Merry Christmas!! Food Quote Friday, Holiday Style!

Holiday at the Mt Hope Mansion, Mt Hope, PA, Victorian Christmas

Merry Christmas from Engchik and family!!!

Holidays Return at the Mansion at Mount Hope

Celebrate the holidays with the patrons of the Mansion at Mount Hope! This year's shows include A Christmas Carol and The Adventures of the Blue Carbuncle, and were wonderfully acted, with lots of audience participation. The Holidays at Mount Hope are a perfect way to celebrate the holidays!

I dearly love watching Scrooge flounder his way through his past and present and he goes about his way to fix things in his life- this story always warms my heart.

The Mansion is always a Victorian dream, beautifully decorated and welcoming. Watch these two great shows in the Chapel or in the Ballroom, with a lovely intermission in between with warm drinks, some nibbles, and mingling with the extremely cheerful cast, Ah, I mean the Mr and Mrs Fezziwig and their guests and families.

After the last performance, the cast waved us off to the Wine Shoppe where we sampled fine local wine and got some Christmas shopping done. 

Beforehand, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Anchor and Mermaid Tavern, with soup, salad, crab cakes and dessert.

Purchase your tickets before they are gone! http://www.parenfaire.com/buytickets/index.php

Pictures courtesy of Mount Hope, used with permission. 

Special thanks to Candace Smith

Director of Sales & Communications
Mount Hope Estate & Winery
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

PA Ballet Principal Lauren Fadeley Veyette Dishes on Healthy Eats, Training, and Christmas in Philly

Lauren starts a typical day with warm-ups and onto around 6 hours of rehearsal as well as for upcoming ballet performances. She does sit-up and push-ups every day before class, along with stretching to help find her center and warm up. When she has the time, she likes the elliptical and free weights at the gym, or takes yoga to lengthen her muscles.

Lauren Fadeley Veyette, Photography by Alexander Iziliaev

The past few weeks Lauren has been focusing on her three parts in the Nutcracker. “There is something so magical about being the Sugarplum Fairy! I think it's every little girls dream to be a fairy princess, so it's a lot fun to play dress up in a tutu and tiara and be that idol for a few hours a night,” Lauren says. 

“Even though the role is technically very hard, having all the kids dancing with me onstage and those watching me in the audience uplifts me and makes it that much more enjoyable. I actually teach a lot of the students in the production, and I remember when I was their age and looked up to the Sugar Plum and it's just amazing to be her now,” she expresses. 

Lauren Fadeley as The Sugarplum Fairy at The Racquet Club of Philadelphia, Photo by Dave Moser

“It reminds me of why I do this. It's very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stresses and physical pain that's involved in ballet, but once you get out there in front of an audience and are able to share your passion- the feeling is indescribable.”

Lauren absolutely loves music and finds her favorite pieces to dance are those with her biggest connection to the music. “One my favorites is Christopher Wheeldon's pas de deux from After the Rain to Arvo Part’s piano solo Spiegel im Spiegel.”

How do you prepare for a performance and stay hydrated, I ask. “I sweat a lot and get dehydrated very easily, so I'm always chugging water and replacing electrolytes with beverages like coconut and vitamin water, or adding emergen-c packets to my water before a show. I never like to feel too full before I perform, so I'll usually have a snack of chicken salad and a banana 2 hours before and then will eat a full meal after when I'm done,” she explains. 

“One of the best things about doing the Nutcracker during the holidays is that we can eat all our favorite treats and never have to worry! I have a major sweet tooth and love all the homemade Christmas cookies that circulate around the theater. I also love Mexican food and could probably eat chips and guacamole every day!”

Principal Dancers Lauren Fadeley and Francis Veyette, Photo by Alexander Iziliaev

Lauren also dances with her husband, Francis Veyette, a California native who is a principal dancer of the PA Ballet company. 

Lauren and Francis met many years ago, and have had such a beauty courtship. “It is very fun especially when we get to dance together! We are pretty much together 24/7 and at the same time when we are in different rehearsals for an hour - it seems like an eternity so I miss him!"

"We are dancing the Sugar Plum and Cavalier together and it's just the best feeling because it's a part I've done for many years so I'm very comfortable with it and then dancing with someone I love and completely trust makes it such a wonderful experience,” Lauren happily explains. “It’s also so nice to be with someone that completely gets you and understand what you're going through with your career mentally and physically. I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I love with the man that I love.”

Sansha eBay

In addition to the stage, Lauren has branched out into the silver screen with the movie Black Swan (2010). 

“It was a very cool experience! It was a hard process though as they have to film things over and over again and from different angles, so we were constantly trying to stay warm and fresh with each take. The crew quickly realized to tell us if they were filming our whole bodies or not so that we could mark or not go up on pointe to save our bodies. Sometimes we'd be dancing act 4 Swan Lake at 4am so it was very taxing on the body,” Lauren clarifies. 

“I did appreciate how authentic they wanted to be with the ballet scenes and would often ask us for input to make sure things were as accurate they would be in real life.”

See Lauren, Francis and the entire company perform George Balanchine’s^TM  The Nutcracker at The Academy of Music through Thursday, December 31.

Characters from The Nutcracker at The Racquet Club of Philadelphia, Photo by Dave Moser

All photos property of the PA Ballet and used by permission. From the PA Ballet. 

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Book Review: Preserving the Japanese Way

Following the immense success of her first book, Japanese Farm Food, author Nancy Singleton Hachisu introduces her newest work of art, Preserving the Japanese Way: Traditions of Salting, Fermenting and Pickling for the Modern Kitchen (Andres McMeel Publishing; August 2015; Hardcover; $40.00).  Hachisu offers a clear road map for preserving fruits vegetables, and fish through a nonscientific, farmer-or fisherman-centric approach that is easy to integrate into any cooking repertoire.

For an authentic view of the inner circle of Japanese life, Hachisu documents the day-top-day operations of a barrel maker, artisanal vinegar company, 100-year-old sake producer, and traditional morning pickle markets where local grandmothers still sell their wares.  

An essential backdrop to the 125 recipes outlined in Preserving the Japanese Way are the producers and artisanal products used to make salted and fermented foods. Preserving the Japanese Way is about community, seasonality as the root of preserved food, and ultimately about why both are relevant in lives today.

Preserving the Japanese Way features simple and straightforward recipes like Shishito Peppers Sauteed with Miso and Ginger to richer and more nuanced recipes—still simply prepared-like Pork Belly Simmered with Daikon and Leeks. 

With entire chapters devoted to Soy Sauce or Fish Sauce, Rice Vinegar and Sake, Preserving the Japanese Way is true to the multi-layered meaning of its title and complete in its study of the ancient and traditional methods of Japanese preserving.

Nancy Singleton Hachisu has lived with her Japanese farmer husband and three sons in their 80-year-old traditional farmhouse for the last 26 years in rural Japan, where she served as leader of a local Slow Food convivium for more than a decade.  Her first book JAPANESE FARM FOOD (Andrews McMeel Publishing; September 2012), was praised by The New York Times, London Times, LA Times and more.  TBS and Fuji TV are currently documenting Hachisu’s preserving and farm food life in rural Saitama as well as her visits to artisanal producers in more remote areas of Japan.

A fabulous book for any kitchen and history and food lover!

Food Quote Friday: The Spice of Life

What's your favorite spice?
Mine is cinnamon, that's what I'd take with me when I go...
how about you?

Last-Minute Gifts for All those on Your List! Engchik's Gift Guide

Hey everyone- Christmas is in one week, so if you aren’t wrapping, you haven’t shopped! 

Here’s some last-minute gift ideas for those hard-to-buy-for friends and family members. Your TO -DO this weekend is READ this guide, then start shopping!

For the over 21-Techie: Medea Vodka with a programmable bottle. In addition to an excellent bottle of smooth vodka, this innovative new design allows you to download the Medea app and personalize and turn on the message on the bottle from across the room with Medea’s patented LED technology! Surprise someone with a Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday, or HI message! As the world’s first personally programmable bottle, it is the perfect gift for any occasion. Give a gift of Medea Vodka and watch someone’s face light up!

For the Tailgating Aficionado: Serve up eats AND drinks at the tailgate with this awesome and pioneering dish design with The Great Plate.  Give yourself an extra hand with The Great Plate, an innovative plate and cup holder - in one! It is the perfect companion for every event, from game day to backyard BBQ. The Great Plate™ easily allows you to hold both your food and beverage comfortably in one hand, leaving your other hand free for eating, drinking, and socializing.
Plus, we think it makes a great Frisbee AND floats in the pool with your drink and snacks! (no glass tho!) The Great Plate is BPA-free, dishwasher/microwave safe, reusable and recyclable.
Sold in a set of 4 for $15. 

For the Party Planner: The Chill Factor™ Cocktail Maker Kit makes it easy to mix and mingle with your guests while serving up delicious frosty cocktails and mocktails! 

The new kit allows you to conveniently juice, grate, squeeze and shake everything in one device for perfect frozen cocktails every time. 

Simple and convenient to use, the Chill Factor™ Cocktail Maker Kit is available online.

For the Gadget Lover: Bring this handy gadget with you everywhere you travel! The GekkoPod - Smartphone Mount adjusts to fit your wildest grand adventures and makes it easier to take photos and video.  There are tons of tripod solutions available for smartphones and digital cameras on the market right now, but how many mounts can wrap around a tree branch while holding your camera? Designed to mimic the hand of a lizard, the Gekkopod has a bendable yet durable core allowing users to slide in a smartphone, camera or GoPro in countless angles to fit their needs. GekkoPod’s advantage is that it allows you to take pictures from tricky angles that were earlier impossible. Constructed from metal and silicone, the flexible design allows you to fashion the ‘legs’ in many creative ways. The GekkoPod can handle just about any environment. Included with the device is an adaptable mount for phones, GoPro mount, and standard screw for cameras. All of these included features allow the GekkoPod to hold almost any phone or camera. GekkoPod is the lightest and the most versatile mount available today! Just $19.90.

For the Chef: The Ravioli Perfected - Fonde Ravioli Rolling Pin is a wonderful gift. Slow down, roll up your sleeves and cook a meal with someone you love! Now you can make beautiful, handmade ravioli with ease in the comfort of your own home with the Fonde (fon-dee) Ravioli Rolling Pin from Repast Supply Co. Simple in design, in several sizes, and made from sustainable solid hardwood, the rolling pin creates perfect ravioli every time with no mess and no fuss. 

The Fonde Ravioli Rolling Pin is handmade in the United States from quality hardwoods. All Repast Supply Co. rolling pins come pre-treated with food-grade mineral oil and with proper care will last a lifetime. Repast Supply Co. believes very strongly in sustainability and they plant 100 trees for every tree used in production. Watch how perfect ravioli is made every time with the Fonde Ravioli Rolling Pin!

For the Sweet Tooth:  Break out the hot chocolate! Perfect for topping steaming hot cocoa or a coffee confection with this season, Peppermint Stuff'n Mallows are handmade gourmet marshmallows stuffed with tiny peppermint candy pieces. As the weather starts to cool down and the holidays loom on the horizon, these tasty little marshmallows will be a huge hit as you sip hot chocolate by the fire. Packaged in bags perfect for gift-giving (think unique and tasty hostess gift!), Stuff'n Mallows are available in 3 finger-lickin' good flavors year-round as well, including Chocolate Chip, Mint Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. $6.99.

For the Wanderer: The Hydaway Bottle is a collapsible pocket-size bottle fit for any adventure, because you are busy, you’re thirsty, and you’re always on the move. You need a reusable water bottle that’s portable and easy to use. The Hydaway bottle is the next generation in portable hydration. 
Hydaway is a handy alternative to disposable plastic water bottles - it folds down easily to fit in almost any pocket! The ultimate travel and hiking companion, when expanded, the 21 oz. Hydaway will quench your thirst during airport layovers, or the final pitch to the summit. This larger size bottle fits in most vehicle cup holders and backpack water bottle pockets. The innovative, hinged design allows the Hydaway to pack down easily to fit in backpacks, lunch boxes, and picnic baskets. 
Expand the bottle full size to quench the biggest thirst. When you’re finished, collapse it flat (just over an inch thick to be exact) and stash it in your pocket, pack, purse… almost anywhere! All Hydaway bottles feature an easy to use, flip-up straw for quick sips, carabiner-friendly carry handle, and come with a Watertight Guarantee. BPA-Free, Taste & Odor-Free and Dishwasher Safe. $20.00.

For the Traveler: The SOOT Electropack is a bag system that fits all your needs & powers your devices. It’s is a modular full-sized bag system where two independently usable smaller bags combine to form one larger pack, extending the functionality of one another. The mini messenger and the computer can be used completely on their own and when used independently they don’t look or feel like they are missing anything. 
When you put them back together the compartments open up to each other, giving you one huge volume of space to carry bigger gear. The greatest perk of the Electropack comes in the form of a 10,000 mAh battery, which effectively translates to about a week or two of self-sufficient power for any electronic device that can be connected by a USB cable. The SOOT Electropack is chic and beautifully made from premium ballistic nylon and ultra-high grade marine vinyl. For the isolated travelers, these bags will give backpacking and hiking a different meaning to staying connected. Never lose power, store all your gear in SOOT. $299.00

For the Commuter: Long car or train rides can be exhausting, and life is tiring too! Catch up on your sleep anywhere with the NapAnywhere. The NapAnywhere is a portable head-support pillow designed to support your head and allow you to nap comfortably while traveling. The NapAnywhere was created by a physician to make traveling a more comfortable experience. His knowledge of human anatomy and his personal experience inspired him to design this unique product. The NapAnywhere is very comfortable, can be used effectively while traveling on planes, subways, trains, buses and cars and it’s small enough to fit into a briefcase or laptop bag.  $49.00

The Runner: The DBelt Keep all your essentials within reach with DBelt. DBelt fits around your waist with velcro and has three discreet pockets to fashionably hold your phone, ID, cash, keys, tissues and chapstick.
It even has a port for a headphone wire so you can listen to music. DBelt is made of a breathable, lightweight cotton and spandex blend. It is ergonomically designed to hug the body and blends in seamlessly with your clothes. TheDBelt Pro can accommodate the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Comes in a variety of fun colors and fits sizes XS to XXL. $39 - $49.

For the Gourmand: Enjoy delicious and soothing organic tea for on-the-go with Tea Drops.
A warm cup of tea is the perfect remedy after a long day! Tea Drops are pressed tea made with genuine tea leaves that dissolve in hot water. Each Tea Drop is handcrafted and infused with the finest organic teas, spices and earth-derived sweeteners. 

Simply pour boiling water in a cup, add a Tea Drop, stir and enjoy. Choose from caffeinated, caffeine-free and natural wellness Tea Drops. Flavors include citrus ginger, vanilla white, rose earl grey, turmeric, cardamom spice, matcha green tea, and sweet peppermint. Tea Drops come packaged in a paulownia wood box that is eco-friendly, sustainable and biodegradable. Sold online; $12 for an 8 pack.

AND IN CASE YOU INDULGED JUST A LITTLE TOO MUCH:

Try Intox-Detox . Formulated to be taken before you drink to help detox, recover and protect before the damage is done. 

With a combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the latest ground-breaking dietary supplementation science,
Intox-Detox is the only recovery product with Setria and Japanese Raisin; the only two substances proven by human clinical trials to neutralize the cause of the painful after-effects of drinking. Intox-Detox is all-natural, non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan. It contains no additives or preservatives and is manufactured in a cGMP FDA-inspected facility,
made in the USA. 

This is Ayurveda made easy! Simple to add into your daily wellness routine while traveling, Herbal ZAP makes instantly dissolving Ayurvedic herbal beverages in a convenient packet for on-the-go that supports healthy digestion, which is the key to overall good health. Herbal ZAP formulas work by harnessing the power of ancient herbal formulas that have been transformed into instantly dissolving crystals infused with powerful herbal extracts.
Containing 14 potent Ayurvedic herbs, Herbal Zap works according to the principles of Ayurveda, restoring balance to the vital energies, doshas, increasing Agni, “inner-fire”, and promoting a positive state of health.
The product is sustainably and ethically produced and they are proud to be non-GMO Verified as well as Kosher, Vegan and Gluten-Free. Herbal ZAP is available at select Whole Foods Markets, Sprouts Farmers Market, EarthFare, SuperSupplements, and Central Market.

*Some items have been provided for review purposes. 

Biscotti for Your Coffee from Marlo's Bakeshop

Limited Edition Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Soft-Baked Biscotti

Jump on the delicious pumpkin bandwagon & taste these Chocolate Pumpkin Pie soft-baked biscotti from Marlo's Bakeshop!  

A delightful blend of real pumpkin, Guittard bittersweet chocolate & those comforting, familiar pie spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, clove & allspice. 

As always, cookies from Marlo's Bakeshop offer the expected and satisfying crunch of traditional biscotti with the soft-baked texture that won't 'break your teeth'! 

Now that I know about these tasty treats, they are part of my morning break ritual- a cup of coffee joined by the delicuous taste of soft-baked biscotti!

Non-GMO Project Verified, as well as Dairy & Nut-Free. Available exclusively September through December, 2015! Year-round flavors also available. 

$6.99 www.marlosbakeshop.com

Stay, Play, and Dine at Sheraton Great Valley

Walking in the front door of this hotel, there’s a hustle and bustle in the air, plus a feeling of welcoming. The lobby is beautifully appointed, with refreshments and cheerful front desk staff. 

Check in is quick and easy, and off to the left is the Chesterfields Lounge, located off the main lobby. All day dining menus are available featuring traditional American cuisine. 

Relax and enjoy your favorites in a casual atmosphere by the magnificent fireplace, or outside on the lounge patio near the fire pit.

I was eager to relax in the inviting guest room, which combines the warmth of a traditional country inn with modern features and amenities. We had a Club Room which featured snacks and drinks, fruit and a computer and TV, and a full hot breakfast in the morning. 

The Sheraton also offers PURE® Allergy Friendly Rooms; state-of-the-art features drastically reduce irritants, allergens and bacteria in the air and on all surfaces and fabrics, which is perfect for someone with allergies like me!

As a swimmer, I was super happy to find the heated pool and the hot tub tucked into the back of the hotel, the indoor pool and hot tub were warm and soothing. Plus, there’s a fully-equipped fitness center, Link@Sheraton, featuring remote printing and complimentary High Speed Internet Access.

Next we decided dinner as we were hungry and headed down to the Tavern. 

The White Horse Tavern and Wine Bar is gorgeous, located in a historic 18th-century farmhouse and serving traditional American cuisine in a pleasant atmosphere. Its five private dining rooms, each with exquisite hardwood floors and fireplaces, are welcoming and soothing. 

We dined in front of a fireplace and began with Kennett Square mushroom soup, which was rich, creamy and flavorful. 

There was a variety of salads on the menu, beet and goat cheese, apple and Gorgonzola, and classic Caesar. 

Appetizers included PEI mussels, French onion soup, the cheese plate, or braised pork belly. They have a piano bar, NFL, and happy hour specials, too.

Fine American classic such as halibut, organic chicken, cioppino, filet, lamb saddle, Chilean sea bass and duck pasta graced the menu. After a hearty dinner, we headed upstairs to read and relax and later enjoy the hot tub.

Guest Services can help you with anything you forgot, laundry, or supply a car service. The meeting and conference rooms here are excellent too- roomy!

This hotel is perfect for business travelers and families as it is close to King of Prussia, Malvern, and West Chester, plus Longwood Garden, the Helicopter Museum, the King of Prussia Mall, Valley Forge Park, and more. Plus easy access to and from the hotel, located on Rte 30, near rte 29, 202, and 422.

The Sheraton at Great Valley and the White Horse Tavern is an excellent place to stay, play and dine! Enjoy your stay!

Sheraton Great Valley Hotel

707 East Lancaster Avenue

Frazer, Pennsylvania19355 United States

Phone: (610) 524-5500

Cioppino at White Horse Tavern

Special thanks to the Sheraton Great Valley Team !

Engchik Eats Food Guide to the Hectic Holidays

Trying to pull together holiday shopping, family, travel, and work- try these items for a smoother day during this crazy holiday season! Relax for just a minute.

Cook with Tava Ghee and your dinner will never be the same! Ghee, also known as “purified butter” is an iconic food staple with a history as rich as its taste. With origins in ancient India, it’s used extensively in eastern cooking to promote health. It increases the metabolism, improves digestion, and is a natural source of pure vitamins. It also lowers cholesterol. 

Tava Ghee – made from the milk of 100% grass-fed cows. With flavors like White Truffle, Brown Butter Sage, Himalayan Salt, Green Chili, and Vanilla Bean, cooking and healthy eating is within reach. It's amazing to cook with!

On the Go: With Flex Flavors by Devotion Nutrition, you can turn any food or drink into your favorite food and drink! With nothing of its kind available on the market until now, Flex Flavors are available in Strawberry Fields, Razzmatazz, Bananas Fosters, Fruity Hoops, Coconut Biscotti, Creme Brûlée, Blueberry Sky, Lemon Meringue, Peanut Butter Crunch, and Pumpkin Spice, Flex Flavors are not only delectable, but also calorie-free and sugar-free. And these are YUMMY!

Plus, try Devotion Protein, available in Brownie Batter (22g protein) and Angel Food Cake (20g protein), is perfectly designed to be the most versatile and best-tasting protein available. Having a blend of 6 digestive enzymes to prevent bloating and gas and to help the body absorb the protein plus having 1g of healthy MCT’s per serving, Devotion Protein sets itself above the competition. 

Shake your Brownie Batter or Angel Food Cake into a shake with a shaker bottle, blend into a thick shake, or fluff into a protein soft serve ice cream. With its versatility, Devotion Protein stays moist and bakes beautifully into protein pancakes, waffles, loaves and so much more. Gluten-free and with an 80/20 blend of whey isolate and micellar casein, Devotion Protein comes in original formula as well as a Stevia version.  This product is helping me make better choices with cleaner eating and adding fabulous flavor to water and smoothies.

noosa yoghurt is perfect - full of protein and with several delicious natural flavors, noosa yoghurt is excellent for a quick breakfast or lunch and is all natural- from happy cows never treated with rBGH, and from cultures and made in the USA for fabulous flavor. 
This yoghurt tastes like no other, rich, creamy, full of flavor and satisfying.

This is my everyday snack- either for breakfast or as a quick meal after a workout.

There’s nothing better than coming in from a long day of shopping, working, or helping with family than delicious seafood. When I discovered Matlaw’s products, I was thrilled. Delicious new Matlaw's Stuffed Clams, called Stuffies, are the perfect holiday appetizer at just 100 calories each! They come in a variety of new flavor varieties too – Bacon & Cheese, Chorizo and their tried and true New England Style. 

And they’re so easy to prepare – simply heat them up in the oven, or on the grill. Enjoy with some drizzled lemon juice or basted butter or hot sauce for extra flavor.  

Each Stuffed Clam is elegantly served in their natural shell and are loaded with flavor -- a classic blend of golden breadcrumbs, succulent chopped clams, minced celery, red and green peppers; and sprinkled with paprika and parsley. 

They are packed with protein, iron, and are a good source of copper, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc, too.  
Kids love the mild taste of these too, even those with picky palates. And don’t forget the crunchy oven-browned shrimp! Flavors such as buffalo popcorn shrimp, southern country fried shrimp or jumbo butterfly shrimp, great seafood is always on the table. 
It’s dinner and a party in a pinch!

For a fine cooking and grilling experience, you must get the Salt Rox Cooking Plate. For tailgating, backyard cook-outs, and more, cooking your meat and vegetables on a Salt Rox Cooking Plate will bring out the flavor of your food like nothing you have ever tasted! 

Pink Himalayan Salt Cooking Plates from Salt Rox enhance and season your food, letting the natural flavor of food come alive! Cooking on this plate is amazing and makes a great presentation. Also perfect chilling and serving meats and cheeses, as the fine Himalayan pink salt imparts a unique freshness and flavor unlike regular table or even sea salt.

And don’t forgot the condiments! Whether you out in the lot tailgating or feeding a hungry crowd on New Years’ Day during football, serve up your finest with the flavors of Tessemae's Grill Pack. This selection includes Ketchup, Honey Mustard, Teriyaki Sauce, Mattys BBQ, Slow Roasted Garlic and Mild Wing Sauce. Incorporate these clean condiments with any of your "go to" recipes & be prepared to be the envy of the hungry everywhere! For salads, veggie trays, a perfect marinade and more – Tessemae’s products are natural, sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and contain zero additives or preservatives. 

With more than 20 tantalizing condiments to choose from there is something for everyone, from ranch, soy ginger, honey mustard, cracked pepper, green goddess, teriyaki and so much more! The growing line of all-natural condiments includes dressings, marinades, and spreads. Available at Whole Foods, Safeway, Kroger, Fresh Market, Marianos, Gelsens and coming soon to Target and Wegmans nationwide!

Late night snacks should always be hummus! Try Applewood Smoked Hummus from Hummusphere Foods. Ditch the ranch dip and discover the mouthwatering, unforgettable hummus flavors from Hummusphere Foods! As the first and original smoked hummus on the market, Hummusphere Foods' five unique smoked hummus varieties add a distinct new element to any tailgating party or backyard event. Not only is the hummus a much more delicious option, it is a far healthier choice as well with nearly half the calories and a fraction of the fat. 

Delicious flavors include Jalapeno Black Bean, Fire Roasted Red Pepper, Classic Traditional, Black Bean Traditional, and Thai Coconut Curry. In addition, Hummusphere Foods' has just launched 5 new Hummus Dressings! Available at retail locations throughout the US, including select Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Safeway and coming soon to Kroger.

Quell a Queasy Tummy: Ice Chips
To soothe a queasy tummy naturally, ginger and peppermint are always a top choice in the expectant mom's arsenal of home remedies. When you are so nauseous even drinking tea is making you grimace, Ice Chips® offers a delicious, all-natural and sugar-free candy in both Ginger and Peppermint flavors that may help! Place a tin in your purse, backpack, or purse for refreshment and to quell the queasiest feeling.

These chips are fantastic, we can't stop eating them at home.Made with xylitol and safe for the expectant mom, recent studies have found a link between consuming Xylitol during pregnancy and stronger teeth in infants. Ice Chips® are available in 20 tantalizing flavors, such as Ginger, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Cinnamon, Strawberry Daiquiri, and more! www.icechipscandy.com. Perfect for stocking stuffers.

Need a healthy and yummy stocking stuffer? Dark Chocolate Pistachios from Setton Farms are amazing. I gave these to my dad and he and I gobbled them up! Available in 5oz bags, Dark Chocolate Pistachios provide snackers with the heart healthy benefits of pistachios along with the amazing qualities of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate. Pistachios are chock full of potassium, protein, and fiber, making Dark Chocolate Pistachios an indulgence you can feel good about. 

Delicious, power-packed and portable, this sweet treat is a must-have item for your pantry, lunch box or office drawer. A serving of dark chocolate pistachios 2-3 times a week can help lower your blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. And dark chocolate can increase blood flow to the brain and heart, helping to improve cognitive function (hint, keep these in your work desk drawer!).

When you are seriously rushed off your feet and need great nutrition, the Perfect Bar is the way to go- made with all natural ingredients plus organic peanut butter, these yummy bars will carry you throughout your hardest tasks.

One last item to treat yourself: Scrumptious Brownies delivers bites of bliss wherever you live, work or play. 

Baked with real ingredients in their kitchen so you don’t have to. Enjoy your chocolate bliss!

* Some items have been provided for review purposes.

All photos are from the products' respective websites.