FANCY FOOD, PLAIN FOOD

Starbucks for Singles

2011-12-22T20:55:00.000-05:00

Starbucks single serve K-Cup portions give coffee lovers who have the Keurig Brewer the option of having their favorite beverage right at home or the office without setting foot outside the door. able in K-Cups for the Keurig brewer. Currently available through retailers, the Starbucks K-cups will be offered on the Green Mountain Coffee website early in the 2012. Varieties include: House Blend. French Roast, Breakfast Blend and Sumatra, to list a few.

An advantage of the Keurig single serve brewer is that you can buy an insert that enables you to, in effect, make your own reusable K-Cups.

http://www.starbucks.com/coffee/k-cup

Sun Dried Perfection

2011-12-17T20:23:00.011-05:00

Looking for an easy way to add nutritious and luscious sun-dried tomatoes to your dishes? From California's Mooney Farms, family owned and operated since 1987, comes Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Halve and Julienne Cut in 100% Pure Olive Oil & Italian Herbs, Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with While Pine Nuts—this one is divine. Add it to your al dente pasta with some olive oil and you have a very palate-pleasing dish. There are also sun dried tomatoes of varying cuts in handy resealable bags.

Mooney Farms also has a splendid Olive Oil you can be proud to serve and give as a thoughtful gift to anyone you know who loves healthful and delicious food. Their site also features elegant gift baskets.

www.mooneyfarms.com

Cooking for Real Sweepstakes

2011-11-30T14:21:00.000-05:00

Just in time for holiday entertaining, Stonefire Authentic Flatbreads is giving away a Tassimo® Hot Beverage Machine (valued at $100), perfect for brewing anything from a refreshing cup of tea to a steamy latte during cold winter nights.

Part of Stonefire’s Cooking For Real Sweepstakes, winners will also receive samples of the brand’s Naan flatbread to try.

To enter, visit Stonefire’s Facebook page. The winner will be selected randomly from all entries and announced Monday, December 5^th.

Do You like Chocolate?

2011-10-25T16:31:00.004-04:00

Is that a Trick Question? No, but you might find a treat by tuning in this Wednesday, October 26 at 8:00pm EST for a live chat on “Tips and Tricks for Baking with SCHARFFEN BERGER Chocolate” with Yigit Pura, executive pastry chef at San Francisco's Taste Catering Co. and winner of Top Chef: Just Desserts Season 1.

HOW TO JOIN

1) Join by logging into Ustream and visiting the Scharffen Berger channel: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/scharffen-berger

2) Join by logging into Facebook and visiting the Scharffen Berger page, UStream tab: https://www.facebook.com/ScharffenBergerChocolateMaker?sk=app_196506863720166

3) Join by following #ElevatedDesserts on Twitter

Chef Yigit Pura (pronounced Yeet) will answer your questions on everything from baking with chocolate to mastering the perfect cake texture to making a glossy, smooth ganache that will impress your guests every time.

Yigit has a lifetime of experience in the pastry kitchen, beginning his culinary career at age four in Ankara, Turkey. To help launch the Elevate a Classic Dessert with SCHARFFEN BERGER Chocolate Contest, Yigit specially developed this recipe to which he will share the inspiration: Chai Tea-Spiced Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache.

Up next for Yigit: the 2012 opening of Tout Sweet, a high-end pastry shop located in San Francisco's Union Square, followed by a cookbook titled "Sweet Alchemy" with Chronicle Books that will be released in 2013.

So, DO you like chocolate? http://www.scharffenberger.com/

Naan at Home

2011-09-13T15:43:00.001-04:00

Even if you have never dined at a restaurant that serves Indian cuisine, you may know about this delicious bread. Naan is an extremely versatile flatbread, great for dipping, making Panini and pizza, or served on its own.

The key to creating authentically light, naturally smoky-tasting naan is heat. Stonefire™ Bakery, makers of the # 1 naan in North America, is armed with the largest commercial tandoor oven in the world capable of the searing heat required for true Indian flatbread.

The Ajmera family, founders of Stonefire™ Authentic Flatbreads and baking veterans with over 40 years of experience, invented a new technology that perfectly mirrors the intense heat of this ancient oven and use a cooking method that dates back centuries. The naan is ready within seconds of being placed in the tandoor.

Available in original, whole grain and fire roasted garlic. Stonefire’s™ naan is hand stretched and prepared in small batches with Ghee (clarified butter) and fresh buttermilk, following a traditional recipe. Like all Stonefire flatbreads, the naan is made with natural ingredients and is free of preservatives, additives, artificial colors, trans fat and hydrogenated oils.

Stonefire Naan is available at select grocery stores nationwide for the suggested retail proce of $2.99. For more information, please visit www.stonefire.com

Clif-a-licious

2011-08-17T15:25:00.001-04:00

So. You've got a sweet tooth. A hankering for a little something to perk you up but not fill you up so much that you won't want your next meal. Nothing wrong with that. How about have something sweet that also packs a nice bit of a nutrition punch as well?

Count on Clif to open up the flavor and variety selection:

Clif Crunch-- a crunchy granola bar made with organic ingredients has 2 new flavors, Blueberry Crisp and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

Clif MOJO-- a yummy trail mix bar made with 70 per cent organic ingredients, now has 3 new choices for you, Chocolate Almond Coconut, White Chocolate Macadamia, and Dipped S'Mores, featuring soy white chocolate along with the other usual suspects in the craving-making campfire treat.

Enjoy!

http://www.clifbar.com/

Fresh Coffee by the Cup--No Machine Needed

2011-08-11T20:49:00.000-04:00

Take your brewer with you. With Dr. Drip Coffee, it's like your brewer is portable. Open the packet, place it on your cup or mug and and pour the hot water. Genius!

http://drdripcoffee.com/

Alice Waters: Restaurateur, activist, author and humanitarian

2011-07-28T18:52:00.001-04:00

On Friday, July 29^th, One Kings Lane is continuing its partnership with culinary pioneer and philanthropist, Alice Waters, and unveiling exclusive, step-by-step recipes from the menu of Waters’ famed restaurant, Chez Panisse, the leader in the organic and locally harvested food movement. The recipes will be featured on the “Get Inspired” page on One Kings Lane – this will be the only online destination where you will be able to learn how to prepare gourmet meals, a la Alice Waters, in your very own kitchens:

https://www.onekingslane.com/get-inspired/entertaining/alice-waters-chez-panisse.php

This is a part of One Kings Lane’s partnership with Alice Waters to raise awareness for developing programs around edible education such as The Edible Schoolyard (ESY) in schools nationwide. The ESY programs provide urban public school students with a one-acre organic garden and a kitchen classroom. Using food systems as a unifying concept, students learn how to grow, harvest and prepare nutritious seasonal produce.

In addition to these exclusive menus, Alice Waters will also be selling her cookbook “In the Green Kitchen” at a special discounted price for One Kings Lane members.

Eastern Mediterreanean Cuisine

2011-06-10T15:53:00.001-04:00

The title alone--Purple Citrus & Sweet Perfume-- conjures up heady dreams of succulent aubergine, rose petals, pomegranate molasses and heavenly fragrances of an adventure in the kitchen. You might almost be content to just curl up and read London Chef Silvena Rowe's beautifully photographed cookbook. But gather your wits and try some of the inviting recipes, including Pink Grapefruit, Avocado and Pomegranate Salad with Nasturtium Flowers or Creamy Feta and caramelized Leek Borek (pictured at right) or Aleppo chili, or Hummus. Desserts? How about Pink Peppercorn and Cardamon meringues with mulberries and white chocolate? It is all so very, very tempting. So, just surrender.

http://www.purplecitrussweetperfume.com/

Published by ECCO, an imprint of HarperCollins

Strawberry Delights; Sweet and Savory

2011-05-24T20:58:00.005-04:00

http://www.californiastrawberries.com/

Take a look at the above site to find out not only about strawberries from California, but a simply terrific cookbook that will have you whipping up strawberry concoctions and quite delightfully unexpected dishes. For instance:

Moroccan Spiced Strawberry Jam, Grilled Salmon with Strawberry Ginger Salsa,

Thai Green Papaya Salad with Grilled Strawberries, Strawberry Lassi, and of course, Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Ad tips on how to freeze whole strawberries. A very usable, helpful, and nice to look at cookbook.

Three Olives Olive Oil

2011-05-10T21:50:00.000-04:00

Three Olives Olive Oil is a beautifully smooth and delicious olive oil that will take your taste buds on a journey to the sunny hills of California. To make this first cold pressed oil, The Artisanal Kitchen uses three different and distinct types of California Estate Olives are used, as the name suggests:

The Fruity Arbequina
The Fruity and slightly nutty Arbosana
The very fuirtful and flavorful Koroneiki

Blended together this troika of perfection is the most elegant and flavorful 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil to ever grace your table. Delicious.

http://theartisanalkitchen.com/index.php/products/three-olives-olive-oil

From India (and San Francisco) , with Love

2011-03-22T16:31:00.000-04:00

When Mumbai-based ADF Foods Ltd. says it is feeding the world, they mean it. The company recent entered into agreement to buy San Francisco’s Elena’s Food Specialties, makers of the tasty Nate’s Meatless Meatballs, and other organic and natural products, including Mexican foods.

ADF is well-known overseas and they will become better known in the U.S., although anyone who craves authentic Indian food has probably been buying their delicious and authentic foods for a while—ready –to- eat Curries such as Bombay Aloo and Palak Paneer and amazing sauces, including Rogan Josh and Korma.

From humble beginnings in 1932 as a small retail store selling dried fruits and nuts the company diversified into a major food processing company making ethnic Indian pickles, chutneys, canned foods frozen foods and spices under brand names that are as leaders in their categories.

ADF’s international brands include Ashoka, Camel, Aeroplane, Khansaama and Truly Indian and can be found in many areas of the world. Now, with the pending acquirement of Elena’s and Nate’s there will be even more choices. Keep a look out for some of their brands. You will not be disappointed.

http://www.adf-foods.com/home/home.asp

Crunchy Fruit

2011-03-10T22:17:00.024-05:00

Here are some very engaging snacks. Fruitzio dried fruit snacks are made Made with only the finest fruit and freeze dried with just a hint of natural sugar, FruitziO is a delicious way to add more nutritious fruit to your diet and makes a very tasty snack.

Try them on their own in handy 100-calorie packs Spoon some in yogurt for a nice taste and texture contrast. Keep a bag or two tucked into you bag or purse so you don't succumb to snacks that might sabotage your eating goals. Flavors include: Apple, Peach, Kiwi, Strawberry and Apricot plus a combination pack of Strawberries and Apples.

http://www.fruitzio.com/

Seasoning Pastes in a Tube

2011-02-28T22:15:00.000-05:00

Imported from Italy, Amore seasoning pastes are an easy way to let your imagination add some intrigue to your cooking. Each comes in a tube so it is easy to use.( Just put what you don't use in the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a bit the next time you use it.) There's Tomato Paste--perfect for when you want a light glaze of tomato rather than a sauce; Herb Paste--versatile in pasta, vegetables, etc.; Anchovy Paste--try some in a Caesar salad to get an authentic taste;Garlic--in everything! (almost) Pesto--add it to pasta for instant gratification (comparatively speaking) Sun-Dried Tomato--sandwiches, pasta, etc and Hot Pepper--adds pizazz to pasta, tofu, you name it.

Available at many supermarkets. Enjoy!

http://www.amorebrand.com/

Chocolate Coquettes

2011-02-13T20:42:00.000-05:00

Divine truffles with seemingly magic ingredients. Magic or not, they are delicious and will tempt even the most strong-willed among us. The Sweet Coquette Collection from Vosges Haut Chocolat will please beyond a doubt and if you are going to give or receive or eat chocolate and chocolate truffels, you might as well enjoy the experience as much as possible,

The directions for storing and savoring the truffles are reminiscent of romance. The instructions advise that you first enjoy how the truffles looks and then lightly taste the top of the truffle.Then bite and listen for the snap of the chocolate and taste the truffle in two slow, languishing bites. There's no gobbling to be done here. A slow, intense savoring of every taste and texture.
They are made with fresh cream and so must be consumed with 10 of receiving them--which should be no problem. But do take it slow....
For a delightful visual tour visit http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/

Organic Chocolate

2011-02-09T12:14:00.000-05:00

Chocolate. For Valentine's Day or any other day, why not choose chocolate that has a heart? Green and Black’s Organic Chocolate is not only organic, as the name says, but also Fair Trade Certified, meaning all of its products are made from Fair Trade ingredients. The farmers they work with receive a guaranteed minimum for their ingredients, along with an additional premium to invest in the social, environmental, and economic development of their countries. This ensures a higher quality of life for the farmers and a high quality of chocolate for the world.

Green and Black’s Organic Chocolate offers 13 chocolate flavors, ranging from light to dark chocolate. Traditional varieties include Milk, Dark 70%, Dark 85%, and White, while the more unique flavors are Maya Gold, Hazelnut and Currant, Ginger, and the newest flavor, Peanut and Sea Salt. Green & Black's also makes hot chocolate and baking bars, perfect for making a romantic Valentine’s Day dessert. Recipes can be found in the new Green & Black’s Organic Chocolate cookbook, Ultimate.

For more information about Green and Black’s, or to view recipes, please visit http://www.greenandblacks.com/

Slow Cooking Indian Cuisine

2011-01-31T06:12:00.001-05:00

Here is an appetizing cookbook that is informative to read and inspiring enough to make you want to get a slow-cooker, some basic ingredients and take the first steps, however tentative, to learning to cook and enjoy simple and tasty dishes from India. The Indian Slow Cooker by Anupy Singla, available in paperback from Surrey Books, an imprint of Agate Publishing.

The author's style is straightforward and no-nonsense but not without humor. The ingredients are explained and simplified and she shares some information on which foods are considered everyday and which are reserved for special occasions. And the recipes are creative and very do-able.

Highly recommended.

http://www.agatepublishing.com/book/?GCOI=93284100938990&fa=author&person_id=389

http://www.indianasapplepie.com/

Svelte Creamy Energy Protein Drinks

2011-01-28T19:27:00.000-05:00

SVELTE Creamy Energy Protein Drinks--What sets them apart is that they do not have any artificial aftertaste. They are smooth and the flavors--Chocolate, French Vanilla, Spiced Chai, Cappuccino-- are simply delicious. Have them instead of fattening non-nutritious drinks like eggnog.

Each rich, creamy flavor is created with 16g of organic protein from fresh organic soymilk, along with organic complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Svelte is tested to be low-glycemic and has only 9 grams of sugar per full bottle. It’s also a good source of fiber and is dairy-free and gluten-free.

Enjoy!

http://sveltebrand.com/

Olive Oil With Everything

2011-01-24T21:01:00.000-05:00

Well, not really everything but you might be surprised how a little bit of olive oil added to canned soups, the water you prepared for rice or couscous and a host of other dishes imparts a fresh taste and smoothness. And if you would like a very special olive oil to enjoy in a more singular fashion, you might try an inspiring artisan Olio Nuovo from McEvoy Ranch, based in Petaluma, CA.

These beautifully packaged olive oils are the result of dedication from orchard to bottle and are certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). The olives are grown, harvested, milled, blended and bottled entirely on the ranch. The ranch uses an imported "Maserati of olive oil mills" (our state-of-the-art Rapanelli frantoio), now an integral part of the cold-process production unique to McEvoy Ranch.

Olive oil should be a staple in all kitchens and these artisan olive oils also make lovely and thoughtful gifts.

http://www.mcevoyranch.com/

More Than Peanut Butter

2011-01-02T22:42:00.001-05:00

Peanut butter is often a quick and easy choice for a filling and nutritious snack or as an ingredient in a sandwich or many other meals.
Earth Balance®, a line of all-natural healthy buttery spreads, shortenings, nut butters and soymilk,recently announced the Non-GMO Project Verification of Earth Balance® Nut Butters, including Earth Balance® Peanut Butter and Almond Butter products.

Earth Balance® Nut Butters are Non-GMO Project Verified and made with the highest quality peanuts and almonds on the market. Available in Peanut Butter and Almond Butter varieties, Earth Balance® Nut Butters are made with a special blend of expeller pressed oils that prevent separation, are fortified with flax seeds for added ALA Omega 3 content, and are sweetened with a touch of natural agave syrup, a low glycemic sweetener. All Earth Balance® Nut Butters are vegan, free of lactose, cholesterol, dairy, gluten, and no other nut butters offer the unique combination of taste and benefits.

All that and they taste delicious, too.

(Some of the) Best of 2010

2010-12-31T15:27:00.002-05:00

Going out on a limb, here are a few of our Bests of 2010: Best chewing gum--bar none--Orbit Mist from Wrigley. This gum really does last and comes in enough varieties of mint or fruit to keep any avid gum chewer satisfied. Best product--there really are a few in this category but the electric Smart Kettle from Chef's Choice is still going strong and lives up to is promises. We also want to mention Cuisinart's Smart Power Blender, which has un-complicated the art of blending and looks smart, too. For noteworthy foods we have to list Jovial Foods Einkorn Pasta, Morningstar Farm's Riblets and Lasagna, and Gardein meatless entrees as well as Smart Life's Vegan Hot Dogs and Sausages (vegan) , Amy's Breakfast Burritos, Quorn meatless entrees (vegetarian). Where would we be without Tabasco Sauce to give zest to meals or Rice Select's varieties of couscous and grains or the lovely teas from The Republic of Tea--all make cooking and enjoying a bit more pleasurable.

Meatless Alternative

2010-12-31T14:53:00.000-05:00

If you likeVeggie Burgers or have been thinking of trying them, you might go for the new Quorn Classic Burgers with or wirthout Cheese. Quorn has been giving food lovers around the world great tasting non-meat, soy-free choices for more than 25 years. Their delicios varieties include Chik'n Nuggets, Meatless Meatballs, Cranberry and Goat Cheese Chik'n Cutlets, Southwestern Chik'n Wings, to name a few.

The copany started in England and each year about 200 million Quorn meals are enjoyed worldwide. They could be a way to ease out of the meat habit.

Classic Cocoa for Cooking and Drinking

2010-12-20T18:44:00.000-05:00

You know the name and are familiar with the chocolate but remember this classic that has been with us for some 100 hundred years--definitely a classic. Hershey's Natural Unsweetened Chocolate is perfect for baking or making hot chocolate. You can add whatever sweeteners you wish. A second variety was added-- Hershey's Natural Special Dark, a special blend of Dutch, processed cocoa and natural cocoa. Drink your chocolate and bake with it, too.

Peanut Butter Lovers' Bars

2010-12-08T20:34:00.001-05:00

Kashi is well-known for whole grain products, including granola bars and these are worthy of the name and your attention. These Peanut Peanut Butter Chewy Granola Bars are doubly good, indeed. They are satisfying peanut perfection and not too sweet. You won't feel like you are eating a tooth-aching dessert.

Crunchy, lively and portable--a perfect snack to take with you and enjoy on the go with coffee, tea, milk, soy milk, whatever beverage makes your day.

http://www.kashi.com/

A Treasure Trove of Teas

2010-12-07T19:45:00.001-05:00

These tea varities from The Republic of Tea are amazing and would make very nice (and thoughtful) gifts. The flavors are delightful and unexpected--Mango Chili, Orange Red Carrot, Plantain Coconut, Black Currant Cardamon as well as anything-but-plain Raw Green Bush Tea. Enjoy the benefits of green tea and have some very intriguing flavorings as well.

And The Republic of Tea also has an impressive selection of Kosher teas, as well.

http://www.therepublicoftea.com/

Seasonal Clif Bars for Winter Sports

2010-12-05T21:29:00.001-05:00

If you need another reason to bite into Clif Bars http://www.clifbar.com/ here are a few super delicious flavors: Spiced Pumpkin Pie, Iced Gingerbread and Cranberry Orange Nut Bread. Each one tastes enough like homemade treats to make you wish they would be available longer. CLIF BAR will donate 1% of net sales from these seasonal flavors to Winter Wildlands Alliance, the first and only national organization that works on behalf of skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, winter hikers and other out door adventurers to address national issues that impact our winter wildlands. ( It's about time!)

http://www.winterwildlands.org/

The Panache of Pistachios

2010-12-01T22:04:00.000-05:00

TheGreenNut.org

Pistachios. Forget for a moment that they taste great and it is nearly impossible to stop eating them. Sometimes the only thing between you and a pistachio overdose is the (often) hard to open shell.

Pistachios were iintroduced to the U.S. in about the mid to late 19th century. The pistachio tree is native to western Asia and Asia Minor (ie, Turkey) and there is some evidence that pistachios were eaten as early as 7,000 B.C. and by the first century A.D., these little nut nuggets had made their way into Italy by way of Syria.
Take a look at http://www.ThtGreenNut.org if you would like to find ways to incorporate pistachios into other dishes besides the snack bowl (perfectly okay as a snack; these green nuts are loaded with potassium, fiber, protein, Vitamin B-6 and are naturally cholesterol-free.) Asparagus Spinach Pistachio Pesto Pasta, Pistachio-Blackberry Financier, or Braised Pistachio and Apple Stuffing with Apple Butter are just a few ideas to get you started. Just have plenty on hand because you are sure to eat half as many as you incorporate into any recipe.

http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/pistachio.html is another site that details the history and origins of Pistachios.

Dried Berries, Fresh Ideas

2010-11-22T21:45:00.000-05:00

From Ocean Spray to you comes handy re-sealable pouches of dried fruits--Blueberries, Cherries, and of course, Cranberries. These are great--perfect for snacking or added to hot or cold cereals or baked in muffins or breads. They are fat-free and cholesterol-free, low in sodium and equal a full serving of fruit in every 1/3 cup.

Formed 80 years ago, Ocean Spray is an agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry growers in Massachusetts, Wisconson, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and other parts of Canada as well as 50 Florida grapefruit growers.

http://www.oceanspray.com/

Dreaming in Vegan

2010-11-15T20:36:00.001-05:00

There's so much more to Thanksgiving than turkey. If you have been thinking about dipping your fork just a little into the vegetarian and even vegan lifestyle, you can't do much better than starting with The Conscious Cook by Tal Ronnen. (William Morrow, An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers) The cookbook promises to bring you "Delicious meatless recipes that will change the way you eat," and it does. Chef Tal Ronnen admits to being a former meat-lover--steak, pastrami, veal scaloppini, spicy sausage. He became a vegetarian and then a vegan and was determined to create delicious and satisfying meat-free dishes that were as mouth-watering as those he had as a meat eater. His success is your reward. Here are a few ideas from the cookbook--perfect for Thanksgiving and any other time you want to cook consciously: Aritichoke Ricotta Tortellini with Saffron Cream Sauce,

Beet and Orange Autumn Salad, Green Beans with Fresh Cranberries, Split Pea Soup with Tempeh Bacon and Chipotle Cream, Sweet Potato Biscuits, Oven-Roasted Banana Rum Cheesecake

Chef Ronnen also makes use of some pre-packaged vegetarian entree options, such as Gardein's chicken-style strips and beef-style strips. (Gardein offers a limited edition Savory Stuffed Turk'y that would make a delicious entree for Thanksgiving or other feast. http://www.gardein.com/ Please see our Gardein review earlier). This allows for the cook to be creative but save some time, without sacrificing nutrition,or taste.

We aren't preaching vegetarianism or vegan choices. These are personal decisions. But when you can choose an alternative, even just once in a while, that tastes as delicious or better than meat, why not give it try? It might feel better to eat food you would be comfortable preparing from its very beginning to the table.
http://www.talronnen.com/

Pasta from the Past for the Present

2010-11-05T22:54:00.001-04:00

From Italy to you comes Jovial First Ever Einkorn Pasta. What is it? It is a pasta made from the same type of ancient grains that were among the first type of wheat to be cultivated. Einkorn is the most ancient species of wheat and was the first grain to be farmed by man over 12,000 years ago.

Avaiable in a variety of shapes, the look is similar to whole wheat pasta but the taste after cooking is somewhat lighter, yet meatier. Einkorn is high in Thiamin and is a good source of protein, dietary fiber and a number of B Vitamins. It also contains a significant amount of the powerful antioxidant Lutein, and has a higher content of proteins, tocols and carotenoids than other species of wheat.

Jovial will be sowing Einkorn next week for harvest in July 2011. But you can buy it now at stores such as Whole Foods. Rediscover a cherished grain of the past, and a versatile and tasty pasta of today.

http://www.jovialfoods.com/

Coffee in Your Pocket

2010-11-02T17:30:00.001-04:00

Those slim packs of Starbuck's VIA Italian Roast and Colombia coffee are handy and tasty and it is pretty nice knowing you can make a good cup of coffee right near your desk. Now there are four luscious new flavors: Caramel, Cinnamon Spice, Mocha, and Vanilla.

You don't have to give up smooth and serious coffee flavor just because you would like the added taste of caramel or Mocha. The arabica coffee is strong enough to blend with, but not be smothered by, the other natural flavors and a touch of added sweetness. Tasty enough to have as a dessert or pick-me-up instead of a pastry.

All of the Starbucks VIA Flavored Coffee flavors are available at all U.S. company-operated and licensed stores and online at StarbucksVIA.com, Amazon.com and Cooking.com.

. http://www.starbucks.com/coffee/via/flavored-coffee

Biscoff Bounty

2010-10-27T20:46:00.011-04:00

The first bit into a Biscoff brings a delicate crunch followed by a meltingly smooth and light shortbread-y texture with a hint of caramelized sugar. The overall effect is divine.

Now there is a contest that you gives you the chance to indulge in a very fantastic biscuit/cookie. This holiday season, Lotus Bakeries presents the first-ever “Take a Biscoff Break” Holiday Giveaway,” offering you a chance to win a year’s worth of Biscoff cookies! Known as “Europe’s Favorite Cookie with Coffee,” Biscoff cookies are crunchy caramelized biscuits from Belgium which first became popular in the U.S. when millions of customers sampled them on Delta Airlines. Since the 1980s, more than 80 million people have tasted and fallen in love with Biscoff cookies.

Beginning Nov. 1 through Nov. 21, the “Take a Biscoff Break” Holiday Giveaway will give you the chance to win these delicious prizes:

·         Grand Prize: A year’s worth of Biscoff cookies starting with a beautiful glass jar filled with tasty Biscoff cookies and replacement shipments throughout the year
·         First Prizes: 10 decorative glass jars filled with Biscoff cookies
·         Second Prizes: 50 festive Biscoff ‘Joy Hope Wish’ holiday cookie tubes (6-pack):  Theperfect hostess gift and stocking stuffer

“Take a Biscoff Break” Holiday Giveaway --http://www.biscoff.com/holidaygiveaway will officially launch on November 1, 2010 and end on November 21, 2010. Winners announced in early December. Official rules found here.

Biscoff “Joy Hope Wish” holiday tubes are the perfect stocking stuffer and make a great hostess and teacher gifts. Until December 31, 2010, for every six or 12-pack sold of the holiday tubes, Lotus Bakeries will donate 10% of the purchase to Teach For America, (www.teachforamerica.org)

And don''t feel the need to put all your cookies in one basket. While you are waiting to see if you have won, you might want to buy some of these heavenly treats. The taste is delicate and delightfully unforgettable.

Let Them Eat Panettone

2010-10-10T21:21:00.000-04:00

A Classic Italian Holiday Cake—with a lovely twist. Bauducco Panettone comes from a Brazilian food company with Italian roots—Bauducco Foods. With high-quality ingredients like Sun-Maid raisins and Hershey’s Chocolate Chips in one variety—you will find the taste delightful. There is no mistaking this holiday cake for others you may have tried in the past. Bauducco Panettone is not dry but has a golden rounded taste that is just sweet and rich enough to let you know you are eating something special. Have it as it is or add ice cream or fruit or powdered sugar. It also makes delicious French Toast.

So does panettone get its name from the baker’s helper Toni in Northern Italy who accidentally knocked some raisins into a bowl of bread dough and continued adding more ingredients? His employer tasted it and named the scrumptious accident pane di Toni. We can’t say for sure but we do know Bauducco Panettone tastes divine. And what a thoughtful gift for a host or hostess.

Very Smart, Very Tasty

2010-09-07T09:44:00.028-04:00

With all the food recalls over the years, (months, weeks, days) it is smart to know from where your food originates. “You are what you eat” is not just a catchy phrase; it happens to be accurate. Sure, there are some tastes and flavors that are hard to do without and so began our search for the perfect hot dog that happened to be vegetarian. We have tried several over time but they always fell short of genuine “hot-doggness”. We are pleased to announce that Smart Dogs by LightLife Foods are so close to the genuine article —without the fat, by-products and mystery ingredients of other meat hot dogs that you will be pleased. Very pleased. We prepared them as the package directs—cooked for only a few minutes in water that has just boiled. The taste and texture were excellent and we recommend them highly. This Massachusetts-based company also makes vegetarian Italian Sausages and other ingredients for healthy and tasty dishes such as ground “beef” and deli-style lunch “meats.”

As they say on their website—you can do veggie deliciously.

http://www.lightlife.com/index.jsp

More (Smart) Power to you

2010-08-31T21:42:00.000-04:00

Cuisinart’s SmartPower Deluxe 600-Watt Blender is sleek, powerful and up to any food chopping, crushing or grating challenge that will help bring out the Master Chef in you.

With just five buttons you can blend ingredients for a Creamy Dill Salad dressing, puree the cinnamon, cream and pumpkin for Pumpkin Bread pudding, or mix eggs basil, peppers and carrots for Frittata Primavera. The ice crush setting enables you to prepare fabulous drinks like Fresh Fruit Smoothies, Frozen Rum Punch or Frozen Mudslide or Café au Lait “Shake.” Recipes for these and more tasty beverages and dishes are included in the manual. Using just five buttons and two speeds—low or high—you can blend, chop, crush, or liquefy until you run out of ideas or ingredients.

The sturdy stainless steel housing has all the features – and all the blending power – serious cooks need. The patented stainless steel blade, large borosilicate glass jar, and Pulse at High or Low speeds will help you conquer te kitchen like a pro.

Cuisinart—the Art of Cuisine

http://www.cuisinart.com/products/blenders/spb-600.html

Cookie Perfection

2010-08-13T23:22:00.000-04:00

Cookie—one of the American English words with origins in Dutch. Cookie comes from the Dutch koekje, which means little cake. (In British countries this little treat is usually called a biscuit. The precise meaning varies in different parts of the world. Biscuit is derived from a Middle French word meaning "twice cooked.")

Enough linguistics. Let’s talk about goodness and taste By any name these new cookies from Back to Nature Foods are just perfect—made with ingredients you would not be ashamed to put on your table and in your mouth. They are just amazing.

Triple Ginger—just piquant enough and still sweet
Madagascar Vanilla—heavenly smooth
California Lemon—citrus snap and very refreshing

All taste like shortbread confections—rich, buttery and filling but they are actually vegan and not that caloric.

Back to Nature is a proud supporter of The Nature Conservancy and teams up with the Whole Planet Foundation to make a difference in developing nations.
http://www.backtonaturefoods.com

"Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?"

2010-08-02T22:45:00.000-04:00

Just mustard, you say? There’s mustard and then there is Grey Poupon, which has used the ingredients we recognize as personifying this brand for more than 230 years, with exquisite variations every so often.

Grey Poupon Dijon mustard is the best selling Dijon in America, and has frequently won top honors at the Napa Valley Mustard Festival. They have used the same honored recipe and first-rate ingredients since 1777—when, in Dijon, France, Monsieur Poupon agreed to financially back the development of Monsieur Grey’s secret mustard recipe.

A few more recent twists include Hearty Spicy Brown, Savory Honey and Harvest Coarse Ground. Each of these easily lend themselves to star not just as condiments but as an ingredient of mystery when combined with other ingredients to season an entrée or side dish. Need another reason to perk up your sandwich or add a bit of unexpected flavor to an entrée? National Mustard Day is August 7.

Iced Perfection

2010-07-18T15:12:00.017-04:00

This has been an exceptionally hot summer for most of us. It is the perfect time for Iced Coffee but if you want your coffee with ice to be as strong and delicious as when it is served hot, and you have a Tassimo Single Serve Brewer, you are in luck. New this season are two stand-out selections, both from Gevalia: Black Iced Coffee and Sweet and Creamy Iced Coffee. At first we were skeptical when we received a complimentary sample of each but these brews stand up to ice. Both have a bold taste that won't be diluted by ice and since they are single-serve portions, every cup will be as fresh (and delightfully strong) as the first. Order online at http://www.tassimodirect.com/tassimo/index.aspx and wake up to a refreshing iced coffee.

The Place of Food; The Food of Place

2010-07-18T15:06:00.000-04:00

Food is a precious commodity. What if the foods you love were no longer available? What if the ingredients you have relied upon and taken for granted suddenly could not be found or were in such meager supply that their cost was prohibitive?
Chefs Collaborative, along with project partner and author Dr. Gary Nabhan of Renewing America's Food Traditions (RAFT), announce the publication of Foods at Risk in the Gulf Coast.

As a result of the Gulf oil disaster, Foods at Risk in the Gulf Coast, a booklet containing essays by Richard McCarthy, Sara Roahen, Dr. Lance Hill, Louis Michot, Poppy Tooker and others along with scientific documentation regarding Louisiana's imperiled food culture, was quickly published.

"The Gulf Coast is home to America's most diverse and robust food culture," says Melissa Kogut, executive director of Chefs Collaborative. "This booklet serves as an important testament to the fragility of that culture in the face of this disaster."

"As an organization of chefs and culinary professionals, we are closely watching the impact of the oil disaster on the Gulf's food culture, as well as on this important domestic fishery. We support the Gulf Coast seafood industry and encourage our members around the country to do the same by continuing to buy the seafood that has been deemed safe by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) and the Food and Drug Administation (FDA)," says Kogut.

NOAA has closed 35% of federal Gulf waters to fishing; hundreds of miles of state waters have also been closed.

For the past five years, Chefs Collaborative has worked with Dr. Nabhan, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, Slow Food USA and others to document and restore endangered foods of the U.S. as part of the RAFT project.

Chefs Collaborative is the leading nonprofit network of chefs that fosters a sustainable food system through advocacy, education, and collaboration with the broader food community.

To download the booklet, see the Chefs Collaborative website.

Other useful links: http://www.slowfood.com/
     http://www.slowfoodusa.com/

Coffee and Wildlife

2010-07-13T06:28:00.000-04:00

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to make headlines. Whether or not the latest cap works, our hats are off to the National Wildlife Federation, on the front lines, helping assess the damage and providing valuable resources to restore vulnerable nesting and breeding grounds. We also tip our caps to Green Mountain Coffee^® a company that believes in working together for a common goal. Several of their coffees, including National Wildlife Blend and National Wildlife Blend Decaf, were developed to support a nonprofit partner with goals and values similar to our own. You can find out more about NWF’s on-the-ground response to the wildlife emergency in the Gulf, or lend your support to NWF’s efforts by purchasing National Wildlife Blend today, available in K-Cups or bags.

http://www.greenmountaincoffee.com

Protein from the Garden

2010-07-12T23:08:00.000-04:00

Here is a product line you might have overlooked--Gardein. Sometimes these delicious alternatives to meat as a protein source are on the higher shelves with the frozen vegetarian entrees or with the refrigerated fresh vegetarian selections.

The varieties are really inventive—beefless tips, buffalo wings (these are really hot), bbq pulled shreds, Tuscan breasts, chick’n filets, Thai Trio—to name only a few. Gardein is a savory blend of nutritious vegetable and grain ingredients prepared and slow-cooked to have the authentic taste, texture and nutrition of premium lean meat.

Available in individual serving sizes or entrée portions. Definitely worth looking for and asking for.

http://www.gardein.com/

Soo Foo, So Good

2010-07-07T22:00:00.000-04:00

SooFoo—the name is unusual and the nutrition and taste are very special indeed. Soo Foo is a gourmet, low-fat, sodium and cholesterol-free blend of U.S.A-grown long-grain brown rice; brown lentils; wheat berries; oats; barley; black lentils; rye berries; green lentils and buckwheat. Its Inventor, entrepreneur, author, film producer and master distiller Maurice Kanbar created and honed his “perfect” combination of ingredients over time after making SooFoo for himself in his own San Francisco kitchen. “I decided to call it SooFoo because it is super good food,” Kanbar recalls. SooFoo is 100 percent natural with five grams of protein per quarter-cup (45 grams) dry serving. A good source of fiber (with 16 percent of daily value per serving), it has no additives or preservatives.

The texture and taste are very pleasing and complement many types of dishes. If you cannot find it locally, you can purchase it from the company’s website:

http://www.soofoo.com/soofoo.html

Amy's Has the Answer

2010-06-29T23:19:00.001-04:00

You have decided to eat more natural foods but need to save time and maybe you have special dietary needs. Leave it to Amy's Ktchen to fill the need. Some of their newer offerings include: Gluten Free Dairy Free Mac & Cheese, Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Cake, Rice Crust Roasted Veg Pizza (Single Serve), Light in Sodium Rice & Bean Burrito, Light in Sodium Cheese & Bean Burrito, Light in Sodium California Burger, and their deliciousWhite Pizza, and Four Cheese Pizza. The family-owned and run company received so many requests from consumers for foods that fit with a variety of diets that they added these to their ever-growing list of never-disappointing healthy foods. If you are unable to find what you ae looking for in a store, you might be able to order it online: http://www.amys.com/buy/buy_online.php

In any case, their website has a lot of interesting information, including the answer to "How is tofu made?" and a new Amy's Diet Plan

http://www.amys.com/index.php

Green Mountain Coffee Delivers

2010-06-19T22:16:00.001-04:00

Perhaps by now you have been convinced of the fabulousness of single serve coffee brewers. There are a several different makes and each one brings something different to the cup. One of the benefits of the Keurig single serve brewer is the impressive selection of different beverages that its parent company, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, has available. Some of the newer offerings include the Emeril’s Vanilla Bean BAM, an infusion of lush Vanilla in a coffee that is bold enough to start with. There are other flavored coffees that are bold as well as flavored. And if you drink decaf, there are quite a few decaf brews to choose from, including a few that are strong enough to almost make you forget you are drinking decaf. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters recently acquired Timothy’s Coffee, so now, in addition to their own Green Mountain line, GMCR now includes Tully’s Coffee, Newman’s Own, Caribou Coffee and Timothy’s, which brings us the very strong Emeril’s coffees

GMCR also brings out seasonal blends to match the mood of a specific time of year. For summer, there is Green Mountain Coffee’s Summer Safari Blend ( a spirited blend of South American and East African coffee) and The Perfect Peach in K-Cups. These flavors may be fleeting but a new season will bring a new blend. There are five seasons of Limited Edition Fair Trade coffees at GMC, Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Holidays, which offer special coffees (usually, one regular and one flavored) created to represent the feeling of that time of year.

Holiday: Gingerbread, Spicy Eggnog, Holiday Blend (November through December)

Winter: Golden French Toast and Wicked Winter Blend (January through the middle of March)

Spring: Island Coconut, Spring Revival Blend (End of March, through May)

Summer: The Perfect Peach, Summer Safari Blend (June through August)

Fall: Pumpkin Spice, Autumn Harvest Blend (September through the beginning of November)

GMCR also released their Limited Edition Fair Trade Spring Revival Blend featuring, for the first time, Rwandan Fair Trade coffee to support the revitalization of Rwanda. They also recently announced their intention to convert two of their most popular coffees – The GMC Blend and the Vermont Country Blend® - to Fair Trade by Fair Trade Month in October.

By signing up for regular deliveries—you can change the time frame and the selection any time—you reap even more special benefits. To find out more, visit

www.greenmountaincoffee.com

Wake Up with (free) Waffles

2010-06-14T23:26:00.000-04:00

If you are going to be in Manhattan Thursday, June 17 here is a treat. Hampton Hotels is now offering freshly baked waffles at nearly 1,800 hotels nationwide and to celebrate, Hampton is teaming up with chef and TV celebrity Guy Fieri and his son Hunter and offering folks in NYC a free freshly-baked waffle! Also, the first 50 attendees to show up and present our Facebook invite will receive a prize pack including a waffle baker, waffle mix, Hampton apron and tote bag!

Event: Wake Up with Waffles

Date: June 17, 2010

Time: 6 a.m. – 12 p.m. EDT

Place: Herald Square Park, Manhattan, New York City, NY

Price: Free to the public

RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/Hampton?v=app_10442206389&ref=ts

Beyond Ordinary Gelato

2010-06-11T12:18:00.007-04:00

For an interesting article on gelato, take a look at the latest Wall Street Journal Magazine. Just click and follow the link to Will Snyder's gelato article "Cold Comfort" which was just posted on WSJ. Magazine's website and will be on newsstands Saturday--a delicious read.

http://magazine.wsj.com/category/gatherer/

Trompez la palette

2010-05-15T20:29:00.001-04:00

Thinking about cutting down your meat consumption but aren’t quite ready to go the straight tofu route yet? Have the best of both worlds with some new vegetarian entrees that will fool your taste buds. New and very tasty Morningstar Farms® offerings include Veggie Sweet & Sour Chik’n—vegan so it can be enjoyed by almost anyone—that features tempura-style veggie chik’n, pineapple, and red and green bell peppers on a bed of whole-grain rice – a delicious, microwaveable, meatless meal with 35% less fat.

Another satisfying delight is Lasagna with Veggie Sausage-- Layers of tender lasagna noodles, light ricotta cheese, savory marinara sauce and veggie sausage crumbles – a delicious, microwaveable, meatless meal with 42% less fat.

Hot and Spicy Veggie Sausage patties are a tasty caliente twist on their versatile veggie sausages and will make a perfect addition to any meal time. These savory sausage patties have 78% less fat and a great blend of peppers and spices that gives them a bit of a bite.

The absolute star of the new offerings—and they are all very good, indeed—is the Grillers® Turk’y Burger. These are Juicy, California-style veggie turk'y burger with 37% less fat, and a great blend of avocados and tomatoes.

Whether you are a confirmed vegetarian (for whatever reason) or just want to explore a bit of the veggie experience, try a few of these—you will not be disappointed.

http://www.morningstarfarms.com/

Eating like the French--an Attitude as Well as a Cuisine

2010-05-12T19:03:00.000-04:00

You know you are going to like this book when the author states in the ouverture: " My philosophy isn't about 'dieting' in the conventional sense, but more about eating sensibly and pleasurable." and this--"How are you at dealing with ambiguity? Do you ever have cereal for dinner? A snack?...What's a main course versus a side dish? Can sides be lunch or a side dish a main course?" Mais oui, we say!
Inside Mireille Guiliano's The French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook you will find recipes, of course--and tantalizing and practical recipes they are--but you will also read about a different way of looking at food. This is a companion book of sorts to the author's French Women Don't Get Fat, a non-diet book on how to enjoy food and stay slim (and non, it is not le smoking!) For many people, food and eating have become something to be tamed or managed. Rather than taking the What must I do without approach to eating, perhaps try the How can I prepare my favorite nutritional food so that I am content to enjoy it reasonable portions? As the book reminds us, the most pleasure of eating something we love comes with the first 3 or 4 bites. There is no need to gorge ourselves or feel deprived and grouchy because we are missing out on the foods we love. Remember portion proportion. In this day of repulsive shows that feature people stuffing the biggest pizza or most enormous burger into their mouths as entertainment, it is great to take a step back and take a look at how we can eat (what we love) to live and not live to eat. After all, there are consequences, n'est -ce pas?

Recipes include--Vegetable Curry, Salmon with Endives and Oranges en Papillote, Pumpkin and Apple Soup, Red Berry Smoothies, Yogurt and Oatmeal Cake, and Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal, and so on. But you will enjoy reading it even of you don't think you like to cook. You may even change your mind.

Published by Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster

More JOY of SOY

2010-05-01T07:45:00.000-04:00

SOYJOY, the all-natural nutrient-rich food baked with whole soy and real fruit, now has a new flavor and it is really good. BLUEBERRY—it is like eating a compressed blueberry muffin—delicious and no crumbly pieces or ingredients you shouldn’t be eating. SOYJOY contains no wheat, only ground whole soybeans, which are mixed with real fruit and nuts to add flavor and additional nutrients, and finally combined with baking ingredients, like eggs and butter. This bar is a real tasty on-the-go food--very handy to keep in your bag or briefcase.

Each SOYJOY offers a combination of complex carbohydrates, fiber, complete protein and fat, which helps to provide sustained energy without a lot of calories. SOYJOY offers a healthy and delicious way to satisfy hunger without overindulgence. The Blueberry jouns other flavors such as Peanut Chocolate Chip, Strawberry, Mango Coconut and Apple Walnut to name a few. Another new flavor is coming as well—and soon.

www.soyjoy.com

Food and Cooking,Vermont Style

2010-04-26T19:11:00.000-04:00

It isn't often that you find a cookbook or other collection of recipes that's also just a real good read. Dishing Up Vermont is one of these rare finds. Written with care and love by Tracey Medeiros with perfectly composed photographs by Scott Dorrance, (and published by Storey Publishing) Dishing Up Vermont is a delicious slice of Vermont's best.

The framework of the book is the Vermont Fresh Network, a catalyst that connects a network of Vermont farmers, producers and growers with chefs and the result is that local agriculture finds support and restaurants and food retailers find the absolute finest produce and other ingredients, locally grown and raised.
The book is well organized with several indexes so the reader can find a particular restaurant or food establishment, grower or recipe.

Some of the very tempting recipes include --Vermont Asparagus with Parmesan Pepper Crumbs, Creamy Vermont Winter Pumpkin Soup, Curried Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup, Maple Nut Muffins, Cranberry Apple Crisp, even Grilled Cavendish Quail, and Emu Steaks with Soy Ginger Sauce.

It is a joy to just flip through and read the book and take in the photographs, even if you only think about making the Smoked Salmon, Goat Cheese, Apple, and Watercress Salad with Honey Vinaigrette.

http://www.storey.com/

From Tap Water to Soda Water in Seconds

2010-04-15T22:17:00.000-04:00

We now how it is. You really like drinking healthier sparkling beverages but lugging the heavy bottles and then storing and recycling them is work. Consider a Soda Stream—the at-home soda maker. Whether you call it sparkling water, soda water, club soda or seltzer, you'll save on lugging, storing and disposing of cases of sparkling water, and you will save money since you can make your own sparkling beverages starting at only 25 cents per liter.

With SodaStream, you control the fizz. Enjoy lightly carbonated water…or seltzer so fizzy it will tickle your nose. You can even make your own flavored sparkling water just by adding a few drops of SodaStream's all-natural, unsweetened MyWater flavor essences.
There more than 30 sodamix syrups including dozens of regular, diet and caffeine-free options, including flavors like cola, lemon-lime, and root beer or exotic fruit flavors like orange mango and diet pink grapefruit and energy drink, sparkling iced teas and cocktail mixers. Each bottle of sodamix makes about 12 liters of soda (about 33 cans) for around 25 cents per 12-ounce can.

There are several machine models to choose from. (The Genesis is shown here.) You can order the carbonators from the company and they also offer a CO₂exchange.

This is a very practical product that makes sense if there are a number of people in your home who love seltzer, soda or other fizzy beverages.
http://www.sodastreamusa.com/

Meet the New Oatmeal in Town

2010-04-07T16:26:00.000-04:00

The gentleman in the Quaker hat had better move over. There’s a new oatmeal in town. Better Oats™, an innovative new brand of instant oatmeal from

Malt-O-Meal, will arrive in stores this spring. There are 34 unique varieties so they promise they offer a better option when it comes to instant oatmeal.

Made with 100% whole grain oats and ground flax in every pouch, Better Oats instant oatmeal is a good source of Omega-3 and is naturally trans-fat and cholesterol free. And each variety also has its own unique benefits. USDA Certified Organic RAW Pure & Simple™, for example, is made with five whole grains, including quinoa and barley; Abundance® is a fine source of fiber and a good source of protein, and Oat

Heads™, for kids, is a good source of calcium, Vitamin D and antioxidant vitamins A and E.

Some Better Oats varieties utilize old-fashioned oats and also sources quality ingredients, like real berries, premium chocolate, and singular spices, which contribute to the brand’s distinctively bold taste. Some other flavors are mmm … Muffins™ for a sweet start to the day, Lavish™ to satisfy chocolate cravings and Oat Revolution™ Thick & Hearty for an old-fashioned oatmeal experience instantly. Varieties of Mom’s Best Naturals® –which include Plain Grain Organic and Dark Chocolate – are found exclusively in the natural food/organic aisle in supermarkets nationwide.

Better Oats has also developed more convenient and environmentally friendly packaging And the Better Oats instant oatmeal pouch doubles as an easy-to-use Measuring Cup Pouch™, simplifying breakfast on-the-go. The space-saving package is also better

for the planet and the pantry, generating up to 35%* less waste than existing cartons in the oatmeal aisle and taking up less space on kitchen shelf.

Who is behind this new oatmeal? The Malt-O-Meal Company, founded in 1919, is the largest family-owned cereal company in the country. Malt-OMeal says it is their mission is to save consumers money by being the leading producer of high quality, affordably priced breakfast cereals. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, the company manufactures farina-based hot cereals, a full

line of oatmeal products, traditional all-family and kids’ ready-to-eat cereals, and all-natural ready-to-eat cereals.

The taste—absolutely amazing. This new kid lives up to the expectations and then some. Welcome!

www.malt-o-meal.com.

Applesauce to Go; no spoons--no strings

2010-04-02T22:09:00.000-04:00

Here is something really different—actually the applesauce is old-fashion good—it is the packaging that is new. Applesauce in a tube—you remove the cap (Keep the top away from small children but you probably won’t need to re-cap the tube anyway since the contents are so delicious.) This has been one of France’s favorite fruit snack brand and now it is available in the

U.S.

It is all natural, no added sugar goodness.Applesauce has never been such fun as it is with these new 100% fruit, squeezable and re-sealable pouches.

The story goes that in the 19th century, a very loving grandfather was determined to craft a special snack for his grandson. Using delicious apples from his backyard orchard in the Val De Loire region of France, near the Chateau Chambord, Monsieur Materne created a delicious and simple applesauce. The Materne company was born and would go on to become the most popular applesauce company in

France

.
Known as Materne Pom’potes in France, the brand has become the favorite fruit snack of children with more than 1 billion pouches consumed to date.

Each pouch of Materne GoGo squeeZ contains the equivalent of one fruit serving.
There are 5 scrumptious flavors, including apple apple, apple banana, apple peach, apple strawberry, and apple cinnamon. Go Go SqueeZ contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, is gluten and dairy free and Kosher certified. Roll out some applesauce and enjoy.
http://www.materne.us/homepage/

Rice Select----Very Select

2010-03-28T09:04:00.001-04:00

Here is a company that really knows rice. More than 30 years ago, RiceSelect™ introduced Texmati®, the first Basmati Rice to be successfully grown in America, and still the most popular because of its unsurpassed flavor and aroma. Now, RiceSelect, which also makes cous-cous, is offering an even wider variety of delicious rice and other dishes all grown and packaged in America, all inspired by cuisines from across the world.

The name is Rice Select but they are also well-known for their cous-cous. If you have never tried cous-cous, go for it. It is the perfect side dish or part of a main dish. Say you need a last-minute side dish—cous-cous is ready 5 minutes after you place it in the boiling water. RiceSelect™ now offers three unique Pearl Couscous items. The Israeli Style semolina pasta is toasted over an open flame. It absorbs flavors easily with a unique rich nutty flavor. The al dente buttery texture is a versatile accompaniment for a main dish and an alternative to a risotto style main dish. (Varieties include Moroccan style Couscous, Organic Whole Wheat, Original Couscous, Tri-color Couscous)

They also have three unique vegetable medleys. Each has been formulated to create a healthy, flavorful and all natural side dish. They combine bouquets of light brown rice, red rice with other ingredients such as dried corn, tomatoes, celery or carrots. The end result is an aromatic blend that is just perfect. You can replace water with broth; add tofu or chicken and you have a complete meal.
There are also the new and mutli-textured and very flavorful Royal Blends-- Texmati White, Brown & Red, Royal Blend Whole Grain with Texmati Brown & Wild Rice or the Royal Blend Whole Grain with Texmati Brown & Red Rice, Royal Blend Texmati with Red Rice & Beans, Royal Blend Texmati with Red Rice & Lentils. Both are more than rice—they will be standouts on the plate.Other never-fail products are their Arborio (for risotto) and Orzo (rice-shaped pasta).

Another thing we like about Rice Select is the packaging. Each comes in a sturdy reusable plastic jar that can double as storage for any number of things—in the kitchen or out.
The next time you are shopping, be selective and peruse the Rice Select offerings.
http://www.riceselect.com/

Coffee with a Conscience

2010-03-25T20:53:00.000-04:00

Peet’s Coffee, known for their quality, deep roasted coffee, recently introduced their Uzuri African Blend. Uzuri means "excellent" and "beautiful" in Swahili and is an apt name for this very special coffee. This very rich and flavorful coffee is the result of hundreds of hours of hands-on farmer training by Peet’s coffee buyers that generates an income increase for 6,000 small-scale farmers in

Kenya

, Tanzania and Rwanda..
This satisfying, full-bodied coffee is available for a limited time so you might want to look for it –it is well-worth the effort, on many levels.

http://www.peets.com/

Sparkling Essences in Unexpected (and Delightful) Flavors

2010-03-24T08:50:00.002-04:00

Sparkling Essence^TM from the R.W . Knudsen Family combines the subtle flavor of organic lemons, cooling mint, whole blueberries, and fresh cucumbers with the tingling sensation of sparkling spring water. They use real organic ingredients, brew them in pure spring water, and then remove everything except the essence. You can taste the result-- a light and refreshing flavor, but without any calories, added sugar, or artificial ingredients.

And the Cucumber is an unexpected delight. A very refreshing and very light taste that stands on its own but also makes an intriguing mixer instead of, say, seltzer or tonic water.

http://www.rwknudsenfamily.com/

The Little Bread Maker that Could...and Does!

2010-03-19T20:49:00.001-04:00

Maybe you have thought about getting a bread making machine, just to be able to have home-baked bread more often. But the thought of lugging around and storing a big box put you off the idea. The Home Baker Mini Breadmaker from Zojirushi is a little space-saver that might just change your mind. Not only does it do all the kneading and baking, it also makes home made jam. And it is just 8 ½ by 11 by 12 inches.

The Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker's 1 lb. loaf is the perfect size for smaller households to savor the taste of freshly baked bread everyday without waste. Its compact design also makes it ideal for kitchens with limited countertop space. Select from three bread textures (Regular, Firm or Soft). It also prepares dough, cakes, jam, cookie and pasta dough and has a sturdy handle for easy carrying and a user friendly easy-to-read LCD control panel.

Simply have the ingredients on hand and the next time you have a hankering for home-made bread, just get baking.

http://www.zojirushi.com

Clear and Free......and Clean

2010-03-17T23:17:00.000-04:00

Maybe you want to use plant-based cleaners but you don’t want the fragrance that comes with natural cleaners. Seventh Generation has an entire line of fragrance-free natural cleaners from fabric softener sheets and liquid, dish washer detergent in liquid and pre-filled pouches, to kitchen, bathroom and glass cleaners, tub, tile and bowl cleaners and more. Every product in the Clean and Clear line uses use natural ingredients and is completely free of perfumes or other fragrance but they still have the same cleaning ability of the original cleaning products and laundry line. They really work and the only thing missing is fragrance.

Utz to You

2010-03-16T21:39:00.000-04:00

It was sometime around 1921 and Bill and Salie Utz wanted to make a fresher potato chip. Almost a century later, having done that and more a long time ago, they have added some unexpected additions. Among some 19 new items are, on the sweet side, old-fashioned, chewy Grandma Utz Cookies, packed 2 to a bag for convenience, in chocolate chip, peanut butter and oatmeal raisin. On the savory side are the new Utz Nutz line that feautures bags of Salted Peanuts, Hot Peanuts, and Cashews.

They have also added some spice with Utz Mild and Medium Chunky Salsas and single serve Salsa dip cups. The single serve are a nice idea when a smaller portion will do.

Another mainstay, pretzels, have not been neglected. Now there are new takes on the famous Utz pretzels—portable 10 oz bags of Specials, Dark Specials, Sourdough Hards and Extra Thins, as well as 15-ounce family-sized bags of Honey Wheat, Butter, and Pumpernickel Select pretzels.

http://www.utzsnacks.com

Mini-packs of energy--and taste

2010-03-16T15:19:00.003-04:00

When you want a snack bar that is a little smaller in size but still packs the nutrition and taste you want, consider Clif Bar’s Mini Energy Bars. Each one is 28.4 grams of energizing ingredients that give you pocket-sized fuel and taste you keep you going. Tuck them in your pocket, purse, bag or backpack.

Delicious, convenient and organic, CLIF BAR MINI Energy Bars contain the same combination of nutritious and energizing ingredients found in full-size CLIF BARs. Joining the popular chocolate flavors—Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Brownie and Crunchy Peanut Butter—CLIF BAR MINI Energy Bars are now in a variety pack of three delicious bakery flavors—Oatmeal Raisin Walnut, Blueberry Crisp and Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch.

And the CLIF C Bar is another full-size alternative-- a fruit and nut bar made like a home baked snack. CLIF C starts with all-natural ingredients including a pinch of sea salt – just enough to bring out the true taste of the bars’ naturally sweet fruits and wholesome nuts. Two layers of distinct flavors and textures make this bar a healthy and great tasting snack, offering one full serving of fruit in every bar. The 70 percent organic CLIF C bars come in four flavors: Raspberry, Apple, Blueberry and Cherry Pomegranate.

Very handy to have around.

http://www.clifbar.com/

Tassimo is Terrific

2010-03-09T16:02:00.002-05:00

Single serve beverage brewers ensure a fresh cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate every time. If you like your lattes and other hot milk drinks, there is only one brewer—Tassimo. The newer Bosch single serve brewer is ready when you are and gets the most out of each T-Disc—the little pre-packages of coffee, tea, chocolate or milk creamer. Tassimo, from Kraft Foods, (who sent over a Bosch for us to test) recently introduced new Starbuck’s Latte and Cappuccino. (Tassimo uses innovative T DISCs and this technology enables the machine to read the barcode on each T DISC, ensuring that the brew temperature and amount of water are automatically adjusted for the perfect cup, every time.)

The Bosch brewer from Tassimo, is a welcome improvement on the already pleasing original Braun brewer Tassimo is the excusive seller of Starbuck’s coffee discs Including the new Starbucks latte and cappuccino, and Milka Hot Chocolate (Milka’s lavender signs were highly visible on the slopes at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.)

People who loved the earlier (and still available) Braun brewer will really love the Bosch. According to one loyal T DISC user: " I love Tassimo and my Braun, but Bosch fixed all the things I didn’t like about the Braun. With the Bosch, the system is ready to brew the minute you turn it on. No waiting for the water to heat. And it is quieter than the Braun…altho it does have a smaller reservoir than the Braun..."(This can be a plus, though—you are forced to add fresh water more frequently!) The Bosch is ready to brew as soon as you turn it on in the morning without waiting. It is much quieter and has a better filtering system and it tells you when the water level is low, and when the machine needs to be descaled.

There are some 40 hot beverage varieties all using the patented T DISC technology-- Tassimo brews premium coffeehouse quality beverages, including four distinct coffee blends from Starbucks®. Hot beverage choices include coffee, real milk cappuccino and latte, espresso, Chai Tea Latte, crema, tea and hot chocolate. The Gevalia Skinny Cappuccino—a delicate blend of the intense taste of Gevalia espresso and foamed fat free milk--and the Starbucks Lattes and Cappuccinos will enable you to enjoy these creations whenever you want. Tassimo uses T DISCs, which guarantee first-cup freshness every time. The energy-efficient flow-through water heater virtually eliminates pre-heat time, the sleek and space-saving Bosch design makes it very versatile and convenient. For instance, the cleaning T DISC is stored right in the back of the machine where any excess cord tucks out of the way as well. Another important point is that Tassimo's customer service is good. They do respond and help you resolve any issue that might arise.

For a closer look at all things Tassimo, go to http://www.tassimodirect.com/ to see the brewers and the beverages. While visiting this site you can find out more about the Direct Delivery option, a way to receive regular shipments of T DISCS delivered right to your door. You choose the T DISCS and how often you want them shipped. You can always change your product or delivery frequency online. So with the click of a mouse you will be able to have perfect coffee at the push of button, whenever you wish.

Less Hot, Hot, Hotter, Hottest

2010-03-06T12:11:00.001-05:00

Eating healthy shouldn’t be a chore. You don’t need to feel deprived. When you think of reaching the that salt shaker to add extra salt to your food, consider instead shaking a few (or a many) drops of Tabasco Sauce onto your pasta, potatoes, eggs, or other savory foods. Now you can choose from 6 Tabasco Sauces—each one different and serious: Original Red, Milder Green, Chipotle, Garlic, Habanero, and Sweet and Spicy. Each allows you to create variations on different dishes with just a few shakes. Take Pasta—Primavera or other sauce-less version. Add some Tabasco and the pasta plate takes on a whole new attitude. Tabasco, from the McIlhenny Company, Avery Island, LA to you.
Their website has more than 1,000 recipes to get you started.
http://www.tabasco.com/main.cfm

The Taste of Home-Made

2010-03-06T07:13:00.000-05:00

Here's a relative newcomer on the frozen dinners block--Michael Angelo frozen entrées. We tried the Vegetable Lasagna and the Eggplant Parmigianino and both were amazingly as good as what you would expect from an Italian restaurant—no exaggeration. There are quite a few other varieties—Four Cheese Lasagna, Chicken Piccata, Manicotti with Sauce, Cheese Ravioli and many more.

The company says they pick only the best vine-ripened tomatoes from the premium part of the season's crop, use the right, authentically crafted cheeses in each of their gourmet Italian meals, select premium cuts of meat and seafood and prepare them in-house and cook their meals from scratch every single day and ship to stores within 36 hours

Michael Angelo frozen entrees are available in several varieties and sizes-- individual or family sizes. You really can get the taste of a home-prepared Italian dinner from your freezer.

http://www.michaelangelos.com/

Beautiful Flowers, Beautiful Teas

2010-03-04T21:54:00.000-05:00

Here are five new HIBISCUS SUPERFLOWER TEAS, from The Republic of Tea. Each is an exotic, caffeine-free herbal bouquet of premium African hibiscus, a “Superflower” that brews a rich, full-bodied cup.

Teas made from hibiscus flowers are a very common beverage in the tropical regions where they grow. HIBISCUS SUPERFLOWER TEAS are made using premium African hibiscus, primarily from Nigeria. A tropical marvel, ruby-red African hibiscus shines through in these evocatively fruity herbal teas, revealing layers of flavors comparable to cranberry/citrus and gentle hints of rhubarb and raspberry.

The HIBISCUS SUPERFLOWER TEAS includes five herbal varieties: NATURAL HIBISCUS, unflavored pure hibiscus, HIBISCUS BLUEBERRY, lush, deep flavor of fragrant blueberries, HIBISCUS VANILLA APPLE, vanilla and apples reminiscent of apple pie, HIBISCUS KEY LIME, refreshing and crisp key lime flavor and HIBISCUS PINEAPPLE LYCHEE, luscious pineapple with creamy Chinese Lychee. Savor them freshly brewed and warm or iced in the warmer months

The teas are available in beautiful, colorful recyclable tins packed with 36 all natural, unbleached, round tea bags with no strings, tags and staples and has a suggested retail price of $9.50.

Available nationwide at natural and specialty food stores, cafes and through the www.republicoftea.com mail-order catalogue and by calling, 800.298.4TEA (832).

Delicious. And beautiful.

Versatile Grains with Crunch

2010-02-28T09:41:00.002-05:00

Here are some versatile cereals that you can also treat as a healthy snack. And what a great surprise that they are made with some of the most interesting and ancient grains.
All natural ancient grains and intriguingly complex flavors combine to create perfectly snackable Granola Crisps – honestly healthy, crunchy bite-sized flakes with all the whole grain goodness of granola.
Ancient grains date back thousands of years and grains like those used in Yogi Granola Crisps were the primary sustenance for early civilizations. Ancient grains have remained virtually untouched by modern plant science and are often a richer source of nutrients than modern grains.
Every cereal from Yogi contains an exclusive blend of five ancient whole grains:

Nutritious Oats contain soluble fiber that helps support a healthy heart.

With its mild nutty flavor, Barley is a natural source of antioxidants and helps reduce free radicals. Barley is also rich in complex carbohydrates and contains more total fiber than oats.

An ancient form of wheat, Spelt is higher in protein than modern wheat. It is also rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, and vitamins B1 and B2.

Delicately-flavored Quinoa was referred to as the "mother of all grains" by the Incas of the Andean region of South America. Quinoa helps sustain energy and promote vitality.

Amaranth is one of the earliest known food plants. It is indigenous to the western hemisphere and was cultivated by the Aztecs. Amaranth contains vitamin E for a healthy circulatory system.

Available in Baked Cinnamon and Raisin, Mountain Blueberry Flax and Fresh Strawberry Crunch—all three are deliciously crunchy and satisfying.

http://www.yogiproducts.com/products/perfect-cereal/

Naturally Clean; Clean Naturally

2010-02-17T22:40:00.000-05:00

When it comes to cleaning—your home, your clothes …you have many choices. Should you choose products that are made from natural ingredients? Even if you don’t have a well for your drinking water or a septic tank for waste, what gets poured or sprayed into your living environment and your clothes, eventually goes out into the environment in some way at some point. If the product cleans or softens to your satisfaction why wouldn’t you use it?

At Seventh Generation, they say: “We know your home is your world.. . For the past 20 years, it’s been our mission to help you protect your world with our naturally safe and effective household products.” And they make and sell what they advocate.

For example the Natural All Purpose Cleaner is non-toxic & biodegradable, hypo-allergenic, does not create harsh fumes, is not tested on animals, and is even Kosher-certified. And with ingredients including essential oils and botanical extracts* (citrus reticulata (green mandarin), mentha spicata (spearmint), citrus aurantium amara (petitgrain), citrus aurantium bigarade , it smells absolutely wonderful. And those plant-based ingredients are not there just for the olfactory effect, they provide real cleaning muscle, along with the other biodegradable ingredients.
Other great-performing and wonderful smelling cleaning products include: Blue Eucalyptus and Lavender or White Flower and Bergamot Citrus Laundry Liquid Concentrate, Wild Orange and Cedar Spice Kitchen Cleaner, Lavender Floral and Mint Dishwashing Liquid, Emerald Cypress and Fir Tub and Tile Cleaner. There are also Automatic Dishwasher detergent packs that work very well. When you use these products you will not only cleaning up, you will be cleaning with a conscience, with the welcome bonus of fresh fragrance.

As of this writing, Seventh Generation has saved more than 365,000 trees and 999,000 gallons of petroleum. As their motto says:

"In our every deliberation, we must consider the
impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.”

http://www.seventhgeneration.com

Very Appealing and Now Even More So

2010-02-14T21:14:00.004-05:00

Peeled Snacks offer healthy, organic dried fruit snacks in convenient packs. The different varieties include Apple, Apricot, Mango, Banana, and Pineapple. They really are good—even those who are unimpressed with the usual dried fruit suspects absolutely love Peeled Dried Fruit Snacks. Peeled Snacks are available nationwide in airports, gyms, resorts, hotels, and other convenience locations including Starbucks and Hudson News. Now, Peeled Snacks has created a special-edition snack pack, “The American Farms Sampler,” that includes the company’s delicious and popular dried apples and cherries, both grown on farms in North America. Peeled Snacks will
donate 10 percent of the sales of this sampler to support the work of American Farmland Trust (AFT).

As a special promotion for the month of February 2010, Peeled Snacks is offering free shipping on purchases of “The American Farms Sampler.” To obtain the shipping code go to http://www.farmland.org/snacks

American Farmland Trust is the leading national organization dedicated to saving America’s farm and ranch land, promoting healthy farming practices and supporting farms and farmers. As the vital link among farmers, conservationists and policy-makers, we’re focused on ensuring the availability of fresh food, a healthy environment and strong local economies across the nation. www.farmland.org

www.peeledsnacks.com

Luna-Licious

2010-02-10T10:16:00.008-05:00

They say these are made for women but anyone can love them. These new Luna Protein Bars are sure to please and they are so handy—you can take them anywhere so you won’t be tempted by less than healthy snacks. They are not meal replacement bars but nutritious delicious snack bars. The flavors— Chocolate Peanut Butter, . Chocolate Cherry Almond, Cookie Dough, to name a few—are as tempting as they are satisfying.

LUNA Protein is the first high protein bar for women that provides satiation with natural and organic ingredients. In under 200 calories, LUNA Protein offers 12 grams of soy and whey protein and 3 grams of fiber to satisfy hunger. It contains no artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup or trans fats, and no ingredients sourced from genetically modified organisms. It is also certified kosher by Orthodox Union (OU).

Look for them and other new varieties of Luna such as the inspiring White Chocolate Macadamia and pack a few in your briefcase or bag so you are ready when unexpected hunger or cravings start to play havoc with your good eating intentions.

Teas for the Spirit and the Body (and taste buds)

2010-02-08T18:38:00.001-05:00

How do you choose a tea to drink? On their website, Yogi Teas suggest you choose by either Mood, Flavor or Purpose. An interesting idea and you might want to take a look and see what you decide. There are more than 50 Yogi Teas, each one a discovery and sure to please.

But let’s concentrate on the Flavor and Taste. The Sweet Thai Delight Tea is just that—a delight of a tea with natural coconut and butterscotch flavors. The result is reminiscent of Chai Spice tea but then again different. Have it plain or add milk and perhaps sweetener to enhance the flavor. The Echinacea Tea has organic Lemon flavor and natural Cinnamon, Cardamom and Ginger Oils for a balanced intriguing and refreshing drink. The Green Tea Goji Berry says that it is naturally invigorating and with Organic Cherry, Blueberry, Raspberry Flavors, and Natural Lotus Flower Flavor your eyes will be opened.

Yogi Tea bags come individually wrapped with a tag that offers inspiring thoughts—for instance: “Strength does not lie in what you have. It lies in what you can give.” The Yogi Tea Collection takes tea beyond a simple beverage and into a way of living. There are organic and herbal teas that are grounded in ancient wisdom and in a simple, natural way of living. Whether you want to jump start the day, be a part of or recover from physical activity, calm the mind and clarify thoughts or revive the spirit and reflect on the world, there's a Yogi Tea to meet that need. And, each one tastes deliciously intriguing.

www.yogitea.com

FREE BUTTERMILK PANCAKES ON FEBRUARY 23 AT IHOP

2010-02-07T21:30:00.003-05:00

A way to get and give back--

National Pancake Day Celebration To Benefit Local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital

WHAT: In celebration of National Pancake Day, IHOP restaurants nationwide will offer each guest a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.

This year, IHOP is hoping to stack up more donations than ever before, with a goal to raise $1.75 million, for a total of $5 million five years with its National Pancake Day fundraising effort. To find a local IHOP or to donate online, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.

WHY: For every delicious short stack of buttermilk pancakes served on National Pancake Day, IHOP guests are invited to make a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network. Donations made at IHOPs in the New York area, for instance, will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network program at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, the Children's Specialized Hospital, the Schneider Children's Hospital a member of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, and the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center.

WHEN: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2010, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

WHERE: Participating IHOP restaurants nationwide.

Fun Facts From National Pancake Day 2009:

· Pancake lovers donated nearly $1.5 million to children’s charities, far exceeding the fundraising goal.

· IHOP served more than 2.5 million free pancakes on National Pancake Day 2009.

· All of the free pancakes served on National Pancake Day would create a stack more than 20 miles high.

· Since the inception of National Pancake Day in 2006, IHOP has raised more than $3.25 million and given away more than 6.1 million pancakes to support charities in the communities in which it operates.

· National Pancake Day 2009 was IHOP’s largest one-day event in the company’s 51-year history.

The first IHOP opened in Toluca Lake, Calif. in 1958, and as of September 30, 2009, there were 1,433 IHOPs in 50 states, Canada and Mexico.

www.ihoppancakeday.com

Very Choice Chocolate

2010-01-31T21:52:00.002-05:00

Here is an absolutely heavenly chocolate bar. Amano Artisan Chocolate recently launched its Montanya (70% cacao) chocolate bar and two new Milk Chocolate bars - Jembrana and Ocumare. To bite into them and savor them is to love them.

In 1996, Art Pollard decided that there had to be better chocolate than what was available in the

U.S.

So began his quest for the “ultimate chocolate.” After much research and experimentation, Art developed a process that incorporated both modern and ancient chocolate-making techniques. After studying chocolate manufacturing in Europe and further honing his skills, in 2006 Art and his business partner Clark Goble felt the chocolate was comparable to the very best European chocolate and Amano Artisan Chocolate company was created.

This is simply divine chocolate. The Milk Chocolate has the depth and smoothness of Dark Chocolate, but it is very much milk chocolate. And the Dark Chocolate—let’s just say you will never forget it. Amano has received numerous awards worldwide and is now recognized by industry experts and top chefs as producing one of the highest quality chocolates in the world. One taste and you will know why. These chocolates are meant to be savored

Amano Chocolate is available at specialty foods retailers nationwide and at amanochocolate.com.

Wine or Chocolate? Wine AND Chocolate!

2010-01-31T21:27:00.001-05:00

Valentine’s Day often brings about a small dilemma—present your beloved with a gift of delicious chocolates or a bottle or two of delectable wine? Nicole Hitchcock, Turning Leaf Winemaker has a suggestion—why not couple the chocolates with wine? Here are some of her pairing suggestions to give chocolate a new significant other.

Dark Chocolate, paired with Turning Leaf’s 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
  o The richest of all the reds, this wine boasts notes of vanilla and brown that perfectly complement   the bitterness in darker chocolates.

Milk Chocolate, paired with Turning Leaf’s 2008 Merlot
   o The fruitier character in this Merlot brings out the natural, bright flavors in classic milk chocolate.

White Chocolate, paired with Turning Leaf’s 2008 Chardonnay
   o A twist on the common red wine & chocolate pairing, the acidity level in drier whites, such as Chardonnay, cuts through the sweetness of white chocolate making for a more balanced bite.

Sounds interesting and this is an idea we have been seeing more frequently—pairing chocolates with wine or fine spirits. It certainly is a way to please multiple zones of your beloved’s (and your) palate.

http://www.turningleaf.com/

A Magical Apple (almost)

2010-01-28T20:55:00.000-05:00

Even if you didn’t know its intriguing name, one look at this beautiful fruit would clue you that this is no ordinary apple. The multi-tonal shades of red, orange and yellow—like a sunrise in the Cascades—fits the name—Piñata. But a bite into the perfect, sweet flesh confirms that this is one appealing apple that will delight your senses. From the Stemilt Orchards, (Stemilt is Native American for "foothills”) this delightful fruit has a high sugar and acid level and an intriguing tropical twist and satisfyingly juicy crunch. 2010 is the first time the heirloom varietal will be available broadly throughout the

United States

Piñata apples thrive in Washington’s ideal growing conditions and are picked exclusively by Stemilt in October, during the middle of Washington’s apple harvest, yet remains in storage beyond the autumn months in order to reach its peak.

This elegant new apple is a cross between Golden Delicious, Cox’s Orange Pippin and the Duchess of Oldenburg varieties. (A European favorite under the names Pinova or Sonata, the Piñata is a result of nearly two decades of development at the apple-breeding program in Dresden-Pillnitz, Germany. It was selected as the 2001 Apple of the Year in Germany. )

They knew had found a fruit rarity that was well suited for the Washington climate, so Stemilt Growers purchased the exclusive rights to grow and market this new apple in the United States and changed the name to Piñata to better highlight the apple’s stimulating attributes.

The Piñata resists browning when sliced and makes a satisfying snack by itself but characteristics like a thin skin and crisp texture, means it adapts well to cooking temperatures, making it an ideal apple for both baking and poaching.

But don’t take our word for it—try them yourself. You will not be disappointed. This is an apple worthy of a mythic legend. Apples were prominently featured in several Greek myths. The queen, Hera, possessed a few singular apple trees that were presented to her by Gaia. The magical fruit of these trees was sweet and shimmered like the sun. You might just feel a bit like Hera holding this almost-glowing fruit in your hand and then taking a delicious, regal bite.

The Piñata Apples should be available at Price Chopper, Food Emporium, King Kullen Food Emporium, Foodtown, Wegmans, Hannaford, and others.

http://www.stemilt.com

http://www.stemilt.com/Pinata/Pages/default.aspx

Take-Out from Versailles

2010-01-24T16:53:00.004-05:00

If you are in New York City, and are looking for something different and beautiful the next time you have to order breakfast, lunch, dinner or party food for yourself, for two or a room full of guests, you might try VersaillesDelivery.com , a one online stop for all your French refined food needs.

Versailles is a recently launched refined delivery service and caterer bringing the best of French Food to New Yorkers and they just became the exclusive retailer of Fauchon in New York City and offer a tantalizing selection of French favorites from Lenôtre Pastries, Petrossian Caviar, French renowned bubbly along with delicate teas, tempting chocolates and more fine delicatessen from Fauchon. All the best of french food in one easy online stop.

The gourmet boxes from Versailles Delivery provide the best of French food here in the

U.S.

and arrive covered with a golden "cloche." And if you are not in or even near NYC, you can still partake of many of the delicious and exquisite foods. Many of the gift boxes can be shipped anywhere in the US, including the brand new Love Boxes for Valentines Day- which you can find here. All the Fauchon, Petrossian and Artisan cheese items can be shipped as well. For obvious freshness reasons the daily lunches, dinners and gourmet boxes are only available in NYC through free delivery.

Definitely an idea you should consider for an elegant change. www.versaillesdelivery.com

Coffee Light, Just Right

2010-01-20T19:33:00.001-05:00

Farmland Dairy says that its new Special Request™ Skim Plus® Fat Free Half & Half is the most natural fat free half and half product currently available on the market. And we have to agree. Sometimes coffee with cream or half and half is what we want—but we don’t want the fat. So we tried the several brands of fat-free half and half. Trouble is, when the fat goes out, a paragraph-length of very un-food like names goes in., and often sugar. Sure, some of the others are thicker than the Farmland Dairy brand—but go ahead and read what is in that carton. We’ll take the creamer that is all natural. The consistency is more like whole milk, and that's just fine with us..

The Farmland Dairies’ new Special Request™ Skim Plus® Fat Free Half & Half is a delicious, fat free alternative for coffee or any recipe that calls for cream and is available in quart size (946 mL) containers for a suggested retail price of $2.99 and can be found in supermarket and convenience store dairy cases throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

So if you do not see it at the store, ask about it. Now you can have the coffee and the cream, with no spoonfuls of guilt.

www.farmlanddairies.com

Sweep Pet Hair Off and Away

2010-01-20T16:37:00.000-05:00

Building on the idea of those sticky rollers that you use to remove lint and hair from clothing, The Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair quickly rolls away hair from the beloved members of your family who walk on four legs and shed shamelessly.

The sweeper does a good job and when it is full--which will take a pretty long time--you dispose of it.

Just remember, please, as tempting as it may be, do not use it on the pets themselves.