I can’t recall remember a time in my life when I didn’t like potato chips. The more unusual the flavor, the better. I can actually thank Frito-Lay for introducing me to previously untapped realms of flavor awesomeness with their Cajun Spice flavored Ruffles (sadly discontinued). Some of y’all are old enough to remember the commercial for those, with Justin Wilson, the Cookin’ Cajun saying, “They’re wondermous, I gar-on-tee!”
Up in Central Illinois, I had never heard anyone talk that way before, but I was intrigued by this character, so I sought out his “Louisiana Cookin Outdoors” show on PBS. My life has never been the same. Louisiana food is now among my very favorite cuisine. And it all started with a bag of chips!
i don’t get a lot of potato chips, because first of all, they’re no dang good for you. I’m at the age where the weight comes on a lot easier than it comes off, so I have to be careful about such things. As such, you will almost never see me eating plain potato chips. If I’m going to be rationing them out, I want them to be as interesting as possible.
So when I see a bag of chips that says, “a savory combination of sharp parmesan with subtle tones of smoked pancetta,” my curiosity is going to be piqued.
Deals on chips
Now in truth, these chips weren’t really that good. However, when you consider that they can be had at Aldi for only $1.79, I consider that a small price to pay for low-rent culinary experimentation.
I’m always on the lookout for new flavors of chips to try. My favorite that I’ve had recently are the Steak & Onion flavor from Meijer. Probably my all-time favorite are Krunchers Mesquite BBQ. Used to get those all the time in college when I could afford them. Otherwise, we had to settle for Kelly, the poor man’s kettle-cooked chip. That was a local product in Decatur, IL where I went to school. At least it was until the day the workers showed up and the doors were locked. Permanently. But that’s another story.
So what’s your all-time favorite potato chip? How about the most unusual flavor you’ve ever had? Enquiring stomachs want to know!