite.  

There was just the right amount of mac and cheese stuffed inside the warm bread, making them oh so delicious.  

I was a fan of the 8 everything bagel with cheese cheese.  If you love everything bagels, then you will love this Middles variety.

 

And the smoothness of the cream cheese center makes the warmed up Middles melt in your mouth.  I could eat a whole box of these if no one was looking. They were that good! :-)

I am so happy we had a chance to sample these stuffed breads as now I have one more snack food to have on hand for the girls (and I) to enjoy when they are looking raid the fridge for a snack.  And, because these stuffed breads cook up quick, they can satisfy their hunger and then go run and have fun as I start dinner.  And, clean up is a breeze as there is never anything left over. :-)  Just an empty plate to wash.

So, if you kids at home and are looking for a way to make snack time easier and less stressful, why not pick up a few boxes of Middles to have on hand.  These outrageously delicious heat-and-serve stuffed bread snack are sure to be a hit with everyone in your family.  The hard part will be just keeping your freezer stocked with them.  I had to run out to Walmart the other day and pick up more of the mac and cheese Middles as the girls asked for it and were sad when they found we were out.  Thankfully Walmart is a few minutes away.  So, in under 15 minutes we were able to run to Walmart and then home to microwave a plate of these tasty stuffed bread snacks. :-)

--BUY NOW--

You can find Middles  in the freezer section at grocery, club, supermarket and convenience stores nationwide, including Walmart, for a suggested retail price of $3.99 per 10.8-ounce box. Each box contains eight tasty bread bites.  

Middles ( www.tastymiddles.com) are available in six different varieties, including:

• Plain Bread stuffed with 5 Cheese
• Plain Bread stuffed with Mac And Cheese
• Plain Bread stuffed with Plain Cream Cheese
• French Toast Bagel stuffed with Sweet Cream Cheese
• Everything Bagel stuffed with Plain Cream Cheese
• Pretzel Bread stuffed with Beer Cheese

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About Cole’s Quality Foods 
Tasteful since 1943, Cole’s Quality Foods is a leader and innovator of frozen bakery products. In 1972, Cole’s invented the first frozen garlic bread. Today, the family-owned company produces a complete line of frozen bread products sold in grocery, club, mass merchandise and supermarket stores across the United States. For more information, visit www.coles.com.

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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New from Pirate’s Booty® -- Pirate’s Booty Carrot Snacks (Made with Real Carrots) and Pirate’s Booty Crunchy Treasures (Review)

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Savannah has become known as the Pirate's Booty girl at her preschool, because she continues to bring in bags of these tasty snacks to share at snack-time with her classmates.  And, each and every time the kids see her with bags of Pirate's Booty in the AM at drop-off, they get excited as they have all become fans themselves. :-)  

So, when I found out that there were two new product additions to the popular Pirate's Booty brand, I couldn't wait for Savannah to try them, and share with her friends at school.  But, before we could pack up the bags to bring to school, Savannah and Bella caught sight of them and had to have a little taste test.  And, that taste test led to them finishing up the two bags of Pirate's Booty that we were sent. :-)

As a parent to two picky eaters, I love when I stumble upon a non-sugary snack food that the girls will eat, and will ask for when they get hungry. Since trying Pirate's Booty snack puffs last year in veggie and aged white cheddar varieties with my family, we have been hooked. In addition to buying and bringing in bags to Savannah's school, I also make a point to have a few bags in the pantry for snack time, or to pull out when the girls have their friends over. Just like salty snacks most of us find ourselves reaching for, Pirate's Booty snacks will have you reaching for more and not being able to stop after just one.  I know, as I have personally found myself opening up a bag for the girls, and helping them finish it, as they are just that good!

"Pirate’s Booty Crunchy Treasures is baked rice and corn puffs in four pirate-themed shapes – X marks the spots, anchors, ship wheels and parrots – and blended with real aged white cheddar cheese.  Crunchy Treasures is made without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.  The snack is also gluten, peanut and tree nut free and has 0g of trans fat per serving."

While I knew my girls would like the Pirate’s Booty Crunchy Treasures as they are just like the other Pirate’s Booty corn puffs made of aged white cheddar, but now in fun pirate's shapes, I wasn't sure if they would like the new Carrot Snacks variety, which is made with sea salt.  

Pirate’s Booty Carrot Snacks are baked to create a crispy puff that is not only tasty but also provides an excellent source of Vitamin A

This baked carrot and corn puffs snack is Gluten-free, has 0 grams of trans fat per serving, and doesn't include artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, which as a parent I love knowing. 

When we received the two Pirate's Booty samples recently, I was surprised to find the girls reaching for the Carrot Snacks first.  They saw the pirate snacking on the carrot in the picture on the bag, but also saw the puffs, which to them looked like cheddar cheese puffs.  If I hadn't told them that this corn puff snack contained carrots, they would have never known.  They both just said it tasted like a cheese puff -- even though it has no cheese in it at all -- just looks like one.  :-)

An excellent source of Vitamin A, this new addition the Pirate's Booty snack line, will definitely become a favorite among kids and adults.  Needing a mid-morning or afternoon snack, or snack to include your child's lunch box?  Why not give your kids these tasty carrot snacks?  My girls continue to ask for these baked carrot and corn puffs, and tomorrow for snack time at Savannah's school, the class will be munching on these healthy corn puffs (with most not realizing they are eating carrots) :-)

Pirate’s Booty Crunchy Treasures and Pirate’s Booty Carrot Snacks (retails for only $3.19) are already available at most natural channel retailers nationwide. For more information and the Pirate's Booty store locator, please visit www.piratebrands.com. 

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Pirate Brands

Pirate Brands has been creating deliciously baked snack treasures since 1987. Pirate Brands was founded on the belief that you shouldn’t have to “snackrifice” taste and fun for products made with goodness.  Pirate Brands’ snacks, which include Pirate’s Booty, Smart Puffs and Original Tings, are free from fryers and ingredients you can’t pronounce, Arrrrrr. For more information, please visit www.piratebrands.com.

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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No Bake Valentine's Day School Party Ideas from Pepperidge Farm (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

With all of this snow that we have had to deal with, and so many missed days of schools, the last thing on my mind has been what to make for Savannah to bring for her Valentine's Day party.  I was lucky that I remembered to buy her cards to sign and hand out, during a recent trip to buy milk and more ice melt for the ice dams on the roof and icy walkways.  I know that I am not alone in feeling stressed and all over the place.  Not only do the holidays seem to happen one right after the other, without a little breathing room, but as parents we have to be ready when a school event or activity notice comes home with your child, or you are reminded at the last minute that your child signed you up for 2-3 dozen cupcakes or cookies for a party they forgot all about.  

I wasn't planning to have to make something for Savannah's Valentine's Day party, as we were expecting snow on her planned party day, and school was cancelled.  But, teachers decided to move it to this past Wednesday, leaving me to try to figure out with a day's notice what to make or pick up.  I always told myself that once I had kids that I would bake and so all these fun things for school parties and events.  I never factored in the tiredness I would feel caring for two little ones, and always being on the go with after school clubs or activities.  My window for baking is slim to none usually. And, with the recent snow and ice dams on our roof, the kitchen is the last place I want to be tired up in unfortunately.

But, I still needed to come up with a non-candy snack to send Savannah to school with.  What did I go with?  Well, what child (or adult for that matter -- yes, I am guilty, too!) doesn't love goldfish to snack on.  I could probably find a few in the backseat of the car right now, as the girls love to snack on the when we are out and about.  I received a box of 2 oz. Goldfish grab and go containers thanks to the kind folks at Pepperidge Farm, to share with my daughter's class.  

The box came an hour before we were to leave for school -- cutting it close, right?  But, with the help of Savannah and Bella, we cut ribbons and attached the cute snack size boxes to their already signed Valentine's Day cards.  

And, you know what?  They were a hit with the kids at school.  While the kids had bags filled with candies, and a dessert table that looked like a feast, the kids quickly ripped open the Goldfish boxes and poured these cheddar snacks onto their plate.  

When the kids were playing with their food, they would pop a Goldfish in their mouth, and let out a "Yum!"  Even the teachers agreed that this was an unexpected and welcomed snack for the party.  Thanks, Pepperidge Farm for saving the day! :-)

On the off chance that Grab & Go Goldfish Crackers are not a favorite of your child, why not consider picking up Single Serve Milano Cookies or even On the Go Mini Chessmen Butter Cookies to send your child to school with.  

Not only do these on the go snack portions make for a great lunch box treat, but kids will love seeing these alongside your child's Valentine's Day card, or at the dessert table.  And, teachers will love getting some, too, to enjoy with their morning coffee, or at home, after a long day with the kids.  I for one love to stock up on the Single Serve Milano Cookies, and dip them into my hot chocolate at night time.  It is a nice "me time" treat for this chocoholic.

So, stop stressing over what you can whip up in the kitchen tonight for tomorrow's Valentine's Day party at your child's school. Instead, drive to your local supermarket or favorite retailer, and pick up snack size servings of some of Pepperidge Farm's favorite tasty snacks.  Your child's class and teachers will love them, and you will be able to spend time with the family, instead of rushing around in the kitchen trying to bake last minute -- which is never fun.

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More about Pepperidge Farm and their Snack Size Product Offering Perfect for Valentine's Day --

"Help your little ones show their appreciation for friends and teachers this Valentine’s Day with these tasty snack options from Pepperidge Farm. The perfect complement to those superhero, princess and cartoon V-Day cards, these single-serve items will be an instant classroom hit.

Grab & Go Goldfish Crackers: Available in Cheddar, Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar, Colors, Grahams Vanilla Cupcake and more, these snacks are not only delicious, but an easy way to share the love with classmates. The fun Valentine’s Day packaging is an added bonus!

Single Serve Milano Cookies: The perfect treat for a classroom V-Day themed snack party. These single serve classic chocolate cookies will be a big hit. Bonus: Teachers will be sure to swoon over this Valentine’s Day treat as well.

On the Go Mini Chessmen Butter Cookies: The long time favorite, available in easy to share individual packs, is a great alternative for the little ones and teachers who would love a delicious, chocolate-free treat."

To learn more about these and other tasty snack ideas for your child's upcoming Valentine's Day, or even to send with their lunch as a snack, visit the Pepperidge Farm website today -- http://www.pepperidgefarm.com/.  I even include these snack size packs in goodie bags at birthday parties, and even add to Easter baskets, hand out at Halloween, etc., as an alternative to candy.  Kids always love them, and eat them right up! That is if the parent's don't snatch them up first. :-)

Don't forget to follow them on their social media channels for updates on new product additions, special offers and more....

• Pepperidge Farm on Facebook
• Pepperidge Farm on Twitter

Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar 1 Oz. Bags Make the Perfect Non-Candy Stocking Stuffer Idea

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Are you all done holiday shopping for your kids?  How about getting all those little odds and ends to add to their stockings?  If you still have a few things to get and don't want to fill your child's stocking with sugar rush candy, why consider Pirate's Booty aged white cheddar baked rice and corn puffs snack?

My family loves Pirate's Booty snacks, as well as their line of mac and cheese products.  

And, recently,  I had the chance to introduce my daughter's preschool class to Pirate's Booty baked puff snacks when I brought in a few bags of their aged cheddar cheese rice and corn puffed snack for snack time.  The kids loved it, including those who had gluten allergies.  The teachers told me the kids kept asking for a refill of their snack cup.  And, when I came to pick Savannah up, I overheard a few of the kids telling their moms about the great tasting cheddar snack they had at snack time and asked if they could get some for home.

I am familiar with Pirate's Booty aged white cheddar baked rice and corn puffs snack that comes in 4 oz. bags, but was happy to learn yesterday that this family favorite snack also is available in 1 oz. bags, perfect for on the go snacking, or to give to kids at home to enjoy as an afternoon snack or when watching movies.  

And, as the holidays approach, I see these 1 oz. snack bags making for the perfect non-candy idea to add to your child's stocking.  Kids can enjoy the aged white cheddar baked rice and corn puffs snack from Pirate's Booty as they open up their gifts, or afterwards when they are playing with the toys, or waiting for the holiday dinner to be ready.  

You can find Pirate's Booty aged white cheddar baked rice and corn puffs snack in the snack aisle of your favorite local retailer, as well as through the Pirate's Booty website as well as Amazon.com.  To learn more about Pirate's Booty and their line of products, visit: http://www.piratebrands.com/pirates-booty/snacks.

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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