Month: July 2022

2022-07-06T19:31:00

(BPT) – Are you excited to watch the 2022 tennis championships in England? Do you wish you could experience what it would be like to compete in a professional tennis championship? Now you can from the comfort of your own home or on the go with Matchpoint – Tennis Championships by Kalypso Media.

The company, known for publishing strategy games on multiple platforms, will release its first sports title on July 7. This game is a modern take on tennis, offering players a true-to-life on-court experience.

“Matchpoint is the most realistic tennis game released to date,” said Simon Hellwig, global managing director at Kalypso. “We’re excited to present this title to as many players as possible worldwide, from tennis fans who have never gamed to consummate gamers interested in trying a sports title.”

Become a tennis star

To begin, you’ll create your 3D tennis star. Besides customizing your look, you’ll also have access to a variety of rackets, clothing, and other gear from tennis name brands like Babolat, YONEX, HEAD, and more. You’ll also unlock special equipment as you progress and win competitive matches.

Beyond looks, you can customize your play style and techniques, including left-or right-handed, one-handed, or two-handed backhand, for a realistic playing experience.

Tactical focus and realistic gameplay

What makes Matchpoint different from other tennis video game simulators? Like Kalypso’s previous titles, this game focuses on tactical realism. You’ll have complete control of positioning and aiming; every swing and hit feels unique and satisfying. Enhanced player control combined with authentic ball physics realistically replicates a tennis match’s rhythm for a truly immersive experience.

As you play, you’ll master all the strokes and shots so you can choose the best technique for each rally. You can also study your rival’s moves, get to know their strengths and weaknesses, gaining a tactical advantage before you even pick a racket.

Play against the pros

Once you’ve customized your player, you can test your skills against tennis pros. The game features 16 real-life international tennis stars from the professional circuit, including Nick Kyrgios, Kei Nishikori, Amanda Anisimova, and two retired legends, Tommy Haas and Tim Henman.

You’ll go racket-to-racket with the pros as you compete in 65 tournaments across 26 stadiums around the globe. Each court has its unique characteristics, so to succeed, you’ll need to study the arena and adapt your play style to grass, clay, and hard court, just like in real life.

Play with a friend

With the ability to take on opponents in local or online matches, you can double the fun by inviting a friend to play against you. One of the most advantageous features of Matchpoint is cross-platform gaming. If you prefer playing on your PC and your friend enjoys gaming on their Xbox, you can still hit the court together.

Practice makes perfect

In between matches, take advantage of the in-game coaching system and individual training modules to improve your strengths and diminish your weaknesses. You can also expand your tactics and skills with various entertaining mini-games.

Matchpoint – Tennis Championships will be available starting July 7 on Windows PC, PlayStation^®4, PlayStation^®5, and Xbox One/Series X|S consoles (supported through Smart Delivery). The game will release on Nintendo Switch™ on Oct. 20. To learn more about the tennis simulator, visit Matchpoint-Game.com.

2022-07-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – Spending time with your crew on the water this summer? There’s no better place to be! Boating, a longstanding American pastime, has seen a surge in popularity as millions of people recognize it gives you the freedom to explore and is one of the most fun, relaxing ways to escape stress on land. Plus, studies show being on the water improves health and wellness. It makes sense why a record number of newcomers purchased their first boat over the past two years.

Whether you’re new to boating or an experienced captain still navigating best practices for enjoying a day on the water, remember it should be fun — not intimidating. Understanding the basics on what to do and what to bring will help make you a safer, more confident boater while creating lasting memories.

“If you are looking for fun and adventure this summer, on the water with friends and family is where it’s at. There’s nothing more enjoyable and relaxing than a day on a boat with your favorite people,” said Ellen Bradley, senior vice president of Discover Boating. “Before you take the helm, learning the basic boating essentials will help ensure a fun and safe experience for all involved.”

Discover Boating is a helpful one-stop resource for everything from finding the boat that’s right for you to maintenance checklists and how-to’s, boating destinations and boating education topics. Additionally, with Discover Boating’s new Dealer Finder tool, you can conveniently locate and connect with verified boat dealers in your area.

Below are five tips from Discover Boating to improve your nautical know-how in no time to ensure the best possible experience on (and off) the water.

1. Learn the rules of the water. It is important to have the boating information and certifications you need to be a safe and responsible boater. By consulting Discover Boating’s safe boating tips, developing a safety checklist and obtaining the necessary training or certificates in your state, you not only protect yourself and your passengers but also other boaters on the water.

2. Take a class. Take the helm and become a confident boater. Sign up for a boating lesson to hone your powerboating, sailing or watersports skills by mastering the basics while having fun along the way. On-water training courses, watersports camps, youth boating programs and more are offered across the U.S.

3. Visit a boat show. Boat shows are an ideal place to immerse yourself in the boating lifestyle and provide a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with — and shop — a variety of boat dealers and marine product companies all under one roof. Most boat shows also offer educational opportunities (often complimentary) whether you’re a seasoned skipper looking to improve your skills or a new boater looking for tips on everything from boating safety to navigation and boat operation. Find a boat show in your area.

4. Look for the seal of approval. When shopping for a boat, whether at a boat show, online or at a dealership, check to make sure it is NMMA Certified. NMMA Certified boat and trailer manufacturers have been independently inspected to ensure they meet strict industry standards for safety and construction, as well as all federal regulations. Look for the NMMA Certified sticker near the helm of a boat.

5. Preserve your boat with proper maintenance. Similar to car maintenance, there are a few areas that require regular maintenance by the owner, and a few areas that require maintenance at routine intervals, which most leave to the professionals. Prepare a boat maintenance checklist that covers everything from engine needs to cleaning to electrical systems to ensure your boat has a long lifespan.

Enjoy your next boating adventure and be sure to use the social media hashtag #SeeYouOutHere to share your favorite moments on the water.

Visit DiscoverBoating.com for resources, storage options, tips and how-tos for getting on the water, boat shopping, safety and more.

2022-07-06T11:30:00

(BPT) – If you’re expecting a new family member, you probably have lots of things on your to-do list, including that all-important list of baby supplies and equipment. But do you really need all this stuff? While everyone’s parenting journey is different, there are some items most parents consider essential to make parenting easier and more comfortable for you and your little one.

1. You can never have too many onesies

From their first hours through age 2, onesies are a staple in your baby’s wardrobe for many reasons: They work well on their own in warmer weather, or as a first layer when it’s cold; they’re made to fit babies of all ages, and they have snaps or Velcro at the crotch so you can easily change diapers without removing the entire garment. Stocking up on onesies in newborn (0-3 months) and infant sizes (3-6 months and 6-12 months) will get you ready for the baby’s rapid growth spurts.

2. Swaddle up with receiving blankets

Before becoming a parent, you may wonder — what is the purpose of these small, thin, soft flannel cotton blankets? The fact is that they are indispensable. Newborns love being tightly swaddled and often calm down when they’re snug in these little blankets. It’s worth having the nurses at the hospital give you swaddling lessons if you haven’t learned this yet. These handy blankets are also great as over-the-shoulder burp cloths (they cover more territory than actual burp cloths), or as extra blankets to lay on a carpeted floor, the middle of a bed or other safe surfaces where you may set your baby down for a short while.

3. Protect your baby’s skin

Speaking of all those onesies and receiving blankets, you’ll be going through a lot of laundry, so you’ll need a laundry detergent that’s tough on baby stains while also being gentle on skin. New Arm & Hammer Baby detergent is formulated with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, and no unnecessary harsh ingredients. The product is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested to be gentle on your baby’s skin, and it is made using safer ingredients that meet EPA Safer Choice standards, with 0% preservatives, phosphates or dyes.

“Babies have sensitive skin, so it’s best to use gentle products on their skin,” says board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Alison Mitzner. “Choosing a laundry detergent with your baby’s needs in mind is a smart option to help prevent potential reactions your child could have to dyes, fragrances, or other irritating ingredients.”

The Cuddly Clean scent, suited for delicate newborn skin, can be used for your child’s clothes, bedding and blankets well into your child’s toddler years.

Visit ArmAndHammerBaby.com to learn more.

4. Test drive some diaper bags

You’ll carry this bag everywhere you go (even in the house) so that everything you need for your baby is handy. A good-quality bag that is sturdy as well as comfortable to carry over your shoulder is essential, so check that the shoulder strap is padded and adjustable. You’ll want enough pockets to organize your basic needs — diapers, bottles or pacifiers, baby wipes, toys, onesies and a receiving blanket — but not so many pockets that it’s impossible to find anything. Get recommendations from other new parents or go to a baby store to try a few out before buying.

5. Be ready to rock the night away

You may wonder why the chair that you’ll spend hours on with your infant needs to rock, but the truth is that babies respond well to gentle movement. Some babies are more likely to fall asleep while riding in a stroller or car for this reason. Make sure your chair is comfortable for you with padded armrests, and that it moves easily, so those late nights or early mornings will be much more restful as you soothe your baby back to sleep.

While not an exhaustive list of what you will need, these items are the unsung heroes of those early months with your baby. Once you’re a parent, you’ll quickly discover what is most important to you.

2022-07-06T12:05:00

(BPT) – With family vacations, summer camps and road trips in full swing, it is time to organize shopping lists for snacks that will keep kids happy and healthy. With refrigeration not always available, you can still find nutritious snacks that will hold up in car rides and backpacks, says mom of two Marina Chaparro, a Miami-based registered dietitian and founder of Nutrichicos, specializing in children’s nutrition.

“Finding snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated can often be challenging during summer camps or family vacations. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can provide nourishing ready-to-eat snacks for kids,” says Chaparro. “But a lack of refrigeration does not mean you need to buy chips and cookies; you can still find nutritious and easy-to-carry snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated.”

Chaparro offers these tips to pack nutritious portable snacks that you do not need to keep cold:

GoGo squeeZ Pouches

“You’ll want to stock up on these shelf-stable, portable pouches that make it easy for kids to eat fruits and vegetables that won’t turn mushy in the sun or require a spoon,” says Chaparro.

Chaparro says she is especially excited about two new GoGo squeeZ products that provide unique benefits for young kids. Happy ImmuneZ contains zinc and vitamin B12 to support a child’s immune system, which is definitely something on parents’ minds as kids head off to camp and other group activities. Happy ImmuneZ also contains prebiotic fiber to help nourish the good bacteria in a child’s gut, which houses 70% of the body’s immune system.

Their other new product is Happy BrainZ that contains brain-supporting nutrients like iron and omega-3s, along with prebiotic fiber and vitamin C.

“I’m excited about these new products because they hit all the key nutrition points I emphasize as a pediatric dietitian and mom: iron, zinc, omega 3, B12, and prebiotic fiber,” Chaparro says. “Best of all, they are convenient and taste good!”

Nut Butters

Peanut, almond, and other nut butters are ideal for shelf-stable, on-the-go snacks. Sunbutter, made from sunflower seeds, is a good option if your child needs to be nut-free due to allergies. These creamy protein-packed spreads are good as dips for whole-grain crackers, celery, or fruit, such as apple slices or bananas. “One of my favorite recipes that uses nut butters as a base is the easy-to-make Chocolate Chip Energy Bites (recipe below) — a great hearty, and nutritious snack that you can make with your kids,” Chaparro says.

“My rule for creating balanced and hearty snacks is FFP, or fat, fiber and protein,” says Chaparro. “This is an easy guide to remember for larger snacks, when your kid is hungrier or when there will be long stretches of time before a meal. Nut butters provide fat and protein, and you’ll be adding fiber with whole grains or fruits and vegetables.”

Chocolate Chip Energy Bites

Ingredients:

1 cup old fashioned oats

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon ground flax seeds

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup chocolate almond butter

2 tablespoons honey

Add Ons:

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup chopped pistachios

Directions:

1. Place in a bowl the oats, chia seeds, ground flax seeds, and chocolate chips.
2. Add the peanut butter, almond butter, and the honey.
3. Cut up the pecans and the pistachios and add them to the bowl.
4. Mix all the ingredients until everything is combined nicely and firm.
5. Take a bowl with some water to wet your hands a little bit so you don’t get too sticky and begin forming small balls.
6. Place balls in a baking tray or a cooking dish with parchment paper and take them to the freezer (or the refrigerator if you like a softer texture).
7. Wait for approximately 2 hours and enjoy!

Powerful Pairings

Package up different combinations of ingredients in reusable bags for on-the-go snacking, such as whole-grain cereal and dried fruit, raisins and peanuts or cashews, and a single-serve hummus container with baby carrots or whole-grain pita chips.

Chaparro also suggests buying cartons of single-serve, shelf-stable milk to combine with high-fiber, lower-sugar granola bars or even making your own trail mixes for road-trip friendly snacks.

For more information about the GoGo squeeZ line of snacks including the new products, visit www.gogosqueez.com.

2022-07-06T11:43:47

(BPT) – Do you love hosting summer cookouts? There’s nothing better than getting together with friends and family to enjoy festive foods while you relax outdoors. As you plan your next barbecue or picnic, make sure to maximize flavor by choosing the best quality ingredients.

For example, cooking and baking using high-quality butter, the most versatile ingredient in your kitchen, will make a huge difference in terms of the taste and texture of anything you create. America’s oldest family-owned creamery, Minerva Dairy, has become famous for its hand-rolled butter for over 125 years, spanning six generations. Their love for butter-making shows in their premium, slow-churned butter, which is rich and flavorful, with 85% butterfat content for a super-creamy texture — helping it melt more easily than its lower-fat counterparts. You can be a part of this proud, time-tested tradition by making recipes using their Sea Salt, Unsalted or Garlic Herb Butter.

Enjoy a festive recipe

This tasty, colorful, star-spangled and fruit-filled dessert brings the perfect combination of summer freshness and sweetness to wow your guests — and your whole family will love it.

Sheet Pan Slab Pie with Fresh Peaches and Blueberries
Courtesy of Spinach Tiger
Prep time: 60 minutes; Servings: 12

Ingredients:

Fruit filling:
10 peaches
2 pints blueberries
1/3 cup sugar (may need few tablespoons more)
1 tablespoon Minerva Dairy Unsalted Butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
squeeze lemon
2 tablespoons sifted cornstarch

Pie dough:
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
12 ounces Minerva Dairy Unsalted Butter (24 tablespoons or 3 sticks)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cups ice–cold water (plus 2 more tablespoons, if needed)

Directions:
Peel peaches. Mark peaches with “x” on one side.
Submerge in boiling water 60 seconds. Cool, peel, slice.
Put one tablespoon butter in frying pan with 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
Put peaches in brown sugar butter, toss gently. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Set in colander to drain.

Make pie dough:
Cut butter into small pieces. Freeze 10 minutes.
Mix flour, sugar, salt in food processor or mixer. You can whisk and do this with your hands.
Cut butter into flour mixture. You can use a mixer or food processor, or use a pastry cutter and mix butter into flour, making sure to keep pieces pea-sized.
Add ice-cold water. Mix just enough to be able to squeeze dough together. If the dough stays together when you press, it’s processed enough.
Put in plastic bag, separating into 1/3 and 2/3. Refrigerate 1 hour. You can do this a day in advance.
Take out 20 minutes before rolling.

Complete pie:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange rack in oven on bottom third.
Once you’re ready to assemble, first roll out the 1/3 dough to make stars. You can make 15 large stars or 18 smaller stars. Use more dough from the 2/3 section if needed. The remaining dough is for the sheet pan.
Make stars and place in refrigerator while rolling out the 2/3 dough for the bottom. Roll into a rectangle and place in sheet pan.
Fork holes all over the bottom. Place in freezer for a few minutes.
Arrange blueberries and peaches in sheet pan. Before placing stars over the fruit, using your finger, rub milk over each star and sprinkle raw sugar.
Bake 35 minutes. Check halfway through and turn pan around.
Check at 30 minutes and loosely cover with foil if it’s already golden brown.
Allow to cool before cutting.
Keep at room temperature, covered with foil.
Can be frozen for 60 days. Take out and allow to defrost at room temperature. Can be reheated in oven.

Find more tasty summer recipe ideas at MinervaDairy.com/recipes and a premium butter retailer near you at MinervaDairy.com/find-us.

2022-07-05T23:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is an amazing time to enjoy new activities, such as traveling to unfamiliar destinations or exploring a new outdoor hobby. Luckily, fueling up for your summer fun doesn’t need to work against your nutritional goals. Nutritional experts advise sticking to a few simple strategies to guide your eating plans, so you feel your best no matter what summer adventure awaits.

“Enjoying the best of summer shouldn’t include stress about what you should and shouldn’t eat,” emphasizes Colette Heimowitz, Vice President of Nutrition & Education at Simply Good Foods. “A bit of advance planning can help you enjoy every moment and flavor of summer so you can feel energized all day long.”

Heimowitz shares her top four tips for smart snacking this summer:

Relax the rules on the road

Part of the fun of summer traveling is enjoying delicious regional food once you reach your destination, so try to relax and make new food memories on vacation. You can stay on track by upping your daily activity level while you’re vacationing to make up for those extra calories, and make sure you pack low-carb snacks to have on hand throughout the day. Look for low-sugar snacks that are high in protein, fiber and healthy fats to keep your energy high and your hunger satisfied.

Fuel up with protein-rich foods

Fuel up for outdoor adventures like hiking, sightseeing and bike riding with easy-to-carry, low-carb foods that will sustain your energy through a long day of exercise. Pack homemade trail mix, a protein shake or a high-protein sandwich of chicken breast, with lycopene-rich tomatoes (a powerful antioxidant) on fiber-rich whole-grain bread or a lettuce wrap.

Pick your treats wisely

Food should nourish you and also be something you enjoy. When you’re looking for a cool indulgence while fighting the summer heat, try a portion-controlled treat like Atkins Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Patties, which have less carbs and sugar than traditional patties, making them a delicious and smart swap. You can store them in the fridge or freezer for a cool, refreshing treat with only 1 gram of sugar or less per serving.

Cut back on carbs

Summer is the time to enjoy fun, entertaining activities with friends and family. If you know you’re not going to be able to resist your friend’s famous potato salad recipe at this weekend’s barbecue or you have been looking forward to snacks at your favorite food truck, cut back on carbs for a few days before. If you’ve been keeping your appetite satisfied with fulfilling low-carb snacks and meals, you may be happy just having a few bites of the much-anticipated dish.

According to Heimowitz, “These simple strategies can transform your outlook this summer so you can enjoy your summer activities without having to stress about food.” For the Atkins Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Patties and more low-carb nutrition ideas, visit Atkins.com.

2022-07-05T10:11:00

(BPT) – Can you believe the SPAM^® Brand is celebrating its 85^th birthday this July? It’s a classic ingredient with a proven track record of making delicious dishes, which explains its continued popularity worldwide. More than 9 billion cans have been produced around the world and sold in 48 countries, where it is known as the SPAM^® Brand, no matter the language!

From the late 1930s to today, the brand has made an iconic evolution from a wartime delicacy to a trending ingredient on TikTok, a 16,000 square foot museum, a celebrity chef staple, an annual Hawaiian street festival and so much more. During its 85-year reign, SPAM^® products have consistently been used to create delicious meals and snacks from home cooking to fine dining – all while inspiring, celebrating and connecting consumers around the world.

If you haven’t prepped SPAM^® products before or if it has been a while, check out these four tips for cooking with this beloved ingredient.

1. Choose a flavor

While you might be most familiar with SPAM^® Classic, there are eleven SPAM^® varieties to complement and elevate any dish.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet yet savory, try SPAM^® Teriyaki. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, SPAM^® Jalapeno may be just what you’re looking for to make an afternoon snack like nachos really pop.

Other flavors include bacon, turkey and hickory smoked. No matter what you’re craving, there’s a flavor for you. Try a few out and see which ones you prefer based on your tastes and preferences.

2. Decide on a dish

Now that you’ve chosen a flavor, it’s time to decide on a dish. The great thing about SPAM^® products is that they’re incredibly convenient so you can throw together a quick meal or snack for your friends and family.

An excellent and easy recipe for a midweek dinner or as a utensil-free meal for an outdoor gathering is SPAM^® Street Tacos. This creative take on the classic street taco takes only 20 minutes to make, so you can enjoy this tasty treat in no time.

SPAM^® products are such a flexible and creative ingredient that you can even make it into a cake. Check out this SPAM^® Musubirthday Cake recipe, a creative spin on classic Musubi that is ironically perfect for the brand’s birthday celebration.

3. Don’t slice it too thin or thick

One of the most common mistakes people make when cooking with SPAM^® products is not knowing how to slice it to suit a dish. While you may be tempted to create thin slices like a cold cut, you won’t be able to fully enjoy the flavor in your sandwich. On the other hand, you don’t want to slice it too thick either or you might overpower the other sandwich ingredients.

For making stir-fry dishes or adding it to a casserole, it’s a good idea to chop the product into small cubes that are easy to fry or bake quickly. The more you cook it, you’ll discover your preference for how to prepare the meat to suit your meal or snack.

4. Decide how to cook it

While SPAM^® products are known for their signature sizzle in the pan, your favorite varieties can be cooked just about any way- frying, baking, boiling, grilling and more. How you cook the product will depend on your chosen recipe and the texture you prefer, but moist and crispy is a fan favorite. A trending and simple way to make crispy SPAM^® products is to use an air fryer. All you need to do is cube or slice it, add it to the air fryer basket with some oil, and cook it for about 10 minutes. Once it’s done, you can eat it on its own as a snack or add to a salad or as a breakfast side dish.

No matter what flavor or recipe you choose or what preparation and cooking method you use, it’s easy to get creative when cooking with the SPAM^® Brand. To find some inspiration and recipes for your next meal, visit SPAM.com/Recipes.

SPAM^® Street Tacos

Ingredients:

1 (12-ounce) can SPAM^® Classic, sliced into strips

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoons chili powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 (8-ounce) package WHOLLY^® Guacamole Classic

1 small onion, diced

1 small Serrano pepper, seeded and diced

1 (10-count) package taco size flour tortillas

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

In a bowl, combine the SPAM^® Classic, cumin, garlic powder, salt, chili powder, paprika, and black pepper, then set aside.

In a large skillet, heat oil and cook the SPAM^® Classic until lightly browned. Add seasoning and continue to heat for 1-2 minutes.

Place the SPAM^® Classic in tortillas with guacamole, onion, and serrano pepper. If desired, garnish with cilantro sprigs.