Folks always like these sort of posts and while I've probably done it before, I haven't done it here and I think they're fun, so...
1) Favorite peanut butter? For me, Skippy smooth. And, being single I can eat it by spoon right out of the jar.
2) Favorite ketchup/catsup? I used to insist on Heinz (that's what I grew up with) but to be honest, I rather like Hunt's Catsup nowadays. It just seems spicier, or maybe a bit more tangy.
3) Mayo? Got to be Hellmann's. Cains doesn't cut it and I never liked Kraft Miracle Whip although a lot of people where I work prefer it.
4) Mustard? I'm not a huge mustard fan in general but I keep both French's and Grey Poupon Honey Dijon in the fridge.
5) Cream Cheese? Is there even another brand besides Kraft Philadelphia? I don't think I've ever seen another choice on store shelves (besides Shur Fine, which sucks).
There. An easy post to respond to. Maybe I'll do one of these (with different categories of course) each Monday.
Cream cheese? Try a good marscapone sometime. As for mustards-Honeycup honey mustard. Just spread some on a graham cracker. Or try Maille Champagne Mustard. You need to get out more.
Posted by: Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner at November 6, 2006 01:04 PMJif
Heinz. I'll happily pay a premium.
Cains, but not as rabid. Tried Hellman's for Deb and thought it was icky though.
French's yellow. I'll eat the brown stuff, and something like Jack Daniel's with horseradish can be a nice change of pace.
Philly is best. Most store brands we've tried are acceptable, but you do take your chances.
Cain's is traditional for me, but I've found that Hannaford's brand of relish is great too. Sometimes I'll get the oddball relishes like pepper relish as something different, as much for a dab on the side as on something like dogs.
Hood sour cream seems to be superior.
Sorry, thought I'd go ahead and extend the list a little...
Posted by: Jay at November 6, 2006 02:49 PMI'm with you on the peanutbutter, although I want to try the new supposed-to-be super-healthy brand I think Smart & Balanced, or something like that, is the brand.
We use Kraft mayo, which I believe is a west-of-the-Rockies Hellmans.
Catsup - seldom use it, but anything but Heinz.
Mustard - French or the Gray (regular), depending on application. Also, MANY local, limited-distribution flavors. Don't care for sweet. but my bride likes honey mustard, just about any brand.
Hot sauce - Tabasco, both red and green.
Posted by: Dale at November 6, 2006 02:54 PMFor frozen dinners:
Stouffer's Lasagna and Stouffer's Stuffed Peppers.
Not just the best of a bad bunch, actually good.
I also like Stouffer's Mac'n'Cheese, although it's a bit bland.
Marie Callander makes a pretty good beef pie, although sometimes the beef tastes a bit off.
Misc:
Van Camp's Pork and Beans.
Helman's Mayo
Lee & Perrin's
I like Marie Callander's Lasagna better than Stouffer's.
Posted by: Jeff Soyer at November 6, 2006 08:51 PMPeanut butter? Used occasionally in baking. Store brand is fine.
Ketchup? There's a bottle of Hunts (Arabic export label from Savon surplus) in the upstairs fridge for the nephew. I haven't touched it.
Mayo? Used in mackeral salad and cole slaw. I see no problem with store brand.
Mustard? Several assorted, coarse Dusselldorf style, with horseradish or chipotle, and sweet and cheap yellow for the wee wifey and younger generation. No Grey Poop, otherwise no brand awareness.
Cream Cheese? I actually prefer the texture of nuefchatel, and since I use it in highly seasoned spreads, the brand doesn't matter.
Hot Sauce? Sriracha, and I do prefer the rooster brand. Franks, Chulula, La Sabrosita, a couple of flavors from Goya, and, in the back of the fridge somewhere, a little bottle of Tabasco.
Whiskies? Talisker and Woodford Reserve.
Posted by: triticale at November 7, 2006 02:03 AMHellman's.
Hellman's, Hellman's, Hellman's.
I suffer with Cain's for the sake of my marriage, but Hellman's is my favorite, by a mile.
Posted by: Deb at November 7, 2006 04:26 AM