Gourmet Taste Trunk July Review

I want to introduce you to a fairly new subscription, Taste Trunk.  Lucky me that I won a great giveaway over at Ramblings of  a Suburban Mom for one of these great boxes from Taste Trunk. I had wanted to sign up for this great box since I heard of it, and after seeing the reviews I know I would have signed up. So, a free box was a great surprise. The most difficult part of signing up for this subscription was picking out just one of the box themes.  Taste Trunk gives you the option of the following boxes: Gourmet, Sweet. Healthy and BBQ. They all sounded and looked so good, the decision was sooo hard.

First, What is TasteTrunk? 

Taste Trunk is a monthly food subscription that sends out premium food, recipes, and discount coupons for goods right to your door each month. The monthly cost is $29. After picking either: Gourmet, Sweet , Healthy or BBQ, Taste Trunk will send you 5-10 (mostly full size) awesome/premium samples, and recipes to go with that product, in each monthly box.

After much deliberation I picked the Gourmet Taster Trunk. So , enough talk and on to the box.

July Gourmet Taste Trunk Box

At first look the Taste Trunk box won me over with it’s presentation. The box was stamped with hot wax, embellished with “Taste Trunk”. The information cards were nicely packaged in old fashion paper sack, and tied with red twine.  I truly appreciate when I box spends time on the packaging and presentation . It makes the experience of getting a monthly subscription so much more fun and enjoyable. 

The first look inside the box.

Cucina & Amore Artichoke Bruschetta- $3

Cucina & Amore is an International delicacies, and was founded in 1983. This Artichoke Bruschetta was made with the most fresh ingredients and full of flavor. I have not tried this yet, but it looks absolutely delish. I am a big fan of artichoke so I know I will like it.  I do think that this will be perfect on top of a slice of tomato with a piece of mozzarella. Mmmm yummy.

Susan’s Gourmet Mango Salsa- $4.25

I am a big fan of salsa. At first glance you can tell this is a great salsa, and the ingredients look so vibrant and fresh.  This will be perfect on top of some fresh fish. The recipe card actually states that this would be great with Halibut or Tilapia. Sounds like a perfect and healthy recipe for me! Cannot wait to try it out.

Mexico Lindo Hot Sauce-$3.50

I most definitely will be the only one trying this hot sauce out in my house, my fiance’ is not very fond of really spicy food. I may actually gift this to my parents to tell you the truth.  They love, love the hottest hot sauce you can find.  With the all-natural and fine ingredients I am sure this is a fantastic hot sauce.

Purely American Gilroy Garlic Pasta Stir Fry Mix- $6.25

This looks fantastic. Now if I only ate Pasta. However, this will be perfect for me bring to a BBQ dinner this summer to share with my friends and family.  This pasta mix came with everything that you need to make this garlic Pasta Stir Fry. The recipe card also recommends mixing in some zucchini and some other ingredients to make it even tastier.

Miners Mix OMGarlic Cheese Bread Spread- $5

Just the name screams yumminess.  This sounds a little like a powder ranch packet, since the instructions say to mix it with Mayonnaise. We are not big mayo eaters; however, the recipe card has a great recipe for Gilled Bacon Jalapeno Wraps, which my mother would love. You mix the OMGarlic Mix with cream cheese instead.  We most definitely will be trying this out, and possible impressing my mother will some grilled jalapenos! Yummy!

Community Spice Co. Prima Vera Spice Rub -$5

This spice mix is a blend of black pepper, sea salt, rosemary, onion, tomato powder, paprika, thyme, parsley, close, fennel, and corn oil.  I think this will be perfect on some pork tenderloin.  I love getting new spices and trying them out, especially when they are not too spicy. I think this will be perfect and delicious as well.

Oren’s Kitchen Coconut Chili Macadamias- $7

Yes please. You can send macadamias my way any day of the week; they are my favorite. These were delicious; the perfect amount of spicy and sweet with the crunch of the macadamia nut was perfect. I had a little bit of this as a snack right away, and then put some on top a mixed green salad. I am unfortunately all out now, so I will have to find where to buy some more soon.

Imperial Organic Vanilla Rooibus Chai Tea - $4

Always love getting tea. I think with all the tea I get I will be set for the rest of the year. But, Chai tea is one of my favorites, and I do not get it too often.  This full set of 18 tea bags will go into use right away.

Discount on The Andiron Seaside Inn and Cabins in Mendocino, CA

Taste Trunk also gave a card that says if you are in the California area and you stay at Andiron Inn you get 15% off your stay, which is awesome. Do not think I will be going to California soon, but a great something extra in the box for people heading that direction for a summer trip.

TICKLED PINK OPINION: This Gourmet Taste Trunk defiantly made me feel like I was on a voyage/ adventure across the world, in the form of amazing gourmet food finds.  All but 1 item in this amazing box was full size, which is also a huge plus in my eyes.  The whole Gourmet Taste Trunk box had a total value of approximately $38, even more if you use the discount on the Andiron Inn.  At a monthly cost of $29 it definitely was worth it.  The experience of this box in itself is very unique. It is great  to experience new things, and why not through food sometimes. I cannot wait to experience and see other boxes from Taste Trunk.

Would you like to go on an adventure through your taste buds? Well then, Taste Trunk is just at your finger tips. You can find out more about Taste Trunk or Sign up HERE.

Until next time…

Stay Tickled Pink,

Stephanie

My First Review of Love with Food

This is my second Love with Food Box. However, with all the hustle and bustle from last month, some how the Love with Food Box got pushed aside, and did not make it on my blog for review. How could I do such a thing?

I really have enjoyed the last two Love with Food boxes that I received, and made it a point to share this box with you this month. I like this box so much, that I also subscribe my parents to receive the Love with Food Box each month as well. So, I get a second and third opinion on each item in the box as well.

For May Love with Food Box themed their box around Mother's Day. As a celebration to Mom Love with Food focused each item in the box on breakfast in bed.

What is Love with Food you might wonder? Love with food is a monthly subscription box that allows you to sample gourmet food, and best of all it is delivered each month to your front door. The cost is $12 per month, but stay tuned at the end of this blog for a special promo code!

May's Mother's Day Love with Food Box

LATTE CANDY FROM BALI'S BEST

This was the first thing that I really wanted to taste. I really enjoy coffee and knew I would really like this candy. And, yes I did! I am not sure, however, that I got that kick that caffeine brings, but maybe a little bit of a sugar rush!

GREAT FULL COOKIE FROM THE COOKIE DEPARTMENT, INC.

This cookie I thought sounded a little weird when I first read the ingredients. Sweet Potato is what really caught me off guard. However, this cookie tasted just like an Oatmeal and Cranberry Cookie. Very delicious. I however could not eat this whole cookie, only a taste, as my diet (Yes, Diet. ugh) did not allow all the calories.

HAND DRIP COFFEE FROM 

CAFFE BORSA

I love Caffe Borsa coffee. I, however, have not had it in forever, as I always use my Kuerig Vue now. I will most certainly be taking this into work, and saving this as a little treat for a rainy day.

TOMATO CRUNCH FROM SNAPZ CRISPS

Very interesting. I have not tasted these yet, however, my parents were not a big fan. Maybe I will try this crumbled on top of a chicken breast and see how it tastes. At first thought, it sounds delicious, as I really enjoy tomatoe. Maybe third taste is a charm on the taste factor.

AUTHENTIC ALMOND BISCOTTI FROM BICOTTI BARI

I have never really been a big fan of biscotti, as it always hurt my gums when I eat it. (I have sensitive gums). But I do have an office full of wonderful people, who would love a little biscotti treat. I was told that it taste wonderful from the parents.

ORIGINAL "SLAP YO MAMA" 

CAJAN SEASONING

I am the biggest fan of cajan seasoning, it tastes good on anything. I cannot wait to rub this on some chicken breast. I opened a little corner of the packet, and it smells unbelievable. Yummy!

STRAWBERRY PRESERVES FROM BONNE MAMAN

This will be perfect for a PB and Jelly sandwich for our little one. The only jelly we use at our house is strawberry, so this was perfect! Good job Love with Food!

MRS. MAY'S PUMPKIN CRUNCH

This was  my Mystery Item in my May Box. I have tried Mrs.May's before, but never pumpkin crunch. It is a very healthy snack: wheat free, vegan, gluten and dairy free as well!

WHOO HOO BONUS

Love with Food also included a discount promo from Club W, which is great because I never can pass up a good wine. Love with Food also included a 40% promo at Cooksf. 

Overall, I am very pleased with Love with Food Box, and most importantly the last two boxes have been excellent. I always enjoy tasting and experimenting with new little snacks, so this box is perfect. Glad I can finally share it with you.

How did you like this month's LOVE WITH FOOD? If you are interested in signing up for Love with Food you can HERE, and to get your first box for Free (you still have to pay shipping) using Promo Code FBGIFT.

Until next time...

Stay Tickled Pink,

Stephanie

Tip Top Tidbit Tuesday- Quick Fix Chicken and Steak Stirfry

This week for my Tip Top Tidbit Tuesday, I am sharing another quick and healthy recipe that has become a hit at my house. One thing that I deal with in my home, is that I have some tummies that are very very particular about what they eat, especially with veggies.  I also like to have a follow up plan for leftovers like chicken or steak, that were cooked the night before. I have found that this Stirfry recipe is perfect because it works well with any type of veggie or meat, it is healthy, very quick, and is perfect for leftover meat. This Stirfry recipe I call Quick Fix Chicken and Steak. (Very unique, I know!)

Step 1: 

THE SAUCE INGRIDIENTS

2 Parts SOY SAUCE

Lemon juice to taste

1 Part Sweet Hot Mustard

I like to use Less Salt Soy Sauce, as soy sauce is so salty.  This helps   improve the healthiness of the recipe.  I then add in the Sweet Hot Mustard and mix together. Then, squeeze fresh lemon juice. I like to taste as I go, and add any ingredient I feel needs more according to taste.

Step 2: Chop up the leftover chicken breast and sirloin steak.

Step 3: Chop up any veggies that you like to add to Stirfry. I like to use Snow Peas; Celery; Carrots and Broccoli.

Step 4: Prepare cold bath for Veggies. This is for blanching the veggies.

Step 5: Add chopped up meat and sauce into pan. I like to cook at medium heat, so that I have time to blanch my veggies. I do not add any butter or oil on pan, nothing sticks to pan at all in this recipe.  I try not to add the added fat if I can avoid it.

Step 6: About 5 minutes into cooking meat (actually just reheating and allowing for some absorbing of the sauce into the meat), I then will add all my chopped up veggies to boiling water.

Step 7:  I allow the veggies to cook for 5 minutes, and then quickly plunge all my veggies into my cold bath. This stops them from cooking, and makes the veggies the perfect consistency; not too hard and not to soft or soggy.

Step 8: I then add the veggies to the meat and sauce mix. I allow the stirfry to simmer all together for about 10 minutes or until hot.  I do not like to cook the veggies more than I have to , as it makes them soggy, so I add them to the meat mixture at the last moment.

And then ENJOY!

In my house my other half likes rice, so we always have some ready. In our white or brown rice we add some frozen veggie mix to the steamer after cooking, and then mix together. This is very good. I try harder to stay away from rice.

I hope you enjoyed my Tip Top Tidbit Tuesday recipe.

Until next time…

Stay Tickled Pink,

Stephanie