DailyBuzz Food: Panera Bread

There is nothing quite like a nice hot bowl of soup on a chilly day in December. Vegetarian Black Bean Soup, to be exact. 

Creamy, steamy, and made fresh daily, Panera Bread's vegetarian black bean soup is to die for. I have been going to Panera Bread with my family for years, and I have never been disappointed. This soup is tied for my favorite with their French Onion. Also amazing, by the way. I highly recommend it. 

It is also perfect when paired with their Steak & Blue Cheese Chopped Salad. 

And how about a cookie from their bakery? They bakery offers so many wonderful baked goods, it's crazy.  I highly recommend their pumpkin muffies - they are my favorite! 

Panera has so many soups to choose from, making a decision can be difficult. Broccoli cheddar, tomato, garden vegetable with pesto, clam chowder... how can you possibly decide? The answer is to simply go to Panera multiple times and try each and every one of them. You will not be disappointed! 

Plus, the service is always wonderful and the employees are friendly and willing to do whatever they can to make your experience memorable. 

When you need some comfort food or simply a big, warm bowl of soup, try Panera Bread & Bakery. 

Disclaimer: I received a gift card for Panera Bread from DailyBuzz Food in exchange for this post. I am also receiving a stipend. All pictures taken and opinions given in the post are my own. 

Product Review: Duncan Hines and Comstock Fillings

As a part of the FoodBuzz Tastemaker Program, I recently received coupons to sample some Duncan Hines products as well as some Comstock Fruit Fillings. 

I'm not a big box cake mix fan. Almost all of them use hydrogenated oils (Duncan Hines is no exception), and aren't the easiest to veganize. Although I HEAR if you mix a can of pumpkin with the cake mix, it turns out great. Who knows. I've never tried it. 

I did manage to find a few Duncan Hines products that were not hydrogenated, including a carrot cake mix (all of their Decadent cake mixes are non-hydrogenated! and the carrot cake is the only one in the Decadent line that is vegan!) and a blueberry muffin mix (only the crumb topping was hydrogenated, so I threw it away and did not use it). Most of their box mixes are vegan, although I would read the labels to make sure. If you don't mind the hydrogronated oils, the regular cake mixes would be very easy to use. 

For my recipe, I used their Blueberry Streusal muffin mix.

Once I made the muffins vegan by using flax eggs instead of real eggs, I placed the mix into a muffin pan and placed a spoonful of Comstock cherry pie filling in each muffin. Comstock's cherry filling was very delicious, if you don't mind a little high fructose corn syrup. Not something I would eat everyday, but still, it's a pretty decent product. 

I also used the cherry pie filling to make a cherry butter spread for my muffins. Simply take some Earth Balance and mix it together with the pie filling. Ta-da! Flavored Earth Balance!

My muffins turned out great (see a photo below), although they were a little bit crumbly, but Duncan Hines, I have a suggestion for you. GET RID OF THE HYDROGENATED OILS FROM YOUR PRODUCTS. It's SO hard to find a cake mix that does not use them! They are terrible for you and you would have many more customers if you just eliminated that ingredient and used something else!

Overall, the muffin mix was okay, but I really look forward to trying that carrot cake! Maybe I'll try making it with a can of pumpkin instead of all the other ingredients and see how it turns out! 

Enjoy the eye candy!

Much love,

Vegan MoFo #20: Southwestern Raspberry BBQ Bruschetta

Are you ready to watch my first EVER cooking video?!

As part of the FoodBuzz Tastemaker's Program, I was recently selected to receive a FREE Flip HD Video Camera and a selection of Newman's Own products! I was then to make a five minute cooking video using Newman's Own products and my new camera! How awesome is that!

Note: two of the products weren't vegan (caesar and italian dressings), but that's okay! I gave them to my parents to enjoy! I also received their Light Raspberry and Walnut Vinaigrette, Cabernet Marinara, and Tomato & Basil Marinara sauces, as well as a coupon for free pizza (also gave to my parents!)

I have to say, this is probably the COOLEST video camera I have ever seen. It has the brand engraved on the front of the camera!! Love it. The camera was really easy to use, and the Flip Video editing program that you can download for free was really easy to use. Although, to be honest, I used a different program to edit my video. It took like, five hours to make. But it was worth it, I think! Watch it below! Pretty please!

The Newman's Own products were delicious as well. I used the Light Raspberry&Walnut Vinaigrette in my video, and it was so sweet and fruity and delicious! I haven't yet tried the marinara sauces, but I'm really excited to try to Cabernet Marinara because I've never seen it before!

Here is the recipe for my Southwest Raspberry BBQ Bruschetta!

Southwest Raspberry BBQ Bruschetta

Ingredients: 

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can corn, drained

2 c. diced tomatoes

1 c. dice red onion

1 14oz. block of tofu that has been pressed and diced into 1'' cubes

1 T. vegan BBQ sauce of choice

1/2 c. Newman's Own Light Raspberry&Walnut Vinaigrette

1 multigrain baguette

2 T. olive oil 

salt

pepper

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, and tofu.

2. In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce and Newman's Own dressing.

3. Pour marinade over tofu mixture and stir until combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place in fridge to marinate while you toast your bread. 

4. Line a baking sheet with you multigrain baguette, which should be sliced into 1/2'' - 1'' slices.

5. In a small bowl, combine olive oil and some salt and pepper (to taste). Using a brush, spread some oil on each slice of bread. Place under broiler to toast until golden brown for just a couple minutes. Watch this so it doesn't burn!!

6. Remove toast from oven and transfer to a serving platter. Remove tofu mixture from fridge.

7. Spoon tofu mixture over each slice of bread. Ta-da! Delicious!

Sorry there are no pictures.. I forgot... BUT you can now WATCH MY FIRST EVER COOKING VIDEO to see what it looks like! (And meet my puppy!)

(Click here if it's easier to watch it on YouTube)

(P.S. - have you entered my Manna Bread giveaway yet?!) IT ENDS TODAY!!!

Much love,

Vegan Mofo #19: Marzetti's Dressing

As a part of the Foodbuzz Tastemakers Program, I recently received a coupon for Marzetti's Simply Dressed Salad Dressing. I was really excited, because I have purchased a dressing from this line before and absolutely loved it!

The Simply Dressed dressings use a minimal number of all natural and simple ingredients, including extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and canola oil. They are light and definitely better for you than some other dressings on the market! The beauty of this line is that many of the dressings are vegan! You just need to read the ingredients!

Source

Prior to this coupon, I had tried their Ginger Sesame dressing. So good, strong ginger and sesame flavors, and only 80 calories per 2 tablespoons! It's my favorite flavor so far. But then again, I love pretty much anything Asian. This dressing would make a great marinade for tofu or veggies!

Source

Next, I tried the Pomegranate dressing. It's delicious, and if you've ever had a Strawberry Poppyseed dressing (which Marzetti's also has, but that is MUCH more caloric...140 calories per 2 tablespoons! WOAH!), it tastes similar. Fruity, tart, delicious. At only 60 calories per 2 tablespoons of dressing, this is big on flavor and is a good low calorie option for your salad. This would be great on some organic greens topped with mandarin oranges, blueberries, and sliced strawberries.

Overall, I'd say this is definitely a good salad dressing to try. It doesn't have any weird ingredients you can't pronounce, and it is pretty tasty. It's something the whole family would love!

Daisy rating: 4/5 daisies

What is your favorite salad dressing?
(P.S. - have you entered my Manna Bread giveaway yet?!) It ends TOMORROW!

Much love,

Vegan Mofo #18: Hot Buttered Cider

As a part of the FoodBuzz Tastemaker Program, I recently received a Tervis Tumbler in the mail to try out.  The tumbler was pretty sweet - it had the FoodBuzz Tastemakers logo on it and everything! Plus, the tumblers are pretty much indestructible and have double wall insulation. They won't shatter, chip, break, melt, or crack! They keep hot drinks hot, and cold drinks cold. If they do break? They'll replace it free of charge!

I really liked my tumbler. It really did keep my drink hot - for at least a good half hour after making the drink. Nice! Plus, I love taking places and showing off the FoodBuzz logo.

In honor of this wonderful tumbler, I whipped up a fancy schmancy drink. Hot Buttered Cider!

Hot Buttered Cider
Serves 2
Ingredients:
2 c. apple cider
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/4 t. ground cloves
1/4 T. Earth Balance
2 T. dark brown sugar
Optional: Rum to spike your drink!

Directions:
1. Place apple cider in a saucepan and bring to a low simmer over medium heat.
2. Add brown sugar and spices and mix until combined.
3. Pour into mugs and place half of the Earth Balance right on top to melt. If adding rum, add before adding the butter. Stir and enjoy!

Honestly, you could make this drink without the butter or the rum and it would be amazing. Yet another reason I love fall - all the spices and delicious flavors!

What is your favorite drink to sip on a chilly day?
(P.S. - have you entered my Manna Bread giveaway yet?!)


Much love,

Product Review: Godiva Fall Coffees

I'm not the biggest lover of coffee. 

Just straight up coffee with almond milk, that is. But take me to a Starbucks or Coffee Emporium and I'm set. As long as I can get my coffee with soymilk and some sugary syrups, I'm good to go!

When I was offered the chance to try Godiva's NEW Pumpkin Spice and Caramel Pecan Bark coffees as a part of the FoodBuzz Tastemaker Program, I took it happily. These flavors were made to taste like their pumpkin truffles and pecan bark that they sell in their stores... I mean, DUH i wanted to try them! Now I could make my own mixed drinks at home (or, er...in my dorm.). Granted, I haven't been able to make many of the drinks I want to yet (frappuccinos! frappuccinos! frappuccinos!), but I was able to quickly whip up a couple hot drinks.

When my mom drove the coffees up to me at Xavier, I was working on the Newswire, the school paper. So I took my little bag up to the office and one of the girls I work with asks if we can make some of the caramel pecan bark coffee. Sure, why not?

Neither one of us knew how to operate the coffee machine. This was a WEIRD coffee machine. Don't look at me like that.

Needless to say, our efforts failed us, and everyone was angry because the office smelled phenomenal and no one could drink any :) Ha.

I came back to my room and made a quick pumpkin spice latte using the Godiva Pumpkin Spice flavor. It was really good! I couldn't taste the pumpkin flavor too much in the coffee, but I think that might be because I can't drink coffee without flavoring it in some way first. But once I added all my flavorings and made a Pumpkin Spice Latte (not as good as Starbucks, but just WAIT until I am able to go home and whip up some drinks!). Delicious!

My favorite of the two coffees was the Caramel Pecan Bark. Oh my GOSH. I could smell the package for days and not get sick of it. It just smells THAT good. When you take your first sip, the overwhelming flavor is caramel. Great! I love caramel! And I love that you could CLEARLY taste the flavor in the coffee. Basically, it tasted as good as it smelled. I mixed a cup of coffee with some vegan hot chocolate mix and almond milk and POOF! Chocolatey deliciousness was born.

I WILL be posting recipes for these coffees soon. Promise!

I definitely recommend trying these coffees. They are REALLY good and worth the money, if you like flavored coffees. You won't be disappointed. Thanks FoodBuzz and Godiva!

The Daisy Rating

4.5/5 daisies!

Much love,

FoodBuzz: Birdseye Chef's Favorites and Voila!

Alright everyone... prepare yourself for a non-vegan product review. I apologize. I really thought that I would be sent just regular frozen vegetables... Guess not! My parents ate these up and let me know what they thought, as well as took the pictures for me. So kudos to them. 

Source

As a part of the FoodBuzz Tastemaker Program, I received in the mail 4 bags of frozen non-vegan goodies from Birdeye: Steamfresh Chef's Favorites to sample (see photo above). My parents thought they were pretty great, so if youre not vegan, I'd try them out :) 

Overall, I was told all of the products were pretty tasty. Very fresh in flavor and color. The vegetables were not mushy, they do not taste frozen, and they could easily pass for  homemade. Two were made on the stove top, and two were made in the bag. I was told the bag makes it very easy, it is already vented for you, and both the microwave and stove top cooking methods turned out well. It is called "Steamfresh," after all. So steaming in the bag is easy!

1. Lightly Sauced Creamed Spinach

My mom says this was very good and had a vibrant green color to it. She also says it was very fresh and tasted like it was homemade. It was also very creamy, which I think you can tell from the picture. And you can definitely see it was green! :) This was my mom's favorite out of the four I was sent. 
2. Lightly Sauced Red Potatoes and Green Beans

The potatoes in this were cooked just right and the green beans were still slightly crunchy when heated. This is really good for a family because its something kids love - potatoes! This was my dad's favorite dish (Again, potatoes are a guy food.)

3. Lightly Sauced Mushroom and Green Bean Risotto

This risotto has big mushroom flavor, so it's good for people who love mushrooms. My mom HATES mushrooms, and she even liked this dish. It was super creamy and delicious and had lots of green beans, which was a win. 

4. Lightly Sauced Primavera Vegetable Risotto

Personally, I think this is DEFINITELY the prettiest dish out of all of them. The white arborio rice really is great for contrasting the colorful veggies. Could be creamier, but it was cheesy and had a fresh basil flavor. My dad wasn't the biggest fan because it had a lot of peas (and he doesn't love peas all the much). But overall, they thought it was pretty good.

The FoodBuzz TasteMaker Program soon after sent me another package in the mail, complete with 100 coupons for buy 1 get 1 free Chef's Favorites in the mail, along with a coupon for a free meal (My parents ate this as well, and they chose the Beef Lo Mein).

Sad face :( I honestly don't think I could go back to eating meat now even if I wanted to. Just thinking about the poor dead cow on that plate makes me sad.

But, again, if you're only flirting with veganism, maybe this will be a good thing for you to try out. My parents said this was delicious. The vegetables were crunchy, and beef was tender, and it cooked quickly. After only 10 minutes a meal for two was ready to be served.

So, there we go. Not a vegan? Try these guys out. They look pretty tasty, from what the pictures show. 

Kodak Photo Books

I love pictures!

As a part of the FoodBuzz Tastemaker Program, I was recently selected to participate in the Kodak "Free Your Creativity" Program with FoodBuzz and Kodak. I was able to create my own medium hardcover photobook for free, and I get to share it with all of you! How awesome is that?!

For a limited time, Kodak is offering a 40% discount on their medium hardcover or large photo books to EVERYONE!!! Click here for the discount - it's only redeemable until the end of August! (Aug. 31)

So. I decided to make my photo book about my trip around the United Kingdom in the summer of 2007. I've been wanting to make a book like this for a while, but I never wanted to pay a lot of money for it, so I never made one. Through the Tastemaker Program, I could now make that photo book!

First of all, let me just say that I LOVE this book! It's so cool, and the fact that you design it yourself online is awesome. Then Kodak prints it and makes the book for you and ships it to your house!! Woohoo!

I do have a few critiques of the program, though. When designing my book, I really wish that the layouts weren't set. Or that you could choose a certain layout and then rearrange the pictures as you like. I also think being able to resize the pictures or add more/delete some would be a great tool as well.

I also wish you could add text boxes to the page, instead of having to select a premade page layout that features text. There were some layouts I liked but either gave too much/little room for text or I didn't like how it was laid out. The ability to add you own text and place it where you want on the page would be another great feature to add. 

Aside from that, I love this program. It's easy to use and allows you to quickly and efficiently create a book filled with photos of whatever you like. 

I love everything about Europe. Honestly, I wish I could just travel the world for the rest of my life. That would be freakin' AWESOME. I traveled the England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales - with England being my favorite, of course! I was the most excited about London and getting to watch a musical in London's infamous theatre district, the West End. BEAUTIFUL. We saw the musical Blood Brothers, which was unexpectedly really great. Look it up on Google. 

I did a variety of stuff on my trip - stayed with a host family in England, went to school for a day at Richard Hale, an all-male "college" (basically a highschool - Rupert Grint from Harry Potter went to school here!), white water rafted in Scotland, played Irish sports, visited all sorts of castles, and worked on environmental projects, among other things. It was definitely the trip of a lifetime and one I will never forget. 

So, thanks Kodak, for allowing me to make this book full of memories that I've been wanting to make. Kudos to you for the great idea! 

Ore-Ida Sweet Potato Fries

After receiving a coupon in the mail for free Ore-Ida Sweet Potato Fries as a part of the FoodBuzz Tastemaker Program, I couldn't wait to try them.

Okay, I could.

I actually kind of forgot about them, to be honest. Until my boyfriend looked in my freezer and said, "Make me some of those!"

So I did.

The packaging did a great job of making the fries look delicious and crunchy, which they definitely were. I popped them in the oven for about 15 minutes, then I turned the broiler on to get them nice and crispy.

These fries were a hit! Stuart and I mixed some ketchup and hot sauce together to dip them in, and boy were they good. I initially told Stuart I didn't want very many, but after trying one, I just kept eating more. and more. and more.

And then, there were no more!

They tasted like... well, sweet potatoes. Deep fried, salty, delicious sweet potatoes. That's what they should taste like, right?

If you are looking for something friend to fill a craving, these taste great and are much better for you than regular french fries. I definitely recommend trying these out next time you stop at the grocery store!

The Daisy Rating:

4/5 daisies!