Is fruit juice good for you? Learn what the experts have to say

Is fruit juice good for you? Learn what the experts have to say

(ARA) - Fruit juice is something people of all ages enjoy, from toddlers to seniors. One glass is often the perfect way to start the day, as a refreshing treat, or a tasty mealtime staple.

Recently, though, there has been confusion whether juice is good for you or not. Many question the quantity you should drink or how much real fruit juice is in the beverages we consume. With many differing opinions about juice, it's easy to feel uncertain. The good news is nutrition experts agree that juice can be part of a healthy diet. The key is knowing what to look for.

The reality is that adults and adolescents in the U.S. are not eating enough fruits and vegetables. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently unveiled their recommendations for Americans with the new USDA's 2010 Dietary Guidelines. The new guidelines recommend that half your plate be filled with fruits and vegetables at every meal and snacking occasion. Fruits and vegetables can help people get essential nutrients such as vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which the USDA says we're not getting enough of. The good news is that a variety of foods can help satisfy those fruit servings - fresh fruit, dried fruits, canned fruits and 100 percent fruit juice.

How do you know if you're choosing the right juice?

With so many juices on the market, it's hard to tell the sugar-infused "drinks" apart from the beneficial fruit juices. The key is to read the label and to choose juices that are 100 percent fruit juice or have no added sugar.  

For example, look for juices that are a good source of fiber, potassium and magnesium. Fresh plum juice, such as Sunsweet's PlumSmart or Sunsweet Prune Juice, is a good source of these nutrients and one 8-ounce glass counts as one serving of fruit.

Need another reason to add juice to your diet? Here are some other ways 100 percent fruit juice contributes to a healthy diet:

* It may help maintain a healthy digestive system - Fiber-rich juices such as prune juice have long been accepted as an effective digestive aid, largely due to its gentle, laxative effect. Sunsweet PlumSmart is also clinically proven to help maintain digestive health.

* They contribute to the daily fruit requirement - One hundred percent fruit juice was a primary contributor to the percentage of total fruit intake, according to a recently published study by The Medscape Journal of Medicine. The study showed that fewer than one in 10 American adults and adolescents met their calorie-specific fruit recommendation. Thus, without the inclusion of 100 percent fruit juice in their diets, Americans would be even further from their daily fruit requirements and would be missing out on the key nutrients.

* Juice can enhance nutrient density of diets without affecting the calorie density - One hundred percent fruit juice often provides a more concentrated source of vitamins and minerals. The appropriate consumption of 100 percent juice is actually associated with a more nutritious diet overall.

* Drinking 100 percent juice has not been shown to increase the risk of weight gain or obesity among children, adolescents or adults. Contradictory to many misconceptions, based on the currently available scientific evidence there is no systematic association between the consumption of 100 percent fruit juice and the risk of becoming overweight or obese. This is the case in both children and adolescents.

* If you're watching your sugar intake, try mixing 100 percent fruit juice with water to reduce the sugar and calories per serving.  Also look on product labels for reduced calorie (light) juices, the absence of high fructose corn syrup and no sugar added.  

For more information about the power of juice, visit www.Sunsweet.com.

Tips for maximizing your fun - one day at a time

Tips for maximizing your fun - one day at a time


(ARA) - "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it" - Ferris Bueller, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

Let's face it; Ferris Bueller was right-- life moves fast. If you aren't ready to seize the day, you might miss out on some amazing adventures right in front of you: a beautiful day outside, a local musical performance, a spontaneous road trip to visit old friends. Any way you slice it, you don't want to be wishing you had been there.  

To be sure you aren't missing out, pick up these items and head out the front door! No matter where your adventures take you, you'll always be ready to live your life to the max.

Refuel on-the-go: Starbucks makes wholesome and delicious food readily available in grab-and-go packaging. New Bistro Boxes, including Chipotle Chicken Wraps and Sesame Noodles, are portable and resealable, so you can bring them anywhere your adventures take you. They're made with a balance of protein, whole grains, fruit, and veggies that will keep you refueled, refreshed, and ready for action. And all under 500 calories!

A good read: Find a mystery book, comedy story, romance novel or whatever suits your interest (rather than something everyone else tells you that you should be into) and you'll always have something to do while you're laying on the beach, relaxing at a cafe or waiting in line to see the latest blockbuster.

Icy cool: How can you make sure you're always energized and ready to jump into fun? That perfect iced coffee or tea can go a long way in getting you ready for the day. Luckily, all the classic iced beverages are available at Starbucks and made just the way you like them so you can stay refreshed all day long.

Ready for rays: You never know when you'll be spending time at the park, on the lake, or even on a road trip, and with the weather is constantly changing, the best way to avoid getting a sunburn is to apply sunscreen whenever you find yourself out under the sun. Plus, you'll avoid having to decline future invitations because you're too sunburned to get dressed.

Point-and-shoot: One of the best ways to spend your morning is going over all the hilarious pictures from the day before. If you always have your little point and shoot at your side you'll be ready to capture every moment of the day so you can keep sharing your favorite memories with your friends long after the sun goes down.

The best part? These things all fit in a purse or a weekend bag making it super easy to be ready to head out the door on a moment's notice. Just be sure to look around every once in awhile and not miss what's coming your way.

Easy nutrition tips for a healthy school year

Easy nutrition tips for a healthy school year

(ARA) - With every new school year comes the opportunity to start fresh, and beginning on a healthy note can help students succeed throughout the year.

Unfortunately, with bus schedules, homework, sports practices and other extracurricular activities to facilitate, parents have less time to focus on their children's nutrition. For the sake of convenience, many will resort to providing sugary cereals, fatty fast-food and empty-calorie snacks. These options are enabling childhood obesity and related health problems to rise at an alarming rate, and a number of national campaigns, such as Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Campaign, have brought improving children's nutrition to the forefront of the American health discussion. With a few tips, parents can find quick and easy solutions for healthy meals and snacks that their kids will enjoy throughout the school year.

Easy fruit smoothies
Breakfast is often said to be the most important meal of the day, but the rush to find book bags, get dressed and catch the school bus leaves little time to prepare a fresh homemade breakfast each morning. But you can avoid resorting to sugar-laden toaster pastries, cereals and other pre-packaged items and just as easily give your child a healthy start to the day. A whole fruit smoothie is a sweet way to give your children a boost of nutrients to help them stay focused and energized. Simply toss a combination of ice, fruits and even veggies into a Vitamix machine, and you can create an on-the-go power breakfast in seconds. These mighty blending machines are able to actually pulverize entire whole fruits and vegetables - stems, seeds and all - giving your child the full nutritional value of the produce. Vitamix offers hundreds of tasty, nutrient-dense recipes on its website and cookbooks, so your child is sure to find one he or she loves.

Sandwiches for a week
Although it may seem easier to hand your child lunch money, many children and young teens don't know how to make the best nutritional choices on their own. For those mornings when even making a simple sandwich seems too time-consuming, a little preparation can make a huge difference. When you do have some extra time, whether on a Sunday evening or after the kids go to bed, make a dozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, wrap them in individual plastic bags, and stick them in the freezer. They'll remain fresh, and you can toss them right into the lunch boxes. By the time lunch rolls around, the sandwiches will be defrosted and ready to eat. You might even use cookie cutters to create fun but healthy bite-size sandwiches that will thaw by lunchtime.

Salads: not only summer
Some of the staples of summer cookouts can be saving graces for parents during the school year. There are endless combinations of salads that can be refrigerated and easily scooped into small containers for portable lunches or snacks. Cut up a variety of your child's favorite fruits, sprinkle on some lemon juice to preserve, and refrigerate in a plastic storage container for a quick, healthy lunch side or after-school snack. Pasta salads can also be great options for the busy family - if you make a few healthy adjustments. Use whole grain pasta, plenty of crunchy vegetables and low-fat dressings and herbs for a healthy alternative to traditional high-fat recipes. You can also add lean protein such as tuna, chicken or tofu to make the salad more substantial. Refrigerate in a large plastic container, and you've got another quick and convenient solution for lunches and on-the-go snacks.

Happy trails
Kids need fuel to get through the school day, but sugar-packed snacks that are lacking in other nutrients won't provide the lasting energy they need. To help your child avoid an afternoon crash and also concentrate throughout the day, homemade trail mix is an easy, customizable solution. Traditional mixes usually include cereal, nuts and dried fruit, but you can easily adapt any recipe to best fit your kids' tastes. For a tropical twist, add dried pineapple, banana and mango. To satisfy a sweet tooth, yogurt-covered raisins are a healthy alternative to chocolate pieces. And for that child who can't get enough crunch, throw in some granola bites for a protein- and fiber-rich kick. Letting young kids help choose the ingredients and mix up the combination will create extra excitement and show them that healthy choices can taste great.

With a little preparation, you can help your child start off the school year right and maintain a balanced diet despite your hectic schedules. These and other healthy tips will help students - and their parents - have a fun, productive school year.

Think outside the bag: Five tricks to make kids' lunches fun and nutritious

Think outside the bag: Five tricks to make kids' lunches fun and nutritious

(ARA) - Parents are frequently faced with a challenging lunchtime dilemma: packing a healthy lunch for their kids, or packing one they'll actually eat. No parent wants to prepare a lunch only to have parts of it end up in the trash, so smart moms and dads are using simple strategies to take the brown bag lunch to a new level.

Here are five easy tips for making a wholesome lunch your child will love:

Colorful contents
You can take advantage of kids' love of colors and make lunchtime a rainbow smorgasbord. Try new fruits and veggies that pop with color, like yellow peppers, red grapes and orange apricots. When grocery shopping, let children choose their own items in the produce section. Kids are more likely to eat the healthy items they've selected themselves.

Dipping delight
Kids love to dip, and if they have a favorite dip or sauce, they will be more inclined to eat all their fruit and veggies. Try packing a favorite salad dressing or flavorful hummus for veggies like broccoli or carrots. Yogurt can be a healthy dip for fruit, graham crackers or vanilla wafers, while mustard or soft cheese work great for snacks like crackers or pretzels.

Sandwich fun
Sandwiches are the go-to lunch item for more than 70 percent of moms, according to a recent survey conducted by Wakefield Research. Try turning an ordinary sandwich into something special by experimenting with exciting shapes. New Goldfish Sandwich bread from Pepperidge Farm is a fun crust-free bread option designed with the familiar Goldfish shape in mind-and comes complete with the trademark Goldfish smile. With 3 grams of fiber per roll, along with essential vitamins and minerals and no high-fructose corn syrup, this wholesome bread is sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike.

Creative alternatives
Just like adults, kids can get bored eating the same food day after day, so don't hesitate to shake things up. Try revamping the classic PB&J with a fun twist by layering on some sliced bananas, honey or cinnamon as an alternative to jelly. For meat-based sandwiches, add some pizzazz by using thinly sliced apples for a sweet crunch, or a new type of cheese that adds a bit of protein and calcium to the meal.

Presentation counts
Kids love to open their lunchbox to brightly-wrapped treats. Whether you turn to creative bag designs or colored plastic wrap, this fun packaging makes unwrapping lunch like unwrapping presents. Adding stickers and special notes can make eating even more of a joyful experience.

When lunch is fun and wholesome, kids will love it, and you can feel good about what they are eating. For more tips, visit www.facebook.com/PepperidgeFarm.

Ways for modern moms to prepare meals quickly and efficiently

Ways for modern moms to prepare meals quickly and efficiently

(ARA) - Juggling work, parenting and homemaking, a "modern mom" is the quintessential multi-tasker, and with 75 percent of meals being prepared at home, getting wholesome family meals on the table is at the top of the daily to do list.

As you, the modern mom in your household, are already starved for time, making meals that are quick and effortless go hand in hand. Consider then, adding an invaluable helper to the kitchen: a toaster oven.

For centuries the kitchen has been considered the heart of the home; this is where your children and their friends hang out, where special occasions take place and where hurried weeknight dinners are held. Being able to gather with friends and family in the kitchen ensures the making of memories you will cherish for years to come.

With the help of a versatile toaster oven, you can prepare delicious meals, focus less on cooking, use less energy than a conventional oven and spend more quality time with your loved ones. And because sandwiches allow creativity and are easy to prepare, Black & Decker's appliances team put some modern moms to the test by inviting them to submit their favorite sandwich recipes to the Ultimate Sandwich Recipe contest. The winning recipe, by mommy blogger Melissa Cleaver, was the "Nacho Ordinary Sandwich;" a fun, delicious, and unique combination of sandwiches and nachos.

To prepare the Nacho Ordinary Sandwich, simply follow these helpful tips provided to you courtesy of Black & Decker and visit www.blackanddeckerappliances.com/blog for the Nacho Ordinary Sandwich recipe.

Spend time with the kids.
Connect with your kids during busy weekdays by preparing the Nacho Ordinary Sandwich together and letting them customize it to their liking.

No time for homework and cooking? No problem. While you play teacher, cook the frozen chicken strips in your Black & Decker toaster oven, and its timer will let you know when the cooking is done.

You can also season and bake fresh chicken strips instead since the countertop oven lets you adjust to a wide range of temperatures, and its stay warm feature retains heat until you are ready to serve. Plus, with its large capacity, baking more than one sandwich for multiple kids is a cinch.

Plan a themed meal.
While a weekly schedule can be a lifesaver, special themed meals can help you bond with family over creative and interesting flavors.

Theme your night around nachos by serving chips and dip while sandwiches bake in the oven. Using the convection feature means your chicken will cook faster and evenly. If you're in the midst of family fun when the timer goes off, don't worry; the auto shut-off helps prevent overcooking.

Entertain for a fun occasion.
While weeknight dinners are just for family, your weekends can often be filled with guests and special occasions like birthdays. It can be especially convenient to have a toaster oven during holiday times like Thanksgiving, when cooking large meals can be daunting. You can cook all of a meal's individual components and then keep warm until your guests arrive, use the broil setting to brown the top of your special casseroles or heat up frozen party appetizers in a snap.

Whether you're feeding your kids and their friends, creating a themed meal or entertaining weekend guests, your toaster oven will prove invaluable as you prepare meals like the Nacho Ordinary Sandwich. Visit www.blackanddeckerappliances.com/blog for more recipes, including this one.

Nacho Ordinary Chicken Sandwich

Olive oil
4 ounces frozen Southwestern flavored cooked chicken strips
2/3 cup drained and rinsed black beans, mashed
2 whole wheat pita breads
2/3 cup coarsely crumbled multigrain tortilla chips
2/3 cup shredded Cheddar Jack cheese
1 medium leaf green leaf lettuce, chopped
1 medium Roma tomato, cored and chopped
4 pitted black olives, finely chopped
Sour cream
Guacamole
Picante sauce

1. Preheat Black & Decker toaster oven to 400 F. Lightly oil baking pan of Black & Decker toaster oven.

2. Arrange chicken in single layer and bake for about 16 minutes or until chicken registers 160 F when tested with a meat thermometer.  Remove from oven and keep warm.  Reduce temperature in oven to 350 F.

3. Meanwhile, spread half of the black bean mixture on the top of one of the pita breads.  Top with crumbled tortilla chips and shredded cheese.  Place directly on oven rack in lower rack position and bake until cheese is melted, about 3 minutes.

4. In small bowl, combine lettuce tomatoes and olives. Spread remaining black bean mixture on bottom of the remaining pita bread.  Top with chicken and tomato mixture.  Invert the cheese topped pita over the chicken mixture. Cut in half.

5. Serve halves with sour cream, guacamole and picante sauce for dipping, if desired.
Makes 2 sandwiches.

Survey reveals pizza preferences across the country

Survey reveals pizza preferences across the country


(ARA) - At any occasion, a barbecue birthday party or a casual dinner at home, eating together with friends and family should be fun and tasty.

Pizza is an American staple that can be uniquely customized for any palate and season. From favorite toppings to the most interesting pizza personalities, the Boboli(R) Pizza Survey tapped into more than 1,000 Americans' preferences and uncovered pizza penchants across the country.

Eat Your Vegetables
Farmers markets, grocery stores and backyard gardens abound with a plethora of vegetables for topping a pizza. Indeed, 76 percent of Americans agreed it's hard to make everyone happy when choosing what to put on their pies. Though the number one favorite pizza topping is pepperoni (64 percent), veggies like mushrooms (52 percent), onions (40 percent) and peppers (37 percent) won some votes from respondents.  Surprisingly, 29 percent of young adults ages 18 to 24 like a dose of healthy spinach on their pizza, compared to just 17 percent of those 25 and older.

While it may be difficult to decide on pizza toppings, the foundation of a pizza is an element most can agree on, as 43 percent of Americans believe the crust is the most important part of the pizza, followed by sauce (23 percent), toppings (21 percent) and cheese (13 percent). The majority also agrees that customization is key to making pizza at home; more than one-third (36 percent) of respondents said choosing toppings and sauces is the best part, while 22 percent prefer to pile it on and use as many toppings as they like.

Pizzarazzi
Lady Gaga wore a dress made of meat, and Americans agree (36 percent) she would dress her pizza most interestingly, too. Not to be outdone, Bear Grylls (23 percent), Charlie Sheen (18 percent) and Michelle Obama (17 percent) would also make interesting pizzas, while Snooki received only seven percent of votes, despite her recent residence in Italy.

Thinking Outside of the (Pizza) Box
Only one percent of Americans are getting the most out of their grills and enjoying the flame-fresh taste of grilled pizza, despite pizza's status as one of America's most popular foods. To grill pizza at home, simply follow these steps:
* Grill Boboli Pizza Crust 2-4 minutes per side, over medium low heat.
* Remove crust and pile on your favorite, pre-cooked toppings, such as grilled veggies.
* Grill pizza for 8-10 minutes until crust is golden.
 
Boboli Pizza Crusts allow Americans to enjoy all their pizza topping preferences and get creative in the kitchen. The versatile crusts, available in eight-inch and 12-inch sizes and Original, 100 percent Whole Wheat and Thin Crust options, offer endless customization ideas, and can even be used to create sweet dessert pies. Boboli 100 percent Whole Wheat Pizza Crusts provide 38 grams of whole grains per serving.

For more information, including pizza ideas, visit www.Boboli.com. Try these fun recipes from Boboli:

Very Vegetarian Pizza

Ingredients:
1 12-inch Boboli(R) Whole Wheat Pizza Crust
1 15-ounce package Boboli(R) Pizza Sauce
1/4 small red onion, diced
1/4 small zucchini, thinly sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup low-fat mozzarella, shredded
3 or 4 white button or cremini mushrooms

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet and spread the sauce over the crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Slice the mushrooms into thin pieces. Layer the crust with the vegetables and cheese. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and light brown around the edges.

BBQ Jerk Chicken

Ingredients:
1 12-inch Boboli(R) Original Pizza Crust
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 chicken breast, grilled
2 green onions, grilled and sliced 1-inch long
1/2 cup canned whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
Salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup bottled Jamaican Jerk sauce
1/2 cup Mozzarella and Provolone mix
1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon Parmesan, grated

Directions:
For grilling: Preheat grill for 10 to 15 minutes. Brush a dash of olive oil on each side of the crust. Grill crust 2 to 4 minutes on each side. Remove from grill. In a bowl, mix grilled chicken, grilled green onions, corn, beans, and pineapple tidbits. Salt and pepper to taste. Spread Jamaican Jerk sauce on pizza. Add cheese. Top with chicken vegetable mixture, and Parmesan. Place pizza back on grill to warm for 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Slice and serve.

A baker's dozen: 13 must-have products for a cook's kitchen

A baker's dozen: 13 must-have products for a cook's kitchen

(ARA) - Just because it's five o'clock doesn't mean the workday is over. In fact, 84 percent of women and 67 percent of men, on average, do some sort of household activities, such as housework and cooking, every day. With so much time spent in the kitchen, there are certain tools that you just shouldn't live without: especially those that make work easier, cleanup faster and results more professional.

According to Zack Bruell, chef and owner of four renowned Cleveland restaurants - Parallax, Table 45, L'Albatros and Chinato - the kitchen is the social center of the home. "It's also the place that requires the most functionality and top products to help you prep food, cook and serve - with ease."

Get ready for an instant update with these 13 must-have kitchen products:

Quality cookware
You can't get far without investing in a quality cookware set, such as Emeril's new stainless steel with copper cookware. The 10- or 14-piece set has internal measuring marks on sauce pans and stock pots for extra convenience and the copper bases heat food uniformly and fast.

Functional and fashionable faucet
What does a faucet have to do with cooking? Everything! Just think of how much time you spend at the sink, so why not update this kitchen focal point with a new functional and fashionable faucet? "You need a good faucet with a restaurant-style, pulldown or pullout sprayer for cleaning fruits and vegetables; but it's also important for fast and efficient cleanup," says Bruell.

The Moen Anabelle Eco-Performance faucet, available at Lowe's, features this unique design - with the added benefit of up to 32 percent water savings. And, to save time on cleanup, Anabelle is available in Moen's exclusive Spot Resist Stainless finish that does just what it says - resists fingerprints and water spots. Learn more at www.moen.com.

Measuring (and weighing) up
Measuring cups and scales are necessities for every recipe. How about saving a step with a device that measures both volume and weight? The Maxim 2-in-1 Jug and Scales makes this possible with a built-in digital scale. Capable of holding up to one full liter, it displays the weight on a small LCD screen.

Spice it up
Spice racks are convenient, but often take up valuable counter space. The 12-Can Zero Gravity Magnetic Spice Rack is a convenient way to store all your spices and herbs. Simply mount the shelf to your wall, allowing the magnetic canisters to be placed on top or hang beneath.

A cut above the rest
Whether you're carving your holiday feast or chopping and dicing an everyday meal, a good set of knives is a must. Cutco offers knives for all occasions and backs their performance with the Forever guarantee that includes performance, sharpness and replacement services.

Chop, chop, chop
Protect your fingers from sharp knives with the Chef's Catalog's Stainless-steel Finger Guard. Fitting around the middle finger, the guard allows you to grip food while still providing protection.

Heating up the kitchen
Never worry again if your meat creations are heated to the proper temperature. The Lakeland Kitchen Thermometer Fork has a digital display to ensure you can now serve up your favorite family meal.

Pizza, pizza
Who doesn't love a slice of good ol' pizza pie? Cutting the slice without losing most of the toppings is half the battle. The Pizza Pro, available on QVC.com, helps to eliminate this problem. Serving as kitchen shears and spatula in-one, you can safely cut and serve slices.

More cheese, please
Adding grated cheese to the perfect pasta dinner is now as easy as pressing a button. The Power Cheese Grater can shred, slice or grate up to two kinds of cheese - and even spices. This battery-powered device also offers convenient storage.

All-in-one
Today's blenders aren't just for making smoothies. How about one machine that can do the work of 10 kitchen appliances and perform more than 50 different processes? The Vitamix 5200 can help you prepare dinner by cooking soup, kneading dough, grinding grains and even make ice cream for dessert.

Baked to perfection
As you think about delectable desserts, you don't want to worry that they'll stick to the bottom of the baking sheet or pan. With the Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch Non-Stick Quarter Sheet, you'll be able to enjoy your baked foods without this worry. The ceramic coating helps to release foods without sticking and is dishwasher safe.

Cheers
You spent hours in the kitchen slaving away on the perfect meal, so don't forget the perfect wine to accompany it. And, to ensure you have the most enhanced flavor and finish, try the Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator. The patent-pending design speeds up the process: simply pour a glass for aeration. Its no-drip stand allows for easy clean-up and also comes with a travel pouch.

Cup of Joe
Whether it's your morning pick-me-up, or to spoil your dinner guests, everyone can enjoy their favorite beverage in no time with a Keurig brewing system. The unique single-beverage system allows you to select your favorite coffee or tea, press the button and in under a minute enjoy the beverage.

"Cooking should be a memorable experience - so work to create a space with products that celebrate all that it can be," says Bruell. Soon, with these 13 new essentials, you'll wonder how you ever managed in the kitchen without them.

The 10 best back-to-school foods to give kids a boost

The 10 best back-to-school foods to give kids a boost

(ARA) - As children head back to school, it is important to arm them not only with the newest backpacks and pencils, but also with a nutritious diet. While the lure of fast food and quick meals can be enticing, fueling kids with healthy foods and a well-rounded diet can be easier than parents think.

"A new school year provides a great opportunity for parents to teach their kids how to make nutritious choices throughout the day," says Dr. Alan Greene, a pediatrician and author of "Feeding Baby Green." "Whether starting the day off with organic milk or packing school lunches with lots of fruits and veggies, making a conscious choice to focus on nutrition as kids return to the classroom can start with a few simple choices at the grocery store."

To help parents get their children off to a nutritious start this school year, Horizon, the leading milk brand in the U.S., has partnered with Dr. Greene to develop the following list of the 10 best back to school foods:  

The back-to-school top 10:

1. Organic milk
With some studies indicating that only one in 10 girls and one in four boys meet their calcium needs, it's important to keep calcium-rich foods front and center in kids' diets. Organic milk, which is produced without the use of antibiotics, toxic synthetic pesticides or artificial growth hormones, is a great choice for lunchboxes and breakfast time. Horizon makes convenient single serve milk boxes that pack perfectly into lunchboxes and provide a nutrient-rich alternative to juice drinks and other nutrient-poor beverages. In addition, Horizon organic milk with DHA omega-3 is a good choice for breakfast beverages or paired with low-sugar, whole grain cereals. DHA omega-3 has been shown to support brain, heart and eye health.

2. Whole grain bread
The new U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that at least half of our grains be whole grains, so choosing whole grains for lunchbox sandwiches and wraps is a smart strategy to boost fiber and other important nutrients. One good choice is Rudi's Organic Bakery's 14 Grain bread. With just three slices you get the daily recommended allowance of whole grains.

3. String cheese
Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. If your child isn't a meat-eater, cheese is another high-protein option for lunches and snack time. String cheese is a great way to help your kids play with their food by pulling apart the cheese - and they will love munching on it too. Horizon has a variety of cheeses that are great for snacking. Mozzarella String Cheese and Colby Cheese Sticks are both kid-approved favorites.

4. Trail mix fixings
A variety of dried fruits (cherries, cranberries, raisins, dates), nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pistachios) and cereal (look for those high in fiber and low in sugar) can combine into one hearty snack for on-the-go kids. Plus, you can make an activity out of letting your kids create their very own one-of-a-kind mix.

5. Nut butter
Peanut butter, almond butter, hazelnut butter - they're all great for lunchtime sandwiches or on toast for an after-school snack.

6. Hummus
This protein-packed spread comes in a wide variety of flavors and even in single-serve packs for kids on the go. You can try it as a dip for veggies and whole-grain crackers or as a spread on wraps and sandwiches as a nutritious alternative to mayonnaise or dressing.

7. Granola bars
Granola bars can be a lower-sugar, higher-fiber alternative to cookies and candy bars. They are also great as after-school or after-sports snacks. Look for granola bars made with whole grains and with 10 grams of sugar or less. One bar that fits these criteria is Annie's Organic Berry Berry Granola Bars. Each bar is packed with 8 grams of whole grain per serving, is certified organic and contains no artificial ingredients, preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup. They're a perfect snack to replace high sugar treats.

8. Turkey breast
Turkey breast is low in fat and high in protein, and it can be a crowd pleaser in the lunchroom. You can also get creative with turkey as part of after-school snacks - think turkey and cheese roll-ups.

9. Fruit, fruit, fruit
Apples, cherries, bananas, oranges, grapes - fruits are an important part of a well-balanced diet. Try and vary what you offer. Different fruits provide different nutrients. When looking for organic fruit options, check out Earthbound Farm, which offers a number of organic fruit products nationwide, ranging from apple slices to strawberries to grapes, citrus and blueberries.

10. Veggies, veggies, veggies
Veggies like carrot sticks, celery, cucumbers, pea pods and cherry tomatoes are all great for lunchboxes and after-school snacks. Remember, the darker the veggie, the more nutritious it tends to be. To spice veggies up, you can think about serving them with a low fat salad dressing or hummus as a dip. In addition to organic fruit, Earthbound Farm also offers a full range of organic veggie products.  

For more nutrition or back to school food tips from Dr. Greene, you can visit www.horizondairy.com.

Fall gardening tips to extend the harvest

Fall gardening tips to extend the harvest


(ARA) - Kids are heading back to school, tomato harvests have begun to dwindle and the leaves are starting to change color once again. Another hot summer is drawing to a close. This does not have to mean though, that thriving gardens must to fade into blissful memories. Even as temperatures start to drop, cold-weather crops can extend the harvest well into the fall months.

A delicious fresh spinach salad would blend beautifully with a hearty squash or pumpkin soup after a cool fall day spent raking leaves or hiking through the woods. Plant crops to use in creative recipes, and feed your family from the garden all autumn long.

* Plants with shorter and cooler growing seasons thrive in the fall months. Consider setting aside a weekend for the entire family to get outside and plant some beans, peas and salad greens like lettuce, kale and spinach. Check out the region's average date for a hard frost, and calculate back the weeks needed to successfully grow a full late-season crop.

* Rotate plant location. For example, if peas were planted in the spring in one section of the garden, don't plant them in the same location for the fall growing season. Instead, consider using that area of the garden for spinach this time around. Rotating crops like this will help the garden's soil to replace and retain valuable nutrients naturally.

* Enhance the growth of plants with Miracle-Gro expand 'n GRO soil that contains plant food, allowing plants to thrive in both containers and gardens. When combined with water, soil permanently expands up to three times its original size to hold up to 50 percent more water than basic potting soils. And as a soil amendment, expand 'n GRO radically improves native soil conditions, whether sand or clay. For a great organic option, try using Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix or Garden Soil to help keep plants strong and healthy all throughout the growing season.

* The garden needs food to thrive. Feed edibles, whether in an in-ground garden or in container pots, with Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed Tomato, Fruits & Vegetables Plant Food Plus Calcium. One application will feed plants for up to three months - which is plenty of time for the fall garden to produce a harvest of delicious vegetables - and contains calcium to help plants grow better quality, longer-lasting fruits and vegetables.

* Keep an eye on plants as they grow, being certain to water daily and protect from the dangers of a hard frost. Monitor weather reports. If a hard frost is predicted in the area earlier than expected, cover the crops with blankets or plastic for the night, and uncover in the morning, once the threat of freezing has passed.

* Harvest plants as they reach maturity. Sometimes a chilly night with a slight frost can enhance the flavor if vegetables are picked during or immediately after the temperature drops.

* Enjoy the bountiful harvest. Miracle-Gro and America's Test Kitchen have recipes at www.miracle-gro.com/GroYourOwn to explore. Try them all using your own freshly grown produce and see which recipes the family likes best.

* Assign a family member to record the entire growing season through the winter frost, keeping track of what was planted, the date it was planted, the flavor of the vegetables harvested and even which recipes the family made and enjoyed with the produce. Use this information next year to better plan the fall garden and increase the amount of produce harvested.

The benefits of a plant-based diet - which one might be right for you?

The benefits of a plant-based diet - which one might be right for you?

(ARA) - Could we be turning the corner to becoming a healthier nation? As obesity rates continue to rise across the country and health-related issues take center stage, everyone from health experts and government officials to the American public are becoming more conscious of the role diet plays - healthy or otherwise - in a person's overall well-being and how the effects of poor nutrition impact our nation's burgeoning health care costs.

Vegetarian versus vegan versus raw
As some Americans are making strides in eating healthier, a growing number of individuals are becoming increasingly aware of the health benefits of a plant-based diet and are changing the way they think about food and how they eat. In another era, they may have been called vegetarians, but today's plant-based diets come with a number of options. There's the vegetarian diet - which can be broken down into a variation of sub-categories depending upon the specific foods consumed - the vegan diet and the raw food diet. They all offer different food options, but all are rooted in plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes.

The vegetarian diet omits the consumption of meat and sometimes dairy products, eggs, fish and seafood, depending upon the individual's own preference and personal beliefs. The vegan diet takes the vegetarian diet a few steps further, cutting out all forms of meat, fish, seafood, eggs and dairy.

Becoming increasingly popular in recent years, especially with the endorsement of Hollywood celebrities, is the raw foods diet, which concentrates on the consumption of uncooked, unprocessed and often organic foods. Foods are either unheated or cooked to a temperature below 104 degrees, with the belief that foods cooked at higher temperature lose much of their nutritional value. Although some raw foodies include raw meat products in their diets, the raw vegan diet is most common.

Health benefits of plant-based diets
All plant-based diets are believed to share a number of health benefits, including a healthier heart, reduced risk of certain cancers and chronic disease, glowing skin, a leaner body mass and increased energy.

Since individuals consuming plant-based diets generally eat more nuts, heart health is often increased. The "good" fats found in nuts - monosaturated and polyunsaturated - help lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels, keeping arteries clear. Nuts also are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and vitamin E, all found to be beneficial to a healthy heart.

Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which is not only good for your heart but also helps to flush toxins from the body, contributing to healthy skin. Plus, fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins A and E, also considered to be good for glowing skin.

Antioxidants - which destroy free radicals and help prevent certain diseases - are another health benefit to the plant-based diet. Consuming fruits and vegetables provides added vitamin C and vitamin E, two strong antioxidants.

"There are so many health benefits achieved by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet," says Anne Thacker, a registered dietician and recipe development manager at Vita-Mix Corporation, the nutritionally focused manufacturer of high-performance blenders. "Whether you plan to focus on a plant-based diet or simply aim to make a few healthy changes, adding more fruits and vegetables to your list will reap many healthy rewards in the long term."

Preparing healthy meals
Many vegetarian, vegan and raw foods can be easy to prepare - such as salads and smoothies - while others take considerable preparation. But quality kitchen tools, like the Vitamix TurboBlend VS, can help lessen the chore of preparing delicious and healthy meals. The high performance blender quickly whips up nutritious recipes, including vitamin-rich smoothies, zesty soups and fresh sauces. All the rage today is the green smoothie - a nutritionally rich blended beverage made with leafy greens, fruit, water (sometimes soy, rice or almond milk) and ice - which is easily made in the Vitamix. The following recipe for the Going Green Smoothie is a great way to start a healthy day.

Going Green Smoothie
1 cup green grapes
1/2 cup pineapple
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2  ripe banana, peeled
1/2  cup water
1/2  cup ice cubes

Place all ingredients into a Vitamix blender container in the order listed and secure lid.
Blend, beginning at low speed and increasing to high, for 60 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.

Yields 3 1/2  cups.

Beat the back-to-school food blues

Beat the back-to-school food blues

(ARA) - Going back to school often means hitting the books for ideas to create healthy lunchbox and after-school treats that kids will love. Luckily, the experts at the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) have developed a host of easy tweaks and creative twists that will keep you thinking outside the traditional lunchbox all year long.
 
Milk it: Don't forget the milk money. Studies have indicated that more than half of children aged 2 to 8, and three-quarters of children age 9 to 19, do not consume the recommended daily servings of milk and other dairy products. Replacing soda and juice with low-fat or skim milk is an easy way to eliminate empty calories and enhance the nutritional value of kids' diets. Milk and dairy products not only taste good, they are excellent sources of calcium and important nutrients like vitamin D, phosphorus, riboflavin and protein that growing minds and bodies need.

Go global:  Encourage your children to experience the foods of the world. Lettuce wraps are a great place to start. Pack a stack of iceberg lettuce leaves, grilled chicken strips, shredded cheese and a yogurt-spice dressing (cumin, mint and dill all work well). For younger kids, send veggie sticks with homemade dip made with Real California buttermilk, yogurt or sour cream. Even better, create cheese and veggie "sushi" rolls  by slicing cucumbers into one-inch rounds, scooping out the center and filling with your favorite cheese like Mozzarella or Cheddar. Finish it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added effect.

Make food fun: Lunch time is a break from the day's learning - why not make it even more fun with food? Instead of traditional cheese slices, try cubes and/or a variety of shapes. Cookie cutters work wonders on cheese and come in every shape imaginable.  

And when kids are eating at home, try some fun new takes on traditional meals:

* Kids love the idea of having breakfast for lunch or dinner. For a truly surprising option, try a scoop of cottage cheese (or frozen yogurt) topped with an apricot or peach to look like a fried egg, complete with strips of fruit leather "bacon" and pound cake "toast" on the side. This makes a great after-school snack as well.

* Or, transform the beloved grilled cheese sandwich into look-alike French fries by cutting the sandwich into strips and serving in a paper boat or fry bag with ketchup or fry sauce on the side.    

Say "yes" to sweet treats: Sweets aren't all bad. Why not let your child indulge in a cottage cheese "sundae" starting with healthy low-fat cottage cheese topped with strawberry preserves and sprinkled with chocolate chips, toasted coconut or granola. Fruit slices dipped in yogurt and rolled in granola also make a yummy, healthy lunchroom or after-school bite.  

Or, if you want to surprise your child with a frozen treat, try freezing yogurt sticks. Not only do kids love the way they taste, but they keep the contents of the lunchbox nice and cool. Remember, when you're preparing lunch to keep ice packs at the ready because dairy products stay their freshest at 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Armed with these tips and tricks, you'll be able to create fun, healthy and exciting school lunches that your kids will love. For tips and recipes featuring California milk and dairy products, visit www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com or go to Facebook.com/RealCaliforniaMilk for more delicious ideas.

Eat, drink and be merry: Top holiday getaways for a foodie

Eat, drink and be merry: Top holiday getaways for a foodie

(ARA) - It seems consumers can always manage to find a slew of excuses to celebrate the end of the year like Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year's and even wrapping up Q4.

Many individuals and families devote the holidays to visiting with friends and families or slipping away from the hustle and bustle for a little R and R, but the festive season is also known for eating. And lots of it. Turkey, hams, pies, pumpkins, stuffing, latkes, candy canes, chocolates, you name it, it is being consumed. So whether traveling far or near, here is a list of the top towns to get your eat on over the holidays:

Northeast
Bar Harbor, Maine

Peek out of the window of the bed and breakfast to watch snowflakes fall through the twinkling glow of a lighthouse. That's the kind of enchanting holiday experience visitors will find in Maine. Festivals, sleigh rides and shopping can easily fill a day, but to fill that grumbling belly, Maine lobster is a must. According to the Maine Lobster Council, most lobsters are caught between late June and late December, so skip down to the docks and watch the fishermen bring in their pots full of these fresh crustaceans. Then, find a local chef or a DIY recipe to cook up this prized seafood. Maine's natural beauty, delicious food and great camaraderie earned it top honors from Away.com as a quintessential destination for a getaway.

South
New Orleans

There are few places in the world that take food more seriously than New Orleans. Reaching to the city's strong French heritage, families and restaurants in "The Big Easy" have reincarnated a Creole custom called Reveillon, a multi-course meal that was originally served after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Many restaurants have a diverse holiday menu from foie gras to shrimp remoulade to turkey with chestnuts, and finish the courses with desserts like bread pudding or pumpkin cheesecake. Reserve some time to hear the caroling at St. Louis Cathedral, then get back on the food train at a jazz or gospel brunch in the French Quarter and see free cooking demonstrations by top chefs.

Mountain West
Park City, Utah

This old silver mining town is covered with snow, snow and more snow, which gives visitors a great excuse to snuggle up and sip on mulled cider by the ski lodge fireplace. It has been said that Park City has more chefs per capita than Paris, and the quaint but slightly funky Main Street is where most of the dining hot spots can be found. Start the evening with a selection of cheese on an aspen slab, and then please the palate with a London broil of elk or pomegranate-glazed pork tenderloin. Visitors can rejoice in getting a surprisingly good deal, too. At online travel site Orbitz.com, deal-seekers can find hotels for less than $100 a night.

West Coast
Portland, Ore.

Once named Beertown USA, Portland is known for its large number of microbreweries and micro-distilleries. Some of the country's best happy hours are here, as jolly patrons drink their way through more than 28 breweries within the city limits. Plus, the Food Network put Portland's food scene on the map when it was named as a "Delicious Destination" a few years ago. If beer and exquisite food isn't enough, the area has also become known as a premier coffee destination in the Pacific Northwest. Coffee, beer and food - that combination could even make the Grinch jolly. The Oregon Zoo also gets in the holiday spirit with its annual Zoolights event that includes more than a million lights along with live music, hot chocolate and other yummy treats. One of the oldest traditions, the Portland Christmas Ship Parade, can be enjoyed while dining on delectable local fare at the many restaurants that line the Columbia and Willamette rivers.

Caribbean
San Juan, Puerto Rico

Can't get enough of the holiday season? Celebrations run from November through mid-January in San Juan, where U.S. citizens don't even need a passport to enter. Catch a re-enactment of the nativity scene at midnight mass on Christmas Eve; then eat 12 grapes for good luck and party on the streets for New Year's Eve. Stop by the Winter Wonderland event at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, where snow activities find a short-lived home on the island. And keep an eye out for the SoFo Culinary Festival, when the restaurant community of Old San Juan features lots of food, drinks and music. Seasonal favorites here include suckling pig, rice with pigeon peas, and yucca and meat wrapped in a banana leaf, all typically served family-style. Before you leave the Caribbean warmth, stop by Bacardi's distillery in Catano, the largest rum distillery in the world with free tours and a complimentary drink.

Pasta meets sauce: secrets to the perfect pairing

Pasta meets sauce: secrets to the perfect pairing

(ARA) - "What's for dinner?" It's the question everyone loves to ask, and when the answer is "pasta," kids and parents alike are excited to share the table, counting down the minutes until it's time to eat.

Pairing the right pasta shape with the right sauce can be a supermarket stumper. Of course, if your children are fans of certain shapes or sizes, you'll know those varieties will bring fun to the table. But did you know that some pasta sauces cater to specific styles of pasta better than others?

Long cuts:
Spaghetti cuts are a traditional family favorite, and these long and thin strands pair well with just about any kind of lighter sauce. Tease your family's taste buds by combining spaghetti, or the thinner angel hair, with new sauce recipes from Barilla that bring Italian authenticity right to your dinner table. These sauces are all-natural, with vegetables sauteed in imported olive oil instead of water, and diced tomatoes instead of tomato puree. Some favorite recipes include traditional spaghetti with marinara and carbonara. For more robust, thicker pasta sauces like primavera, consider a flatter noodle such as fettuccine or linguine.

Short cuts:
Shorter pasta shapes have plenty of twists, turns and grooves for the sauce to better hug these styles. Sauces with vegetables and fragrant spices are best captured in shorter pastas like rigatoni, penne or shells to perfectly blend all the flavors in every bite. If your family enjoys a bit of spice, try combining Barilla's Arrabbiata Spicy Marinara sauce with penne to capture the tomato, garlic and parsley flavors with the spicy peppers. It's a very colorful meal, both in flavors and appearance.

Oven/baking cuts:
Cuts like manicotti and wavy lasagne are best used for baking in the oven and are traditionally paired with simpler sauces, such as a marinara or sauces flavored by mild herbs. They are the perfect pastas to combine with the new Barilla Toscana (Tuscan Herb) sauce, made with sauteed tomatoes, carrots and celery with garlic infused oil blended with oregano and marjoram. The aroma of this dish will have neighbors knocking on your door in hopes of joining you for dinner.

Barilla's new thicker, richer sauce recipes were designed to perfectly hug every forkful of pasta. Join in the hugging celebration by submitting your own perfect hug photo to the Barilla Facebook page at Facebook.com/BarillaUS.  Enter your perfect group hug, everyday hug or unique hug photo by Oct. 10 to win a trip for four to Italy. Visit the Facebook page for more information.

Fun activities to enjoy in the cool fall months

Fun activities to enjoy in the cool fall months

(ARA) - The fall brings beautiful new scents and sounds with crisp air, vibrant colors of leaves gently falling to the ground, crackling wood popping on campfires and the sweet smell of apples hovering in the kitchen.

To get the most enjoyment out of the fall months this year, venture out with your family and friends to enjoy some of these scents and sounds:

* Apple and pumpkin picking. Apple trees are heavily laden with crisp and delicious apples this time of year. Head out to an orchard to pluck the perfectly grown fruits off trees bearing your favorite variety of apples. Or take your children on a ride to a pumpkin farm. Let them run through the patch, inspecting every pumpkin for the perfect carving medium. Tall and skinny for a witch's face or round and plump for more of a clown face.

* Celebrate your favorite sport, family activity or just tailgate at any outdoor setting with finger foods that are quick cooking and easy-to-pack. Save on the utensils and use Old London Melba Snacks as the key ingredient to add any topper or perfect scoop for dip.

* Participate in a good cause. Fall is an excellent time to direct your energies and donations toward nonprofit organizations and charities. For example, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you can participate in a fundraiser for any breast cancer organization or donate funds during this special month. Old London is helping to find a cure by donating $0.75 to Breast Cancer research for each proof of purchase from any Old London product received through Feb. 6, 2012. Enter the UPC at oldlondonfoods.com.

* Get lost in a corn maze. Fall is the perfect time for long walks because temperatures aren't overbearingly hot and the humidity levels are much more tolerable. Dress appropriately for the cooler weather and see what fun you can have getting lost in a corn maze, or while taking an autumn nature hike.

* Feed the autumnal appetite. All of fall's exciting activities will leave members of your family feeling voracious. Satisfy their hunger - and create a delicious smell in your house - with a fall favorite of Apple Pan Strudel with Dried Cherry Puree, which brings together classic fall flavors and spices in one delicious dessert.

Apple Pan Strudel with Dried Cherry Puree

Ingredients:
For cherry puree
1 cup dried cherries
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons kirsch (clear cherry brandy)

For pan strudel
3 cups 100 percent apple juice
1 box of Old London Melba Toast Salt Free Whole Grain
2 pounds various apple varieties (such as Braeburn, Granny Smith and Fuji), peeled, cored, sliced thin in a food processor
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:
For cherry puree
Combine cherries and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, and then simmer two minutes. Stir in kirsch (clear cherry brandy). Cool to lukewarm and puree in a blender.

For pan Strudel
In a small bowl, mix sugar and spices, set aside. Mix apple and lemon juice in medium bowl. Add sugar spice mixture and toss to coat. Lay the Melba Toast in a single layer on a cookie sheet, and pour two cups of apple juice over each toast, allowing toasts to soak up the juice. In a separate 8x8 pan, cover the pan with a thin layer of apples. Using a spatula, lift the toast from the cookie sheet and place a single layer over the apples in the 8x8 pan. Repeat until layering process until done. Finish by spreading cherry puree over apples. Cover with one cup of apple juice poured evenly over finished pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Garnish with light whipped cream if desired.

The fall months are a perfect time to enjoy spending time with family and getting outside to enjoy the final warm days of the year. For additional recipes, visit Old London on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OldLondonFoods.

Wine lovers create their very own vintage

Wine lovers create their very own vintage


(ARA) - The popularity of wine in the United States is at an all-time high. In fact, the U.S. surpassed France as the largest wine-consuming nation in 2010, with wine shipments across the U.S. - coming from California, other states and foreign producers - at nearly 330 million cases, a record high for the industry. And, in 2010 the per capita total wine consumption was 2.54 gallons - more than one case.

With more people developing interest in a carefully cultivated wine and food lifestyle, a new trend is emerging: consumers creating their very own vintage. Take Bob Mollica from Boston, who recently bottled his 2009 Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon.

"It's always been a dream to have my own wine," says Mollica. "I wanted to find a way to create a California wine to enjoy and share with friends while continuing my day job here in Boston."

That dream is now a reality. He uses Estate Crush, a Lodi, Calif.-based custom crush winery that oversees the entire winemaking process.

Estate Crush provides clients a seamless experience from start - sourcing fruit from reputable growers - to finish. The end product is a bottled wine complete with a personalized label.

Grapes are harvested and taken into the winery where they are prepared for primary fermentation. Red wine is made from the must (pulp) of grapes that undergo fermentation together with the grape skins, while white wine is made by pressing crushed grapes to extract a juice and fermenting it.

To start primary fermentation, yeast is added to the must for red wine or the juice for white wine. After the primary fermentation of red grapes, the skins are pressed to extract the remaining juice and wine.

After the wine goes through secondary fermentation, it is is transferred to barrels to age - a process that can take anywhere from three to 36 months or more, depending on the goals for the wine. During aging, the wine is monitored and adjustments are made. Finally, when the wine is ready, it is filtered and bottled.

In recent years, a number of companies have offered custom labels on wine, but it's unusual to have creative control over what's going into that personalized bottle. The Estate Crush private barrel program lets clients adjust the winemaking protocol to make the wine to their personal specifications, and also involves clients in the process by scheduling tastings with the winemaker via videoconference or in person for important decisions such as oak additions and blend percentages. Clients can also adapt the size of the end product to their needs, ranging from one barrel (24 cases) to just one-quarter barrel (6 cases).

For oenophiles who haven't been able to find the perfect blend or who want an exclusive wine they can call their own, a private barrel program that allows them to create their own ideal wine might just be the solution.

How to host a girls' night in 'pairing party'

How to host a girls' night in 'pairing party'


(ARA) - You can always find a good reason to organize a girls' night in with your best friends. But why not spice up the theme of the gathering this time and host a "pairing party" featuring everyone's favorite ingredient: dark chocolate?

Pairing parties are great social events designed around the education and sampling of two ingredient themes. A pairing party combining the delicious varieties of dark chocolate with food and drinks will be a huge hit with your friends. Imagine the girls laughing over the different combinations of dark chocolate with drinks and food, making notes of their favorites and discussing the intricacies of all the flavor combinations.

As you begin planning your party, follow these guidelines to make it both educational and fun.

Tip 1. Invite your friends.
Invitations are very important for pairing parties, because you need to know exactly how many people to prepare for. A gathering of 10 to 20 is ideal. Give your party a fun name. Send invites out early, explain the purpose of the party - including the main ingredients - and request an RSVP. Invite each guest to bring a specific item.

Tip 2. Create your pairing list.
Plan the pairings that you will all sample during the party. Dark chocolate is a complex ingredient and blends well with many different flavors. For example, candied ginger and apricots taste delicious with Ghirardelli's Evening Dream 60 percent cacao Intense Dark chocolate, according to Leslie Sbrocco, author, television host and wine consultant. For drinks to compare with this treat, line up some smooth green tea, or white dessert wines like Sauternes from the Bordeaux region of France.

Tip 3. Develop an ingredient sheet.
Organize a tasting sheet, listing all the dark chocolate flavors and all food and drink ingredients that will be served during the party. On your sheet you can showcase recommended pairings - for example Sbrocco highlights framboise (a raspberry liquor) and red zinfandel with Ghirardelli's Twilight Delight 72 percent cacao Intense Dark chocolate. But also leave room on your sheet for your guests to make their own pairing preferences.

Tip 4. Determine serving ware and supplies.
Make sure you have the correct serving pieces and accessories on hand, including plenty of wine glasses and serving trays. If you decide to feature a red wine like malbec, which Sbrocco says pairs well with a savory and bold dark chocolate like Ghirardelli's Midnight Reverie 86 percent cacao, you'll want to serve the malbec slightly chilled in deep-bottomed wine glasses for best flavor. Small platters for nuts, dried fruits and even cheese varieties will also be very handy for your party. Make sure you also have plenty of corkscrews around, and provide your guests with wine glass charms so they can easily identify which glass is theirs.

Tip 5. Research everything.
Research your products and brands so you can share interesting facts about both. For example, Ghirardelli is partnering with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to promote the importance of early breast cancer detection. Specially marked pink ribbon packages of Intense Dark chocolates will have a code inside the package redeemable for a $1 donation to the NBCF. Enter the code at www.ghirardelli.com/intensedark for your donation to be counted. As you're serving different pairings, also educate your guests about proper serving practices for the foods and drinks.

Tip 6. Get conversations started.
Make a note of interesting conversation topics you can bring up to get discussions started, if needed. Since you'll already be chatting about breast cancer awareness, also encourage your guests to discuss the importance of early detection efforts and doing both monthly self examinations and yearly mammograms.

Hosting a pairing party is perfect for girls' night in and your party will be a hit with your friends. Before you know it, pairing parties will become a common theme for your group's gatherings.

Baking at home with kids is easier than you think

Baking at home with kids is easier than you think


(ARA) - Looking for a low-cost activity that brings the family together and produces delicious results? Try introducing your children to baking.

Involving your kids when preparing a meal provides time to bond as a family and can help kids learn a few basic kitchen lessons at an early age. When you start with bread or pretzel dough, you have plenty of simple and fun options that will lead to entertaining adventures in the kitchen.

From the joy your children will derive from making shapes with dough to the simple and tasty dishes you can make together, a day of family baking will leave your whole family smiling and satisfied.

If you're looking for a place to start, consider Auntie Anne's At-Home Baking Kit, which includes pretzel dough mix, yeast, and fixings like salt and cinnamon sugar to top your hand-twisted soft pretzels. Here are a few examples of the types of meals and snacks you can prepare using the dough as your base:

Pretzels: What better way to start than with something simple and delicious? Twist into the classic pretzel bowtie or keep it simple with pretzel sticks. Coat sticks with cinnamon sugar for a sweet spin on a savory delight. Or for a fun activity for the kids, create numbers, letters and shapes with your pretzels.

Appetizers: Beef up your pretzels by wrapping dough around mini hot dogs for tasty pretzel dog bites. Or cut dough into small pieces, coat with salt and serve pretzel nuggets along with a variety of your family's favorite dipping sauces like queso and honey mustard.

Pizzas: One of the easiest and most fun doughy recipes is the simple homemade pizza. Make mini crusts for each of your kids, lay out the toppings and let them go to town making the pie of their dreams. Also great for dessert pizzas.

Breakfast goodies: Monkey bread is a great family baking adventure. Your children can help tear the dough into pieces as you build your masterpiece, then have tons of fun ripping apart the finished product when they dig into the baked pastry.

Desserts: Fried dough is a simple yet divine snack, and you can add extra sweetness with chocolate, caramel or cinnamon and sugar. Or concoct some bread pudding for a sweet and doughy dessert that your kids are sure to love. Or try making apple dumplings for a crisp, sweet seasonal treat.

For more dough-based recipes, visit www.AuntieAnnesRecipes.com or try this easy deep-dish pizza recipe:

Dough preparation:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve contents of one yeast packet in 1 1/4 cups lukewarm tap water (105 F). Let sit about 2 minutes. Water temperature must not exceed 115 F.
2. Add one packet of Auntie Anne's dough mix to yeast/water mixture. Using a rubber spatula (or your hands), mix until dough ball forms.
3. Place dough ball onto lightly floured surface and knead until soft, slightly tacky dough is formed (approximately 5 to 7 minutes). Add a small amount of flour if dough is too sticky.
4. Place dough ball into a large bowl that has been coated with nonstick spray. Coat a sheet of plastic wrap with nonstick spray and place on top of dough ball, tucking sides down around dough (to prevent dough from drying out).
5. Place bowl in a warm spot (85 to 95 F) for 30 minutes so the dough can rise.

Pizza instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray pan with nonstick spray and dust with flour so the dough won't stick.
2. Place dough ball in center of pan and gently stretch the dough out to the edge. Press edges up the side of the pan to contain sauce.
3. Pour pizza sauce in center of stretched dough and spread evenly, leaving an inch of uncovered dough around the edge. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Optional: top the pizza with your favorite seasonings, meats or vegetable toppings.
4. Place pizza on bottom rack of oven. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese starts to bubble and the bottom crust is crisp. Baking times may vary due to oven variances.

Let cool, serve and enjoy.

Seven days, seven ways to put a new spin on potatoes

Seven days, seven ways to put a new spin on potatoes


(ARA) - Few things say "fall" like the crispness in the air, the bright colors of changing leaves and the warm, comforting foods that come with the season's harvest. While the classic recipes that you rely on year after year will always have a place on your menus, simple twists on a beloved vegetable will keep everyone clamoring for a prime spot at the dinner table.

Seven unique potato types mean you can try a new one every day of the week for a fun and varied menu plan. Not only that, potatoes are a healthy addition to your menu. At just 110 calories per serving, they're packed with essential vitamins and minerals and are a good source of potassium. A medium-size (5.3 ounce) skin-on potato has almost half your daily value of vitamin C, and no fat, sodium or cholesterol.

Try these recipes from www.potatogoodness.com to give your family new ways to enjoy a perennial favorite.

* Yellow potatoes - These buttery delights have smooth, golden flesh under a thin golden skin. They're dense enough to stand up to grilling, and using that method will give you crispy skins and a hint of sweet, caramelized flavor. Recipe to try: Grilled Potato Planks.

* White potatoes - Varieties with light tan skin and creamy white flesh are a great choice for making classic mashed potatoes. Because their flesh is dense, it becomes thick and rich when mashed.  Because the skin is thin, there's no need to peel before mashing. Spice up your favorite mashed dish with new flavor additions. Recipe to try: Chipotle Mashed Potatoes.

* Russet potatoes - They've likely been a fixture on the dinner table since you were young, but russets have more to offer than just the basics. Indeed, they're great for baking, because their flesh comes out light and fluffy, and the skin stays tasty and crisp. Recipe to try: Baked Potato Nachos.

* Petite potatoes - Kids love the mix of colors and adults love them for their concentrated flavor and quick cooking times. Prep is simple for potato salads - cook whole and unpeeled potatoes   your preferred method until they're fork-tender, toss with your favorite potato salad ingredients, and you'll have a dish that tastes as good as it looks. Recipe to try: Red, White and Blue Potato Salad.

* Fingerlings - Small and slender, these are popular on the menus of gourmet restaurants throughout the country.  A secret - they're easy to cook at home, too. They come in a range of colors and have a firm texture that's great for pan frying, which brings out their natural nutty or buttery tastes. Recipe to try: Pan Fried Fingerlings with Wild Mushroom Sauce.

* Purples - The vibrantly colored skin and flesh of these potatoes look like something out of your child's favorite fantasy book, but they're a healthy, delicious choice for everyday meals. They hold their shape well with cooking and their nutty flavor is a unique addition to salads or other side dishes. Recipe to try: Blackened Blue Potato Salad.

* Reds - Preparing roasted meals is much more appealing in fall's cool temperatures, and red potatoes are ideal for that cooking method. They stay moist and flavorful even after roasting. They retain their color, making a visually appealing addition to your table. Recipe to try: Roasted Pesto Potato Salad.

Experimenting with different types and preparations of potatoes may just help you find a new family favorite - it could even help you fully accessorize your kitchen. By entering "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine's Prize Tested Recipe contest, you could win a $500 monthly prize or even a grand prize of $10,000 in Frigidaire kitchen appliances. For more information, go to BHG.com/ptrcontest. Deadline for entry is Oct. 23, 2011.

Visit www.potatogoodness.com and www.facebook.com/PotatoesTatersAndSpuds to see more healthy potato recipes and how-to videos for inspiration.

Simple ways to break out of dinner menu monotony

Simple ways to break out of dinner menu monotony

(ARA) - With mom's and dad's work schedules running up against after school activities and homework time, the opportunities to share delicious meals are fewer and further between than ever before. If your family is crunched for time, relying on the same old dinnertime standards can become a habit. However, it might be easier than you think to break out of your routine and incorporate something different into your evening meal.

Sissy Biggers, lifestyle expert and mother of two, says she's always been on the lookout for new recipes that help her move away from the tried and true. "Because busy schedules are the new norm and were for me when my kids were growing up, everyone is looking for ways to cut cooking time and prepare meals that don't require a laundry list of ingredients or preparation steps," notes Biggers. Following are her top tips for making mealtime easier and more interesting.

* Use staples in a new way. You've probably got a pantry and refrigerator door packed with products that you rely on but don't use too often. But don't let those staples sit unused - they can be the key to making dinner different and more delicious. For instance, adding Hellmann's(R) Real Mayonnaise to chicken recipes like Parmesan Crusted Chicken, which has just four steps and four ingredients, can produce a juicier, crispier meal that your family is sure to love.

* Incorporate a single new item. There's a whole grocery store full of options just waiting for you - why not look for an ingredient you haven't yet tried? Adding a single new ingredient is an easy way to break the monotony without going overboard and cooking an entirely new type of meal. The bonus is that you'll be exposing your family to what could become a new favorite - and if they like it, you can try new cooking methods in the future.

* Get everyone in the kitchen. The old adage about too many cooks spoiling the broth isn't necessarily true. By gathering the family in the kitchen to help with dinner prep, you'll not only be distributing the workload to make things go faster, you may inspire a new interest in cooking. That, in turn, could lead your kids to look for recipes that they want to debut on your evening menu.

Adding a new taste to your dinner can start as early as tonight. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner of Parmesan Crusted Chicken ready to wow your family. Visit hellmanns.com for quick and easy meal ideas and vote for your favorite Hellmann's(R) recipes.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes  
Cook Time: 20 minutes  

1/2 cup Hellmann's(R) or Best Foods(R) Real Mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/4 lbs.)
4 teaspoons Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 425 F.

Combine Hellmann's(R) or Best Foods(R) Real Mayonnaise with cheese in medium bowl. Arrange chicken on baking sheet. Evenly top with mayonnaise mixture, then sprinkle with bread crumbs.

Bake 20 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Makes 4 servings.

How to turn your house into the finest steakhouse

How to turn your house into the finest steakhouse

(ARA) - With autumn approaching, appetites will soon be craving those big, hearty flavors that warm the soul. Imagine a fireside table topped with a succulent steak and a robust red wine. Think you need to make a reservation at the swankiest steakhouse in town? Think again. With a little effort, it's easy to recreate a savory steakhouse experience at home.

A number of cattle ranchers are selling premium cuts of meat directly to consumers. Of course, sourcing the meat is only half the battle; the other half is selecting a wine that can hold its own up against a rich, flavorful meal. For the perfect pairing, look to the American West.

"The success of a steak dinner starts with the cut and quality of the beef, but ultimately rests with the preparation," says Kristin Thornton of The Double R Ranch Co. "We take great pains to hand select and age our cuts of beef, so we also provide our customers with detailed cooking instructions to ensure a great dining experience."

While there are many ways to prepare a steak, Thornton suggests using The Double R Ranch's "steakhouse style" for a mouthwatering result. An ideal method for thicker cuts, the steakhouse style involves a quick sear in a cast iron skillet to trap the juices, followed by an oven finish to achieve the desired doneness. Not only does this method give home cooks the perfect steak, but it provides some additional time and space to finish up any side dishes.

The steakhouse method also provides ample time to open a bottle of red wine and let it breathe, and Thornton thinks you can't go wrong with a big red from California. "Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural complement to a decadent ribeye or tenderloin," says Michael Martini, Master winemaker at the longstanding Louis M. Martini(R) Winery in California's Napa Valley. "Its full body stands up to the richness of the cut, and the simplicity of a quality steak provides a remarkable canvas for illustrating the wine's complexities."

California Cabernet Sauvignon is relatively easy to find in stores, and many wineries also ship direct to consumers. "The steakhouse experience doesn't need to have a luxury price tag," notes Martini, "and just the right Cabernet Sauvignon can cost less than $20 per bottle."

The Louis M. Martini 2009 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon retails for around $18 and blends fruit from several prestigious vineyards. The result is a well-balanced, multilayered wine with aromas and tastes of red cherry, black cherry, blackberry and fresh sage. An underlying Dry Creek dustiness and subtle herbal notes are complemented by additional layers of chocolate and vanilla, which make for a decidedly complex and food-friendly wine. It can also be used as a terrific sauce for your steak. Here's how:

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
1 cup Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, wine, salt and pepper and pour into a saucepot. On the stovetop, bring the mixture to a boil until it thickens. Serve on the side as a dipping sauce.

With the main attractions selected, it's time to prepare some simple sides like baked potatoes and steamed veggies to accompany the meal. Then, break out the fine linens and china, light the fire or a few candles, and your steakhouse transformation is complete.