Candy Review: Pretzel M&M's

Candy Review: Pretzel M&M's, originally uploaded by predictablyhungry.

As some of you may know, I'm always on the look out to try new things. Especially new versions of junk food (cereals, chips, candies, etc.)

While at the drugstore the other day I ran across this impulse buy item (yes, it was near the register) for 89 cents.

I'm not a huge fan of pretzels or chocolate, but anything sweet and salty I am. So I impulsively grabbed the bag and threw it on the countertop as the lady rang me up.

Once I got home, I tore open the bag and began devouring the candy. Yes, devouring. They're good! Not as salty as I'd like, but I definitely prefer them over the other M&M's.

They're about the size of peanut M&M's except they're more round than oval shaped. They look rather deformed (bumpy, not smooth like other M&M products), but I suppose that's because pretzel balls aren't entirely smooth.

They have the traditional candy coated shell, with a thin layer of milk chocolate underneath that covers the pretzel ball.

They taste more like the sweetness of the chocolate than the expected saltiness of the pretzel. The inside texture is reminiscent of malt balls.

Before I finished the bag I made sure to bite the last one in half and photograph it (for your viewing pleasure).

Are they "rush out and buy them" good? No, I don't think so. But if given the choice of the millions of M&M's sold I'd buy these or the coconut ones.

Cinnabon Cinnamon Crunch Cereal

Cinnabon Cinnamon Crunch Cereal, originally uploaded by danajohnhill.

I stumbled upon this at grocery outlet and was intrigued.

I LOVE cinnamon.

I LOVE cinnabon.

I LOVE cereal.

So I have to LOVE this stuff, right? Went ahead and bought a box for about $2.00 (I wouldn't buy an unknown cereal at regular price).

And as soon as I got in the car, I popped the box open. Crunches later I was undecided. It's okay dry. Slightly sweet, but kinda tough on the teeth.

So I get home, and you know, threw some in a bowl with milk. Not bad, not bad at all. Reminds me a lot of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but the only difference (besides shape) is that they don't get soggy nearly as quickly.

I'll finish the box, but not sure if I'll buy another (definitely not at full price).

Kitchen Sink Cookies

Kitchen Sink Cookies, originally uploaded by predictablyhungry.

I recently stumbled upon a recipe called "Killer Cookies," and gave it a try. They were absolutely amazing, but I felt that I could make some changes and tailor them more to my tastes.

I prefer to call them "Kitchen Sink Cookies" as everything in my entire kitchen is thrown into them.

What you'll need:

- 1.5 cups all purpose flour

-1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup vegetable shortening (solid)

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1 cup light brown sugar

- 2 eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 2 cups old fashioned oats

- 2 cups rice krispies

- 1 cup sweetened flake coconut

- 3 ounces chocolate chips

- 3 ounces white chocolate chips

What you'll need:

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees and place parchment paper on cookie sheets!

2. In small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk and set aside.

3. In large bowl, beat shortening, both sugars on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in vanilla.


4. On low speed, gradually add flour/sugar mixture and beat until just combined. Stir in oats, rice krispies, coconut, and chocolate chips.

5. Form balls with 2 tablespoons of dough and place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.


6. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.