Baby Give It Up to Me: The Nuts!

You know how much I dig healthy snacking and that I am really into good food karma. Well, the power that is social media led me to the Facebook fan page of The Nuts, which totally combines the two!

Fran’s Famous Nuts are made and packaged by Fran herself — a Michigan resident, like me — and, from what I heard, are legendary. OK I cannot not be a part of something that has a cult following, so I had to try them.

They come in a clear box so you can see them and, well, want to eat them.

I wish I could tell you what’s in them, but besides the cashews, almonds, and pecans, I honestly don’t know! It’s Fran’s secret recipe, and her lips are sealed. I had no clue what to expect. Because there were pecans and things looked a little sugary, I was expecting sweetness. But the box said spicy, so I wasn’t sure. Still, I love a sweet-and-savory combo more than just about anything, so I was excited.

Well, the first thing that hit me was the heat. My mom and grandma had the same reaction, I think mainly because you don’t expect nuts to really be spicy! Still, I felt like not every bite was spicy — but I wouldn’t say it was overly sweet either. I can’t tell what they are coated in, but even though it looks like brown sugar, it definitely doesn’t taste like it. The best way I can really describe them is to imagine how honey BBQ wings are. The nuts don’t taste like honey BBQ…but in the same way, the sweetness is earthy, not sugary, and they have a very warm taste.

I like snacks to have a really strong flavor, because that helps me feel satisfied and keep my portions in check. I usually go for smoked or brown sugar almonds, just because I need some flava flav. (Sorry, plain, raw, almonds, but you leave me wanting more!) The Nuts definitely have a strong flavor. Also, because there are so many flavors going on — seriously, it’s a party in your mouth — you take your time with them and eat slower. And when you get down to it, nuts have the protein, fiber, and fat that makes them an amazing snack! (You may need to pre-portion these though; even though they are strong, they are addicting.) And I would definitely serve these at a cocktail party. Nuts are standard fare, but these nuts are not.

Also, I’m just so into the fact that this Michigan woman is just rocking out with her own business because she had a delicious recipe that she knew needed to be shared. I love that kind of story! Eating that kind of product, is, to me, good food karma.

And…Fran has been kind enough to offer a box as a giveaway to readers! I am excited because I really want you to taste these for yourselves. Even if you don’t win, check out her Web site to order a box for yourself. (Michigan people, you can buy them in stores in the Lansing area.)

OK so here’s how we’re going to do this giveaway. I am down with MANY chances to win things, so you can do any or all of these…

• Tell me something about health/fitness/dieting that really drives you NUTS.  (Ex: Jamba Juice drives me NUTS.)
• Become a fan of “The Nuts” on Facebook.
• Link to this post on Twitter (@ShedItAndGetIt).
• Link to this post on your blog.

Every time you enter, just be sure to leave a comment here and let me know! The contest is open to everyone in the continental US and will run until Friday at 3 PM, and you can enter each way, every day. On Friday I’ll select a random winner from the comments and totally make someone’s weekend!

Go nuts!

Tagged as: almonds, cashews, contests, give, giveaways, healthy snacks, nuts, pecans, snacking