PRODUCT REVIEW: Cadbury Dairy Milk ~ Pretzel & Peanut Butter

In 1824, a young Quaker by the name of John Cadbury, opened a shop in Birmingham, UK and began selling tea and coffee.  With innovation he saw a new opportunity arise in cocoa beverages and laid the foundations for the creation of chocolate and then confectionary, as he hand~ground his cocoa with a mortar and pestle in the back of his shop.

As Quakers, John and his family believed tea, coffee and cocoa beverages were a much more enjoyable alternative to alcohol, which was seen to be the cause of poverty and deprivation among the poor and working classes.  Cadbury was once a pioneer in justice, equality, anti~slavery, better housing, saniation and social reform and his chocolate delights have been satisfying taste buds for over 150 years.

John, along with his brother Benjamin and sons, Richard and George, continued to strive for customer excellence while exalting their energies for better living and working conditions amongst the families and animals they met on a daily basis.  With genius such as this, its no wonder that Cadbury Chocolate is adored by millions to this day~!!

Cadbury Dairy Milk ~ Joy Department

When the opportunity arose to check out Cadbury's latest creations, I couldn't apply fast enough.  While I like chocolate, I am very particular on which I eat and Cadbury has always been a favourite of mine.  I just enjoy the creamy smooth texture and the delightful milk chocolate taste.  

There are three new flavours in Cadbury Dairy Milk's "Joy Department" series.  

Honey Roasted Cashews & Hazelnuts

Toasted Coconut and Cashews 

Pretzel and Peanut Butter

Now, while I would've been happy with any of the three to try, however, I didn't have choice and I was kind of learning towards the Pretzel and Peanut Butter version, which is EXACTLY the chocolate bar I received~!  When it arrived, it was a VERY hot day outside and as you can well imagine, it was like chocolate soup inside of the packaging.  Which, I might add, held up and no leakages occurred...I put it in the refrigerator to set again and even though I didn't get to taste it as it should have been, it was still fantastic and very enjoyable.

My oldest son, who is a sweet treat freak, also had a nibble or two and he gave it two thumbs up, he loves peanut and chocolate together and thought the pretzels can it a nice toasty crunch that was delectable to his palate.

If you have the opportunity to check one of these new flavours out, I wouldn't hesitate, I'm on the hunt for the Honey Roasted Cashews & Hazelnuts next~!!  I'm thinking these chocolate bars are going to be REALLY groovy to bake with....hmmmmm~!!

JOIN Cadbury Dairy Milk ~ Canada on FaceBook~!!

GIVEAWAY ~ Mike & Ike's Originals and Welch's Strawberry and Grape Filled Licorice Prize Package

Okay...sooo...remember the other day when I wrote up my review on Mike & Ike's and Welch's joining forces to bring us all a new tasty treat??  The Strawberry and Grape Filled Licorice??  WUH~ELL...the company wants to give one of you...my groovy readers an opportunity to WIN yourselves a prize pack to taste and enjoy...and maybe share with a friend or two??  ;)

I am sooo pumped and I'm going to make it simple for you all to enter...please leave your comments to each entry separately on this post in order for your entry to count...okay...so have fun...good luck...and ENJOY~!!

PRIZE INCLUDES:

Box of Original Mike & Ike's Candies
1 Pkg. Strawberry Filled Licorice
1 Pkg. Concord Grape Filled Licorice

THIS IS MANDATORY...failure to do this will constitute the disqualification of your entries...and yup, I sure do check those kinda things out...cuz I rolls like that~!!


1.  You must like MIKE & IKE's on Facebook and tell them Mad Moose Mama sent you on by to share some love...okay...so you don't HAVE to do that last part...but it would be kinda nice...hehe~!!


2.  You must leave a comment on this article letting us all know your FAVOURITE MIKE & IKE's product~!!


That's it~!!  Easy peasy...right??  Kewlness~!!  NOW...if you'd like EXTRA votes...then you can do any of the following...and let me know in this post, so that I can checks its alls out~!!  ;)


You can follow me on any of the following social media sites:
(Remember to leave a separate post for each of these that you do~!)


Twitter ~ DNatrlBeauty
Facebook ~ Jennifer C.
Facebook ~ Mad Moose Mama
Pinterest ~ Mad Moose Mama
Google + ~ Mad Moose Mama
LinkedIn ~ Jennifer C.


You can tweet, (ONCE an hour) and share wherever you'd like (ONCE a day)...just let me know where to find it~!!


Need a tweet??  


Enter 2 #WIN Mike & Ike's Welch's Candy #PRIZE Pkg. ~ CAN/US ~ Ends 5/14 @DNatrlBeauty http://tinyurl.com/83hargl


Contests runs May 1st to May 14th, midnight EST~!!  Open to Canada & the US~!!

PLUS~!!!!!
You could also check out the Mike & Ike's Contest on Facebook...just sayin'...

It’s True - Famous Candy Icons

Mike and Ike Have Split

Enter the “Tell Us Your Reaction” contest to win an Apple iPod Touch and other MIKE AND IKE® Prizes

Contest Deadline June 26^th 2012

Bethlehem, PA (April, 2012) – Just Born, Inc., makers of MIKE AND IKE®, PEEPS®, HOT TAMALES® and GOLDENBERG’S PEANUT CHEWS® Brand candies, confirms rumors that the legendary candy duo, Mike and Ike, have parted ways. The pair cited irreconcilable creative differences, which has been confirmed by statements from each party suggesting that Mike and Ike will stop collaborating on their famous fruit chewy candies.

The news of split has caused people to be overcome with disbelief.  Therefore, the company has launched the “Tell Us Your Reaction”contest to run from now through June 26^th, 2012.

Entrants must create and submit a video that demonstrates their reaction to the MIKE AND IKE® split. This could show surprise, sadness, disbelief, happiness or whatever emotional reaction the news of the MIKE AND IKE® split evokes. The reaction video should have a maximum running time of 90 seconds.

One first prize winner will received an Apple iPod Touch and a MIKE AND IKE® t-shirt. Four second prize winners will each receive an Apple iPod Shuffle and a MIKE AND IKE® t-shirt. Fifteen third prize winners will each receive a case of MIKE AND IKE® candy and a MIKE AND IKE® t-shirt.

To enter:

Entrants will need to fill out an entry form found on the MIKE AND IKE® facebook page under “The Story”, atwww.facebook.com/mikeandike, which will ask them to provide their reaction video.

Judging is based on the following criteria:

·         Overall presentation: the video spot should be well-organized and the key message clearly conveyed throughout the length of the video

·         Social Engagement: the entry must portray an engaging emotional reaction to the news of the MIKE AND IKE® split

·         Creativity: the entry should take a unique approach to the video concept that is interesting, appealing and attention-getting

·         Use of MIKE AND IKE®:  if possible, the video should incorporate the use of  MIKE AND IKE® products

·         Convincing Story: the entrant should clearly demonstrate their reaction to the split

About Mike and Ike

MIKE AND IKE® candy, with varieties such as Original Fruits, Tropical Typhoon®, Berry Blast®, RedRageous!™ and others, will continue to be offered at all retailers. Consumers will see no changes in flavors or distribution.

The independent and talented duo have decided to follow their true passions. Mike is a musician at heart, currently producing a CD; Ike is an urban artist and a lover of art. Their split is not unlike that of other famous celebrity duos like Simon and Garfunkel or Lennon and McCartney.

“People of all ages love MIKE AND IKE® and we are reassuring fans and our retail partners that our famous fruit-chewy candies will continue to be produced and sold as we get this resolved,” says Matt Pye, VP of Marketing for Just Born.

Packaging and Store Displays

Consumers will be surprised to see packaging with one of the names scratched out with a note on the back and directions to the brand’s Facebook page. Retailers will feature new MIKE AND IKE® displays.

For more information on the split and to follow Mike and Ike’s individual exploits, log onto www.facebook.com/mikeandike.

About Just Born

Just Born, Inc. is a privately owned company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Bethlehem, PA, where it manufactures PEEPS^®, HOT TAMALES^® and MIKE AND IKE® Brand Candies. GOLDENBERG’S^® PEANUT CHEWS^® Brand Candies are produced in Philadelphia, PA.  All Just Born candies are made in the U.S.A. 

**  Brought from me to you...cuz I'm groovy like that~!!  **

PRODUCT REVIEW: Mike & Ike & Welch's

It's TRUE~!!  Mike & Ike have split...they both wish to venture into different horizons...Mike wishes to be a Musician and Ike, well, he wishes to be an artist.  They cannot seem to agree on their ideas for Mike & Ike's chewy candies.  Will the company be able to save the friendship of these two or will they part company forever??

Mike & Ike's have been a crowd favourite bringing us their version of chewy candies with fruit flavours,  for over 50 years.

Who doesn't remember buying a box at the movie theaters??  Or getting some in their Hallowe'en stash??  And whether you savour their flavour or chew them up in one sitting, they are a brand staple that we have come to know and love.

Mike & Ike have teamed up with Welch's to bring you a new, tasty treat~!!  

Welch's Concord Grape and Strawberry flavoured Filled Licorice made with real fruit juice~!!

It’s True - Famous Candy Icons

Mike and Ike Have Split

Enter the “Tell Us Your Reaction” contest to win an Apple iPod Touch and other MIKE AND IKE® Prizes

Contest Deadline June 26^th 2012

Bethlehem, PA (April, 2012) – Just Born, Inc., makers of MIKE AND IKE®, PEEPS®, HOT TAMALES® and GOLDENBERG’S PEANUT CHEWS® Brand candies, confirms rumors that the legendary candy duo, Mike and Ike, have parted ways. The pair cited irreconcilable creative differences, which has been confirmed by statements from each party suggesting that Mike and Ike will stop collaborating on their famous fruit chewy candies.

The news of split has caused people to be overcome with disbelief.  Therefore, the company has launched the “Tell Us Your Reaction”contest to run from now through June 26^th, 2012.

Entrants must create and submit a video that demonstrates their reaction to the MIKE AND IKE® split. This could show surprise, sadness, disbelief, happiness or whatever emotional reaction the news of the MIKE AND IKE® split evokes. The reaction video should have a maximum running time of 90 seconds.

One first prize winner will received an Apple iPod Touch and a MIKE AND IKE® t-shirt. Four second prize winners will each receive an Apple iPod Shuffle and a MIKE AND IKE® t-shirt. Fifteen third prize winners will each receive a case of MIKE AND IKE® candy and aMIKE AND IKE® t-shirt.

To enter:

Entrants will need to fill out an entry form found on the MIKE AND IKE® facebook page under “The Story”, atwww.facebook.com/mikeandike, which will ask them to provide their reaction video.

Judging is based on the following criteria:

·         Overall presentation: the video spot should be well-organized and the key message clearly conveyed throughout the length of the video

·         Social Engagement: the entry must portray an engaging emotional reaction to the news of the MIKE AND IKE® split

·         Creativity: the entry should take a unique approach to the video concept that is interesting, appealing and attention-getting

·         Use of MIKE AND IKE®:  if possible, the video should incorporate the use of  MIKE AND IKE® products

·         Convincing Story: the entrant should clearly demonstrate their reaction to the split

About Mike and Ike

MIKE AND IKE® candy, with varieties such as Original Fruits, Tropical Typhoon®, Berry Blast®, RedRageous!™ and others, will continue to be offered at all retailers. Consumers will see no changes in flavors or distribution.

The independent and talented duo have decided to follow their true passions. Mike is a musician at heart, currently producing a CD; Ike is an urban artist and a lover of art. Their split is not unlike that of other famous celebrity duos like Simon and Garfunkel or Lennon and McCartney.

“People of all ages love MIKE AND IKE® and we are reassuring fans and our retail partners that our famous fruit-chewy candies will continue to be produced and sold as we get this resolved,” says Matt Pye, VP of Marketing for Just Born.

Packaging and Store Displays

Consumers will be surprised to see packaging with one of the names scratched out with a note on the back and directions to the brand’s Facebook page. Retailers will feature new MIKE AND IKE® displays.

For more information on the split and to follow Mike and Ike’s individual exploits, log onto www.facebook.com/mikeandike.

I enjoy the Mike & Ike's Original candies and was really pumped to learn of their newest invention. The kids were stoked to be able to try this new product and the results were split.  One half of us loved the strawberry filled licorice and the other half liked the grape. I believe it comes down to fruit preference, for there really isn't any difference in texture, its all about the taste.

Now, when I first heard of the filled licorice, I thought they were going to be oozing with a jelly like substance inside.  While there is a jelly inside, it will not overflow and get on your clothes and make messes.  The filling works well in combination with the licorice allowing for a mess free snacking experience.   I did find them a little slimy in the package but after the air hits them, they become more manageable in their handling.

The centers contain real fruit juice and pectin and if you love chewy candies then you will DEFINITELY enjoy Welch's Filled Licorice.  And they YOU can tell ME which flavour you preferred~!!

**  Reviewed by me...as I see it~!!  **

Top Five Edible Insects

Of all the things you want to put in your mouth insects are, for most people, not one of them. However, that hasn’t stopped them from making their way over to the plates of the Western world. Popularised by shows such as I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, many people buy edible insects in order to hold Bush Tucker Trials of their own. But can you ever consider insects to be a gourmet treat, or will they always simply be served for shock value? Allow me to present you with a delightful menu of the culinary macabre and see if you’re still hungry.

Photo Credit

5) Ants
Edible ants come prepared in a variety of ways both sweet and savoury. Giant leafcutter ants are the most popular species used, especially as common preparation methods such as frying can make smaller insects quite fragile. Chocolate-coated queen leafcutter ants are a delicacy to Colombia’s Guane Indians, and are thought to boost the immune system and energy levels.

Photo Credit

4) Worms
Usually the larvae of something rather than actual earthworms (these allegedly don’t cook very well). Worms can be baked, fried or put into lollipops, and tend to end up coupled with a wide variety of different flavours. Be glad you are unlikely to find these in your Chinese takeaway Camden Lost Boys-style.

Photo Credit

3) Scorpions
Luckily for you, these tend to have been destinged before sale. Scorpions tend to be served sweet, for example in chocolate and lollipops. However, alcohol, specifically vodka, appears to be another popular accompaniment to the edible scorpion. While a lot of animals eat scorpions in the wild, you definitely wouldn't want to tackle one of these yourself without a decent supply of antivenom.

Photo Credit

2) Hornets
Another rather unappetising sounding beastie. The hornet is alleged to contain special enzymes that boost strength and energy levels, so much so that Japanese athletes were instructed to consume them before competing in the 2000 Olympic games. This particular insect-based snack features a hornet on a needle suspended inside its own honey, this enabling the release of the beneficial enzymes into it.

Photo Credit

1) Tarantulas
One of less common edible insect offerings. This site offers them oven baked (apparently a Cambodian delicacy but once a necessity during the Khmer Rouge period), supplying them with an eating guide and warning diners to remove the fangs before tucking in. Certainly not the meal of choice for an arachnophobic, but apparently quite tasty.

Jolie Johnson is a huge fan of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! (as well as gourmet cooking). She firmly believes that the two can - and will - be successfully combined.

Chocolate: A History of Innovation

Stop! Before you take your next bite of chocolate, think about this. It's a complete accident of history that we are able to eat chocolate today.

Deep in the Jungle
The origins of this delicious treat are hidden deep in the South American jungle - literally. That's where cocoa trees were growing back in the times of the Mayans. Famous for many things, including a developed and highly ordered civilization and a fantastic way of calculating and measuring time, the Mayans also indirectly brought us chocolate. They took the beans, which were growing wild and made them into a drink called xocoatl. The name meant bitter water, but bitter or not, the drink was prized as a tonic. Meanwhile, the beans were used as currency and traded to many of the Amerindian groups ot the time, including the Aztecs, who also loved the drink.

Spanish Travels
The Aztecs introduced the beans and the drink to the Spanish, who lost no time in taking it to Europe with them. It's hard to imagine these days, but back in those times you had to be of noble birth or very rich to be able to enjoy a chocolate drink - no commoners allowed. That's because it had been imported and was expensive. Even though it tasted nothing like the chocolate we have today - it was still very bitter - people loved it. Soon, though, another innovation made chocolate closer to what we know today: the addition of milk. At this time, chocolate was still mainly a drink and when Sir Hans Sloane experimented with milk, it suddenly became truly drinkable.

Photo Credit

From Drinking to Eating
But there was one more innovation that had to happen to bring chocolate closer to what we know today. We now take it for granted that chocolate is available in edible form, but the chocolate bar is a relatively recent invention. Fry and Son of Bristol, famous in the UK for chocolate biscuits, were the first to add cocoa butter and sugar to chocolate and mold it into a bar. Unfortunately, it still had a very bitter taste which would no doubt have hampered its popularity.

Getting the Taste Right
The final innovation came from Switzerland - and is perhaps the reason why the Swiss are famous for their chocolate today. Daniel Peter, a manufacturer, added powdered milk to the mix, making the bars much more palatable and then, to stay ahead of the competition, replaced that with condensed milk, giving that characteristic smooth texture and flavor associated with Swiss chocolate.

As you can see, chocolate has traveled the world, getting better and better all the time. So the next time you have a piece of chocolate, remember the history - and thank the Mayans!

Sharon Hurley Hall loves chocolate. She hopes to find some in her Christmas food hamper from Scottish Hampers.