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11/13/2007: Gingerbread Pop Tarts and Mr. Potato Claus!

Man, so I’m looking at the Macy’s Parade that I’ll be reviewing sometime before Thanksgiving…and it really sucks. I may have to spice up the article with some odd additives just so we can stay on the level of the previous parade reviews. Perhaps it’s time to finally unleash my stuffed mushroom recipe. Maybe baby artichokes?


Finally, Kellogg’s has taken advantage of the uber-customizability of their Pop Tarts brand with an honest-to-goodness holiday edition. New “Gingerbread” Pop-Tarts are brown, limited edition and filled with the same kind of frosting that you’d normally find atop a Cinnabon. I don’t usually “do” Pop-Tarts, but I’ll make an exception for anything that comes in a snowflake-laden wintery box with a smiling gingerbread boy in the corner. Package your personal excrement in such fashion, and I’ll pay a premium.

When I put the Pop-Tarts into the toaster, the heavenly, cookie-esque scent immediately filled the air, replacing our apartment’s usual ambiance of stale smoke in seconds. I’ve covered plenty of special edition Pop-Tarts in the past, but Kellogg’s went through a particular amount of trouble to make these feel/smell/look/taste really different. If you’re sick of so many “special edition” Pop-Tarts falling under the same tired umbrella of neon-colored fruit slime filling, these are a breath of fresh, gingerbready air.


Though I don’t think they really needed the extra boost, Kellogg’s has also provided the Pop-Tarts with a variety of fifty different edible images, mainly featuring a family of gingerbread people in different wintery poses. The gingerbread people are strangely humanoid and kind of creepy, looking less like anthropomorphic cookies and more like pumpkin-headed demons in ski outfits. Then again, that’s pretty cool and I’m not sure why I’m complaining about it.

The flavor of gingerbread cookies is something you really had to grow up on to appreciate. I didn’t, so I don’t, but luckily, Kellogg’s dumbed down the usual gingerbread sting with a flavor a little less biting. To keep the nutritional value of these Pop-Tarts from growing too alarming, the inner layer of gooey frosting isn’t quite as sugary as you might expect it to be. It’s kind of a trade: You’ll make a less orgasmic face while eating them, but you won’t have to feel as guilty afterwards.


From Pop-Tarts to Potato Heads, meet Santa Spud, a deliciously Christmassy Mr. Potato Head toy. Giving Mr. PH a bunch of Santa parts is not a new endeavor, but I really love the way they’ve gone about packaging him this year. Santa Spud arrives in an oversized blister-pack, which lets you enjoy his beauty without actually having to open him. Of course, you’ll never have an awesomely avant-garde Santa Potato Head unless you do. It amazes me that even after all of these years, it’s still a riot to put Mr. Potato Head’s arms where his nose should be. Well, a riot on the inside, at least. Can’t claim that I was rolling on the floor with laughter. On the other hand, I am a joyless truckermomma.

Click here for a closer look at the packaged Santa Spud, and make note of the great “to” and “from” label in the upper right corner. Love it. I’m a big proponent of having some gifts under the tree that aren’t wrapped, mainly because of the gift-opening scene from A Christmas Story. There’s just something nice and wholesome about it, and anytime I can apply such adjectives to a stupid Potato Head is pretty cool.

While I’m here: Thanks for the feedback on the Wishbook article, which has some pretty good momentum going at the moment. Keep adding your unrequited toy lusts to the previous thread!

In other news, Waiterbot is continuing to vlog, but he may have to stop soon because I’m starting to sound like him all the time.


Posted by Matt. E-mail me!

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Discussion Thread: 141 comments

Wish I could try those pop tarts – but they will never see the light of day over here in Wales!!

On a plus side, I get my Budweiser Clamato tomorrow!!

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

:) :) :)

YAY!

….. yeah… so I’m excited!

Has anyone else out there tried Burger King’s new Angry Whoppers? man… they are soooo nice!

Last night me and a couple of mates went for a 30 mile pilgrimmage to our “local” Burger King to give em a shot!! They are surley the “King” of “Whopper”…

wait… that makes no sense..

xxxxxxxx

Ghosted by Steffanio @ 11/14/2007 12:32 PM EST


…Angry… Whoppers….? A quick trip to BurgerKing.com shows that… it’s the Texas Whopper! That’s something that they said only we Texans could handle. Hahahaha, good old global marketing!

Ghosted by Ben @ 11/14/2007 1:04 PM EST


Jedoc: The Sonics in our area went out of business.

As for ways of eating Pop-Tarts, I love eating the Smores ones cold/frozen. But the fruit ones I toast. But I definately prefer strudles.

Ghosted by JLAJRC @ 11/14/2007 1:11 PM EST


So, one more thing that the Texans and the Welsh have in common….

It was really good actually – the jalapenos really work

:)

Ghosted by Steffanio @ 11/14/2007 1:16 PM EST


Greg: I’ll stop by Sobeys on the way home tonight (after Jungle Jim’s all you can eat wing night) and see if they have em. It may be a couple weeks before we do get em though.

Ghosted by Primus @ 11/14/2007 1:21 PM EST


Yummy… holiday pop tarts. I guess this will be another thing to try and not get at the grocery store this season… however if the boyfriend sees these, I am sure we’ll be picking up a box or 2.

Ghosted by Alyssa @ 11/14/2007 1:24 PM EST


MMmmm… angry whoppers…

Ghosted by kingklash @ 11/14/2007 1:44 PM EST


Whenever I see a Sonic commercial, with all those delicious-looking, exotic fountain beverages, I get so *frustrated* that there are no Sonics in northern New Jersey!

Ghosted by Old Jim @ 11/14/2007 2:37 PM EST


kingklash go get some NOW!! They are gorrrgeous!!

Matt, perhaps you could make some home made Angry Whoppers like you made home made Hulla Burgers?

haha I still tell people to this day of your “experiment”

:)

Ghosted by Steffanio @ 11/14/2007 2:59 PM EST


Old Jim — There is a Sonic in Waretown NJ. Sure, it’s not Northern NJ, but it’s not exactly South Jersey either.

Exit 69 on the Parkway, on Killer 9.

Ghosted by Lemur @ 11/14/2007 3:08 PM EST


Um…is there a Waiterbot #3 Vlog that I am missing?

Ghosted by kb @ 11/14/2007 3:17 PM EST


Oh duh, nevermind. It wasn’t at the top of the sideline with the other two. I am an idiot.

Ghosted by kb @ 11/14/2007 3:18 PM EST


I don’t want to think about orgasm when I’m eating cream-filled Pop Tarts.

Jedoc – I about peed my pants when I read that. I laughed out loud for a good 5 minutes afterwards. That was awesome.

Ghosted by Dan H @ 11/14/2007 3:21 PM EST


Primus: I will let you know if I see anything too! Happy hunting dude! Im not a fan of the Jungle Jims by my place, my kid LOVES it though.

Ghosted by Greg @ 11/14/2007 3:44 PM EST


I tend to buy the peanut butter creme oreos and dip them in hot chocolate….it is sooooo goood. im feeling like crap and it is putting me in a bad mood…perhaps i should check out the new vlog

Ghosted by Leigha @ 11/14/2007 4:02 PM EST


I can’t wait to see the Waiterbot Vlogs.
I am a fan of 2004’s Advent calendar, having only read the 2003 yesterday and find it a bit spaztic.
I’m trying to read the 2006 as we speak (thx 4 teh link Matt!) and work at the same time- Guess which one I’m NOT doing.
heeheehee.
Gingerbread poptarts.. mmm. I’ll have to hunt those down- mebbe tonight as I get the stuff for Eggnog Pie!
Honestly, thanks to X-E for making me feel all Christamssey before it’s even Thanksgiving. I’ve become the thing I hate.
Except I’ve found- it’s not that Bad!

Ghosted by kittymao @ 11/14/2007 4:39 PM EST


Honestly, thanks to X-E for making me feel all Christamssey before it’s even Thanksgiving. I’ve become the thing I hate.
Except I’ve found- it’s not that Bad!

HERE! HERE!

Ghosted by Steffanio @ 11/14/2007 4:42 PM EST


mmmmmmmm…. now i want something, ANYTHING gingerbread!
I love the holidays! already put my 1000 lights up all along ceiling and walls of apartment 2 weeks ago :D

Ghosted by Cathie @ 11/14/2007 4:46 PM EST


Mmm…looks like it’s about to start pouring here. I love rain.

Ghosted by Matt @ 11/14/2007 5:16 PM EST


I prefer snow… i don’t get as wet walking to the car and don’t need an umbrella :P … sort of torn if inside looking out though. Love to fall asleep listening to the rain. However, if awake, on a night where the big flakes are falling slowly and in mass quantities and no one is moving outside around midnight, i just love to cuddle up on the couch in a comforter and stare out the picture window….

*checks.. yup still male*

Ghosted by Primus @ 11/14/2007 5:42 PM EST


It never bloody stop’s raining here haha

I hope we get snow this December… seeing as how I have decided to embrace Christmas this year…

Ghosted by Steffanio @ 11/14/2007 5:46 PM EST


:P thanks for the cleanup Matt :P .. i really need to start hitting preview before posting when trying something new…

Ghosted by Primus @ 11/14/2007 6:25 PM EST


Crap another thing I need to get. Gingerbread Pop tarts yum yum, perfect companion to Hot Chocolate.

That little Santa Spud is cute..I forsee santa stuffing a few into The stockings at my house.

As far as devilish food habits….ranch dressing on a huge pile of cheese fries or pizza mmmmmm That and French fries dipped in the frosties from Wendys, hm I seem to have french fry issues…oh well.

Honestly, thanks to X-E for making me feel all Christamssey before it’s even Thanksgiving. I’ve become the thing I hate.
Except I’ve found- it’s not that Bad!

HERE! HERE!

Times 2!!

Ghosted by Jenica @ 11/14/2007 6:44 PM EST


Dood, I thought i was the ONLY one who dipped their fries in frosties. mM.
Oh, and just finished the 2006 advent calendar.
I love how Matt tossed care to the wind and started lighting sh*t on fire.
I so couldn’t do that.

Ghosted by kittymao @ 11/14/2007 6:49 PM EST


Love dissapearing for a few days, coming back and having an awesome amount of new material to read. thanks matt!
Have never owned a mr. potato head myself, but thats soon going to change, love the santa spud, might pick up an opti-mash while im at it.

Man im so amped for christmas now!!
Now if only we’d get some snow, doesnt really seem like its going to be a white christmas. Its going to be 14 degrees here on thursday, dammit..

Ghosted by JoshC @ 11/14/2007 7:03 PM EST


The second pic of Santa looks like Kranky Kong.

Ghosted by kingklash @ 11/14/2007 7:06 PM EST


I hate that ape so much…

Ghosted by Steffanio @ 11/14/2007 7:37 PM EST


i just went out out bought the pop tart goodness and SWEET BABAY JESUS THESE THINGS ARE GOOD. theey even have little sprinkles on em for texture and that frosting….ohhhhhhh that frosting is like an oralgasm

Ghosted by vwarb @ 11/14/2007 7:59 PM EST


You guys will appreciate this:
We have the whole week off next week, then we come back for a few weeks and then Christmas break. NOW, I went ahead and busted out the Christmas decorations for the classroom (I’m a high school teacher BTW) AND THE STUDENTS GIVE ME THE OL’, “It’s not even T-giving yet, blah blah blah.”
I have to tell you I was a little angry. Firstly, the stores had had their stuff out since July so it’s not like I am jumping the gun that much. Secondly, I am not about to put out a cornucopa (sp?) and some buckle hats and feathers.
I can’t imagine busting a teacher’s chops over that; like anyone else even does anything holiday related for them on the high school level. :(

Ghosted by The Underappreciated Manimal @ 11/14/2007 8:23 PM EST


Manimal, I wonder if it was just some patented MOB MENTALITY. Maybe one wiseguy screamed it, and everyone just felt that it was their duty to join in? Classroom holiday decor is always welcome.

Ghosted by Matt @ 11/14/2007 8:26 PM EST


Yeah, teens are the human lemmings (I have honestly gotten them to “bahhh” like sheep before) but I think it was more of a weak attempt to be angsty.

Ghosted by The Manimal @ 11/14/2007 8:32 PM EST


Okay, bro, it’s not like you’re RIDICULOUSLY early, they’re aren’t even gonna BE there next week- and I imagine you won’t want to be either.
Tell ‘em if they don’t like them, they can sit in the corner with their face to the wall, that way they don’t HAVE to look at them.
by the way… am I the ONLY ONE completely stunned that Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK!?
Where the phooey did november go?!

Ghosted by kittymao @ 11/14/2007 8:33 PM EST


Want… Gingerbread…. PopTarts….. No… Money… Till… Tommorow… Can’t… Stop… Talking… Like.. Shatner…..

Ghosted by Reel American Hero @ 11/14/2007 8:44 PM EST


You gotta love the teenage anti-heroes. It never ceases to amaze me the patience that teachers have. Especially the high school teachers. You guys get a Christmas high five from me.

Ghosted by Bill @ 11/14/2007 8:55 PM EST


JoshC:

Is that 14 degrees C or 14 degrees F? Because 14 F would be pretty cold for this time of the year… 14 C, not so much… :-)

Ghosted by Old Jim @ 11/14/2007 8:59 PM EST


Jenica and kittymao

I dip my McDonalds fries in my chocolate milk shake. I haven’t tried Wendy’s fries/frosties, though.

Manimal

He who controls the decorations controls the test questions. Give ‘em hell, I say!

Ghosted by fistpittingnork @ 11/14/2007 9:25 PM EST


Old Jim
14 Celcius unfortunatly, Actually now that i think about it, In 2004 it was 17 C on christmas day, now that was bizzare.

Ghosted by JoshC @ 11/14/2007 9:32 PM EST


Dammit, did I screw up the blog?
If so, My appologies!!!

Ghosted by JoshC @ 11/14/2007 9:34 PM EST


Matt, I have a quick question. I read your mushroom recipe (and e-mailed it to a much greater cook than I – my mother) but something came to mind: …How do you eat it? It sounds really good, but I’m not sure if it’s a finger food or what. =P

Ghosted by Ben @ 11/14/2007 10:17 PM EST


Rain >>>>> Snow. Snow prevents drivage.
Rain = John Cusack Impression.

“Charlie, you f***ing b****, LET’S WORK IT OUT!”

Ghosted by Knegative @ 11/14/2007 10:57 PM EST


everyone! check this site out! they have full wish books and other christmas catalog scans, its awesome!!!! http://www.wishbookweb.com/

Ghosted by Andrew @ 11/14/2007 10:59 PM EST


I don’t wanna see anyone complain about the weather. I live in Southern California. It was 75 degrees F today. Try getting into the Holiday spirit wearing shorts and flip-flops. Yeah, it sucks.

Ghosted by DrummerJay @ 11/14/2007 11:10 PM EST


Hey, they do it in Australia. Go to the beach on Christmas.

I’m Mr. Green Christmas, I’m Mr. Sun
I’m Mr. Heat-blister, I’m Mr. 101
They call me Heatmiser
Whatever I touch
Starts to melt in my clutch
I’M TOO MUCH ;)

Ghosted by Knegative @ 11/14/2007 11:15 PM EST


Knegative I love High Fidelity, it is one of my favorites…mostly because i think john cusack is the shit. also, i too dip fries in frosties, but i havent had the chance to do it in a few years.

Ghosted by Leigha @ 11/14/2007 11:39 PM EST


Matt,

Can I ask, what year is this year’s Macy’s review going to be from? Or is it a surprise?

Anyway, can’t wait for the advent calendar; one of the few perks of my web-surfing.

Ghosted by Larry @ 11/14/2007 11:42 PM EST


We seem to have much in common, Leigha.

Ghosted by Knegative @ 11/15/2007 12:05 AM EST


Better rain Cusack moment: “I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen”
At least better movie. But, then, I am a sappy sack.

Ghosted by kb @ 11/15/2007 12:08 AM EST


I’ve gone over to the Santa side. Tomorrow – I begin decorating! I can hold back no longer. I look forward to seeing 1985’s awesome Santa Claus the Movie on a shiny new 42″ Plasma this weekend.

Ahhhh….Christmas movies on big screens. Mmmm.

Ghosted by Terror Claws Cole @ 11/15/2007 12:19 AM EST


My all-time favorite Cusack line, admittedly non-rain-related, has to be, “Gee, Ricky, I’m really sorry your mom blew up.”

Ghosted by Old Jim @ 11/15/2007 12:23 AM EST


I have a no Christmas until after Thanksgiving rule, but I’m REALLY starting to get pumped for this year’s Advent calendar. No that I think about it, Matt, it’s one of my favorite parts of Christmas now.

Not that there’s any pressure! :D

Ghosted by Cameron T. @ 11/15/2007 12:27 AM EST


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