Loving Lately | Food & Drinks

Happy MLK Day!! I get the day off work and I could not be happier spending it on my couch. Here's a round up of mostly products and one place, near and dear. Enjoy!

A refreshing juice beverage | Tropicana Trop 50

Being a loyal drinker of Tropicana Orange Juice, when I was offered a coupon for a free bottle from their Trop50 line of juice beverages, I didn't hesitate to accept. I did hesitate, however, when it came to choosing a flavor! I debated over delicious sounding Farmstand Apple and Pineapple Mango, eventually deciding on the Pomegranate Blueberry.
Teeming with the juices of two bold flavorful fruits (and a little apple and grape in the mix) I thought the beverage achieved a balanced sweetness that was luscious and refreshing. The Trop 50 line of juice drinks contain 50% less sugar and calories and no artificial sweeteners. Plus, an 8oz glass is packed with antioxidants and delivers your daily dose of vitamin C. I am definitely looking forward to sampling the other flavors.

Old fashioned jams | Doves & Figs Cranberry Chocolate Jam

Local food blogger Robin Cohen is the talented woman behind a delectable line of jams at Doves & Figs Kitchen. Robin makes her own jams, preserves and conserves in small batches from Massachusetts farm grown fruit. Her jams lend a soft and spreadable texture and are offered in array of original flavors. The Cranberry Chocolate is an innovative blend of the tart ripe fruits and subtle hints of sweet Taza chocolate. I spread it on everything from my morning bagels with cream cheese, to my afternoon snack of cheese and crackers. If you have yet to get your hands on some of Robin's jam, you're missing out!

A comforting meal at the bar I love most | Delux Cafe

Recently, Adam and I ventured to the South End for a highly anticipated dinner at The Gallows. It ended up being a night which they were closed for a private party, bummer! (Not sure how I missed this, with their strong social media presence and all.) However, there are no shortage of good restaurants nearby, so we weren't totally out of luck. We decided to cozy up at the all too familiar laminated wood bar backed by twinkling rainbow lights and other (year round) kitschy Christmas decor at Delux. I perused their well appointed one page menu with a dirty martini in hand, settling on the Marinated Bavette Steak ($12.95). Their chef doesn't mess around when it comes to whipping up a small portioned juicy steak. Herb crusted and topped with a slab of melted roasted red pepper butter, with a side of sauteed baby spinach and goat cheese mashed potatoes, this plate of food hit all the right notes of comfort and finesse.

Premium canned tomatoes | Red Pack

Red Pack Tomatoes recently sent me a gift pack of their canned tomato products to sample. I'm no skeptic when it comes to using canned tomatoes in the winter, but its not like I get excited about them either. I absolutely loved this product! For starters, their packaging is bright, eye catching and fun and most importantly, their premium tomatoes are fresh tasting, sweet, juicy and delicious. I am particularly fond of their Petite Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Olive Oil for a no fuss bruschetta appetizer! I added some salt, pepper, more olive oil and balsamic to the mix - so easy. My guests loved the app and would have never guessed the tomatoes and blend came from a can. A regular can of Diced Tomatoes lent themselves beautifully to a batch of Chicken Tortilla Soup I made over one December weekend. And when my New Years Eve Mussels Fra Diavolo called for the same ingredient, to the Red Pack I went where it was a can of Petite Diced Tomatoes that worked in the mussels favor. I'm so pleased I got to try the Red Gold Tomato products and am looking forward to using more of the Red Pack cans in future recipes!What foods or drinks are putting a smile on your face?