Friday Food Finds: Whey Ice Cream, Cashew Cheese, Beet Crackers, and More!

Summer may be winding down (whomp, whomp), but our spirits are up because the new food offerings just keep coming. We sampled a handful of unique selections with Naughty Gossip‘s Rob Shuter on today’s Taylor Strecker Show and there were a few standouts. Check out our extremely candid thoughts below and be ready to add these items to your next grocery list. Or better yet, just do what the millennials do and order them directly from Amazon.

Treeline Cashew Cheese

If there’s one thing vegans say they miss most, it’s cheese. Luckily for them, Treeline has introduced an exciting line of cashew-based vegan cheeses, both hard and soft, to fill the void of salty, creamy goodness. You now have something you can spread on crackers, mix into sauces, or serve with wine, all without the guilt of using animal products. If you’d like my Venmo information to thank me, I’m happy to provide it.

Mighty Spark Chicken Snack Sticks

I don’t care what Taylor and Rob think about chicken jerky (they prefer beef), these are awesome. In fact, with flavor profiles like cranberry-ginger and jalapeño-honey, they’re some of the most innovative on the market. Think of it as a grown-up Slim Jim, but without the douchiness.

RW Garcia Crackers

It’s clear that this company is gunning for Mary’s Gone crackers (the O.G. and, frankly, the best for seed-based dip vessels), but they’re doing things their own way by incorporating unique ingredients like beets, lentils, and sweet potatoes. The former is delicious, offering a pleasant sweetness to complement the corn. And if you’re on the market for corn flavors in general, the company also boasts an impressive line of corn-based chips that are addictive AF. I may or may not have housed half a bag of their chili cheese variety.

Marcoot Jersey Creamery Whey Ice

Moo-ve over, Edy’s. Who knew a byproduct of cheesemaking could lend itself to summer’s hottest frozen treat? One small container of Extreme Ice packs 20 grams of protein per serving, which is essentially what you’d find in a typical workout shake. Those looking for less whey taste and more fruity ice can check out their standard Whey Ice line, which is equally tasty, but less creamy.

Rebbl Elixirs

I may not be able to pronounce a lot of the superfoods used in this coconut milk-based line, but they are freakin’ delicious. The consistency of the smoothies is thick and luxurious, the flavor profile is balanced, and you get a lot of daily vitamins and nutrients. The only thing we flagged was the sugar content. Each bottle is a little over 20 grams, though generally derived from fruit. Just something to note if you’re watching your intake, otherwise these were some of our favorite drinks of the year.

Rowdy Prebiotic Bars

Whomp, whomp. These were a huge letdown. With hundreds of bars on the market that tout a bevy of health benefits, you’re better off spending your money elsewhere. While we appreciate the protein content (11 grams is great!) and prebiotic-heavy yacon root, the chocolate-based flavors were hard to chew and stuck to our teeth like cheap bubblegum. My poor jaw.

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Tips to Guarantee Clean Water While Camping or Hiking

Whether you’ve gotten a bit of hiking inspo from following the National Park Service on Instagram or just want to recapture the fun of camping during childhood summers, it’s the ideal time of year to spend some time outside. In addition to familiarizing yourself with campsites and trails (plus the critters you may encounter along the way), you’ll want to make sure you have enough to keep yourself hydrated while you explore the great outdoors. Here’s what you need to know about H2O before you leave home.

How Much Water to Bring With You

Before you decamp for, well, camping, make sure you grab the right amount of agua for your adventure. “Generally my rule of thumb is 0.5 liter per hour for a tough hike,” says outdoor expert Cris Hazzard, of HikingGuy.com. “So a standard 3-liter hydration bladder gives me roughly six hours of hiking. I adjust that number based on the effort level. If the hike is flat and relatively easy, I can use about half that. If it’s a hot hike in the desert, it can be double.”

How much you need to tote along with you will depend on your situation, though. “The amount of water needed varies significantly depending on body weight, pack weight, temperature, fitness, terrain, elevation gain, so there really isn’t a simple formula that works for all people in all situations,” says Laurie Potteiger, Information Services Manager at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. She recommends taking the opportunity to drink some every time you come to a water source. (TMI alert: Aim for urinating multiple times per day and pale yellow pee, she says.)

“The best advice is to carry more water than you think you need, and to drink more than you think you need,” Potteiger says.

Want to keep it cold during a hot hike? Fill water bottles halfway up and put them in the freezer the night before you head out. Wrapping them in a hand towel will keep the water chilled most of the day, says Potteiger.

How to Treat Water to Make Sure It’s Safe

Water pump filtration instruction. Image courtesy REI

So what happens if you run out of or don’t have access to water? You’ll want to turn up the heat at your campsite. “Boiling is the most effective method of treating water in the backcountry to make it safe for drinking, but impractical for most backpackers,” Potteiger says. (The CDC backs this up; boiling is the top dog when it comes to water treatment.)

If boiling isn’t feasible for you, there are a few other methods, too. “There are several other methods, and each has its advantages and drawbacks,” Potteiger says, pointing to filtration, iodine, chlorine dioxide, and Ultraviolet light as other options. “It’s a good idea to carry a backup method in case a filter gets clogged or the battery in a UV light water purifier; also, combining filtration with chemical treatment increases their effectiveness.”

Hazzard’s recommendation? “I used to use iodine tablets which are small and simple, but take some time (30 minutes) to treat the water,” says Hazzard. He says filter technology has recently improved, so he now uses this small pump. “It removes viruses, bacteria, protozoa and dirt, and works right away,” he says.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

“Plan Ahead and Prepare” is the phrase that should be top of mind before heading outside. “It’s important to make sure your water treatment systems are checked and ready before you go, and ensure that they are working properly when in the field,” Potteiger says. “It may sound obvious, but it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions about using and caring for your product. Many hikers have preventable problems because they didn’t backflush their filter, or carry plungers for flushing, spare parts or batteries. If you have spare parts and/or extra batteries that may be needed, and a back-up method, this is very unlikely to happen.”

Hikers should maintain good hygiene, avoid sharing food or water bottles, and wash their hands at least 200 feet away from water sources before and after eating and after going to the bathroom. Happy trails!

Related Video: How to Make Orange, Blueberry and Basil Water

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Marshmallow Madness

Marshmallows are sweet pillows of chewy, gooey heaven. Their fluffy, elastic texture and hit of sugary ecstasy make us crazy. Often relegated to a children’s campfire treat, adults want in on this ethereal sugar evolution too. Who says you have to give up your playful indulgences just because you’re over 18? Not us. We’ll even transport you to your own candy land by showing you how to create these cloying clouds at home. You can make mature marshmallows in sophisticated flavors like vanilla-rose, cardamom, and espresso. So adultish. 

In the winter, we love to snuggle with a hot mug of marshmallows bobbing in a pond of cocoa like an icebergs that melt on our tongues. Yet marshmallows are also beloved for their stringy sweetness in the summer as s’mores. They’re timeless.

In 2008, husband-and-wife team Mark Sopchak and Jenna Park latched onto our love of the marshmallow when they started a Brooklyn-based business, Whimsy & Spice, selling handmade marshmallows, cookies, and other sweet treats. “Not everybody likes marshmallows, but the people who do, maybe it’s a childhood thing, where you remember eating them when you were a kid,” said Sopchak, who was a pastry chef in New York City restaurants for more than 14 years before starting their business. “People like sweets, and it’s almost pure sugar, but it’s lighter.”

Chocolate, caramel, and maple are the most popular flavors at Whimsy & Spice, but Sopchak whips up seasonal flavors too, like ginger for winter. Sopchak is digging the passion fruit flavor right now.

Whimsy & Spice

Making marshmallows at home is simple, but not necessarily easy. “A marshmallow is basically whipped up sugar and gelatin,” Sopchak said. “We add egg whites. It’s a matter of preference, a textural thing. They end up being softer and lighter; without egg whites, they tend to be a little chewier.” Watch our video of how to make marshmallows.

If you’re new to using a candy thermometer and making hot sugar syrup, you might mess up a couple times before you get it right, he says. That’s expected. But keep at it, and then whip that sugar with gelatin and let it set. Besides a reliable candy thermometer, you’ll need a sturdy stand mixer, like the ubiquitous KitchenAid stand mixer.

“Once you master the method of doing the plain one, then add spices or juices,” Sopchak said. “It has to be a very strong flavor or else it’s going to get lost. When you make a marshmallow there’s a lot of air added to it and the flavor gets dispersed in it.”

You can infuse any flavor you want at any part of the process, but avoid alcohol because it doesn’t work well with gelatin, Sopchak said. You can make a ginger tea and then use that in the water while you melt the sugar, for instance.

Use your homemade marshmallows for cute gifts, pile them onto your hot chocolate, or incorporate them into your s’mores, Rice Krispies treats, ice cream, sandwich cookies, cake frosting — or just eat them whole and plain. They’re good enough all by themselves, especially when homemade.

“It’s really not that hard but people are intimidated by it,” Sopchak said. “It can take a little practice and you’ll mess up a couple times.”

If you’re just not gonna do it but gotta have it, buy some of Whimsy & Spice’s marshmallows on Esty. Check out our other candy recipes. But those of you itching to get in the kitchen with your candy thermometer, try some of our recipes below.

1. Classic Vanilla Marshmallows

Chowhound

While the recipe instructs you to make the classic marshmallow cubes, this marshmallow batter can also be cut into shapes with cookie cutters or used to pipe out marshmallow chicks, which are especially cute come Easter. Get our Classic Vanilla Marshmallows recipe.

2. Homemade Marshmallow Créme

Chowhound

It’s not the traditional marshmallow you can eat on its own, but if you’re a marshmallow fan, you’ll love this créme, which is great for cakes and pies. Get our Homemade Marshmallow Créme recipe.

3.  S’mores Icebox Terrine

Chowhound

Frozen yogurt and s’mores combine to make an out of this world dessert. And here’s the best part –no baking is required! Get our No-Bake S’mores Icebox Terrine recipe.

4. S’more Bars

Chowhound

The chocolate, graham cracker, and marshmallow goodness you know from childhood camping trips and love still to this day is available in bar form. Enjoy it inside the warmth of your home. Get our S’more Bars recipe.

5. White Russian Rice Cereal Treats

Chowhound

Here’s an adult version of this traditional crunchy, gooey, sweet treat that kids love. Some instant espresso powder, cream, and Kahlúa make this more of 21 and older type dessert. Get our White Russian Rice Cereal Treats recipe.

6. Bourbon Rocky Road Ice Cream Sundae

Chowhound

Make some espresso Bourbon caramel sauce first, and then you only need four more ingredients to make this dreamy sundae a reality. Get our Bourbon Rocky Road Ice Cream Sundae recipe.

Related Video: How to Make Marshmallow Chicks

— Head Photo: Whimsy & Spice.

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Pasta With Swordfish, Tomato, and Eggplant (Rigatoni Con Pesce Spada)

Get Recipe!

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How to Make the Best Vegetable Chips

Chips are a classic accompaniment to sandwiches, whether you’re tossing a mini bag into a lunch box or bringing a family size sack along on a camping trip. But potato chips are pretty, well, basic. If you haven’t had a veggie chip epiphany yet, it’s tough to describe the curious mix of gluttonous joy and health-food smugness one feels as one power-eats a sheet pan of hot, crackly kale or crispy carrot chips. It goes something like: “Sweet Lord, I can’t stop eating these” and “I’ll never jaw my way through a kale salad again!” and “I’m getting vitamins and fiber–WOOO!”

All because you realized that slicing veggies super-thin, slicking ’em with oil, seasoning, and roasting makes an unbelievably delicious vegetable 2.0, with all of the satisfying appeal of crunchy potato chips, minus the grease and gluten.

Think of these recipes as your gateway to crispy-fying almost any vegetable or fruit. Once you get the hang of it (and, really, it’s as easy as it gets), you’ll never look at turnips or rutabagas or apples the same way again. Also, if you’ve been looking for an excuse to splurge on a mandolin or dehydrator–tools that facilitate a faster or healthier batch of veggie chips–we’re giving you the best rationale ever. Although, using a standard oven is totally fine too.

Kale Chips

Chowhound

Oh, kale. You’ve had your moment and the fooderati schadenfreude is peaking (read Dear Kale for the best farewell ever), but we will always and forever love you when you’re kissed with oil and crisped in an oven. No matter what the cool kids say. Get our Kale Chips recipe.

Carrot Chips

Chowhound

For anyone who recoils at the baby food texture and watery sweetness of steamed carrots, the earthy, subtle sweet and crunch of carrot chips will make you love Bugs’ favorite snack all over again. Get our Carrot Chips recipe.

Taro Chips

Chowhound

You’ll want to take some before/after selfies with these chips. The funky woody potato exterior belies a purple-flecked flesh that makes these chips an ideal delivery platform for a punchy ceviche or a dip or spread that needs a pretty surface. Get our Taro Chips recipe.

Sweet Potato Chips

Chowhound

If you make veggie chips often, think of this as a template recipe for any root veggie type of produce. The splash of vinegar is key. The acid prevents vegetables from turning mushy or soft while cooking, so you’re guaranteed a truly crispy chip. Get our Sweet Potato Chips recipe.

Sweet Potato Crisps with Smoked Paprika

Chowhound

If you love barbecue-flavored potato chips, these crisps deliver the goods–smoky, tangy, salty crunch–minus the nuclear flavoring agents. Get our Sweet Potato Crisps with Smoked Paprika recipe.

Garlic Chips

Shutterstock

Oh, hey there, coconut milk. Didn’t expect to see you here. Thin slivers of garlic are soaked in coconut milk before frying, and we’re not sure why, but the results are so outstanding, the recipe should probably come with a three cloves per “snack” limit. Because you (if “you” are…me) can eat all of these in one sitting, easy, and you will reek for days. Get our Garlic Chips recipe.

Beet Chips

A Spicy Perspective

Sweet, earthy beets make especially vibrant chips. Try a mix of red and gold for a pretty (and pretty healthy) snack. Get the recipe.

Dips

Truth is, a crackly, seasoned veggie chip straight out of the oven is perfection on its own, but there’s also something irresistible about dunking it in a dip or schmearing it with a spread. For a veggie chip, we love the contrasting texture and flavor of these:

Basic Ranch Dressing

Chowhound

You wouldn’t be here perusing food porn on Chow if you were the kind of person who settles for bottled ranch dressing and the list of mysterious ingredients that go in it. This one’s for you. Highly recommended for root vegetable chips, like carrot chips or taro chips. Get our Basic Ranch Dressing recipe.

White Bean and Edamame Hummus

Chowhound

This riff on hummus swaps chickpeas and tahini for a combination of legumes and sesame oil. It’s a heavy spread that requires a hefty chip to hold it, like a fresh taro chip. Get our White Bean and Edamame Hummus recipe.

Jalapeño Cilantro Yogurt Spread

Chowhound

You can use this punchy spread on sandwiches or as a sauce on roasted veggies, but the creamy, spicy yogurt-based dip is also a perfect foil for sweet and earthy sweet potato chips. Get our Jalapeño Cilantro Yogurt Spread recipe.

Caramelized Onion Dip

Chowhound

Sorry, Lipton Onion Soup mix French onion dip. You were a vital nutrient in college and the crowd favorite of our early 20s game-day throw-downs, but we’ve got 401Ks and health insurance now (seriously, we’re eating veggie chips), and our chips deserve better. Get our Caramelized Onion Dip recipe.

Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip

Chowhound

There are few things that wouldn’t taste just a little bit better dipped in this combination (grilled chicken, French fries, falafel, roasted cauliflower). Get our Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip recipe.

Dill Dip

Chowhound

Dill, whether dried or fresh, has a bright, light flavor that pairs well with earthy, roasted beets and carrots. This dip packs a little bit of both (dried and fresh) to maximize that intense and herbal flavor. Get our Dill Dip recipe.

Related Video: How to Make Spiced Apple Chips

Original story by Christine Gallary, updated by Colleen Rush.

Colleen Rush is a food and travel writer who eats, drinks, cooks, and writes mostly in New Orleans, but also … everywhere else. She is the author of “The Mere Mortal’s Guide to Fine Dining” (Broadway Books, 2006), and coauthor of “Low & Slow: Master the Art of Barbecue in 5 Easy Lessons” (Running Press, 2009) and the upcoming “Low & Slow 2: The Art of Barbecue, Smoke Roasting, and Basic Curing” (Running Press, 2015). Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.

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7 Trail Mix Recipes to Get Your GORP On

Good Old Raisins and Peanuts (GORP) is anything BUT the same ole, same ole today. Trail mix has undergone a metamorphosis, with varieties that range from the savory to the Willy Wonka sweet and the only rule is that if you can pack it in a Zip Top baggie, it’s fair game!

1. Nutty Trail Mix

CHOW

You’d be nuts not to love this! Chocolate candy, roasted peanuts, and crispy banana chips are some of the key players in this subtle twist on classic trail mix. Get our Nutty Trail Mix recipe.

2. Gourmet Trail Mix

This trail mix takes the classic and updates it with high quality ingredients and twists. Whole roasted cashews, high quality chocolate chips, and flaked coconut all concentrated into a mix that is delicate enough to serve as a nibble with elegant cocktails. Get our Gourmet Trail Mix recipe.

3. Tropical Snack Trail Mix

Visions of hula girls and beaches are on the horizon with this trail mix. Dried pineapple and mango, salted cashews, and nutty sesame sticks are in the mix – don’t shy away from adding some macadamia nuts, too. Get our Tropical Snack Trail Mix recipe.

4. Savory Quinoa Trail Mix

Vegan Richa

This trail mix is so savory that you might want to serve it as an appetizer. Quinoa, raisins, puffed rice, and a slew of Indian seasonings and spices like turmeric and cilantro give this a decidedly southeast Asian bent. Get the recipe here.

5. Sweet and Spicy Wasabi Trail Mix

Savoring the Thyme

This trail mix hits all of the right notes: Sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy. Wasabi coated green peas, sweet and chewy cranberries, and a mixture of nuts are a great mix in for popcorn during movie night. Get the recipe here.

6. Chocolate Lovers Trail Mix

Peanut Butter Fingers

This trail mix is just as good on ice cream as it is out of hand. Chocolate covered pretzels, cranberries and almonds give energy on the hiking trail and a sugar buzz as an afternoon treat. Get the recipe here.

7. Sweet and Spicy Cereal Mix

This snack mix combines cashews, peanuts, and pretzels with a dash of cereal for a sweet and salty combo you’ll love. Get out Sweet and Spicy Cereal Mix recipe.

Related Video: How to Make S’mores Trail Mix

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Fruit Syrup for Swirled Ice Cream

toasted oat ice cream swirled with cherries, to pineapple ice cream with a blackberry ripple, the only limit is your imagination. Get Recipe!

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