White Chocolate Ginger Cookies

(chewy cookies with a ginger kick)
makes 2 dozen big/over indulged cookies
makes 4 dozen smaller/less decadent cookies


INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste, can substitute vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger (we suggest using a microplane)
• 11 ounces white chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, salt and baking soda.
2. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer cream together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully combined. Add in the vanilla paste and ginger, mixing until just combined. Gradually add in the flour mixture 1 cup at a time. Add the white chocolate chips.
3. Drop by the heaping tablespoon full onto the prepared baking sheet and bake until lightly golden (12-15 minutes), cookies will appear still slightly soft in the middle, but will set up firmly as they cool.  (Note: For smaller less decadent cookies use a teaspoon measure and bake for 8-10 minutes). Using a spatula, remove cookies from the parchment to cool. Repeat with the remaining cookie dough.

Recipe from Terra's Kitchen.

Non-Dairy Dessert Ideas from Califia

There is a rising trend of Americans opting for plant-based, non-dairy products for varied reasons – whether they are lactose-intolerant, prefer the taste or want to eat fewer animal-based products. According to a recent Mintel report, sales of non-dairy milk were up 93.8% from 2009 to 2014.  Plant-based dairy now accounts for 20% of dairy case sales and is growing rapidly. And many of these consumers are not just drinking plant-based milk, they are also cooking with it.

Califia Farms, the fastest-growing natural beverage company, is making summer sweeter for lactose-intolerant and dairy-free ice cream lovers with specially-formulated, plant-powered, dairy-free frozen dessert recipes. From cinnamon vanilla milkshakes to coconut vegan ice cream, Califia Farms’ easy-to-make summer cool-down recipes promise to deliver great taste and refreshment to the millions who choose to go dairy free.

The cool and refreshing recipes that can be found on www.califiafarms.com include:

• Mango Chili Lime Sorbet made with Califia Farms Mango Chili Lime Agua Fresca
• Coconut Vegan ‘Ice Cream’ made with Califia Farms Vanilla Coconut Horchata
• Mocha Mexica Paletas made with Califia Farms Mocha Mexica Coffee
• Creamy Cinnamon Vanilla ‘Milkshakes’ made with Califia Farms Classic Cinnamon Horchata

To read more about these delicious recipes and Califia Farms, scroll down or click here: http://www.califiafarms.com/press-releases/dairy-free-desserts

Crispy Green: A Healthy Snack That Travels Well

A Healthy Snack That Travels Well

 A Natural, No-Mess, Lightweight, Low Calorie Treat for Anyone on the Move

Fairfield, N.J. – March 9, 2015 – When a snack attack hits for people and families on the go, Crispy Fruit from Crispy Green® – the 100% pure, healthy, lightweight and no-mess solution to snacking – is ideal for everyone in motion, from kids to business travelers, outdoor enthusiasts to moms and even the daily commuter. A smart and lightweight snack option, Crispy Fruit is simply 100% pure fruit, freeze-dried to perfection, resulting in a light, crispy texture for maximum taste and no mess.

Available in a wide variety of flavors including Tangerine, Apple, Asian Pear, Banana, Cantaloupe, Mango and Pineapple, Crispy Fruit comes packaged in individual, single-serving packets ideal for popping into backpacks, briefcases, travel bags, overnight totes and purses. Crispy Green pouches are even TSA-friendly, making for the perfect in-flight snack.

The entire line of Crispy Fruit is Non-GMO Project Verified and available in a convenient "Grab & Go" 6-pack (MSRP: $7.99) or individual, single-serving bags (MSRP: $1.49 each). Each bag provides approximately one essential serving of fruit at only 55 calories or less per bag.

Crispy Fruit is available online and in fine retailers such as The Fresh Market, Harris Teeter, ShopRite, Giant Eagle Market District, Earth Fare, Ahold, Schnucks, Dierbergs Markets, King Kullen, Safeway and selected Whole Foods Markets. Locate a Crispy Fruit retailer nearest you at www.crispygreen.com/where-to-buy.html. To learn more about Crispy Green, please visit www.crispygreen.com.
 

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Olive oil: the key to curing cancer?

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), long-known for its heart health benefits, has now been identified for its rapid destruction of cancer cells. While scientists have proven that the oleocanthal compound found in EVOO causes cell death in cancer cells, they have been unable to provide an explanation for this phenomenon until now. Paul Breslin, David Foster, and Onica LeGendre offer answers in their paper "(-)-Oleocanthal Rapidly and Selectively Induces Cancer Cell Death Via Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization (LMP)," published in Molecular & Cellular Oncology.

In their recent study, the researchers discovered that the key to understanding the toxic effect of oleocantha in cancerous cells lies in its reaction with the lysosomes of the cell, where the cells store waste: the oleocantha ruptures the cancer cell lysosomes causing cell death within 30 minutes to an hour while leaving un-cancerous cells unharmed. This suggests that the lysosomal membranes of cancerous cells are weaker than those of uncancerous cells. Because of oleocantha’s targeted damage to cancer cells, it may prove an ideal option for therapeutic cancer treatment. Paul Breslin, co-author of the study, said, "The mechanism of killing cancer cells and sparing healthy cells, lysosomal membrane permeabilization, has been hypothesized as a possible mechanism of effectively killing cancer cells and sparing healthy tissues but has never been realized before. Our realization of this makes this paper of particular therapeutic interest for cancer treatment."

The study’s focus on the effect of oleocantha on cancerous and un-cancerous cells leads to larger implications about the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in EVOO. Breslin stated, “the Mediterranean diet is known to be associated with a reduced risk of many different kinds of cancer. Whereas the entire diet likely has many benefits, this study points directly to the olive oil phenolic, oleocanthal, as playing an especially important role in these observations. As more people turn to the Mediterranean diet as a healthy life option, oleocanthal is growing in its significance as a key active component of this diet.

"(-)-Oleocanthal Rapidly and Selectively Induces Cancer Cell Death Via Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization (LMP)," is free to access for a limited time on the journal’s website.

* Read the full article online: http://www.tandfonline.com......
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Red Velvet Oreos

Just stumbled across a post at The Verge about Red Velvet Oreos and why they are probably fake. I had actually suggest Red Velvet Oreos to Nabisco through Twitter as early as September 2012, and maybe even earlier than that via e-mail to them.

I have to say that I'm not too sure about the reasoning The Verge uses to claim these are fake items. For one, they say they couldn't be real because Oreos only use chocolate or golden cookies. But there used to be a time when they only used chocolate and then later the golden vanilla ones came along. So there's precedent for new cookies flavors getting introduced. Of course, there was also a time when there was only one Oreo product, period. And Double Stuf was the first innovation.

The Verge also says that Red Velvet Oreos are fake because a Facebook group claims it was just for a school project. But none of the pictures shown at that Facebook group match the image shown in the Verge article. Odd...

And as far as the package size goes, I wouldn't say that's a deal-breaker by any means. If someone was purposely faking it it seems like they would go to extra lengths to match existing package sizes.

Now, none of these things mean Red Velvet Oreos are real. I'm just saying that The Verge's reasoning that they are definitely fake is not totally impeccable. I will also conclude this post by pointing to this Tweet.

UPDATE: The Verge has updated their piece to say it might not be fake.

Elbows Mac n' Cheese Teams Up With Breast Cancer Angels

Elbows Mac n’ Cheese Teams Up with Breast Cancer Angels to Support Those in Treatment and Their Families

OC-Based Mac n’ Cheese Eatery to Donate 10 Percent of Gross Receipts on National Pasta Day (Oct. 17); Invites Community to Join In Giving Back

ORANGE COUNTY Calif. – Oct. 6, 2014 – Elbows Mac n’ Cheese, the famous OC-based mac n’ cheese eatery known for its blend of classic American home cooking with gourmet international inspiration, is partnering with Breast Cancer Angels in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, in honor of National Pasta Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Elbows Mac n’ Cheese will donate 10 percent of gross receipts from both its Brea and Cerritos, Calif., locations in support of those currently undergoing breast cancer treatment, and their families. Guests are invited to visit either Elbows Mac n’ Cheese restaurant location on Oct. 17, and a portion of their purchase will automatically be donated to the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Breast Cancer Angels is an emergency necessities of life resource with a mission to provide financial and emotional assistance for people as they endure treatment for breast cancer. As corporate sponsorship pays for overhead, 100 percent (100%) of donations go directly to assist women and men in treatment. Breast Cancer Angels currently serves over 120 families a month who have a combined total of more than 130 children. Breast Cancer Angels assists in Orange County, Long Beach/South Bay, and San Diego, allowing the money raised in specific communities, such as Orange County, to benefit those undergoing treatment in the same communities, the epitome of truly helping a neighbor.

“At Elbows Mac n’ Cheese, we’re passionate about giving back and supporting the community,” said Punita Patel, owner and co-founder of Elbows Mac n’ Cheese. “Breast Cancer Angels is an incredible organization. Not only does it support the individual undergoing treatment, but also the family. Handling everything from grocery bills and housing needs to legal assistance and transportation. By providing this type of peace of mind, those in treatment and their families can focus on what’s important: their health and being together.”

Donations from this partnership will support Breast Cancer Angels’ programs and directly benefit those undergoing treatment in the Cerritos and Brea communities. Breast Cancer Angels’ programs include:

-       Food – the average grocery bill per household is $250 per month. Breast Cancer Angels provides those undergoing treatment with gift cards to the grocery market of their choice.
-       Housing – Breast Cancer Angels assists with emergency housing costs, up to $500 per month.
-       Clothing – throughout the year, Breast Cancer Angels provides gift cards to local stores for the children of those undergoing treatment.
-       Medical costs – understanding the extreme burden of mounting medical bills, Breast Cancer Angels, works to ensure that those undergoing treatment can continue treatment regardless of their ability to pay.
-       Transportation – Breast Cancer Angels provides gas cards or bus passes to ensure that those undergoing treatment can get to scheduled doctors’ appointments.

Offerings guests a casual gourmet dining experience that caters to consumers’ busy lifestyles, Elbows Mac n’ Cheese is a place where high-quality, fresh ingredients are a priority and service standards meet those of the best restaurants. Elbows Mac n’ Cheese uses fresh vegetables, gourmet cheeses and high-quality meats to create signature dishes and specialty creations, including “Living Fajita Loca,”“Do You Want a Pizza Me,” “So Shellfish” and “Cajun Sensation,” all designed to make guests melt.  Additionally, with its “build your own” mac n’ cheese offering, the cuisine combinations are endless. Elbows Mac n’ Cheese’s menu also includes fresh salads, classic soups and gourmet melts. Regular restaurant hours for both locations are Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

For more information on Elbows Mac n’ Cheese, please visit www.elbowsmacncheese.com or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. 

About Elbows Mac n’ Cheese

Elbows Mac n’ Cheese is owner owned and operated with two restaurants, in Brea, Calif., and Cerritos, Calif. The restaurant brings a new twist to an American comfort food favorite: Mac n’ Cheese. A place where high-quality, fresh ingredients are a priority and service standards meet those of the best restaurants, Elbows Mac n’ Cheese was founded in 2011 to blend classic American home cooking with gourmet international inspiration. Designed to be quick, comforting and delicious, Elbows Mac n’ Cheese is the kind of place where everyone will feel at home. For more information, visit www.elbowsmacncheese.com.

About Breast Cancer Angels

Breast Cancer Angels, an emergency necessities of life resource with a mission to provide financial and emotional assistance for people as they endure treatment for breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Angels assists in Orange County, Long Beach/South Bay, and San Diego. Breast Cancer Angels is an independent, not for profit 501(c) 3 organization and currently assists 120 clients per-month who have a combined total of 133 children. Breast Cancer Angels programs include housing, clothing and other needs, food, medical co-pays, gas/transportation, a pro-bono legal service, and more.  The money raised in a community will go to help a family in that same community, allowing donors to truly help a neighbor. Corporate sponsorship pays overhead costs, allowing the organization to give 100% of all other donations to assist women and men in treatment, and their families. For more information, visit www.breastcancerangels.org.

Quest Nutrition Bites Into New Snack Category

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A CRUNCH HEARD ‘ROUND THE WORLD . . .

QUEST NUTRITION BITES INTO NEW SNACK CATEGORY
WITH INTRODUCTION OF QUEST PROTEIN CHIPS!

High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten Free Chips Comparable to Flagship Quest Bar

Los Angeles, CA (July 25, 2014) – Quest Nutrition introduces the world’s first high-protein snack potato chip, offering consumers a revolutionary potato chip experience that’s actually good for you instead of being just “less bad”. Quest Protein Chips are the latest innovation from the makers of the #1-selling protein bar whose mission is to reinvent food by marrying amazing taste with perfect nutrition.  Quest Protein Chips are available for pre-order now and will be available for sale on Tuesday, July 29, 2014. Quest Protein Chips are sold exclusively via the Quest website (www.QuestNutrition.com) before launching at retail later this summer.

Two years in development, each personal size bag of Quest Protein Chips boast a full 21 grams of high-quality whey-and milk-based protein, only 5 grams of carbohydrates and are low in fat (1.5 grams). Quest Protein Chips have a percentage of calories from protein that is superior to many of the top-selling protein powders on the market. These revolutionary baked, gluten free chips will debut in three varieties – Sea Salt, Barbecue, and Cheddar & Sour Cream – with other flavors and sizes to come. 

“At Quest Nutrition our goal is to revolutionize food by making healthy versions of traditionally unhealthy foods that people love to eat. We’re excited to introduce a product that delivers all the fun of potato chips with the health benefits of a high-quality protein meal,” said President and Co-founder Tom Bilyeu.  “With the rollout of Quest Protein Chips, we hope to show our community of users that we are working tirelessly to give them the products they’ve always wished existed.”

About Quest Nutrition

Quest Nutrition is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.  Its products are available in more than 6,000 locations across all 50 states, in such retail stores as GNC, Vitamin Shoppe and Whole Foods Markets, as well as internationally in Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Brazil, Russia and other countries worldwide.  Quest products are also available through the website, www.QuestNutrition.com.  Follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+ or via the hashtag #CheatClean.

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