BAKED BEANS WITH BACON

 As you may know, I am a sucker for any product that hints at bacon. Sometimes a hint is all I get. Today we are trying Saucy Spoon baked beans with applewood smoked bacon. These beans were about as good as baked beans get in a can. There was some tiny chunks of bacon throughout. It did have a smoky flavor but I can guess it was enhanced by the dreaded liquid smoke. This product was decent but I would not go out of my way to purchase again. 

BLUE MEANIES

Today we were judging ribs & chili at the beautiful Valensin Vineyard & Winery. These are beautiful grounds with a lake for paddle boading and pedal boats. The lake is so blue that the "Screaming Blue Meanies" may live on the bottom.

DECISIONS

 

Red Velvet or Lemon cake? Why must I make such importamt decisions?

MOOSE LODGE RIBS & ATOMIC BUFFALO TURDS

 

Today brings us to a local Moose lodge for a very fun day judging ribs and ABT's. (atomic buffalo turds or sometimes called bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos). This was a backyard competition at its finest. The weather was great and people were happy and full. We judges got to taste and score some fantastic offerings of ABT's. This is what summer is in our world.

Stage 21………Tour de France

 

…………21 Days of racing & snacks

The Race

FIN….Today is the finale. The tour usually ends with a sprint on the cobblestones in Paris. Today’s 152.3km route starts in Mantes-La-Ville and ends at the iconic Champs-Elesees. Barring a catastrophe, Tadej Pogacar will be the triumphant yellow jersey recipient on the podium today. Congratulations!

The Snack 

I saved the best for last and that is the Coffee Crisp candy bar. This is a chocolate covered crispy wafer bar with a slight coffee flavor. It is a nostalgic flavor for me. These candy bars are mainly distributed in Canada and have a very limited availability here in the states.

Thankyou for watching and participating in Tour de France……21 Days of racing and snacks. This was a spectacular year and cannot wait for the next Tour. As we speak I am gathering Intel on Paul’s Fruitcake Corner and snacks for next years tour……..stay tuned.

Stage 20………Tour de France

 …………21 Days of racing & snacks

The Race

We are very close to Paris and the end of the tour. This next to last stage goes from Nantua to Pontarlier. It is 184.3km and is described as hilly. The riders are fatigued. The leaders will be protected by their teammates. It will take determination to prevail today.

The Snack  

California Bacon Maple Almonds seemed like an out of the park winner. They hit the fence but not over the wall. They are crunchy and yes they have a smoky maple enticing flavor. I did enjoy these almonds but believe they only added ‘bacon’ to the description to guarantee my purchase.

Stage 19………Tour de France

 

…………21 Days of racing & snacks

The Race

The tour is winding down but the racers still are going up. This is another mountainous stage from Albertville to La Plagne. The length is 129.9km. The climbers will prevail and the race leaders will dominate.

The Snack 

Sea salt caramels are a chewy sweet snack that satisfies. The kiss of salt has you begging for another bite. Oh yeah!