The Complete Cracker

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to snack on a cracker that was so delicious and crunchy and, thanks to interesting blends of flavors, had a taste that was so unexpected and delicious that it didn’t need a dip or even cheese to top it off?

Your wish is granted. Back to Nature, the Wisconsin-based purveyor of cookies, granolas, trail mixes, and more has several varieties of crackers to intrigue the palate.

Sunflower Basil—crisp savory crackers with crunchy sunflower kernels and fragrant basil. No cholesterol no trans fat, no hydrogenated oils, no artificial flavors or colors. Thanks to a touch of olive oil, sea salt a dash of black pepper, there is plenty of flavor.

Sesame Tarragon— sprinkled with golden sesame seeds and Tarragon with snippets of Parsley, basil, olive oil, sea salt.

Poppy Thyme -- These crackers are sprinkled with Poppy Seeds and Chopped Thyme with a bit of Parsley, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Who needs cheese or dips? But feel free to serve these tasty savory crackers with whatever you choose. You can’t go wrong.

Back to Nature Breakfasts

Back to Nature has a couple of whole and multigrain cereals that might help you forget about the cold weather that keeps swinging back and forth, one day freezing and gray, the next day slightly warmer and sunny:


Maple Nut Medley --whole grain cereal (6g fiber): Multigrain Flakes, Brown Sugar, Barley Flakes, Walnuts, Almonds, Pecans, Maple Syrup, Flax Seeds, Molasses and Vitamin E
What a bountiful selection of nuts and other hearty flavors. This is one of the best-tasting cereals, ever.

Summer Berry Blend -- Multigrain Flakes, Brown Sugar, Barley Flakes, Honey, Dried Strawberries, Dried Raspberries, Dries Blackberries, Vanilla Extract, Vitamin E
The berries--not just one kind--three!-- will make you think of Spring, either the one that you remember or the one that you will remember, next year.

Both have a nice crunch that will contribute to easing you into waking up, pleasantly.

Back to Nature, Forward to Health

Another company offering more natural and good-tasting foods in a variety of forms is Back to Nature Foods. Started in 1960, in Pasadena, California this company has the philosophy that “the best way to move forward…[is] to go back”

Keeping with that thinking, their products have no cholesterol and no trans fat. No artificial preservatives or colors, either.

Here is a look at a few snack offerings:

Bar Harbor Blend (Cranberries, Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds & Vanilla
Almonds)
This is a snack packed with flavors and textures that will keep you reaching for more. The crackling crunch of the Vanilla Almonds and the muted crunch of the Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds contrast beautifully with the Cranberries. What a great combination.

Pacific Heights Blend (Salt Roasted Almonds, Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds, and dried Bing Cherries. Again, a sumptuous combination of textures, flavors and sweet and (just ever-so-slightly) salty.

Another Snack is the Sonoma Berry Blend—All fruit -- Dried Cranberries, Raisins, Bing Cherries and Strawberries. This is a nice surprise--putting those fruits together was an inspiration.

Consider putting these out as snacks for guests and friends instead of the usual chips. Not only are they healthier, the delightful surprising blends will be a hit with anyone who tries them.