Poppers Top Our Hot Poll
Hot weather calls for hot food.
As cooks in sweltering climes from Mexico to Thailand can tell you, a spicy dish that makes you sweat can be just as cooling as a tall iced tea.
We took advantage of the recent temperature surge to have The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel test some presumably snappier treats: jalapeno-cheese snacks and taco seasonings.
The clear winners among the hors d’oeuvres were the jalapeno poppers from Anchor, which come in a combination of cream cheese (which the panel sampled) and cheddar varieties. While they weren’t particularly spicy, the stuffed, breaded jalapeno halves were rich and creamy.
Panelists were split over the smaller snacks from Farm Rich and Dyna Bites. Those with cheesier tastes went for Farm Rich, which contained little actual jalapeno (the green chunks inside were primarily bell pepper); the heat-seeking crowd preferred the Dyna Bites, although the corn-flour crust put off some people.
The verdict was a bit murkier on the taco seasonings. Although the cheapest, a Western Family store brand, finished in a dead heat (relatively speaking) with the priciest, from Lawry’s, it was a split decision. The sweeter Western Family’s scores were mostly 3’s, while the more complex Lawry’s was a love-hate relationship, with all 2’s and 4’s.
Panelists generally dismissed the medium-priced Schilling as too salty (although the sodium content was listed as lower than the Western Family). Maybe with some tequila, and a lime …
Anchor Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
Price: $8.99 for 3 pounds (about 40 pieces).
Nutrition: 172 calories (70 percent fat calories); 436 milligrams sodium in 2 pieces (cream cheese version).
Taste: ****
Value: ****
Comments: “Nice contrast between smooth cream cheese and the chewy jalapeno - not much heat - I like it!” - Jim McGinty.
“Too much cream cheese and not enough chili. Good enough for company, though.” - Jan Robison.
Farm Rich Jalapeno Cheese Snacks
Price: $2.59 for 7.5 ounces (about 14 pieces).
Nutrition: 100 calories (50 percent fat calories); 200 milligrams sodium in 2 pieces.
Taste: ***
Value: **
Comments:”If you like the tortilla flavor and a little fire, you will enjoy these.” - Ken Peters Sr.
“Good jalapeno flavor … batter tasted like a soggy corn tortilla.” - Cheryl Caudill.
Dyna Bites, Monterey Jack & Jalapeno
Price: $1.99 for 7.5 ounces (about 12 pieces).
Nutrition: 100 calories (50 percent fat calories); 300 milligrams sodium in 2 pieces.
Taste: ***
Value: **
Comments: “Very, very smooth, little to no jalapeno. Cheese is real.” - Larry Kelly.
“The cheese tastes fake and gummy. Not spicy at all. Well, the name is right - they bite!” - Meagan Coffey.
Western Family Taco Seasoning
Price: 59 cents for 1.25 ounces.
Nutrition: 10 calories (no fat); 230 milligrams sodium per teaspoon.
Taste: ***
Value: ***
Comments: “Excellent flavor. Almost as good as homemade.” - Cheryl Caudill.
“Mild Mexican flavor; a good bet for kids.” - Jan Robison.
Lawry’s Taco Spices & Seasonings
Price: 99 cents for 1.25 ounces.
Nutrition: 10 calories (no fat); 160 milligrams sodium in 1 teaspoon.
Taste: ***
Value: **
Comments: “It’s got the flavor, folks. Definitely makes the taco.” - Ken Peters Sr.
“Best flavor, just spicy enough.” - Larry Kelly.
Schilling Taco Seasoning
Price: 79 cents for 1.25 ounces.
Nutrition: 10 calories (no fat); 215 milligrams sodium per teaspoon.
Taste: **
Value: **
Comments: “Flavor comes from salt. A tiny bit of spice but basically not very flavorful.” - Susi Faville.
“Salty! Pass the lemonade! Salt overwhelms any spices that might be there.” - Jim McGinty.
Products sampled by The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel are prepared in a test kitchen according to package directions. Panelists are not aware of a product’s brand name or price until after they have tasted it. Products are rated from one to five stars for taste and for value, based on quality compared to price.
, DataTimes