Snackas of the day: Raspado de fruta natural from Raspados Zacatecas.  When I think of shaved ice or raspados I instantly picture a bright colored corn syrup made of dye and glucose being dispensed from a pump.  That is not the case at Raspados Zacatecas.  They make big jugs of natural fruit juice laced with chunks of fruit inside.  Pick a flavor and they will soak your shaved ice in a fruity fruit juice.  My flavor of choice is coconut strawberry.  I slurp the juice from the straw and when the straw gets clogged with fruit I turn to a spoon.  NO ONE in this city of angels makes such a healthy raspado.  Venture to East LA to try the best, but if you find yourself there on a hot Saturday or Sunday be prepared for a long line.

All photos taken by: Nicole Presley

SNACKAS of the day: Oikos Organic Vanilla Greek Yogurt by Stonyfield.  This creamy yogurt isn’t too sweet…. it’s delicious.  Lending it’s tanginess to sweet cherry companions. Heck, I thought an oatmeal cookie could join the crowd.  Not a 3rd wheel in this case. Team these three up and sit back for a pleasurable snack.

Photo taken by: Nicole Presley

SNACKAS of the day: Iced Latte Coffee and Croissant from Lee’s Sandwiches.  This coffee is a caffeine lovers dream come true.  I’ve had my share of espresso shots and many cups of turkish coffee, but the energy level provided by those types of coffees pale in comparison to the vibrance that Lee’s coffee brings.  You can literally feel the coffee entering your body and penetrating your senses to the height of ALERTING the energy bunny in you.  It’s the most unreal hyper burst of zero to sixty I’ve ever experienced.  Sometimes flying in the rafters is just what the day calls for.  Plus it perfectly sweetened with condensed milk… goes down smooth.  Oh, and while you’re at it, pick up a croissant at Lee’s too!

Photo taken by: Nicole Presley

Snackas of the day: Lasagna Cups by HeirloomLA!  The most clever cup since the cupcake explosion.  Hand rolled lasagna noodles, various fillings, and fresh cheeses all fit neatly into a small tin.  I LOVE IT!  In the world of just wanting a bite, but really wishing for an entire serving, these lasagna cups are the perfect size.  I remember the first time I laid my eyes on these cups I thought “What a cute novelty, but what do they taste like?”  My answer is to the point: DELICIOUS!  Who knew that a hand sized package could hold a knockout punch?  They come in over 12 different savory flavors, and they are all outrageously exquisite. Pumpkin Brown Butter Sage, Sweet Corn, Short Rib, and Veal Osso Buco are the ones I fell head over hills with.  These lasagna cups will provoke a need for a celebration!  I propose you get your hands on some as soon as possible.

Photo taken by: Nicole Presley

SNACKAS of the Day: Milk and white chocolate covered pretzel apple by “the Apple of my eye.”  So delicious.  So crisp.  So right. Premium chocolate, chewy caramel, salty pretzel all smothered on a crunchy green apple.  My favorite combination of sweet candy, tart crunch and a delicate touch of salt.  “Mmmmm” …. was the sound my son Max was making when he gobbled his slices down.

All photos taken by: Nicole Presley

Here are two photos of the only apple of my eye… Mr. Max eating his snackas.

the Apple of my eye…. incase you want to order your own: 714.310.3011

All photos taken by: Nicole Presley

Snackas of the day: Raspberry Red Velvet Cakewich by Cake Monkey.  Raspberry cream filling sandwiched by two pieces of heavenly red velvet cake, then dipped in chocolate.  It’s no joke.  I had these little treasures for the first time while I was pregnant with my son.  Cake Monkey had a pop-up store in Silverlake, and a girlfriend and I went on a rummaging hunt to find them.  It was well worth the hassle, and we nearly bought out the entire menu…. couldn’t help it, we were excited!  Since then I have sampled many of their sweets, but find myself going back to the Raspberry Red Velvet Cakewich.  It leaves me for a loss of words.  Speechless.  I don’t want to think while I’m eating this cakewich.  I just want to lose myself in the divine world of Cake Monkey!

Here’s a picture of the packaging:

Snackas of the day: Eleni’s “Beyond Butterscotch” cookies with a tall drink of milk.  What grabbed my attention initially to these cookies was the packaging.  I thought it to be super adorable and clever.  Once I tasted the actual cookie the packaging became secondary.  This little snackas holds the perfect blend of butterscotch with a twist of coconut.  It’s not a soft cookie, it’s the kind you dunk in milk or coffee!  Just as a warning, it will be incredibly hard to keep them in the house for longer than a day.  They will be GONE in no time!

Here’s a picture of the packaging: side view

A look up top….