Tasty Tuesday- San Diego Pretzel Company Giveaway and Review!

Momma Told Me: The secret to success is to know when to go out- while you're still on top.

Every time I recall this particular gem of Momma's advice I'm reminded of Kenny Roger's The Gambler- "You've got to know when to hold 'em / Know when to fold 'em / Know when to walk away / Know when to run / You never count your money / When you're sittin'...." In particular, I learned this lesson amongst found memories of hotel babysitting (my relatives would shuffle me from room to room as they sent to gamble) during my first trip to Vegas. Momma, as it turned out, was quite the successful gambler; a Blackjack master who could take $20 to the table and come back with just under a grand. It seems ironic to me that my mother spent more time enjoying her cards electronically (online and via NES), rather than in the casino, where it counted. One day, much older than I had been during her Vegas triumph, I questioned Momma while peering over her shoulder at a pixelated Blackjack game. When pressed, she explained that, while she had once been quite sharp with cards and the rules, she understood, in age, her mind was not what it used to be. While playing for fun and recreation still brought amusement, she knew better than to tarnish her reputation with modern day risks- "Always go out while you're on top."

You're likely wondering what gambling could possibly have to do with pretzels, but Pretzelogist, and once acclaimed chef, Harris Golden, understands quite well. With 18 years as an executive Chef, serving the likes of Julia Childs and patrons of the 4 Star Resort Elizabeth Arden’s Maine Chance, the pressure began to wear him down. While he still possessed the passion for food and culinary excellence, he could no longer tolerate the long days and stressful responsibilities of running such a large kitchen. Once simple decisions became tedious, and his burnt out lifestyle led to foreboding dreams- Harris knew it was time to close the chapter and begin a new, twisted, golden one. In 1995, working off of a small start up Mr. Golden recruited his family to help shape a humble, yet passionate, soft pretzel business. In the morning he'd bake freshly twisted treats, and in the afternoon his wife would take a cart to the streets of San Diego. Before long the business expanded to multiple carts, and soon a storefront, and the San Diego Pretzel Company was born.

Having enjoyed hundreds of pretzels in his day, and with the skilled experience of running massive commercial kitchens, Harris Golden naturally fell into the entrepreneurial success that is the American Story. He understood what the consumer wanted and, thanks to his culinary experience, how to craft it. In an exciting move for the company, the San Diego Pretzel Company is now sold online via 8 Pack Bags and Gift Boxes for a fresh, and authentic, twist at home. Customers can choose from Twisted Traditional, Philly, and Bavarian Multi Grain Pretzels, sent via USPS Priority mail. All prices include shipping, which can seem steep but ensures the freshest pretzels (almost as good as off the cart)! For a unique and gourmet gift idea, the company also offers a Jumbo Bavarian Twisted Pretzel, complete with Gift Box, stoneground Mustard, Salt, and Gift Note.

I had the chance to receive an 8 Pack of San Diego Pretzel Company Twisted Traditional Pretzels for review here on Momma Told Me. These all natural, hand twisted, preservative free pretzels arrive ready to heat and serve, packed amongst ice packs for optimal freshness. Considered authentic Bavarian Pretzels, I was excited to experience the 'old world' flavor, yet expecting something like commercial frozen snacks. Using the included Pretzel Salt, I sprinkled some across the top of my lightly moistened pretzel. After just 15 seconds in my microwave, I could already smell, and see the difference. The Twisted Traditional pretzel was soft, and fluffy, yet incredibly dense. It was like biting into a buttery cloud, and the quality certainly surpassed any store bought experience!

A single pretzel proved to be quite the mouthful, and the perfect size for sharing. Because it is denser in build, and more decadent than the average soft pretzel, these are great for dipping. I love that the 8 Pack comes in an easily resealable bag, and encourages freezing for a lifetime of up to 6 months (though they probably won't last that long with hungry mouths around!) In all, the online pricing seems a little steep, and I'd suggest buying multiple 8 packs, and freezing to stock up. The flavor and quality is certainly worth the price, I simply wish I lived near a storefront!

What Daughter Says: The San Diego Pretzel Company makes some of the best soft pretzels I've ever tasted- thanks to the end of one chapter, and beginning of another!

One lucky Momma Told Me follower will win (1) item of choice from the San Diego Pretzel Company Online Store!

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Giveaway begins June 7th, 2011 at 9:01 PM PST and ends at 9:01 PM PST on June 22nd, 2011. Winner will be notified via email, and posted here. Entries valid within the US. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn. Prize will be transferred via sponsor. Full Contest Rules and Entry Requirements can be viewed here.

As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.