I recently received a trio of gourmet, all-natural french fries for review from Alexia Foods.  So far, we’ve done a number on two of ‘em, and I’m liking what I’ve seen.

First up, we had Alexia’s new Parmesan Lemon Waffle Fries.  Lemon and french fries struck me as an odd combination at first, but it really made for a unique and tasty fry. It wasn’t a bold citrus flavor, but instead just a hint of lemon paired with the  parmesan.  The texture and crispiness were ideal and this is definitely a good option for a more refined fry.  Plus, who doesn’t love a waffle fry?

Prefer to go the sweet potato route? Well good news for you, Alexia Foods has options to choose from.  I tried the Sweet Potato Puffs. Crispy on the outside and still soft on the inside, they met my standards of what makes a top-notch potato. They make a great side to grilled steak or chicken!

I do want to note that I found the recommended cooking time to be a bit off, so keep in mind you might want to extend the time the fries and puffs are in the oven.  Go with the directions, but just be prepared if you need to add another 5-10 minutes on.

Overall, these spuds were winners in my book! While I’ve only dug into two varieties, Alexia Foods has a seriously extensive line up of potatoes, fries and other products including onion rings and rolls. There’s a coupon on the Alexia Foods website, so go check them out for yourselves!

And I’m off. See you in June!

There are tons of breakfast and granola bar options out there, so it’s never easy to make a decision on what to buy.  I always spend several minutes reading labels looking for something that offers whole grains, fiber and is lower in cals. Oh and of course something that tastes good. Unfortunately, the options aren’t overwhelming.  I was recently introduced to KRAFT MilkBite Bars and received a couple flavors for review.  On paper they boast even more than what I’m looking for:

• Good source of Vitamin D
• 5g of Protein
• 3g of Fiber
• No artificial flavor, colors, or preservatives
• No high fructose corn syrup
• 7g of Whole Grains
• Made with real milk and calcium to provide the same amount calcium as an 8 oz glass of milk (which offers 30% of your daily recommended value of calcium)

With that line up of features, I was excited to give them a try.

So what did I find? They’re good! They are soft and chewy, and you can actually taste the granola flavor which I like.  I sampled both the Chocolate and the Strawberry. I have to say, I am picky when it comes to fruit in my granola bars, but these impressed me!  I wish they had more fiber, but overall I was pleased with the surplus of other healthy benefits.

Unlike most granola bars, these need to be stored in the fridge (because they really aren’t messing around about the “real milk” thing!)

Whether you enjoy one for breakfast or a snack, they are a nice new option to the granola bar market.  Look for them in a grocer near you in the refrigerated dairy aisle.  KRAFT MilkBite bars come in Strawberry, Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Raisin & Mixed Berry. You can bet the Peanut Butter is next on my list.

Get more info on their KRAFT MilkBite Facebook page.

I’ve searched for other options. In terms of orange juice, I’ve tried Trop50 and wasn’t a fan. It just didn’t taste like juice. I’ve also tried Ocean Spray Light  in Cranberry along with other flavors, but again, I think the flavor suffers, and it is less like a juice.  I came back to square one–drinking limited amounts of juice and avoiding the “diet” versions all together.

And then I came across Old Orchard Cranberry Naturals (well technically they came across Cooking with Coley and provided me with review samples).  Like the other light juices I tried, the bottle and nutrition facts promise no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners, but it also boasts 40% less sugar and 20% more cranberry juice than other leading brands.  I was intrigued.

I sampled both the Classic Cranberry as well as a Cranberry Grape and unlike the others was immediately a fan.  They both taste like what you would expect these juices to taste like. The slightly sourness couples with the sweetness to produce a delightfully refreshing juice cocktail.

It is important to note that it is just that, a juice cocktail, made from concentrate and isn’t 100% natural juice BUT it is naturally sweetened with Truvia.

I think you’ll like it too! And Old Orchard has so generously offered me coupons for a giveaway.  Want to enter? Just comment on why you want to try the Cranberry Naturals, and you’ll be entered to win up to 4 FREE bottles plus additional coupons.  Comment on Cooking with Coley’s Facebook page or on in the comments section of the blog post.  All entries must be received by Sunday, March 11, 2012. UPDATE:  The contest has been extended to Sunday, March 17, 2012.

Old Orchard Cranberry Naturals are sold in select retailers that can be located through their website.

And then it did. In the past few months, some of the former restaurants like the beloved El Pelon finally returned to their old locations while new establishments have also opened their doors. Among the openings included Swish Shabu.

Shabu refers to a Japanese cooking method. Using a table-side hot pot, individuals cook very thinly sliced meat, seafood and vegetables in a boiling Asian-style broth. Think fondue but far healthier. 

While I’m no Shabu connoisseur, I am a lover of good food. And this is good food.

The menu is packed with options for everyone–from meat lovers to vegetarians, you’re sure to find something, actually many things, to enjoy.  My favorites to date have been the white fish, sirloin beef, assorted mushrooms and watercress.  The Tom Yum broth is my soup base of choice, as it’s the perfect combo of bold flavors–both sweet and spicy.

With reasonable prices and a delightful wait staff, this new spot in Fenway is sure to be a star in the revived strip of restaurants.  Come to the Fenway ’hood and check out Swish Shabu. You won’t regret it!

(617) 236-0255

84-86 Peterborough St

Boston, MA 02215

Here’s an easy and delicious recipe for healthy chicken and veggie enchiladas. Follow it exactly, add in different veggies, or scrap the chicken–customize these to your liking but still feel guilt free afterwards.

What you’ll need: (With no sides, this makes 2 1/2 servings)

• 1 large breast of chicken (either a boneless skinless, or a split chicken breast)
• Low carb tortillas (Cedars or Joseph’s)
• 1 small can green enchilada sauce
• 1/2 cup light Mexican shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup fat free refried beans
• 1/2 can corn
• 1/2 red pepper, sliced thin
• 1/2 green pepper, sliced thin
• 1/2 onion, slice thin
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 1/2 tbsp EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
• Taco Seasoning
• Hot sauce of choice
• Cilantro for garnish and extra flavor (optional)

Procedure:

• Boil chicken for 30-40 minutes, until cooked through. Cool and pull (so it’s shredded)
• Once chicken is shredded, place to the side and saute onions, peppers and garlic until tender in EVOO
• Once veggies are tender, add chicken, corn, toss and add taco seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, hot sauce optional at this point)
• Layer refried beans in the center of each tortilla, spread the chicken and veggies over the beans; top with a little cheese and a spoonful of enchilada sauce
• Use a little beans to help seal the tortilla closed
• Bake at 450 for 15 minutes; add the remaining cheese and sauce and bake for 5 more minutes (or until the outside of the tortilla is crispy)
• Serve with cilantro on top!

So, I thought that I at least owe you all a tip.

Love baked potatoes but hate those unhealthy toppings? Sour cream and butter add a lot of extra cals, so how about adding something equally delicious but far more nutritious. One word for you - Tzatziki.

My lovely fiance is the one who started this habit in our house, and he got me hooked. Tzatziki, for those of you who aren’t familiar with it, is a Greek cold yogurt sauce.  It’s made from cucumbers, garlic, salt and some variety of olive oil, pepper or other added flavors.  Sound familiar? Maybe you’ve had it on a gyro.

You can make your own, or buy it in the aisle at your local grocer where you would buy hummus.  We like the Cedar’s brand.

Restaurant Highlight: I’ve been to plenty of new restaurants in 2011–some new for me and some new to market. Across North America, across food genres, across styles. From the finest in dining in NYC at Wylie Dufresne’s WD-50 to a hole in the wall burrito place in the Bay Area to Central Grocery’s muffaletta sandwich in New Orleans. Some places stood out and warranted reviews and praise. Some were forgettable where I can hardly even remember what I ate.

It’s tough to pick a favorite dining experience of 2011, so I won’t. What I will do, as a Boston native, is to highlight a new Boston restuarant that was delightful and delicious.  I’m going to have to give a shout out to Sweet Cheeks Q in Boston. This new hot spot in Fenway opened just over a month ago. With a smokey aroma luring in all of Boylston Street and Top Chef runner up, Tiffani Faison, essentially cooking in front of you in the open kitchen, it’s no surprise this place draws in the crowds.  The food doesn’t disappoint, nor does the drink menu, so check this place out next time you’re in the Fenway ‘hood. This place is sure to continue to make a name for itself in 2012.

Recipes: 2012 was certainly a year of cooking for me. Trying new ingredients, flavors and just having fun in the kitchen. While I first whipped up this dish almost a year ago, my Asian Noodle Salad recipe has been prepared time and time again. As a quick healthy dinner option or a family party hit, this salad has all the asian fixins to delight.

And in case you missed ‘em the first time around, there are a few other faves that I recommend checking out: Chili Garlic Edamame, Fiesta Pasta Salad and the deliciously rich Pesto Genovese with Orecchiette.

So Happy New Year all and thanks for your loyal readership in 2011! I’m off to celebrate in Hoboken with good friends, good food and perhaps a cocktail or two.  Cheers!

Rice + turkey sausage. It was practically an instant meal.  I sauteed the turkey sausage patties with some chopped red bell pepper and then added in the rice.  No extra seasoning or flavor was needed because the rice was so incredibly flavorful on its own.

Well, maybe I did end up adding some hot sauce, only because I love me some spicy.

Following is a quick recipe, if you’re looking for an easy dinner idea. But even if you’re just looking for a side, I highly recommend the Neuva Cocina Mexican Rice.  You won’t be disappointed. The classic Mexican dish (original to the Oaxaca region of Mexico they tell me), combines onions, garlic,  traditional Mexican seasonings with corn, tomatoes, carrots and roasted Poblano chiles. This isn’t your standard box of rice!

What you’ll need: (for approximately 4 servings)

• 1 box of Nueva Cocina Arroz a la Mexicana  (Mexican Rice)
• 3 servings of turkey sausage (I used patties)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (or any pepper you have on hand; I just liked adding a veggie of sort)

Procedure

• Cook rice according to the box directions
• Saute turkey sausage until cooked through
• Remove sausage from pan and cut sausage into bite size pieces
• Add sausage back into pan and add bell pepper; continue to saute for another five minutes
• Add cooked rice into sausage and peppers, mix
• Serve with hot sauce (optional) and enjoy!

Recently, Allen’s sent me a couple samples of its Popeye Spinach for review. I don’t traditionally buy canned spinach, so I was interested to give it a shot.  Combined with a few other ingredients, it made for a delicious pasta recipe!

What you need:

• 2 servings of whole wheat pasta; I love Wegmans’ Super Pasta
• 1/2 cup Popeye Spinach canned
• 2 tbsps Bella San Luci Sun Dried Tomato Halves (I’m officially obsessed with Bella San Luci Sun Dried Tomatoes and I’ve been using them in and on everything.)
• 1 tbsp chopped sun dried tomatoes (your standard dried version)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp Pecorino Romano Cheese (plus extra for serving)

Procedure: 

• Combine spinach, sun dried tomato halves and garlic in food processor
• Add 1 tbsp Pecorino Romano cheese
• Heat spinach pesto mixture in a pan; once heated toss in pasta and chopped sun dried tomatoes
• Serve with extra cheese and enjoy!

If you like this recipe, you should also check out Bella San Luci’s Sun Dried Tomoato Bruschetta and Pasta Genovese with Orecchiette Pasta.

We went to this new hot spot in Fenway last night. With a smokey aroma luring in all of Boylston Street and Top Chef runner up, Tiffani Faison, essentially cooking in front of you in the open kitchen, it’s no surprise there was a packed house.

While the place is still experiencing some growing pains (some overwhelmed bartenders and a kitchen in the weeds on a slammed Friday night), the friendly service, the ambiance and most importantly the delicious food will keep me going back for more.

The Eats: The menu is straightforward. None of that overly complicated stuff.  You can expect to order anything and everything you really need in terms of BBQ –from pulled pork, pork ribs, short ribs, brisket and pork belly to delicious sides like the aforementioned mac and cheese and baked beans.  Recommendations?

• We kicked off the dining experience with fried okra and honey biscuits — a great prelude to the meal.   The over-sized biscuits paired with honey butter were perfectly sweet and delicious. The okra was lightly breaded, crispy and not greasy.
• The pulled pork was my favorite, but I also tried the pork belly and short ribs which were impressively flavorful and tender.
• And for sides?  The broccoli and cheese casserole was especially rich but still quite yummy.  The creamy mac and cheese with breadcrumbs and bbq beans were my favorites.

The meat comes sauce-less, so you can enjoy every bit of the smokey taste.  As a condiment lover, I tend to pour on the sauce but it just wasn’t needed!  While I added a touch of the table bbq sauce and tad of the hot sauce, I didn’t want to overpower the incredible flavor packed in the meat itself.

The Drinks: Some southern-style stiff drinks are great complements to the meal while the beer list is impressive featuring some of our favorites from around the country (e.g. Abita and Bear Republic).

Get yourself some Q! Pricier than you’re typical BBQ joint (we’re talking $12 for a pulled pork sandwich; plus $6 for 2 sides), but worth every penny. Looking forward to checking this place again in a couple weeks when they smooth out the kinks, and it’s just good food, good booze and good times.

Sweet Cheeks Q is located in the Trilogy building on Boyslton Street (where the old Cambridge 1 was). If you’re going on a weekend, make a reservation because this place will be jammin’.

1381 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02215   |  617.266.1300