ALMONDINA {product review + GIVEAWAY}

product: ALMONDINA

category: food - desserts and/or snacks

packaging: Clear, crinkly-sounding (which I like...unless I'm trying to sneak one) plastic base divided into three rows with ~5 cookies stacked in each row.  Clear plastic sleeve with attractive, colorful logo and labeling (different color for different flavor).  Very eye-catching.

appearance:  ALMONDINA's look thin, crispy, and they are studded with almonds, fruit, seeds, and/or spices (depending on the variety).

similar to:  biscotti

about:  ALMONDINA is an all-natural crispy almond cookie that has no cholesterol, no added fat, no added salt or preservatives.  It's also low in calories; only 30 per slice.  It is Kosher and Pareve.  This recipe is one passed down for generations in the family of Yuval Zaliouk, an internationally know symphony conductor and gourmet chef.  His grandmother Dina held this one recipe secret until just before she passed away when she gave it to Yuval's mother.  This cookie holds a special place in Zaliouk's heart (and stomach) is happy that his mother decided to share the recipe with the world.  I'm pretty happy about that, too.

company's mission: "To Put a Delicious Healthful Cookie on Every Table."

my thoughts/review:  I'm addicted.  My two absolute favorites are The Original and Sesame.  Thin, crisp, absolutely infused with the sweet, nutty flavor of toasty almonds.  And the little chewy bits of raisin?  Adore them!  The pure almond flavor is just perfection.  And since I'm a huge fan of sesame seeds, the thin little wafers that are studded with them are right up my alley.

Among the other flavors that I tried, there wasn't one I wouldn't eat if it was sitting in front of me.  I really like the Bran variety...except that it is extremely full of cinnamon.  I'd love it more if it had just a hint, but still good.  The Pumpkin Spice is studded with not only almonds, but pepitas, as well...it totally reminds me of fall (which is my favorite season full of glorious flavors).   The Ginger Spice is laced with candied ginger.  YUM.  The final three were Chocolate Cherry, Choconut, and Cinnaroma.  I wasn't as fond of the chocolatey ones as I was of the others, but I think with a cup of coffee, they're still pretty fantastic.  Cinnaroma is perfect for cinnamon-lovers (as would be the Bran).

While these might look like biscotti, they're not as difficult to get through as biscotti...as in, they don't require dipping and/or soaking.  They have a great crunch and are very easy to eat.  I enjoyed them on their own, with milk, with coffee, with tea, and crumbled over ice cream.  Delicious on all accounts.

further info: website - facebook - twitter - store finder

Giveaway
what: One ALMONDINA sampler pack (contains the varieties listed above).

who can enter: Residents of the USA only (due to shipping).

how to enter (required): Leave me a comment letting me know which flavor of ALMONDINA you would most like to try.


extra entries (leave a separate comment for each one you do): Follow ALMONDINA on Twitter.  Follow ALMONDINA on Facebook. 


entries due by: Tuesday April 17, 2012 at 11:59 pm (Eastern)


further info:  Please be sure that your comment links back to your blog or website (if you have one)or that you include an email address (if you use the Disqus comments, just enter it and it will stay private).  Winner will be chosen by random draw (numbered in order received).  Each person has three chances to win.  Please remember that you must leave a separate comment for each entry for that entry to be counted.  I will contact the winner via email and update this post with the winning name on Wednesday April 18, 2012.

GOOD LUCK! ...this giveaway has ended. See winner below.
*disclaimer: I received an ALMONDINA sampler to test and review.  ALMONDINA is providing the sampler for the giveaway.  All opinions stated in this post are 100% my own.

*Update 4/18/12: And the winner is: Noelle from Opera Singer in the Kitchen - congrats Noelle!  I've sent an email your way...