FOODIE WEEK - SO BAD YET SO GOOD

Welcome Back to Foodie Week!  So glad to see ya...

Today, I want to share some of my favorite food items from Eastern PA that are unique to our area.  When I went to college, it was only 4 hours away to the western side of PA, however, I was not able to get many familiar "comfort" foods.  My Mom was constantly sending care packages with my faves.

I admit, these are not healthy.  But oh how they remind me of growing up and living here in PA!  It really is a swell place to visit. 

The first yummie treat that was a staple in our lunch bags is Tastykakes!  They are much like Little Debbie's types of treats.  There is nothing in the world though like the KandyKake.  A vanilla cake with peanut butter across the top and covered in chocolate.  And recently, they not only make them in milk chocolate, but now DARK chocolate.  OH Yumm!

Thanks to my hubby for taking the bite, so you could see the yummy goodness.  The other flavor TastyKake that is to die for is Butterscotch Krimpets.  And, let me tell you, they are so delicious if you eat them frozen too. 

Next in my favorite things that remind me of growing up is CHIPS.  We all have our favorites.  I'm sure we all have local kinds too, but my absolute favorite is Middleswarth BBQ chips.  I even have a hard time finding them close to where I live in PA now - only certain grocery stores carry them. 

Sitting on the couch as a teenager with my Dad, after cheering at a football game, eating these chips with french onion dip while watching college football games.  I know, I am such a dork! 

One thing that doesn't remind me of growing up (there were none in NE PA), but does now have a special place in my PA food heart is Rita's Italian Ice. 

A mango gelati... vanilla custard on the bottom... mango ice... more vanilla custard on top.  mmmmm.... They have so many flavors of ice - even swedish fish flavor.  Lucky for my waistline, there is one right in our small town.

Please forgive my picture, it was rainy in PA this week and I took it from afar so I would not find myself in line.....

Last, but certainly not least.  ICE CREAM.  It is my downfall in life.  I cannot resist a bowl of it with sprinkles.  OH yes, sprinkles are necessary.  My Mom taught me well.  She's just as addicted as I am.  So, here is my favorite of all time.  Turkey Hill Ice Cream!!

This stuff is the best!  Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream.  I know you are thinking - oh, I can get cookie dough ice cream anywhere.  Let me just say, it's not the same.  Turkey Hill's ice cream flavor for this one has molasses in it.  It's not just a plain vanilla.  Sooo good.

And my most favorite of all time.  Choco Mint Chip.  *sigh*  The mint ice cream is super yummy, but the real goodness is that these are not chocolate chips/ chunks in here people.  These are DARK CHOCOLATE shavings in the mint ice dream.  They MELT in your mouth.  Let me show you...

The hubs calls it Martian Poop Ice Cream.  I'm ok with that.  I LOOOVVEEE the martian poop.  to. die. for. 

Now that I've gained a few pounds just chatting with you about these foods.... I will leave you to your drool.  I'll be back tomorrow with some additional yumminess!  Please feel free to leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!  Or share your favorite local food!