Strawberry Delights; Sweet and Savory

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                                                                                               

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  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/