LYRA MAG.

With all the festive foods available seasonal celebrations can be sweet indeed! a challenging winter hike earns rewards BUT after an allergic response to something eaten on a far flung Southeast Asia jaunt-a few years back, we gained respectful first-hand knowledge of food allergies that can triggered by daily encountered substances.

Spicy hits, Pulse Crops-Whole Grains-Stone Ground...tasty textured crunchy potato chip alternatives...all of these can stand on their own for big favorable mouthfuls. And yes, as addictive too. via GIPHY source scorpiondagger.tumblr.com Snak King 's EL Sabroso Chips...flavored tortilla chips-in south of the border flavors...Jalapeñitos, Salsitas, Guacachip (and Baja Limon)-widely available including mass market discounters...are party pleasing alternatives to big producer offerings.. Pulse crops fyi-deliver nutrients-nitrogen back into soil-part of sustainable farming practices/crop rotation...and are the basis of these delicious crunchy gluten free RW Garcia Tortilla Chips made from stone ground, black beans, red quinoa, garlic, onion and sea salt-no artificial stuff for a healthier crunch that can be devoured on its own. Bonus Points:-Family owned company's commitment to sustainable snacking including using a solids separator that removes corn kernel skins from t...

Remember the 80s? Okay maybe not-but back then-chocolate Kisses and Tootsie Rolls, candy corns (Halloween), Bartons almond chocolates (Passover),Peeps (Easter) and candy canes (Christmas only) were the highlights  of household chewy candies-with occasional eats from travel locales ( think salt water taffy, chocolate coconut patties). source retro80sgifs.tumblr.com Now- forgettabout it ...even  teeny tiny off the beaten roadside convenience shops sells exotic Organic Fair Trade single origin chocolates year round ...no artificial flavors-or colors-less the GMO corn syrup stuff too... sea salt-ed or exotically spiced up sweets, year round. Some HIGHLIGHTS we are major fans of DAGOBA chocolates-USDA Organic+Rain Forest Alliance Certified (now owned by Hershey) new from Droga - caramels . ADDICTIVE Money on Honey Wildflower Honey Caramels are 3 bite a square sized-(4 , 9 pieces,  a 16 oz bag at Costco- or  splurge worthy 60 piece size options ava...