Junk Food Nation, as this holiday season has progressed, I admit I’ve been a little spotty with my posting. And that’s on me – for not warning you properly this was going to happen.  Admittedly, the holiday season turned out to be busier than I ever imagined.  Not only was work BLOWING up around me, but there were holiday obligations and family stuff that of course made the schedule a little crowded.  And this blog has suffered from it as a result. Sorry bout that.

So here’s how the rest of 2012 is going to work.  First of all, posts are gonna be a little spotty.  Not only because it’s the holidays, but also because…*drumroll*….

I’M OFF TO MEXICO FOR TEN DAYS!!

That’s right, Junk Food Nation.  A real vacation for yours truly. And I’m not talking about a vacation from this blog…I’m talking about a REAL vacation…actually GOING somewhere and doing something!  I’ve spoken on this blog before about my thoughts on vacation and my inability to vacation properly…so this trip will be quite different.  And trust me…I NEED IT (yeah I’m looking at *YOU*, real job.  Grrrr).

While I’m in Mexico, I’ll have internet (I think), so I might hop on and do a couple of update blog posts here and there.  And of course, if you follow me Twitter @junkfoodguy or via Facebook you’ll be able to see some of my journey via Instagram photos.

So that’s that, Junk Food Nation.  This has been a long year, but a good one, full of hard work and great results, but HARD WORK.  I feel like I am literally STUMBLING TOWARD THE FINISH LINE OF THE YEAR.  Vacation, take me away!

Today’s junk food: Meiji Orange Bitter & Chili Pepper Spicy Choco Stick!

Meiji Orange Bitter & Chili Pepper Spicy Choco Stick: The Money Shot

This is another classic Asian snack I found at my local Korean grocery.  Meiji Orange Bitter & Chili Pepper Spicy Choco Stick looked good, and who doesn’t love stick crackers that suggest you pair them with alcohol?  (Hint: NO ONE).  I have blogged about this brand of snackitude before, so I was eager to try these.

Meiji Orange Bitter & Chili Pepper Spicy Choco Stick: Good with wine…er…ginger ale…and a beer glass full of vodka???

Meiji Orange Bitter & Chili Pepper Spicy Choco Stick: MMMMM Lactose Plum Powder! My favorite!

Meiji Orange Bitter & Chili Pepper Spicy Choco Stick: Ummmmm, yeah.  Yep.

Meiji Orange Bitter & Chili Pepper Spicy Choco Stick: Individual packages of choco sticks

Meiji Orange Bitter & Chili Pepper Spicy Choco Stick: Sample sticks!  Dipped in dark chocolate.

When I opened this package of Meiji Orange Bitter & Chili Pepper Spicy Choco Sticks, I could smell immediate dark chocolate smell.  Didn’t smell phony or bad – just a strong chocolate smell.  Decent sign.

Meiji Orange Bitter & Chili Pepper Spicy Choco Stick: Cross section

I crunched on these Meiji Orange Bitter & Chili Pepper Spicy Choco Sticks, and was pleasantly surprised. First, the cookie snap/crunch was really crisp and very satisfying.  The stick was thick enough that these didn’t feel flimsy.  Good texture.

Then the first taste – dark chocolate.  A decent flavored dark chocolate coating that didn’t feel like it was full of oils.  Second taste – definite orange tinge that added to the flavor of the chocolate.  Wasn’t really strong, but the chocolate ended up with a semi fruity taste, which was subtle and I liked. Finally, the third taste – an emerging spiciness that surprised me.  It built and built and definitely was noticeable, giving a pleasant tiny burn that lingered as the chocolate orange taste faded.

As a taste sensation, I really enjoyed it. Overall, not a bad snack at all, and fun to eat.

When I tried the Cinnamon/Black pepper version of these, I really didn’t love them…I think the black pepper flavor was overwhelming.  These, however, got the spice just right without killing me with black pepper taste.

PURCHASED AT: Lotte Korean Grocery

COST: can’t remember

Thoughts? Please comment below or hit me up on Twitter @junkfoodguy or LIKE my Facebook Page and message me there. Also, you can always email me at junkfoodguy@junkfoodguy.com. Let’s hang.

Sincerely,

Junk Food Guy