Product Placement Wednesday - Oscar Mayer Sandwich Combos

Personally I am not a big fan of the "Lunchables" type of pre-packaged meals. To be fair, I am not a big fan in general of any pre-packaged "fresh" food. On a recent vacation, the only place to grab lunch was a general store type place as we were out a bit from any towns. Their selection of lunch items were all prepared in a factory (and looked like they had been on the shelf for awhile) so I opted for something a little healthier - root beer float flavored ice cream and a Power Bar (my traveling companion did a little better with a Power Bar, baby carrots and an apple though I think preferred my lunch...).

So I was heading out of town again earlier this month and took a quick spin through Target to see if I could find something for my airplane dinner. I used to get the Whole Kids meal from Whole Foods ($4.99 for a sandwich, chips, graham crackers, fruit leather and a juice box) but unfortunately that has been discontinued. Then I found it - this week's product....

Oscar Mayer Sandwich Combos

I tried the Turkey and Cheddar variety and found it to be surprisingly delightful! Besides the turkey and cheddar, a sandwich thin and deli mustard are included to complete the sandwich. My combo also included Wheat Thins and a chocolate Jello Pudding Mousse Temptation. Other options include the Honey Ham & Swiss and Southwestern Style Chicken. Each comes with a savory and a sweet treat and are all less than 400 calories!

While I am not planning on making these sandwich combos a part of my daily routine, they are the perfect item for low calorie meals on the go. Way healthier AND cheaper than buying food at the airport! I find the packaging to be a little wasteful but hopefully they will work on this as the product catches on.

Have any of you tried this product? What are your favorite food items to take with you on the airplane?

The Bachelorette Dinner, Part 3

So there is a pretty good chance I am losing my mind. I SWEAR I posted this entry but apparently only in Gretchenland. I know I had intended to post it prior to the 4th of July weekend because it would have been perfect for all of your outdoor soirees. Alas, you will just have to have more fabulous people over this weekend and give it a whirl. Trust me when I say that the photo does not do these dishes justice. I am still working on my food photography skills. :)

Salmon "Pistou"

Note: This is not a traditional Pistou but is a great compliment to the salmon.

16 oz salmon, approximate

1/3 cup dill, chopped

1/3 cup green onion, chopped

1/3 cup pistachios, toasted & chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

1. Combine all ingredients except for the salmon and set aside. Pistou can be made up to 2 hours in advance.

2. Grill salmon to desired temperature.

3. Top salmon with pistou.

4. Slice and serve.

Serves 4 (makes great leftovers!)

Whole Foods Kalameta Olive and Feta Couscous

Note: This is a copycat version of a prepared food item at Whole Foods. The portions of each ingredient were approximated based on taste.

1 cup of whole wheat couscous (use butter or oil per instructions on box)

1/3 cup red (or red and orange) peppers, chopped

1/3 cup red onion, chopped

1/3 cup fat free feta (regular feta can be used too)

1/3 cup kalamata olives, chopped

1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped and approximate (dried can be used instead but it is not as good and requires a lot more to get the desired flavor)

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil, approximate

1/8 cup balsamic vinegar, approximate

fresh ground sea salt

1. Prepare couscous per package instructions using either butter or oil. Allow to cool to room temperature.

2. Mix red peppers, onions, feta, kalamata olives, oregano, and parsley with couscous.

3. Combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a separate bowl. Pour onto couscous.

4. Combine dry couscous salad and dressing well.

5. Grind (or sprinkle) sea salt on top and mix well.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning or dressing as needed.

Serves 8 sides (at least)

Besides these delightful items, we enjoyed Trader Joe's Tomato and Olive Focaccia Bread (which while not low calorie is extremely delicious and made a great sandwich the next day).

As is par for the course this season, our meal outshined The Bachelorette. When I say outshined, I am referring to how the sun outshines a mud puddle. Will we keep watching? Of course. It is like that proverbial train wreck and we can't look away.