Other happenings

Odds ‘n ends posts about things happening in NYC area , plus leftover posts from original BIte of the Best site

Win One of a 100 Breakfasts Each Day, Now Thru March 20

Take a chance to win one of 100 bagel and cream cheese breakfasts each day through March 20, 2008. Winning baskets (a retail value of approximately $112) will each contain four coupons for 1/3 less fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese, four coupons for Thomas®' bagels, two stainless steel commuter mugs, two cream cheese spreaders, napkins and a cloth-lined basket. All the non-coupon goodies, of course, come embossed with the Philadelphia Cream Cheese logo. To enter (which you can do once a day) go to: http://tms.corsis.com/phillysoftiwg/page.do?page=front.html The first time you enter you will have to include all your data, but after that you will only need to enter your email address.

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:05-04:00February 11th, 2008|Other happenings, xyz misc|6 Comments

A Yogurt Especially for Expectant and New Moms

Expectant mother? The folks at Stonyfield Farm have developed an organic yogurt especially for you! YoMommy includes a blend of six live active probiotic cultures to enhance digestion and strengthen your immune system. Each 4-ounce serving provides 100 calories, 15 percent Daily Value of folic acid (helps prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida), 20 percent the Daily Value vitamin D (purported to help prevent pre-eclampsia) and a small amount — 32 milligrams — DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid that's good for babies' mental and visual development). As with all Stonyfield's products, YoMommy contains no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. Available in the dairy case this month, a 4 [...]

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:05-04:00January 1st, 2008|Other happenings, xyz misc|0 Comments

Happy Turkey Day!

Bonnie: Let’s talk turkey. Seriously. Tomorrow’s one of my favorite holidays, so instead of the product of the week, we’re talking Thanksgiving.

Not just the bird but the whole holiday

I love it as everyone comes to the dinner table knowing they’re there for the long haul. No eating and running. Each person settles in, ready for delicious food and interesting table discussion – at least in our home.

The menu? It’s one of the easiest to prepare, just with more components than usual, and with everyone expecting the same food each year (with an occasional tweak, as in a suggestion of adding truffles to the stuffing).

The meal just takes organization.

Once you’ve figured out the timing (such as when you’re serving your feast), you just put a defrosted turkey in the oven (think: large chicken), prepare some potatoes, some stuffing and a favorite veggie, and bake (or buy) a pie or two. And it’s done. Done!

I don’t suggest stuffing the bird before cooking. I think stuffing is both tastier (with a nice crisp crust) and safer to cook alongside the bird. If you do want to stuff the turkey, for safety’s sake do so just before you put the bird in the oven. Stuffed turkey will take longer to cook. Check to be sure the stuffing is at least 165 degrees F before serving it as you may have to put it back into the oven to be sure it’s been heated thru!

To me, what makes this meal most memorable is the interaction of family and guests. At the table there’s sometimes a new family spouse, or an about-to-be spouse, who’s trying to make his/her mark; other times it’s a couple sharing the news that they’re pregnant, or perhaps only one of them who utters, “Surprise! I’m pregnant!” It’s certainly never dull. Just be sure you have enough food and wine (BTW, a Pinot Noir from Oregon’s...

Bryan: “Gewurztraminer is a fine wine with turkey,” was the phrase uttered by the executive chef of the New York Mandarin Oriental in his thick German accent. We were discussing the special menu for Thanksgiving at the restaurant, and all the possible wine-pairings available for the evening. This was Thanksgiving done a bit differently; pressed turkey, smoked...

Eric: I’ll leave off where my brother stopped. Leftovers, who doesn’t like the Thanksgiving leftovers? One of my favorite parts of the holiday is the day after when I can look into the fridge and see the small plastic containers filled with a little bit of everything, from cranberry sauce to stuffing. I personally like to take a fresh baguette, cut it in half, and take a little bit of...

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-09-03T09:24:40-04:00November 21st, 2007|Other happenings|3 Comments

Locavore: The 2007 Word of the Year

locavore, n. a person who endeavors to eat only locally produced foods. Do you shop at farmers' markets, grow or pick your own vegetables and fruit and preserve it for the winter? Can you shake the hand that picked your carrots? Does the idea that fresh, local products are more nutritious and taste better drive your buying decisions? Then you might be a locavore! The word locavore— think LOCAL and omni-VORE — was coined in San Francisco a few years ago by folks suggesting that residents eat locally grown food whenever possible. Locavores try to consume food grown or produced within a 100-mile radius, a small step that helps the [...]

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:06-04:00November 13th, 2007|Other happenings, xyz misc|0 Comments

Arts & Ideas’ New Haven Holiday Season Restaurant Tours

New Haven Restaurant Tours: Devotees of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas’ popular food tours can indulge themselves in two tours offered during the holiday period. Vino, Saffron y Sofrito: Flavors of Spain and Latin America will take place on Saturday, Dec. 8th at 1:30 p.m. This tour begins with a wine tasting at The Wine Thief at 181 Crown Street and then moves on to chef Luis Bollo’s creations at Ibiza, 39 High Street, noted by Zagat for its “absolutely wonderful old world service and new world recreation of elegant Spanish cuisine.” The tour ends at Pacifico, 220 College St., where chef Rafael Palomino will share some of [...]

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:06-04:00November 7th, 2007|Other happenings, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|2 Comments

Load Up On Healthful Cranberries for the Holidays

From now through December, fresh cranberries are available — usually in the produce section — in 12-ounce plastic bags, which hold about 3 cups of cranberries. Select bags of mostly firm, plump, unblemished berries that are dark to light red in color. Avoid shriveled ones. Store fresh cranberries for up to two weeks in the refrigerator and up to one year in the freezer. Substitute frozen cranberries in most recipes calling for fresh. Wait until you're ready to use cranberries before washing them. Cook fresh cranberries only until they "pop," that is, until the outer skin expands and bursts. I often recommend cranberries and cranberry juice for its many health [...]

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:06-04:00November 4th, 2007|Other happenings, xyz misc|0 Comments

Turkey Talkline Now Open For Your Questions

The Butterball Turkey-Talk Line is marking its 27th year fielding questions about cooking your holiday turkey. In November and December, some 50 home economists and other turkey experts will take calls in English and Spanish. Call 1.800.BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372) from the U.S. or Canada (All hours Central Time): • Weekdays in November before Thanksgiving, call 8 a.m.–8 p.m. • On the weekend of Nov. 17–18, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. • Thanksgiving Day 6 a.m.–6 p.m. • On weekdays Nov. 23–Dec. 21 • On the weekend of Dec. 22–23, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. • Dec. 24–25, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. • Dec. 26–28, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Or visit www.Butterball.com and email your questions; during [...]

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:06-04:00November 1st, 2007|Other happenings, xyz misc|1 Comment

Global Dump Soda Campaign: 50 Countries in Discussion

If you're a Supermarket Sampler devotee, you know how much I dislike soda. It's just artificially flavored and colored carbonated sugar (or artificially sweetened) water. I prefer quenching my thirst with sparkling water (see Soda Club Seltzer Maker). So I was thrilled to learn about the "Global Dump Soda Campaign" spearheaded by Center for Science in the Public Interest and other national and international consumer organizations. Calling attention to the marketing of sugary soft drinks linked to worldwide childhood obesity, the coalition is taking aim at transnational giants Coca-Cola and PepsiCo and asking government officials across the globe to require the companies to cease all marketing of sugar-laden beverages to [...]

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:06-04:00October 30th, 2007|Other happenings, xyz misc|1 Comment

“Best American Fresh Goat Cheese”: Fresh Crottin

Vermont Butter & Cheese's new yummy Fresh Crottin won first place at the 2007 American Cheese Society and Best of Class at the U.S. Championship Cheese contest. It's a younger and lighter version of their Bijou that we reviewed earlier this year. Try the soft cheese in this or another favorite salad: Top arugula on a salad plate with 1 fresh crottin halved. Add 3 tomato wedges; sprinkle with 2 T shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, 1 T toasted pine nuts, and black pepper to taste. Drizzle with 2T olive oil and 1 T balsamic vinegar. Makes 1 serving.

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:07-04:00October 28th, 2007|Food & Drinks, Other happenings, xyz misc|2 Comments

Carvel’s Ice Cream Cupcake Cakes

Everybody’s rediscovering cupcakes — from fancy New York bakeries to wedding cake bakers. And now Carvel has gotten in on the trend with its ice cream cupcake cakes. Cake-and-ice cream cupcakes ($1.99) can be topped with their hard-shell chocolate coating, milk chocolate fudge, confetti sprinkles and more. What a great way to have your (ice cream) cake and control the portion size too! Available—also as cupcake clusters (4 to 12; $5.99 to $28) with icing that connects them together to form a cake—through February 2008.

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:07-04:00October 16th, 2007|Food & Drinks, Other happenings, xyz misc|2 Comments

Gluten Free Oats from Bob’s Red Mill

For folks with celiac disease: Bob’s Red Mill sells Gluten Free Steel Cut Oats and Gluten Free Rolled Oats. Oats don’t contain gluten, but commercial brands can be contaminated by contact with grains that do. Bob’s works only with pedigree-seed oat farmers and tests every harvest to ensure purity. Gluten Free Oats provide the same healthful fiber and iron as regular oats. The Rolled Oats come in a 32-ounce bag ($5.99); the Steel Cut Oats, in a 24-ounce bag ($4.99). Find them in stores or online at Bob's Red Mill.

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:07-04:00October 15th, 2007|Other happenings, xyz misc|28 Comments

Campbell Goes Pink to Fight Breast Cancer

If only Andy Warhol was here to see it: Campbell Soup will change the label of its two top-selling condensed soups from red to pink in October, to mark National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Campbell will donate $300,000 to several major anti-cancer groups to support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. The company went pink with top-sellers Chicken Noodle and Tomato Soup in October last year, and this year has doubled production of the limited-edition cans – to 14 million. They’ll be carried nationwide by some 60 different retailers.

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:08-04:00October 7th, 2007|Other happenings, xyz misc|0 Comments

Win an at-home Party with Chef Katie Chin

Real Thai and Simply Asia are celebrating the debut of their new website with a contest. Chef Katie Chin will visit the grand-prize winner’s home for a "Real Asian Made Simple" cooking party for up to 10 people (Approximate retail value, $9000). Other prizes: Katie Chin's cookbooks and sample products from Thai Kitchen and Simply Asia. To enter, visit www.realasianmadesimple.com by November 23.

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:08-04:00October 6th, 2007|Other happenings, xyz misc|1 Comment

Cocktail with a Cause—Absolut-Style

Absolut New Orleans, a limited-edition flavored vodka inspired by that great city, just recently debuted. This slightly fruity, somewhat peppery libation will be available only until November or until supplies run out. Absolut will donate 100% of the profits to Gulf Coast charities. A 750ml bottle retails for about $20. Try it with one of these cocktails: Absolut Rebuilder Combine 2 parts Absolut New Orleans, 1 part pineapple juice and 1 part orange juice over ice in a glass. Garnish with a lime slice. Absolut NOLA Bloody Mary Combine 2 parts Absolut New Orleans, 2 parts tomato juice, ¼ part lemon juice, 5 dashes Worcestershire Sauce, a pinch of salt [...]

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:08-04:00October 5th, 2007|Other happenings, xyz misc|1 Comment

Birds Eye Delicious Destinations Sweepstakes

Take a chance on winning a culinary trip to San Francisco, Chicago or New York. Each month from now through December enter Birds Eye's sweepstakes for an opportunity to win a culinary experience in one of those cities. One trip will be awarded each month, starting with San Francisco in October To enter, visit birdseye.com/inspiration; you will need a UPC code from a Birds Eye product. Each 5 day/4 night trip includes two round trip coach class air tickets to that month’s destination city, hotel accommodations and VIP culinary experiences. Retail value of each prize: $5,000. BTW, you can enter once each day, as I’m doing!

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:08-04:00October 3rd, 2007|Other happenings, xyz misc|35 Comments

Wash Away the Sodium in Beans

Now it's been proven. A study from Bush Brothers indicates that draining and rinsing canned beans literally washes away about 40 percent of the sodium. So before adding these nutrition powerhouses to your foods, just wash away the excess sodium -- and feel virtuous about eating high-protein, fiber-rich beans.

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:08-04:00October 2nd, 2007|Food & Drinks, Other happenings, xyz misc|0 Comments

How Nutritious is Your Breakfast Cereal?

Starting this fall, Kellogg and General Mills will be posting nutrition-content logos on their cereal boxes indicating the calories, fat, salt, sugars and two other manufacturer-chosen nutrients in each serving. These logos will also indicate how these numbers fit into the recommended daily intake. Currently there is no standard logo, so individual companies are devising their own. Stay tuned, as the the Food and Drug Administration is looking into a standard format, but that could take years. Until then, this is a big step for those concerned about nutrition.

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:08-04:00October 2nd, 2007|Other happenings, xyz misc|0 Comments

Joint Health in a Glass

Baby Boomers and others with aching knees take note: Several companies are selling drinks fortified with glucosamine, a nutrient believed to promote joint health. Joint Juice Fitness contains 1500 mg of glucosamine, while Elations delivers the same plus 1200 mg of chondroitin (often used along with glucosamine). Not to be outdone, Minute Maid is selling Active Enhanced Orange Juice, with 750 mg of glucosamine per 8 ounce serving.

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:09-04:00September 29th, 2007|Other happenings, xyz misc|0 Comments

$50,000 Grand Prize Winning Best of Beef Recipe

Christine Riccitelli of Incline Village, NV won the 27th National Beef Cook-Off® in Chicago last week with this recipe. Interesting—isn’t it—that it's a slow-cooking recipe, not one that’s on the table quickly? Nuevo Chipotle Beef in Butternut Squash Boats. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place 1 1/2 lbs lean beef for stew, 1/3 c water, 1/4 c tomato paste, 2 T brown sugar, 2 T balsamic vinegar, 2 t ground chipotle pepper, 1 t cumin, 1/2 t salt and 1/2 t black pepper in a stock pot. Cover and bake in a preheated 325-degree oven for 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours or until beef is fork tender. Meanwhile [...]

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:09-04:00September 28th, 2007|Entrees, Other happenings, Recipes, xyz misc|1 Comment

M&M’s Razzberry Chocolate Candies

I do like M&M’s, so I was curious about their first fruit-flavored variety, Razzberry Chocolate Candies. They’re bigger than the original M&M’s, the chocolate inside the bright pink candy coating is not quite as creamy as the original, and they have a distinctive (not overwhelming) raspberry flavor. My advice? Stick to your original milk chocolate ones. But, if you’re curious too, grab a bag now; they’ll only be available through October.

By Bonnie Tandy Leblang|2017-08-31T16:21:09-04:00September 27th, 2007|Food & Drinks, Other happenings, xyz misc|4 Comments