Savory Crunchies (aka Chips)

It’s a hot day and I’m standing in the chip isle trying to pick something to bring to a BBQ dinner. My friend Kim has officially designated me as the chip bringer. I resolutely decide it is because of my expertise in chips and snacking and not the fact that no one has seen me cook since I moved back to Alaska. My eyes scan up and down the colorful rumpled squares of crispiness, trying to decide what kind of crowd this will be. I put the chip decision making on hold and head over to the organic isle.


The savory snacks in the organic isle tend to be thicker cut, have unique flavoring, but have a greater ratio of nastiness to goodness. You just never know if the hippies will get it right or utterly wrong. On the up side, if the flavor fails you can at least applaud yourself on choosing a “healthier” alternative. One fail proof for this approach is Kettle Chips. Though these have just as much fat and calories as any other chip so really you’re just choosing a more complex blend of spices such as “New York Cheddar, Spicy Thai or Sea salt & Vinegar. One note on the Sea salt, I find these disgusting as they taste like metal. It’s straight up offense to my taste buds – but a majority of people seems to go wild over them.

Pita Chips are a favorite of my girlfriend Erica. They are exactly as described, pita bread turned into crispy chips with lots of salt. Oh and the salt is wonderful. A favorite of mine that aren’t too overpowering are the Hint of Lime Tostitos chips. One of my health conscious friends pointed out to me that they have MSG in the ingredient list. So, I’ve now realized that I’m actually a big fan of MSG. I know what you’re thinking, gross, but this is what gives that extra zing to Tostitos, Doritos Cool Ranch, Lay’s Sour Cream and Onion, need I say more? These are unarguably some of the cream of the crop of the classic chip varieties. Back to the chip selection for this BBQ. My senses are telling me to go for something that packs a punch and crackling crunch . No success in organics so back to the down and dirty, mass marketed chips. It’s a BBQ after all. And Pita Chips require something to dip like hummus which I’m not in the mood to mess with.

Then it hits me, why not combine the best of all worlds and grab a mixed chip. Muchies!! Muchies are not just an aftermath of a particular recreation (I know what you all are thinking). They are a fantastic mix of Doritos, Cheetos, Rold Gold, Sunchips and Fritos. All your favorites in one savory little package (I say little in the most literal way because they do jip you on the size – I suppose it’s the price you pay for variety). I am convinced that my love of this snack correlates with my love of buffets. Why pick one thing when you can have them all? That’s just smart economics. As if Munchies couldn’t get any better, they have a cheese variety, cool ranch and flamin’ hot. Good god, little fiestas in your mouth of every type!

So, back to my BBQ decision making. I grab the cheese fix variety (the most classic) and head to the check out – so proud of my thoughtful chip selection. When I show up to the BBQ I simply make a joke about being single (this always gets you out of cooking), and plop the chips on the table which is filled with many homemade delights. But…alas there were no chips so I’m satisfied that I was able to fulfill this niche. The next day at work my friend Kim sheepishly admits she finished the rest of the Muchies for breakfast. A successful chip trip creates stronger bonds in my friendship. Double score.