TINKEBTWTATA

The title stands for:

Things I Never Knew Existed Before This Weekend That Are Totally Awesome

It's a pretty long list, mostly involving food, so sit back and prepare to be amazed.

Pop Chips are not fried, nor are they baked. They are pressure cooked and they taste great. I especially like the original ones dipped in roasted red pepper hummus. They are full of flavor and reasonably priced, too.

Lesley Stowe's Raincoast Crisps are thick cranberry hazelnut crackers that are the perfect vehicle for getting brie to the mouth. Pair it with a nutty brie and stand back as flavor overload and bliss follow. These are kinda expensive, but can be found on sale. If ever found on sale, stock up. I'm not kidding. Buy about 2 dozen boxes.

How did I not know about this delectable Belgian spread? It's sort of a cross between nutella and peanut butter but contains no peanuts or chocolate. How that is possible, I'm not sure! Use it on sandwiches, dip apples in it, put it on ice cream, on graham crackers, anywhere! It's fascinating! We just found it today at Central Market and Lucas is already highly addicted.

If you are ever in Austin and fail to eat Sunday brunch at Moonshine Restaurant, then I am so sorry for you. I can't begin to describe this experience. All I can say is, look up the menu here, be prepared for an hour wait, and try not to eat for at least 24 hours before so your stomach can fit as much in as possible.

A friend just gave me this cork pops wine bottle opener and it popped my socks off tonight. I had no idea what to expect, especially since the directions basically warn "failure to use this properly could result in death..." It uses air pressure to literally "pop" out a cork. It does require replacement cartridges after 60-80 bottles, and could frighten someone into a heart attack with it's sudden loud popping sound...but it opens a bottle of wine fast and easy. I love it!

After you pop open the wine, I recommend using this wine aerator I found on Amazon. The Trudeau Aerating Pourer fits securely into the top of the bottle and aerates the wine as it pours into the glass. It is only $20 and it makes a young red wine taste about 100 times better. I am not sure how I enjoyed wine at all before finding and using this handy gadget.