It's the little things

Here are 5 little things that I love, in no particular order.

1. Sweet Pepper Relish – I never loved relish, until my sister and brother-in-law introduced me to Sweet Pepper Relish as part of their recipe for southwestern turkey burgers. This is the perfect addition to burgers and I bet it would be fantastic on a grilled cheese sandwich.


2. Trader Joes Cilantro and Chive Yogurt Dip – I bought this for the first time as a veggie dip, but I have started to use it to replace sour cream, goat cheese, cream cheese and butter. With 50 calories and 4g of fat per 2T it’s a great alternative. It reminds me of on of my favorite foods in Germany, Schwartzwald Crème, which my German exchange mother would buy by the pound for me and I am sure contributed to the 15 lbs I gain while living there.

3. Oxo Salad Spinner – It’s true, I love all things Oxo. However the gadget I use every single day is my Salad Spinner. I admit I had been wrong to think that salad spinners were just good for taking up space in your cabinet. I use this puppy every day, and it ensures that my salad is clean and dry and that the dressing stays where it belongs!


4. Twinings Lady Grey Tea – It’s the best kept Twinings secret, Lady Grey Tea. A little lighter than Earl Grey, I have at least one cup every morning. When I go home to visit my parents, my father and I can easily drink 2 pots between us before lunch. It’s a warm and cozy tea.


5. Par Baked Breads – I found par baked breads on Fresh Direct when we were living in NY. Essentially they partially bake the bread, and send it to you frozen. You stick it in the over and in 20 minutes you have a fantastic loaf of fresh crusty bread. I thought it was a Fresh Direct thing and was sad to give it up when we left, but was delighted to find out that Whole Foods carries a whole line of them.