Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2017-12-18T14:01:00

(BPT) – Take a moment to think about what’s in the door of your refrigerator. Chances are that it’s jam-packed with condiments: a couple of varieties of mustard, maybe some hot sauce, and probably a few others.

The French have their white sauce, Italians marinara, but in America, it’s all about the condiments.

What’s the best one? Well, there are as many opinions on this as there are condiments. The Association for Dressings and Sauces’ Condiments and Sauces Attitude & Usage Consumer Survey conducted in November 2016 found that in many cases, it’s not just a matter of personal tastes, but regional affinities as well. If you’re curious about what condiment dominates the fridge doors in other parts of the country, join us for a quick, delicious, recipe-filled road trip.

1. The Northeast loves horseradish

People in the Northeast need a little kick to make it through the winter. Sometimes they need a lot of it, and that’s why the sinus-clearing, kick-in-the-pants flavor of horseradish is so popular up here. This cracker spread is great at any gathering — and might make a few horseradish converts out of your guests.

Recipe: Chipped beef cracker spread

Ingredients:

3 1/2 oz. dried chipped beef

2 Tbsp. butter

8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

2 tsp. yellow mustard

1/4 C. deli-style horseradish sauce

1/2 C. green onions, finely chopped

Directions:

Finely chop the chipped beef and sauté in butter until frizzled.

Mix together the cream cheese, yellow mustard and horseradish sauce until it’s smooth and creamy.

Stir the chipped beef and green onions into the cheese mixture.

Spoon the spread into a serving dish and chill before serving. Serve with assorted crackers.

2. The Midwest is slightly obsessed with their barbecue sauce

Would America be as great as it is without barbecue sauce? Maybe. But that’s a big maybe. Tangy, sweet, spicy and mild, there’s an astonishing variety of barbecue sauces out there, one for each mood, you might say. No matter what you’re hungry for, these brisket sliders will hit the spot and make you curious to branch out into the wide world of barbecue sauces.

Recipe: Brisket sliders with pickled red onion and white cheddar cheese

For the brisket:

3 lbs. beef brisket

1 can (16 oz.) beef broth, low sodium

Salt and black pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 F. Season brisket with salt and black pepper. Place in a medium casserole dish and roast in oven for 30 minutes. Add beef broth, cover with foil and reduce the temperature to 300 F. Cook for two hours until just tender. Set aside to cool before slicing.

For the pickled red onions:

3 large red onions, sliced thinly in rounds

2 C. red wine vinegar

3/4 C. granulated white sugar

2 Tbsp. salt

Combine red wine vinegar, sugar and salt. Mix well until sugar is dissolved. Cover sliced onions with the vinegar mixture and set aside. Let stand at least 30 minutes.

Assemble the 12 sliders:

Garlic Sriracha BBQ Sauce

1 dozen potato rolls

12 slices of white cheddar cheese

Slice the brisket thinly across the grain and coat generously with the Garlic Sriracha BBQ Sauce. Slice the potato rolls in half and toast lightly. Place cheese on bottom half of the roll. Place a few slices of the brisket on the cheese and top with pickled red onions. Place on the top of the roll and enjoy!

3. Livin’ the easy life down south, sippin’ on a bottle of hot sauce

Sometimes it gets so hot you need to turn up the heat a bit to sweat it out and cool down. Thus the love affair people in the south have with hot sauce. The heat can take some getting used to, and a lot of southerners seem to have been nursed with the stuff. But once you get into the hot sauce spirit, it becomes an addiction. Here’s a great seafood entree to convince you.

Recipe: Grilled shrimp with remoulade sauce

Ingredients:

3/4 C. mayonnaise

2 Tbsp. ketchup

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

2 tsp. hot sauce

2 tsp. capers, chopped

1 tsp. parsley, chopped

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

4 C. water

2 Tbsp. kosher salt

2 Tbsp. sugar

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

6 whole peppercorns

24 shrimp (8 to 10 count) peeled and deveined

Directions:

For the remoulade sauce, whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, capers and parsley in small bowl. Season with black pepper. Store in refrigerator until ready to use. Can be prepared 2 days ahead.

Combine water, salt, sugar, lemon juice, garlic and peppercorns in gallon-size bag. Add shrimp and chill 15-20 minutes. Drain shrimp and rinse with cold water. Place shrimp on skewers.

Preheat grill to medium high heat. Spray grill grates with cooking spray and grill shrimp 2-3 minutes per side. Serve immediately with remoulade sauce.

4. The west looks over the ocean for Asian sauces

Soy sauce has been a staple on many American tables for some time now, but in the past few decades, new Asian flavors found in Sriracha, teriyaki, fish sauce and more have become common in many kitchens, particularly on the West Coast. The fusion of American and Asian flavors opens up some exciting possibilities, as seen in this recipe for Thai shrimp salad in mini phyllo cups.

Recipe: Thai shrimp salad in mini phyllo cups

1 1/2 C. frozen shrimp, thawed, pre-cooked and chopped

3 dozen premade frozen mini phyllo cups

Dressing:

3/4 C. ranch dressing

3 Tbsp. coconut milk

1 Tbsp. ginger puree

1 Tbsp. red pepper, diced

2 Tbsp. Sriracha sauce

1 tsp. soy sauce

Garnish:

Diced red pepper

Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine all ingredients to make the dressing, add chopped shrimp and refrigerate for one hour.

Thaw mini phyllo cups and sprinkle each cup with Parmesan cheese, place phyllo cups on a cookie sheet and bake just until the cheese melts. Remove from oven and let cool.

Add a heaping spoon of Thai shrimp in each cup and top with diced red pepper. Makes 3 dozen cups.

There are a lot more condiments out there, and a lot more flavors to explore. For more culinary inspiration, visit the recipe section of the Association for Dressings and Sauces.

2018-02-08T13:01:02

(BPT) – Feb. 9 is National Pizza Day, celebrating the perfection that is crispy crust, sauce and melty cheese. With so many different sauces, crust styles and toppings to choose from, the way you prefer your pizza can say a lot about who you are.

No one knows it better than the folks at Cicis, the nation’s top pizza buffet restaurant. They recently launched create-your-own Personal Pizzas to give guests thousands of ways to customize their pizza, with each topping and combination reflecting their personalities.

The average American eats 6,000 slices of pizza in a lifetime, according to a national survey. What does your favorite specialty pizza or topping say about you?

Spinach Alfredo — Those who order this recipe tend to be on the contemplative side. You may enjoy a little Mozart with your pizza, but you’re not arrogant or haughty about it. There is a modesty about you.

Hawaiian — If you love that sweet and savory combination of ham and pineapple, you’re probably a bit of a wild card. You go about things your own way and don’t really care about fitting into the conventional way of doing things.

Supreme — Some people want it all: sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions and peppers. You’re exciting, you love life and everything about it. You want to taste all its flavors and commitment is not your thing.

Mac & Cheese — You are a kid at heart and love throwing it back to the good ol’ days. You have a Peter Pan mindset – you seek carefree fun and enjoy memorabilia from your childhood.

Jalapeno — You have a little fire in your soul and are always looking for that next adventure. You’re a daredevil who leaps before you look and can handle whatever comes your way.

Bacon — You’re a trendsetter, and you don’t miss a trick. You loved bacon on your pizza before it was cool, and now everyone else is doing it, too. Friends look to you for the next big thing, and you never disappoint.

Anchovy — If you have an opinion, you let people know it. Some might say you’re a bit stubborn, and proud of it, and your topping choice shows you have strong sense of self.

Pepperoni — Hey, there’s nothing wrong with going back to the basics. Those who do tend to be quiet, agreeable and friendly. Everyone likes them and they like everyone.

At Cicis, any guest who purchases a buffet and wants a pizza not currently featured can order a custom Personal Pizza with a choice of different crust, sauces and up to four toppings — all at no extra charge. (In fact, here’s a dollar-off deal to celebrate National Pizza Day, valid through Feb. 11, 2018!) With thousands of ways to personalize your pizza, you’ll be sure to find the slice that’s just right for you.

2018-02-06T10:23:00

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2018-03-02T11:51:00

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2018-03-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Everyone knows eggs are a protein powerhouse, but research shows they’re so much more! From pregnant moms to teens, eggs can be a nutrition necessity! For even more information, check out http://www.eggnutritioncenter.org/shareable-protein-video/ or visit www.incredibleegg.org.

2018-02-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – Eating right is more than just something to try out for the new year. It’s a commitment to choosing a healthy lifestyle that increases your energy, sense of well-being and activity level.

Everyone has their own motivation for eating right, whether you are training for a 5k or just want to make sure you see your preschooler’s high school graduation, and it is up to you to personalize your game plan. Though most people want to eat better, too many people think eating right takes a lot of work, or that it will mean sacrificing everything you love about food, including taste and flavor.

Luckily, this is a misperception, and entering the flavorful world of eating right is easier than you think. Nutritious food is delicious food. We connected with two experts that know a thing or two about living a healthy lifestyle, and have five inspiring tips to help you make your own satisfying choices.

1. Embrace your cravings

For anyone who’s tried to improve their way of eating, cravings are a major barrier. The conventional way of thinking is that you should have the willpower to overcome these cravings. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and author of “The Superfood Swap,” Dawn Jackson Blatner suggests people indulge their cravings but with ingredients that are better for you. For instance, if you’re craving fried rice, swap the rice for “riced” cauliflower, or if you want some hearty lasagna, switch up the noodles for slices of veggies like eggplants and zucchini.

2. Get creative with snacking

Eating right doesn’t mean you need to suppress your urges or try to ignore those hunger pangs. Award-winning chef Seamus Mullen, who is also an avid cyclist, knows just how important it is to recharge with an energy-filled snack. One of his go-to snacks is Sunsweet Amaz!n Prunes, either by themselves or stuffed with almond butter. They’re delicious, easy to keep on hand, and because they keep your body in balance and support bone health, are 100 percent guilt-free.

3. Make it fun

When it comes to eating right, there are a lot of science- and diet-related programs out there, but for Blatner, the key is to enjoy yourself and have fun. “When you add more playfulness and joy to healthy habits like grocery shopping and meal prep, you will be more successful sticking to them.”

4. See the world

Food does so much more than fill us up or make our taste buds dance. Food is a way to gather friends, have new experiences and explore diverse cultures. Eating healthy cuisines from around the world allows you to pack in the nutrients and have an adventure without leaving home. So go out and explore the culinary world. You might be surprised how delicious it is!

5. Establish a healthy routine

Setting up a routine and sticking to it will go a long way in making those healthy eating habits second nature. You don’t have to do anything drastic; in fact, many habits you start can be subtle and quite enjoyable. For instance, adding a glass of Sunsweet Amaz!n Prune Juice is an important part of a healthy daily routine to maintain digestive health, so you can feel your best.

All over social media, people are sharing stories and inspiring others with the hashtag #IEatRightBecause. Whether you eat right in the name of weight loss, health or well-being, Sunsweet Amaz!n Prunes are one food you can eat simply because you like delicious food! Stay motivated, eat right and feel good!

2018-03-20T07:01:17

(BPT) – Do the warmer weather, sunshine, gentle breezes and beautiful blossoms have you in a spring state of mind? The change of seasons also signals it’s time to change things up in the kitchen. Spring is inspirational as fresh flavors complement the season of renewal, awakening taste buds in new and exciting ways.

There are many ways to jazz up your dishes and enjoy lighter, brighter fare. So open your windows, take a deep breath and get ready to celebrate spring with these five scrumptious food ideas:

Feeling fine anytime with feta

Looking to add a zesty, savory kick to salads or pasta dishes? Look no further than Nikos Feta cheese. This award-winning American version of the classic Mediterranean cheese is made from cows’ milk and has a milder, less salty taste than its Greek cousin. Nikos Feta cheese’s soft, crumbly texture and tangy taste make it the perfect addition to any dish in need of a little pizzazz.

Feature fresh fare in your spring dishes

Head to your local farmers market or grocery store and pick out some fresh produce and enjoy flavors plucked locally. One can’t-miss fruit of spring is strawberries, with peak season being April to June in the United States. From pies and smoothies to an irresistible Strawberry and Feta Salad, you’re sure to bask in the bounty of fresh produce during springtime.

Bubbly delights quench your thirst

Sayonara, soda! When you crave something bubbly but want to skip the excess sugar, there’s an easy way to toast to the arrival of spring. Simply grab some sparkling water and add your own flavor enhancements like sliced strawberries, chopped pineapple or segments of citrus fruit. Have fun mixing and matching flavors for a customized drink perfect for you.

Delight in dip to add fun and flavor to favorite foods

When the munchies hit there’s nothing more satisfying than something crunchy. From pretzels and whole grain crackers to a variety of veggie straws, stock up and then make your own dip for a healthier alternative come snack time. Why not give Avocado and Feta dip a try? Ripe avocados are delicious during spring months, plus the feta and splash of lime really enhance the fresh flavors.

Slide into spring with Feta Artichoke Crab Sliders

From food trucks to five-star restaurants, sliders can be found on menus across the country, but there’s no better place to whip up a mouth-watering batch than your very own kitchen. Try the award-winning recipe for Feta Artichoke Crab Sliders and enjoy iconic spring flavors so tasty there won’t be any leftovers.

Ingredients:

3/4 pound crab meat
1 cup Nikos Mediterranean Feta cheese
1/2 cup bottled artichoke hearts, chopped
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 green onions, chopped
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
2 limes, juiced
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 dozen slider buns, split

Directions:

In a large bowl, stir crab meat with feta, chopped artichoke hearts, bread crumbs and green onions.

In a small bowl, whisk egg, mayonnaise, mustard, lime juice and cayenne pepper. Fold into feta mixture. Form mixture into 2-inch patties, then chill for 20-30 minutes.

Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until sizzling. Add 5 to 6 Feta-Artichoke Crab patties at a time and cook 4 minutes, turning once, until golden. Remove from skillet.

Serve each patty on a slider bun with condiments as desired. Serves 6-8 (two sliders per person).

2018-03-02T11:33:00

(BPT) – The idea of a new car or truck is exciting. What’s even more exciting is making that new vehicle your own.

There are countless ways to personalize a vehicle, but one of the easiest ways to spruce up a vehicle is by adding a new set of wheels. In fact, wheels are typically the first thing vehicle owners upgrade on a car or truck after purchasing it from the dealership.

According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in its 2017 Market Research Report, wheels are among the most purchased items by consumers in the $42 billion aftermarket industry. Because there are many wheel options, SEMA recommends researching the various wheel types available for your specific vehicle and learning about the different wheel finish options, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.

Here are basics about wheel finishes to keep in mind:

Painted: Opting for painted wheels will give you an endless amount of options when it comes to colors and effects, allowing you to personalize your vehicle exactly how you desire. Painted wheels are typically primed before wet paint is applied, and they are finalized with a clear topcoat to protect the paint. To minimize damage or discoloration due to heat or dust brought about by daily use, painted wheels should be cleaned with a non-acidic and non-abrasive soap that should not be allowed to dry onto the wheel.

Polished: Polished wheels are great if you want a wheel with a shiny look or mirror-like finish that is not heavy, which could aid in fuel economy. The wheel is polished to a high luster by buffing it using a machine or by hand before being protected with a high-gloss clear coat. Polished wheels can be cleaned with mild soap and dried with a microfiber towel, then coated and hand-polished with a non-abrasive wax to help it maintain its luster.

Chrome: If you want the shiniest look possible, opt for a chrome wheel. This popular and classic type of wheel finish is achieved by adding layers of metals, such as copper, nickel and chromium, to create a very reflective finish. You can easily clean chrome wheels with soap and water, then dry them with a soft cloth. To prevent dirt and dust from sticking to the wheels, add a layer of wax after cleaning them.

Powder-coated: For an extremely durable wheel finish that is resistant to scratches and fading and comes in many color options, go with a powder-coated wheel. To achieve this finish, a wheel is grounded and sprayed with a powder-coat (usually a polyester or epoxy), then exposed to heat (usually in a heating oven), essentially baking on the smooth finish. Like their painted counterparts, powder-coated wheels can be cleaned with a mild soap that should not be allowed to dry on the wheel finish. You can further protect the finish by applying a wheel sealant or coating solution.

These are but a few of the many types of finishes available in the wheel segment of the automotive aftermarket industry that can help give your vehicle an updated look. Every type of wheel finish provides variations in shine, color and required maintenance, so take the time to research what’s available. Regardless of the wheel you decide to go with, it will surely help get you on the road to creating a vehicle that meets your unique, individual needs.

Manufacturers introduce new wheels and many other products annually at the SEMA Show, the leading trade-only show for businesses in the automotive industry. Consumers can connect with some of these businesses at the official SEMA Show after-party, also known as SEMA Ignited, where one-of-a-kind custom vehicle builds featuring the newest aftermarket products, including wheels, parade out of the convention center before making their way to the ultimate car show open to the public. For more information, visit www.semaignited.com.

2018-03-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – With people living healthier and longer than ever before, 65 is the new 45. If that milestone birthday is right around the corner for you, odds are you’re too busy logging your 10,000 daily steps into your fitness tracker, shopping for organic produce and planning your bucket-list trip to Tuscany to notice.

But no matter how great you feel, when age 65 is on the road just ahead, it’s time to start planning for retirement. One big issue for retirees is insurance.

When you get that gold watch at your retirement party, the clock is ticking on your employer-sponsored health insurance. Traditional Medicare Parts A and B are a given, but they don’t cover everything, like vision, dental and prescription drugs. That’s why it’s a good idea to check into supplemental insurance to help you stay healthy for years to come.

Here’s a short primer into Traditional Medicare, and options for supplemental coverage.

Medicare Part A and B: When you turn 65, you’ll automatically be enrolled into Medicare, whether you’re still working or not. Part A is hospital insurance, and there’s no monthly premium. Part B, medical insurance, is a little trickier. There is a monthly premium, so if you’re still working and covered by your employer-sponsored health insurance, you don’t need it just yet. When you retire and lose your coverage, that’s the time to sign up for Part B.

But Part B does not cover co-pays, deductibles and health care if you travel outside the U.S., so you’ll need additional insurance if you don’t want to pay for those things out-of-pocket. That’s where a Medigap plan comes in.

Medigap: Within six months of signing up for Part B, it’s time to enroll in Medigap insurance. As its name implies, it covers what Medicare doesn’t, including co-pays, deductibles and outside-the-U.S. health care.

Neither Medigap nor Medicare Part B covers dental, most vision (outside of glaucoma screenings for high-risk patients, cataract surgery and eye trauma) or prescription drugs.

The good news? There’s supplemental insurance for all three.

Vision coverage: You only get one set of eyes, and as you age, taking care of them is vital to your quality of life and overall health.

Coverage like VSP^® Individual Vision Plans cover eye exams, which can help you detect not only glaucoma and other eye problems but health issues like diabetes and hypertension as well, before you have any signs or symptoms. VSP covers contacts and glasses, too, so get a funky pair for every day of the week, and opt for lens enhancements like no-line multi-focal and light-to-dark tinting. VSP typically saves people $200 per year on their eye care, and has the largest network of independent doctors, so it’s likely you won’t have to change if you have one you trust.

With VSP, you’ll receive services at rates well below walk-in prices, and you can use your HSA for co-pays, too. Visit VSPDirect.com for more information.

Dental insurance: According to the National Association of Dental Plans, retirees are the least likely to have dental benefits, which is ironic because, outside of teens who need braces, they’re a group who needs it the most. Many plans cover a range of procedures from regular cleanings to crowns and root canals, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered if more major work is required.

Medicare Part D: We’ve all heard the horror stories of seniors having to choose between getting the drugs they need and paying for food. Medicare Part D is your insurance that this won’t happen to you. You’ll need to join a plan from an insurance company approved by Medicare, and those plans vary, so choose carefully and make sure yours covers the prescriptions you take.

By using supplemental insurance to cover what Medicare doesn’t, you can live your adventurous retirement worry-free. Haven’t you earned that?

2017-12-14T12:21:00

(BPT) – Sponsored Content from Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

The world that millennials have grown up in is a lot different than the world the Gen Xers and Baby Boomers knew. The digital revolution, widespread use of smartphones and adoption of disruptive technologies such as ride sharing and vacation rental apps are just a few of the factors that have altered the social landscape.

Unfortunately, rising student debt, rising home prices and other economic factors have hit many millennials and left them to believe that they cannot afford a home. Many feel as though they have been priced out of the American dream and they will never be able to buy a home.

But no matter what your age, there are plenty of ways to become a homeowner, you just have to think a little more creatively.

The rise of the rental

Looking at current trends, a recent research study found that more U.S. households are now renting than at any time in the last 50 years. With a rising number of renters, many have worried that we are becoming a nation of renters rather than a nation of homeowners.

This is most evident with the younger generation, people under 30, who the National Multifamily Housing Council have found now account for 50 percent of all renters in the U.S.

They aren’t renting because it’s a more affordable option, either. As many residents know throughout the country, rents are going up and up. Between 2012 and 2015, the median gross rent has gone up 8.24 percent, rising to $959. When you combine that with the utilities, a deposit and first and last month’s rent, it’s a lot of money to spend on something you will never own.

So why do people choose to rent? One reason is that many don’t realize that just like phones, cars and countless other things we use on a daily basis, homes have changed.

New priorities mean a new solution

As demand for housing increases, and prices on new and existing homes continue to rise, manufactured housing has adapted to the standards of today’s first-time homebuyers and provides a solution for a market in short supply of quality, affordable options.

In 2016, the average sales price for a manufactured home without land was around $70,600 — that’s an average of $48.82 per square foot — making them an affordable solution to renters looking to become homeowners.

“We believe manufactured homes offer a great solution for many households seeking affordable housing,” says Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance Inc. President Eric Hamilton. “We work with our customers to help find financing options that fit their needs and circumstances.”

Renters don’t have to continue doling out a monthly check for something they’ll never own. The housing market has changed and with this change, manufactured homes have brought forth new opportunities to become a homeowner.

NMLS Disclosure

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, (http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, Licensed by the NH Banking Department, MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking.