Friday, September 17, 2004

Coffee on Ice is Twice as Nice when Summer's Heat Starts to Brew

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(ARA) - It's official -- summer is here. With warmer weather comes a change in our dining habits as more Americans enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, dine alfresco, and take pleasure in barbeques with friends and family. A similar change occurs with our daily coffee intake. While Americans still enjoy their morning coffee when the mercury rises, the tendency for many is to prefer it on the rocks.

When hazy, hot and humid days take over, more and more people chose a tall, cool glass of iced coffee. According to the National Coffee Association, more than 2 million people enjoy iced coffee daily, an additional 6 million drink it weekly, and forty-one million indulge in an iced coffee pick-me-up occasionally.

"The benefit of iced coffee is that it's easy to prepare and store at home," says Ellen Walker, Product Development Manager for Dunkin' Donuts. "While it's very similar to brewing hot coffee, there are some simple brewing and storage tips to keep in mind to ensure a perfect pot everyday, morning, noon or night."

* For a full-flavored pot of iced coffee, double the amount of ground coffee you would normally use to brew hot coffee. For an added flavor kick, use Dunkin' Donuts vanilla or hazelnut ground coffee.

* After brewing, add ice until the mixture doubles in volume, then add milk, cream or sugar to taste.

* Brew your coffee in the evening and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for quick and easy access in the morning.

* Like hot coffee, always start with the highest-quality fresh coffee beans. Look for a label that says "100 percent Arabica" beans.

* Keep coffee beans at room temperature. If coffee beans are stored in the refrigerator or freezer, they absorb food odors and condensation and the flavor of the coffee won't be up to par.

* Grind your coffee just before brewing; pre-grinding may cause your coffee to go stale. The grind level should match your coffee brewer or individual taste; finer ground coffee yields a stronger flavor, while course grind will yield a weaker flavor.

* Store unused ground coffee in an air-tight container that is not see-through, in a cool dry place, away from heat or sunlight, and not in the refrigerator or freezer.

* Clean your coffee brewer and carafe of any residue or oils from previous brewing.

* Always use fresh, cold water for brewing coffee.

When you're out of the house and craving a revitalizing drink, try one of Dunkin' Donuts new iced lattes in regular and decaf, hazelnut, French vanilla and cinnamon, as well as caramel or mocha swirl; or their delicious iced coffees, available in regular, decaf, vanilla, hazelnut and Kahlua. For more facts on iced coffee, visit dunkindonuts.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Tuesday, September 14, 2004

Carb-Watchers Can Enjoy Fresh Summer Fruits

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(ARA) - Yes, even carb-watchers can enjoy their favorite summer fruits this season.

While some of the most popular new diet plans leave an impression that the produce department should be avoided, eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day is vital to healthy low-carb eating. The truth is, many "low carb" plans allow for the consumption of carbohydrates at some point. Diets such as, "The Carbohydrate Addicts Diet," "Sugar Busters!" and "The Zone" advocate a diet that balances carbohydrates, proteins and fats, rather than eliminating carbs from the diet completely. The "South Beach Diet" actually advocates the consumption of "good carbs" found in fruits and vegetables. And even the strict "Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution" allows "nutrient rich" carbohydrates back into the diet following the initial two-week induction phase.

For those following any of these diets, fresh summer fruits are most certainly considered nutrient-rich foods. There are many things inside fresh fruits and vegetables that make them highly beneficial. They provide an array of vitamins, potassium and dietary fiber in addition to important phytonutrients that are thought to protect against cancer, heart disease and other diseases associated with aging.

Specifically, fresh peaches, plums and nectarines, found in abundant supply throughout the summer, contain the antioxidant, beta carotene, which may protect against cancer, heart disease and other diseases associated with aging. These fruits also have two carotenoids -- luitein and zeaxanthin -- which filter and shield the eye from sunlight, thereby protecting against age-related eye disorders such as macular generation and cataracts. Peaches and plums also contain flavonoids, including some of those found in green tea. Current research has shown that flavonoids may protect humans against cancer and heart disease.

You won't get all of this in a carb-free burger.

Another thing to consider when choosing carbohydrates is the Glycemic Index (GI) or Glycemic Load (GL). Low-carb diet proponents often focus heavily on the connection between insulin levels in the blood and how continuous high levels of insulin can contribute to obesity. Because of this theory, low-carb systems often rate foods according to their glycemic index value, which indicates how quickly the carbohydrates in a food affect blood sugar. Meanwhile, glycemic load takes into account a food's glycemic index along with its carbohydrate content in a given serving size, providing an estimate of the quality and quantity of carbohydrate eaten.

Either way you slice it, fruits like peaches, plums and nectarines all have low glycemic index and low glycemic load values. According to the "New Glucose Revolution Complete Guide to Glycemic Index Values," fresh peaches on average have a GI of 42, which is considered low, while plums have a GI of 39. They also have a Glycemic Load of about 7, which is also low. As for carbohydrate content, one medium peach or nectarine contains 16 grams of net carbohydrates and two plums contain 19 net carbs. Peaches, plums and nectarines are also low in calories -- 70 for a peach or nectarine and 80 for two plums.

For those who choose low-carb diets, fresh fruits and vegetables should not be eliminated from everyday life. Simply try to select fruits and vegetables that contain low to moderate amounts of carbohydrates, or are low on the GL and GI scales.

The carbohydrates found in fruit such as peaches, plums and nectarines are truly quality carbs. These fruits are plentiful during the summer and they are perfect eaten out-of-hand as a simple dessert or snack any time. They also lend themselves well to recipes that focus on fresh, healthy, low-calorie eating. For example, fresh peaches, plums or nectarines can be added to a green salad to add some zing. They can be blended with fat-free, or low-carb yogurt for a great smoothie. Or try them grilled on the barbeque as a side dish to meats or as a luscious and satisfying dessert.

For breakfast, try a fresh fruit frittata. With just 8 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of fat and 8 grams of protein, the tasty egg dish below will liven up your morning and fits just about any of the popular new low-carb diet plans.

Summer Fruit Frittata

In heavy, ovenproof 10-inch fry pan, sauté 1 clove minced garlic and 1 small onion, thinly sliced, in 1 tablespoon olive oil just until wilted. Add 6 ounces chopped fresh spinach and heat through, blending with the onion and garlic. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg. Remove from heat. Remove pits and slice 2 large fresh California peaches or nectarines, or 3 large California plums and arrange slices on top of spinach mixture. Beat 6 eggs with 2 tablespoons water and pour over all ingredients. Top with 1/4 cup shredded Muenster cheese. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil leaves, if desired. Bake at 325 F for 30 to 45 minutes or until set. Cut into wedges and serve. Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition information per serving -- protein: 8 grams; fat: 9 grams; carbohydrate: 8 grams; fiber: 2 grams; sodium: 320 milligrams; cholesterol: 150 milligrams; calories: 130 calories.

For more healthful and easy recipes, please visit www.eatcaliforniafruit.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Healthy Eating: Cut Out the Fat with Outdoor Grilling

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Leaner meats, pork make grilling a healthy choice

(ARA) - There's good news for healthy eaters: Grilling lean cuts of meat and pork, veggies, fruit and even low-fat desserts has never been easier, tastier and healthier for you and your family.

Grilling is a great way to load up on flavor without the added calories: Natural fats and oils drip off meats cooked on the grill, which means barbecuing can be a much healthier alternative to fat-laden pan frying or even oven baking.

"It's easy to prepare all your meals on the grill," says Rob Schwing, of Char-Broil, a leading manufacturer of gas, charcoal and electric grills for every lifestyle. "We want to eat lighter and healthier when it's still warm outside -- and it helps us to stay cool when we avoid heating up the house by cooking on the range or in the oven."

Schwing points to a number of new Char-Broil grilling accessories that can also help keep meals healthy, including rotisseries, grill baskets and a new, five-pronged Multi-Skewer that grills several different types of meats and veggies at the same time.

But just because a meal is grilled doesn't automatically mean it's low in fat and calories. Consider the following tips when preparing a healthy meal on the grill:

* Choose lean cuts of meat, such as sirloin, filet or flank, or skinless chicken breasts. Today's pork is also much leaner, especially pork tenderloin and low-fat pork products such as Lean Generation by Smithfield, certified by the American Heart Association for low saturated fat and cholesterol;

* Cut all visible fat off meat and pork, and remove poultry skin before grilling. In addition, chose smaller portions of meat to control your fat and calorie intake;

* Get creative with healthy sauces and marinades such as fat-free salad dressing, lemon juice or low-sodium soy sauce to add flavor and keep meats tender and moist. Grilling rubs and spices also add loads of delicious flavor with no extra calories;

* Grill veggies or fruits! Bell peppers, sweet onions, small tomatoes, eggplant, corn, summer squash, mangoes, cantaloupes, pineapples and peaches are naturally low in fat and calories and taste great right off the grill. As a general rule, fruits and most veggies take about 3 to 5 minutes to cook on the grill;

* Use your grill's side-burners for low-fat sauces or the deep dish accessory for a low-calorie stir-fried side dish.

Try something new on the grill -- a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner can each be prepared easily outdoors. Here's a healthy pork recipe from Smithfield:

Southwestern Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Servings: 6; preparation time: 10 minutes; cooking time: 20 minutes

Cumin is a popular spice in the southern part of India and here it's teamed with classic southwestern spices to create a full-bodied, aromatic rub for this tasty tenderloin. Kabob it for quick grilling with your favorite vegetables, or cook and serve it sliced.

Ingredients:

2 Smithfield Lean Generation whole pork tenderloins, about

1 1/2 pounds total5 teaspoon chili powder1 1/2 teaspoon oregano

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

In small bowl, mix well all seasonings and vegetable oil together. Rub mixture over all surfaces of tenderloin. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 24 hours. Grill over medium-hot coals, turning occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. Pork is done when there is still a hint of pink in the center. Slice to serve.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with grilled vegetables and seasoned potato wedges.

Nutritional information per 3 ounce serving: calories: 154, sodium: 141 mg, protein: 26 g, cholesterol: 66 mg, fat: 6 g

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Saturday, September 11, 2004

Throw a Dinner Party People Will Remember

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(ARA) – Summer will be here before you know it and a lot of people will be hosting dinner parties. Some will be forgotten the next day; others will make a lasting impression.
Anne Burd, 60, of Reading, Pa., says people are still talking about the party her daughter hosted shortly after she gave her an unusual gift -- a serving set handcrafted by artisans in a third world country. The matching serving platter, tea kettle, cups, creamer and salad plates feature a design with dragonflies and cherry blossoms. They were hand-painted by residents of Bat Trang, a small village in Vietnam. Burd found the set at the Lutheran World Relief Festival at her church -- Trinity Lutheran in Robesonia, Pa. "I bought the set not only because the pieces are beautiful, but because I wanted to help the artists," says Burd.
The artists Burd refers to are participants in the Lutheran World Relief Handcraft Project -- a program designed to make sure the artists get a fair price for their work, thanks to a way of doing business known as "fair trade." According to Jonathan Frerichs of LWR, artisans in third world countries who make things we buy "receive only a few pennies of each dollar we pay for their handcrafts. The profits go to the middlemen. That's not fair," he says, "but fair trade treats low-income producers as business partners and trades directly with them."
"After hearing about the abuses and effort to set things right, members of my congregation got fired up," says Burd's pastor, Rev. Michael Peters. "They wanted to do something to help." So the congregation organized a carnival that was not just about fun and games, but sent a message.
In addition to collecting donations at the game booths, they also raised money by selling Fair Trade Handcrafts, like the ones Burd bought, as well as Fair Trade coffee and chocolate. Altogether, Trinity Lutheran Church raised a little more than $10,000 for Lutheran World Relief at their carnival.
"Supporting small farmers and artisans through Fair Trade projects like these makes a big difference. Fair trade guarantees them a fair price for their products, offers credit they can afford and helps them improve their communities," says Frerichs. "By supporting fair trade, we make choices in line with our religious beliefs, use our consumer dollars wisely, and affirm the dignity of the people who make the things we buy."
Imagine that for a different dinner party.
"The crafts sold very well at our carnival, especially the items that can be used for entertaining," says Rev. Peters. "People bought a lot of baskets, table runners, placemats and coasters."
"Some people told me they are going to use the pieces they bought as hostess gifts the next time they host a party. Not only to say thanks for coming, but to send a message of support for the artists," says Burd. "Another lady told me she's going to put Fair Trade coasters on the tables as
favors at her daughter's wedding."
Their purchases will help people like Beatrice Nampinna, a basket weaver from Uganda, who says her life has improved significantly since she began participating in the project. "I earn enough for school fees for my children and other family needs," she says. "I no longer wrestle with finances as I know where to take my baskets to sell them."
"We open our homes to our guests. With thoughtful touches like these, we can also open their hearts to the world," says Frerichs. "Remembering others like this can make a dinner party hard to forget."
For more information about Lutheran World Relief's Fair Trade projects, or to find out how you can help the cause, log on to www.lwr.org and click on Fair Trade. Lutheran World Relief works with partners in 40 countries to help people build livelihoods, strengthen communities, grow food and recover from disasters.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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Eating Right -- It's All About Balance

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(ARA) - In recent years, a lot of people have jumped on the low-carb bandwagon, hoping to lose a lot of weight, fast. Some are succeeding, others are not. Why are so many people failing?

"Because it's not a long-term fix," says Lisa Katic, a registered dietician in private practice in Virginia. "People may lose weight initially because they are lowering their daily calorie intake, but by cutting back on carbs, they are starving their bodies of sufficient energy for daily function. Eventually, something has to give, and the end result is that most people will put the weight back on."

So what are your alternatives? Katic says people should focus on balance. Not just in their diets, but with exercise as well. "The best way to achieve balance is by combining an active lifestyle with a diet that offers variety," she says.

Katic points out that exercise promotes bone density, boosts the immune system, lowers high blood pressure, and helps improve the body composition by burning fat. Meats are a good source of iron, vitamins and protein; dairy provides protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals; fruits and vegetables provide you with protein, minerals, vitamins and fiber; and carbohydrates provide energy.

Dr. Ara Yeramyan, the president of Crum Creek Mills, a Pennsylvania-based health food company, knows all about balance. For years, his kitchen looked more like a laboratory as he experimented with adding soy protein to foods his family loved to make them more nutritionally balanced.

"The issue with so many foods today is that they are very heavy on carbohydrates. And when you consume too many carbohydrates, the body will ultimately store the excess as fat," says Dr. Yeramyan. "The carbohydrate is one of the body's key sources of energy, so starving the body of carbs is not sound either. When you add protein to carb-heavy foods, they become more nutritionally balanced, slowing down the rate at which carbs get absorbed."

Because his family loved his kitchen creations, Yeramyan decided to share his passion with the rest of the world, and started the Crum Creek Mills food company in 1995. "The purpose in starting Crum Creek was multifaceted. For one, I wanted to make everyday foods healthier, such as pastas, snacks and muffins by making them more nutritionally balanced. Second, by adding soy protein, people would benefit from the many benefits of soy in foods they already love. And they would be getting a protein source similar to meat, eggs and dairy without the fat and cholesterol. And third, I have always been committed to making a difference in eradicating world hunger. The amount of people you can feed by growing an acre of soy versus raising cattle on that same acre is staggering. This business is a great way to express that commitment." In fact, a portion of the company's after-tax profits goes to charities working to end hunger.

Eight years later, Crum Creek is thriving. Hundreds of dietitians stand by the company's products -- 4 varieties of pasta, mac and cheese, pancake and muffin mix, breadsticks, soy nuts and soy bites -- as great alternatives. "They offer a way for people to obtain a balanced, healthy lifestyle while adding soy to their diet in a simple and economical way," says Dr. Yeramyan.

Crum Creek's products can be found in health food stores throughout the Northeast or ordered online at www.crumcreek.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Friday, September 10, 2004

The Sweet Taste of Summer

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(ARA) - Summer. The beach, the mountains, summer camp, block parties -- it's the time of year when we relax, seek refuge from the stress of school and work, and indulge in our favorite pastimes.

Summer is also a time when some of our best memories and traditions are formed. Candy has always been a part of this -- from saltwater taffy at the boardwalk to s'mores at the campsite.

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) is encouraging Americans to think of new and exciting ways to include candy in their summer plans. "Candy adds an extra layer of fun to any occasion," says Larry Graham, president of the NCA. "Make the time you spend with friends and family sweeter by introducing candy into your summer activities."

So whether you'll be traveling, entertaining or simply relaxing in the backyard this summer, consider introducing the following candy concoctions and concepts -- and make new memories and traditions in the process.

Candy Cocktails

Gummy animals, like bears, worms and fish, make unique (and tasty) conversation pieces when placed on the rim of a cocktail glass. Or, throw a few colorful gummy bears on a toothpick and add them to a green apple martini or a margarita to brighten up a party.

Candy Flavored Ice Cream

Invite your friends and neighbors over for an ice cream party one hot afternoon. If you're making your own ice cream, why not create a bold new flavor by asking guests to mix in pieces of their favorite candies -- from chocolate to mints to marshmallows? If you're using store-bought ice cream, make sure to have all your guests' favorite candy toppings available.

Candy Couture

Looking for the perfect accessories to wear to the cocktail or ice cream parties? Adults and kids alike can enhance their looks with candy glasses, bracelets, rings and necklaces. Bring some to dress up your friends for twice the fun.

Candy Karma

"Candy Karma" is the concept that when you do something sweet for others, something sweet will come back to you in return. To ensure your "Candy Karma," bring your host or hostess the gift of a refreshing candy or chocolate that reflects the season -- mango, coconut or lemon. Or leave a bowl of confections by your front door for hungry visitors.

For more information about how candy can sweeten up your summer, visit www.candyusa.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Easy Ways to Enjoy the Fall Harvest

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(ARA) - Crisp, juicy apples are one of fall's healthy treats, and caramel apples are a favorite way to enjoy them. But melting caramels, dipping apples and cleaning up afterwards can be time consuming.

Litehouse Caramel Apple Dip makes it simple to enjoy the taste of caramel apples any time. Simply slice an apple, open the dip and enjoy. And the company's low fat version means you can indulge with the guilt. Both the original and the low fat versions are available in convenient single serving containers as well, making them a great alternative for lunches, picnics and snacks.

For a delicious variation on the fruit dipping theme, the company offers Hershey's Chocolate Caramel dip and Heath Toffee Caramel dip. The dips are delicious right out of the container, but they can also be the base of some delicious recipes. For starters, how about caramel, chocolate caramel or toffee caramel fondue? Simply heat any of these delicious dips and serve them with a variety of fruit cut into bite-size pieces. Apples are a good start, but bananas, pineapple and strawberries all taste wonderful in these fondues. Pound cake or angel food cake are good additions as well.

The cooks at Litehouse Foods have many tasty recipes that use their fruit dips. This recipe, for Chocolate Caramel Bars will disappear quickly!

Chocolate Caramel Bars

Ingredients:

1 16-ounce tub Litehouse Original Caramel Apple Dip or Litehouse Low Fat Caramel Apple Dip
1 package white cake mix1 cup quick cooking oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 8-ounce package reduced-fat cream cheese
1 1/2-ounce package milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine cake mix and oatmeal. Cut in peanut butter until mixture looks like fine crumbs. Beat egg with milk; add to crumb mixture, stirring until well mixed. Save 3/4 cup of mixture. Press remainder into the bottom of the pan. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add caramel dip and beat until well mixed. Spread on top of crumb mixture. Sprinkle chocolate pieces on top with the remaining crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely; cut into bars and serve.

For more easy and tasty ways to use Litehouse fruit dips, visit www.litehousefoods.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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America's Favorite Candy Becomes Ogre-Sized

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(ARA) - For the first time in their 63-year history, M&M's are changing shape. The classic candy took on a new form to promote the release this summer of the long anticipated sequel to DreamWorks' "Shrek."

"Shrek 2," released last summer, picks up where the first movie ended. Shrek and Princess Fiona return from their honeymoon to find an invitation to visit Fiona's parents, the King and Queen of the Kingdom of Far, Far Away. With Donkey along for the ride, the newlyweds set off.

All of the citizens of Far, Far Away turn out to greet their returning Princess, and her parents happily anticipate the homecoming of their daughter and her new Prince. But no one could have prepared them for the sight of their new son-in-law, not to mention how much their little girl had -- well -- changed.

Like the first time around, the release of this Shrek film is accompanied by the appearance of candy tins, plush toys, bobble-head characters and other candy dispensers in stores everywhere. You can also find Shrek themed party decorations and favors by Galerie, a company that specializes in gifting ideas for consumers; and there's a brand new phenomenon with direct links to the movie showing up.

In conjunction with the release of "Shrek 2," M&M'S have a new shape and size. "We wanted to create a chocolate taste fit for an ogre and his Princess," notes Janis Smith-Gomez, vice president of marketing for M&M'S. "Nothing says big chocolate taste like ogre sized M&M'S."

The specially packaged M&M'S are 50 percent bigger in size than regular M&M'S, and come in colors that belong in Shrek's favorite haunt, "Swampy." As you'd expect, the "Swampy" colors are brown, dark red, tan, beige and Shrek green. Both the Milk Chocolate and Peanut varieties are ogre-sized and in the swampy colors. The perfect combination for Halloween fun.

You can find them anywhere M&M's are sold, including theaters across the country.

Courtesy of ARA Content
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