So, here are some products I’m loving right now, that are especially perfect for the summertime.

#1 Mango Cream Bar

From Trader Joe’s, this is the perfect summertime treat that won’t break the calorie (or piggy) bank. They are creamy, fruity and brilliant orange bars, with an outside shell of mango puree and inside of creamy vanilla. They cost $3.49 and are only 110 calories each, which makes them practically guilt-free.

#2 Bachon’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce

This sauce can be found at Publix for $12.99 and I found it absolutely delicious. It comes in three flavors- Original, Spicy and Yuzu and is thinner than most barbecue sauces, so can be used as a marinade, as well as a topper for fish, meat, wings or fried rice. I recently tried it on a sliced pork sandwich with pickles, on a Hawaiian roll and loved it.

#3 Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Cocoa Almonds

I picked up a bag of these at Publix and was glad I did, as they are the perfect sweet snack when you’re craving a little chocolate. Founded by a mother and daughter team, they are billed as “more nuts than chocolate”, which are perfect for me as I don’t like a thick, waxy chocolate covering over my almonds. They are $5.99 and can be found at Publix, on Amazon and other grocery stores.

Since I’m on the recommendation bandwagon, here are two other food products I love. They are oldies but goodies!

#4 El Ebro Black Beans

I was a Kirby black bean fan, but when I met my husband he used this brand and I have to say, I’m a convert. Straight out of the can, they are seasoned perfectly and don’t require any “doctoring up” (although I sometimes do). I usually serve them over white rice, with a little chopped onion on top, but they are also good for Huevos Rancheros. They are a bargain, at under $2 a can.

#5 Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets

These are a Trader Joe’s favorite item, made in Philly (home of pretzels), a little sweet, a little savory and the perfect balance of crunchy and creamy. There are perfect with adult beverages of cocktails and beer and equally at home in a child’s lunch box, with a carton of milk. $2.49 each, 10 pieces are 150 calories.

And to end on a note from a culinary goddess, Martha Stewart recommends Vermont Creamery Butter to top her Baked Potatoes with Caviar. If it’s good enough for Martha, it’s good enough for me. I usually get whatever butter is on sale, but I am definitely going to try this one.

Happy End of Summer!

Up Next: Le Petit Maison Review