Monday Munchies – Ben & Jerry’s Nutty Caramel Swirl

I’ll admit to having a collector’s mentality.  I like knowing that I’ve heard everything that a particular artist has released from demos to B-sides.  I like knowing that I’ve seen every episode of a television show, deleted scenes and all.  And I like knowing that I’ve tried every new Ben & Jerry’s flavor. 

Of course this means having to go to places like Target, Walgreens and Walmart.  Well, maybe not Walmart.  But even 7-11 has their own exclusive Ben & Jerry’s flavor.  Is Nutty Caramel Swirl worth tracking down? 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Louis CK & Sam Smith

Louis CK makes everything look easy.  He makes stand up look effortless.  He makes having a hit show seem like a piece of cake.  He also makes Saturday Night Live better than it usually is. 

At least that’s how things turned out last time he hosted SNL.  Given his performance last time, the expectations are high for a repeat performance.  Will he deliver? 

Monday Munchies – Ben & Jerry’s Peanut Butter Jam Session

Expectations can be tricky things.  Sometimes expectations can lead to disappointment, particularly if things are overhyped or expectations are too high.  Other times expectations can be minimal, which leads to them getting exceeded. 

Which brings us to Peanut Butter Jam Session, a Target exclusive Ben & Jerry’s flavor.  I’ve already addressed my thoughts on “exclusive flavors” so today is all about the ice cream. 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Lena Dunham & The National

Lena Dunham is a divisive character.  Some people feel that she’s one of the most definitive voices of her generation.  And some people feel that she’s a prime example of nepotism and don’t really know much beyond her lot in life. 

And now she’s hosting Saturday Night Live the only show that’s been attacked for a lack of diversity more than her own show, Girls. 

Of course SNL is coming off a truly horrible week, with the dreadful Jim Parsons episode.  So basically, people are going to be watching SNL with their knives sharpened.

Let’s get started.  

Ben & Jerry’s Week – Rockin’ Blondies

I don’t care for exclusives.  I don’t like when albums have exclusive songs for different retailers.  I don’t like when comic books have exclusive covers for certain shops.  And I don’t like when ice cream brands have exclusive flavors for different stores. 

I totally get it from a business standpoint; you give retailers an exclusive flavor and they in turn give you prime real estate in the store.  It’s part of the business of snacking.  But I don’t care for it. 

Which brings us to the Target Exclusive Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Rockin’ Blondies. 

Ben & Jerry’s Week – Salted Caramel

Some people feel that the salted caramel trend has jumped the shark.  It’s everywhere and if you’ve got a line of snacks or treats and you don’t have a salted caramel flavor, then you’re probably working on one. 

Personally I don’t have a problem with the trend.  I’ve found that, as a flavor, salted caramel tends to be one that’s nearly impossible to mess up.  The spectrum generally bottoms out on “good” and maxes at “stellar.” 

So where does Ben & Jerry’s new Core Salted Caramel line up? 

Ben & Jerry’s Week – That’s My Jam

I like when ice cream brands try something new.  I was a huge fan of the Haagen-Dazs’ Reserve line (particularly the Hawaiian Lehua Honey & Sweet Cream and the Brazilian Acai Berry Sorbet) and their Gelato like is pretty good too.  So when I heard that Ben & Jerry’s was doing the whole “Core” thing I was very intrigued. 

Of course when you’ve got a trusted brand and ice cream, expectations are going to be high.  So, does That’s My Jam live up to the hype and expectations?  I’ll be honest; That’s My Jam is one of the most perplexing flavors I’ve ever encountered. 

Ben & Jerry’s Week – Peanut Butter Fudge

I’ve decided devote this week to new Ben & Jerry’s flavors.  I did this for a couple reasons.  Firstly, there are five new flavors sitting in the freezer (four “Core” flavors and one exclusive). 

Secondly, I totally flaked on Music Week last month, but I did have a week devoted Amazon’s new pilots.  So I figured that I’ll try to have a different “week” every month, at least for as long as I can do it. 

But back on topic; today we look at Ben & Jerry’s Peanut Butter Fudge. 

Monday Munchies – Ben & Jerry’s Hazed and Confused

It’s that time of year again; new flavors from Ben & Jerry.  I’m usually pretty pumped because a) I dig ice cream and 2) I like trying new things.  It’s the most wonderful time of year. 

This year’s new Ben & Jerry’s flavors all share a theme by way of a new branding; Core.  Basically, each pint has a “core” running down it’s center.  There are four new flavors, with Karamel Sutra joining the Core line. 

The first flavor we looked at; Hazed & Confused. 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Jim Parsons & Beck

So, it’s the first episode of the post-Seth Meyers era for SNL.  Fortunately there’s another witty white guy to take his place.  Phew! Disaster averted. 

Also, since it’s the Saturday before the Oscars, I’ve got to believe that Saturday Night Live was sort of desperate for talent in terms of hosting.  They got Jim Parsons, who is allegedly known for doing comedy.