Three Retro Home Alone Products I Can’t Help But Miss Every Christmas

It's inevitable.  This time of year I end up watching Home Alone about a hundred and fifty times.  Home Alone had some incredible product placement throughout the movie, and.. every time I see those products, it gets me missing them.   Here they are..

1.)  Crunch Tators
In the scene when Kevin is eating junk and watching rubbish i.e.; 'Angels With Filthy Souls', you can see a bag of 'Crunch Tators' sitting on the end table next to him.  Made by Frito-Lay and sold during the late 80s and early 90s, these chips were incredible!  I absolutely loved these super crispy potato chips!  While I was actually more partial to the jalapeno flavored version, the Mesquite flavor was good as well.  They had an incredible crunch and we're pretty much the precursor to kettle-cooked potato chips.  I really miss these chips and have wished for years that Frito-Lay would bring them back for the masses to enjoy.

2.)  Micro Machines

I got married at nineteen years old.. and had a son when I was twenty.  Therefore, I actually kind of grew up with my son.  I bought him all manner of toys that we both played with over the years, one of which was micro machines.  

There were so many cool designs of these teeny tiny cars, I found myself buying special editions and models for myself at times.  Some even had working lights if you can believe that.  I think I was more disappointed than my Son once the line was discontinued.  We both collect toys to this day, and if Micro Machines were to be re-released, I'm sure we'd both be throwing our money at any new incarnations.

3.)  Old School Pepsi
Just like Kevin's cousin Fuller.. I was a Pepsi addict at one time in my life.  I miss the old school Pepsi made with real sugar, the old logo, the marketing, the Cola Wars, pretty much everything about this brand that I grew up with.  

Granted.. it was 1984 when they stopped making Pepsi with real sugar, but seeing the clever product placement of the old Pepsi cans in Home Alone always gets me to reminisce.  While Pepsi doesn't taste exactly like it used to, I can at least find special editions and bottles from Mexico that are still made with real cane sugar.  They also get me feeling that retro nostalgia with special edition packaging they release every once in awhile complete with throwback logo, and the old corn syrup free recipe.  Ah.. the good ol' days.

Do you remember craving any of these Home Alone products? Or did a different snack or gadget stick with you? Drop a comment and share your memories — let’s relive the holiday nostalgia together.

How My Donut Taste Evolved: From Sugar-Explosion to Simple Perfection

🍩 The Simplicity of Donuts (and Getting Older)

There was a time when I wouldn’t even look twice at a plain donut. As a kid, I wanted the biggest, gooiest, most sugar-packed donut in the case, the custard-filled, chocolate-iced Long John. If there was jelly or filling oozing out, even better. I wanted that sugar rush that made Saturday mornings feel like a party.

A chocolate-iced donut with sprinkles? That was “plain Jane” to me. I’d only grab one of those if the case was picked over and the good stuff was gone. I wanted bang for my buck — flavor explosions, sticky fingers, frosting under my nails, and that feeling like I’d just pulled off the best trade in the school cafeteria.

But time has a funny way of changing not just our tastes, but how we taste.

These days, simpler is better. Ask me what my go-to donut is with a morning coffee, and I’ll tell you without hesitation, it’s probably a sour cream cake donut or a plain glazed cake donut. You know the kind: shiny, rustic-looking, a little jagged around the edges, like something Grandma might’ve fried up on an old cast iron skillet when you were a kid.

My go-to these days
An Old Fashioned Cake Donut

There’s something about that crumbly, slightly crisp exterior giving way to the soft inside that just hits right. It’s humble. It’s honest. It doesn’t need a fancy filling or a drizzle of anything. Just a donut, pure and simple, doing what a donut does best, keeping coffee company.

Now, don’t get me wrong, a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed, fresh off the line, still warm and melting in your mouth, is a whole different story. I could down four of those before my coffee even cools off. (Which is exactly why I do my best to avoid driving past the place, for fear of seeing the “Hot Donuts Now” sign lit up. There’s just no winning that battle.)

Somewhere along the line, my sweet tooth didn’t exactly fade, it just got wiser. I started slowing down, actually tasting what I was eating instead of just chasing the next sugar high. Maybe that’s part of getting older.. realizing that the joy isn’t in how much flavor you can cram into one bite, but in how much appreciation you can get out of something simple done right.

So yeah, give me the plain old-fashioned cake donut with a cup of hot coffee any day. The kind that reminds you of early mornings and simpler times, when a donut was just a donut, not a photo op.

What about you? Has your favorite donut changed over the years, or do you still go straight for the filled, frosted, and sprinkled kind?

Hostess Fruit Pies 'Incredible Hulk' Marvel Comic Book Ad

 

He does make a valid point

I was an avid comic book reader during my youth. Back in the 70s and 80s I particularly remember full page ads by Hostess that were tied in with various Marvel super heroes.

I've always loved Hostess Fruit Pies, and on more than one occasion, these ads got me to put the comic books down, hop on my bike, and ride to the corner store to buy one. I can absolutely see masses of children doing the same thing back in the day.

It's a throwback from a time when advertising geared towards kids had a lot of thought put into it. Companies used to fight for your business, and it showed in the promotion and ads they ran. The tag lines were even more fun. I don't think I could ever forget the "You get a big delight in every bite" Hostess slogan.

Below is an ad from the front inside cover of a "Walt Disney's Comics and Stories" comic book that I've owned since 1980. Click on the image to enlarge, and enjoy..

Hostess went bankrupt several years ago and as new owners took over, much of the magic and quality faded from the brand. I read last week that the J.M. Smucker Company acquired Hostess through a deal they struck on September 11th 2023, for around $5.6 billon dollars. I don't think they could do any worse than previous owners Apollo Global Management.

Over the last decade, I've watched the brand drop popular products, decrease portion size, skimp on quality, and steadily lose relevance in the snack cake industry. I am keeping a watchful eye, hoping J.M. Smuckers brings back some of the old magic that made the brand so great, or at the very least improve upon the quality and distribution of their products. Time will tell..

Spooky Season Snacks and Treats

I tried to stay strong this week with my eating habits, but have waivered a bit. You see, this is traditionally the start of my eating season. Oktoberfest is near, fall and pumpkin beers are being released left and right, October is National Pizza Month, and Spooky Season brings with it a host of deliciousness. Here's the stuff that reeled me in and got me to open my wallet this week..

Cheetos Bag of Bones

I've always loved these little white cheddar flavored puffs. I haven't eaten any in well over two years, so I thought it was time to get a little taste. I had a small bowl one afternoon and enjoyed them immensely. So much so, that I gave the bag to my Son and told him to finish them off, so I wouldn't be able to. 

Hot chocolate bombs usually aren't my jam, and is more of a thing my bride really digs. However, this is the first time I've ever seen a Frankenstein themed Hot Chocolate Bomb. This was an insta-buy for sure! It now resides in my refrigerator until a cold enough evening hits Florida for me to enjoy it properly.

Junior Mints.. these can be very refreshing. Especially with those spooky orange and black centers. I always get a kick out of seeing these hit the shelves every year around this time.

Mother Pumpkin Ale

by Blue Point Brewing

I love a good pumpkin beer, and this one by Blue Point is incredible. A very nice pumpkin ale that is mild and not overdone or heavy handed with the spices. A great beer to get you in the mood for the season.

So that's it for now. Believe me when I say there were probably another dozen items that I thought about buying, but held strong for now. Don't be surprised if a few more seasonal delicacies end up being showcased here very soon. 

The Top 3 Biscuits in restaurants and Fast Food

In honor of 'National Biscuit Month' I decided to write a short post on the three best biscuits I've come across in my travels. I believe if you're going to sell biscuits to the masses, you need to make them from scratch everyday. It's my prerequisite for a good biscuit, and that's why you won't see biscuits from the likes of McDonald's or Burger King even mentioned here.

#3 Hardee's

The Hardee's biscuit has always been high up on my list of favorite biscuits, but I must admit that I remember them being much better before their merger with Carl's Jr. These are big, fluffy, buttery biscuits with just the right amount of pull and crispiness in all the right places. 

The only reason they don't rank higher on this list is because Hardee's goes hard on the butter. I'm not complaining mind you, its just that some mornings I like a nice mild buttery flavor that fades a bit once you get to the center of the biscuit. The butter flavor on these biscuits simply never lets up.

A breakfast staple of mine for years was Hardee's Cinnamon Raisin Biscuit. For some strange reason, they removed them from their breakfast menu. I've heard rumors you can find them at different Hardee's, and the company even stated they heard the consumers and brought them back. For the life of me, I can't find them at any Hardee's I've visited in recent years. I always find the Hardee's that offer a sub par cinnamon roll instead of the cinnamon raisin biscuits. I probably haven't tasted one of these delicacies for at least ten years now, and its downright frustrating.

#2 Bob Evans

Bob Evans biscuits aren't quite as big as Hardee's biscuits, but they more than make up for it in balanced buttery taste and an incredibly fluffy center. Made fresh all morning, I have never had a bad biscuit at Bob Evans.

Bob Evans does hold a number one spot on another one of my lists, and that is.. 'Best Biscuits and Gravy'. Mind you, that's Best Biscuits and Gravy from a restaurant chain, because my dear Grandmother's biscuits and gravy were on a whole other level! (I think her secret ingredient was love).

Bob Evans sausage gravy does remind me of my Grandma's gravy however. She was an Oklahoma farm girl who made everything from scratch. I remember being mesmerized as a child while watching her in the kitchen making her sausage gravy. It was as if she was making something out of nothing, and that something tasted like heaven on earth. I think of her every time eat biscuits and gravy from Bob Evans, and that's usually 99% of the time when I dine there.

Bob Evans is very proud of their sausage gravy as they should be. I love the fact that they share their recipe for it on their website, which I've linked below..
Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Recipe

#1 Bojangle's

Bojangle's Country Ham & Egg Biscuit

Enjoyed at sun up somewhere deep in Georgia

Bojangle's biscuits offer everything I want and need in a biscuit. First off, these are buttermilk biscuits, which set them apart from many of their competitors. They have a nice buttery flavor that doesn't punch you in the mouth, with a beautiful texture both inside and out. They don't have that fast food chain cookie cutter look to them. They stand on their own merit, not having to be doused with butter to be tasty. They just look and taste like a beautiful homemade biscuit, and remind me of my Grandma's more than any other biscuit out there.

Bojangle's biscuits are made from scratch all day long and pulled fresh from the oven every twenty minutes. In the past, I have arrived at Bojangle's that were currently out of biscuits. I also happened to arrive 5 minutes after the last batch was placed in the oven. There was never a question that I was going to wait that fifteen minutes for my biscuits! There have been times on road trips where my bride was a little more than irritated at me for waiting so long for our biscuits, but she didn't grow up eating biscuits, so I don't expect her to fully understand. Biscuits are life!

But wait.. there's more

Bojangle's also offers some incredible breakfast sandwiches on their menu. I've indulged in many over the years including their Pork Chop Biscuit, Cajun Filet Biscuit and Steak Biscuit. 

Bojangle's Bo Berry Biscuit

As much as it pained me to see Hardee's Cinnamon Raisin Biscuit discontinued, Bojangle's more than filled the void with their Bo Berry Biscuits! A made from scratch buttermilk biscuit stuffed with blueberries and drizzled with sweet icing.

Football shaped Bo Berry Biscuits!

I eat a lot different these days, and I might eat biscuits once a month now. It's a far cry from my days of religiously grabbing two biscuits and a coffee for my daily commute. Honestly, part of the reason I was able to effectively achieve my fitness goals over the last year and a half, was due to a lack of tasty fast food options in my area.

However, Bojangles is opening fifteen new stores around the Orlando area soon. They once had quite the presence in Florida. However, they restructured and closed all of their central Florida stores several years back. I guess they figure that the world's number one tourist destination needs more Bojangle's in its life. I'm super happy that I will be able to visit Bojangle's more often now. However, I hope one of these fifteen new stores isn't too close to my home. My willpower falters around delicious breakfast sandwiches and biscuits.

I'm always up to sample biscuits from new and not so new spots. Let me know if you have a favorite biscuit you think I need to try in the comments section. Who knows, maybe they will knock one of my top three off of the list.

Visit Bojangle's Online

My Cheeseburger in Paradise. A tribute to Jimmy Buffett

After Jimmy Buffett's passing last week, I began thinking about his influence on my philosophy and dreams, one of which was relocating to Florida. Embarrassingly, I realized that in the last six years, I had only spent one measly day of leisure on my patio listening to Jimmy Buffett music. 

Outdoor living like this is exactly what I used to dream of back when I lived in Colorado. Many a cold winter evening whilst donning one of my Hawaiian shirts and playing Jimmy Buffet tunes, would I dream about being able to comfortably grill year round in flip flops. I was disgusted with myself and set out to change this, starting with the weekend. I hit the store and stocked up on hamburger fixings and of course lots of Landshark Lager.

That being said, I'm happy to say I had a wonderful Saturday at home spent with my bride. I grilled, swam, threw back more than a few Landshark Lagers, listened to Jimmy Buffett music, and enjoyed a cheeseburger in paradise. The day turned out more wonderful than I ever imagined.

 

My Cheeseburger in Paradise..

(Not too particular not too precise)

So as you can see, I grilled and enjoyed my 'Cheeseburger in Paradise' as a tribute of sorts to Jimmy Buffett. I crafted my cheeseburger just like Jimmy liked his as well, with Muenster cheese, lettuce, tomato, Heinz 57, and an onion slice. French fried potatoes, a big Kosher pickle, and ice cold beer were the perfect accompaniments. 

These flip flops and I have covered a lot of ground in the last decade

As my bride and I repeatedly moved to and fro from the pool to our patio chairs, we took time to really listen to the lyrics in Jimmy Buffet's songs. Some made us flat out laugh and some made us really ponder what life is truly about. I must admit that his newest song only released a day ago from his forthcoming album, brought a tear to my eye. The song is called 'Bubbles Up' and I absolutely love it.  Here's a link to the video in case you haven't heard it yet..

The emotion I felt while listening to this song was not because it carries a sad or melancholy message. On the contrary, it's inspiring and is meant to pull you out of a funk and realize there is hope, people who love you, and that there are good things in life to look forward to. 

What got to me personally, is that Jimmy wrote this song and planned on releasing it soon, inevitably knowing what direction his health was going. What an incredible Man. He still wanted to bring peace and comfort to folks, when he had every right to retire and simply focus on himself and his family during his last days. Pondering this humbled me and made me realize my problems are pretty insignificant compared to many other folks.

10 years ago..
when my flip flops were brand new
Both of us were a lot less weathered

The loss of Jimmy Buffett was like a punch to the gut this week. I must say however that listening to his songs for hours on end, reminiscing about seeing him in concert and looking back on the many memories we have from his music, was like medicine for our souls.

I don't know what the loss of this icon will mean for Parrot Head Nation. I do have a sneaking suspicion we will hear new music from him for years to come. I really hope his fanbase as well as his empire continues to grow. Will we see special tribute concerts, meetups, fan fests and events? I certainly hope so. I believe his legacy is in good hands with his family. 

There's enough good stuff Jimmy created and crafted for us to last a lifetime. The concepts and escapism he opened our minds to is priceless. I'm sure there will be more for us to experience, and I will anxiously await to see what that is.

Visit Margaritaville Online

Life Savers candy - A RETROspect

So many varieties of Life Saver candies have come and gone over the years. This article isn't a comprehensive history on the candy line, so much as it is about the Life Savers candies that I most fondly remember during my childhood and adult life.

As an adult, I often find myself reminiscing about Life Savers. This started a couple of years back, when I was complaining to a friend about how tough it can be to find an honest to goodness roll of Life Savers these days. You can get bags of individually wrapped Life Savers everywhere, but the rolls of candy are a real pain to track down sometimes.

Many restaurants and eating establishments used to sell mints and gum by their cash registers, and I always remember CERTS, and Wint-O-Green Life Savers being available for purchase. They were certainly available in every store's candy section, and were ever present at grocery checkout stands nationwide.

I truly miss the good old days when rolls of Life Savers used to be so easy to find, so it warms my heart every holiday season, when these start popping up in stores for gifts and stocking stuffers.

These seasonal Life Savers tins above stand seven inches tall, and are available predominantly during the holidays. As you can see, Butter Rum, Five Flavor and Wild Cherry themed tins are available. Each collectible holiday tin comes with a 7 roll assortment that includes 2 Butter Rum, 2 Wild Cherry and 3 Five Flavor rolls. While these are considered a holiday item, the only thing with a holiday feel to them is the removable plastic seal atop the tins. Most years I usually end up buying all three tins, so as to have a nice winter cache of America's favorite "Candy with a hole".

Memories..
My good friend Chris and I were huge fans of Life Savers as kids. Our parents would allow us to sit together in church, but we had to sit in the row directly in front of them so they could keep an eye on us. Nodding off was a constant danger for us kids who after a long day of school, had to sit through two hours in church on Thursdays, and on Sunday mornings after a play packed Saturday. Therefore, we never left for church without a roll of Life Savers in our suit coat pockets.

Chris's favorite flavor was Wild Cherry, and mine was Butter Rum. We'd mix it up from time to time and buy Pep-O-Mint or Wint-O-Green flavors as well. We'd often consult each other before church to make sure we didn't bring the same flavor. Then, during church.. we'd cautiously eat our Life Savers, sharing them with one another. The candy kept us awake, and the constant danger of getting caught by our parents, finished the job of keeping us alert. Devising a method to stay awake was a necessity, as dozing off and letting your head bob, would most certainly bring retribution in the form of a pinch, or a thump to the back of the head.

We perfected our methods of exchanging the contraband, and each had our own techniques for passing the candy to one another. Chris would palm the roll of Life Savers and flick a piece of candy onto the pages of my bible. I was a bit more cautious and would keep my roll tucked tightly in my shirt sleeve, just behind my palm. My suit coat sleeve ensured the roll stayed invisible (to mortal eyes at least). To remove a piece of candy, I would push the roll upwards a bit into the base of my palm, and then reach down with my middle and ring finger to crack a Life Saver away from the roll. 

The secret exchanges we pulled off would have made the most skillful of spies envious. We had many ways of passing the candy, but most commonly, we'd do so by acting like we were helping each other look up scriptures, or dropping a piece of candy into the others side suit coat pocket for them to pick up at a later time when the coast was clear.

What a Life Saver!
Fast forward to 1991. I was now sitting in church on Thursday nights and Sunday mornings as a father, with an 18 month old on my lap. A restless toddler in church who has begun to make good use of his vocal chords, can make for some uncomfortable stares from certain folks. Therefore, I drew from my old 1980s playbook. When my son would act up, I'd give him a Life Saver to pacify him for awhile. And no silly.. I didn't give my 18 month old a Life Saver. No, there was a new Life Saver in town..

In the early 90s, Life Savers came out with a variety of candy called 'Life Savers Holes'. They came in a handy dandy plastic container, and the candies were roughly the size of, well.. a Life Savers hole! After I had exhausted all other resources to keep my son happy and quiet, I would sneak a Life Saver Hole to my boy, and he would be calm and quiet for about ten minutes. As good as this technique was, my plan eventually backfired when he sprouted more teeth, and could chew the little pieces of candy as fast as I could dispense them.

More Varieties of Life Saving Candies..

I also remember there being Life Savers "mini rolls" that had about four Life Savers in them. These usually were abundant around Halloween time, but I also remember teachers giving them out as rewards to the students all year round. If I'm not mistaken, you could also buy them at candy stores for around 5 or 10 cents back in the early 80s.

While most kids went crazy for Tootsie Roll Pops, Blow-Pops, and Dum-Dums, my favorite variety of suckers were Life Savers Swirled Pops. These 10 or 15 cent suckers basically looked like a big Life Saver on a stick. The lollipops had smooth and creamy flavor combos like orange & vanilla, cherry & banana, and strawberry & vanilla.

I haven't seen Life Savers Swirled Pops for years, but was pleasantly surprised to learn that they are indeed still produced, and abundantly available for purchase online at Amazon, and countless other websites.

I can't exactly remember when gummi candy got so popular, but in the 70's, our choices were kind of limited. Since the 80s however, you can find gummi candy in just about every imaginable flavor and shape. In 1992 Life Savers released 'Gummi Savers' which have since been renamed to "Life Savers Gummies". They've released lots of great flavors over the years that my kids and I really enjoyed such as wild berries, tropical island flavors, and sour varieties.

Over the course of the last decade, the Life Savers brand of candy I've bought most are Creme Savers. These hard candies are swirled with real cream, and used to come in a few different flavors like tropical, orange & cream, and butter toffee just to name a few. They were discontinued for awhile, but are back in only the strawberry and orange flavors as of August 2023. My personal favorite are the Strawberry, although the Orange variety gives me flashbacks of eating Creamsicles on a hot summer day.  

These candies are creamy and smooth with their flavors paired perfectly. It's what I consider to be more of an adult candy, because I'm not so sure most kids can truly appreciate the decadence and creaminess this candy exudes. You used to be able to find Creme Savers packaged in rolls, and whenever I came across them I would always buy a roll or two.

Do you live in an area where Lifesavers in all forms are still abundant? Does anyone else remember Life Savers Holes? Do you hold fond memories about this or any other candy from your youth? If so, I'd love to hear about them!

Display box full of classic Lifesavers!
Gawd I love Amazon

Hostess Strawberry Jumbo Donettes. Just.. Eww

This is one of the very last snack cake reviews I performed before I largely stopped eating processed food. I got so excited upon spotting these, but you will see that this excitement faded very quickly.

Strawberry and blueberry donuts are just about my favorite cake donut flavors. However, I bought these with a bit of cynicism, as I had been disappointed repeatedly in the past by packaged donuts of the glazed variety.

As I pulled the donuts from the package, I immediately regretted buying them. The donuts were heavy, with a damp exterior. The donuts smelled great, and I could see little bits of strawberry throughout. Unfortunately when I bit into them, the flavor didn't exactly pack a punch in regards to strawberry flavor. The donut was heavy, chewy, and messy, due to the glaze it was covered with. In fact, I wouldn't even classify it as glaze, but more like a gelatinous mucilage.

I believe these donuts would be 100% better, if they were made with more real strawberries and no glaze at all. Fresh off of the Hostess production line, these Jumbo Donettes very well may be delightful. On the other hand, by the time they reach store shelves, the donut and glaze have begun melding and intermingling, changing the donut's consistency entirely. The result is the mess you see above.

Hostess Mini Glazed Donettes

These are 100 times better than Jumbo Glazed Donettes

In my experience, glazed donuts just don't translate well to being mass produced and packaged. It's not just Hostess either. I've eaten a multitude of packaged glazed donut brands, and not a single one has impressed me as of yet.  The only exception to this rule are mini donuts that Hostess and other companies produce. For some reason, these little donuts always have a nice crisp layer of glaze on them that doesn't meld with the rest of the donut.

To give you another example, take Krispy Kreme Glazed Original Donuts. Made fresh they are wonderful. Sitting in a box for a week in the store however, not so good.  At that point, they are reduced to soggy, runny, heavy globs of yeasty dough. It's the same story with glazed supermarket donuts that are made fresh, boxed, and then sit for a couple days.

So in short, I won't be reviewing any more glazed packaged cake donuts from Hostess or any other brand. I'll leave the glazed donut making to the pros who serve them fresh daily. I may opt for some mini glazed donuts in an emergency someday, but I've got to be honest about something. After this review, it was along time before I could look at another donut, glazed or otherwise. And for me.. that's a pretty rare occurrence.

Hostess Baseball Cupcakes: The Snack That Makes Me Feel Like a Kid Again

I have a soft spot for limited edition snack cakes.. and Hostess Baseball Cupcakes are right up there. I do not follow baseball closely but every spring when Baseball Cupcakes show up in stores, I know Opening Day has arrived.

I fell in love the second I saw them. I mean, just look at them. Little frosted cakes shaped like baseballs. They are so perfectly themed it feels like a childhood dream.

There are two versions. Day Game is yellow cake with the classic creamy Hostess filling. Night Game is chocolate cake with the same creamy filling. Both have white frosting and red squiggles to mimic baseball stitching.

I appreciate the cute look of Day Game but I actually prefer Night Game. There is something about the mix of rich chocolate cake, the light filling, and the white frosting that just works for me.

'Night Game Version'

These Baseball Cupcakes are a nostalgic callback to what Hostess has always done best. The original Hostess Cupcakes go way back. The vanilla filling and squiggle icing are rooted in decades of snack cake history.

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Pros and Cons of Hostess Baseball Cupcakes

Pros

• Strong nostalgia factor. Brings me back to childhood and Opening Day memories.

• Cute baseball design. White frosting with red stitching.

• Two flavors. Day Game or Night Game, something for everyone.

• Seasonal excitement. Only in stores for a short time.

• Classic Hostess filling. Comforting and familiar.

Cons

• Limited availability. They disappear fast.

• Small size. One or two will not fill you up.

• Very sweet. Not for anyone avoiding sugar.

• Packaging can be messy. Often squished in stores.

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Why They Mean Something to Me

I have been into Hostess snacks for as long as I can remember. These cupcakes feel like a little tradition. For me they are not just dessert. They are a signal that something familiar and fun is back.

There is a weird but delightful part of me that wonders how they get made. Does the bakery line change just for these seasonal cakes?

Even though I do not eat them as much now, I still keep an eye out for them every spring. Some things.. the little nostalgic wins, are worth it.

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Fun Facts

• Hostess brought these back in 2018 and called them Baseball Cupcakes.

• The red squiggle on top is a nod to real baseballs.

• Baseball and snack cakes are both big American traditions.

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The OG and inspiration for Baseball Cupcakes

If you spot these in a store, I recommend grabbing a box. Have fun with it. Take some to a ball game, or to a World Series party. If you have memories of eating them or any fun stories, drop them in the comments. I would love to hear them.

Cookie Crisp Cereal Mascots Through the Years: Nostalgia for 70s, 80s & 90s Fans

Theretrodad.com experienced a huge bump in site traffic during the month of July. Upon checking my site stats, I saw massive amounts of Google searches for 'Cookie-Crisp' that were directing viewers to an older Cookie Crisp article I wrote. Therefore, I decided to dust off that old article, and add some more in depth history about the cereal, as well as the mascots we've seen over the years.

Ah, Cookie Crisp Cereal. What a sneaky way to get kids to eat their breakfast! Not to mention an equally sneaky way to trigger me into late night snacking. I can't even begin to count the bowls of Cookie Crisp I ate while watching late night TV, or while working on blogs and web-sites late into the night.

Launched in 1977 by Ralston Purina, Cookie Crisp was an instant hit right out of the gate. It was originally available in chocolate chip, vanilla wafer and oatmeal flavors. My absolute favorite was the vanilla variety, with chocolate chip being a close runner up. Other flavors introduced through the years were Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate, Vanilla with Sprinkles, and Birthday Cake flavors.

Old box featuring 'Cookie Jarvis' the Wizard

If there was ever a retro packaging resurrection I'd like to see, Cookie Jarvis ranks right up there at the top of my list. I miss seeing the old commercials with Jarvis the Wizard turning kids drab and boring breakfast cereal into bite sized cookies.  There was even a vanilla flavored version that I loved equally as much as the chocolate chip Cookie-Crisp back in the day.

1982 Cookie-Crisp Topps Wacky Packages tie in

The box above is from 1982, with a Topps Wacky Packages in-box prize of two cards per box. This was when Topps shrunk down the size of the Wacky Packages cards, making them much smaller.

1982 Topps Beastball Wacky Packages card

As a direct result from the 'Planet of the Apes' movies, KING KONG, and countless black and white gorilla based horror movies, I was obsessed with gorillas as a child. Therefore, this was one of my favorite Wacky Packages cards of all time. It was a re-release from an earlier 70s set of Wacky Packages. I actually scored the 'BEASTBALL' card from one of the 1982 Cookie-Crisp boxes. I coveted that card and held onto it for decades. I believe my son now has it in his collection somewhere.

I vividly remember the following Cookie Crisp Commercial from my youth. It's from an era where cereal manufacturers used to actually try and compete for your business with clever marketing. They did this by catering directly to their main consumers, which were kids.

The Cookie Crook, Chip, and The Cookie Cop

The 'Cookie Crook' was introduced in 1980 while Cookie Jarvis was still the Cereal's mascot. Jarvis would always be the foil to Cookie Crook's dastardly deeds. Quite suddenly however, Cookie Jarvis disappeared in 1985 and only the Cookie Crook remained. However, Hot on his trail was 'Officer Crumb', a police officer looking to bust the Ne'er-do-well.

The storylines and skits that ensued, were in the style of old 'Keystone Cop' comedy. Sometime around 1990, the Cookie Crook gained a canine sidekick named 'Chip'.  The crook's plans to steal Cookie Crisp were usually foiled when Chip would get overly excited and uncontrollably start to howl "Coo-ooooooookie Crisp!" 

Later on when the Cookie Crook was phased out, Officer Crumb became the antagonist, because he felt kids shouldn't be eating cookies for breakfast. Chip then became the hero, usually foiling Officer Crumb and saving the day.

When Officer Crumb and The Cookie Crook were dropped altogether, Chip became the sole mascot.  Rather than a thief, the commercials usually featured him giving kids cereal while howling "Coo-ooooooookie Crisp!". 

After Officer Crumb's disappearance, authority figures such as teachers, park rangers, little league umpires etc. would act as the antagonists, telling kids they couldn't have cookies for breakfast. Chip would inevitably save the day and the kids would in turn get to enjoy their bowls of cookies.

In 2006, Chip the dog was dropped altogether and replaced with 'Chip the Wolf', who succinctly pilfered Chip the Dog's catch phrase "Co-ooooookie Crisp".

Chip the Wolf would try to steal kids Cookie Crisp cereal using gadgets and inventions he had created. His plans were usually brought down by the same kids he was trying to steal from. I personally can't remember seeing any new commercials featuring Chip the Wolf recently, but then again.. we now consume content in entirely new ways since the heyday of cereal television commercials. 

An interesting thing I've noticed on YouTube, is that most of the same exact commercials seen in America were broadcasted in the U.K. However, they were voiced over by an actor with an English accent.

I have seen recent videos on YouTube and tiktok about folks rejecting Chip the Wolf as their Cookie-Crisp mascot. Kind of like the way I felt many years ago about Cookie Jarvis being dropped, and then again when the Cookie Crook was given the boot.

Upon writing this article, I realized haven't bought a box of Cookie Crisp in about 5 years. Partly because of the way I eat these days, but mostly because it just doesn't excite me anymore. Breakfast cereals were a lot different when I was a boy. The cereal companies employed advertising agencies to produce a constant slew of adventurous cartoons in commercial form. They also commissioned toy companies to make the great in-box prizes and toys that so many of us remember from our youth. In television commercials and promos, cereal mascots took on a life all their own.

Cookie-Crisp.. Oatmeal?

I eat a lot more oatmeal these days,

so this caught my attention this week

Thankfully, companies are catching onto consumers fondness for the way things used to be, and many are hopping on the retro packaging bandwagon everyday. Hopefully General Mills will include Cookie Crisp into their ever changing limited edition lineup of throwback packaging. Maybe they just need a little feedback to encourage them to do so? Below is a link to bug err.. encourage General Mills to bring back Jarvis the Wizard, The Cookie Crook, and Chip the Dog.

Ask General Mills to bring some or all of the old mascots back!
Choose the subject as "other" and let them know why they should bring back some retro magic, by re-introducing your favorite old school mascot. 

Heck, while I'm at their site putting in my bi-annual vote for a Jarvis revival, I may even ask them to bring back Vanilla flavored Cookie Crisp as well.

The Casa Bonita Experience.. in under 60 seconds

Casa Bonita! A Colorado institution since 1974. Well.. it was, until 2020 when they closed down and filed for bankruptcy. Soon after, South Park creators and Casa Bonita enthusiasts Trey Parker and Matt Stone purchased it and started restoring it to its former glory. I for one can't wait to see the finished product soon.

Here's a blast from the recent past ( circa 2014-ish ) during one of our many family outings to Casa Bonita..

 

I visited this themed restaurant through my entire childhood, as did my kids. I took my bride there for our first date, and dined there countless times over the last four decades. I hope to visit Casa Bonita in the fall, and if I do I will be sure to document what has changed, and what has hopefully remained the same. Stay tuned!

Foods that have helped me lose weight on my fitness journey

As of writing this article, I have now lost 45 pounds since January 1st, 2021. I find myself still learning how to cook and eat for optimal fitness. However, I can share with you what has been helping me as of late, to help keep pushing the numbers on the scale in the right direction. Anyway, here is some food and meal ideas that have helped me substantially..

Indian Food

We make Indian Food a couple of times a week now. There are so many ways to make great tasting dishes and a seemingly infinite number of vegetarian recipes you can cook. All of them are the farthest thing from boring and bland you can imagine. It truly keeps me excited about eating clean.

Mexican Food
Mexican food can easily be prepared healthy. I like to make burritos and burrito bowls with quality wraps. I also take corn tortillas and give them a quick fry using avocado oil, to make healthier versions of Tostada shells. I pile them high with refried beans, veggies, avocado or guacamole, cheese, and salsa.

Chinese Takeout

I only do this once in a blue moon, but you can definitely order out healthy Chinese food as long as you're mindful. My simple rule is to avoid most things fried. Here are some great options:

• Steamed Dumplings
• Broccoli with Chicken or Beef 
• Soups (Wonton, Egg Drop, Hot & Sour)
• Steamed veggies
• Moo Goo Gai Pan
• Shrimp w/ Lobster sauce

Healthy Veggie Wraps / Tortillas

The average large tortilla contains about 38 grams of carbohydrates. With my personal risks and conditions, carbs are the enemy. When you use a healthy tortilla like 'Ole Extreme Wellness Tortilla Wraps' linked below, you can have guilt free burritos and wraps any time. 'Ole wraps have only 50 calories, 4 grams of net carbs, no added sugar or hydrogenated oils, and 11 grams of fiber. 

For veggie wraps, I first spread hummus on the tortilla and then pack it full of veggies like cabbage, spinach, lettuce, avocado, cucumber, chick peas, onion, tomatoes, etc. You can also add some cheese, healthy dressing, salsa, or hot sauce to give them more flavor. Once in awhile I add some protein like bacon or a little chicken. You are really only limited by your imagination and or taste.

For burritos, I spread refried or cooked beans on the tortilla then usually add cheese, peppers, onion, avocado and some nice salsa or hot sauce. Super filling and always tasty.

 

JACK LINK'S ZERO SUGAR 100% Beef Sticks with no Nitrates

I do intermittent fasting for 16 to 18 hours a day. I break my fast with a small low carb protein packed lunch that on most days includes one of these great tasting meat sticks. The great thing about them, is that they contain zero sugar, are 100% beef and are made with no nitrates.

Mixed Nuts
I have to be careful with these. Even though they are full of healthy fats and fiber, you can easily overdo it if you're mindlessly snacking on them.

Avocados

I add these to everything, or at least have them on the side of a meal if they don't go with what I'm eating. They are super healthy and are incredibly good for you.

Chick Peas

I eat so many chick peas it's not even funny. It takes minutes to make your own hummus with them in a food processor, and they are the center of most Indian dishes I prepare. They are great in stews and salads as well.

Lentils and split peas

Incredibly tasty, filling, and super healthy. I can't believe how many recipes there are out there.

Eggs

Cutting out most meat really left me with a deficit in regards to protein. I usually eat 2 eggs a day and 90% of the time they are boiled. I pack two for my lunch daily, and I always add them to bowls of salad.

Flatbread Pizza
I take a piece of flatbread, cover it in sauce, add a bed of fresh spinach, and top it with fresh mozzarella. I then pile on veggies like black and green olives, mushrooms, onion, peppers etc. I almost always top it with a modest amount of bacon or pancetta.

Spaghetti Squash

Definitely not the same as spaghetti, but it tastes great and I am now experimenting with new ways to use it, like with Asian recipes and casseroles.

Chili Beans

For the most part I make my chili meat free now, but occasionally I will buy a pound of stew meat to make it with. Its a pretty healthy meal as the fiber content negates some of the carbs. I even have a little cornbread with it sometimes (but not too much).

Whole fat unsweetened Greek yogurt

Took me awhile to get used to this, but now I love it. When I eat a bowl, I add in a couple tablespoons of ground flax or chia seeds for fiber. I then add a sliced banana, strawberries, blueberries, and walnuts.

Whole Grain Oats (Not instant or sweetened)

I don't eat these all of the time, but its good to get this type of fiber through your system occasionally. I add in coconut milk, banana, raisins or blueberries, vanilla, and cinnamon. If you absolutely need a sweeter oatmeal, adding a tablespoon of organic blueberry preserves helps.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

So many great recipes for these exist. I've stuffed them with burrito or taco ingredients, and recently began making Italian and Indian inspired versions as well.

These are just a few of the things I eat and prepare regularly. It's been a long process to figure out what to replace my unhealthy meals with, and am still learning. Avoiding processed food, focusing on eating more fruit and vegetables, and cooking meals myself  has done wonders for my health. Another side benefit is that it has saved us an incredible amount of money. 

I will be writing more articles soon about food and specific things that are helping me to keep making forward progress. Keep an eye out for them.

Retro Mexican Restaurants in Fort Collins Colorado: 1970s and 80s Memories

Back in the 70s and 80s, Fort Collins didn’t have a ton of Mexican restaurants, but the few that existed left big memories. From local chains to college favorites, these spots shaped our love of Mexican food, and some of them still hold a place in the city’s history today. In fact, as much as I miss those old taco joints, I also find myself thinking about the retro pizza places that used to dot the town. If you want to see a list of Fort Collins pizza places that are long gone, check out my post on Fort Collins pizza restaurants that are no longer open. 

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The Armadillo: Colorado’s Local Chain

The Armadillo was one of those places that everyone knew. It had the quirky charm of a local chain with simple, hearty Mexican dishes. The pork green chile was always a standout, and it was one of the first places I remember where a kid could actually get excited about a plate of tacos. The atmosphere may have been modest, but the food made a mark. 

Their 'Burrito Grande" was my go-to menu item ever since I hit my teen years. Two gigantic burritos topped with shredded cheese and then smothered with piping hot pork green green chille.

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El Burrito: College Favorite and Broncos Catering Spot

For college students, El Burrito was a go-to. Quick, cheap, and filling, it became a late-night favorite after parties or long study sessions. For years they catered for the Denver Broncos training camps held right down the road every Fall. It was not unusual to see Denver Broncos players hanging out in the restaurant during that time. Simple meals like burritos, tacos, and enchiladas brought people together, and left lasting memories.

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El Dorado: Where Pork Green Chile Made Me a Fan

El Dorado had a reputation for its pork green chile, and for good reason. That dish alone made the drive worthwhile. The flavors were bold, and it had the kind of personality that reminded you food could be both comforting and exciting. Even today, it’s the type of dish that brings back nostalgia for anyone who grew up in Fort Collins.

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TICOS: Upscale Dining with a City View

Not every spot was budget-friendly. Ticos offered a slightly fancier experience with a city view. It was the kind of place you went for special occasions or when you wanted something a little different. The flavors were authentic, the atmosphere more refined, but it still had that same nostalgia of dining out with friends or family. 

I remember one night when my family went out with friends for dinner there. My best friend and I thought we really had pulled one over on our parents when they let us get dessert, and we both ordered ice cream that was topped with a sweet Brandy sauce.

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National Chains: Taco Bell and Taco John’s in Fort Collins

Even the national chains made an impact. Taco Bell and Taco John’s brought a different kind of experience — fast, accessible, and fun. They may not have had the personality of local spots, but they became part of growing up in Fort Collins and shaped our early taste for Mexican-inspired convenience food.

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Bringing the Memories Forward

These Fort Collins Mexican restaurants hold a special place in the city’s culinary history. Some are still around, some are gone, but the memories remain. If you remember any other Mexican spots from the 70s or 80s, drop me a note or leave a comment. I’ll update this list with your finds and keep the nostalgia alive.