Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Origins of Potato Chips

Instead of the usual post of reviews, I got to thinking....Who invented the potato chip anyway? Where did it all go down??

This is what I found....

Somewhere around the year of 1853 in Saratoga Springs, New York, a chef named George Crum invented the first potato chip by accident. A customer rejected his potatoes saying it was too soggy and thick. In response Crum cut the potatoes too thin and stir fried them to spite him. Not according to plan, the customer was happy and soon more people keep requesting the too thin slices aka potato chips. And there you have it, the shortened version of what really went down. =)

If you have a lot of time on your hands and would like to read the longer version, click here.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Tyrrell's Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt Potato Chips

I went to Wholefoods a couple of days ago and stumbled upon these chips. I'm a HUGE fan of Salt n Vinegar Chips so these were a unique find indeed. Whoever heard of Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt chips?! Here's the bag below (scanned it after I've finished eating them!) Thanks for the tip Jenny! ^_^



These Chips are made in Herefordshire (UK)!

Ingredients: Potato, Sunflower Oil, Sea Salt & Vinegar Flavour (maltodextrin, potato starch, sea salt, cider vinegar powder, malt vinegar powder, sugar, lemon powder, yeast extract).

Serving size: 1 oz, servings per container about 5

No artificial or GM Products, suitable for vegans, gluten free, trans fat free!! Not too shabby at all, these are definitely more healthier than other leading brands.






Pics below of the actual chip. (click to enlarge)







Scanned image of the back of the bag. (click to enlarge for nutrition info)
















MJ's Review on Taste:
These were definitely a little more sweeter than I liked them to be. A very mild vinegary flavor with a decent amount of crunch to which you really couldn't taste unless you placed the chip directly on the tongue. The amount of salt was just enough to bring out some of the flavors from the cider vinegar but it just didn't give the cider vinegar any justice. Halfway through the bag, the vinegar flavor diminished and tasted slightly greasy. But overall, it was enjoyable, tasted more like regular crisp chips with a little kick of cider vinegar added. If you're looking for a big kick of vinegar, these are definitely not one of them. Ratings: 5 out of 10.

For more information on this brand check out their site.

Tyrells Potato Chips

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Yum Salt n Vinegar Chips

Yesterday, I decided to be a fatty and eat a huge bag of of salt n vinegar chips. Why did I do that? Because Its amazing....the feeling afterward not so much. Image below [kettle brand chips sea salt & vinegar]...yeah I ate that whole bag in one sitting watching FRIENDS....only one of the best series ever!




I <3> salt n vinegar chips!



























Depending on what mood I am when I'm craving chips I almost always tend to grab a bag of salt n vinegar chips. Its just the best flavor out there! (my opinion of course!) I'm sure everyone else has different favorites.

Reviews: (in order from left to right)

Cape Cod Salt n Vinegar Chips:
A distinctive
blend of the finest sea salt and carefully dried vinegar. Indulge in these Cape Cod chips boasting perfectly paired flavors!
www.capecodchips.com

Ingredients: Potatoes, Canola Oil, Maltodextrin, Sodium Diacetate, Vinegar Solids and Sea Salt.

These chips are crunchy with a good amount of vinegar added. I for one love chips that are more vinegary than salty so I rate these chips 8 out of 10.

Herr's Kettle Cooked Salt n Vinegar chips:

Herr's® new Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar Flavored Kettle Chips are slow cooked and seasoned with the perfect balance between saltiness and the tongue-tickling flavor of vinegar for a delightful taste celebration!

Experience the delicious taste of nature's finest potatoes, hand-cooked in small batches in pure vegetable oil and sprinkled with just the right amount of flavor. Specially formulated for extra crispness, Herr's® Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar Kettle Cooked Potato Chips are thicker and keep their crunch longer - perfect for dipping or snacking. We think you'll agree these are the tastiest, most wholesome, all natural potato chips you'll ever munch. www.herrs.com


These are a close second to my favorite chips. Cooking it in pure vegetable oil gives it a slightly different flavor and carries the punch of vingar in each bite. Yum, writing these reviews are giving me a craving for salt n vinegar chips. I will rate this a 9 out of 10.


Herr's Salt n Vinegar Chips:

Ingredients: "Made from only the finest natural ingredients, Herr's® Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips contain essential nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium. Cooked in corn and/or cottonseed oils, the chips are packed in special foil-like bags to help retain the vitamin C, as well as the freshness and crispness" quoted from the website. www.herrs.com

These were my ultimate favorite salt n vinegar chips in the world until I found Kettle cooked which I love more. ^_^ These chips are different in looks compared to the kettle cooked ones. They're more like lays with a huge punch of vinegar. Yum gotta love the vinegar. Very crisp, and your breath will be all sorts of vinegary with this one. When you hold the chip up into the light you can see all the sourly goodness of the vinegar. Not as crunchy as the ones mentioned above but just as good. I will rate this 10 out of 10.

Utz Salt n Vinegar Chips:
Fresh whole potatoes sliced and cooked in 100% pure Cottonseed Oil, with salt added. No oil preservatives added.
www.utzsnacks.com

These are a poor man's salt n vinegar chips. For a $1 a bag (for a medium bag) you can't beat the price. And they're goood! Crisp and flavorful. I will rate this a 8 out of 10.