I love Utz Kettle chips, but my secret shame from childhood - Utz Ripple Cut BBQ flavor. They're not good. They really aren't. But they are such a guilty pleasure.

Cape Cod potato chips -- they're ultra crunchy (esp. the folded ones) and salty. Some people may argue that kettle chips are the same thing but I swear Cape Cod chips are superior.

Crab Chip - nuff said

Utz - Dark Russet Chips

UTZ Carolina Style BBQ. The only problem is that they are hard find in the shelves of grocery stores.

Grandma Utz!! No contest.

The salt-n-vinegar kind are tasty, as are the Crab chips.

Creamy Peanut Butter for me all the way! I do like the chunky too, sometimes. I like the Smart Balance brand.

Utz Salt & Pepper

The salt-n-vinegar kind are tasty, as are the Crab chips.

Creamy Peanut Butter for me all the way! I do like the chunky too, sometimes. I like the Smart Balance brand.

Never had an Utz potato chip I didn't like, except perhaps for the "no salt" variety (and that's not their fault.) But my favorites are a dead heat between the ripple-cut BBQ flavor and ripple-cut Sour Cream and Onion.

I almost forgot - Miss Vickie's Jalapeno flavor chips are really good, too. I haven't seen them in big bags, just single-serving bags at places like Quizno's...but they're very tasty!

UTZ No Salt

Utz salt & vinegar. By the time you polish off a bag (and really, it's nearly impossible to resist), your mouth just burns. Mmmmm!!!

For the most part, I can take a pass on potato chips, but not these!

Those hand-made "butterfly" chips you can get at festivals like Wine in the Woods.

The Owl Bar hand cut potato chip topped with melted blue cheese!!!

I love Martin's Kettlecooked, made in Thomasville, PA. Unfortunately I haven't seen them for sale around here, so I get Utz Kettle Cooked or Utz Organic chips as a passable substitute.

Sun Chips are the best to infinity and no comebacks. But only the most discriminating palates understand that. Alas, Sun Chips loose points for their smarmy eco/health blurbations. So that might make Stacy's pita chips the best to etc, etc. as long as you don't visit her busy site.
EL: Do I win something?

I fear all chips have become either not salty enough or they have some bizarre artificial topping.

I second the Martins chips, I always get a bag when I visit family in Hagerstown. When I was a child there were Swishers potato chips which were THE BEST. My aunt in Florida would ask us to send them to her.

Salt & vinegar all the way, baby. Potato chips aren't really my thing except for these.

As for the PB preference, I'm going with creamy natural style. That was one of the first things I missed while living in Europe. I even broke down and bought a small jar of Skippy at an ungodly markup to satiate the craving.

I am a huge fan of Zapp's chips, I just can't decide which I like better, Cajun Crawtator, Cajun Dill, or the Hotter 'n Hot Jalapeno. Usually I just open all the bags and eat until I get a stomach.

Charles Chips, Barbecue flavor.

When I was a kid outside of Philadelphia, the Charles Chips truck would make deliveries a couple of times a week. They came in a big (2 gallon?) reusable tin container. The standard order in our house was a tin of regular, a tin of BBQ and a tin of pretzels. Apparently they are still in business, but the tins seem to have been downsized.

http://www.charleschips.com/ordertins.htm

Gibbles from Pennsylvania, "Nibble with Gibbles".
They are fried in lard!

Jay's Potato Chips - I don't know if they're still manufactured but I believe they were only available in the Midwest, based in Chicago. I miss them.

Close second - Utz S&P

I have carried bags or Poor's Habanero-flavor chips back to Baltimore from Arizona. I also like the Lay's Flaming Hot chips (and the Flaming Hot Cheetos). Don't know if they count as "Chips," but the Fritos Chile Cheese flavor is good too.

As for Peanut butter, my favorite is the PB & Company "The Heat is On," a natural peanut butter with added pepper flakes.

To accompany a sandwich, nothing beats a fresh bag of original, plain Utz chips.

However, as a snacking option, my favorite is Utz Carolina Bar-B-Q.

I'm also a HUGE Pringles fan!

Only Utz, but it's a toss-up between the kettle cooked and or Grandma's--they gotta be very crunchy.

Sorry, my PB tastes is pedestrian - Skippy Smooth. I grew up eating it, and it still works lo these many years later.

When I lived in the UK, I became addicted to Walkers Roast Chicken and Thyme Crisps. Damn, they were good... sort of like Willie Wonka's chewing gum that tasted like a meal. You could taste the chicken, and the thyme, but also the roasted potato.

Unfortunately, I've never seen them in or around Baltimore. Or maybe that's a good thing.

Don't forget the new summer taste sensation: CHEETOS & OLD BAY!

Pringles are the best, despite the fact they're made of dehydrated potato byproduct. They're still good, and I really like how they stack.

The only problem I have is that if I open a can, i can;t eat just one or two. It's not uncommon for me to chomp away two-thirds of the container in one sitting. :-)

Charles Chips: they use to be around here too, in the '60's. A tin of chips and one of pretzels was our standing weekly order.

Its funny but I have never been a huge fan of potato chips. That's not to say I don't eat them (that would be foolish) but its with something, generally a sandwich or dip (blue cheese). For face stuffing, I prefer pretzels.

Now on the peanut butter front; Jiff creamy; in a sandwich or on a spoon, like a lollipop.

My favorite chips are Mr. Bee, but they are made in WV. I have just discovered that I can have them shipped to my house. oh yeah!

We had Charles Chips in Tennessee, too, when I was a kid. I remember the big tin but, alas, not the chips themselves after all this time.

But Mather wins the prize for thinking outside the box (bag?) and coming up with the butterfly chips at local festivals. Yum!!! Now I'll have to get back to the Owl Bar and try that recommendation, too.

I've dallied with other flavors, but nowaways I find regular original (red bag) Utz chips to be my favorites. They're a good, honest chip that doesn't require flavorings from New Jersey to taste good. They're just potato, salt, and oil.

I am old enough to remember Charles Chips (and Charles Pretzels) being delivered to the house in those nice big cans. It was a very, very long time ago, though, and I don't know how accurately I remember how they tasted (and my taste wasn't as developed back then, in my childhood).

Piano Rob- I was waiting for someone to mention Jay's. I lived in NW Indiana as a kid, and my parents inhaled those things. I've got a Jay's canister in my kitchen. However, I've got to admit I'm more of a Dirty chips fan myself.

As for PB, it doesn't really matter, as long as it's just peanuts in the jar. Does anyone else lose their appetite for peanut butter when it's warm? You couldn't pay me to eat it right now.

Checking the posts ... nothing ... nothing .... nothing .... sweet fancy pool boy! It's a potato chip tsunami. The people have spoken!

MIDDLESWARTH BBQ Chips.

I am from PA and you can't find them here. I always pick up a bag when back in PA or have people coming from PA bring me some!

From childhood, either Utz from Lexington Market or Charles Chips. Now, when I do eat chips, it's either Grandma Utz or Utz Kettle.

I grew up eating Peter Pan smooth peanut butter. I now eat Crazy Richard's crunchy.

e: YES! I have asked for a "care package" of Jay's every year and have yet to receive one. There's just something about regional potato chips.

Gibbles, then Grandma Utz for classic potato chips. Rt 66 Dill Pickle for flavored potato chips. They're like salt and vinegar, but milder and with dill. Leelynn's in Columbia has good handmade potato chips.

BALLREICH'S Marcelled Potato Chips, from Tiffin, Ohio. These are absolutely the best, most delish, most potatoey chips EVER. Relatives in Toledo, Ohio, always stock up for us when we visit. Can't get them here at all. (But they do ship!). Grew up on Utz's but Ballreich's in the black & white bag are the winner, hands-down.

I love Martin's Kettlecooked, made in Thomasville, PA. Unfortunately I haven't seen them for sale around here, so I get Utz Kettle Cooked or Utz Organic chips as a passable substitute. Posted by: mitzi

One day I am going to try that nifty italics trick but until then, Mitzi, I have seen the kettle Martins chips at the Walmart in Cockeysville.

e: When I first started low carb, I was amazed at how many peanut butters contained sugar. I looked for a peanut butter without it (and, ultimately, also without salt) and found fewer than I thought I would. I've been eating the Crazy Richard brand for about 4 years now and love it. It is 100% peanuts.

The twice fried potato chips / fluffs / whatevers from Tio Pepe's... they're never on the menu but if your there with someone "in the know" you'll get them as your amuse bouche.

I'm an Utz guy..plain.
Used to be in the snack food business and "chippers" were generally very local, until Frito took the Lay's potato chip and branded it nationally, somewhat like what has happened with breweries and dairies. Seems like many folk like what "they were raised on". Does anyone remember
"Beckers" from Hanover?
PEANUT BUTTER, can't get past my gag/gack reflex.....

My favorite chip hands-down is the Original red-and-white-bagged Utz chip. But I'm weird and hate any kind of flavored chip. I like them to taste like fried, potato, and salt, that's it. I was dying a slow death while living on campus in College Park because the University has sold its soul to Pepsi (who owns Frito-Lay) and the only chips we could get without trekking to the actual grocery store were Lays. Yuck.

As for peanut butter- I always eat the smooth kind (Skippy is my preferred brand) but I rarely eat it, and usually only by itself or on crackers.

Herr's Sour Cream & Onion chips are my weakness.

Chunky PB is the best

Pringles baby, all the way! The guy on the can has a somewhat similarity to Mr. Boh.

One day I am going to try that nifty italics trick but until then, Mitzi, I have seen the kettle Martins chips at the Walmart in Cockeysville.

Oh, no, Regina. I can't believe you told me that. I've got to go get some tomorrow!!

Rosebud, try the Smart Balance Peanut Butter. Its real good and doesn't have added sugars. Plus, you don't have to refrigerate it.

The fresh-cut chips at Ryleigh's Oyster bar on Cross St are great! Its a huge order that you think you won't be able to put a dent in...yet somehow I always manage to see the bottom of the bowl eventually.

Utz Natural Gourmet Medley.
Dark Russet. Lightly Salted, Blue Potato, Sweet Potato.

My favorite chip hands-down is the Original red-and-white-bagged Utz chip. But I'm weird and hate any kind of flavored chip. I like them to taste like fried, potato, and salt, that's it. I was dying a slow death while living on campus in College Park because the University has sold its soul to Pepsi (who owns Frito-Lay) and the only chips we could get without trekking to the actual grocery store were Lays. Yuck.

TTS, I am totally on your boat. Don't like flavored chips, never have, and I don't know why. So, with that my favorite is Utz Dark Russet or the ol' red bag Originial. Oh, and I would have been even more upset over having to drink Pepsi products than the Utz thing at College Park. Always Diet Coke, never Diet Pepsi.

For the PB, it all harkens back to my childhood too, and I am a Jif creamy type of gal. Truly, one of my Top 5 meals is a Jif creamy peanut butter and Smuckers grape jelly sandwich served with fresh regular Utz chips and a cold glass of milk. Sometimes it is the simple things in life, you know?

Rob in PCB FL:
I looked at Smart Balance, but it does have some molasses and has added oils.
I prefer 100% peanuts.

A list of the best (IMO)

1.) Utz Dark Russett (cooked in peanut oil?)

2.) Herr's Crab Chips (cross flavored with crab seasoning and vinegar. They taste the way steaming crabs smell when you cook them with beer and vinegar).

3.) Wise Barbecue

4.) Pringles, plain (not really a potato chip, but still great to munch on).

Sabor De Soledad !

What about peanut butter on potato chips?

Does anybody put potato chips ON their sandwiches. Mmmmm, crunchy.

Does anybody have circular scars on their hands from Pringles cans? I can't help myself.

Does ANYBODY remember the old product that had peanut butter and jelly swirled together in the same jar? What was the name?

There was also a version with marshmallow and peanut butter called Fluffernutter that still exists. Smucker's makes a jelly/PB thing now called Goobers, but I don't think that's the original. Plus that's a movie candy. HELP!?!?!?

That poor piglet that's afraid of mud ... little does he know what other more serious woes await him. He looks delicious. Pig in boots? Do you really want to eat a mentally ill pig? Reincarnation ....

Nut butters are a leading cause of impotence.

Peanut butter on tortilla chips.

VDP -- Smucker's made the Goober brand of PB&J in the same jar, but others may have done so, too.

The Fluffernutter is a sandwich, marketed like crazy by the makers of Marshmallow Fluff in order to boost sales of Fluff. To my knowledge, nobody has ever tried to sell a mixture of peanut butter and marshmallow in the same jar. (The makers of Fluff don't have a peanut butter product of their own to flog as the perfect item to pair with Fluff.)

I LOVE Herr's Ketchup chips, and Herr's Sour Cream and Onion Chips. They're both always heavily seasoned. My first experience with Ketchup chips was in Australia and they were called something like 'atomic tomato.' I've been hooked ever since. I grew up with Herr's sour cream and onion and they are still a crowd pleaser in my house!

What is with all these people who prefer smooth PB? Crunchy rules!

And I never met a potato chip I didn't like, which is why I almost never buy them. Trader Joe's has "Popped Potato Chips" that were a big disappointment, however. If I'm going to eat a chip, I want it salty.

Right on, Mike. (Have you picked up your home pregnancy kit yet?)

VDP, my great aunt taught me to put plain Better Made potato chips on my peanut butter sandwiches. Not bad. Not enough salt, though.

VDP--wasn't it Goober Grape?

Incidentally, Wikipedia says that a known variant of the PB&J includes the addition of Miracle Whip. eeeew!

Does anybody put potato chips ON their sandwiches. Mmmmm, crunchy.

Oh, Porky! My favorite sandwich as a child was to toast white bread and butter it well and then pile on Utz potato chips and smoosh it together. I swoon just remembering how wonderful it was.

Potato chips ON the sandwich:

Only post-Thanksgiving - I make little leftover turkey and (very salty) potato chip sandwiches on mini potato bread rolls. yum!

Does anybody put potato chips ON their sandwiches. Mmmmm, crunchy.

I use to put chips on PBJ (interesting tie in), but on bologna (white bread, mayo) I put pretzels. Kids have very odd tastes.

My favorite sandwich as a child was to toast white bread and butter it well and then pile on Utz potato chips and smoosh it together. I swoon just remembering how wonderful it was.
I'm afraid this is more proof that Rosebud and I were separated at birth. I grew up in California where no one had ever heard of Utz, much less an Utz sandwich!

Always put chips on a tuna salad sammich

Oh hmpstd, you are astray. BTW I always get that Pretenders song ("Middle of the Road") in my head when I see your name.

Here's the page for all things Fluff
http://www.marshmallowfluff.com/pages/fluffernutter.html
Plus jingles and videos:
♫ Oh you need fluff fluff fluff to make a fluffer nutter ... ♫

Once the Flufferettes perform their jingle it's difficult not to think of Boogie Nights.

I swear that I JUST saw a jar of fluff + peanut butter swirl. Now I can't find it. I musty be losing my mind.

I had a dream last night .... wait for it ...

... where Rachel Ray was wearing an Adidas track suit and I filled her clothing full of Grandma Utz potato chips. Then I just rolled her around the miniature gold course listening to her crunch while she shrieked with glee. What do you think that means?

I would have been even more upset over having to drink Pepsi products than the Utz thing at College Park. Always Diet Coke, never Diet Pepsi.

Well Dawn, it helps that I literally can't tell the difference between Pepsi and Coke. Maybe I just don't have a discerning palate but you could put one in front of me, tell me it was the other, and I would never know.

The only upside to the Pepsi-only situation is that there is an abundance of Dr Pepper. I am addicted, it's a problem.

Oh, OMC, if the blue nosed editors would not allow a naughty joke be told on this blog, there is no way in this life or the next that the meaning of your RR dreams will see the light of day. As to the specifics of the potato chip rolling dream, my afternoon fantasy break is set for the rest of the week.

Mike, move directly to the head of the class. Nice catch Dr. Cantaloupe. I think you should have a more memorable name Mike. Anybody who can sumon up the hormone-laden Mexican Cheetos knock-offs from 30 Rock gets my respeck.

Sabor de Soledad - The Taste of Loneliness

That dream was completely non-sexual, as much as any dream of mine can be. I can't control interpretations though. I even left out the part where she called me Sammy Sammy Sammy. And the Laughing Cow hid behind the windmill and silently judged me. But I shot a birdie in the clown's mouth and won a coupon for a root beer float. But we were in an Aztec temple and root beer had not yet been invented! Arrrrggggg!! MACHU PICHU !!!

Owl Meat -- how did I go astray? On the Fluff website, you can buy regular Fluff and flavored Fluff, and you can even buy Fluff mugs, but you can't buy a single Fluffernutter, because it exists only as a recipe [read: marketing ploy], not as a retail product.

hmpstd, you didn't go wrong, my memory did. IT just seems so obvious that they would put it together in one jar.

But we were in an Aztec temple and root beer had not yet been invented! Arrrrggggg!! MACHU PICHU !!!

Sorry, Owlie, but Machu Picchu has Incan temples, not Aztec.

Just wanted to keep you on your toes. Machu Pichu makes a better rallying cry than Tenochtitlan! I fear Neruda may be making an appearance to do battle with TS Eliot soon.

Was it G. Corso?
"Bring me Penquin dust
I want Penquin dust"

rather than say.....Owl Meat

Thanks for visiting our planet Hue.

Here is Gregory Corso's poem:
http://www.cs.rice.edu/~ssiyer/minstrels/poems/1570.html

I will read it later. It looks good.

It reminds me of this one about marriage, also very tongue in cheek:
http://www.citypaper.com/arts/story.asp?id=4042

Marriage is a fine institution - if you don't mind being in an institurion.

Marriage is great. Just remember that half of all marriages end in death. And ... sofa for me tonight.

The Martins chips are almost always available at Mars in Cockeysville (Ridgley Road) - I buy them almost every week!

My DW and I are happily married. She's happy and I'm ... married.

We've been married for 35 good years, and out of almost 38, that's not bad!

Oh Mr. Fart, you just can't stop whilst you're behind. My best to the DW.

With all due respect to Utz's chips, which I love when I'm visiting the east coast, the best chip--THE BEST--is Mrs. Fisher's chips, from Rockford, IL. They are a local delicacy, but you can order them over the 'net.

I have actually driven from Denver to Rockford to stock up on these chips. (Gas was cheaper then.)

Brought back a carload and sold bags of them in Denver for twice what I paid. Like people used to do with Coors beer back in the 60's.

Listen closely: I am a York County original resident. And a self-claimed potato chip authority. Once eaten this chip by anyone (less than a real chip fancier not accepted) Martin's Kettle Cooked Chip, you will drop the others. Let me expand a little please. I have introduced Martin's to many everywhere I I have traveled and they ,arvel at the very thought that, "Why Martin's did NOT expand their market share distribution territory is beyond rationalization. So you make the Test. Try any others that you have on your blog and then try Martin's Kettle Cooked, and Please Please Please.....Tell me that you like your old chip better, and you will be with the less than minority in opinion. They, (Martin's) are that good.

Signed: As for me and mine we Love Martins,
John Stabley

We agree.And don't forget the ranch.

Is that really you Springs1? Welcome back. So Mr. Stabley, do they deliver the blog via horse and buggy up in York County?

Oh how could I have missed the Owl's (fleeting) reference to Pablo Neruda back in June? Love love love Neruda.

Tie your heart at night to mine, love,
and both will defeat the darkness
like twin drums beating in the forest
against the heavy wall of wet leaves.

Night crossing: black coal of dream
that cuts the thread of earthly orbs
with the punctuality of a headlong train
that pulls cold stone and shadow endlessly.

Love, because of it, tie me to a purer movement,
to the grip on life that beats in your breast,
with the wings of a submerged swan,

So that our dream might reply
to the sky's questioning stars
with one key, one door closed to shadow.