June has been a quiet, but busy month for me. Immersed in my internship, I’m finding that my work schedule leaves me with little time and energy to cook whole meals when I get home.
Luckily all four of my favorite finds of June are the perfect solution for dinnertime dilemmas because they’re easy to make and taste great without dirtying up the kitchen.
While great on their own, these products also are versatile enough to hold there own when incorporated into a homemade meal. The possibilities are endless, and the versatility is perfect for picnics, cookouts, or wherever your summer takes you.
Alexia Seasoned Waffle Cut Fries
Normally, I bypass potatoes because I’m usually not a fan of French fries or baked potatoes. However, a surprise craving for waffle fries of all things led me to Alexia’s seasoned waffle cut fries. They cook up nicely in the oven (or a toaster oven for small batches), and emerge piping hot and a delicious golden color. Seasoned with black pepper, sea salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and other delicious seasonings, these oven-baked fries are irresistibly salty, yet boost a complex flavor. I loved the satisfying crunch of the fries, and their lack of heaviness, which turns me off fast-food versions. My whole family loved them, and we’ve already stocked up with a couple more bags for our weekend cookouts!
Alexia products can be found at Wal Mart, Publix, Winn Dixie, and Wegmans. Use their product locator to find the nearest grocer to you that carries them. Check out Alexia’s website for more information about these, and other products.
Alexia products can be found at Wal Mart, Publix, Winn Dixie, and Wegmans. Use their product locator to find the nearest grocer to you that carries them. Check out Alexia’s website for more information about these, and other products.
Whole Foods Lentil Soup
Summer is usually too hot for soup, but I can not resist giving a shout out to Whole Food’s lentil and vegetable soup. Hands down one of the best prepared soups I’ve tried, I could eat this soup any time of year. The soup is hearty without being heavy, and features a delicious combination of lentils, carrots, onions, and other vegetables and seasonings. I can’t make a Whole Foods run without picking up a container (or two), and sorely miss this soup when I return to Maryland, as it appears to be a regional product.
Tres Pupusas Kale and Pinto Bean Pupusas
Tres Pupusas has made an appearance before on my month-end round up in March for their delicious black bean and sweet corn pupusas. They make a triumphant return to my mentionable list with a newly introduced vegan pususa: kale and pinto bean. I love these stuffed corn tortillas, which are a perfect snack or meal. I added some fresh homemade pico de gallo to add some extra oomph, and these transformed into one of the delicious and satisfying quick meals I’ve ever had. I will definitely be stocking up on these again, and dare say I they’re my favorite flavor of pupusa!
Tres Pupusas can be found at Whole Foods Market. Click here to learn more about them.
Tres Pupusas can be found at Whole Foods Market. Click here to learn more about them.
Three Bridges Chicken and Yellow Rice
Three Bridges, another Monthly Mentionable alumni, also has made a previous appearance on the blog with their chicken paella. Curious to check out their other products, I picked up a pack of their Latin-inspired chicken and yellow rice. Four minutes in the microwave transformed this meal into a wonderful gourmet meal, complete with chicken, black beans, peppers, and incredible saffron-infused rice. As with the Tres Pupusas flavor I showcased above, I dare say that I liked this Three Bridges product more than the paella, and it will definitely be entering my lunchtime lineup, as it produces enough food to carry me through two weekdays, and is easily dressed up with salsa, fresh cilantro, and other garnishments.
I have found Three Bridges products at Publix and Target. Check out their website here for more information.
I have found Three Bridges products at Publix and Target. Check out their website here for more information.
Disclaimer: This review is current to the original publication date. Updates will be noted. Ingredients and manufacturing processes can change without notice. Each product should be reviewed for individual nutritional needs. Feel free to to contact me with any questions or comments. I purchased all of the items featured in this post independently and it is a reflection of my personal opinion.
I have a question, is Alexia fries still gluten free? I have been trying to find the answer but keep getting conflicting information. Some say that when the expansion happened, they are no longer in a dedicated facility, thus having a potential for cross contamination.
To be honest, I don't know. I haven't bought their products in a while.