Duh-oh! (John Dough; Mrs. Smith's Pies made with Splenda; Schwan's Cheese Bread)

This week’s “who’da thunk” is welcoming a new product into the marketplace that is having surprising success – “John Dough,” a “grab-n-go” sandwich. What we old-timers used to call a “meat pastie,” which is basically beef or other meat, potato and vegetables (most often cabbage) stuffed in a soft yummy bread wrapper/crust. No muss, no fuss, heat in 45 seconds and eat. I absolutely adore the name, and wish I’d thought of it myself. John Dough debuted last year, and is offering Philly Cheesesteak on White, Pepperoni Pizza on Parmesan and BBQ Beef on Sun Dried Tomato, along with other varieties. The company also offers a selection of breakfast Doughs (couldn’t resist), including Sausage, Egg and Cheese on White (watch out, Burger King Croissanwich), and Ham Egg & Cheese on White (ditto, Egg McMuffin). I predict that these cuties will make a goodly dent in the convenience food market, and show up in grocer’s shelves soon.

For you dieters, and everybody watching sugar intake, happy news indeed comes to us from Mrs. Smith’s, the company that introduced “traditional slices,” single-serving, microwaveable, ready-to-eat pie slices in the freezer case. Mrs. Smith’s, owned by Schwan’s, has announced a new product line being sweetened with Splenda brand sucralose, resulting in 60% less sugar and zero trans fats. At this time, they are available in Apple and Mixed Berry (whole red raspberries and blackberries).

Direct from the Mrs. Smith’s website: “Serving Suggestion: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream or topping.” You know, we just can’t make this stuff up.

What are we recommending this week?

In keeping with our initial theme of stuffed breads (in honor of John Dough), this week we’re recommending the Schwan’s Cheese Stuffed Bread with Sauce as an appetizer for a good-sized crowd. It’s a ready-to-bake ring of dough stuffed with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, topped with parmesan and spices, served with a marinara sauce on the side. You bake it – get this, from a cold oven - in 22-24 minutes to a piping-hot golden brown crust, and it’s a terrific snack to get for your Fourth of July guests. This appetizer gets 5-fork ratings at the Icebox Diner, so don’t hesitate.

Looking for Schwan's? Just click here.