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Whether it’s spring or fall, summer or winter, when you go to a party one of the things you’ll always find there are chips. Nowadays chips come in all shapes and sizes and are made from much more than just potatoes, such as corn, soy and vegetables; but it’s the potato chip that started it all, and it’s the potato chip that seems to remain the most popular.

Elex Sy Photo

While I was reading the July 18 edition of the Portsmouth Herald I came across an article by Toby Hatchett titled “What’s your favorite chip?” I was amazed to see how many different, less publicized but probably better, non-commercial brand chips are made in New England and soon felt inspired to go out and try all of these chips I’ve never heard of.

So for this week’s edition of “Amanda’s Choice” I’m going to take you past the Seacoast area and instead all around New England to find my favorite New England-made potato chip.

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Madhouse Munchies – Colchester, Vt.

While I’ve heard of onion potato chips, sour cream and onion potato chips and sweet onion potato chips, I had never heard of Creamy French Onion potato chips until I discovered Madhouse Munchies.

The chips were a lot oilier than I would hope for, according to their packaging, “The World’s Best Gourmet Potato Chips.” When you opened the bag, the chips smelt more of oil than of onion, and after I had eaten a few I found my hands were pretty greasy. As for the taste, it had a powdered taste that I wasn’t a fan of; it was as if someone has poured onion soup mix over hot chips and shook them. The only good thing I found about these chips were their great kettle-cooked crunch.

There is one big plus to these chips though, it is certified by the American Vegetarian Association; so Vegetarians, eat up!

Where to Buy: Philbrick’s Fresh Market

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Deep River Snacks – Old Lyme, Conn.

Deep River Snacks claims on their package that they are “Great Chips” with “Serious Flavor” and boy were they right.

The Rosemary & Olive Oil chips were surprisingly not oily at all. I expected the taste and feel of olive oil to stand out more than the rosemary, but that wasn’t the case. The rosemary flavor wasn’t extreme, but instead just enough. And the chips are kettle cooked, so they were extra crunchy.

The Sweet Maui Onion chips were definitely different than any onion chip I’d had before. I’m not a big fan of onion chips, but the flavor on these chips was so good and so sweet that I found myself actually sucking on the chips before chewing them. The onion smell is very subtle and there is no smell of oil. Trust, even if you don’t like onions or onion chips, you may still love these. And just like the Rosemary & Olive Oil chips, these have a better crunch to them than most potato chips.

Where to Buy: Me & Ollie’s Bakery

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Cape Cod Potato Chips – Hyannis, Mass

Cape Cod Potato Chips are always a have-to-have at summer barbecues in New England, and with so many great flavors, everyone is always satisfied.

The Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper chips are an interesting mix. The flavors are sort of subtle, but every once in a while you’ll get a strong pepper taste. There is also a taste of vinegar to these chips so, while they may not be favorite, if you like salt and vinegar chips you’ll love these too. The one thing I did love about these chips though was the smell when I opened the bag; it absolutely reminded me of the beach and made me picture in my head those little seafood restaurants on the side of the road on Hampton Beach or Rye Beach.

Cape Cod’s Beachside Barbecue is a barbecue chip like no other, and I warn weak palates to beware. While the barbecue flavor may not stand out that much, the spice definitely does. I’m a big fan of hot things, but these chips made even my eyes water. The chips aren’t so spicy they don’t taste good though, I just wish there was a little more barbecue mixed in. They also weren’t as crunchy as I had hoped they’d be.

Where to Buy: Shaw’s

Elex Sy Photo

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Amanda’s Choice:

For my choice this week I just had to go with Deep River Snacks and their Rosemary & Olive Oil chips. These chips had more flavor than any of the other chips I had, and their crunch was perfect. And it wasn’t just the taste that won me over, the aroma was amazing also. The chips are definitely a winner, and even if you aren’t a big fan of rosemary, I urge you to give these chips a try anyways. Hopefully you’ll love them as much as I do!

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Toby Hatchett's article - "What's Your Favorite Chip?"

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If you have a place you’d like me to visit or a topic you’d like me to cover, e-mail me at ahamilton@seacoastonline.com. Hope to hear from you soon!