Move over Pop Corn- Lotus Seeds are in Town.

There’s a new snack food in town, and since my town is Boulder, CO, you know that snack food is healthy, or healthier, than most choices.

Popped Lotus is a new company making popped lotus seed snacks. I received a small sample in the mail and said if I enjoyed the product, I’d write about it. Well, I enjoyed it so much I devoured a bag and a half before stopping to take a photo.

I had no idea that you could pop lotus seeds like popcorn, toss them in butter, salt, and spices, and create somewhat healthy snack. The puffy balls have a thin, crunchy exterior, a light, pillowy interior, and just enough salt to have you reaching for another handful. A quick calorie check and your mind is at ease… you can have the whole bag!

Popped Lotus provides a writeup of the benefits of eating lotus seeds, which you can read here. They currently offer two varieties- Sea Salt and Spicy Mango. I honestly enjoyed them both, but would suggest picking up a bag of the Spicy Mango if you like things with a kick.

I hope Popped Lotus does well. They have a great concept and are in the perfect town for this dare I say gluten free snack. So, put down that processed Pirate Booty and treat yourself to a less processed alternative: The Lotus Seed.

JJ’s Sweets

I’m not a big candy person, but JJ’s Sweets just might be my new favorite candy company. I have great things to say about the four sweets I tried and, as I write this, feel a longing for a Cocomel.

What is a Cocomel? It’s a coconut milk caramel and it is fantastic. Fantastic! I tired the original, java, fleur de sel, and vanilla cocomel and enjoyed them all. I actually scarfed them down, to be completely honest.

Cocomels are not only lip-smackingly delicious caramels, they are vegan and gluten free. They’re locally made in Boulder, CO, so that’s a plus, too.

JJ’s Sweets doesn’t only make the soon-to-be-famous Cocomel- they also make “unique hard candies” and I have a new favorite sweet: Fennel and Anise Seed Brittle. I’d never had such a flavor combination in a candy, and I’m looking forward to having it again. The fennel and anise go together so well, and it isn’t too sweet, but sweet enough to satisfy an after-dinner sweet tooth.

The Tangerine Dream hard candy was the best tasting tangerine candy, period. I don’t know much at all about making hard candies, but these were perfectly hard, and my taste buds approved while the candies slowly dissolved. No artificial junk added. That’s the kind of candy we should eat when we indulge in candy.

And the last treat that I reluctantly shared was the Fleur de Sel Chocolate Covered Cocomel. I’ll take a dozen, please.

JJ’s Sweets can be found at the Boulder Farmers Market, as well as local holiday markets. But, don’t worry non-Boulder-locals because they ship! So, order some online for a unique holiday gift this year. That’s my plan.

Comida: A Mobile Mexican Feast

If you live or work in Boulder and have not yet eaten from the COMIDA food truck, I think it would be a good time to check out their website and make an effort to track the pink truck down for a deliciously fun food experience.

Lucky for me, COMIDA makes stops at Asher Brewing Co, which happens to be across the street from my home. I can just walk over and indulge in their chicken quesadilla (center) or fish tacos (right). The real meat-eater at home ordered a number of meaty tacos and was completely satisfied. Licked the foil clean…

But, one reason I especially like COMIDA, besides a super friendly staff that jams out to music while they work, is they have a number of vegetarian offerings that are more elevated than a simple salad. Go COMIDA Go! Can’t wait for some food tonight.

Xplorador Carmenere by Concha y Toro

Here’s another wine I would buy again. I don’t claim to be a connoisseur, but I know what I like. Xplorador Carmenere by Chile’s famous Concha y Toro tastes great. It is also funny to me that I made up a little song for it that sounded like Dora the Exploradora… and I sang it while I poured.