Friday Food Finds: Chicken Skin Chips, Thyme Honeycomb Chocolate, New Tabasco, and More!

New year, same us. We’re back and bigger than ever (literally) to delve into 2020’s newest snack options. Many, unsurprisingly, are actually healthy and keto-friendly, which means you can thank us later when you’re counting your picture-perfect macro spread. Nearly everything we sampled on this week’s Taylor Strecker Show is found on Amazon, so stock up and report back on your favorites. We reveal ours from the list below.

Quevos Egg White Chips (Sour Cream & Onion)

Keto practicers, rejoice! These are a fantastic high-fat, low-carb treat for anyone who misses the joys of potato chips. Sour Cream & Onion is my favorite flavor, though you’d be remiss to not try them all and determine which one you’d like to incorporate into your daily snacking rotation (where it will inevitably end up. Trust me on this one.).

Mighty Sesame Co. TahiniBAR (Pistachio)

This bar was really flavorful! And we appreciate the fact that it comes individually wrapped since it’d be all-too-easy to eat more than just one. Pistachio was obviously a fantastic flavor choice, because who doesn’t like pistachios? If that person is you, please exit stage left. Thank you.

Beanfield’s Bean Chips (Nacho)

We definitely had mixed opinions about this one. While the texture was great (it almost reminded us of authentic, oily tortilla chips found in Mexican restaurants), the taste volleyed from salty and scrumptious to borderline artificial. Ultimately, they grew on and us and we liked them. We just want to try them in a different flavor. Kudos to the incorporation of beans, though, since we’re all about protein nowadays.

34 Degrees Crisps (Natural)

These are pretty standard crackers. They’re an upgrade to communion wafers, but they’re not particularly special on their own. That being said, they do make a perfect vessel for dips, spreads, sauces, and cheese. Definitely serve them on a charcuterie board where they’ll *really* shine.

Tony’s Chocolonely Limited Edition Bars (White Turmeric Chai Coconut, Dark Chili Fudge Peppercorn, Milk Honeycomb Thyme)

Oh…my…goodness. Tony’s Chocolonely strikes again with another impressive assortment of limited edition chocolate bars. Their white chocolate popping raspberry variety was already named a Best Friday Food Find of 2019 and they’re back with—dare I say this—even better offerings in 2020. The milk chocolate honeycomb thyme was our favorite with turmeric chai a close second. Hershey’s lovers: Please do yourself a favor and ditch that boring “chocolate” for this ridiculously delicious, sustainably harvested, and fair trade option. You won’t look back.

Tabasco Rocoto Pepper Sauce

This online-exclusive bottle certainly packs a punch, but we liked it! It’s thicker than Tabasco’s standard flavor (almost like the Chipotle) and will really hold up well against the Americanized Mexican food you’ve grown to love (cough, Chipotle and Taco Bell). Let’s see if they’ll make it a permanent staple to their already-famous line-up.

Flock Chicken Chips

Another keto snack for the win! If you love fried chicken, but not the carbs associated with thick and heavy batters, these are the crunchy morsels for you. They’re certainly not low in fat, but they’re high in protein, making it a perfect indulgence for dieters craving a taste of diet’s past.

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Is the Keto Diet Bad for Your Heart?

Keto has been in the public consciousness for a while now, with scores of vocal fans, but as we ease into a new decade, keto backlash seems to be picking up steam. So is keto bad for your heart, and your health in general?

The low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet can certainly sound too good to be true. (Eat butter! And red meat! And cheese! Eschew carbs and lose weight!) But search #ketotransformation on Instagram and you’ll see well over 1 million posts (seemingly) proving weight loss is a result of slipping into ketosis. Or just look at Vinny from “Jersey Shore.” Or Al Roker.

Related Reading: The Best Low- and No-Sugar Cookbooks for Keto, Paleo, and Diabetic Diets

So what are the downsides of the keto diet (besides giving up bread, meticulously tracking net carbs, and the keto flu)?

Keto’s Impact on Your Health

Let’s get back to the butter and red meat and not eating carbohydrates, which would have anyone with a baseline knowledge of cardiovascular disease and heart attack asking, Is the keto diet bad for your heart? It seems like a low-carb, high-fat diet would be bad news for your ticker (and your cholesterol levels), but that may not be the case.

In fact, one 2017 review of studies published in the journal “Nutrition” found that a keto diet could improve HDL cholesterol levels, as well as reverse the course of Type 2 Diabetes by controlling blood glucose levels. In addition, the ketogenic diet has been proven as an effective dietary treatment plan for some patients with epilepsy, and some studies suggest it could help treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. That said, most experts agree that more research is needed, and that the improvements in cardio risk factors may be limited.

The Key-to Keto:Best MCT Oils, According to Keto Pros!Certain research also suggests that the ketogenic diet may have some adverse side effects, including potential kidney and heart complications (think kidney stones, especially if someone on keto isn’t hydrating properly). In addition, there have not been enough studies conducted over more than 2 years to determine the long-term effects of the ketogenic diet, which means we can’t be certain how producing more ketones may affect the body or the heart over a period of multiple years.

Other side effects include digestion issues like constipation, low blood sugar, exhaustion, and headaches, although most side effects (also called the keto flu) should subside after the first few days on the diet as your body slips into ketosis.

Keto Commitment vs Casual Keto

Like other low-carbohydrate diets, while the ketogenic diet has some proven benefits, most experts say these benefits are greatly diminished if you “sort of” follow the ketogenic diet. For instance, you want to be keto compliant, so you order eggs and bacon to make sure you’re hitting your macros for protein and fat intake…but the French toast looks delicious, so you grab some from your dining mate’s plate. At this point, your body is no longer in ketosis, and the fatty foods on your plate might be doing more harm than good, says Doctor Stephen Sinatra, a cardiologist in New York City.

While some studies show that a ketogenic diet may actually lower cholesterol levels for people who follow a strict ketogenic diet, experts worry that “keto” has become code to some for “go nuts at the Brazilian barbeque” says Sinatra, without fully committing to keto guidelines, including making sure the low-carb diet is done under the supervision of a doctor.

Chowhound

So can the ketogenic diet and remaining in a state of ketosis be a healthy way to help you achieve your weight loss goals without inciting heart disease? It depends on how strict you plan to be while following the diet, and to make smart choices in the foods you are allowed to have on the plan. Yes, you can technically have a fully keto meal from the drive-thru. But that red meat double double will most likely be loaded with saturated fat.

“It’s important not to go overboard on saturated fats and focus on healthy, monounsaturated fats,” notes Sinatra. That’s because saturated fats are more likely to raise your LDL cholesterol level, regardless of whether or not you’re following the keto diet. Some smart keto choices and healthy fats include eating lean meats, fish, leafy green veggies like spinach and kale, above ground, non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli and eggplant, and healthy oils like coconut oil, grape oil, and flaxseed oil.

Related Reading: How to Make Keto Meal Prep a Success | The Best Keto Snacks We’ve Tried

If a plant-based diet doesn’t sound sustainable to you, the Mediterranean diet (which allows lean meats and lots of fish and seafood) could be a good middle ground. The important part is picking something that you can work with though the long haul, as any kind of yo-yo dieting is uhealthy (and likely to backfire when it comes to long-term weight loss).

Bottom Line

Bottom line, when it comes to the ketogenic diet and heart health research echoes what Instagram before and afters show: The ketogenic diet can be an effective form of weight loss. But it may not be the best option for you to lose weight. Talking to your doctor and getting a full workup, including blood work, prior to starting a ketogenic diet can help you monitor how the diet is affecting your body, including your heart. And the same is true before you embark on any weight-loss plan.

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Snag a $60 All-Clad Dutch Oven Before It’s Too Late (& More Great Deals)

For the kitchen-oriented, a sale is hardly a sale unless there are All-Clad products involved. Luckily, our favorite people over at Home and Cook are on the same wavelength as us, as there’s currently a sale on a slew of All-Clad products through Jan. 26. Stock your kitchen with this premier brand—there’s everything from saucepans and pasta pots to flatware and pressure cookers. Ahead, some of the best All-Clad deals you’re not going to want to miss.  

Related Reading: Is This Really a ‘Perfect Pan?’ Plus More of Chowhound’s Most-Discussed Cookware

6.5-Quart Nonstick Dutch Oven, $59.95

Home and Cook

A Dutch oven is a necessity in any kitchen, and All-Clad’s version is no exception. Make chili and stews and roast vegetables and meats in the oven, or caramelize onions and carrots on the stovetop. The nonstick coating means clean-up is a breeze, and the flared edges guarantee easy pouring—without excess dripping. Buy Now

Mini Cocottes, Set of 2 for $44.95

Home and Cook

These 20-ounce stainless steel cocottes were made for oven-to-table entertaining. The stainless steel pots can bake in the oven (think chocolate souffles and French onion soup), then get shepherded to the table and masquerade as serving platters.Buy Now  

6-Piece Stainless Tool Set, $59.95

Home and Cook

Whether you’re cooking or serving, this 6-piece set of kitchen tools does it all. The collection includes a fork, ladle, solid spoon, slotted spoon, tongs, and a brushed silver canister to store each piece in.Buy Now

Immersion Blender, $59.95

Home and Cook

Desperate for a blender but don’t have the space? Enter the immersion blender: a sleek, narrow, motorized blender that can do just about anything that a countertop blender can. Blitz smoothies, whip up cream, or puree soups and stews with the adjustable control. Buy Now

3-Pack Hard Anodized Fry Pan Set, $74.95

Home and Cook

This 3-pan set includes an 8-, 10-, and 12-inch fry pan for all your searing and sauteing needs. The nonstick base means you can use less oil and butter when cooking—while still guaranteeing that golden sear.Buy Now

Fondue Pot with Ceramic Insert, $89.95

Home and Cook

Winter certainly can’t get to you once you’re equipped with a fondue pot and quarts of chocolate and cheese fondue. The set is complete with six color-coded forks—so you always know where to spear your hunk of crusty baguette—and the ceramic insert means you won’t burn the goods. Buy Now

8-Inch Fry Pan and 1-Quart Sauce Pan, $99.95

Home and Cook

These two pans were designed to work side by side. Sear eggs, fish, or vegetables in the fry pan, then warm any accompanying sauce or compote in the trusty saucepan. Buy Now

13-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set, $399.95

Home and Cook

Upgrade your old cookware set with this sleek nonstick All-Clad set. The collection comes with an 8-, 10-, and 12-inch fry pan; 2-, 3-, and 4-quart saucepans with lids; a 4-quart sauté pan with a lid; a 4-quart soup pot with a lid; and an 8-quart stock pot with a lid.Buy Now

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A Nutritionist’s Favorite Snacks for Non-Stop Busy Days

These nutritionist-recommended healthy snacks for when you’re on-the-go are perfect for those busy days. You know the ones.

You take a look at your calendar, and it’s one of those days where every hour is booked. Between meetings, errands, and a mile-long to-do list, you’ve got a full plate—and no time for a decent meal. How can you stick to your healthy eating plan when you barely have a moment to take a breath—let alone cook something nutritious?

Snacks might be your best bet. No, not a lousy bag of whatever’s in your nearest vending machine. We’re talking about protein-rich, nutrient-packed nibbles to get you through the day—the kind that nutritionists like Becky Jay Forman, MS, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant in New York City, rely on themselves.

Here, Forman reveals her favorite snacks for non-stop busy days. With tasty treats like these, you might even forget that you skipped lunch.

Related Reading: The Most Interesting Healthy Snacks On the Market

Nut Butter and Fruit

Justin’s/Facebook

A smear of your favorite nut butter on portable fruit, like an apple or banana, packs a sweet-and-savory punch that staves off tummy rumbles, says Forman.

“This duo provides about nine grams of protein, six grams of fiber, plus heart-healthy fats—a winning combination that will keep you feeling satiated and fueled to rock your to-do list,” she explains.

While just about any squeeze pack of nut butter will do, Forman prefers a few brands over others.

Justin's Maple Almond Butter Squeeze Packs, 10 for $10 on Amazon

These portable packets are perfect for getting your nut butter fix on the go.

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“I love RxBar’s vanilla almond butter because it tastes like a sweet treat without any added sugar,” she says. “I also like Wild Friends creamy peanut butter because it contains only two ingredients: roasted peanuts and sea salt.”

Allergic to nuts? Go for sunflower seed butter instead, advises Forman.

Edamame

Lori Andrews/Getty Images

Looking for something healthy on the fly? Edamame will be your new best friend. One cup of the soybeans delivers 17 grams of protein and eight grams of fiber.

“Keep a bag of frozen edamame in your freezer at all times,” says Forman. “When you need an energy boost, pop the frozen pods in the microwave and you have a protein- and fiber-rich snack ready in mere minutes.”

Eating them straight from the pod comes with a key benefit that makes it worth the extra effort, she adds.

“It slows down your eating pace and prevents you from scarfing down your food too quickly, which can easily happen when you’re feeling stressed on extra busy days,” Forman explains.

Avocado + Special Seasoning

Westend61/Getty Images

Half an avocado is an instantly satisfying healthy snack, but Forman has a little secret to take this classic mini meal to the next level.

“Sprinkle on Everything But the Bagel seasoning and dig in with your spoon, or enjoy it with some whole grain crackers,” she suggests. “Either way, this tasty snack is flavorful and loaded with beneficial fats that will keep you feeling full and stabilize your blood sugar levels.”

Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning, $7 on Amazon

Everything (well, almost everything) tastes better with Trader Joe's legendary seasoning blend.

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Homemade Trail Mix

Westend61 / Getty Images

If you only nosh on trail mix when you’re hiking, you’re missing out on a healthy snack that can give you a boost of energy when you need it most.

“A DIY trail mix is always a terrific on-the-go option,” she said. “I create a snack-stash made with almonds, walnuts, air-popped popcorn, and pumpkin seeds.”

Head to the dry goods section of the grocery store and stock up on your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and even chocolate. Stocking your pantry with the right ingredients will allow you to whip up some quick trail mix in no time.

“This shelf-stable snack keeps well in your bag or desk drawer, and requires no utensils,” adds Forman.

Envirogen Reusable Zip-Top Bags, 5 for $8 on Amazon

Pack your snacks in these reusable storage bags.

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Roasted Chickpeas

Chowhound

Got a can of chickpeas in your cabinet? You’re already halfway to healthy snack heaven on a hectic day.

“Roasted chickpeas are easy and economical. Just 1/4 cup of these pop-able treats clocks in at six grams of fiber and six grams of plant-based protein that will keep your appetite in check and your blood sugar steady,” says Forman.

Roasting chickpeas is a piece of cake—just drain them, put them on a baking sheet, drizzle them with avocado oil, and sprinkle on salt. Then, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Boost the flavor with any seasoning you like (such as chili powder or paprika) just before eating.

But if that’s more effort than you have time for (no judgement!), Forman recommends stocking up on Biena’s single-serving roasted chickpea packs in flavors like sea salt, ranch and barbecue for easy snacking. A handful of these guys might stop your stomach from growling when you’ve still got a lot left to do.

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Try Oatmeal for Dinner With These Savory Recipes

Oatmeal is a breakfast staple, a warm, comforting blank canvas for all sorts of toppings: maple syrup, chopped fruit and nuts, even chocolate chips. But it’s not just for the morning hour, nor just for sweet flavors. Savory oatmeal is a worthy avenue of exploration this winter, when you’re seeking to expand beyond the borders of your usual comfort foods, but still need meals that stick to your ribs and warm you up from the inside. Plus, January just happens to be National Oatmeal Month.

Hence, we present to you, Chowhounds’ most creative ideas for topping savory oatmeal, as discussed on our Home Cooking board many years ago.

Sorta Healthy, Sorta Cajun

“I just had some with steamed broccoli, a bit of shredded mozzarella and some Tony’s [Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning].” —Laurawnm

We’d wager you’ve never had oatmeal with broccoli before, but is it that much of a leap from cheesy broccoli rice to creamy broccoli oatmeal with cheese? Plus, Creole spice makes everything nice.

Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning, 2 for $4.23 at Walmart

Tastes good on everything, indeed.

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The Forager

“Toasted nori shreds … chopped roasted asparagus and/or wild mushrooms.” —Emme

Enjoy your umami bomb! And use whatever mushrooms you fancy. Ditto the other roasted veggie toppings; cook up whatever you have in the crisper, or give your leftovers new life.

Jook-tastic

“I will use chicken broth to make my oatmeal most of the time – and then if you add other little bits like egg, meat, cilantro, whatever, it reminds me of Chinese jook!” —maybelle

If you’re not familiar with jook (or congee), it’s a thick, creamy, savory rice porridge of sorts, and you should try it and this oatmeal riff posthaste. Also, using chicken broth (or any broth) instead of water is a great general tip for all your savory oatmeal experiments.

Formosa Brand Pork Sung, $18.58 on Amazon

Try topping jook or jook-inspired oatmeal with this pork floss (it's better than it sounds).

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Related Reading: Chefs Share Their Fave Cold Weather Comfort Foods

Oats ‘n’ Brine

“I like it with some chopped kalamata olives, a splash of olive oil, a splash of Maggi sauce (or just plain soy sauce), topped with chopped green onion.” —PandanExpress

Another way to get your salt fix, but the scallions’ sharp flavor helps cut through the sodium. Try tossing in roasted cherry tomatoes and feta too for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Hangover Helper

“[T]op with stir-fried garlic spinach, a poached/fried egg and a drizzle of olive oil (or a dollop of creme fraiche).” —peppermint pate

Hangover or no, garlic and a runny-yolked egg make everything better. And really, you could top savory oatmeal any other way you might top grits.

The Hippie

“I’ll add a few bits of avocado, toasted seeds/nuts of some sort (e.g. hemp, black sesame, almonds), and maybe even a little ripped up nori.” —sf toronto

Add your own crunchy, creamy, healthy flourishes as you see fit. You have a whole world of superfoods to choose from.

Stick to Your Ribs

Kitchen Queen suggested that if “you enjoy sausage and eggs try putting the sausage in the oatmeal”—which inspired us to put both breakfast staples in, though this definitely works as supper too.

Just more proof that oatmeal can be an understudy for grits—and a delicious meal at any time of day.

Related Video: How to Make Slow Cooker Oatmeal

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13 Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals with Chicken Broth

Have a box of chicken broth in your pantry? You're one step closer to dinner! From Weeknight Chicken Ramen to Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings, here are 13 quick and easy meals that'll make good use of that box of broth.

Continue reading "13 Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals with Chicken Broth" »

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Swoon-Worthy Pink & Red Kitchen Gifts for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is replete with plenty of bouquets of roses and heart-shaped boxes filled with truffles. But if you and yours are simply jaded by Valentine’s Day tropes—yet still want to buy a gift—there are other ways to show affection without adhering to the overdone. How about a bright kitchen appliance to add to the collection, in shades of red and pink?

Related Reading: The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts For Him on Amazon

Luckily, there are a host of brands and companies who love to ramp up colors, rather than sticking to the traditional shades of blacks, grays, and whites. Check out our selection of pink and red kitchen-themed gifts that are perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Sticky Toffee Cotton Terry Kitchen Dishcloth, 8-Pack for $13.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Dish towels are a great way to brighten up the kitchen. And while they’re certainly not glamorous, they’re a bona fide necessity for any home cook. Buy Now

Five Two Essential Knives, $49-$139 at Food52

Food52

Food52’s own line of knives comes in a variety of colors, but for Valentine’s Day there’s nothing better than the rhubarb: a dusty pink color. Buy the full set of three, complete with a chef’s knife, serrated knife, and paring knife—or just add one to the collection. Buy Now

Ilana Matte Dinner Plates, Set of 4 for $56 at Anthropologie

Upgrade those boring white dishes with this set of matte pink dinner plates from Anthropologie. The rose-colored plates are complete with concentric circles and painted brown on the rim. Bowls and mugs can be purchased to round out the collection. Buy Now

The Dutchess, $145 at Great Jones

Great Jones

The darling of direct-to-consumer kitchenware, Great Jones has succeeded in producing a Dutch oven that’s just as cute as it is functional. The enameled cast-iron oven can move from the stove to the oven, prepped to sear and braise just about anything. And in a light pink (aptly called macaron), the Dutchess is sure to stand out in any kitchen. Buy Now

SMEG 2-Slice Toaster, $159.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond

Bed, Bath & Beyond

Make toasting cool again with this vintage-style toaster, painted pink. Six browning levels and three presets (reheat, defrost, and bagel) mean you can toast bread, bagels, pop tarts, and waffles to your heart’s delight.Buy Now

KitchenAid 11-Cup Food Processor, $169.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond

Bed, Bath & Beyond

With the KitchenAid food processor, you can slice, chop, and blend nonstop. The machine comes with five slicers, plus a 3-cup mini bowl for when you’re working with only a small amount of food. Buy Now

SMEG Espresso Machine, $459.99 at Bloomingdales

Bloomingdales

Nothing brings back the nostalgia of the ‘50s like the products from SMEG. This retro espresso machine, in glorious red, makes whipping up a mug of espresso easy with its sleek body and trimmed down process—putting the art of espresso first, rather than excess gadgets.Buy Now

KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer, $299.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond

Bed, Bath & Beyond

Save 20 percent when purchasing this KitchenAid stand mixer. The mixer, in guava glaze, makes it easier to complete all your baking necessities—from creaming butter and sugar to mixing pizza dough—with a flat beater, dough hook, wire whisk, and pouring shield.Buy Now

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Replace Your Old Coffee Maker with this Well-Rated Model—Less Than $30 Today

Tired of paying too much for kitchen appliances? Or just plain tired? Solve both issues with this Waring Pro 14-cup drip coffee maker currently on sale for less than $30—down from it’s original $100 —as Best Buy’s Deal of the Day.

The sleek jet black java machine​ receives especially high marks from verified purchase reviews with some buyers calling it “the best coffee machine they’ve ever had” and “an incredible value.” An easy brew-pause function allows you to pour a cup mid-brew for those must-have moments, and 14 cup carafe is big enough for even the most caffeine-obsessed households. 

Related Reading: The Best Coffee Subscriptions for Every Type of Coffee Drinker

The coffee machine isn’t the only appliance on discount at the big box retailer. A Cuisinart Deluxe convection toaster oven with broiler is currently marked down more than 50 percent to just $80 during the one day sale. Cook anything from a 12-inch pizza to a whole chicken without the use of your big boy oven (saves on energy). Perfect for a small apartment, the office or any other space ill-equipped to house permanent kitchen machinery.

The Cuisinart oven​ ships free and both can be ordered online and picked up in-store the same day, pending inventory. 

Waring Pro 14-Cup Coffee Maker, $29.99 on Best Buy

Best Buy

Snatch up a reliable 14-cup coffee maker for just $30 today at Best Buy.Buy Now

Cuisinart Countertop Convection Oven, $79.99 on Best Buy

Best Buy

Inject some oven power at work or, for the serial host/cook, add some valuable cooking space.Buy Now

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