XMWare

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.

2018-01-16T08:01:01

(BPT) – Transamerica Center for Health Studies (TCHS), in collaboration with the Association of Black Women Physicians (ABWP), prepared the Healthier Traditions Cookbook: Soul Food with more healthy and nutritious alternatives to traditional recipes. Start the year off right with this guide to cooking and eating well at home.

Collard Greens

Bacon and pork fat in traditional collard greens recipes contribute to high saturated fat and sodium, as well as unhealthy preservatives. This version is heart-healthy and uses paprika to create a rich, smoky flavor. Check out how these Collard Greens were prepared.

Oven “Fried” Okra

This baked version of a fried classic makes for crispy, satisfying okra without as much added fat. Learn how to make this Okra.

Red Beans & Rice

Using whole grain brown rice instead of traditional white rice gives it added fiber, vitamins and minerals. This dish can be served with the main course to accompany vegetables or a protein. Visit the video to make these Red Beans & Rice.

Smothered Pork Chops

Choose low-sodium broth or stock to reduce daily sodium intake and help prevent high blood pressure. When possible, look for responsibly raised or organic pork chops for a healthier fat content. Try making these Pork Chops at home.

Pan-fried Catfish

Swap out the traditional batter for a spiced flour mixture and pan-fry the fish to reduce calories while still creating a crispy coating. Try farmed or wild-caught catfish when possible. Check out this delicious Pan-fried Catfish.

Peach Cobbler

This recipe calls for half whole wheat flour and half traditional white flour for additional fiber and vitamins. Learn how to make this Peach Cobbler.

2018-01-16T10:31:00

(BPT) – “They don’t make movies like they used to.”

You hear that saying all the time and the truth is, it’s hardly a bad thing.

The classics from the early 1900s are just that, classic, representing some of the best love stories, espionage heists and toe-tapping musicals. But we have come a long way since the introduction of the silver screen. Silent movies gave way to the introduction of sound in 1927, and black-and-white films gave way to color in 1918, and later Technicolor in 1939. These initial innovations have led to countless other advancements, from green screen digital composition to HD, CGI and 3D technology. It’s now hard to imagine a movie without them.

The evolution of the movie theater experience has also kept pace.

The film experience has changed drastically and fortunately, so have the theaters in which you enjoy them. In the past few years, conventional theater seating has been replaced with recliners to provide premium comfort as you watch. Getting this perfect seat is also easier than ever because now you can reserve your seat ahead of time ensuring you’re always in the best spot for the season’s biggest releases.

With all these upgrades over the years, is it possible for the modern movie-going experience to get any better? It can, and it all starts with the food.

A bucket of buttery popcorn and chocolate candies have been movie-going staples for years. You can’t beat the smell and taste of freshly popped popcorn, but these traditional movie theater snacks can be a bit stale. Now, traditional movie snacks are taking a back-row seat to the latest blockbuster snack in town, dangerously cheesy Cheetos Popcorn, which is making its debut nationwide at Regal Cinema Theaters.

Just as the introduction of sound and comfort seating refreshed the movie-going experience, Cheetos Popcorn is bringing the concession stand to a whole new level. A deliciously cheesy mix of Cheetos-flavored popcorn with Crunchy Cheetos, it’s an award-winning combination you’ll be enjoying movie after movie. With the first bite, everyone will be raving it is orange movie magic.

This one-of-a-kind taste sensation is available now at participating Regal Cinema theaters nationwide and just one bite will have you saying goodbye to the old-school movie snacks and hello to dangerously cheesy goodness.

From sound and seating to color and snacking, movie-going has evolved into a complete experience to make seeing a movie more enjoyable and delicious than ever before. All that’s missing is for you is to reserve your seat, head to the theater and enjoy your next blockbuster movie with Cheetos Popcorn.

Movies aren’t made like they used to be, they’ve evolved into something even greater. It’s hard to image what will change in the next 100 years.

2018-01-23T11:01:00

(BPT) – The countdown to Feb. 4 is on! The biggest football matchup of the year is nearly here, which for many means epic game day planning is now underway.

And while the game is the star, a fabulous food spread is one of your best plays. That’s where Farm Rich comes in.

“These days homegating is the new tailgating,” said Rachael Yerkes of Eazy Peazy Mealz. Yerkes is a popular recipe developer, blogger and mother of four. “You can have all the fun of football, family, friends and food without leaving the comfort of your own home. Farm Rich makes game day easier, and oh so tasty with a wide variety of frozen appetizers that are ready in minutes.”

It’s strategy time. These #HomegatingHero food hacks will help get you through all four stages of the Big Game. And for more ideas, visit the Game Day page at FarmRich.com.

1. Pre-Game: It’s All in the Details

There’s one chance to make a first impression. As guests arrive, wow them with little touches that make a big impact. Turn the food table into a football field complete with pompoms, penalty flags and banners. DIY food cards and personalized drink koozies will break the ice and set the tone for a memorable night of pigskin. Think outside the chip bowl with warm snacks that get folks talking, like Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups made with Mozzarella Sticks from Coffee & Crayons.

Party details by Nibbles & Feasts

2. Kick-Off: Grab & Go Bites for the Win

When the clock starts, all eyes are on the big screen. So, have easy-grab foods that won’t distract from the action — or the commercials everyone will be talking about on Monday! Stock the freezer in advance with three Farm Rich All-American classics, Mozzarella Bites, Jalapeño Peppers and Cheddar Cheese Curds. Ready in minutes, they’ll score extra points with kids and adults alike.

Spread shots by Eazy Peazy Mealz

3. Halftime: It’s All About That Spread

By halftime, everyone will have worked up a linebacker-level appetite and it’ll be up to you to have a fantastic food spread ready. This is the #HomegatingHero moment of glory, so be ready with a table that’ll outshine even the halftime show. Have large platters filled with cheesy snacks and a variety of creative dips, plus other show stoppers. Strut your hosting A-game with Five Dipping Sauces from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.

The Ultimate Appetizer Board by Mom Wife Foodie

4. Crunch Time: Go Big Before They Go Home

To keep folks hanging around until the very end (no matter the score) break out these Instant Pot Italian Meatball Sliders from The Butter Half by fourth quarter. And Farm Rich Loaded Potato Skins, made with Idaho potatoes and stuffed with real cheddar cheese and bacon, will keep everyone fueled, even into overtime.

Loaded Tray by Savvy Saving Couple

Attention Football Food Fans! Got a #HomegatingHero hack you want to share? Post your idea and/or picture at @FarmRichSnacks on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and use #HomegatingHero to share your own football food creations.

2018-02-06T10:23:00

(BPT) – –

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.

2018-02-15T08:01:00

(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!

2018-03-01T08:01:00

(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.

2018-03-02T11:51:00

(BPT) – –

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).