So one of the things we're working on for the next issue of Something Extra is a feature story on our Private Brands.

I get Private Brands dropped off at my desk quite a bit, and am often invited to what we call "cuttings", or tastings, of specific products.

In this capacity, I was able to get an advance look at our Holiday Dinners..and became a passionate advocate for the Butternut Squash Ravioli Dinner and Rack of Lamb Dinner. The Rack of Lamb will be back for Easter, in case you missed it. Three words, friends: panko breadcrumb crust. As I said to our head chef when first tasting it, "you had me at panko."

(Side note: I froze half of the Butternut Squash Ravioli and the sage butter back at Thanksgiving and just broke it out last night. Added some chicken, Parm and a drizzle of balsamic. Soooo good with a glass of Fat Bastard Chardonnay.)

One of the things that impressed me most is how extensively the private brands team, and our Raley's Merchants (it's what we call buyers here at Raley's) test and retest and cross-test and test again and then do a backflip while descending a rope while testing before products come to our stores.

Now when I say our Private Brands, that doesn't just include the canned veg or the juice you see on the shelf, it also includes our Raley's Black Angus Beef, our Nob Hill Trading Co. stuff (from breads to cakes to dinners to stuffed olives nom nom nom.)

If you haven't tried them yet, I'd invite you too - the quality meets or exceeds national brands.

Still not sure where to start? In no particular order, I'd like to share my top 10 favorite Private Brands stuff:

1. Nob Hill Trading Co. Butternut Squash Ravioli Dinner

Available at Turkey Day and Christmas, seriously folks, you'll love it.

2. Raley's Sparkling Lemonade, Pink Lemonade and Blood Orange Soda.

Made in France. Super yummy.

3. Raley's Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes

Tip: Puree and add to chicken soup for extra flavor.

4. Nob Hill Trading Co. Pugliese Bread

Chewy on the inside, crusty on the outside. Our Food Editor Patty gave me the tip long ago of freezing them until you're ready to use. Awesome. I heart Patty.

5. Nob Hill Trading Co. Italian Blend Olives

I like using the liquid as a salad dressing. And munching on the olives and pepperoncini whenever.

6. Raley's Shredded Reggiano Cheese

Pre-shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese in those handy cups.

7. Raley's Diet Golden Gate Grapefruit Soda

Like Squirt, but cheaper! :D

8. Raley's and Nob Hill Trading Co. Balsamic Vinegar

I like the Raley's brand for day to day use, but the extra aged, extra sweet NHTC balsamic is a special treat.

9. Raley's Black Beans

I didn't think I would like a brand better than Bush's, but I prefer ours.

10. Nob Hill Trading Co. Artichoke Parmesan Dip

In our Deli - the Parmesan just gives it a little extra yum. (Good for the big game this weekend!)