Most everyone loves to “dip” at a party and most of their ingredients include dairy like cream cheese or sour cream. I recently found a brand that is delicious with claims of real cheese but no dairy. I don’t know how they do that but I tried them and enjoyed several of their products. The best thing that I discovered about Misha’s is they are versatile so you can serve them with chips or crackers but also get more adventurous in the kitchen using them as ingredients for soups, salads, a casserole or pasta dish, etc.
I enjoyed several of their flavors including the Smoked Cheddar made with plant-based cheese and hint of paprika and chipotle peppers. I found this flavor bold and perfect to use on top of burgers, in scalloped potatoes or even mac & cheese. It’s smoky without the traditional bar-b-que.
If you love the flavor of truffle, I recommend the Misha’s Black Truffle. I found the flavors earthy and buttery with a smooth texture. I tried it on top of mushroom ravioli and a vegetable pizza. Discover more of their products and store locations at the link below.
Growing up in a large family with incredible cooks and recipes passed down from generation to generation, olive oil should be a staple in every kitchen. Most cooking is based with oil, butter or lard as the first ingredient. I was recently sent samples from Dave’s Gourmet. Dave’s company makes many sauces that I will also review but let me start with their Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It’s 100% Spanish and that is very important. There is something about the soil and climate in Spain, Italy and Greece that make olive oil production superior. I suggest you drizzle a little in a small olive dish, perhaps a sprig of rosemary and serve it with rustic bread.
In the past, the only jarred pasta sauce that I truly appreciated is made by Rao’s Italian Restaurant in New York. Now I have two. Dave’s Gourmet has several jarred sauces that score points very high on my approval scale. They offer everything from traditional red sauces including one made with heirloom tomatoes to their Aged White Cheddar Alfredo. Many remind me of what my grandmother made. There are so many sauces to choose from that I am going to be reviewing more of them in the months ahead as we head into holiday entertaining.
Some like it spicy and hot! You know the friend or family member — the one who challenges you with the hottest pepper grown in Mexico. Today, hot sauce is a required condiment on the table, counter, picnic table or buffet. Dave’s Gourmet has several spicy sauces to choose from and I selected their Creamy Habanero Hot Sauce on a challenge. It’s an inferno on the palate for those who enjoy that kind of heat — it’s not for the meek and mild.
Visit Dave’s Gourmet or shop on Amazon.
For the record, it’s okay to serve a box wine. The vineyards have come a long way since the invention. We all know the stigma but here is a gizmo to help preserve it and serve it. boxxle Premium Wine Dispenser. This countertop device is beautifully designed and handy (less mess) when guests want a drink made famous by Bacchus. Perhaps keep one in the fridge for white and rosé wines. I am confident that those who attend your get-together will ask about this wine service.
Enjoy your guests and the rest of the season.
