Pure Genius Brownies

Can a brownie taste crazy good and be crazy good for you? That's Pure Genius! Pure Genius was founded by Nancy Kalish, a former health journalist and certified health coach, who wanted to create sweets that are good for you. After one year and hundreds of experiments in her Brooklyn kitchen, her dream came true.

Pure Genius recently launched two brownies made of garbanzo beans or "chickpeas" as they are more commonly known. But, are they really good?

Well, I have to say that I absolutely loved the Chocolate Chunk Brownie. This brownie made with garbanzo beans, maple syrup, chocolate, oats, sunflower oil, pure flavor extracts, oregano, flax, baking powder, and sea salt, is so tasty. It is moist, with a nice density, great flavor, and just enough chocolate. And we are talking chocolate chunks!

I found the other Deep Chocolate Brownie to be just okay. It's a good, basic brownie, but it didn't knock my socks off like the blondie did!

Both brownies are vegan, gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Kosher certified and they have said they are rolling them out to Whole Foods Markets in the Northeast this month. Yay! Pure Genius Provisions will also be coming soon to health food and specialty stores across the country. Their products are currently sold online 24/7 at www.puregeniusprovisions.com.  They are offering my readers 20% off all orders by using the discount code: TVV through July 31. And shipping is free! Try them now for a healthy treat!

Full Disclosure: Although the products were provided to me for free to review, that in no way influenced my veracious opinion.

Twin Falls Sandwich Company, Twin Falls, Idaho #2

After BASE jumping all morning, I needed some sustenance and even though my first experience at the Twin Falls Sandwich Company wasn't great, I felt drawn to try them again. This hip little cafe-style restaurant is always packed at lunchtime. It is located inside a brick building in downtown Twin Falls. Inside, its eclectic decor draws you in with Christmas lights on the ceiling, lots of artwork, and flare.

We ordered at the register, then took a seat. I got the Bunny Burger, which is a veggie burger made with carrots and served with lettuce, tomato, onion, and mustard. Hold the mayo! This burger is pretty plain so I topped it with their delicious hot sauce too. I have to say that I'm just so thankful that they have vegan options, that I found it difficult to complain this time. I do think they could add more flavor to the recipe of that burger, but it, otherwise, isn't that bad.  The salad is really good too.

For $8, I think it's a fair price for the burger. I will say that the wait is often very long so be prepared for that. On another trip, I went and ordered the same burger and they accidentally put cheese on it. When I returned it, they gave me a coupon for a free meal, so their customer service is on point. I would recommend checking them out if you are in Twin Falls. Oh, and do a BASE jump too just for shits and giggles.

Previous review
September 25, 2015

Twin Falls Sandwich Company
128 Main Avenue N
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 734-8372

Buds Sandwich Shop, Salt Lake City

I flew into Salt Lake City on a Thursday afternoon and met a friend at Buds Sandwich Shop. This all-vegan sandwich shop has no outside seating so you order at the window and take a seat outside -- that's different. Luckily, it was a gorgeous day and it was wonderful to sit outside. So we placed our orders and took a seat.

Located in a simple red brick building, the word "Buds" is on the window and two arrows show you where to order and where to pick up food. That's simple enough! Outside, there are three red picnic tables. We waited until our name was called, then dug in!

I ordered the Cheesesteak only because of the rave reviews I saw online. And, hey, it was pretty good! The toasted sourdough bread was pretty darned tasty and the sub was filled with peppered soy steak, bell peppers, grilled onions, and warm smoky cheese sauce. I really enjoyed it and it was very filling. The "steak" had a nice flavor and texture and the cheese sauce, while thick, was really good.

My friend ordered the Buffalo Salad and I have to say I really liked his too! Atop a bed of greens is grilled soy chicken in housemade buffalo sauce with carrots, tomatoes, and red onions. It was topped with a creamy herb aioli dressing. There was even a warm flour tortilla at the bottom, which we didn't discover until the end!

With our meals, we had some Hansen's natural sodas and the vegan zucchini chocolate chip cookie. I looked away for a moment and my friend ate half right away! Such is life.

For just $6 - $7 per meal, this was a steal. Great vegan food with not much overhead. I can dig it. Next time I'd love to try the pesto or buffalo subs!

Buds Sandwich Shop
509 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111