Real Simple - My New Favorite Magazine

FRIDAY'S FOOD TIP

As a writer, I love to read. I read anything and everything - the backs of cereal boxes, billboards, and, of course, books and magazines by the carload.

I'd been eyeing this magazine (Real Simple) in the grocery store for months.

But I never opened a copy because I knew if I flipped through the pages I'd probably be hooked.

And did I really need to spend even MORE money to find out how to live with LESS?

I didn't think so.

But a couple of weeks ago I finally "caved" when I was offered a free issue.

It arrived the other day in the mail and I finally got around to reading it last night.

Okay, so I was right - at least partially.

Some of the "simple" ideas ARE a bit strange and I'll probably never try them - like using Alka-Seltzer to clean the toilet (I know...you think that one really IS a great idea and how can I not see it).

But I was surprised at some of the other great ideas.

Like turning those seldom used champagne flutes into a beautiful grouping of candle stands simply by flipping them upside down and placing large candles on them. (Look in the July issue of the magazine; the glasses really do make attractive candle holders that don't scream, "we're really champagne glasses turned upside down and used as candle holders.")

Visit the website for Real Simple and find even more great tips, recipes, and ideas for making your life easier.

You can even get a FREE sample issue yourself.

But watch out.

You'll be hooked.


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News from the Three Angels Gourmet Co

Retail Customers: If you can't find our "heavenly gourmet mixes" in a store near you, now you can order them directly from this blog. Just click on the photo at right.

Wholesale Customers: For wholesale information about our products, visit Beyond the Expected Marketing.

Do You Need Recipes and Food Tips for Your Website or Ezine?

THURSDAY'S FOOD TIP

Here's a fun food tip for making herb butters. Also, if you need recipes, food tips, or food related articles for your website or ezine, many of my articles (such as this one) are available for free reprint at www.ezinearticles.com. Just type in my name and a list of my articles will come up. Since I'm also a freelance writer (in addition to being the owner of this gourmet food business), I'm also available to write specialized articles, or even a regular column, for your own food related website or ezine. Email me for details.

EASY HERB BUTTERS
by Suzanne Lieurance

Since fresh herbs are so plentiful this time of year, why not make a variety of simple herb butters? You can even freeze them to enjoy in the cooler fall months ahead. Use these tasty butters on everything from grilled steaks, fish, and chicken, to cooked vegetables. And don't forget to slather some on a big chunk of fresh bread.



To make herb butters, chop the herbs very fine. Cream the butter, then blend in the herbs and seasonings. Roll the herb butter into a log - or see our earlier food tip and use them to make molded butter pats.

Wrap the butter log in waxed paper. Store in the refrigerator, or put in the freezer (for up to 6 months).

Try the following herb butter combinations:

HERBAL BUTTER

2 sticks softened butter
1 Tbsp. chopped, fresh green basil
1 Tbsp. chopped, fresh marjoram
1 Tbsp. chopped, fresh chives
1 tsp. chopped, fresh rosemary
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

PARSLEY HERB BUTTER

1/2 c. softened butter
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. chopped basil
1/4 tsp. oregano
Pepper to taste

ROSEMARY BUTTER

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 sticks softened butter

Experiment with other herbal combinations to create your own special herb butters.

Strawberry Sorbet

WEDNESDAY'S FOOD TIP



I suppose we all have our favorite seasonal recipes. This simple Strawberry Sorbet is one of my absolute favorites for summer. A cool and delicious strawberry sorbet can be an impressive end to a meal on a hot summer’s eve. And the only special equipment required is a food processor or blender. But you don’t have to tell your dinner guests how simple the sorbet was to prepare. That can be your little secret.

Note: While sorbets are generally made without milk products, eggs, or gelatin, this recipe does call for sweetened condensed milk. This is all you’ll need:

1 quart sliced strawberries
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tsp. lemon juice

Puree all the ingredients together in a food processor or blender. Pour the pureed mixture into a shallow metal pan and freeze until ice crystals form. Use a fork to break up the crystals about every 30 minutes or so and continue to let it freeze until it is solid enough to be scooped into balls. Makes about 6 servings.


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Wholesale Customers: For wholesale information about any "heavenly gourmet mixes" from the Three Angels Gourmet Co. visit Beyond the Expected Marketing.

Tags: sorbet---food tips---gourmet food---dessert---strawberry dessert---

Herbes de Provence

TUESDAY'S FOOD TIP



It's great to have a variety of dried herbs and spices on hand for cooking. But it's even greater when you have FRESH herbs available.

Grow your own herbs this summer and enjoy them in vegetable or fruit salads, in pasta, and with a variety of cooked meats. Plant the following herbs to create a blend called Herbes de Provence:

Oregano
Summer savory
Thyme
Marjoram
Rosemary

Herbes de Provence is usually made with dried herbs, but combine one tablespoon of each of the above herbs (finely chopped) to give any dish a taste of Provence.

Try these easy recipes to create a bouquet garni.

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Wholesale Customers: For wholesale information about "heavenly gourmet mixes" from the Three Angels Gourmet Co. visit Beyond the Expected Marketing.

How to Choose a Pineapple

MONDAY'S FOOD TIP

Do you avoid buying fresh pineapple because you don't know how to choose one?



Well, it isn't very difficult to choose a pineapple that will be sweet and succulent. Here's how:

Look for a pineapple that has nice green leaves and is plump at the bottom. The pineapple should also smell sweet at the stem. The pineapple should give ever-so-slightly when you push on it with your fingertips but it should not have any soft spots or bruises.


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For wholesale information about "heavenly gourmet mixes" from the Three Angels Gourmet Co. visit Beyond the Expected Marketing.

Southern Sweet Tea

SUNDAY'S FOOD TIP


If you've visited or lived in the southern part of the United States, you know there's nothing like a glass of sweet tea to quench your thirst on a hot, humid summer day. Order a glass of ice tea in a restaurant in the South and you're sure to get sweet tea. To Southerners, ice tea means sweet tea.

You may wonder if there's some secret to the sweet tea served in the South.

Well, there is.

My grandmother used to make sweet tea. The secret to getting it perfectly sweet is to add the sugar when the tea is warm. That way, the sugar dissolves completely in the tea. Another secret is to add just a pinch of baking soda to the tea to take out any bitterness.

Try these recipes for Southern Sweet Tea.


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Wholesale Customers: For wholesale information about "heavenly gourmet mixes" from the Three Angels Gourmet Co. visit Beyond the Expected Marketing.

Help Your Kids Set Up a Lemonade Stand

SATURDAY'S FOOD TIP - COOKING WITH KIDS

Every kid needs to have a lemonade stand at least once in his life. A card table with a sheet over it works well for the stand. Kids can use colored markers and a piece of poster board to make an eye-catching sign. As for the lemonade, that's simple to make too. The secret to really good lemonade is dissolving sugar in water to make a syrup to use for creating this refreshing beverage.

Here's how:

Make the syrup by combining 1 c. water and 1 c. sugar in a small saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a boil and stir frequently until the sugar dissolves completely.

Once all the sugar has dissolved, pour this syrup into a glass container and store it in the refrigerator (for up to one week).

Making the Lemonade

For each pitcher of lemonade, have your kids mix one entire recipe of syrup with the juice of six lemons and four cups of cold water. Note: Be sure everything is mixed together very well.

The kids can sell their lemonade over a few ice cubes in paper cups.

Additional tip: Homemade cookies boost sales at any neighborhood lemonade stand. Buy some slice-and-bake cookie dough and fresh cookies, hot from the oven, can be ready in no time.

Happy sales!

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Wholesale Customers: Visit Beyond the Expected Marketing for wholesale information about "heavenly gourmet mixes" from the Three Angels Gourmet Co.

Retail Customers: If you are unable to find "heavenly gourmet mixes" from the Three Angels Gourmet Co. in a local store, you will be able to purchase them here soon.

Also, look for our new Mystery-Mix of the Month Club, coming here soon.

The Perfect Quesadilla

FRIDAY'S FOOD TIP

Okay. I admit it. A quesadilla isn't the healthiest snack around. But it certainly is one of the easiest and tastiest "comfort foods" to make when you're having a rough day.

The perfect quesadilla is crispy on the outside and oozing with melted cheese (and often other ingredients) on the inside.

Here are a few tips for making the perfect quesadilla:

1. Use a burrito sized "flour" tortilla.

2. Spread a little butter on the outside of the tortilla before adding the cheese(s) and other ingredients.

3. Grate the cheese(s). This will help it melt faster and more evenly.

4. Use a combination of cheeses (see suggestions, below).

5. When serving a quesadilla for a main course, add additional ingredients for fillings such as chopped, cooked meats, chopped, cooked veggies, herbs and spices, etc.

6. Prepare your quesdilla in a nonstick skillet instead of in the microwave (that's the only way to get the tortilla crispy on the outside).

Try these cheeses that melt well:

Swiss
Colby
Brie
Cheddar
Gruyere
Havarti
Monterey Jack
Mozzarella
Provolone

Try adding one of these fresh cheeses in addition to any of the cheeses above:

Ricotta
Feta
Goat Cheese

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For another delicious recipe using flour tortillas, try these Mediterranean Rollups, made with Sun-Blessed Tomato Herb Dip Mix from the Three Angels Gourmet Co.

Wholesale Customers: Visit Beyond the Expected Marketing to order Sun-Blessed Tomato Herb Dip Mix or any other "heavenly gourmet mixes" from the Three Angels Gourmet Co.

A Dozen Ways to Enjoy Divine Dill Dip Mix

THURSDAY'S FOOD TIP



Our Divine Dill Dip Mix is such a versatile product. You'll use it for many other things besides chips and dip. Here are a dozen ways to enjoy this heavenly gourmet mix:

1. Add one tablespoon of the dill dip seasoning to one cup of sour cream, or yogurt. Use as a dip for veggies or chips.

2. Serve the dill dip in a small round of pumpernickel bread. Cut out the center, fill with dip, and cube center cutouts for dipping.

3. Use the dill dip to make a quick and delicious lunch. Bake a potato in the microwave, top with some dill dip seasoning mixed with sour cream. Yum!

4. Make a cheese ball with 12 oz. cream cheese, 1 c. drained, crushed pineapple, and one pkg. Three Angels Divine Dill Mix for a Dilly of a Cheese Ball. Roll in chopped nuts and parsley. Delicious!

5. Add 1 Tbsp. of dill dip to each cup of white sauce. Pour over grilled chicken strips. Serve the chicken over rice or noodles.

6. Use the dill dip as a "dry rub" for chicken or fish.

7. Use the dill dip in your favorite potato salad recipes.

8. Prepare the dill dip with sour cream; then serve with cooked salmon or as a tartar sauce for other fish.

9. Add a small can of drained, chopped water chestnuts to the dill dip made with sour cream.

10. Mix the dill dip with sour cream. Serve with hot wings or pretzels.

11. Use a little of the dry dill mixture to season homemade soups.

12. Mix the dry dill dip with softened cream cheese for a sandwich or bagel spread. Add crushed pineapple for a little tang, or chopped water chestnuts for a special crunch.

No matter how you use Divine Dill Dip Mix, you, your family, and your guests are bound to enjoy it!

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For wholesale information, visit Beyond the Expected Marketing or call 913-1733 or fax 913-322-0385.

Refreshing Fruit Smoothies in a Flash!

WEDNESDAY'S FOOD TIP

When the weather heats up for the summer, my husband and I like to spend Saturday mornings at the City Market. We shop for fresh fruits and veggies, plants and flowers, and all sorts of goodies. Once we lug home all our purchases, we like to relax outside on the deck with a refreshing fruit smoothie. We try to buy enough fruit to make smoothies several times during the week, too. Then, on Saturday, it's time for another trip to the City Market!



Make a fruit smoothie in a flash! Simply put all the ingredients into a blender and blend until thick and creamy, then pour the smoothie into an attractive glass. Garnish with a slice of fresh fruit, if desired.

Note: Freeze the berries and bananas before adding them to the smoothie mixtures for frostier smoothies.

Try any or all of these basic smoothies, then come up with your own delicious concoctions.

BANANA SMOOTHIE (makes 1 serving)

1 ripe banana, frozen
1/2 c. nonfat yogurt
1 Tbsp. honey
1 c. crushed ice


BERRY SMOOTHIE (makes 1 serving)

1 Tbsp. honey
1/2 c. milk
6 to 8 strawberries, frozen
1/2 c. raspberries or blueberries, frozen


STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE (makes 4 servings)

1 qt. whole strawberries, frozen
4 c. pineapple juice
1 c. orange juice
1 1/2 c. lowfat vanilla yogurt, frozen


PINA COLADA SMOOTHIE (makes 2 servings)

1 (6 oz.) carton nonfat coconut yogurt, frozen
1/2 banana, frozen
10 oz. crushed pineapple (from a can)
1 cup nonfat milk

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Three Angels Gourmet Co. Wholesale Customers - Visit Beyond the Expected Marketing today and find out how to order our Divine Dill Dip Mix Special. It's a convenient and inexpensive way to become acquainted with our products.

Foods to Go

TUESDAY'S FOOD TIP



Now that warm weather and school vacations are here, most of us need "foods to go" more than ever. Picnics, car trips, outdoor dining on the patio and deck - all call for foods that will travel well.

Here are some great ideas for foods to take with you on car trips or picnics, plus plenty of ideas to save you money on foods to go this summer. Just get your cooler ready!

Try these Cool Summer Tea Drinks you make yourself at home and save even more $$$$$$$$.


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Three Angels Gourmet Co. Wholesale Customers - Visit Beyond the Expected Marketing today and find out how to order our Divine Dill Dip Mix Special. It's a convenient and inexpensive way to become acquainted with our products.

Tags: food to go---food tips---gourmet food---picnic food---wholesale food---

Briannas Fine Salad Dressings

MONDAY'S FOOD TIP



A superb salad is easy and quick to make, yet so delicious and nutritious if made with healthful ingredients.

My new favorite dressing for tossed salad is Briannas Home Style BLUSH WINE VINAIGRETTE.



This dressing is an all natural, no artificial ingredient vinaigrette. Napa Valley grapes create the distinctive vinegar for this delightfully sweet but tangy dressing. An exceptional marinade for domestic meats and wild game. It's also delicious on fresh strawberries.

It's a snap to find Blush Wine Vinaigrette on the store shelf (if your favorite store carries it). Just look for the label with the BIG strawberry on the front.




Three Angels Gourmet Co. Wholesale Customers Visit Beyond the Expected Marketing today and find out how to order our Divine Dill Dip Mix Special. It's a convenient and inexpensive way to become acquainted with our products.

Tags: salad dressing---food tips---gourmet food---wine vinaigrette---wholesale food---

Serve This Black Bean Dip as Part of Dad's Special Meal Today!

SUNDAY'S FOOD TIP

Happy Father's Day to dads everywhere!

If you're preparing a special Father's Day dinner for Dad today, you'll want to include this tasty Black Bean Dip as a refreshing appetizer.

Host a barbeque to celebrate Dad's special day. Then serve this dip when everyone is sitting outside together on the deck or patio, waiting for the steaks or burgers to cook on the grill.



BLACK BEAN DIP (makes about 2 cups)

1 Tbsp. canned chopped green chilies

1 small onion, chopped (about 1/4 cup)

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 c. plain fat-free yogurt

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. salt

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Cover and blend on medium-high speed, pulsing occasionally, until almost smooth. Pour the dip into a small bowl. Serve with pita chips or pieces of flatbread (see EXTRA TIP below).

NOTE: Serve this dip cold or heat it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, until hot.

EXTRA TIP: Heat some pieces of Flatout until crispy, then use a pizza wheel to cut them into smaller pieces.

Hole-in-One Cake for Dad

SATURDAY'S FOOD TIP - COOKING WITH KIDS

If Dad's a golfer, here's a cute cake the whole family can make together for him for Father's Day.


Hole-in-One Cake

Count on Kraftfoods.com for recipes for all sorts of delicious dishes to serve for Father's Day. Just click here.

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For wholesale information about "heavenly gourmet mixes" from the Three Angels Gourmet Co., visit Beyond the Expected Marketing

Earthbound Farm - Try Their Organic Salad Mixes

FRIDAY'S FOOD TIP



Ah...as of next Wednesday (the 21st), it'll be summertime in the U.S.A.

And summertime is salad time - at least around here.

We love to buy the prepackaged organic salad mixes from Earthbound Farm. Around this part of the country we find the salads in stores like Wild Oats and Whole Foods, among others.

You may recognize this leafy green from salads gone by. But can you identify it?


It is called Mizuna.

But don't worry.

If you don't know your baby greens from your baby lettuces, here's a helpful chart from Earthbound Farm that will let you identify all those mysterious greens in your salad.

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Three Angels Gourmet Co. Wholesale Customers
Find out the latest about our "heavenly gourmet mixes" by visiting Beyond the Expected Marketing.

Rice Dream

THURSDAY'S FOOD TIP



Here's a healthy alternative to cow's milk if you're lactose intolerant and can't drink soy milk either. Rice Dream comes in several flavors (including original, vanilla, chocolate, and carob).

I like the original flavor on cereal and it even makes a yummy milk shake when blended with Rice Dream Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert (an ice cream substitute).


Find information and links to other alternative dairy products here.



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WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS: Visit Beyond the Expected Marketing for wholesale information about "heavenly gourmet mixes" from the Three Angels Gourmet Co.


RETAIL CUSTOMERS: Currently, our products are sold in gift shops and gourmet food stores in 40 states. But, if you can't find Three Angels Gourmet Co. products in a specialty food store near you, email us and we'll send you a retail price list.

Tags: lactose intolerant---food tips---gourmet food---non-dairy---wholesale food---

Grilled Salmon with Divine Dill Sauce

WEDNESDAY'S FOOD TIP


For a quick gourmet dinner, grill some salmon tonight then serve it with a yummy dill sauce made from our Divine Dill Dip Mix and sour cream (directions are on the package).

M-m-m...serve the remaining dill sauce with fresh veggies or chips.


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Retail Customers - Coming Soon - We encourage readers to look for Three Angels Gourmet Co. mixes at their local gourmet food stores and other specialty food shops. However, we will have a retail sales page coming soon to this blog and you'll be able to order our "heavenly gourmet mixes" here if you can't find them locally.

Wholesale Information: Visit Beyond the Expected Marketing if you'd like wholesale information about our products.

Kitchen Klutzes - Celebrate!

TUESDAY'S FOOD TIP

If the most delicious thing you can make for dinner is reservations at your favorite restaurant, then today is a day you will love to celebrate.

It's National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day!



Send someone a special Greeting Card to mark this unusual day - then enjoy a relaxing and stress-free dinner together tonight at your favorite restaurant.

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THREE ANGELS GOURMET CO. WHOLESALE INFORMATION

Visit Beyond the Expected Marketing for wholesale information about our "heavenly gourmet mixes."

Tags: greeting card---food tips---gourmet food---american greetings---wholesale food---

Herbed Mozzarella

MONDAY'S FOOD TIP

Don't all those herbed cheeses in your local deli or specialty food store look delicious? Did you know you can easily turn plain mozzarella into a luscious herbed cheese yourself? If you happen to have your own herb garden, all you'll need to purchase is the mozzarella. You'll find the other ingredients in your garden and spice cabinet.



HERBED MOZZARELLA

2 c. bite-sized pieces of mozzarella
4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Remove bay leaf and serve at room temperature with crackers, slices of bread, etc. Makes 8 servings.


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Wholesale Customers: Visit Beyond the Expected Marketing for wholesale information about "heavenly gourmet mixes" from the Three Angels Gourmet Co.

Tags: mozzarella---food tips---gourmet food---deli cheese---deli---cheese

Pastry Blender Tips

SUNDAY'S FOOD TIP

Some pastry blenders have stiff blades. Like this one:



Other pastry blenders have flexible wires. Like this one:



We prefer the blenders with stiff blades to the ones with flexible wires for blending any of our delicious scone mixes with butter. The stiff blades do a better job of slicing through the butter to combine it with the scone mix, forming a stiff crumb mixture that can be spooned into a scone pan.

Here's another tip for using a pastry blender: If you end up with large clumps of ground beef when browning it for use in tacos or spaghetti sauce, etc., use a pastry blender (again, we prefer the one with the stiff blades) to break up the clumps.

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Wholesale Customers: Visit Beyond the Expected Marketing for wholesale information about our products.

Tags: pastry---food tips---gourmet food---mixing---taco---spaghetti

Winner of Gourmet Gift Basket Announced...

to the lucky winner!!!!!

A drawing was just held to determine who (among buyers who placed orders for Three Angels Gourmet Co. products at the June Kansas City Gift Show last week) would win our GREAT Gourmet Gift Basket.

Visit Beyond the Expected Marketing and find out who will receive our GREAT Gourmet Gift Basket, packed with all sorts of "heavenly gourmet mixes" and other delightful goodies!

Coffee Can Ice Cream Kids Can Make!

SATURDAY'S FOOD TIP - COOKING WITH KIDS


Here's a fun and delicious way for your kids to start off their summer vacation from school. Let them make some Coffee Can Ice Cream.

My sons loved to make this ice cream in a can when they were growing up. They still enjoy making it now that they're adults (I do, too). There's just something magical about putting a bunch of liquid ingredients into a coffee can and rolling the can around to create ice cream, I guess. Plus, there's a real sense of accomplishment when you open the can to reveal a delicious frosty treat you made yourself, without an ice cream freezer or any other modern day convenience.

Actually, you need 2 coffee cans (with lids) to make this ice cream. The ingredients for the ice cream will be poured into a 1 pound coffee can. But you'll need a 3 pound coffee can, too.

For enough ice cream for 4 to 6 people you'll also need:

1 pint of half and half
1 egg, beaten (optional)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Variations:
For chocolate ice cream, add 2 Tbsp. chocolate syrup
For strawberry ice cream, add 1/4 c. chopped strawberries

Help the children pour all of the ingredients into the 1 pound coffee can and mix well. Put the lid on the can and tape it shut with some duct tape. Place this coffee can into the 3 pound coffee can. Fill the remaining space in the 3 pound coffee can with ice and rock salt, then put the lid on this can, too.

Here's the fun part for the kids. Have 2 children sit on the sidewalk (or the driveway) about 3 to 4 feet apart and roll the can(s) back and forth between them for about 10 minutes.

Open both cans and check to see if the ingredients in the smaller can are starting to freeze. The mixture probably won't be ready yet, but you can gauge about how much longer the children will need to roll the can(s).

Replace the lid and the tape on the smaller can, then shut the larger can and have the children roll the can(s) for another 8 or 10 minutes before checking the ingredients again.

It usually takes at least 20 minutes of rolling the can(s) back and forth for the ingredients to freeze solidly into ice cream.

Once the ice cream is fairly solid, spoon it into bowls or ice cream cones and serve. The children can garnish the bowls with fresh fruit or a sprig of mint if you're having company for dinner.


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WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS: For more information about products from the Three Angels Gourmet Co. visit Beyond the Expected Marketing or call Debra Steiner at 913-963-1733.

Dairy Free Indulgences!

FRIDAY'S FOOD TIP

If you love dairy products but they don't necessarily love you (meaning, you're lactose intolerant or have other allergies or sensitivities to traditional dairy foods), you don't have to give up yummy ice cream, cheeses, or crunch through your breakfast cereal without benefit of milk.

There are all sorts of non-dairy milks, cheeses, and other goodies on the market these days. Often, these items are labeled "vegan" since they appeal to the increasing vegan market. Just read the labels carefully if you're also sensitive to soy or wheat, like I am. Many vegan cheeses are made with soy and may also contain wheat. Since I'm sensitive to both of these foods, I look for cheeses made with rice milk instead.

Find out more about vegan cheeses from the Vegan Society.

Click here to receive coupons for Turtle Mountain Dairy Free Desserts.

If you're looking for non-dairy cheese for pizza, then you'll want to try the Vegan Gourmet line of non-dairy cheeses at Follow Your Heart. You can order them online if you can't find them in your local health food store.

Enjoy!




Wholesale Customers: If you're interested in ordering Three Angels Gourmet Co. products for your gourmet food store or gift shop, visit Beyond the Expected Marketing for wholesale information.

Tags: vegan---food tips---gourmet food---non-dairy---baking mix

Grilled Fruit - Delicious Desserts That Won't Heat Up the Kitchen This Summer!

THURSDAY'S FOOD TIP

I love cooking outside on the grill. The house stays cool since I don't need to use the oven, plus I can coat chicken or steak with a homemade rub and let it marinate in the frig all afternoon before grilling. All that's left to do in the evening is make a salad and some (preferably fresh) veggies. If we want dessert, that can be cooked on the grill, too.

Try these recipes for grilled fruit and create some delicious desserts that won't heat up your kitchen this summer.

GRILLED FRUIT

When you've got the grill all fired up for the main course, save some heat for dessert. Many fruits are perfect for grilling, particularly stone fruits such as peaches, nectarines and apricots. And they make a delicious dessert served over ice cream.

To grill, simply slice the fruit in half, remove the pit and place the fruit cut side down directly on the rack over the coals. Wait for grill marks to appear, turn the fruit over and continue cooking. Remove the fruit from the heat as soon as it's tender (and before it falls apart).

Extra Tip: When you can easily insert the tip of a knife into the fruit, it's done.


Here are a couple of more elaborate grilled fruit recipes to try:



GRILLED PEACHES
From BRILLIANT FOOD TIPS AND COOKING TRICKS
By David Joachim

Divide 4 pitted and sliced peaches among four 8" pieces of foil. Top each with 1/4 of a vanilla bean (or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract), 1 teaspoon chopped crystallized ginger, and 1 teaspoon each, unsalted butter, honey, and orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier). Wrap the foil around its contents, sealing tightly. Grill over a medium-hot fire 5 minutes. Serve over ice cream. Makes 4 servings.




GRILLED SUGAR-DIPPED PINEAPPLE
From HOME COOKING WITH AMY COLEMAN

1 ripe pineapple
8 Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. grated lime zest
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 c. dark rum, for flambeing (optional)


Preheat the grill to HIGH.

Cut the leafy top off the pineapple, then cut off the rind. Slice the fruit into 8 or 10 even rounds. Using a pineapple corer or paring knife, remove the core from each round.

When ready to cook, place the melted butter in a shallow bowl; combine the sugar, lime zest, cinnamon and cloves in a separate bowl. Bring both bowls to the grillside. Oil the grill grates. Dip each slice of pineapple first in melted butter, then in the sugar mixture, shaking off the excess. Arrange the pineapple slices on the hot grate and grill, turning with tongs, until browned and sizzling, 5 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer the pineapple slices to plates or a platter, arranging the slices in an overlapping fashion.

If using the rum, warm it in a small saucepan on one side of the grill; do not let it boil or even become hot. Remove it from the heat and then, making sure your sleeves are rolled up and hair is tied back, light a long match and use it to ignite the rum, averting your face as you do so. Very carefully pour the flaming rum over the pineapple and serve it immediately.

Here are some other simple recipes:

Grilled Pineapple

Grilled Pears

Grilled Pineapple Dessert

Tags: grill recipe---food tips---gourmet food---fruit dessert

Cool Down With Cantaloupe

WEDNESDAY'S FOOD TIP



As the weather heats up, cool down with some refreshing cantaloupe this summer. When buying cantaloupe at your local grocery or farmer's market, choose melons that slightly yield to the touch and smell sweet.

Try some of these serving suggestions:

* Cut the cantloupe into halves or fourths. Fill a small ice cream scoop with lowfat cottage cheese and place the cottage cheese inside the melon half or alongside the fourth of melon on a plate. Top with sliced bananas and serve immediately. Makes a refreshing summer breakfast.

* Wrap a thin slice of turkey or ham around a slice of cantaloupe for a cool treat.

* Create a sweet cantaloupe smoothie by blending 2 cups of cantaloupe chunks with a 6 oz. can of frozen orange juice concentrate. Add 1-2 cups of skim milk and a cup of ice cubes. Blend and serve.

* Make this Chilly Five Fruit Salad:

1/2 c. orange juice
1 c. cantaloupe balls
1 c. fresh blueberries
1 c. watermelon balls
1 banana, peeled and sliced

Pour the orange juice over the fruit. Chill.

M-m-m...I'm feeling cooler already, just thinking about these tempting summer treats.

Tags: cantaloupe---food tips---gourmet food---melon

Bake a Batch of Half Moon Cookies With Our Sugar Cookie Mix

You've probably seen huge Half-Moon Cookies in coffee shops. You know the ones I mean. One half of each cookie is covered with white icing, the other half with dark chocolate. Hence the name, Half-Moon Cookies. These delicious treats are also called Black and White Cookies and they're something of a New York tradition.




But you don't have to live in New York to enjoy Black and Whites. Use a package of Three Angels Gourmet Co. Sugar Cookie Mix to create a delicious variation of this popular treat no matter where you live. True Black and Whites are more like a cake than a cookie, and our Sugar Cookie Mix bakes up soft and cakey on the inside, yet crisp on the outside.

To make the cookies taste like the traditional Black and Whites or Half-Moons, add 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract to the mix when you add the beaten eggs (see directions for cookie mix on the package). After baking the cookies, let them cool completely.

For the traditional Black and White frosting you'll need:

4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 to 1/2 cup boiling water
ounce bittersweet chocolate


Put the confectioners' sugar in a large bowl. Gradually add enough of the boiling water to the sugar, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick and easy to spread.

Remove half of the frosting to the top half of a double boiler set over simmering water. Add the chocolate. Stir the mixture until the chocolate melts and the frosting is smooth. Remove from the heat.

With a brush or knife, coat half the cookie with chocolate frosting and the other half with white frosting.

Tags: half-moon cookie---food tips---gourmet food---black & white cookies

Sun-Blessed Tomato Herb Bagel & Cracker Spread

MONDAY'S FOOD TIP




Sun-Blessed Tomato Herb Dip mixed with the new "whipped" cream cheese makes a delightful bagel or cracker spread. Simply mix the contents of the dip mix package with a large container of whipped cream cheese. Refrigerate the spread several hours. Right before serving, stir the cream cheese mixture together a bit more to blend the softened tomatoes in the dip mix thoroughly through the cream cheese to create a more uniform color and consistency. Serve on bagels, bagel chips, or plain Table Water Crackers.

Wholesale Buyers: Stop by Booth #304, today or tomorrow, at the Kansas City Gift Show and sample many of our delicious products. Visit the Beyond the Expected Marketing blog for more information about wholesale orders.

What Is a Scone?

SUNDAY'S FOOD TIP



At trade shows and product samplings here in the Midwest, people are always asking us, "What is a scone, exactly?"

Most people can describe what a scone ISN’T. It isn’t a biscuit. It isn’t a cookie. And it isn’t a cake.

But people have trouble explaining what a scone IS. That’s why it’s helpful to know a little about the history of the scone.

Scones originated in Scotland. In fact, some say this Scottish quick bread takes its name from the word Skohn or Skon, which refers to the Stone of Destiny, a place where Scottish kings were supposedly once crowned. Back then scones were made of oats. They were rolled into a large round, cut into triangles, and cooked on a griddle over an open fire or on top of the stove. Since baking powder hadn’t been invented yet, buttermilk was used as the leavening agent. Traditionally, scones were served at high tea.

Today’s scones are a little different. They come in many shapes and are usually made with flour. Baking powder is the leavening agent, and they are baked in the oven. While scones are still popular for tea, they are also enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and especially for snacks.

The Three Angels Gourmet Co. offers scone mixes in the following varieties:

Apple-Cinnamon Scone Mix
Currant Scone Mix
Cranberry Scone Mix

Our mixes are easy to prepare. Add butter and milk to the mix for the most flavorful scones you’ve ever tasted. No need to roll out the dough and cut it into triangles either. Simply spoon the crumbly dough mixture into a scone pan (for traditional triangles) or muffin tin and it will turn out perfectly every single time.

Drop by Booth #304 at the Kansas City Gift Show today and sample some of our delicious scones - or many of our other delicious products.


Our rep, Debra Steiner, at her booth for Beyond the Expected Marketing, at the Kansas City Gift Show

Tags: gift show---food tips---gourmet food---scone mix

Our Sampling Schedule for the Kansas City Gift Show

(Raspberry Brownies - the mix comes with a packet of sliced almonds for the top of the brownies)

The Kansas City Gift Show starts today and runs through Tuesday. Look for Three Angels Gourmet Co. products in Booth #304, represented by Beyond the Expected Marketing. Here is our sampling schedule for the show.

SATURDAY A.M.

Cranberry Scones
Apple-Cinnamon Scones
Sugar Cookie Pizza
Divine Dill Dip with Butterbraid Pretzels
Sun-Blessed Tomato Herb Spread with Water Crackers
Mild Chilies & Cheese Dip with Corn Chips


SATURDAY P.M.

Divine Dill Dip with Butterbraid Pretzels
Sun-Blessed Tomato Herb Spread with Water Crackers
Mild Chilies & Cheese Dip with Corn Chips
Sugar Cookie Pizza
Heavenly Jam Bars - Plum and Apricot
Amaretto Brownies
Raspberry Brownies

SUNDAY A.M.

Cranberry Scones
Apple Cinnamon Scones
Sugar Cookie Pizza
Divine Dill Dip with Butterbraid Pretzels

SUNDAY P.M.

Amaretto Brownies
Raspberry Brownies
Sugar Cookie Pizza
Divine Dill Dip with Butterbraid Pretzels
Sun-Blessed Tomato Herb Spread with Water Crackers

MONDAY A.M.

Currant Scones
Cranberry Scones
Divine Dill Dip with Butterbraid Pretzels


MONDAY P.M.

Divine Dill Dip with Butterbraid Pretzels
Mild Chilies and Cheese Dip with Corn Chips
Sugar Cookie Pizza
Amaretto Brownies
Raspberry Brownies


TUESDAY A.M.

Divine Dill Dip with Butterbraid Pretzels
Sugar Cookie Pizza


For more details about the June Kansas City Gift Show, visit Beyond the Expected Marketing or the Kansas City Gift Mart.

Tags: gift show---food tips---gourmet food---baking mix


COOKING WITH KIDS



Every Saturday we try to include recipes, or links to recipes that families can enjoy preparing together. But rather than give recipes today, here is a unique site where you can download patterns to create your own paper toys:

The Toymaker

Have fun!

Try This Cheesey Beer Soup

FRIDAY'S FOOD TIP

If you have a package of our Mild Chilies and Cheese Dip Mix in your pantry, then you have the makings for all sorts of delicious dishes. This mix makes a cheesy dip for nachos, of course. But, also use it to pour over broccoli or other cooked vegetables that need a little more flavor. It is also yummy in a potato casserole, or in rice to give it a little "kick."

One of my favorite ways to use our Mild Chilies and Cheese Dip is to make a Cheesy Beer Soup. Just mix one package of the dip mix with 1 cup of water and 1 (12 oz.) bottle of beer. Whisk the dip mix together with water and beer over medium heat until the dip mix dissolves. Let it boil for a couple of minutes, whisking continuously. Remove from heat, pour through a strainer, then serve with croutons or crusty bread. M-m-m...yum!




Wholesale Customers: Sample our Mild Chilies and Cheese Dip Mix this weekend at the June Kansas City Gift Show. Look for our products in Booth #304 presented by Beyond the Expected Marketing. Call Debra Steiner at 913-963-1733 to order this product or to get more information.

Tags: cheese dip---food tips---gourmet food---nacho cheese

Heavenly Jam Bar Mix

THURSDAY'S FOOD TIP

Wholesale buyers will get the chance to sample our Heavenly Jam Bars if they stop by Booth #304 at the June Kansas City Gift Show this weekend. We'll also be giving away a Gourmet Gift Basket filled with delicious "heavenly gourmet mixes" from the Three Angels Gourmet Co.



Heavenly Jam Bars can be made with any flavor of jam that you happen to have on hand. But try our all time customer favorites, apricot jam or seedless red raspberry jam. The mix also makes a delicious Heavenly Apple Crumble.




Look for special prices and offers on Three Angels Gourmet Co. products at the June Gift Show.

Tags: Wholesale Gift Show---Food tips---Gourmet food---Heavenly Jam Bar