Tag Archives: Food

WATERCOLOR SNACKS by Volta Voloshin-Smith

From a syrup-drenched stack of fluffy pancakes and a perfectly golden-brown flaky croissant for breakfast to an overflowing bowl of comforting ramen (complete with egg, meat, mushrooms, and nori sheets!) for dinner and an adorably sweet three-layer frosted strawberry cake for dessert, Watercolor Snacks: Inspiring Lessons for Sketching and Painting Your Favorite Foods [978-1681987156, $24.95, Rocky Nook, July 2021] by Volta Voloshin-Smith details everything needed to create mouthwatering images for every meal of the day.

Perfect for food lovers, beginning artists, and anyone who wants to explore the world of watercolors through easy and accessible prompts and exercises, Watercolor Snacks is a colorful guide that walks you through basic techniques and how to apply them to create beautiful, delicious-looking paintings. Noted artist and instructor Volta Voloshin-Smith shares step-by-step lessons for sketching and painting 35+ foods for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, dessert, and drinks.

Voloshin-Smith, who grew up in Moldova during the dissolution of the Soviet Union before moving to the US in 2002, is the founder of Color Snack, her creative agency where she makes ready-made prints and commissions.

“I love painting foods because it’s a way to celebrate people’s culture and create community,” she said. “My favorite part about food is being able to share a meal with someone else. Food brings people together and I try to celebrate that fact and also the ingredients with watercolor illustrations and animations.”

The first of its kind, this book also includes recommended watercolor supplies, basic watercolor techniques, color theory basics, and common watercolor problems and solutions.

Gather your supplies and your favorite snack, and take a bite out of this tasty guide as you create watercolor paintings of your favorite treats!

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Old Amsterdam Debuts Two New Flavors for Summer Grilling Season

Old Amsterdam Cheese, the market leader in Branded Aged Gouda in Holland and a product of the third generation 100 percent family-owned and run Westland Cheese Company, debuts two new flavors: Old Amsterdam Mild and Old Amsterdam Reserve. The new products join the current line, which includes Old Amsterdam Classic, the number one Aged Gouda in Holland and Old Amsterdam Goat, named the number one Hard Goat’s milk cheese in the world. These delicious cheeses are perfect for pairing with favorites, for amazing cheeseboards, the perfect burger, tall sandwiches, and summer salads.

Old Amsterdam Cheese leads the Branded Aged Gouda Market in Holland, and overall, Gouda cheese continues to grow in the U.S. and worldwide. Both Gouda and Goat cheese have risen in popularity among specialty cheeses over the past year. Premium and specialty cheeses continue to perform well with more people eating and entertaining at home, and many Americans have expanded beyond traditional favorites to full-flavored specialty products.

All Old Amsterdam Gouda cheese products are produced using high quality ingredients, providing a good source of calcium and protein; and being naturally lactose-free, and gluten-free.

“We are very excited to add two delicious and appealing flavors to our Aged Gouda and goat line” says Rob van Mourik, Commercial Manager Export for Old Amsterdam in North America. “The timing is right to diversify the current Old Amsterdam line up with varieties and flavors perfect for burgers, sandwiches, salads and snacking. The new flavors join the delicious line up of Aged Gouda and Goat Cheese, offering our consumers more deliciousness The Old Amsterdam Way.”

The Old Amsterdam Cheese new flavors include:

· Old Amsterdam Extra Aged Gouda, known as The Reserve. This very special cheese is aged for a minimum of 18 months and has a multitude of deep, rich flavors with bourbon, caramel, and pecan undertones and a firm, crumbly texture sparked with lots of ripening crystals. The uniqueness and flavor profile makes this an excellent treat for anytime or special occasions. It is great paired with your favorites, such as sweet and spicy roasted nuts, mixed marinated olives, honey mustard, and sweet and savory bread. It is also great with your favorite cocktail or wine.

· Old Amsterdam Mild Gouda, known as The Mild. This cheese is a worldwide favorite, due to its accessible flavor. This young Gouda is aged for a minimum of four months and has a creamy and semi-soft texture, making this an excellent cheese for melting, sandwiches, and snacking. It is great for a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, with mild meats and sourdough bread and with seasonal fruits such as green apples.

The current and popular lineup includes:

· Old Amsterdam Aged Gouda, known as The Classic. This is the #1 Aged Gouda in Holland. This Classic Gouda is aged for a minimum of eight months and has a perfect balance between sweet and savory. It has rich butterscotch undertones and a dense, smooth texture sparked with fine ripening crystals. This popular and well-loved favorite from Holland has won numerous awards and is loved internationally. It is ideal for cheese platters, recipes, and other pairings, such as almonds, jam, fruit chutney, fruits, raisin nut bread and crackers, as well as paired with a favorite wine, beer, or cocktail.

· Old Amsterdam Goat has been voted the number one Hard Goat’s Milk cheese in the world. This goat Gouda is aged for a minimum of eight months and has a very surprisingly and pleasant flavor profile and is refreshingly sweet with caramel undertones and a smooth, creamy texture with fine ripening crystals. The sweetness and texture make this great on salads, sandwiches, and in many recipes. It pairs well on a platter with hazelnuts, figs, fruits, and your favorite IPAs.

Old Amsterdam’s cheeses have won numerous awards in the past, including Best Aged Gouda and Best Hard Goat’s Milk Cheese at the World Championship Cheese Contest (United States), Best Gouda at the World Cheese Awards (United Kingdom), and Best Dutch Cheese at The International Cheese and Dairy Awards (United Kingdom).

During the 2020 World Champion Cheese Contest in Wisconsin, Old Amsterdam Goat won “Best in Class”, achieving the highest score from over 30 entries from six countries and was voted the #1 Hard Goat’s Milk cheese in the world. The judges called it “a fantastic cheese with sweet notes and a nice body” and chose it in the Top 20 Cheeses of the show. This was a major achievement, as nearly 4,000 cheeses were entered. Old Amsterdam can be found at such retailers as King’s, Raley’s, ShopRite, Albertsons, Trader Joes, Gelson’s, HEB, Hy-Vee, Lunds & Byerlys, Mariano’s, Pavilions, Safeway, and Sprouts. Old Amsterdam is also available on the Norseland e-commerce site at www.shop.norseland.com

Try this delicious burger recipe featuring Old Amsterdam for a memorable experience!

Ingredients

· 2 red onions

· 2 tablespoons butter

· 2 tablespoons sugar

· 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

· salt and freshly ground black pepper

· 4 tablespoons mayonnaise

· 2 teaspoons spicy pimentón (Spanish paprika) powder

· 1.6 lbs. minced beef (ask the butcher to coarsely mince beef shoulder, or use a mix of pork and beef meat)

· 2 tablespoons soy sauce

· 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

· 4 tablespoons olive oil

· 8 slices pancetta

· 4 slices Old Amsterdam

· 1 big tomato

· 8 slices of rustic, heavy bread

· 4 lettuce leaves, rinsed

Preparation

Slice the onion into rings. Melt the butter and use this to fry the onion rings with the sugar. Caramelize the rings, then add balsamic vinegar and fry for another five minutes on low heat. Season with salt and pepper. Next, mix the mayonnaise and the Spanish paprika. Take the meat from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Mix the meat with the soy sauce and the Worcestershire sauce and add salt and pepper to taste. Roll balls of approximately 6 oz. each and flatten these to form burgers. Coat the burgers with olive oil and fry in a frying pan for four to five minutes on each side, until browned. Meanwhile, fry the pancetta in another pan, until they are slightly crispy. Lay pancetta and a slice of Old Amsterdam on top of each burger. Cover with the lid and let the cheese melt for about 30 seconds. Cut the tomato into four thick slices. Spread a thick layer of the spicy mayonnaise on four slices of bread. Add a slice of tomato, a burger, and finally a good helping of the caramelized onion rings and top it with another slice of bread each.

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Get your kids to grill with you – tips from Sugar Plum

6 Tips to Get Grilling with Your Kids This Summer

Make Menu Planning a Family Affair

Kids love to be part of the things we do, so menu planning as a family makes the meal more meaningful to your kids. Children are also more apt to try new foods when it’s something they’ve helped plan and prepare. Let them browse online for fun recipes or get out the old cookbooks!

Bring Up Your Own Little Sous Chefs

One of my favorite things to do as a kid was to be my mom’s little sous chef. She would tell me what I needed to do, teach me what I didn’t know and really let me be part of the whole cooking process. Get your own kids involved by having them wash the veggies, help make the marinade for the meat, thread the kabobs, learn to season the meat and veggies and begin doing some chopping and dicing with a kid safe knife. There’s no definitive time when a child is deemed ready to use a real knife—use your own judgement and gage the readiness and maturity of your child. They can practice by using a butter knife and a banana or a stick of butter.

Prep the Grill Together

As you know, grills get very hot! Teaching your child the potential dangers of being around a hot grill is crucial. They need to know how far to stand back from it when it’s on, what it can potentially do if you’re not careful and how to handle injuries associated to the grill. While it’s still important to have an adult with a child around a grill at all time, they can be part of the initial set-up of the grill, where to put wood chips, charcoal, propane. It’s also important to explain how it all works to help you cook delicious foods. Once familiar with being around the grill while heated, they can help flip the burgers, rotate the veggies,

It’s the Perfect “Season” to Grill Together

Creating marinades and seasoning the meat and veggies before they go on the grill is one of the most perfect jobs for kids. It’s a fairly easy, fun task for younger kids, it helps them learn measurements, and how different flavors and spices can work together to make some of their favorite foods yummy! Developing a taste for different spices is super beneficial for their ever changing and growing palate.

Set a Fun and Festive Tablescape Together

Setting the table in a festive way for your family meal is half the fun. Let the kids lay out a tablecloth, the plates and silverware, fill the glasses with water or lemonade and make homemade place cards with each family member’s name on it. Each step in the family meal process helps children develop a love and commitment to the family meal time. The more important you make it, the more important it will become to them as the traditions become permanent.

Clean-up, Clean-up, Everybody Clean-up!

While not as fun as cooking, cleaning up is an important part of the cooking process. Teach your kids young that cleaning up is a family event and they’ll grow up knowing it’s just something you do together. They can help with washing, drying, and putting away dishes. Be creative and don’t be afraid to make this part of the process fun!

Whiskey Wine and Wildlife

Thursday, September 9 to Sunday, September 12
Jekyll Island, Ga

A CULINARY WEEKEND LIKE NO OTHER
Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife artfully combines renowned beverage tastings and inspired cuisine from some of the South’s best chefs and local culinary superstars, with a chance to experience coastal wildlife up-close, all in one weekend!

The weekend’s events will raise funds and awareness for programs of the Jekyll Island Foundation, with the island’s research and education experts on-hand Friday and Saturday, showcasing some fun, interactive programs with coastal wildlife, from sea turtles to alligators!

It’s a culinary weekend experience like no other. Expect to sip and savor great whiskey, spirits, wine, beer and culinary tastings – all oceanfront with music and a relaxed island vibe.

For more information click here

Tequila Dinner – Visit Savannah

Saturday, July 24 at 6:00 PM

Join us for a night of celebrating good food, good spirits, and good conversation!

From 6-6:30 p.m. we will be welcoming you to our cocktail hour where you will sip bubbles as Tequila Ocho’s distilling expert, Jesse Estes, speaks about tequila and its history.

From there you enter our private dining room where you will indulge in a 6-course dinner.

Each course will be paired with a cocktail incorporating various types of tequila. You will also be given tastings of each tequila to allow you fully appreciate the spirit.

As you make your way through the dinner, Jesse will discuss the uniqueness of each tequila and how it is made.

Each guest will be gifted with specialty glasses from Tequila Ocho.

For more information click here

Sustainable Seafood Selection from D’Artagnan

D’Artagnan, the trusted expert in sustainable proteins and the purveyor of choice to top chefs across the nation for the last 35+ years, has taken a dive into the waters of sustainable seafood. This expansion is in direct response to consumer’s growing culinary sophistication and interest in responsibly sourced proteins being conveniently delivered to their homes.

“During the early months of the pandemic we partnered with a local fish purveyor to both support their business and provide our customers the convenience of home delivery on a range of grocery items. Seafood was so popular we wanted to make it a permanent addition to our offerings, specifically for our website customers,” said Andy Wertheim, President of D’Artagnan.

D’Artagnan is committed to working with conscientious farmers, ranchers and fishers who respect the environment and the ecosystems that support animal life, on the earth and the seas. That’s why all D’Artagnan seafood is certified sustainable, fair trade, or organic by gold-standard international watch groups.

“Because of our name and reputation, we were able to partner with outstanding sources for our fish,” said Ariane Daguin, CEO and Founder of D’Artagnan. “We are proud of the choices we now offer – from jumbo scallops and sockeye salmon to organic shrimp and Chilean sea bass. And now you can get surf and turf ingredients together at dartagnan.com.”

“Fish is a great choice for summer cooking – it is always a fast and delicious meal. With the rise of keto and emphasis on gluten-free eating, fish fits so many dietary needs today,” said Daguin.

All are flash-frozen at sea immediately after catch, or soon after on shore to protect the flavor, texture and freshness, and portioned individually for convenience. The selection includes:

Organic Black Tiger Shrimp – Jumbo sized, farm-raised, Certified European Union Organic and Best Aquaculture Practices with no additives, preservatives or antibiotics.

King Turbot – Farm-raised in Spain on sustainable aquafarms. Certified Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and Global GAP (Good Agricultural Practices).

Norwegian Salmon – Sustainably farm-raised in open aquaculture, Global GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) and Marine Stewardship Council for best practices.

Sockeye Salmon – Wild-caught Alaskan salmon, Marine Stewardship Council certified for sustainability. Rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Red Grouper – Sustainably line caught in the Gulf of Mexico; certified by National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Mahi Mahi – Wild, line-caught, responsibly sourced, with mild, sweet flavor and firm texture.

Ahi Yellowfin Tuna – Premium-quality ahi tuna, wild-caught by hand-line fishermen. Marine Stewardship Council certified fishery for traceability and sustainability.

Jumbo Dry Sea Scallops – Wild-caught in New England, dry-packed, never treated with additives or preservatives, Jumbo U10.

Hawaiian Pink Snapper Wild, rod-and-reel caught in Hawaii, responsibly sourced, prized for its clear, light-pink flesh and delicate flavor. Certified Sustainable by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Chilean Sea Bass – Wild, line-caught, responsibly sourced. A restaurant classic, with snow-white flesh, comparable to sablefish or black cod. Certified Sustainable by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

North Atlantic Cod – Wild, line-caught, responsibly sourced and Certified Sustainable by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Swordfish – Wild, line-caught, responsibly sourced from Mediterranean Sea. Moist and flavorful with a slightly sweet taste, moderately high oil content and a firm, meaty texture.

With everything from grass-fed beef, organic chicken, heritage-breed pork, foraged mushrooms, caviar, and now a selection of seafood, www.dartagnan.com is a destination for conscientious consumers who truly care about where their food comes from.

For more information click here

ZERO (Calories, Net Carbs, Sugar, and Fat)! Walden Farms

Walden Farms® introduces a major re-brand across its product line, beginning with 22 salad dressing varieties, to be followed by the other segments, including coffee creamers, condiments, dips, spreads, sauces, and syrups. The improved recipe, now with natural flavors, will also be tastefully reflected by a new design highlighting key nutritional claims and engaging food photography. The Walden Farms’ dressings are proudly free from artificial flavors and dyes, made with real vegetables, fruit fibers and ingredients. Offering a full line of specialty condiments and food enhancers with zero calories, zero net carbs, zero sugar and zero fat, Walden Farms uniquely provides consumers with unmatched attributes vs. other brands in the marketplace. Additionally, all products are keto friendly, gluten free, kosher and have no high fructose corn syrup and most are vegan, dairy free and cholesterol free.

The Walden Farms products appeal to multiple consumers, including those who don’t want to waste their calories on high fat dressings & condiments, or who follow a vegan, gluten-free or keto diet. They also strongly resonate with people living a healthy active lifestyle or looking to manage their weight or control their diabetes.

The brand refresh coincides with the debut of an engaging new website www.waldenfarms.com where people can find appetizing recipe ideas, nutritional facts, product details, store locator information or easily buy direct online.

Consumers who watch calories and carbs use salad dressings 30% more than the average consumer and nearly half of that audience seeks dressings that have zero calories, fat, sugar, or gluten*. These consumers know more than anyone that ‘Small Swaps Save Calories™’. “Walden Farms’ Dressings allow people to control calories, fat, carbohydrates, gluten or sugars without giving up great taste.” says Deborah Sidney, Senior Brand Manager for Walden Farms. “Walden Farms’ dressings are incredibly versatile such as for spreading on sandwiches, dipping with vegetables, and using as marinades for cooking!”

With creamy and vinaigrette varieties in 22 flavors, Walden Farms has a salad dressing for every palate including Bacon Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Bleu Cheese, Caesar, Chipotle Ranch, French, Honey Dijon, Italian, Ranch, Raspberry Vinaigrette, Sesame Ginger, and Thousand Island. Walden Farms’ salad dressings are available in 12-ounce bottles for a SRP of $4.99 at natural and grocery retailers nationally and is also sold online directly

For more information click here

Lou Malnati’s Tastes of Chicago – Father’s Day Lookbook!

In honor of Father’s Day, we wanted to reach out and celebrate the holiday with some delicious Lou Malnati’s deep dish and Chicago-style food gifts! Just wanted to send a friendly reminder to treat yourself or someone you love to a sweet box of treats shipped nationwide from Tastes of Chicago. Whether you want to indulge yourself, share great Chicago foods with your friends and family, or if you miss the flavors of home – we have everything you crave!

Tastes of Chicago offers hometown favorites from iconic Chicago brands including: Carol’s Gourmet Cookies, Eli’s Cheesecake, Garrett Popcorn Shops, Long Grove Confectionery, Manny’s Deli, Portillo’s, Vienna Beef, Wildfire, and many more! We offer gift packages perfect for any occasion, gift cards, apparel and other merchandise from Lou Malnati’s. Check out the Father’s Day Lookbook (attached) and website (below) for the following:

·

Top Sellers – Treat dad to Chicago’s best foods from Deerfields Bakery, Garrett Popcorn, Portillo’s Italian Beef, Vienna Beef Hot Dogs and more delicious foods!

· BBQ at Home – Spread the love at home with these delicious items just for dad including Original Nottoli & Son Italian Sausage, Portillo’s Hot Dogs, Real Urban BBQ Pulled Pork, Twin Anchors Baby Back Ribs, Wildfire Filets and more to throw on the grill!

· Gifts for Graduates– Send a gift worthy of their big accomplishment with Capannari Ice Cream, Carol’s Cookies, Portillo’s Chocolate Cake, Sweet Thing Confetti Cookie Cake, Trio of Treats, Vosges Mini Exotic Chocolate Bars and many more sweet options!

Celebrate Father’s Day with Lou’s and your favorite foods! For gift giving made easy – we’ve got you covered. From sweet treats to his favorite deep dish pizza, we have just the thing to make him smile. There’s no better excuse to treat yourself, your dad or someone you love. Please visit www.tastesofchicago.com to order many more delicious options. We’ve been shipping holiday happiness nationwide for over 30 years!

For more information click here

Pizza for Mom – Tastes of Chicago

In honor of Mother’s Day, we wanted to reach out and celebrate the holiday with some delicious Lou Malnati’s deep dish and Chicago-style food gifts! We know Mother’s Day may look different this year, but you can still show loved ones that you care. Treat yourself or someone you love to a sweet box of treats shipped nationwide from Tastes of Chicago. Whether you want to indulge yourself, share great Chicago foods with your friends and family, or if you miss the flavors of home – we have everything you crave!

Tastes of Chicago offers hometown favorites from iconic Chicago brands including: Carol’s Gourmet Cookies, Eli’s Cheesecake, Garrett Popcorn Shops, Long Grove Confectionery, Manny’s Deli, Portillo’s, Vienna Beef, Wildfire, and many more! We offer gift packages perfect for any occasion, gift cards, apparel and other merchandise from Lou Malnati’s.

For more information click here

Eggstra Special Easter Chocolate – Sugar Plum

Easter is just around the corner which means your excuse for “eggstra” special goodies is about to be satisfied. Whether you’re putting together a basket for a special loved one or want to share a collection of premium chocolates with friends and co-workers, we suggest stocking up on these springtime goodies now!

Hop on over to Sugar Plum and take a peek at these must-have Easter basket gifts!

Sugar Plum Gourmet Easter Egg Hunt Set – Sugar Plum has put together an imaginative set of handsomely decorative metal Easter eggs that have been engineered from the ground-up to turn any Easter egg hunt from “blah” to “oooh-la-la!” faster than that Easter Bunny can come on hoppin’ down the bunny trail. Featuring a reusable plastic egg carton and handsomely festive metal eggs that can be refilled over and over again, the Gourmet Easter Egg Hunt Set promises a fashionably fun (and tasty!) time with those you care about most year after year! Retails: $34.95.

Easter Milk Chocolate-Covered Sandwich Cookies Assortment – Featuring 12 world-class chocolate-dunked sandwich cookies all dressed up in the bright and festive Sunday best and presented in an adorable Easter egg container, Sugar Plum’s Easter Milk Chocolate-Covered Sandwich Cookies Assortment is a perfect treat for every family’s resident chocoholics! Retails: $24.95.

Signature Easter Egg Truffle Assortment – For those that would prefer a little more of a classic chocolate treat this Easter, look no further than Sugar Plum’s Signature Easter Egg Truffle Assortment! This assortment features 12 pieces of Sugar Plum’s incredible handcrafted foil-wrapped milk chocolate ganache truffles in a beautifully laid out in a festive egg-shaped box that’ll be sure to get everyone in the mood for a fun Easter egg hunt! Retails: $24.95.

Carrot Cake Chocolate Bar 4 Pack – Whoever the mad lad was that decided to bake carrots into a cake has nothing on the folks here who turned this cake into a chocolate bar. Smooth white chocolate serves as the foundation for all the spices and flavors of a moist and delicious carrot cake. It’s so good you won’t even mind that we used the word moist. Retails: $30.00.

Dark Chocolate Half-Pound Premium Chocolate Easter Bunny – Check out this treat hoppin’ down the bunny trail! Sugar Plum’s Premium Chocolate Easter Bunny features 8oz of our gourmet chocolate, carefully crafted into a gorgeous & festive Easter bunny by Sugar Plum’s expert chocolate artisans. This decadent dark chocolate bunny comes wrapped in a cello bag, which is tied off with a festive ribbon that is sure to put you in the Easter spirit! Retails: $17.00.

White Chocolate Half-Pound Premium Chocolate Easter Bunny – Check out this treat hoppin’ down the bunny trail! Sugar Plum’s Premium Chocolate Easter Bunny features 8oz of our gourmet chocolate, carefully crafted into a gorgeous & festive Easter bunny by Sugar Plum’s expert chocolate artisans. This smooth & creamy white chocolate bunny comes wrapped in a cello bag, which is tied off with a festive ribbon that is sure to put you in the Easter spirit! Retails: $17.00.

Milk Chocolate Half-Pound Premium Chocolate Easter Bunny – Check out this treat hoppin’ down the bunny trail! Sugar Plum’s Premium Chocolate Easter Bunny features 8oz of our gourmet chocolate, carefully crafted into a gorgeous & festive Easter bunny by Sugar Plum’s expert chocolate artisans. This luscious milk chocolate bunny come wrapped in a cello bag, which is tied off with a festive ribbon that is sure to put you in the Easter spirit! Retails: $17.00.

All of Sugar Plum’s delicious gourmet treats are lovingly hand crafted and made from their bakery and kitchen in Kingston, PA, by mother and son team Fran and Neil Edley. As they say, food is the ingredient that binds us together. These decadent, mouthwatering confections make for truly special gifts this Easter.

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Artigras – WPB – Party Pics

Our founder Lakhinder JS Vohra had a great time with VIP access to this annual arts show. Living in Florida opens up amazing possibilities for attending events!

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