creamsicle16's Xanga

These are a few of my Favorite Things...

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:00:07 GMT

Well... I have now realized that Xanga..does not allow "regular"users to make a "Link Box"..this is really making me upset, and I even thought about going back to Blogger. But for now I will just post a few of my favorite things..in weblogs.

Halal or Haram? #3 : JELL-O Gelatin Dessert

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 02:23:39 GMT

About a month ago, I wanted to make this "Creamsicle Mousse" dessert, that consists of orange jello mix, whipped cream, and white chocolate pudding. I had never at the orange jellomix,because of course it's gelatin, and I didn't know what it's source was. As a child, I ate the jello snacks, because they don't have gelatin. I decided to call since I really wanted to make the dessert. The company informed me that the gelatin source could be PIG or COW. She said that its really impossible to tell because the formula for their jello mix is frequently changing. She advised that it was best to just not eat it, because she wasn't sure. But for now this is just the JELL-O Brand. I was aware that there was another brandof jello(ROYAL), and I was pretty sure that the was Kosher, and IT WAS!...so even though I can't use JELL-O, I can use ROYAL.They don't have as many flavors..but its still good.

Summation:

JELL-O: Haram/Not Kosher/ Not Vegetarian- Vegan Friendly
ROYAL: Halal/Kosher

JELL-O: http://www.kraftfoods.com/jello/products/gelatin/desserts/

1-800-431-1001

ROYAL: http://www.jelsert.com/products_royal.asp

(800) 323-2592

Halal or Haram? #2: McDonald's Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:45:38 GMT

I was browsing the McDonald's site,because I was told that the strawberry shake wasn't permissable. However, I was shown that in fact the strawberry shake was halal. I decided to look around at other products. I had also heard that the fruit parfait was also not permissable, because of gelatin. I soon discovered that it was KOSHER gelatin. I am delighted to inform others, but it doesn't do much for me personally, because I'm not a fan of fruit parfaits. The link to the ingredient list is below..for those who want to double check, and I would greatly appreciate notifications of any haram ingredients that I am unaware of.

Just to be clear: THIS IS PERMISSABLE !=)

http://app.mcdonalds.com/bagamcmeal?process=item&itemID=4148

Halal or Haram? #1: Frosted Poptarts

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:58:12 GMT

As a child, I was told that the frosted poptarts contained gelatin( possibly from pigs) and therefore I was forbidden to eat them. However, i was allowed to enjoy the frost-less poptarts (brown sugar, strawberry, blueberry) As I got older, those frosted poptarts grew increasingly appetizing and I wanted further information about the ingredients. I called the number on the back of the box, and was told that the gelatin comes from a (cow)beef source, Depending on your personal beliefs, this should be permissable. Some do not want the gelatin unless it comes from a fish source, but I, personally, have no problem with it. For now, poptarts, seem to be halal, but I recommend that anyone who wants to eat them should personally call to ensure accuracy.

Kelloggs: 1-800-962-1413

P.O Box CAMB, Battle Creek,MI 49016-1986

Publix Premium Low Fat Frozen Yogurt : Cookies and Cream

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:33:24 GMT

My sister brought this home one day..and I was sooo excited. I didn't care that it was frozen yogurt or that it was Publix brand..the fact that it was cookies and cream flavored made my mouth water. I ran downstairs to try it..and like I usually do , snuck a spoonful of the ice cream. It was really good. The only frozen yogurt I had previously trusted was "Edy's", and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this product. When I first tasted it, there was an apparent difference in flavor from regular cookies and cream ice cream..but after having it NUMEROUS times I realized it wasn't much different. I do love this frozen yogurt, and am tempted to try other Publix frozen yogurt flavors. Unlike many other cookie and cream ice creams that are "speckled" with cookies..this one has huge lumps of cookies folded in creating a heart but yet creamy consistency.

I put a little Cool Whip (in the spray can).on here..that was really good..but I don't feel the need to do a review on it.

Publix Premium Lowfat Frozen Yogurt : Cookies and Cream

FLAVORS:

Peanut Butter Cup
Vanilla
Chocolate
Cookies and Cream
Key Lime
Peach
Strawberry
Butter Pecan
Blueberry Pomengranate
Tropical Blend
Cool Mint Cookie
Moose Tracks
Black Jack Cherry
Toffee Candy Crunch

NUTRITIONAL FACTS:

CALORIES: 130

FAT CALORIES:25

What Publix Says:

Crunchy chocolate sandwich cookies made with real dutch cocoa nestled in premium vanilla lowfat frozen yogurt

Edy's Slow Churned ''Take the Cake"

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 01:02:45 GMT

I was walking down the ice cream isle with my mother,and I suddenly remembered when I had tried the ULTIMATE ice cream at my cousin's house. It was made by Blue Bunny and it was like under Disney Flavors..and it was flavored like birthday cake. And..it was sooooo good.After that I tried to find the flavor, and I never could.Then as I approached the section for Edy's Frozen Yogurt..I SAW IT! It was the PERFECT thing...Take the Cake Ice Cream..the same thing i had been reminiscing about a few moments earlier. I mean it wasn't the exact product..but a similar concept. I then saw that it was light ice cream, and not frozen yogurt. I vowed to never go back to ice cream..even light...because yogurt was soo good..but I HAD to try it....the ice cream was calling me...Aizya...Aizya...Aizya.

I couldn't even wait until it hardened in the freezer..I snuck a spoonful before putting up the rest of the groceries..and all time stopped..it was OUT OF THIS WORLD>..maybe a bit of exaggeration here..but I assure you it was good! The ice cream is yellow cake flavored,and there are ribbons of blue frosting and muticolored sprinkles throughout.The ice cream alone is magnificent..its creamy consistency and genuine yellow cake flavor won me over. The frosting is a bit sweet (like real birthday cake frosting)..but tastes perfect with the ice cream. I noticed that it somewhat has a cotton candy/bubblegum aftertaste. The sprinkles just add the finishing touch..they are crunchy and add a nice punch of color.

I was very pleased with this product.

Edy's Slow Churned "Take the Cake"

INGREDIENTS:

skim milk, sugar, cream, corn syrup, frosting swirl (corn syrup, water, sugar, modified corn starch, titanium dioxide for color, salt, citric acid, artificial flavor, Blue #1, caramel color), multicolored sprinkles (sugar, partially hydrogenated coconut oil, coconut oil, buttermilk powder, natural flavor, soy lecithin, titanium dioxide for color, Red #3, Yellow #5, Blue #1, Red #40), whey protein, tapioca maltodextrin, egg yolks, cellulose gum, mono and diglycerides, guar gum, natural and artificial flavors, carrageenan, polysorbate 80, dextrose, vitamin A palmitate, annatto color, spices, turmeric color

NUTRITIONAL VALUE:

Amount per 1/2 cp .
CALORIES- 120
FAT CALORIES-35

What Edy's Says:

Yellow cake flavored light ice cream with frosting swirl and multicolored sprinkles.

Edy's Slow Churned Yogurt Blends

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:40:44 GMT

As we all know, ice cream is VERY tempting..but also VERY fattening. My family is somewhat health conscious..and over the years we have searched for healthier alternatives.We first switched to Edy's Slow Churned 1/2 the fat Ice Cream, and it was delicious. Most people assume that "light" is a eupheism for "nasty"..but in this case it was certainly not.The ice cream tastes exactly the same for half the fat. Then, a few months ago, I discovered that Edy's had a frozen yogurt product. I had previously heard about frozen yougurt, and I wanted to tryit, but never seemed to get around to it. I knew that the frozen yogurt was a lot less fat than the ice cream, so I decided to try it. This is the best! The texture and consistency is out of this world! It is much creamier than regular ice cream, and the flavors taste more natural. It doesn't taste like ice cream..it tastes better! I don't think I will ever go back to ice cream!

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Edy's Slow Churned Yogurt Blends

FLAVORS:

vanilla
peach
chocolate vanilla swirl
chocolate fudge brownie
caramel praline crunch
cappucino chip
black cherry vanilla swirl
berry granola crunch

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Calories-100
Fat Calories-25

What Edy's Say's

Edy's® Slow Churned® Yogurt Blends are cultured frozen dairy desserts made using a unique crafting process that gives you incredibly rich flavor and a creamy texture.
• Contains Live and Active Cultures
• Good Source of Calcium to Help Maintain Strong Bones

KRAFT Easy Mac Cups

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 02:41:50 GMT

I never in a MILLION centuries would have thought I would even think about eating this. I mean ever since I can remember I ate good home cookin...and processed products like KRAFT mac and cheese ware taboo in my household. It just seemed crazy to me to even sample something that came off as being incomparable with my mother's Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese.

However, one day while shopping in Publix after school with my sister. Hunger pains began to overpower me and I searched for anything that could be cooked within minutes to quiet my stomach's groans. I saw the Easy Mac..and it was quick and cheap..and because there was a small part of me that wanted to know how it tasted..I purchased it.

I had low expectations for this product, but I was pleasantly suprised! There still lingered an artificial cheese flavor that I was not accustomed to (except for in school lunches)..but overall it wasn't that bad. It was very filling too. I figured that my acceptance of this cheap snack was my hunger's severity , so later on I purchased a few more.

I came to the conclusion that being raised on good home cookin' does not leave much room for processed preservative filled food. I soon became sick of the mac and cheese cups, and could no longer purchase them. They are inexpensive and simple to make, but the smell of the "cheese" powder soon caused immediate nausea when given the slightest whiff. I even tried adding shredded cheddar cheese to the cups..hoping to create somewhat of a real cheese flavor. But after several attempts I found I could no longer trick my tastebuds. KRAFT Mac and Cheese cups get an "A" for effort..but a "F" for Failure to Flavor

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Kraft Easy Mac Cups

FLAVORS:

Original

Cheesy Taco
Triple Cheese
Bacon

Italia'

Alfredo
Herb Marinara
Roasted Garlic Parmesan

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

(Original) Calories-220
(Original) Fat Calories- 35

What Kraft Says:

Kraft Easy Mac Cups and new Easy Italia Cups are perfectly cooked pastas and delicious sauces that meet your snacking needs. New Easy Italia Cups flavors include Herb Marinara, Roasted Garlic Parmesan and Alfredo, plus a new Easy Mac Cup flavor—Cheesy Taco. Perfect for any “need to eat now” occasion, Kraft Easy Mac and Easy Italia Cups are sure to heat up your snacking experience!

Quaker Granola Bites (Chocolate) 90 CAL

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:22:49 GMT

My mother first picked these up for her "new way of life" diet..and at first glance, I assumed they wouldn't be too tasty. They are miniature balls comprised of two simple elements..chocolate and granola. I figured they would be grainy, dry and chalky dusted with a little cocoa powder..but boy was I wrong. After initial hesitation I bit tried a pack(mind you , I only did that because I was in dire need for something sweet) .These little snacks were delicious..I found myself eating about three packs in one sitting. The "bites" have the perfect balance of granola and chocolate ..not to mention they are only 90 CALORIE.My mother picked up a bulk package of them from BJ's..and they were a variety pack including chocolate, cinnamon, and peanut butter. I am not to fond of peanut butter or cinnamon, but I'll try them soon..after all the chocolate is gone! But for now I applaude Quaker for making another health concious yet tasty snack.

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Quaker Granola Bites

NUTRITIONAL VALUE:

90 calories per pouch
0 grams of transfat

What Quaker Say's

Quaker^® Granola Bites are the yummy snack that’s a ball wherever they go. Made with all the goodness of toasted granola and genuine Quaker oats, they’re the fun way to make mouths happy.

Everything but the Kitchen Sink

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:14:46 GMT

Well I am new at blogging..but after being introduced to many snack/junk food blogs..i figured to give it a try. I love trying new things especially with technology...and the gratification felt after accomlishing a previously deemed impossible obstacle.

I call my site "Everything but the Kitchen Sink" for now (although that is not the url address), because I'm really writing about everything..but mostly related to food..MY FAVORITE TOPIC ♥ ...

I will write reviews on new products I try..and list some of my all time favorites..I'll also have a section for my Muslim brothers and sisters..I know how hard it can be to eat foods that follow our guidelines. It seems that everyday there is a new product containing pork or other haram ingredients.I will basically try to list as much information for products that are halal and haram.I'm not a scholar by any means..but I will list as much information I recieve about the product(that includes info given by the product's company), and you are left free to make your own judgements.