If you’re wondering which RXBAR flavors have been recalled, we’ve got answers. The bars, which were sold at Trader Joe’s and other retailers across the United States and Canada, were voluntarily recalled in December 2019. But after an investigation, the makers of RXBAR expanded the recall to include several additional varieties. Representatives from RXBAR did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

This recall was issued after finding the potential for some bars to contain undeclared peanut allergens. If you or your kiddo has a peanut allergy, you absolutely need to know about this.

Recall Description: Select RXBAR & RXBAR Kids Flavors

The initial recall in December included the Chocolate Sea Salt and Coconut Chocolate varieties. The expanded recall expands this list to include the following flavors.

RXBAR Flavors

  • Apple Cinnamon
  • Blueberry
  • Chocolate Chip
  • Chocolate Hazelnut
  • Chocolate Sea Salt
  • Coconut Chocolate
  • Coffee Chocolate
  • Mango Pineapple
  • Maple Sea Salt
  • Mint Chocolate
  • Mixed Berry
  • Pumpkin Spice

RXBAR Kids Flavors

  • Apple Cinnamon Raisin
  • Berry Blast
  • Chocolate Chip

Why the RXBARS Were Recalled

Again, this is not a bacterial or other microorganism contamination issue. The affected bars may have undeclared peanut-containing ingredients in them, making them potentially dangerous for anyone with a peanut allergy.

Consumer complaints about allergic reactions, following the December recall, led to a deeper investigation. This revealed the potential for peanut products in a specific ingredient supplied by a third party. As of the current recall, RXBAR has changed suppliers.

How to Tell If Your RXBARS Are Affected

If you have one of the RXBAR or RXBAR Kids flavors listed above, check the “Best By” date. The recalled bars all have “Best By” dates from Jan. 14, 2019 to Oct. 19, 2019.

Along with the flavor and “Best By” date, check the UPC code. Vie a complete list of the affected bars’ UPC codes on the FDA’s website here.

What Can Parents Do

If you, your child, a family member or anyone else who will eat one of the bars you have has a peanut allergy, throw the RXBAR away. Anyone with a peanut allergy should not eat the recalled bars. Contact the retailer where you bought the bar for a refund or replacement.

Direct questions to RXBAR consumer service at 312-624-8200 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central. You can also email consumer service at info@rxbar.com.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: RXBAR

 

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National Coffee Day is quickly approaching and we’re ready to get our java on. Saturday, Sep. 29 marks the special day and we’re celebrating by revisiting some of the best Starbucks secret menu drinks out there.

No doubt you’ve experienced trying to find your favorite coffee on the Starbucks menu, only to have it disappear! Before you lose your cool, it’s important to know that Starbucks frequently shoves its regular beverages off the menu to make room for speciality and seasonal items. As a result, positively tons of Starbucks menu items that have gained “secret” status over the years—so keep reading to see some of our faves!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXlOesJl6Rw/?tagged=cottoncandyfrappuccino

Cotton Candy Frappuccino

The colorful frapp was supposed to be limited-time special back in 2015, but since the ingredients are pretty basic, you can still ask for the Cotton Candy Frappuccino at your local Starbucks any time. Among others, a barista will blend vanilla bean powder and raspberry syrup that combine in a shockingly sweet taste that highly resembles your favorite state fair treat.

Peppermint Mocha

The sought-after holiday drink is actually available all year long because it’s made with just two simple ingredients: mocha and peppermint! Whether you’re embracing the winter spirit or just want to celebrate the season in July, don’t be afraid to ask for this drink any time of the year.

Iced Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte

If you prefer more nut and coconut milk-based drinks, don’t worry if you don’t see them on your local Starbucks menu. The beverage tastes a lot like the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino: coconut milk is mixed with vanilla bean powder and used as base for the latte, with a more powerful coconut flavor.

Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino

Your favorite drink that you never knew existed is right here: the Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino! The chocolate-based icy cold beverage is basically a Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino made with mocha and hazelnut syrup and then topped with more hazelnut drizzle.

Doubleshot on Ice

If you enjoy Starbucks’ canned version of the Doubleshot then you’ll come to love the simpler in-store version that’s made with espresso, milk and sweetener. Why not make it festive and add in some pumpkin spice while you’re at it?

Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato

If you’re jones-ing for a hot drink, we recommend switching it up like customers do with last year’s originally iced drink, the Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato. It’s made with espresso, almond milk, cinnamon dolce syrup, caramel sauce and a cinnamon dolce topping. It’s proof positive that you can enjoy almost any Starbucks recipe hot or cold.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoHHtqVAhys/?tagged=pinkdrink

The Pink Drink

The aptly named drink is perfect when you need a refresher. The next time you want to try something different, ask for the iced beverage that’s made with a strawberry Acai Refresher, coconut milk, real strawberries and blackberries.

Peach Ring Tea

If peach is more you thing, then order the Peach Ring tea from the secret Starbucks menu. It’s made with half Valencia Orange Refresher and half Passion Tea with no extra water and a just little added peach syrup. It’s the taste of summer!

Butterbeer Latte

Please and thank you when it comes to the Butterbeer Latte! The beverage is actually a Whole Milk Steamer with pumps of caramel, toffee nut and cinnamon dolce strips, topped with whipped cream and caramel bits. Feel free to add a few shots of espresso for an extra kick!

––Karly Wood

 

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Photo: moogs via Flickr Creative Commons

A few scandalous headlines has parents everywhere tossing their Nutella in the trash. The delicious hazelnut spread has been at the center of controversy this week, with headlines reading “Study Warns Nutella Causes Cancer” and “Stores Remove Nutella From Shelves After Reports It Contains Carcinogens.” So are these articles true? Is Ferrero, the Italian company that makes Nutella, selling a product that can kill people?

The answer: No. The highly cited study was released by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) last May, and states that palm oil, which is used in many processed foods, can form a “potentially carcinogenic contaminant” when heated to over 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit). This contaminant can present a “potential health concern.”

They also mention this experiment was performed on rats, and there is “no scientific evidence” of a link between exposure to the contaminant and cancer in humans.

Ferrero tells Reuters that it refines palm oil at just under 200 degrees Celsius, using a low-pressure process that minimizes the carcinogenic contaminant levels.

While the press may have created an unnecessary health scare, there’s still controversy surrounding the use of palm oil in food. Palm oil plantations have been linked to deforestation, air pollution, and illegal labor practices. Although Ferrero says it sources palm oil from sustainable plantations, it has still come under criticism from environmentalists.

Do you eat Nutella? Let us know in the comments below!

10 Easy Ways to Snack on the Go

You’re a pro at busting a move to school drop-offs, doctors appointments and the grocery store–and that’s all before 11 a.m. To keep your family energized and healthy all day no matter what the day has in store, turn to Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oatmeal Cups. The cups are perfect to bring anywhere, whether you need a new go-to breakfast or an after-school snack. Scroll down to find out how versatile this snack really is and share your life on the go on social media by tagging #TakeBobAnywhere and #RedTricycle.

1. The perfect morning breakfast

Jump-start your morning with Bob’s Oatmeal Cups. Once you pour in hot water, simply wait three minutes, stir and then enjoy! The new cups make for a great breakfast when you’re short on time.

 photo: Lisa McMillan Photography

2. Pack it in their lunchbox

Running out of ideas for what to pack in their lunchbox? Pack Bob’s–each Oatmeal Cup is under three ounces and is perfect for little hands.

photo: Lisa McMillan Photography

 

3. Share with friends

Share the love with your friends. Got friends who are gluten-free? Rest assured, each Bob’s Oatmeal Cup is GF and vegan!

 

 

4. Stay energized while running errands

We know you’re busy. For every errand and task take Bob along for the ride. We think their new Oatmeal Cups make for a great snack, and with at least seven grams of fiber and protein, it will help recharge your mom batteries.

 

 

5. For every biking/skating/running adventure

Whether you’re biking, running or boarding, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Fuel those growing bodies with Bob’s new Oatmeal Cups, which are packed with nourishing flaxseed, nutritious chia seeds and sweetened with pure cane sugar.

photo: Lisa McMillan Photography

 

6. Munch on the playground

Bob’s new Gluten Free Oatmeal Cups come in four flavors: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, Brown Sugar & Maple Oatmeal, Blueberry Hazelnut Oatmeal and Classic Oatmeal. With a rotating choice of flavors, your taste buds will never get bored.

 

 

7. Ideal for the great outdoors (summer or winter!)

On your next hike (or walk to school) bring Bob with you. They’ve made the cups uber portable so they’re easy to eat on the go. 

 

 

8. Portable enough for your next car ride

If you spend as much time in the car as we do, finding a portable, delicious snack is a must. Good news: Bob’s new Oatmeal Cups are the perfect solution to keeping energized and eating healthy as you go throughout your day.

photo: Lisa McMillan Photography

 

9. Avoid the after school hangries

Don’t let the hangries hit after school. Instead reach for a Bob’s Oatmeal Cup. Each cup is kosher and made with whole grains. They’re even milled, mixed, packaged and tested in their dedicated gluten-free facility.

 

 

10. Fuel up at sports practice

Stock up on Oatmeal Cups without breaking the bank. Each cup costs just $2.49 and they’re available in 12-cup cases as well.

photo: Lisa McMillan Photography

Show us where you take Bob by tagging your on-the-go adventures with #TakeBobAnywhere on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

 

 

Another day, another NYC/Brooklyn food trend. Some are not so kid-friendly. (Artisanal mayonaise, gin, relish?: Eh.) However, a recent addition to the burgeoning Gowanus, Brooklyn restaurant row of Third Avenue is serving up novelty nosh tiny diners can probably get behind: pierogies. With a real grandma providing the shop’s namesake and culinary inspiration, Baba’s Pierogies recently opened its doors, and we stopped by to sample the goods.

photo: Baba’s Pierogies

The Story

A few years ago, Helena Fabiankovic started a side business catering pierogies on a lark. The venture was inspired by her childhood memory of the savory dumplings her grandmother (AKA “Baba”), an immigrant from Slovakia, would whip up every Friday. Needless to say, the concept snowballed, and this April, Fabiankovic and partner Robert Gardiner opened Baba’s Pierogies to much buzz and long lines. (An hour wait on opening weekend!)  Now Fabiankovic, family, and friends are working overtime to meet what is apparently, a pent-up demand for a nouveau Brooklyn  version of the comfort food.

 

The Scene

While Brooklyn’s Third Avenue is hardly bustling like the nearby commercial arteries of Fifth Avenue or Smith Street, funky retail spots and restaurants are increasingly cropping up here. (Twig Terrariums, The Robot Foundry, Runner & Stone, and The Pines are all a stone’s throw from Baba’s. Whole Foods Brooklyn is around the corner and of course, Barclays Center isn’t too far away as well.)

The restaurant itself is cozy, with a few more than a dozen seats. (Not a problem when we stopped by on a weekday for lunch, but you may wait on the weekends.) It’s a bright space with lots of raw wood touches: the walls are lined with weathered wood from pallets, the tables, engraved with the restaurant’s logo, are made from salvaged bowling alley lanes. The decor pays homage to Baba and her home country, with family photos hung against a backdrop of a map (you get to see grandma cooking over the years).

Added bonus: the restaurant is specifically designed so you can see your pierogies being fashioned back in the kitchen.

The Food

As the name promises: pierogies. Lots and lots of pierogies both boiled or fried (you get to pick your preparation). Varieties range from classic potato and sauerkraut, to mac and cheese, bacon cheddar, and more — and for dessert: crunchy hazelnut chocolate or blueberry. Toppings include sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions, and you’ll find an assortment of dips such as horseradish and blue cheese.

Baba’s also offers sandwiches such as the Hamwich or the Sloppy Kielbasy (sort of a sloppy joe with sausage) as well as colorful palate-cleansing slaw salads made from carrots, cucumbers and beets. Additional menu items include grilled kilebasy, schnitzel bites, and kielbasy sliders.

The Future

Fabiankovic says that in time, more exotic fillings, as well as dishes such as soups and goulashes will be offered at Baba’s. Right now, the restaurant is cash only and doesn’t deliver, but that will change in the coming weeks, and beer and wine will be added to the drinks selection of sodas and iced teas.

 

Baba’s Pierogies
295 Third Ave.
Gowanus
718-222-0777
Online: babasbk.com

Have you been to Baba’s Pierogies? What kind did you try? Tell us in the comments below!

— Mimi O’Connor

Cookies stuffed with a chocolate hazelnut spread? We’re sold. And, so is our D.C. Editor, Ayren who discovered this recipe last year on Pinterest when she was looking for a sweet treat for a cookie swap. They were so delicious that she promised herself she’d make them on a yearly basis. Here’s to year two!

Ingredients: 
2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon plain greek yogurt
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1 jar of chocolate hazelnut spread, chilled in refrigerator
Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Method:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and set aside. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The butter will begin to foam. Make sure you whisk consistently during this process. After a couple of minutes, the butter will begin to brown on the bottom of the saucepan; continue to whisk and remove from heat as soon as the butter begins to brown and give off a nutty aroma. Immediately transfer the butter to a bowl to prevent burning. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.

2. With an electric mixer, mix the butter and sugars until thoroughly blended. Beat in the egg, yolk, vanilla, and yogurt until combined. Add the dry ingredients slowly and beat on low-speed just until combined. Gently fold in all of the chocolate chips.

3. Chill your dough for 2 hours in the refrigerator, or place in freezer for 30 minutes if you are super eager, although I cannot promise the same results if you do this.

4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Once dough is chilled measure about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball. Flatten the dough ball very thinly into the palm of your hand. Place 1 teaspoon of chilled hazelnut spread in the middle and fold dough around it; gently roll into a ball — it doesn’t have to be perfectly rolled! Make sure that the hazelnut spread is not seeping out of the dough. Add more dough if necessary. Place dough balls on cookie sheet, 2 inches apart and flatten with your hand VERY gently. (Really only the tops need to be flattened a bit!)

5. Bake the cookies 9-11 minutes or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown. They will look a bit underdone in the middle, but will continue to cook once out of the oven. Cool the cookies on the sheets at least 2 minutes. Sprinkle with a little sea salt. Remove the cooled cookies from the baking sheets after a few minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.

Tell us in the comments below how your cookies turn out!

photo and recipe courtesy of Ambitious Kitchen

Whether it’s rich, decadent fudge, or the sweet-salty combo of artisan salted caramels, there’s someone in the Portland area who makes your favorite candy with pride, and often with local ingredients. Check out some of our favorite artisan candy makers below for sweet gifts for the holidays or for nibbling with your family.

photo: Back to Eden Bakery almond butter fudge by Ziyan C. via Yelp

Back to Eden: Nut Butter Fudge
Even dairy-free and gluten-free eaters can enjoy nut butter fudge from Back to Eden Bakery. This vegan fudge is silky smooth, dense, and intensely flavored with almonds or peanuts. Just because it’s missing butter doesn’t mean it isn’t decadent. Make an order 48 hours in advance if you want to make sure fudge or truffles will be available you drop by the store.

2217 NE Alberta St.
503-477-5022
Online: backtoedenbakery.com

Brigittine Monks: Hazelnut Fudge Royale
Some of the best fudge you can find in the area isn’t made by upstart tattooed hipsters. It’s made by monks. Yes, monks! The Brigittine Monks pay their bills by making velvety and delicious fudge out of their monastery, an hour South of Portland in Amity. If you’re in that area, you can stop by for a taste during open store hours. Locally, you can find this heavenly fudge at Made in Oregon Stores. Try the Hazelnut Fudge Royale for a true taste of local Oregon.

Brigittine Monastery
Priory of Our Lady of Consolation
23300 Walker Ln.
Amity, Or
503-835-8080
Online: brigittine.org

Made in Oregon
Various locations
503-273-8719
Online: madeinoregon.com

 photo: courtesy of QUIN

QUIN: Caramels
Drop by the oh-so-happening and modern Union Way shopping arcade to pick up some high-end QUIN caramels, made with Jacobsen sea salt. For a more grownup taste, try the Smith Tea Lord Bergamot Caramels. QUIN also makes marshmallows, lollipops, and “twizzlie rolls” with chocolate and Water Avenue Coffee. These aren’t your average, everyday treats, but impressive holiday gifts or a once-in-a-while splurge. In addition to the retail shop in Union Way, you can find these treats at an array of specialty shops in town, including New Seasons Markets.

1022 W Burnside St.
971-300-8395
Online: quincandy.com

 

photo: Honey Bar courtesy of Bees and Beans

Bees and Beans: Honey Bar
Bees and Beans makes fancy candy bars with simple local ingredients, like the popular Honey Bar made with Wessel’s Honey from Forest Grove. This bar balances flavor (sweet, salty, bitter 70% dark chocolate) and texture (smooth caramel, salted hazelnut nougat) for a satisfying and toothsome bite. While the Honey Bar is popular, it just doesn’t get any more Portland than Bees and Bean’s Malt Bar, inspired by the “malt cloud” of the heady scent surrounding local breweries.

Bees and Beans bars can be found in a number of specialty shops, including Food Front, Pastaworks, Cheese Bar, Ruby Jewel, and QUIN. Or, stop by New American to visit their new retail outlet.

New American
2103 N. Killingsworth St.
Online: beesandbeans.com

photo: courtesy of Xocolatl de David

Xocolatl de David: Raleigh Bar
The Raleigh Bar, created for Pine State Biscuits, is made up of nougat, caramel, and nuts coated in chocolate. This being Portland, you can also get a version with bacon caramel. Xocolat (pronounced sho-KO-lah-tuhl) also makes irresistible salted caramel sauce by the jar, made with local cream and butter.

Products can be purchased at Cacao, The Meadow, Cheese Bar, Foster & Dobbs, Pine State Biscuits, Salt & Straw, and Meat Cheese Bread. See website for all retail outlets.

Online: xocolatldedavid.com

What’s your favorite local confection? Spill the jelly beans in the comments!

— Kelley Gardiner

‘Tis officially candy season—our favorite time of year—which starts with pilfered Almond Joys from our little goblins’ Halloween stash and ends with the last of the candy canes nibbled just before New Year’s resolutions. And it’s no coincidence that Michael Chinn and Crystal Rice chose now to open their new Phinney Ridge candy shop, Violet Sweet Shoppe. Specializing in a small, well-curated selection of vegan sweets, the duo clearly know their audience.

photo: Chelsea Lin

Twice as Nice
Chinn and Rice aren’t new to Seattle’s sweet scene—the couple own a Laurelhurst bakery, also called Violet Sweet Shoppe, that puts out some seriously stunning and delicious egg- and dairy-free treats. Think beautiful fruit tarts, expertly decorated cakes, giant cookies, and even milkshakes. You’ll spot some of these baked goods at the new Violet as well, though they’re limited to what can be easily packaged and transported across town. Keep in mind that Chinn says even though Violet is entirely vegan, most of their customers are not!

Bar Class
Not that there’s anything wrong with a Hershey’s kiss, but the bean-to-bar chocolates here are the star of the show, and of a caliber you won’t find going through that trick-or-treat bag. Chinn says he’s chosen bars produced by small companies from all over the country that make their own chocolate in-house. Mind you, some of these sell for $10 a bar but, as we’ve learned with wine, you generally get what you pay for.

photo: Chelsea Lin

A in Aesthetics
Rice has an eye for design that shows in the newest Violet. An assortment of vintage plates and glass jars are used to display the wares, some of the prettiest bird wallpaper we’ve seen lines the front counter, and there are bouquets of fresh flowers. Bonus: Seasonal displays like the assortment of black-and-orange Halloween goodies you’ll currently find, make this space extra sweet.

Milk It
There are gelatin-free gummy worms and fruit juice lollipops and all manner of naturally sweet treats, but the youngest chocoholics will adore the bars from Chocolate Hollow, a Vermont-based confectionery that specializes in vegan “milk” chocolate that uses dried soymilk rather than traditional milk powder. If you like Nutella—is there anyone who doesn’t like Nutella?—you’ll want to try the hazelnut truffle log.

Special Order
Got a party coming up? Violet does much of its business in custom cake orders out of its Laurelhurst bakery, which customers on the west side can now place and pick up from the Phinney Ridge location. Order 48 hours in advance—just look at these Frankencakes below! Check out the full menu on Violet Sweet Shoppe’s website.

photo: Violet Sweet Shoppe’s Facebook page

Violet Sweet Shoppe
6410 Phinney Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103
206-297-4441
Online: violetsweetshoppe.com or on Facebook

Hours: Wed.-Mon 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Closed Tues.

What’s your favorite candy to indulge in this time of year? Be sweet and leave us a note in the comments below.

—Chelsea Lin