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SamuelAt Sep 12, 2008 05:00 PM

What do YOU keep at all times in case you want "that snack"?

For me, it's NY State Cheddar (not bought in the cheese aisle - this is right there with the dairy, near the mozzerella, cottage cheese etc., but it is artisinal quality), Mrs. Fanning's Bread and Butter Pickles, Hummus, Baby Carrots (for dipping into Hummus usually), and for a beverage, Pelligrino. I also keep Granola bars on hand. When I shop, I always replenish these items. How about you?

  1. t
    tyrannosaurusjess May 21, 2010 01:20 AM

    woops...

    1. amanda.eats May 4, 2010 11:24 AM

      Hummus on everything! And chocolate chips. :)

      1. s
        schrutefarms Mar 14, 2010 05:32 PM

        Cederlane brand Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves, Cederlane brand Cous Cous and Veggie wrap (kind of like a frozen burrito) and Trader Joes peanut butter cups.

        1. NellyNel Mar 11, 2010 05:22 AM

          I always have a box of Kraft mac & cheese, triscuits, salt-less saltines, sardines and a few cans of hearts of palm...
          i obviously prefer savory snacks to sweet

          2 Replies
          1. re: NellyNel
            Michelly Mar 12, 2010 02:34 PM

            Stackhouse Bros. Cajun Spice Almonds
            Santa Barbara Co. Onion-Garlic Pistachios
            (both companies have booths at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market)
            Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips
            Cheetos (NOT the puffs!)
            Greek yogurt mixed with a little honey & topped with blueberries- very good for one's..whatdoyacallit....you know..."memory"!
            GOOD dark chocolate
            Malt balls for working on the computer
            crunchy almond butter on apples
            Oreos & milk
            just about any good ice cream or gelato (try dulce de leche with a big handful of chopped salted nuts like cashews)
            ...and the list goes on.

            1. re: Michelly
              natewrites Mar 14, 2010 03:06 PM

              smokehouse almonds, string cheese, wine.

          2. q
            quick.to.chuckle Mar 10, 2010 11:43 AM

            Soy Dream Fudge Brownie Ice Cream. Dear Gott in Himmel yum. It's non-dairy and freaking delicious. I have also found it's easy for me to reach for AND to put down (I usually have trouble with the latter action :o) ). Always have some in my freezer.

            1. b
              Babyducks Mar 14, 2009 05:23 PM

              Laughing Cow Cheese, Peanut Butter, wheat crackers, grape tomatoes.

              1. hyacinthgirl Mar 13, 2009 02:22 PM

                Lemon almonds
                bubbe's dill pickles
                cheese, cheese and cheese! (usually brie or mozzerella in any form)
                And a white chocolate coconut bar in the freezer at all times, to be nibbled off of slowly...

                2 Replies
                1. re: hyacinthgirl
                  Cheflambo Mar 14, 2009 04:01 PM

                  Hello, my name is cheflambo, and Im a snack-a-holic! Now you guys are my enablers! Around here we always have peanut butter, pretzels and cheddar cheese (Vermont Cheddar is my favorite - the sharper the better). Mr. C. is very fond of Cheese-its (NOT Cheese Nips!) and I always keep Triscuits around. They sit on the same shelf in the pantry, affectionately known as the "Zits & Skits" department. When making my weekly shopping list, this is the first "supply level" I check.

                  I like those Utz chips with the "crab boil" flavoring too. There are only a few places here in town where I can buy them (luckily) and they are a secret craving I only indulge in occasionally.

                  Also -- I just stashed a few "sleeves" of Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies in the freezer, and I am trying to forget they are there.

                  And those cheese crackers with the peanut butter filling are made by Lance -- Ive read that of all the "junk food" you find in the office vending machines, these are at least less "junky" than the other stuff. I tell myself that every time I buy them!

                  1. re: Cheflambo
                    im_nomad Mar 14, 2009 04:20 PM

                    *sneaks over and raids cheflambo's freezer*

                    :)

                2. mrbigshotno.1 Mar 13, 2009 11:42 AM

                  Saladitos
                  Fresh opened Premium Saltines (no good day old or older)
                  Sonoma Jack
                  Mexican Polverones

                  1. steakman55 Feb 24, 2009 03:09 PM

                    Lance Toastchee crackers (peanut butter on cheese crackers), a southern tradition, and an ice cold diet Coke in a can. Nothing beats it

                    3 Replies
                    1. re: steakman55
                      s
                      SamuelAt Mar 11, 2009 05:53 PM

                      That sound excellent...never seen those. But I am in NY.

                      1. re: SamuelAt
                        BobB Mar 13, 2009 08:44 AM

                        I used to get little cellophane-wrapped packets of peanut butter/cheese cracker sandwiches when I was a kid here in New England. Can't remember the brand, and they may well still be around, I haven't looked for them in years.

                        1. re: BobB
                          buttertart Mar 13, 2009 09:52 AM

                          They are still made, although may be a bit thin on the ground due to the recent and ongoing PB salmonella recall.

                    2. purple goddess Feb 23, 2009 04:57 PM

                      wasabi peas.

                      2 Replies
                      1. re: purple goddess
                        billieboy Feb 23, 2009 06:51 PM

                        Oh God I love those things!!

                        1. re: billieboy
                          purple goddess Feb 23, 2009 08:58 PM

                          I can eat them until I can't feel my nose any more.

                          It's a compunction.

                          An addiction, even.

                      2. Chew on That Oct 2, 2008 03:06 PM

                        I hate to admit it but I love Bagel Bites as a snack...:)

                        1. c
                          CeeBee Oct 1, 2008 01:12 PM

                          Cadbury Dairy Milk bars
                          Hummus and Carrots (to be eaten together)
                          Multi-grain Cheerios
                          Goat Cheese
                          Vinta Crackers
                          Nutella
                          Jasmine Tea

                          1. BobB Oct 1, 2008 07:22 AM

                            Bom Petisco cheese (but only a really soft one), Hungarian salami, TJ's habañero pistachios.

                            1. m
                              Mothership Sep 30, 2008 04:27 PM

                              Fig jam, Machego Cheese along with other assorted cheeses, some kind of hard salamis, proscuitto or other ham, sardines, random crackers, varied olives and pickles, reduced balsamic in the fridge, grapes. I find that with these items, I can always whip up a quick snack for me or a few nice nibbles should someone stop by. (Oh - and malted milk balls stashed away in hiding... what can I say?)

                              1. j
                                jeanmarieok Sep 30, 2008 04:05 PM

                                Stick pepperoni, Cabot reserve extra sharp cheddar, pimento cheese and reduced fat wheat thins. And, crunchy peanut butter.

                                3 Replies
                                1. re: jeanmarieok
                                  marietinn Sep 30, 2008 05:25 PM

                                  mmm, Cabot reserve extra sharp cheddar, so good.

                                  1. re: marietinn
                                    goodhealthgourmet Oct 1, 2008 12:30 PM

                                    ooh, that reminds me...string cheese.

                                    1. re: goodhealthgourmet
                                      kubasd Mar 13, 2009 12:05 PM

                                      I loooove the pollyo twists string cheese, i make sure it is always in the house! pistachios, wasabi and soy sauce almonds, gorgonzola cheese (i eat it straight)... oh and edamame!

                                2. iluvtennis Sep 30, 2008 04:00 PM

                                  Salsa
                                  Almond m & m's

                                  1. marietinn Sep 30, 2008 02:42 PM

                                    Hummus, pickles, peanut butter, chocolate, rice.

                                    1. c
                                      ChefJune Sep 16, 2008 08:47 AM

                                      Almonds, some kind of good blue cheese, and Swiss, rye crackers, and sardines packed in olive oil.

                                      Always, wine.

                                      1 Reply
                                      1. re: ChefJune
                                        s
                                        SamuelAt Sep 16, 2008 11:11 AM

                                        This post is making me hungry! I like Sardines too. I also love smoked fish. When I visit family in New England I often pick up Smoked Mackeral and Bluefish. It's delicious with a mustard mayo sauce on a cracker or melba toast. Interesting - maybe because this is a foodie board, but most of the lists are unique, savory and less common items.

                                      2. b
                                        burlgurl Sep 16, 2008 06:02 AM

                                        V8 Go juice
                                        frozen edamame beans
                                        melba toasts

                                        1. t
                                          taboo Sep 15, 2008 06:18 AM

                                          Geek yogurt
                                          Soy Chips
                                          Oatmeal
                                          Cheerios
                                          Fruit
                                          Protein Bars

                                          1. Caitlin McGrath Sep 14, 2008 09:11 PM

                                            Ak-Mak crackers
                                            crunchy natural PB (eaten with a spoon, not on crackers)
                                            candied ginger
                                            Greek yogurt
                                            fruit (changes with season)

                                            1 Reply
                                            1. re: Caitlin McGrath
                                              s
                                              SamuelAt Sep 15, 2008 08:45 AM

                                              I love greek yougurt - two favorites are Fage with Honey and greek Gods Fig flavor. AMAZING! I find it hard to buy any other kind.

                                            2. j
                                              jcattles Sep 14, 2008 05:33 PM

                                              Nutella
                                              Nuts
                                              Dark Chocolate
                                              Colby Jack Cheese
                                              Craisins
                                              Kettle Corn
                                              Biscotti

                                              1. alwayscooking Sep 14, 2008 04:10 PM

                                                Popcorn - served with my best olive oil, salt, pepper, parm regg (or other high quality hard cheese, and a bit of home-made chili oil. Ummmm

                                                1. s
                                                  shaebones Sep 14, 2008 01:46 AM

                                                  Charlie's homemade nut butter and my homemade granola......and yes, I mix them together and spread it thickly on a toasted cinammon raisin bagel.

                                                  1. t
                                                    TampaAurora Sep 13, 2008 07:20 PM

                                                    Nature's Place Peanut Butter (or any other natural pb for that matter), Jelly and Rice Cakes.
                                                    Thin egg noodles or orzo (my soup noodles) and chicken broth.
                                                    At least one type of chocolate.

                                                    1 Reply
                                                    1. re: TampaAurora
                                                      b
                                                      bubbles4me Sep 13, 2008 07:27 PM

                                                      Chex Mix
                                                      Olives
                                                      Parm
                                                      Pretzels
                                                      Cured Meats

                                                    2. t
                                                      tarteaucitron Sep 13, 2008 07:11 PM

                                                      Snacks.. That's pretty much how I ingest most of my daily calories, as I am not cooking much anymore these days.

                                                      My list changes a lot, but there are a few things that I always find myself replenishing:

                                                      Ryvita muesli rye crackers -- I find that they are almost a meal in themselves, and good with creamy cheeses, butter, or in hot milk

                                                      Good, dark chocolate

                                                      Bread (in the freezer), butter and at least three jams for variety. Where I grew up, they actually serve toast slathered thickly with j & b in cafes, and they are so good and satisfying

                                                      Small tins of sardines/smoked oysters/mussels and lemons to serve on crackers or toast

                                                      A few bags of Tonkotsu ramen, frozen or dried

                                                      5 Replies
                                                      1. re: tarteaucitron
                                                        d
                                                        dolores Sep 16, 2008 05:35 AM

                                                        >>Snacks.. That's pretty much how I ingest most of my daily calories, as I am not cooking much anymore these days.

                                                        Interesting. Intersting. Interesting, tarteaucitron.

                                                        So it IS okay to eat this way?

                                                        I have and do, and figured that it was against all the Oprah and Dr. Oz rules to eat this way.

                                                        No, I didn't care, but your post was an eyeopener.

                                                        1. re: dolores
                                                          Catskillgirl Sep 16, 2008 08:38 AM

                                                          There is a school of thought that says that eating numerous small meals throughout the day (or snacking) is better for your health and can cause you to lose weight. Something about keeping your blood sugar levels more even instead of going from very low before a meal to very high after eating a heavy meal.

                                                          I like the idea, although I haven't noticed any weight loss. But it does serve to keep my energy level more stable, which is good since I work long days. Of course you have to make sure you're still getting proper nutrition - snacking on potato chips all day will not work, unfortunately. Now *that* would be my kind of diet.

                                                          1. re: Catskillgirl
                                                            t
                                                            tarteaucitron Oct 1, 2008 09:40 PM

                                                            Actually I do find the smaller meals do good to my energy level. So does going light on highly processed carbohydrates like pasta and cookies, which tend to make me "crash". When I do enjoy a heavy meal, I eat slowly and spread it over a longer period of time, often ending it with a nice cup of espresso. That seems to help with the energy level too, and it keeps the digestive system happy.

                                                            It's a bit counter-intuitive, but I can eat a lot of the hard-to-digest snacks like almonds, cheese and whole-rye crackers without feeling bogged down.

                                                            1. re: Catskillgirl
                                                              NellyNel Mar 13, 2009 11:12 AM

                                                              When I was young, I had a desk job and was able to just continuously snack all day long...and when I ate a heavy meal, I ate it very slowly .(I used to drive my friends mad!)
                                                              I was skinny as a bean for years!
                                                              Then I got a job in hospitality, and I hardly had time to pee - never mind take a lunch or dinner break, so I'd scarf my meal down as quickly as I could....
                                                              You guessed it - I put on 15 pounds!
                                                              I'm back at a desk job , and eating more the way I used to - but since I'm past 40 - the weight isn't magically coming off!

                                                            2. re: dolores
                                                              t
                                                              tarteaucitron Oct 1, 2008 09:18 PM

                                                              dolores: It is only okay to eat this way for a LIMITED period of time. Without divulging too many details that is outside of this subject, I'm currently somewhat immobile and do not have much access to a kitchen, so snacking is my way of making the best out of this situation. It is not for losing weight, and in fact I need to snack strategically to make sure I get enough nutrition.

                                                              It does get boring after a while, but luckily I love all kinds of cheeses and it takes a while to go through all the varieties. And you'll be surprised how a good selection of condiments and dried goods can allow you to compose a nice variety of simple meals.

                                                          2. p
                                                            piccola Sep 13, 2008 06:26 PM

                                                            Grapes
                                                            Frozen mango chunks
                                                            Roasted cashews
                                                            Homemade granola
                                                            Baby carrots
                                                            Greek yogurt (fat-free plain)

                                                            1. nicholeati Sep 13, 2008 12:59 PM

                                                              almonds, dark chocolate, yellow pear tomatoes (like candy to me), i also love peanut butter, montasio cheese, chick peas and the list is aways growing/morphing as i try new foods

                                                              1 Reply
                                                              1. re: nicholeati
                                                                Emme Oct 1, 2008 09:26 PM

                                                                im a tomato fiend as well; these will *always* be in my home. i don't care for the yellows as much unless they're sweet - im obsessed with the sugar plums from Trader Joe's or from Costco...

                                                              2. goodhealthgourmet Sep 13, 2008 12:50 PM

                                                                hummus
                                                                crunchy almond butter
                                                                wasabi peas
                                                                toasted nori sheets
                                                                popcorn
                                                                dark chocolate
                                                                chocolate-covered cacao nibs
                                                                dried ginger

                                                                7 Replies
                                                                1. re: goodhealthgourmet
                                                                  s
                                                                  SamuelAt Sep 13, 2008 03:29 PM

                                                                  I love wasabi peas too.

                                                                  1. re: goodhealthgourmet
                                                                    a
                                                                    Al_Pal Sep 30, 2008 05:04 PM

                                                                    I really want to like almond butter because it's got a lot of nutritional virtues. I've bought it before but wasn't terribly impressed. What does it go well with? I had it with a toasted whole wheat english muffin, but maybe it would have been better with something else?

                                                                    1. re: Al_Pal
                                                                      goodhealthgourmet Oct 1, 2008 12:29 PM

                                                                      actually, my favorite way to eat it is straight from the jar with a spoon :)

                                                                      was it salted or unsalted? if it contains nothing but ground almonds, you might want to add a tiny sprinkle of salt.

                                                                      the next time you use it on your english muffin [or other bread], try adding either some preserves/jam [cherry or apricot], or a dusting of cinnamon & a drizzle of honey.

                                                                      some other ideas:
                                                                      use as a dip for celery, carrot sticks or apple slices [or if you're feeling indulgent, a couple of squares of dark chocolate!]
                                                                      stir into oatmeal
                                                                      add to a smoothie made with nonfat milk or yogurt, frozen banana [or strawberry], honey, & a tablespoon of chocolate protein powder

                                                                      you can also use it in sauce or marinade recipes that typically call for peanut butter or tahini [e.g. peanut satay, sesame noodles, etc.]

                                                                      hope some of these ideas appeal to you.

                                                                      1. re: Al_Pal
                                                                        t
                                                                        tarteaucitron Oct 1, 2008 09:50 PM

                                                                        I hope you got the toasted version instead of the raw one, which is much more flavourful.

                                                                        You can extend the PB&J theme, and pair it with jam on your toast (oh, I didn't realise ghg already mentioned it).

                                                                        Some of my favourite combinations:

                                                                        toasted country or rye bread + almond butter + orange marmalade + salt
                                                                        toasted french bread + almond butter + chestnut honey + salt

                                                                        It's even better with hazelnut butter. Yum.

                                                                      2. re: goodhealthgourmet
                                                                        im_nomad Feb 23, 2009 05:58 PM

                                                                        I am a huge fan of the wasabi pea. I keep a bulk of them in my drawer at work. And I know what the wasabi-pea equivalent of the ice cream headache is. :)
                                                                        it's worth it...............

                                                                        1. re: im_nomad
                                                                          s
                                                                          SamuelAt Mar 11, 2009 05:51 PM

                                                                          I am right there with you! I love those too. What brand do you buy? I find it depends what brand you get how spicy it is...my favorite is a Japanese Brand. Can't think of the name now...Fuji something? It comes in a narrow bag.

                                                                          1. re: SamuelAt
                                                                            im_nomad Mar 14, 2009 02:42 PM

                                                                            I buy mine in bulk ! So i'm not sure of the brand. I have bought the bagged varieties before, can't recall the brand, but I found them to be a little on the sweet side.

                                                                      3. k
                                                                        kali_MM Sep 13, 2008 05:45 AM

                                                                        Smoked oysters and crackers
                                                                        Popcorn, parmesan cheese, butter, seasoning salt, & granulated garlic
                                                                        Soft "stinky" cheese (gorgonzola, bresse blue, cambozola, or something equivalent)

                                                                        1. ArikaDawn Sep 12, 2008 08:14 PM

                                                                          Gorgonzola
                                                                          Bread and Butter(non-fat yogurt based butter sub actually)
                                                                          Fuji Apples

                                                                          Arika
                                                                          http://rawforamonth.blogspot.com

                                                                          1. L_W Sep 12, 2008 06:52 PM

                                                                            Peanut butter .....

                                                                            More Peanut Butter....

                                                                            I am easy to please!

                                                                            7 Replies
                                                                            1. re: L_W
                                                                              s
                                                                              SamuelAt Sep 12, 2008 07:06 PM

                                                                              Yes yes yes. I like all kinds. Favorites are Skippy Chunky and natural.

                                                                              1. re: SamuelAt
                                                                                Catskillgirl Sep 13, 2008 11:15 AM

                                                                                <blush> I am loving the honey roasted Skippy way too much! No, the super-crunchy just wasn't good enough for me - I had to try the honey roasted. Now I can't go back....

                                                                              2. re: L_W
                                                                                a
                                                                                Al_Pal Sep 30, 2008 05:03 PM

                                                                                YES. Peanut butter and apples. I had that Starbucks protein plate for breakfast last week, dipped the apples in the peanut butter, and I haven't been able to get enough since.

                                                                                1. re: Al_Pal
                                                                                  iluvtennis Sep 30, 2008 06:12 PM

                                                                                  Yummmm.....sometimes i sprinkle my peanut buttered apples with a little cinnamon. Apples with peanut butter are just sooo good!

                                                                                  1. re: iluvtennis
                                                                                    NellyNel Mar 13, 2009 11:13 AM

                                                                                    I love apples and I love peanutbutter -
                                                                                    I HATE the 2 together!
                                                                                    Somehow the flavors just don't mesh well for me!

                                                                                    1. re: NellyNel
                                                                                      flourgirl Mar 13, 2009 11:49 AM

                                                                                      I feel the exact same way. :)

                                                                                      1. re: flourgirl
                                                                                        Michelly Mar 12, 2010 02:21 PM

                                                                                        Try the apples with crunchy almond butter, instead.

                                                                              3. Sam Fujisaka Sep 12, 2008 05:32 PM

                                                                                Ume or smoked unagi with hot gohan.

                                                                                Welcome to CH!

                                                                                5 Replies
                                                                                1. re: Sam Fujisaka
                                                                                  s
                                                                                  SamuelAt Sep 12, 2008 05:43 PM

                                                                                  I love smoked and hot foods - but sorry - have not encountered those! What are they?

                                                                                  1. re: SamuelAt
                                                                                    Sam Fujisaka Sep 12, 2008 05:47 PM

                                                                                    Ume are Japanese salty pickled "plums." Unagi are eel. Gohan is hot cooked Japanese rice.

                                                                                    1. re: Sam Fujisaka
                                                                                      s
                                                                                      SamuelAt Sep 12, 2008 06:05 PM

                                                                                      Hey Sam,
                                                                                      I was in Japan, and loved all of those. I have had Ume many times since now that you mention it. good list!

                                                                                      1. re: Sam Fujisaka
                                                                                        Quine Sep 12, 2008 06:17 PM

                                                                                        I love ume.....it is a really difficult taste to describe, utterly complex and so addicting!

                                                                                        1. re: Sam Fujisaka
                                                                                          p
                                                                                          phantomdoc Sep 15, 2008 08:22 AM

                                                                                          Also called umeboshi plum/paste.

                                                                                    2. s
                                                                                      Sean Sep 12, 2008 05:08 PM

                                                                                      Boar's head, Canadian, three year aged cheddar
                                                                                      Beef Jerky
                                                                                      Smokehouse Almonds
                                                                                      Utz Red Hot Chips

                                                                                      3 Replies
                                                                                      1. re: Sean
                                                                                        s
                                                                                        SamuelAt Sep 12, 2008 05:14 PM

                                                                                        You and I like the same things. I could add the items you list to mine. I buy the smokehouse almonds too. And I love the red hot chips. Awesome. I also like chips with Old Bay Seasoning but they are hard to find.

                                                                                        1. re: SamuelAt
                                                                                          d
                                                                                          dolores Sep 30, 2008 01:12 PM

                                                                                          I 'finally' found Utz Red Hots, at A&P I think it was, and hoo boy were you all right!

                                                                                          Delicious. And hot? Too hot for me to eat on a regular basis - fortunately.

                                                                                          Hubby saw me with smoke coming out of ears, and asked 'why do you buy that stuff?' -- because the people on the food board said it was good.

                                                                                          1. re: dolores
                                                                                            s
                                                                                            SamuelAt Feb 23, 2009 04:46 PM

                                                                                            Sounds awesome. I love spicy so I will have to look for these. I like UTZ products. Thanks!

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