Suntastic Beefsteak Tomatoes

My tomatoes were not so red as these! But they're called Suntastic. But they're from a farm in Canada. But also the address of the farm is in Florida. I really have no idea how this qualifies as "local produce", but it was in my local veg box, so, OK. The website on the package (http://www.visitourgarden.com/) does not seem to exist. It's like a prank on me, Billy Tomato Fan. 

But I am a tomato fan. These are great for pasta and also rice. They taste like tomato, lasted a whole week, and were solid even though the outsides didn't look super pretty. In general, tomatoes are good, but for me the bigger they are they more I like them (Big Bois > Romas > Grape > Cherry). So these are pretty large and also pretty good.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 7/10
Transparency in Origin: 2/10

McCormick Turmeric Ground

From the cinnamon ground to the turmeric ground. It's been probably 10 years since I learned about the spelling of turmeric, but it's still surprising to me. I guess the spelling critical period sets in around age 16 or so. Anyway, turmeric isn't my favorite spice. It's bright yellow. I do like that. But the taste is very "savory soup". I do like soup, but not as a spice. That might be my fault for only using turmeric in non-savory drinks. The image on the container makes me realise that this stuff is in the ginger family, often paired with ginger, and yet (to me) tastes very little like ginger. Anyway, I'm not allergic to it, so I'll probably keep using it because it is a common ingredient. Did you know there's a massive mustard recall in the UK because there's peanut contamination in the mustard supply? McCormick would never. That is why they are my trusted brand. (Don't make me look foolish for saying this, McCormick!!)

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 5/10

Stauffer's Animal Cookies - Iced

After the delightful Stauffer's Ginger Snaps, I went to my store to restock, but they were not available! They had only these Animal Cookies. Now when I was a kiddo, pre-allergy-labels, I definitely ate and liked some animal cookies, but I don't think it was these, I think it was a more delicious frosted one with sprinkles. I probably tried these once and thought "ew". Well, the good news for product purists is, I don't think these have changed a bit in 25 years. I'm also much more desperate for cookies and sweets now, so I don't hate these, but I can recognize that they aren't particularly delicious. The cookie bit is fine -- tastes like a shortbread -- but the icing is thin, and serves only to contribute a vague "chalky" vibe. However, they are kinda cute, and I will totally eat them while I wait for better things. 

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

Martinelli's Apple Juice

I'm the type of person who is extremely susceptible to marketing, which is probably part of why I get compelled to try all of the flavors of {oreo, toaster strudel, dunkin...} unless something veers me off course. So, here I am to sample a non cider Martinell. It's fine. It tastes like apple juice tastes. The upshot is: the ingredients are very clean, the bottle is glass and stylin', and I have an affection for the company (I'm also the type of person who has affection for companies, which I recognize is a flaw, but nevertheless). Lasts for five days, makes a good mixer, a little too sweet for my taste but at the same time, good if there are no other sweet drink options!

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

Kerrygold Unsalted Butter

I buy this brand for baking because of their explicit nut-free-ness (online) and their good reputation (among bakers everywhere). It tastes like butter and is suitable for my butter needs (which are not excessive). It lasts a long time and is easy to cut. One downside, which I find with many butters, is that the labelled tables(poons) are askew on the wrapper and so you have to use your brainpower to cut an appropriate amount, which I am not great at.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

McCormick Cinnamon

Some of my best friends are Cinnamon Ground! This is a weird word order on the label. But the product is good. I recognize reviewing cinnamon is somewhat strange, but it's made up a much larger amount of my diet in recent months than ever before. You can put this on oatmeal, sweet potatoes, in weird wellness drinks, you name it. It's got a nice sweet, distinct, pleasant flavor, I'm not allergic to it, and it's a pretty big container. It's also appropriate for the season. I am happy to sleep on the cinnamon ground for the time being.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 7/10

Eggo Homestyle Waffles

I'm currently at a high level of emotional despair, which I feel is reflected in my horrible waffle selection here. These have no flavor! Why bother!? I couldn't endure a totally plain waffle, so I added syrup and then they were good because I was eating hot syrup. But like, what are any of us doing here? I guess I don't want this to be my last tragic blog entry, so they serve a small motivational purpose. Good work, extremely boring waffles.

Overall
Cost: 6/10 [3$]
Taste: 6/10