Not just crackers, Raincoast Crisps

A few years back when I would frequently find myself bent over the cheese case, I would prefer tasting the seemingly endless array of wonderful cheese flavors unaccompanied. Of course, tasting just the cheese alone gives you its essence… uninhibited, pure, simple, and to the point. Delicious, but it got to be more than that. Crackers were simply not my preferred vehicle to pair with my favorite cheeses or spreads. They would break into a mess and would either contribute little or no flavor to the cheese or in some cases would totally overwhelm a pairing.

Now, thankfully, there are some new products on the market that are changing that sentiment and even have me hearkening back to my unknowing youth when Chicken in a Biskit was hardly better with something atop (cheese whiz?, no wonder). But this isn’t about confessions of past cravings. This concerns the prospect of future accompaniments that well surpass single ingredient tastings. Enter Lesley Stowe’s creation of Raincoast Crisps.

Lesley Stowe is a Parisian-trained chef who started her own catering company in Vancouver over 20 years ago. She went on to open Lesley Stowe Fine Foods after continued frustration over the inability to find specialty ingredients. With pioneering success in Vancouver, having introduced many specialty food ingredients through tastings and classes, she added writing her own cookbook to her already impressive résumé. Not to be contented, she created the line of crackers known as Raincoast Crisps.

Raincoast Crisps are handmade and baked in small batches from scratch using only the finest-quality ingredients. They are all natural, containing no artificial ingredients or preservatives. (Shelf life is 5-6 months depending on the flavor. Each box gives a “maximum taste experience” date.) Easily sliding the tray from within its attractive and partially see-through packaged sleeve, each crisp is ready to deliver their delicate balance of crispy and chewy, savory and sweet. Delicious accompanied with your favorite cheese, spread, pate, or simply on its own.

The Flavors:

Original – A toasty nutty flavor with a slightly sweet finish, the original flavor hints of spice. Pair with smoked salmon and cream cheese, smoked salmon dip, pates, antipasto, as well as a myriad of cheeses.
Rosemary Raisin Pecan – Chock full of toasty pecans, fresh rosemary and dark, juicy Thompson raisins. Pair with soft cheeses like Brie, St. Andre, Cambozola, or Mascarpone and Sun-dried Tomato Pesto.
Cranberry Hazelnut – Tart plump cranberries and toasty hazelnuts are great with Camembert and porcini mushrooms with mascarpone
Fig and Olive –The saltiness of Kalamata olives with the sweet flavor of succulent Adriatic figs are great with chevre and triple crème brie.
Salty Date and Almond – This crisp top is toasted with a dusting of coarse sea salt and a combination of luscious dates & sweet almonds. Match with Camembert, Comte, or fresh chevre.

Just had to say...
I just got back from work…late at night and started eating your crisps. I wanted to let you know. I’m so glad that there are companies like yours providing awesome products like these. If it weren’t for people like you life would suck!
Thank you so much and keep up the good work! They are ridiculously awesome! I just ate 2 whole packs in one sitting. My wife is going to kill me!
Sincerely,
Brandon Paris