Pumpkin & Pomegranate

I just found out that Hail Merry, the company that makes the yummy treat I tried in Texas over my recent visit has been nominated for the Vegetarian Times Foodie Awards 2010!!

I am really really happy for them! I started following Hail Merry on Twitter because it is such a good company. I am very impressed by the ingredients they use. Especially the decision to use maple syrup over agave even though it isn’t raw. As you all know I am not a fan of agave at all, and much prefer maple for an occasional treat. I was floored when I saw a raw product that didn’t contain agave! I suppose technically it isn’t “raw”, but honestly I have no delusions that just because some brands of agave claim to be “raw” that they are remotely healthy. I’d much prefer a little maple in my high raw treat than agave.

Here is what their take on it is. I definitely agree with them on the maple, but I do wish that they would hold firm on the maple stance rather than offering agave products. This wouldn’t stop me from purchasing their products though, I just cannot stand agave!

We prefer maple syrup for its exceptional flavor profile. It also contains more vitamins and minerals than any other sugar source available: including magnesium, zinc, and potassium. We know it’s not raw. Maple syrup may lack some living enzymes but we feel the flavor and vitamin/mineral pay-load is a great trade off. However, for those of you who are 100% raw foodist our new Blueberry Lemon Grawnola and Meyer Lemon Miracle tarts are both made with raw agave’. Look for these new agave’ sweetened items to hit the stores in mid May!

When I was in Houston my friend Erika (who I have known since elementary school) turned me on to the Hail Merry Miracle Tart in Chocolate Mint. And what do you know? That is the product that has been nominated for the award! SO GOOD. It tasted like a thin mint, but even more rich and decadent. Absolutely hit the spot for me. I only wish I could get them up here in Seattle! Hopefully someday they will be able to get them to me, but for now I guess I have to wait until I visit family.

Luckily you can order their snacks! I just perused the website and they can ship grawnola and macaroons. Personally I think I want some of those chocolate macaroons, but I love what they say about their grawnola:

Hail Merry’s gluten free Grawnola’s are nutrient dense nut blends that are very low in sugar and carbs, contains no added oils and are also suitable for diabetics! We prefer to add spices instead of sugars for added flavor.

Spices instead of sugar? They definitely know my style!

If you can, please do go cast your vote on the Vegetarian Times Foodie Awards. I definitely recommend voting for Hail Merry (because that tart truly is something to be honored), but also there are other amazing products to vote for as well. In addition, when you vote you also get entered to win one of 3 cookware prices (the lowest is valued at $140).

Voting closes on June 9th, so please vote now!

If you have tried any of the Hail Merry products I would love to hear your thoughts on them. I am also very interested in what you think about maple vs. agave…would you prefer the higher nutrition over the truly raw like me?

Doesn’t it just make your mouth water?