My MMS Coupon Code

Mymms.com M&M Coupon Codes

2012-04-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com Mymms Coupon Codes for Discount and M&M Coupon Code for free bag

See the steps how to use coupon code at mymms.com below

M&M discount coupon and promotion free bag Click here

(Coupon code for free bag and discount is below step5)

Surprise Gift with Mymms for Special Person

Surprise someone special with your face on Mymms chocolate

Steps to use Mymms Coupon Codes to get Discount and free bag

Step1: Click the Link Below

Make Your Own M&M

Step2: Enter M&M Coupon Codes in the Red Box
(mymms coupon is below step5)

Step3: Enjoy what you want to do with M&M

Choose Your M&M Colours

Make your Own word on M&M Chocolate

Trade Shows
Job Fairs
Events & Gifts
Deals & Mergers
Celebrations

Step4: Choose your Package (See the picture in the red box Below)

Step5: See Discount form M&M Coupon Codes and Promotion and Click Check out
(See the picture in the red box Below)

Coupon Codes For M&M

Hightlight and Copy These Codes

10% off everything ongoing offer

Hightlight and Copy

20% Off orders of $40+

Hightlight and Copy

20% Off orders of $40+

$15 off $99 *Offers expires 10/31/11

Hightlight and Copy

Free Shipping on Orders of $75 or More.

$10 of $75

10% off $75

10% off all product

$5 off $50 or more

$15 off $99 till 7/19/11

$20 off $150 till 7/19/11

$15 off $99+

15% on gift Offer expires Monday, 6/13/11

12% off all orders. Expires 6/1

10% off all orders

12% off Color Works Only Expires: 7/1/2011

Free Bonus Bag till 31 May 2011

10% OFF All order thru 25/5/2011

Free Bag when you buy 3

$15 OFF $99

10% OFF Personalized Orders

14% OFF orders over $50 ( One week coupon )

11% OFF Site Wide! until Dec 31st 2010

$15 OFF 5 or 10lb bulk bag of personalized M&M

Free Yellow Mug When you spend $25+

$10 OFF BULK

10% OFF Any order over $30

Get Free Bag when you buy 3 or more 7oz bags up to $13.99 value

Free Shipping on order over $65

$5 off you order of $45 or more

$5 off you order of $50 or more

$5 off you order of $50 or more expire 12/31/2010

Get $15 off your order of $99 or more expire 12/31/2010

Get $5 off you order of $50 or more! Code

Get $15 off your order of $99 or more!

$5 off any gift box

10% OFF orders of $25 or more

FALL15 $15 OFF 5-&10-lb bulk

Get 15% off all orders

Buy 3 bags of personalized M&Ms and get the 4th free

10% off any order Coupon code: MOM10 - exp: 05/16/10

Get 12% off all orders of personalized M&Ms Candies through 5/16/10

$15 Off 5-lb and 10-lb bulk exp 8/31/2010

$15 OFF 5- & 10-lb Bulk

10% OFF $25

Put your Grad's face on MyM&M's-- Get 10% off all orders! Coupon Code

10% OFF Coupon Code

1 free bag of the Graduation Blend with purchase of 3 or more! Coupon Code

$10 off $80 or more! Coupon Code

$5 off $45 or more! Coupon Code

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(10% off order. no minimum purchase. cannot be combined with other offers)

Head to http://mmsworld.com and receive free shipping on orders of $60 or more

15% off next purchase. Expires 12/31/10. It might only work for previous buyers.

Get free bonus bag. Offer ends on 3-18-2010.

Save 20% off everything

Get 10% discount on orders.

$15 off 5lb and 10lb orders. Exp 1/15/10

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Enjoy free 7oz bag of personalized M&Ms)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Personalized M&M's)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Discount not specified)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Discount not specified)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Discount not specified)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Discount not specified)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Enjoy free bomus bag of personalized M&M's)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Personalized M&M's)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Personalized M&M's)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Discount not specified)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Purchase 3, Get 1 Free Bag of Custom Printed M&Ms)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Purchase4, Get 2 Free)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Discount not specified)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Enjoy Free 7 oz Bag Personalized M&Ms)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Enjoy Free 7 oz Bag Personalized M&Ms)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Discount not specified)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Get 10% off. Vaild for Personalized Packaging)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Discount not specified)

Hightlight & Copy Code To Use

(Discount not specified)

RETAILMENOT10 NEW CODE!!
(10% off order. no minimum purchase. cannot be combined with other offers)

cmc4392925 NEW CODE!!
(Enjoy free 7oz bag of personalized M&Ms)

cmc1505743 NEW CODE!!
(Personalized M&M's)

cmc3659956 NEW CODE!!
(Discount not specified)

cmc6927042 NEW CODE!!
(Discount not specified)

photo9 NEW CODE!!
(Discount not specified)

cmc1665612 NEW CODE!!
(Discount not specified)

photo4 NEW CODE!!
(Enjoy free bomus bag of personalized M&M's)

cmc4722223 NEW CODE!!
(Personalized M&M's)

cmc4299519 NEW CODE!!
(Personalized M&M's)

cmc4963393 NEW CODE!!
(Discount not specified)

cmc3997665 NEW CODE!!
(Purchase 3, Get 1 Free Bag of Custom Printed M&Ms)

MACYS NEW CODE!!
(Purchase4, Get 2 Free)

cmc5929258 NEW CODE!!
(Discount not specified)

cmc3396338 NEW CODE!!
(Enjoy Free 7 oz Bag Personalized M&Ms)

cmc3912011 NEW CODE!!
(Enjoy Free 7 oz Bag Personalized M&Ms)

cmc4608529 NEW CODE!!
(Discount not specified)

biz34 NEW CODE!!
(Get 10% off. Vaild for Personalized Packaging)

cmc4228353 NEW CODE!!
(Discount not specified)

cmc4912824 NEW CODE!!
(Discount not specified)

bag37 NEW CODE!!
(Free Bonus Bag)

mymms coupons mymms coupons mymms coupon code mymms coupon codes mymms promo code mymms promotional code mymms discount dentalplans coupon zagg.com coupon
Technorati Profile
Magsforless Coupon

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

MYMMS Cyber Monday Promo Code

2011-11-27T07:49:00.000-08:00

Cyber Monday Starts Today

Cyber Monday Starts now, beat the holiday rush and save 20% off using mymms promo code. Get a head start on holiday shopping with great deals on gifts and favors. Hurry, this sale ends monday, 11/28 at midnight. Customers can get great gift bundle starting at $21.99, personalized gift bundles from MY M&M's are the perfect way to make everyone on your list feel extra special for this holiday season. *Expires 11/28/11, 11:59PM EST. Receive 20% off your MY M&M'S® order of $40 or more. Order totals are on a single order only. Purchase minimums exclude shipping, tax and logo fee. This offer may not be combined with volume pricing or any other promotional offers and may not be applied to existing orders. Offer is subject to change or expire at any time. See site for details.

Wow your guest with Mymms

Outdo last year holiday party and hand out new personalized occasion packs printed with your own special messages and pictures that starts only at $1.79. An Ethel M gift box of chocolates create a personalized box of fine handcrafted chocolates for that special someone on your list. In addition to this, a world of fun, the m&m's world has more to offer than sweets. Browse more than 750 M&M's Gifts on the site now.

Mymms Promo Code for Holidays

2011-11-03T00:32:00.000-07:00

The new 10% promo code

The holidays are right around the corner and Mymms.com is having new Santa and Snowflake Packs just for the occasion! The new holidays that are coming included by the end of November 2011, what day it is? Come on...it's black friday and cyber monday! These 2 daysa are the days that people go and shop at the shopping mall and shop online the most because there are hundreds of thousands products and brands are being discounted online. As well as Mymms.com, the site is offering the promotion in advance before anyone else by issuing another set of Mymms promo code to help customers to save on Mymms.com order which will be much cheaper, but this new promo code is not there as the black friday or cyber monday promo code just yet. Anyhow, checkout the new promo code that Mymms.com got to offer to you all. We can also briefly say what are those promotions from the site, there are 2 promo codes at this moment

Save 10% on My M&Ms custom "Merry Christmas" Santa Packs by using Mymms promo code
Save 10% on My M&Ms custom seasons greeting snowflake packs by Mymms promo code

Shop at Mymms.com today and use promo code to save before the holiday begins!

New Mymms promo code

2011-06-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

The little details that make your big day perfect

Celebrate your love with personalized favors M&M's by matching it to your wedding colors and add faces or special messages to create favors your guests will adore.

Select the packages and mymms styles that you like and use Mymms promo code to save $15 off and $20 OFF when you spend more than $99 and $150 accordingly

Choose from Mymms elegant packaging
Let Mymms.com fill your favors for you. It will add that finishing tough with a clear bag tied with a ribbon, a lace bag, or the most popular silver tin starting at $4.09 per favor.

Put Your Creative talents on display
Showcase your personalized M&M's in a candy buffet, or fill your own favors with a 5lb bulk bag starting at $84.99

Shower the bride in sweetness
The party packs are the perfect treat for your shower guests. Personalize the M&M's with the bride to be name, face, and wedding date, starting at $1.75 each. Available in kits of 20.

Mymms Dad's promo code

2011-06-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

New coupon code for dad who are sports fans from kids who are dad fans. Combine dad’s favourite team with your faces and sweet messages on MYmms for a father’s day gift he’ll love. Save 15% off on gifts this week only with mymms promo code.

Help out with the family business
Give Dad M&M’s customized with his company logo and only pay $1 setup fee during the month of June ( which was $50 ).

A Gift that will get you extra credit
Thank your teachers for all their hard work with a personalized MY M&M’s gift like the character mug with bag for only $24.99

A special Delivery From Mymms.com

2011-04-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

A special delivery from a special bunny

Imagine their surprise when they wake up to find M&M'S with their face and a personal message from the easter bunny in their basket. And this week, here are two ways to get an eggcellent deal.

Surprise your baseball fan with their face and favorite team logo on MY M&M'S or order My Team Bags with logos only for any game day party or Easter basket.

The Ethel M Spring Collection

Give the gourmet gift that's become a spring tradition: the Fruit Truffle egg box or peanut butter truffle box from ethel m.

Find New Mymms Promo Code here

Mymms Newest Innovations With 50% Promo

2011-03-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

A New Face on The Team

Now you can give your sport fans their face and favorite MLB team on Mymms candies! As you know M&M chocolate allows you to put different faces and even your own face on the m and m candies, this new development ( we would say new ideas ) allows you to put the MLB team player faces on them! Try to order before opening day 3/31 and save 50% OFF without using any Mymms Promo Code on any order.

Team Blend Still Available

Create your own sweet lineup with your favorite MLB, NBA, NFL team bags, mix and match them with your own choices.

Introduce New Congrat Gift Box in Mymms.com

Reward someone's success with an ultimate gift by mymms.com. Personalized your congrat messages ( or images ) to co-celebrate the success

Your clock springs forward, Mymms.com prices falls back!

2011-03-09T06:29:00.000-08:00

Daylight won't be the only savings going on this moth. AS your clocks spring forward, Mymms.com prices fall back!

Create personalized M&M'S candies with words and faces to brighten your big moments this spring. And now with this exclusive promotion, get the best offer of the season. 15% OFF everything!

Chocolate that means business

Buy M&M's complete with your logo, message and company colors, in bulk to create your own uniqued displays and giveaways.

Little bits of luck

New! create your own St. Patrick's Day party treat with shamrock art and 3 shades of green!

Find more Mymms coupon code here!

Love Story In Valentine's with New Mymms Promo code

2011-02-01T06:16:00.000-08:00

Love Stories never ends in Valentines with M&M's

Dear Valentine,

We met in Paris when I accidentally called you a Ianana belle, which means beautiful pineapple, I fell in love and now we're married!

Mymms.com give you a fresh new promo code this valentine's day, tell your love story with personalized M&M's Candies. This Mymms promo code came from email exclusive for 3 days only. $5 OFF Orders over $45. See Mymms.com Promo code here.
*Expires 2/2/11. 11:59: 59 PM EST. Offer is subject to change. Offer only valid on your MY M&M'S® Candies order. Minimum purchase required. While supplies last. See site for details.

Last chance to make your candy bowl a Super Bowl
Order by Wednesday 3 PM EST to ensure delivery in time for the big game

Turn 'sweet nothings' into sweet somethings'
Mymms Valentine's inspiration page is full of sweet ideas to help you send a send a special message to your special someone.

Valentine's Day: Dark Chocolate! Save 14%

2011-01-20T01:42:00.000-08:00

Bring True Feelings to Light With Dark Chocolate

Mymms.com has launched another Mymms promo code to save on dark chocolate. Show your sweetness with the language of love blend available in milk and new dark chocolate. This valentine's Mymms promo code will expire on 1/25/11. The minimum order is required and the promo code is valid on your y M&M'S candies order only.

Token of Chocolaty affection.
Package your personalized creations in a romantic gift box, a beautiful glass bowl, or with a cuddly teddy bear. Starting at $24.99

A candy-coated touch down
Your super fan will put you on the highlight reel when he gets NFL My Team M&M's for the Super Bowl or Valentine's Day

2011 Promo Code For Mymms.com

2010-12-27T06:32:00.000-08:00

Take 11% Off MY M&M'S for the New Year!

This new year's eve is a one's in a lifetime event! 1/1/11 only comes along once, so celebrate it with your own special New Year's Eve themed MY M&M's. Order up until 12/29 and receive them in time for your bash. Use the new promo code to save 11% at Mymms.com with this promo code

The Perfect Union: Your Engagement and My M&M's

Share your news on My M&M's and consider adding a personal touch to your favors on the big day. As well as congratulate the mommy to be with shower gifts starting at $9.99.

Stand Out at Trade Shows
Make a major m-pression with your logo and messages on personalized M&M's Candies Wrap them up in one of the personalized packaging options for the perfect takeaway

MyMMs Launches New Promo Code

2010-11-05T02:51:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com launches promo code expire December 2010
Today Mymms.com one of the largest online chocolate retailer and manufacturer launches the new promo code that will expire by 31 Dec 2010. The promo code will last for about 2 months counting from today. This promo code for Mymms is applicable for all of the M&M products including customized name and picture on M&M chocolate this is for the online shopper to get ready for the incoming holiday as a gift to their friends and families.

How much does it give discount?
The discount scheme from Mymms.com for the promo codes that has just launched are to take $5 OFF $50 order that is being placed in your cart and $15 OFF $99 from the total order, and that's even more than 15% OFF

About Mymms.com

MY M&M’S® Candies are the personalized brand extension of M&M’S® Chocolate Candies, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated, one of the world’s leading food manufacturers. The personalized printing option officially launched in 2005, and MY M&M’S® Brand Faces launched in summer of 2008. MY M&M’S® Candies are available in 25 different colors. Twenty colors can be customized with Faces and personal messages in a variety of fonts. MY M&M’S® Candies can be ordered online at www.MYMMS.com or by calling 888-696-6788.

Good News From Mymms.com ( Extended Coupon )

2010-09-02T21:11:00.001-07:00

MyMMS Coupon EXTENDED!

GREAT NEWS INDEED. We've just got a really good news from Mymms.com/Coupon. That the coupon code or promo code in buying any items in Mymms.com would be extended! This coupon can be found here. This code can give discount of 15% OFF. This is the TOP and the highest amount of discount coupon from M&M at this moment. Use this code when you can!

Also, do not forget that, My MMS does have an active promotion running! Catch a Great Deal

3 Bags for under $30!
Score some My TEAM Candies. Mymms is kicking off the 2010 season with its best price yet on NFL team M&M's. Right now get 3 7oz bags for just $9.99 each, and be the MVP of any game day party

New MyMMS Promo Code

2010-03-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

Looking for some exlusive M&M'S merchandise? Head to http://mmsworld.com and
receive free shipping on orders of $60 or more by using the promotional code MMWLOVE2010 now through 3/27/2010. I hear the Lady Liberty M&M'S Brand Candy Dispenser featuring moi is quite popular!

M&M'S® Ms Liberty Dispenser

M&M'S World® newest arrival.

M&M'S Green as the Liberty Enlightening the World, commonly as the Statue of Liberty. Now you can enjoy the freedom of delicious M&M'S® chocolate candy with this Ms. Liberty Dispenser. 10 1/2" wide by 7 1/2" tall

MyMMS New coupon

2010-03-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

Raining in LA and the red carpet is tented-- but these Hollywood Reporter M&M'S that the nominees got in their gift bags helped brightened up this gloomy day. Tell your friends about M&M and get a free bag of yummy treats. Save
$13 on M&M’s signature gift box in your order of personalized M&M sweets. More
promotional will be coming soon. On checkout, don’t forget to enter your coupon code on the
Promotion Code box. Discounts will apply on the order confirmation page. The site accepts
any major credit cards or gift certificates for your payment.

NEW COUPON CODE FOR MYMMS.com

THANKS15 - 15% off next purchase. Expires 12/31/10. It might only work for previous buyers.

ICECREAM - Get free bonus bag. Offer ends on 3-18-2010.

SAVE20 - Save 20% OFF Everything

Mymms Valentine's Day Promotions do not miss !!!

2010-02-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

Savory spice gives these speedy cookies a kick

2009-12-28T22:44:00.003-08:00

Savory spice gives these speedy cookies a kick

The tasters I managed to catch had these reactions: "Love the texture and coconut -- the taste kick at the end is amazing"; "Delightful cocoa flavor with a peppery kick"; "Tasty, though I'm not a big coconut fan"; "Nice and moist -- reminiscent of a Mounds bar but not as sweet (and that's good)"; "Crunchy -- milder than I expected" (this last from someone who eats a lot of spicy food).

Dec. 23--Running out of time to do everything? Me, too. So the fourth and last recipe chosen for our Cookie Corner, Mexican spiced macaroons, is a fast treat that still has enough oomph to impress your co-workers or drop-in guests.

Our newsroom potluck last week was right in the middle of several features deadlines, as well as my annual gingerbread-for-the-relatives baking session, so I had the ideal opportunity to test this recipe.

It truly was fast -- just about an hour to mix and bake the whole batch, once the ingredients were on the counter. And it seems to have succeeded on the taste level: I didn't have any leftovers to take home.

TESTING AND TASTING

-- Who wants to be separating eggs when you're in a hurry? Plus, I didn't want to worry about finding uses for four egg yolks. So instead of the four egg whites originally called for in the recipe, I substituted not quite a cup of All Whites liquid egg whites (about half of the 16-ounce carton, which I found with the egg products at the supermarket). The dough was probably a little more liquidy than it would have been, but the cookies baked up just fine.

-- The cayenne pepper really adds the character to these cookies; it kicks in about the second bite. You could leave it out and still have a nice cinnamon-y chocolate macaroon.

-- This is another recipe that really needs parchment paper to succeed. The cookies came off it beautifully.

-- You won't need all the cinnamon sugar called for here, but you can save the rest in a jar for cinnamon toast or another use.

-- The tasters I managed to catch had these reactions: "Love the texture and coconut -- the taste kick at the end is amazing"; "Delightful cocoa flavor with a peppery kick"; "Tasty, though I'm not a big coconut fan"; "Nice and moist -- reminiscent of a Mounds bar but not as sweet (and that's good)"; "Crunchy -- milder than I expected" (this last from someone who eats a lot of spicy food).

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo, Miss., Cook Of The Week column: Young mother comes by the cooking bug naturally

2009-12-28T22:44:00.001-08:00

Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo, Miss., Cook Of The Week column: Young mother comes by the cooking bug naturally

To see more of the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.djournal.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo, Miss. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

Dec. 23--STARKVILLE -- When Katherine Skinner Hardin first married, she relied on a five-ingredient cookbook to provide recipes to keep her husband, Sam, satisfied.

Now, she's an old pro, whipping up gourmet soups, chocolate souffles and rustic pizza dishes that have earned her a place in a long line of good cooks.

"The Skinner side of the family are the cooks," said the 25-year-old. "We love to eat so we learn to cook. It's all about food. We're very competitive when it comes to cooking. We're always trying to outdo one another at family gatherings, you know, see whose food gets eaten and whose doesn't."

Although Hardin spent time in the kitchen growing up, she didn't really start cooking until after she and Sam, an environmental engineer, wed three years ago.

"I used that five-ingredient cookbook for the first few months until I felt more comfortable trying more complicated things," she said. "I was just so scared of having to feed this man every day. I used to think it was such a science, that if a recipe called for one-and-a-half teaspoons of something and I just used one teaspoon that I had ruined the dish. Now, I've learned it's not that hard and you can kind of do what you want."

An artist is born

She's also learned to cook in quantity so instead of spending all her time in the kitchen at her home in Starkville, she can devote long hours to her 8-month-old daughter, Nita.

"I love wintertime, with one-bowl things like soups, chili and red beans and rice," said Hardin, a homemaker who works part time out of her home as a consultant. "I always make more than we need. We freeze some and we give some away. We have friends who are having babies and they can use the cooking help. Simplicity at this stage in our lives is nice."

As her repertoire has expanded, so have her eating habits. She used to be a picky eater and would hardly touch fruit.

"Now, I eat a lot of fruit," she said. "I spent a summer in Costa Rica and that's all we had to eat. I don't like the texture of apples or bananas, but I do like their flavors. And I eat grapes and all types of citrus.

"I also love vegetables -- everything but onions. My rule of thumb when I get a recipe is to halve the amount of onions called for and double the garlic. That's more the way I like it. I love for people to tell me how great something is that I've made. I'm not real creative like an artist, but cooking is one way I can be creative without having to paint or draw."

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

NEVER TOO LATE: Tasteful Gifts: Show a little class when buying for foodie friends

2009-12-28T22:43:00.002-08:00

NEVER TOO LATE: Tasteful Gifts: Show a little class when buying for foodie friends

Fresh Broccoli Salad 2 large bunches of broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces 1 large purple onion peeled, chopped and sliced thin 12 container of grape tomatoes sliced in half 13 head of cauliflower florets, cut into small bite-size pieces 12 cup high quality light olive oil 14 cup red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon white sugar 23 cup candied pecans Mix broccoli, onion, tomatoes, and cauliflower in a large bowl and chill. Party Potato Casserole 6 to 8 red or Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cut up 2 bags of fresh baby spinach 2 purple onions, peeled and sliced, and divided Olive oil 6 to 8 yellow squash, sliced thick 112 sticks of butter, divided 1 teaspoon white sugar Dash of salt 1 8-ounce container sour cream 1 can evaporated milk 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded Cook potatoes in boiling salted water until tender.\n
To see more of the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.djournal.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo, Miss. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

Dec. 23--Christmas Mulled Wine

Zest of 1 large orange

12 whole cloves

4 cinnamon sticks

1 whole nutmeg

6 whole allspice

2 large bottles dry red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon

4 to 6 ounces brandy

1 cup pomegranate or apple juice

1 cup sugar

1"2 cup brown sugar

1"2 cup honey

1 whole vanilla bean

Orange slices (optional)

Tie orange zest and all spices except vanilla bean in a cheesecloth. Pour wine, brandy, fruit juice, sugars and honey into a large Dutch oven; stir gently then add vanilla bean and spice bag. Bring to a simmer. Do not allow to boil. Heat for approximately 30 minutes. Garnish with orange slices, if desired, and serve.

Oyster Stew

1"4 cup all purpose flour

1"4 cup water

4 teaspoons salt

3 to 4 tablespoons minced green onions

Dash of garlic powder, oregano, marjoram, basil, thyme, celery salt, rosemary, paprika and white pepper

4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 (8-ounce) containers of shucked oysters

8 cups half-and-half

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons chopped parsley In 4-quart saucepan combine flour, water, salt, onions, herbs and Worcestershire: add oysters and their liquid. Over medium-low heat, cook 10 to 15 minutes, stirring constantly, until oyster edges curl and centers are firm.

Add half-and-half and butter and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let stand 10 minutes to blend flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Makes 10 cups..

Buche de Noel (Yule Log)

Cake

6 egg whites, room temperature

3"4 cup sugar, divided

6 egg yolks

1"3 cup cocoa powder

11"2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1"4 cup Kahlua

Dash salt

Confectioners' sugar

Filling

11"2 cups heavy cream, chilled

1"2 cup confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Icing

1 box confectioner's sugar

1 stick butter, softened

1"2 cup cocoa powder

Kahlua Grease the bottom of a 15x10x1-inch jellyroll pan; line with waxed paper; grease slightly. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large electric mixer bowl, at high speed, beat egg whites until soft peaks form when beaters are slowly lifted. Add 1"4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating until stiff peaks form when beaters are slowly lifted.

With the same beaters, beat yolks at high speed, adding remaining 1"2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time; beat until mixture is very thick, about 4 minutes. At low speed, beat in cocoa, vanilla, Kahlua and salt, just until smooth.

With rubber spatula, gently fold cocoa mixture into egg whites just until blended (no egg whites should show).

Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake 15 minutes, just until surface springs back when gently pressed with a fingertip.

Sift confectioner's sugar in a 15x10-inch rectangle on a clean linen towel. Turn cake out on sugar; lift off pan; peel paper off cake. Roll up cake jellyroll-fashion, starting with the short end, towel and all.

Cool completely on rack, seam side down.

For the filling, whip heavy cream and sugar in a medium bowl until peaks form; add vanilla. Beat with electric mixer until thick; chill.

For the icing, in a large bowl mix confectioner's sugar, cocoa and butter until well blended. Add Kahlua by tablespoons until icing is easy to spread.

To assemble, unroll cake; spread with filling to 1-inch from edge; re-roll.

Place, seam side down, on plate.

Cut off ends of roll at angle and place on top of log to simulate knotholes.

Spread icing over log, covering ends but leaving the knothole ends free of icing, allowing the swirl of the roll to show. Use a fork to trace lines in icing to imitate the bark of a tree.

The log may be decorated with holly leaves and berries cut from fondant. Meringue mushrooms may also be placed along the sides of the log.

Fresh Broccoli Salad

2 large bunches of broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces

1 large purple onion peeled, chopped and sliced thin

1"2 container of grape tomatoes sliced in half

1"3 head of cauliflower florets, cut into small bite-size pieces

1"2 cup high quality light olive oil

1"4 cup red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon white sugar

2"3 cup candied pecans

Mix broccoli, onion, tomatoes, and cauliflower in a large bowl and chill. Combine olive oil, vinegar and sugar in a bottle and shake. Pour dressing over salad just prior to serving. Add pecans and toss once again.

Party Potato Casserole

6 to 8 red or Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cut up

2 bags of fresh baby spinach

2 purple onions, peeled and sliced, and divided

Olive oil

6 to 8 yellow squash, sliced thick

11"2 sticks of butter, divided

1 teaspoon white sugar

Dash of salt

1 8-ounce) container sour cream

1 can evaporated milk

1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded Cook potatoes in boiling salted water until tender.

While potatoes cook, saute spinach and 1 onion in a small amount of olive oil until spinach is wilted and tender. Cook squash and the other onion in 1"2 stick melted butter; add a teaspoon of sugar and dash of salt, cook until squash and onion are tender.

Drain potatoes well; add sour cream, remaining 1 stick of butter and whip with electric mixer, adding evaporated milk until potatoes are lump-free and creamy. Add salt to taste.

Drain spinach and set aside, keeping warm; drain squash, keeping warm, and set aside.

In an ovenproof trifle bowl or large clear glass baking dish, gently layer a third of the potatoes, all of the squash, another layer of potatoes, then a spinach layer. Finish with the remaining potatoes, sealing edges.

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Grand Forks Herald, N.D., Naomi Dunavan column: Envisioning Bethlehem's scene from our hayloft

2009-12-28T22:43:00.001-08:00

Grand Forks Herald, N.D., Naomi Dunavan column: Envisioning Bethlehem's scene from our hayloft

There's even a heavenly host inside the barn now singing: Angels from the realms of glory, wing your flight o'er all the earth; once you sang creation's story, now proclaim Messiah's birth. We wee ones love the aroma of peanuts, chocolate drop candy and homemade popcorn balls that greet our noses as we peek into the brown paper bag handed to each of us after the service

To see more of the Grand Forks Herald, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.grandforks.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Grand Forks Herald, N.D. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

Dec. 23--The Herald publishes Naomi Dunavan's "In The Spirit" column the second Saturday of each month. The following is a reprint of a favorite. Dunavan can be reached at (218) 773-9521 or e-mail: naomiinthespirit@aol.com.

Dad has been gone for 21 years, and the barn even longer than that.

But sometimes I still see him milking, and sometimes I still smell the hay.

Sweet clover, I believe.

The barn and the fragrance of hay is a childhood memory that goes hand-in-hand with Christmas. It's right up there with the aroma of the white sugar cookies and the brown gingerbread men Mom pulled from the oven in the warm and cozy kitchen of our big white farmhouse.

Charles Dickens said, "It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas."

Well, it's Christmas, and I'm a child again.

I love going to the barn with my dad in the star-capped crystal night air, and especially on Christmas eve, before we fancied up for the Sunday school program at church.

As Dad does the chores, I'm struck with a thought as I wander around the barn.

What if Baby Jesus had been born in one of our mangers?

Then, I envision such a happening.

As the story begins to play out in my mind, I climb the ladder to the hayloft to watch Bethlehem's scene unfold through the hole where we poke hay down for the animals.

I see them, Mother Mary holding close to her bosom the newborn baby she has birthed and wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Joseph stands lovingly by, watching over them both.

I see the foggy breath of the lowing cattle and the whinnying horses as it leaves their nostrils and adds a tiny bit of warmth and moisture to the stall.

Dad is one stanchion over with his silver milk pail half full of white foam.

Perhaps Mary and Joseph would like some of that warm milk, I imagine. I should have brought along a few of Mom's sugar cookies and gingerbread men for these new parents who must be famished after such a long journey by donkey.

Oh, the mind's eye of a child.

Before long, the barn's east door slides open, and I catch a glimpse of the Star of the East in the night sky as the Magi come in bearing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

There's even a heavenly host inside the barn now singing:

"Angels from the realms of glory, wing your flight o'er all the earth; once you sang creation's story, now proclaim Messiah's birth. Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King."

Newborn right here in our old and cold red barn.

Dad always finishes the chores much too quickly for me. He calls for me, and I must come down from the loft.

Even though it's nippy, I could stay up there forever.

It's time to head for warmth, Dad calls out. He has a bucket of milk in each gloved hand and I love how the snow crunches beneath our boots. As we walk from the barn to the house, I recite for him the piece I have ready for the program. It's Luke 2:11-12:

"Today in the town of David (that's my brother's name) a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Just moments ago, this baby had been in our manger.

Inside the house, Dad turns the crank to separate the milk from the rich cream before we six gather at the table for a supper of potato soup.

Afterward, we help Mom with the dishes and she helps me into my swishy red taffeta dress. She and Dad, sister Lori and brothers David and Myrlin and I pile in the 1947 gray Chevrolet and leave for church.

The sanctuary is full of my cousins and friends, and our program goes off without a hitch.

We wee ones love the aroma of peanuts, chocolate drop candy and homemade popcorn balls that greet our noses as we peek into the brown paper bag handed to each of us after the service.

And on our 10-mile trip home, we siblings devour the bright red juicy apples we plucked from the box Uncle Hank held by the church's door.

All of this was so long ago, and now it's Christmas Eve in the year 2009. I am no longer a child, 'tis true, but still I see and smell the memories and aromas of Christmases past.

Especially the hay.

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

It was sweet clover in our manger for the sweet little Jesus boy who one Christmas, at least in my heart and mind, was birthed in our barn.

Credit: Grand Forks Herald, N.D.

FESTIVELY FRENCH: Buche de Noel . . . Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell . . . Turkey Stuffed with Chestnuts, etc.

2009-12-28T22:42:00.000-08:00

FESTIVELY FRENCH: Buche de Noel . . . Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell . . . Turkey Stuffed with Chestnuts, etc.

Dec. 23--Buche de Noel 4 eggs separated 1 2/3 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup sifted cake flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt Confectioners' sugar 6 tablespoons rum (dark, if possible) 2/3 cup water 4 egg yolks 1 cup butter, softened (you can use margarine, but it's not the same) 1 1/2 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell 36 fresh oysters 6 shallots, peeled and sliced 3/4 cup red wine vinegar 2 lemons, cut into thin wedges In a blender or food processor, puree shallots with the red wine vinegar until smooth. Turkey Stuffed with Chestnuts 2 pounds chestnuts 2 cups butter 2 cups minced onion 2 cups minced celery 10 cups dried bread crumbs 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried marjoram 1 teaspoon dried savory 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 12 pounds whole turkey, neck and giblets removed Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste With a sharp knife, cut a cross on the flat side of each chestnut.

To see more of the Grand Forks Herald, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.grandforks.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Grand Forks Herald, N.D. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

Dec. 23--Buche de Noel

4 eggs separated

1 2/3 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup sifted cake flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Confectioners' sugar

6 tablespoons rum (dark, if possible)

2/3 cup water

4 egg yolks

1 cup butter, softened (you can use margarine, but it's not the same)

1 1/2 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted

1 teaspoon instant coffee powder

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar beating until egg whites stand in stiff peaks. In separate bowl beat 4 egg yolks until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar beating constantly (this should be creamy, not grainy). Stir in vanilla. Gently fold egg-yolk mixture into whites (like making a souffli). Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift over top of egg mixture and fold in gently. Spread mixture evenly in greased and floured 15-by-10-by-1-inch jelly roll pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes, or until top springs back when lightly touched. Loosen edges of cake. Immediately turn out on kitchen towel that has been liberally sprinkled with confectioners' sugar. Sprinkle cake evenly with 2 tablespoons rum. Roll up cake, starting at long side. Cool

Meanwhile in a small saucepan combine remaining 2/3 cup sugar and water. Bring to a boil and cook to 240 degrees on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage). Beat 4 egg yolks until thick and lemon colored. Very gradually add hot syrup, beating constantly. Continue beating until mixture is completely cool. Beat in the softened butter 1 tablespoon at a time. Add chocolate, instant coffee powder and remaining rum. Continue beating until thick.

Unroll cake. Spread evenly with half of the filling. Roll up starting at the long side. Cut a 4-inch piece from end of roll, cutting on the diagonal. On a serving platter place 4-inch piece along side of large roll at an angle to resemble a log. Frost with remaining filling. Mark frosting with tines of fork to resemble tree bark. Decorate with colored tubes of icing for vines and berries. If wanted add marzipan mushrooms for extra effect.

Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell

36 fresh oysters

6 shallots, peeled and sliced

3/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 lemons, cut into thin wedges

In a blender or food processor, puree shallots with the red wine vinegar until smooth. Set aside.

To shuck the oysters, rinse the outside of oysters well, but do not scrub.

Hold a short, pointed oyster knife in one hand. Cover the other hand with a thick glove or cloth, and safely grip the shell in your palm. Insert the point of the blade next to the hinge and twist the knife to pry the shell open. Cut the muscle of the oyster from the top half and discard the top shell. Loosen the muscle from the lower shell with the knife.

To serve, arrange the oysters on a bed of crushed ice. Spoon about a teaspoon of the shallot and vinegar mixture over each oyster to cover with a thin layer of the tasty sauce.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Note: Shucked oysters may be kept, covered with a wet towel, in the refrigerator for up to an hour.

Yield: Serves 10.

Turkey Stuffed with Chestnuts

2 pounds chestnuts

2 cups butter

2 cups minced onion

2 cups minced celery

10 cups dried bread crumbs

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried marjoram

1 teaspoon dried savory

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

12 pounds whole turkey, neck and giblets removed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

With a sharp knife, cut a cross on the flat side of each chestnut. Simmer, covered with water, in a saucepan for 5 minutes. Drain. While hot, remove the shells and inner brown skins. Cover with fresh water. Boil for 20 to 30 minutes until tender. Drain. Chop coarsely.

To prepare the stuffing, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onions and celery, and cook until tender. Thoroughly mix in bread crumbs and chestnuts. Season with thyme, marjoram, savory, and rosemary.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Wash turkey with cold water, and pat dry. Rub salt and pepper into body cavities. Loosely spoon stuffing into body cavities. Close skin with skewers or kitchen twine, and tie drumsticks together. Place turkey on a rack in a medium roasting pan.

Roast turkey 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours in the preheated oven, until internal temperature of thigh reaches 180 degrees and stuffing reaches 165 degrees. A foil tent may be placed over the turkey during the last half of roasting time to avoid over browning. Remove from oven, place on platter, and allow the turkey to stand for 20 minutes before carving.

Yield: Serves 16.

Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 1,103 calories, 51.2 grams fat, 262 milligrams cholesterol, 838 milligrams sodium, 76.3 grams carbohydrates, 3.7 grams dietary fiber, 79.4 grams protein.

Basic Whole Wheat French Crepes

3 eggs

2/3 cup milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup whole wheat flour

In a small bowl, beat the eggs, milk, butter and salt until well combined, about 20 seconds.

Sift the flour into a medium size bowl or a 2-quart measuring cup, then add the liquid mixture, beating until well combined, about 1 minute.

Or blend the eggs, milk, butter and salt in an electric blender or food processor for 15 seconds; sprinkle in the flour and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.

Cover loosely with plastic wrap; let stand for at least 1 hour refrigerated or at room temperature. (The flour will swell to make a softer batter.) Will keep, refrigerated, for up to 4 hours.

Brush butter on the bottom of a crepe pan or heavy 7-inch skillet.

Set over moderate heat for about 30 seconds or until a drop of batter sizzles.

Stir the batter well, pour 2 tablespoonfuls into the skillet, and quickly tip it back and forth so that the batter evenly coats the bottom.

Cook until the crepe edges are golden brown-about 1 minute.

Slide a spatula under the crepe, flip it over, and cook for about 30 seconds.

Transfer to a warm plate.

Repeat with the remaining batter, rebuttering the skillet when necessary.

At this point the crepes can be cooled to room temperature, separated by sheets of wax paper, and stored.

Refrigerate, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours.

Freeze, wrapped with aluminum foil and labeled, for up to 1 month at zero degrees.

Serve with your own favorite crepe filling.

Note: If you want to make regular crepes, not using whole wheat flour, use 3/4 cup milk, 2 tablespoons cold water and substitute 3/4 cup white flour.

Mousse de Saumon Fume

12 ounces smoked salmon

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 egg yolks

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon minced fresh sorrel or dill

Blend all ingredients to form a smooth puree in a blender or food processor. Arrange on a serving dish, forming mousse into an attractive shape.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes and remove from refrigerator just before serving.

Yield: About 1 1/2 cups.

Note: Because this recipe calls for uncooked egg yolks, you will want to use very fresh eggs (less than five days old) and make sure the mousse is eaten quickly after removing it from the refrigerator.

Kouglof

1/3 cup golden raisins

1/3 cup warm whole milk (105 to 115 degrees)

1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

12/3 cups all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 large egg yolk

3 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 -inch cubes, room temperature

Powdered sugar

Place raisins in small microwave-safe bowl. Cover with water. Microwave on high 1 minute. Let stand until cool.

Stir milk and yeast in large bowl of heavy-duty mixer to blend. Let stand until yeast dissolves, about 8 minutes. Attach dough hook. Add flour and salt to bowl; beat on low speed until blended, scraping sides of bowl often. Whisk eggs and yolk in small bowl to blend. Gradually add eggs to dough, beating on low speed until just blended. Add 3 tablespoons sugar, increase speed to medium, and beat until dough is smooth, scraping sides and bottom of bowl often, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to medium-low. Add butter, 1 cube at a time, beating to incorporate each (dough will be very soft). Scrape dough off sides of bowl and dough hook. Beat dough until well-blended and pulling away from sides of bowl, about 8 minutes.

Remove bowl from mixer. Drain raisins. Stir raisins into dough. Scrape dough into medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in warm area until doubled in volume, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Using rubber spatula, turn dough over several times in bowl to deflate. Cover again and chill 2 hours, turning to deflate if dough rises. Cover tightly and keep refrigerated overnight.

Generously butter 8- to 9-cup kouglof mold. Roll chilled dough between palms and work surface to 12- to 15-inch rope and place around center post in prepared mold. Cover mold with plastic wrap and let dough rise until almost level with top edge, about 3 hours.

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375 degrees. Bake kouglof uncovered until golden brown on top and tester inserted near center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool in pan 2 minutes. Turn out onto rack and cool.

Sift powdered sugar over kouglof. Cut into wedges and serve.

Yield: Serves 8.

Note: This lightly sweet brioche is the coffee cake of Alsace (where it is also known by its German name, kugelhopf).

Berauwecka (Alsatian Fruit Cake)

18 ounces dried pears

18 ounces dried apple

18 ounces dried figs

4 ounces candied orange peel

4 ounces candied lemon peel

4 ounces hazelnuts or walnuts, chopped or ground

4 ounces almonds, chopped or ground

18 ounces sultanas

1 or 2 bananas (optional)

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground star anise

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Pinch of grated nutmeg

Pinch of pepper

1 pound, 12 ounces sugar

6 tablespoons kirsch

18 ounces rye or wheat flour

2 ounces fresh yeast

3/4 to 1 cup macerating liquid from the apples and pears

Decoration and syrup

4 ounces unblanched almonds, halved lengthwise

9 ounces sugar

6 tablespoons water (just enough to cover the sugar and make a heavy syrup)

The night before, soak the pears and apples in water. The next day, drain them, reserving 200 3/4 cup of the soaking liquid for the dough; place the flour on a work surface or in a large bowl and make a well in the center; crumble the yeast into this hollow, add the macerating liquid from the apples and pears (warmed to approximately 95 degrees. Mix gradually until the dough is smooth and fairly firm. Form it into a ball, cover with a cloth and leave to rise for an hour.

Meanwhile, cut the pears and the other fruit into strips. Add the kirsch, sugar, spices, almonds and hazelnuts (or walnuts), chopped or ground, as well as the candied orange and lemon peel, cut into small dice. Let rest until the dough has risen.

Mix all of these ingredients into the dough until smooth and well-combined. Moisten your hands and form the dough into oval, slightly flat loaves weighing 4 to 8 ounces. Place onto a buttered baking sheet. Decorate with the halved almonds, arranging a row of almonds (white part showing) along the length of each loaf. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven. Check the bottom of each Berauwecka for doneness: if it is nicely browned, the loaves are properly cooked. Remove from the oven and brush with the syrup (made with 6 tablespoons water and 1 cup sugar, simply brought to a boil and cooled.) Let cool before eating.

Yield: 6 to 8 little cakes.

Tarte Au Sucre (French-Canadian Sugar Pie)

1 1/2 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar or maple sugar

1 cup evaporated milk

1/4 cup cream

1 egg yolk

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 dash salt

1 unbaked 8-inch pie shell

Chantilly Cream

1 cup whipping cream, whipped with

1 tablespoon powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350 degrees.

Whisk all ingredients until smooth and pour into shell.

Bake about 25 to 30 minutes, until filling is set.

Pie is best served slightly warm or at room temperature.

Serve with Chantilly Cream.

Yield: Serves 6 to 8.

Cretons ... L'ancienne (Pork Scrap-Pork Guton)

1 1/2 pounds ground pork

1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs or panko

1 1/2 cups milk

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

1 1/4 tablespoons pepper

1 1/4 tablespoons cinnamon

3/4 tablespoon ground cloves

1 medium onion, peeled and finely minced

Cook pork until no longer pink, do not drain.

Add remaining ingredients; cook slowly for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Refrigerate until serving (preferably overnight).

Tourtiere

Pate Brisee or store-bought pastry dough for a double crust

1 tablespoon light olive or canola oil

1/2 pound ground pork

1/2 pound ground beef

3/4 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, crushed and finely chopped

1/3 cup shredded carrots

1/4 cup finely chopped celery

2/3 cup beef stock

2 teaspoons cognac

1 teaspoon dried parsley

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried sage

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/16 teaspoon ground cloves

1/16 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/16 teaspoon grated nutmeg

1 tablespoon dry bread crumbs

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees. Roll the pastry dough into 2 equal-sized circles to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Line the bottom of the pie pan with 1 circle and set aside the prepared pie pan and remaining pastry for later.

Using a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat and saute the pork, beef, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the pan. Add the beef stock, Cognac, herbs, and spices to the meat and vegetables; simmer the mixture over low-medium heat, covered, for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir the dry breadcrumbs into the mixture. Allow the meat filling to sit for 3 minutes. Spoon the filling into the prepared pie pan and top with the remaining pastry dough. Crimp the dough shut, flute the edges, cut vents in the top, and bake the pie for 12 minutes. Reduce the oven heat to 350 degrees and continue baking the pie for 25 to 30 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown.

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Chocolate cabernet surprises

2009-12-28T22:41:00.000-08:00

Chocolate cabernet surprises

To see more of the Tulsa World, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.tulsaworld.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Tulsa World, Okla. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

Dec. 23--Chocolate and wine historically have been a tough match. Putting the two together in the same bottle seems disastrous.

At least, that's what I would have thought before tasting ChocoVine, a blend of Dutch chocolate and French cabernet sauvignon made in Holland by a division of Dekuyper.

With its chocolate flavor and $11 price tag, it would be easy to dismiss it as a poor man's chocolate liqueur, such as Godiva, but ChocoVine is an altogether different product.

It is thinner than a liqueur and tastes like chocolate milk with a kick (14 percent alcohol). It may be sipped on the rocks, added to coffee or used as the basis for a variety of cocktails. It also stays good for up to six months after opening.

I saw ChocoVine in Tulsa-area stores about a month ago, and most sold out rather quickly. Another shipment came in late last week, so check with your favorite stores for availability.

It would make a fun hostess gift for New Year's parties or just an interesting new drink to try at home.Chocolate and wine historically have been a tough match. Putting the two together in the same bottle seems disastrous.

At least, that's what I would have thought before tasting ChocoVine, a blend of Dutch chocolate and French cabernet sauvignon made in Holland by a division of Dekuyper.

With its chocolate flavor and $11 price tag, it would be easy to dismiss it as a poor man's chocolate liqueur, such as Godiva, but ChocoVine is an altogether different product.

It is thinner

than a liqueur and tastes like chocolate milk with a kick (14 percent alcohol). It may be sipped on the rocks, added to coffee or used as the basis for a variety of cocktails. It also stays good for up to six months after opening.

I saw ChocoVine in Tulsa-area stores about a month ago, and most sold out rather quickly. Another shipment came in late last week, so check with your favorite stores for availability.

It would make a fun hostess gift for New Year's parties or just an interesting new drink to try at home.

RECIPES

The makers of ChocoVine recommend the following cocktails.

All are shaken and served chilled in a martini glass.

LADY'S NIGHT

2 ounces ChocoVine

1 1/4 ounces raspberry liqueur

PURE BLISS

2 ounces ChocoVine

1 1/4 ounces hazelnut liqueur

MON CHERI

2 ounces ChocoVine

1 1/4 ounces vanilla vodka

1/4 ounce cherry liqueur

DECADENT

1 1/2 ounces ChocoVine

1 1/4 ounces chocolate vodka

1/2 ounce Kahlua

TREASURE ISLAND

1 1/2 ounces ChocoVine

1/2 ounce banana liqueur

1 1/4 ounces coconut rum

Credit: Tulsa World, Okla.

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Nestlé Heaven pulls out of convenience market

2009-12-24T21:58:00.002-08:00

Nestle's latest attempt to crack the block chocolate market appears to be doomed after it emerged that it is to withdraw its Heaven brand from the convenience sector. Nestle Heaven, a premium chocolate made in Switzerland, launched at the beginning of 2007 with a L4 million campaign targeting women. A television drive planned for early 2008 has yet to air. So far it has spent just L368,000 on press and outdoor -- just over a tenth of the amount it invested in advertising for the brand last year, according to Nielsen.

Nestlé's latest attempt to crack the block chocolate market appears to be doomed after it emerged that it is to withdraw its Heaven brand from the convenience sector.

Nestlé Heaven, a premium chocolate made in Switzerland, launched at the beginning of 2007 with a £4m campaign targeting women.

However, it has struggled to make an impact in a category dominated by Cadbury Dairy Milk and Galaxy. The latter, which has a similar target market, posted a 12% rise in sales last year, according to TNS Worldpanel.

Nestlé has promised the grocery trade that it will 'see the brand though to the bitter end' of its five-year business plan, taking it to 2012, but insiders claim it is losing the will to back it.

It is understood that the company is in the process of pulling out of the convenience sector to renew its focus on the major multiples. It originally launched with five block variants and three truffle gift packs, but currently Tesco lists only three of the variants and a Christmas gift pack online.

A TV drive planned for early 2008 has yet to air. So far it has spent just £368,000 on press and outdoor - just over a tenth of the amount it invested in advertising for the brand last year, according to Nielsen.

In 2006, Nestlé axed an earlier block chocolate brand, Double Cream, due to poor sales.

Heaven was not mentioned in Nestlé's nine-month UK figures, released last month. The focus was on the successful roll-out of its female-focused Kit Kat Senses bar.

A spokeswoman refused to answer questions about the distribution of the brand, available variants or the reasons for the delayed TV ads, saying that Nestlé did not comment on speculation.

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Dumoulin

2009-12-24T21:58:00.001-08:00

Dumoulin continues to take the lead in automatic pan coating systems with the introduction of their automatic mini coating pan type Logix 252 for capacities up to 250 kg. The Logix is for sugar or sugar-free hard panning and Dumoulin also offers the Logic for chocolate panning. It is designed to handle any type of syrup but also all types of polyols. The equipment is designed to work with a very wide range of temperatures, concentrations and viscosities. The unique Dumoulin design ensures that the syrup nozzles never become clogged by crystals as the nozzles are automatically washed with fresh water after every spray. Furthermore, the extraction of the syrup spraying section outside the pan is possible with an integrated back extraction system.

Not only can the unit handle most dried fruits or seeds (such as almonds, nuts, peanuts, raisins, banana, pineapple, blueberries, etc.) but also a full range of manufactured products (toffees, caramels, fondants, chocolate, extruded or expanded products, compressed tablets, chewing gums, licorice, marshmallows, chewy candies, etc.)

It is designed to handle any type of syrup (sucrose, dextrose) but also all types of polyols. The equipment is designed to work with a very wide range of temperatures, concentrations and viscosities.

Logix are also high performance units with respect to coating speed. Air flow going through the dragee mass allied with the geometry of the perforated drum makes sure that an exceptionally large surface area is exposed to the ventilated air, causing the dragees to dry thoroughly very quickly.

By the careful selection of logic technology and low depth of the product bed, the Logix ensures that the sensitive centers are maintained in perfect shape without deformation. The cylindrical elongated shape of the drum along with the appropriate angle of the mixing baffles, offers a very large exchange area for drying or cooling air and the homogeneous spread of the coating solution.

The most advanced system for the control and regulation of all air parameters, including: air flow, humidity and temperature, allows a complete repeatability of the process.

The unique Dumoulin design ensures that the syrup nozzles never become clogged by crystals as the nozzles are automatically washed with fresh water after every spray. Furthermore, the extraction of the syrup spraying section outside the pan is possible with an integrated back extraction system. High accuracy and reliability is achieved through the use of a heated lobe pump with a volumetric flow meter.

The coating cycle is run in automatic using two standard Euro bins. Recipes are entered using a tactile display. Loading, unloading and washing operations are controlled in manual mode.

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Carle & Montanari

2009-12-24T21:57:00.006-08:00

Carle & Montanari, an Imola, Italy-based Sacmi company, and Carle & Montanari USA Inc, present a new molding concept, suitable for all customers, from small to large-sized manufacturers, that offers a low initial investment as well as potential for quick modular upgrades. The new "H" Cavemil Crem molding line for making chocolate products by various applications such as shell moulds, book moulds, biscuits, wafers, inclusions, or one-shot in all mould sizes can be supplied with different layouts, and its configuration can be easily modified to include new products or extra capacity as needed. Flexibility of the "H" branch-based configuration also offers the widest possible accessibility of any molding line in the market. Additionally, the new "H" layout allows for zero impact upgrading of the existing molding line.

Carle & Montanari, an Imola, Italy-based Sacmi company, and Carle & Montanari USA, Inc., present a new moulding concept, suitable for all customers, from small to large-sized manufacturers, that offers a low initial investment as well as potential for quick modular upgrades. The new "H" Cavemil Crem moulding line for making chocolate products by various applications such as shell moulds, book moulds, biscuits, wafers, inclusions, or one-shot in all mould sizes can be supplied with different layouts, and its configuration can be easily modified to include new products or extra capacity as needed.

The new "H" Cavemil Crem moulding line's flexibility features the following possibilities: new FV vertical coolers with movable moulds and supporting trays; rotary depositors (type MLR3A), and piston depositors (type MEP3A) suitable for spot, ribbon, one-shot and co-depositing dosing; fast-shell module for shell-moulding; depositors for solid inclusions (types DRPM, MIXOUT, DNR, etc.), cookies (CBR) and wafers (SCV); and book moulding units for chocolate eggs and balls.

As stated, not all segments need to be purchased at once, since customers may select the moulding unit that first matches their actual application need. Thus, they are no longer forced to predict the modules that might be needed in the future. This philosophy allows for a low starting investment, with the step-bystep upgrade coming into consideration if, and when, it is needed for new products or increased capacities.

The "H" shaped layout determines how customers may add new, independent moulding "branches" without touching the main moulding line. A new branch with cooling, for example, allows for a huge capacity increase from potentially 15 to 25 moulds per minute. Additional branches of the "H" Cavemil Crem remain totally independent, with each being run as needed for production; other branches can be switched off for cleaning, maintenance and set-up for new products.

Flexibility of the "H" branch-based configuration also offers the widest possible accessibility of any moulding line in the market. Each point of the moulding line is open and accessible on all sides, and processing areas can be easily reached for setting, cleaning and maintenance operations.

One particular benefit to customers is potentially great savings regarding the number of moulds used for each production run, as well as energy savings for better environmental sustainability. According to the firm, it is not necessary to run a full set of moulds. The number of moulds for each article varies according to the moulding branches in production. While production continues on the main branch, others can be switched off to be cleaned, maintained, and set up for other products, conserving energy for the branches that are not actually running.

As future configurations of the moulding line come onto the drawing board, units are added around it on the "H" branch format without the need to move the demoulding section and therefore eliminating any unwanted consequence of the upgrade on the packaging section. Moreover, any addition of a new module in any of the branches does not require the extensions of the corresponding opposite branch as it happens in the standard layout design.

Additionally, the new "H" layout allows for zero impact upgrading of the existing moulding line. The new branches come mechanically pre-assembled, electrically pre-wired and electronically independent with their own electric cabinet. No modification of existing utilities is needed, such as for chocolate piping, water supply, tempering, etc., but only extensions to connect the new modules.

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Chocolate biscuits vs chocolate confectionery

2009-12-24T21:57:00.005-08:00

Chocolate biscuits accounted for 55% of all sweet biscuit products launched in 2008 -- however, when compared to chocolate confectionery, chocolate biscuits is a much smaller market with 3,379 new products in 2008, while the chocolate confectionery category launches 8,322 new products. Dark chocolate has become increasingly popular with consumers, and some biscuits brands are tapping into this trend. It makes perfect sense that with consumers looking for dark chocolate in confectionery, biscuit brands would try to capitalize on its current popularity. A more radical development is that of chocolate moving into traditionally savoury biscuits types, such as breadsticks and crackers.

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Aasted-Mikroverk

2009-12-24T21:57:00.003-08:00

At Upakovka 2009 you can have a closer look at the new AMC SuperNova tempering machine series which was launched at interpack 2008. It represents the absolute state of the art within chocolate tempering featuring unique Scandinavian design in stainless steel, constant crystal content as well as highest chocolate output temperature during tempering. The AMC SuperNova 1000 PreTreat and the AMC SuperNova 2200 CTS will also be exhibited. The unique PreTreat module is laid out for both cooling and heating and ensures safe stabilization of varying temperatures in chocolate mass pumped from an external tank. The mass is then free from undesirable crystals. This ensures longer shelf life of your chocolate products and minimizes fat-bloom. Aasted-Mikroverk is known as the builder of the largest, high-quality molding lines achievable.

In fact the AMC SuperNova Basic module covers anything from straight heat exchanging of any pumpable mass to the highly precise creation of Beta V crystals in a high-quality chocolate mass.

The AMC SuperNova 1000 PreTreat and the AMC SuperNova 2200 CTS will also be exhibited. The unique PreTreat module is laid out for both cooling and heating and ensures safe stabilization of varying temperatures in chocolate mass pumped from an external tank. The mass is then free from undesirable crystals. This ensures longer shelf life of your chocolate products and minimizes fat-bloom.

The CTS version of the AMC SuperNova features a space saving built-in compact tempering system for re-circulation of excess mass. It offers you complete flexibility to use it for enrobing or to perform an in-line production shift of mass to a depositor or an extruder.

Aasted-Mikroverk is known as the builder of the largest, high-quality moulding lines achievable. By launching the new Jensen compact modular moulding line concept, the qualities are now also obtainable for lower outputs. The new Jensen moulding lines are available in widths 500 mm, 700mm and 1,000mm with output capacities from 480 kg/hour and up to 2200 kg/hour. Speeds range from 10 to 20 moulds/minute.

A very popular version of the new Jensen line is for making solid moulded chocolate tablets with or without ingredients such as nuts or rice crisps. The output is then up to 800 kg/hour and the speed reaches 15 moulds/minute. The depositor is also prepared for making one-shot products. A wide range of extensions are possible for making filled products, products with biscuits and wafers, cold-pressed products with FrozenCone technology as well as aerated products.

Aasted-Mikroverk is represented by LLC Vladco and Vladislaw Habatullin in Russia and its neighboring countries.

Our representative will be happy to guide you in using the AMC SuperNova tempering machines, in the Jensen line as well as in any other Aasted-Mikroverk equipment such as depositors, ChocoAssort moulding lines for automatic moulding of complete praline boxes in one go, ChocoMeters, bakery equipment or projects such as the rebuilding of complete lines with new equipment.

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Baskin-Robbins Holiday Ice Cream Cakes Make Every Celebration Sweeter

2009-12-24T21:57:00.001-08:00

CANTON, Mass., Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Baskin-Robbins, America's favorite neighborhood ice cream shop, is making the holidays more fun and delicious than ever with seasonal ice cream cakes. These holiday-inspired offerings feature seasonal flavors reminiscent of traditional holiday desserts. With a variety of classic favorites and festive seasonal new additions starting at just $9.99, there is a perfect Baskin-Robbins ice cream cake for every occasion and budget.

According to holiday party host Lolita Carrico, founder of the GLOSS Network for Women (myGloss.com) and the original founder of ModernMom.com, Baskin-Robbins ice cream cakes can help holiday hosts stay cool and collected. "With traveling, shopping and cooking, the holidays can be stressful," says Carrico. "Don't knock yourself out with the meals. Ask for help and rely on shortcuts like picking up dessert from Baskin-Robbins. I suggest trying the new cakes such as Apple Pie a la Mode or Double Chocolate Temptation. Your guests will love them and you'll be able to relax and spend more time with loved ones."

Baskin-Robbins Holiday Cakes Starting at $9.99:

These heart-warming ice cream cakes are sure to please this holiday season:

-- New Apple Pie a la Mode: A seasonal delight featuring Apple Pie ice

cream, piecrust pieces and cinnamon crumb with a layer of cinnamon

caramel and graham cracker. Serves up to 10 for just $9.99*.

-- New Chef's Collection Double Chocolate Indulgence: A captivating ice

cream cake layered with premium Chocolate ice cream and indulgent

Devil's Food cake, covered in rich chocolate ganache with fudge

rosettes, finished with a caramel drizzle and fine European chocolates.

Serves 6-to-8 for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

-- New Chef's Collection Chocolate Temptation: A simply tempting ice cream

cake layered with premium Chocolate Chip ice cream and Devil's Food

cake, covered in rich chocolate ganache with fudge rosettes, finished

with a white chocolate drizzle and fine European chocolates. Serves

12-to-16 for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

-- Turkey Cake: Our classic all ice cream cake shaped like a turkey will be

the centerpiece of your dessert table. Choose your favorite ice cream

flavor, glazed in chocolate and caramel, and enjoy the sugar cone turkey

legs. Serves 8-to-12 for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

-- Candy Lane Cottage Cake: Baskin-Robbins has transformed the traditional

ice cream cake into a holiday house decorated with miniature candy canes

to make a sweet and delicious ice cream holiday treat. Serves 8-to-12

for a suggested retail price of $25.99.

-- Yule Log Roll Cake: This seasonal favorite roll cake is frosted with

Vanilla ice cream, topped with holly leaf decorations and three red

candles. A perfect fit with Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream and Devil's

Food cake. Serves 6-to-8 for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

"Our holiday cakes were created with tradition and family in mind," said Srinivas Kumar, Chief Brand Officer for Baskin-Robbins Worldwide. "Baskin-Robbins brings families together every day in our neighborhood shops. We wanted to offer our customers ice cream treats flavored for the season that could be enjoyed in the store or in the comfort of their home."

Baskin-Robbins holiday cakes are available at participating stores while supplies last. Please visit www.baskinrobbins.com/storelocator for a store near you. Become a fan on the Baskin-Robbins Facebook fan page, or follow @BaskinRobbins on Twitter.

Give the Gift of Cool

Baskin-Robbins gift certificates are a great way to spread holiday cheer! The certificates are available in $2 increments and are valid at Baskin-Robbins locations nationwide for any in-store purchase. From cones and cakes to sundaes and shakes, the gift certificates are sure to bring sweet smiles to any ice cream lover! Gift certificates are available for purchase in Baskin-Robbins stores nationwide and are available online at www.baskinrobbins.com.

About Baskin-Robbins

Named the top ice cream and frozen dessert franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine's 29th annual Franchise 500A ranking, Baskin-Robbins is the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. Baskin-Robbins creates and markets innovative, premium ice cream, specialty frozen desserts and beverages, providing quality and value to consumers at more than 6,000 retail shops in 35 countries. Baskin-Robbins was founded by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion led to the creation of more than 1,000 ice cream flavors and a wide variety of delicious treats. Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is part of the Dunkin' Brands, Inc. family of companies. For further information, visit www.baskinrobbins.com.

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Research and Markets: The Philippines Government Announces a Tender for 250,000 Tonnes of Rice at the End of October for Delivery in the First Quarter

2009-12-23T09:41:00.005-08:00

Business Monitor International's Philippines Agribusiness service provides proprietary medium term price forecasts for key commodities, including corn, wheat, rice, sugar, cocoa, coffee, soy and milk; in addition to newly-researched competitive intelligence on leading agribusiness producers, traders and suppliers; in-depth analysis of latest industry developments; and essential industry context on Philippines' agribusiness service.

Copyright Business Wire 2009

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager,

press@researchandmarkets.com

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/e5c977/philippines_agribu) has announced the addition of the "Philippines Agribusiness Report Q1 2010" report to their offering.

Business Monitor International's Philippines Agribusiness service provides proprietary medium term price forecasts for key commodities, including corn, wheat, rice, sugar, cocoa, coffee, soy and milk; in addition to newly-researched competitive intelligence on leading agribusiness producers, traders and suppliers; in-depth analysis of latest industry developments; and essential industry context on Philippines' agribusiness service.

The government of the Philippines was presented with an enormous challenge following the havoc wreaked by Typhoons Ketsana and Parma which struck the country in September. The twin typhoons caused hundreds of deaths and widespread destruction. The storms damaged around half a million hectares of rice fields likely destroying more than 800,000 tonnes of palay. The storms have forced the authorities to bring forward import tenders for rice for 2010 delivery to make sure there are no shortages in the first half of 2010.

With the rice market likely to be tighter in 2010 owing to the poor monsoon in major exporters India and Pakistan, the Philippine government will be desperate to avoid any domestic shortages of rice or dramatic rise in prices, especially with a general election looming. The government announced a tender for 250,000 tonnes of rice at the end of October for delivery in the first quarter of 2010. With rice production now forecast to fall, the publisher expect imports to climb back above 2mn tonnes again. Vietnam will once again be the major supplier owing to the low price of Vietnamese rice compared to Thailand.

The Philippine rice import policy has been causing friction with its ASEAN neighbours in the second half of 2009. Under the terms of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), tariffs on all products not on the Highly Sensitive List are to be reduced to between 0% and 5% by January 2010. The Philippines does have rice listed as highly sensitive, but the country's refusal to agree to a gradual reduction of tariffs has threatened to delay implementation of the agreement. Malaysia and Indonesia, which also have rice on their highly sensitive lists, have agreed to make significant cuts in their import tariffs for the grain.

Indonesia has committed to cutting its tariff from 40% to 25% by 2015, while Malaysia has gone further and will cut its tariff from 40% to 20% at the beginning of 2010. The Philippines, however, has offered to cut its tariff by a mere two percentage points to 38% by 2015. The Philippines is also manoeuvring to have sugar moved onto the Highly Sensitive List to avoid having to make a drastic cut in tariffs from 38% to less than 5% at the beginning of 2010.

The last-minute wrangling reflects badly on the country's agricultural policies. Successive governments have had the best part of two decades to improve the productivity of the country's agricultural sector to be able to compete with products from the rest of South East Asia. However, with the 2010 deadline looming, the Philippines is still lagging far behind Thailand in productivity. This has raised fears of a flood of cheap imported agricultural goods, especially rice and sugar, undercutting domestically produced food and putting the goal of self-sufficiency even further out of reach.

Key Topics Covered:

-- Executive Summary

-- SWOT Analysis

-- Industry Forecast Scenario

-- Philippines Livestock Outlook

-- Philippines Rice Outlook

-- Philippines Coffee Outlook

-- Philippines Grains Outlook

-- Philippines Sugar Outlook

-- Competitive Landscape

-- Commodity Price Analysis

-- Downstream Supply Chain Analysis

-- Forecast Modelling

BNY Mellon; BNY Mellon Appointed as Depositary Bank by Grupo Nacional de Chocolates, S.A.

2009-12-23T09:41:00.003-08:00

2009 DEC 27 - (VerticalNews.com) -- BNY Mellon, the global leader in asset management and securities servicing, has been selected by Grupo Nacional de Chocolates, S.A. as the depositary bank for its American depositary receipt (ADR) program. Each Grupo Nacional de Chocolates ADR represents one common share and trades on the over-the-counter (OTC) market. The common shares trade on the Bolsa de Valores de Colombia under the symbol "CHOCOLATES."

Grupo Nacional de Chocolates is a Colombia-based company that invests in processed food businesses throughout its strategic region comprising the Andean Community, Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico and the Hispanic communities of the United States. Its portfolio includes companies in the cold cuts, biscuits, chocolates, coffee, ice cream and pasta businesses.

"We look forward to working with BNY Mellon to develop our ADR program," said Carlos Enrique Piedrahita, CEO of Grupo Nacional de Chocolates. "We selected BNY Mellon because of its unique focus on the depositary receipts market and we expect our program to benefit from its specialization and experience."

"Colombia is a focal market for us and Grupo Nacional de Chocolates is a well known brand," said Michael Cole-Fontayn, chief executive officer of BNY Mellon's Depositary Receipts business. "We plan to leverage this recognition with strategic IR initiatives to support the continued demand for Colombian ADRs."

BNY Mellon acts as depositary for more than 2,100 American and global depositary receipt programs, acting in partnership with leading companies from 67 countries. With an unrivaled commitment to helping securities issuers succeed in the world's rapidly evolving financial markets, the company delivers the industry's most comprehensive suite of integrated depositary receipt, corporate trust and stock transfer services. Learn more at www.bnymellon.com/dr.

BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK). BNY Mellon is a global financial services company focused on helping clients manage and service their financial assets, operating in 34 countries and serving more than 100 markets. The company is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals, providing superior asset management and wealth management, asset servicing, issuer services, clearing services and treasury services through a worldwide client-focused team. It has $22.1 trillion in assets under custody and administration and $966 billion in assets under management, services $11.9 trillion in outstanding debt and processes global payments averaging $1.6 trillion per day. Additional information is available at bnymellon.com.

This release is for informational purposes only. BNY Mellon provides no advice nor recommendation or endorsement with respect to any company or securities. Nothing herein shall be deemed to constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Depositary Receipts: Not FDIC, State or Federal Agency Insured; May Lose Value; No Bank, State or Federal Agency Guarantee.

Jomashop coupon code
Dermstore Coupon Code
Skinit coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Chocolate fortunes: The battle for the hearts, minds, and wallets of China's consumers

2009-12-23T09:41:00.001-08:00

The emerging China market was a level playing field for all of the Big Five chocolate companies when they arrived in the 1980s. Chinese consumers viewed chocolate as an exotic foreign product, so each of the chocolate manufacturers enjoyed the same level of prestige and credibility that China's inexperienced consumers associated with foreign goods. Retail prices were relatively high and manufacturing costs relatively low, so none found pricing and cost to be barriers to entry. Importantly, each was flying blind when it came to consumer and market information, and by the seat of their pants when dealing with China's mercurial economic and regulatory environment. How the executives of the Big Five applied the experience, management skills, and leadership capabilities they brought to China would be decisive in how each approached the emerging consumer market and whether they ultimately succeeded.

Jomashop coupon code
Dermstore Coupon Code
Skinit coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Influence of water on the generation of Strecker aldehydes from dry processed foods

2009-12-23T09:40:00.001-08:00

Completeness of extraction, losses during isolation and, in particular, the formation of new constituents are challenges during the enrichment of volatiles for GC analysis. Especially the isolation of volatiles by simultaneous steam distillation/extraction has long been known to generate artifacts due to the hot water treatment. However, even a simple treatment of dry foods with cold water may already lead to the release of odour-active volatiles. After treatment of chocolate or cocoa beans with water, the concentrations of the four Strecker aldehydes 2- and 3-methylbutanal, 3-(methylthio)propanal and phenylacetaldehyde were increased by factors between 10 and 100. Also in other dry processed foods, such as malt or crackers, the concentrations of the Strecker aldehydes were substantially increased upon water addition. Although a physical release of the aldehydes weakly bound to, e.g. proteins or starch is possible, in a further experiment, it could be shown that a yet unknown precursor of 3-(methylthio)propanal and phenylacetaldehyde could be isolated by solvent extraction from caramalt and Munich malt. As a consequence, the presence or absence of water during the work-up procedure might either lead to an over- or underestimation of the relevance of the respective aroma compounds, which might also effect aroma formation and perception during the process of eating.
Jomashop coupon code
Dermstore Coupon Code
Skinit coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Advanced Oxidation Processes for Wastewater Treatment: State of the Art

2009-12-23T09:39:00.003-08:00

The protection and conservation of natural resources is one of the main priorities of modern society. Water is perhaps our most valuable resource, and thus should be recycled. Many of the current recycling techniques for polluted water only concentrate the pollutant without degrading it or eliminating it. In this sense, advanced oxidation processes are possibly one of the most effective methods for the treatment of wastewater containing organic products (effluents from chemical and agrochemical industries, the textile industry, paints, dyes, etc). More conventional techniques cannot be used to treat such compounds because of their high chemical stability and/or low biodegradability. This article describes, classifies, and analyzes different types of advanced oxidation processes and their application to the treatment of polluted wastewater.

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Elecsys Corporation; Elecsys Corporation Reports Second Quarter Financial Results

2009-12-23T09:39:00.001-08:00

2010 JAN 2 - (VerticalNews.com) -- Elecsys Corporation (NASDAQ:ESYS), a provider of electronic design and manufacturing services ("EDMS") and a developer of machine to machine (M2M) communication technology solutions for industries where high quality, reliability, and innovation are critical, announced its financial results for the second fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2009.

Sales for the quarter were $4,001,000, a decrease of 44%, or $3,201,000, from the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Total sales year-to-date decreased 40%, or $5,146,000, to $7,620,000. The decreases were primarily caused by reduced bookings from existing customers and delays in new customer bookings during the preceding quarters in late fiscal 2009 and early in fiscal 2010 due to the lingering effects of the weakened economy.

Sales for the EDMS segment of the Company were approximately $2, 300,000, a decrease of $792,000, or 26%, from $3,092,000 in the comparable quarter in the prior year. Sales of proprietary products and services were $1,701,000 for the three-month period ended October 31, 2009, a $2,409,000, or 59%, decrease from sales of $4,110,000 in the comparable quarter in the prior year. Proprietary product sales from the prior year included record deliveries of rugged hand held computer hardware that included a single order of $2.6 million to a company based in South Africa. Remote monitoring equipment sales and related services increased $212,000 or 25% from the same period in the prior fiscal year as a result of increases in customer orders. Sales for the new eXtremeTAG products totaled approximately $34,000 for the first full quarterly period since the acquisition of MBBS assets in June 2009.

The Company anticipates slightly higher sales in its EDMS segment over the remaining two quarters of the current fiscal year compared to the previous two quarterly periods as a result of both the addition of several new customers and the transition of several projects from the Company's engineering design group into production. The Company also expects its proprietary products and services to contribute to an overall increase in sales during the second half of the fiscal year. This increase will include the Company's WatchdogCP remote monitoring products from continued strong customer demand, the first shipments of the new ultra-rugged Radix FW950 hand held computers, and the additional sales and marketing efforts that are expended with its eXtremeTAG RFID solutions.

Gross margin was approximately 31% of sales, or $1,239,000, for the three-month period ended October 31, 2009, compared to 40% of sales, or $2,888,000, for the prior year period. Gross margin for the six-month period also decreased to 31% of sales, or $2,369,000. The decrease in gross margin was affected by the decrease in sales volumes during the period and was a major contributor a decrease in production efficiency.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately $1,662,000 during the period compared with $2,017,000 in the prior year period. The lower expenses were primarily due to the decrease in commissions related to the $2.6 million of Radix product sales from the prior year period in addition to decreases in personnel and personnel-related expenses. Total SG&A expenses decreased $356,000 for the current six-month period ended October 31, 2009, as compared to the comparable period of the prior year.

As a result, the loss before taxes for the quarter was $523,000, compared to income before taxes of $765,000 for the same quarter in the prior year. For the first six months of fiscal 2010, the loss before taxes grew to $1,160,000 from income before taxes of $944,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2009.

Net loss was $322,000, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the quarter ended October 31, 2009. For the quarter ended October 31, 2008, net income was $424,000, or $0.12 per diluted share. For the six month period ended October 31, 2009, net loss totaled $718,000, or $0.21 per diluted share, while net income for the comparable prior year period was $533,000, or $0.15 per diluted share.

"Although continued economic weaknesses in many industrial sectors of our customer base contributed to this quarter's challenging financial results, we are optimistic about the future as shown by the improvements in bookings of new and existing customer orders and increases in sales for our remote monitoring products which continues to show strong customer interest and demand." said Karl Gemperli, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are also encouraged by the customer inquiries and interest we have received about our RFID tags and solutions which we are marketing under the eXtremeTAG brand as well as our newest model of rugged hand held computers, the FW950. We have begun production of the FW950 and expect to begin deliveries to customers during the third quarter."

Gemperli continued, "We will continue to focus on our core strengths of providing unique electronic integration capabilities in addition to reliable technologically innovative solutions through applications of our remote monitoring, mobile computing and RFID products. We believe these services and product applications will deliver improvements in our future financial results as we work through this difficult economic environment."

Jomashop coupon code
Skinit coupon code
Dermstore coupon code
Zagg coupon code
Mymms coupon code
Supermediastore coupon code

Mymms coupon code Last Chance for Faces on MY M&M'S! | Save up to $15

2009-12-15T01:27:00.000-08:00

Mymms Coupon Code Click Here

Mymms coupon code Last Chance for Faces on MY M&M'S! | Save up to $15

Order now and receive FREE SHIPPING on orders of $85 or more !!

2009-12-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

Order now and receive FREE SHIPPING on orders of $85 or more !!

Great Gifts For Under $35

Great Gift For Under $55

Free Shipping Promo For MyMMS.com this coming holiday

2009-11-20T17:30:00.000-08:00

FREE SHIPPING on orders of $99 or more of personalized MY M&M'S® Candies. Just in time for the holidays!

For all the customer and M&Ms lovers will get free shipping immediately after they have placed the order in Mymms.com more than $99. This Mymms.com promo works only during this coming holiday season!

My M&M's Holiday Offers! Coupon and promotional code

2009-11-12T07:22:00.000-08:00

Your one-stop-shop for all your special occasions!

With All mymms.com has to offer you can get someone an amazing gift for the holidays their birthday, a wedding day and etc..

My M&M's would like to help you celebrate the holiday shopping season with a whole host of special offers from now until DEC 12th. ( click here to see mymms coupon)

$5 off purchases of $40
$10 off purchases of $75
$15 off purchases of $100
10% off all order!

$5, $10, or $15 Off MY M&M'S MYMMS.COM Promotional Coupon

2009-11-05T20:48:00.001-08:00

Your one-stop-shop for all your special occasions!

With all mymms.com has to offer, you can get someone an amazing gift for the holidays, their birthday, a wedding, anniversary, graduation or any big day! And with our one bag mininum there are great personalized gifts for under $20!

With Coupon Code for Mymms.com You Can Save More!

"DEAL5" -$5 OFF Order Over $40
"DEAL10" - $10 OFF Order Over $75
"DEAL15" - $15 OFF Order Over $100

Archer Daniels Midland Company to Release First Quarter Results on November 3, 2009

2009-11-04T05:28:00.000-08:00

Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) will release financial results for its first quarter of fiscal year 2010 before the market opens on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. The Company will host a conference call and audio webcast at 8 a.m. Central Time to discuss financial results and provide a Company update. In addition, a financial summary slide presentation will be available to download approximately 60 minutes prior to the call.

To listen to the call via the Internet or to download the slide presentation, go to www.adm.com/webcast. To listen by telephone, dial 800-901-5247 or 617-786-4501; the access code is 76474255.

Replay of the call will be available from 11 a.m. Central Time on November 3 to November 10, 2009. To listen to the replay by telephone, dial 888-286-8010 or 617-801-6888; the access code is 25626820. To listen to the replay online, visit www.adm.com/webcast. About ADM Every day, the 28,000 people of Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) turn crops into renewable products that meet the demands of a growing world. At more than 230 processing plants, we convert corn, oilseeds, wheat and cocoa into products for food, animal feed, chemical and energy uses. We operate the world's premier crop origination and transportation network, connecting crops and markets in more than 60 countries. Our global headquarters is in Decatur, Illinois, and our net sales for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, were $69 billion. For more information about our Company and our products, visit www.adm.com.

Keywords: Archer Daniels Midland Company, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Investment, Finance, Financial, Investing, Agriculture, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Finance, Financial, Investing, Investment, Natural Resources.

7-Eleven(R) Offers Pink Beverages, Cups to Benefit Breast Cancer Charities

2009-11-04T05:27:00.001-08:00

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to raise much needed funds for breast cancer research, 7-Eleven, Inc., offers two ways to "drink pink" this October. The retailer that sells more than 1 million cups of coffee each day has created an attractive refillable stainless steel mug (see also 7-Eleven, Inc.).

At a price of $6.99, the pink 16-ounce coffee mug features a splash-resistant lid and understated pink-ribbon art. The mug offers the first hot beverage included, and refills are just 99 cents (suggested retail price). A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each cup will be donated to support breast cancer research.

For those who like their beverages a little stronger, Mike's Hard Lemonade Co. has brewed up a pink version of its popular mike's hard lemonade, called mike's hard pink lemonade(TM). The limited edition flavor is available at participating 7-Eleven(R) stores for a suggested retail price of $7.99. Mike's, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, is contributing $250,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which will fund a researcher for one year. The donation was made in memory of a long-time Mike's employee who lost her battle with breast cancer last December.

Select 7-Eleven stores also will sell an assortment of pink ribbon products to help raise breast cancer awareness. Products include a bookmark, pins, a bear backpack clip, pen, necklace, keychain, ID badge, car magnet, sticky notes with pen, and a ceramic mug. 7-Eleven will donate 5 percent of the retail sales price to Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R) for each product sold.

In addition to the pink drink and non-foods assortment, participating 7-Eleven stores are carrying popular pink products from manufacturers that have made a commitment to contribute a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer charities for every item sold. Special edition Hershey Kisses and M&M candies have specific product and/or packaging to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness this month. About 7-Eleven, Inc. 7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses some 7,850 7-Eleven(R) stores in North America. Globally, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 36,600 stores in 15 countries. During 2008, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of more than $53.7 billion. 7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades include: #3 in Forbes magazine's Top 20 Franchises to Start, #3 among Top 100 Global Franchises by Franchise Direct, #3 in Store Growth by Convenience Store News, and #29 among Top 100 Chains in Food Service. In addition, Hispanic Magazine's named 7-Eleven in its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S., and is expanding through organic growth, acquisitions, and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6075531&lang=en

Keywords: , Convenience Store, Philanthropy, Retail, Food and Beverage, Other Philanthropy, Food, Beverage, Food, Food Service, Breast Cancer, Breast Carcinoma, Cancer Research, Oncology, Women's Health, 7-Eleven Inc.

The Blade, Toledo, Ohio, Barbara Hendel column: On the Town: Gem of all balls

2009-10-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

Center stage at the Crowne Plaza Saturday night was the 49th Annual Sapphire Ball to benefit the Toledo Opera Association. Sponsors were Block Communications Inc., Healthcare REIT, the Ashley Group, and the Gorski family.

Ladies were lovely in gowns and gents debonair in tuxedos. The evening, at $250 per person, $200 for subscribers, featured a superb four-course gourmet dinner, served in acts in an elegant, candlelit setting at crisp, white-linen-covered tables centered with white orchids. Mmm. Lamb chops and tuna crustada were served during cocktails as guests perused the silent auction items. Sea bass, beef tenderloin, or portabella mushroom entrees rounded out the meal that was topped with dark chocolate mousse torte for dessert. A 15-item live auction followed before many burned calories by dancing to HepCat Revival.

Soaring voices that put the grand in grand opera shone during the intermezzo, giving all a sneak peek of what's in store for the upcoming Falstaff, which opens the season on Nov. 7 at The Valentine Theatre.

Opera Association director Renay Conlin and maestro Tom Conlin, her husband, ran the show. A raffle for a Saturn Aura XR lease donated by Saturn of Toledo was won by someone who was out of town, so it will be a big surprise when he or she returns.

Bravo to event chairmen Nancy Burton and John Fedderke and their committee. The preliminary estimated net of $85,000 raises 10 percent of the opera's annual income to support the productions and educational programs.

Among the 200 guests were Bill and Joanne McElheney, Carol Greenberg, Maureen and Steve Brown, Carol and Frank Kistler, Cindy and Jack Niggemyer, Ann Sanford, Lou Tosi and Mary Ellen Pisanelli, Karen and Carl Fraker, Kathy and Tony Hoops, Debbie Joslin, Keith and Susan Burwell, Kevin and Sandra Sauder, Lyman Spitzer, Ralph and Karen DeNune, Brian and Marci McMahon, Anne Baker and Robert Lacy, Hussein and Randa Shousher, Alan and Ann Goodridge, Cookie Westmeyer, Bruce Denman and Barbie Fisher, Mike and Sharon Sordyl of the Ashley Group, Leslie Ansberg and George Chapman, who is the chairman, CEO, and president of Healthcare REIT, honorary Chairman Luci Gorski, there with Robert Billstein and the rest of her family, and Allan Block, chairman of Block Communications Inc., the parent company of The Blade, with Susan Pond.

Wine, song for hospice

Eating, drinking, and dancing were on the slate for "A Celebration of Sonoma," presented by The Delp Co. Friday night. The beneficiary was ProMedica Ebeid Hospice Residence, and the Secor Building in downtown Toledo, formerly the Secor Hotel, was the classy setting. The black-tie event -- $500 a person -- featured estate wines from Rodney Strong Vineyards in Sonoma, Calif. These fine wines were joined with hors d'oeuvres and a gourmet meal prepared and artfully served by Evans Street Station of Tecumseh. An exquisitely decadent dessert, designed by Eston's Gourmet Creations of Sylvania, finished the meal. Mmm: duck confit, lump crab, fig and bibb salad with hazlenuts and apples, prawns, and braised short ribs, and a chocolate raspberry cheesecake concoction made everyone's mouth water with delight. Everyone was impressed that the wine bottles had "she" corks and that the wines served -- sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, cabernet, pinot noir, and zinfandel -- were available for purchase that night.

The speakeasy atmosphere in the old building with candlelight was enhanced by the sounds of Melanie Covington of St. Louis, who sang with the Temptations at the age of 4. She wowed the audience with her velvety and sultry voice. Her presence was compliments of 2020 Exhibits. Cool jazz, pop, rhythm and blues, and more were played by the Bob Rex Trio.

Among the 150 guests were Gladeen Roberts, the president of the hospice facility, who said the center is ProMedica's first green building; Larry Peterson, board president of ProMedica, Nasir and Lynn Ali, Joan Bayer, Brian and Beth Bucher, Rita Mansour, Keith and Katy Walker, Kaiko Zureich, Bob and Karen Gardner, and Jim Findlay and PJ Schaefer. Mr. Findlay is the campaign chairman for the ProMedica Goerlich Center's $1.1 million goal, and he said they already have $800,000.

Joanne McElheney and Sophie Liebich, whose late husbands were assisted by hospice in their last days, gave testimonials.

Adding more heartfelt testimony was Kristina Ebeid, granddaughter of Russ and Carolee Ebeid, honorary chairmen who donated $1 million in 2008. The Ebeids were not able to attend, but Kristina read a letter from her grandfather, adding a few words of her own. She said the event was a celebration of "the essence and gift of life," and what made it extra special was it was held on her grandmother's birthday.

Also honorary event chairmen were Alan Brass and Dana Fike, who announced their wedding engagement that night. Everyone toasted the pair and oohed and ahhed over her sparkling bling, then bid farewell to Mr. Brass because he has just retired. In the driver's seat now for ProMedica Health System is Randy Oostra.

Local art, wine trips, sports, beauty packages, and more were all on the silent and live auction blocks. Among the auction items was original art from the invitation, along with a painting created that night by Aaron Bivins. Jerry Anderson of WTOL-TV, Channel 11, was the auctioneer and emcee. Event chairmen Jim and Kay Murray said the estimated $70,000 net goes to those who cannot afford hospice care at Ebeid and ProMedica.

Symphony serenade

FrazIer Reams and Fritz Wolfe celebrated their big 8-0 birthdays in style with a Toledo Symphony Orchestra concert and an afterparty Friday in the Perrysburg home of Mr. Wolfe and his wife, Mary, with Mr. Reams' wife, Susan, and a host of symphony supporters.

The birthday boys, friends who were born in the same hospital, had a blast as they were serenaded with "Happy Birthday" led by Lauraine Carpenter, TSO principal trumpet.

It was also an extra special night for Thomas Stuart. The son of Andy and Sarilee Stuart is the concertmaster in the Toledo and Cleveland Youth orchestras, and he met guest artist Ignat Solzhenitsyn. Mr. Solzhenitsyn performed with and conducted the orchestra in the Friday and Saturday classics concerts at the Peristyle.

The piano on which he played, a Steinway Model D grand piano, was new last season and Mr. Solzhenitsyn helped select it with Stefan Sanderling, principal conductor, two summers ago. It was Mr. Solzhenitsyn's first time playing the instrument since then. Also at the afterparty were several TSO musicians including Joel Tse, principal flute and Valentin Ragusitu, principal viola, and Bob Bell, TSO president.

Saddle up to fight cancer

They put on their best denim and diamonds for the fight against cancer. The American Cancer Society of Northwest Ohio's Cattle Baron's Ball was Oct. 17 at the Franciscan Center on the Lourdes College campus. Cowboy boots, Stetsons, cacti, lassos, and more set the western scene along with a mechanical bull and a hearty Tex Mex menu by Abuelo's Mexican Embassy: steak, chicken, and shrimp fajitas, guacamole, chips and salsa, and more. Adding to the meal were side items provided by Fricker's, Taruman, University of Toledo Medical Center, formerly the Medical College of Ohio, and SweetCakes Gourmet Cheesecakes.

Meanwhile, the Rodney Parker & Liberty Beach band enticed the some 250 guests to add a bit of pep in their step as they tried their luck at casino games and shopped the silent auction.

The evening's honoree was Morton Bobowick of Toledo, a two-time, rare skin cancer survivor. He lost his mother and mother-in-law to breast cancer, and his daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. "You think about the important things in life: family, friends, and good health," Mr. Bobowick said. Mike Henry, event chairman with Susan Schwartz, called Mr. Bobowick a great role model in facing and overcoming cancer.

Assisting were emcee Laura Emerson of FOX Toledo, Bob Thompson, Cathy Nelson, Pat Giammarco, and many more. The estimated net is $67,000.

Lilies of education field

The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc., Beta Gamma Chapter of Toledo, hosted its inaugural Calla Lily Educator's Award Luncheon Oct. 10 at The Pinnacle. Red and gold were everywhere, signifying the clubs colors. Pandra Taylor, chapter president, welcomed the more than 200 attendees, then Alexis Means of WTVG-TV, Channel 13, took over as emcee.

The 10 honored were Trevor Black, Frances Collins, Albert Flores, Peggy Harris, Barbie Harrison, Mary Hayes, Kristi Rose, Phyllis Smith, Johnnye Warnsley, and Johnny Hutton, who was the finalist. A glass calla lily was presented to each honoree and Mr. Hutton received a larger version of the same. After a tasty meal, Tyree Bell entertained with a dance performance.

Among the guests were Dorothy Batson, event chairman, and judges, including Bill Harris, Councilman Wilma Brown, Bonita Johnson, and Rachel Proctor.

MyMMS Sugar Rush

2009-10-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

KRAFT'S RECENT $16.7 billion proposal to buy Cadbury, the British chocolate maker, is just the latest sign of candy and comfort food's appeal during hard times. While most of the economy suffered last year, candy sales were up. And Mars' $23 billion purchase of the gum maker Wrigley was a bright spot in an otherwise sour year for dealmaking. So what food companies might be in play next? Analysts say a combination of Campbell's Soup and Heinz makes sense. Or as they say in the food biz, "M'm! M'm! Good!"

40 PERCENT is how much Cadbury shares have jumped since Kraft's offer, partly on the hope that other bidders will emerge. So far, none have. Nestlé has signaled that it is not interested, and Hershey is unlikely to bid.

3.2 PERCENT is the amount U.S. candy sales have increased in the past year, according to the National Confectioners Association. During hard times people eat more candy. After all, Hershey thrived during the Great Depression, and the 1930s gave us an array of new sweets, including Tootsie Pops, Snickers, and Mars bars.

25 CENTS was roughly the price of raw sugar per pound on Sept. 1--a 28-year high. The spike is a result of increased consumption, lower production in India, and Brazil's sugar crop being partially diverted to cane-based ethanol. Cadbury has weathered the crisis better than some of its peers. Its margins are up 145 basis points in the first six months of the year, largely because of cost cuts. But any stumbles could make it more vulnerable to Kraft's advances.

KRAFT'S SNACK ATTACK

WITH CADBURY IN PLAY, A CANDY WAR MAY BE COMING.

MYMMS Customization Works!

2009-10-24T21:29:00.000-07:00

Although personalization is not a new stuff to e-commerce, few retailers have embraced the concept like the colorful, made-to-order My M&M site, the customized division of McLean, Va.-based candy giant Mars Inc.

At MyMMs.com, visitors can create their own M&Ms in three easy steps. First, they are given two blank M&M pieces to design. After sorting through 22 different colors, they are asked to select two. Shoppers then type a few short words onto (he pieces-messages can be a simple birthday and holiday wish or even include Major League Baseball and corporate business logos.

Finally, visitors select how they want their M&Ms packaged. Choices vary from a 7-oz. gift bag priced at $11.99 (this requires a three-bag purchase minimum) to a mini glass box that comes in sets of 12 for $74.99.

This setup is ideal for weddings and major events that require personalization in bulk, but the minimum requirement could easily deter a good number of regular shoppers. While it would be sweet to give your significant other a bag of personalized M&Ms for a special occasion, the site's three-bag minimum purchase might be overkill.

Still, other retailers can learn a lot from MyMMs.com when it comes to leveraging a Web site that provides consumers with a fun and engaging way to be a part of the selection and ordering process. In theory, shoppers could pick up the phone to place a personalized order, but MyMMs.com gives them the unique opportunity to see and review their designs in real-time, instead of waiting for a package to arrive at their doorstep.

Retailers should also take notice of the comprehensive way in which Mars is promoting its online channel. Although the site launched in 2006, Mars is pushing it now more than ever with an extensive display of TV and online banner ads. According to Nielson MonitorPlus, Mars spent $13 million on U.S. media for MyMMs.com last year, up from $4 million in 2006.

In April, Mars named Dallas-based imc2 as its lead agency for strategic planning, creative and media work for its customized candy unit Mars Direct, as well as for My M&M's and My Dove brands. MyDoveChocolate.com is another customized business from Mars that allows consumers to order Dove candies with personalized messages printed on the foil wrapper.

It's evident that Mars is embracing rich media to lure shoppers to its site, but it doesn't stop there-the company looks for ways to keep them there, as well. For example, on its homepage, www.m-ms.com, visitors can "Become an M&M" by creating their own character, similar to the ones featured in TV commercials, by choosing from an array of body types, facial features, clothing and accessories.

The site also has a variety of games, including a promotion for the new Indiana Jones and the "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" film where-as an M&M character of your choice-visitors can navigate through an underworld maze in search of the company's latest product, Mint Crisp M&Ms. The graphics are dynamic, and so is the message.

There is no mystery to the lesson to be learned at MyMMs.com: Integrating creative and interactive personalization into a Web site makes it more fun and enticing while giving it a unique identity. It also answers the consumer's growing demand for personalization.

MY M&M'S Offerings Brighten the New Year Holidays With Personalized Gifts for Everyone On Your List

2009-10-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

Mars Direct, a division of Mars Snackfood US, announced that MY M&M'S(R) Chocolate Candies is spreading holiday cheer with a variety of personalized, affordable gifts for the season. Available exclusively at mymms.com, MY M&M'S(R) Faces and messages, handcrafted gift ideas by how-to maven Martha Stewart, and MY Team M&M'S(R) in Major League Baseball team colors and logos allow shoppers to create their own unique, edible twists on holiday gifts, stocking stuffers and season's greetings. Also Mars direct also announces the coupon to be used to get more discount to purchase during new year holiday season at mymms.com. You can also find the coupon here

"At mymms.com, we are able to offer some truly one-of-a-kind, personalized gifts this holiday season through our relationships with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. and Major League Baseball," said Jim Cass, vice president and general manager, Mars Direct, Inc. "From handcrafted ornaments featuring personalized M&M'S(R) to festive stocking stuffers with home team logos, MY M&M'S(R) means creative and one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family, co- workers or your favorite sports fan."

Presents that Show a Smile - Yours!

Before you hang the stockings with care, stuff them with something super sweet. Print your favorite face on red and green MY M&M'S(R) along with personalized holiday messages such as "Ho Ho Ho," "Happy Holidays" or "Santa Luvs Amy."

Ho-Ho-Handcrafted Holiday Gifts

Through a unique relationship with MSLO, MY M&M'S(R) is offering three exclusive, affordable do-it-yourself holiday craft ideas, created by MSLO and featuring personalized MY M&M'S(R). Visit mymms.com/martha for how-to instructions to create homemade gifts including a festive tree ornament, personal wish jar and a holiday snack sack.

Presents That Show Team Spirit

If you really want to hit it out of the ball-park, gift your favorite baseball fan with MY Team(R) M&M'S(R) in any of the 30 MLB team logos and colors. Available in 7-ounce bags (3 bag minimum) or with MY M&M'S(R) Old Fashioned Candy Dispenser filled with personalized chocolate candies from their favorite team, for $59.99.

About Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE:MSO) is a diversified media and merchandising company, inspiring and engaging consumers with unique lifestyle content and distinctive products. The Publishing segment encompasses four magazines, including the company's flagship publication, Martha Stewart Living, periodic special issues and books. The marthastewart.com website provides consumers with instant access to MSLO's multimedia library, search and find capabilities, recipes, online workshops, community and personalization, as well as wedding-planning tools powered by WeddingWire. The Broadcasting segment produces such programming as the Emmy-winning daily, nationally syndicated television series, "The Martha Stewart Show," and Martha Stewart Living Radio on SIRIUS channel 112 and XM Radio 157. In addition to its media properties, MSLO offers high-quality Martha Stewart products through licensing agreements with carefully selected companies, including the Martha Stewart Collection exclusively at Macy's, Martha Stewart Everyday at Kmart, Martha Stewart Crafts with EK Success at Wal-Mart, Michaels and independent retailers, Martha Stewart for 1-800-Flowers.com and a co-branded food line with Costco. In April 2008, Emeril Lagasse joined the Martha Stewart family of brands; MSLO acquired the assets related to Lagasse's media and merchandising business, including television programming, cookbooks, and emerils.com website and his licensed kitchen and food products. For additional information about MSLO, visit Mymms.com

Create Your Own. Buy in bulk and deck the halls at any holiday party. Get 15% Off

2009-10-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Start off the NBA season right - with your favorite team on MY M&M'S® Candies! Surprise the fan in your life, shock everyone at the game day party. See mymms.com discount here. Or Check out Mymms.com coupon

My M&M's:$15 Off Bulk Bags Coupon

2009-10-08T23:51:00.000-07:00

My M&M's has brought back a recent favorite offer! From now until October 31st, customers will receive $15 off any 5 to 10 pound bulk bag. Log into your account now and pick up your link.

Get $15 OFF your order of 5 or 10 pound bulk bags of Personalized MY M&M'S Candies - For your big event! Click Here To see

Or...

Use Coupon To get more discount from Mymms.com

MyMMS Coupon Halloween Here

2009-10-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Be True to Your School with Personalized M&M'S®. Great for Care Packages, Tailgate Parties, or to Thank a Friend. Free Bonus Bag - Get this Deal Now.

The holiday season is about giving, and there's no better gift for clients and employees than delicious M&M'S® with your company logo and holiday message! Or try to use Mymms M&M discount promotion coupon here

Make your business stand out! With personalized packaging, you can really turn heads at any job fair, trade show or convention! Choose premium full color or value single color!

MYMMS EXCLUSIVE COUPON LINK!

2009-10-02T16:55:00.001-07:00

For the month of October My M&M's is helping in the fight to end breast cancer! For any Susan G Komen promise blend purchase, we will be donating 10% to the cause. Not only will 10% of every purchase be donated, your customers will also receive 12% off. There's no sweeter way to help save lives and end breast cancer forever.

Click Link Below to get 12% OFF!

Spread hope with MY M&M'S Promise Blend benefiting Susan G. Komen. Get 12% OFF!

Get Top 3 Customer Favourite for 10% OFF MYMMS.COM

2009-09-30T22:40:00.000-07:00

Get Your Mymms M&M'S Coupon Here

Now You can get Mymms.Com Top 3 Favourites for 10% OFF

Put Faces on M&M'S - Make any party a surprise party!
Create Great Favors - Give a party favor everyone will eat up
Signature Gift Box - Great Gift Deserves a special Gift Box



Wedding Favors as Beautiful as big day! - Your day to shine just got a little brighter With the shimmer collection! Make Your Business Stand out - With personalized packaging you can really turn some heads at the next job fair, trade show, or convention. Choose from premium full color and value single color!

Buy More Save More! Save a Bundle When you buy in Bulk with 5lb and 10lb boxes. You can have a big party out of that

Show Your Spirit with MY M&M'S Coupon Code | Free Bonus Bag

2009-09-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

Be True To Your School With Personalized M&M's With coupon Code

A Great Offer From Another Mars Company...
Free Case of Kona Blend Coffee ( $51 Value ) When You Buy a Fusion Deluxe Brewer! Just Enter Coupon Code "MYMMDEAL8 " (case sensitive ) at the myflavia.com Checkout

*Offer expires 9/30/09. Free bonus bag valid with purchase of 3 or more 7oz bags of personalized M&M'S.
Not valid for orders of Disney, My Team or My Color M&M's. While Supplies Last. See site for details.

Ancient Chocolate Unearthed in Chaco Canyon

2009-04-04T22:58:00.000-07:00

FOR SEVERAL YEARS University of New Mexico anthropologist Patricia Crown tried to figure out how Puebloans 1,000 years ago used the distinctively cylindrical jars unearthed at Chaco Canyon, the ancient center of Puebloan culture in northwest New Mexico. Then a tip from a Mayanist inspired her to have fragments tested for cacao residue, even though the nearest cacao tree would have been about 1,000 miles away. The Mayans drank chocolate from decorative cylindrical jars on ceremonial occasions, and their trade networks extended as far north as Chaco. An analysis of the Chaco shards revealed the presence of cacao, and the results had Crown walking around for days, exclaiming, "It's chocolate!" Because there were so few of the jars, and because they were found in what had been a cache, Crown believes the cacao was drunk on ritual occasions like marriages and funerals.

Things to do:

2009-04-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

Ballet Gala stars students

Local students from three dance schools come together for "Ballet Gala '09" in a showcase of classical and contemporary works. Participating schools are Shirley Winters Ballet, Severance Conservatory of Ballet and Northwest Studio for Ballet.

Supporting a good cause

7 p.m. Saturday / San Joaquin Suites Garden and Atrium, 1309 W. Shaw Ave. / $100 per couple / (559) 446-0522

The Chocolate and Art Affaire has two goals: to provide an elegant evening for mothers in the community and to raise money and awareness for the fight against domestic violence. Proceeds will benefit the Aesthetic View Institute, a leader in the Valley for prevention of domestic violence. The evening will include music, chocolates, local artwork and wine tasting.

Evening delight

5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday / Tower District / $15 / (559) 497-8362, www.towerdistrict.org

Taste & Toast of the Tower features more than 40 sampling locations and 15 local wineries throughout the Tower District. A variety of dishes includes tropical spinach salad, cheese cake, rice pudding and pastries, seafood quesadillas and beef stew. Wines and exotic teas also will also be served. Tickets include a map of all the sampling locations.

Past Pixie

9:30 p.m. Sunday / The Cellar Door, 101 S. Main St. / $10 / ticketweb.com

Frank Black is best known as the frontman from iconic alt-rock band The Pixies, but it's his newest band that's bringing him to Visalia this weekend.

Black's new project is Grand Duchy, a rock band he heads with his wife, Violet Clark. The group's sound encompasses '80s-era pop and new wave while being lyrically playful and beat heavy.

The first Grand Duchy CD, "Petits Fours," was released in April.

'You're In' book-signing

5-7 p.m. today / Fig Garden Bookstore, 5084 N. Palm Ave. /

free / (559) 226-1845

Filmmakers Logan and Noah Miller made a splash at the Fresno Filmmakers Alliance conference last year when they talked about their adventures making "Touching Home" starring Ed Harris. Now they're back in Fresno to sign copies of their new book, "Either You're In Or You're In the Way," which tells the unlikely, scrappy story of how they got their movie made.

Fashion Style Lounge

6:30 p.m. today / EKO Marketing, 1118 N. Fulton St. / $5 / (559) 487-1091

Shopping, champagne and a DJ are all part of the Fashion Style Lounge.

The event brings together independent fashion and accessory designers and puts them in a loungelike atmosphere for an event that's part mixer and part shopping spree.

Add in some fresh tunes and champagne toasts, and you've got the makings of a cool night out.

Young musicians compete for awards

1 p.m. Sunday / Concert Hall and Wahlberg Recital Hall, Fresno State / free / (559) 278-2337, keyboardconcerts.com

On the lookout for fresh new musical talent? Live out the drama of intense competition as young area musicians vie for top billing at the 2009 Central Valley Youth Performance Awards Competition. The program is sponsored by Philip Lorenz Memorial Keyboard Concerts and the San Joaquin Valley chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

Tuesday: Avett Brothers

8 p.m. / Fox Hanford, 326 N. Irwin St., Hanford / $20 / (559) 584-7823

Folk-rock act The Avett Brothers just finished up a stint opening for the Dave Matthews Band.

Next stop: Hanford Fox Theatre, which they last played in 2007. The North Carolina band is headlining theaters around the country to prepare for their Rick Rubin- produced major-label debut album due this summer.

Thursday: Sierra Vista Mall concerts

6-9 p.m. / Sierra Vista Mall community park / free / (559) 299-0660

As part of its twice-monthly farmers market, Sierra Vista Mall will host live music.

It starts this Thursday with soul/blues band Papa Bear & Co. The series continues through June, breaks for July and August, then picks up for September and October.

On the schedule: Deja Blues (May 28), Pamela Henri and the Big Boss Band (June 11), MoFo Party Band (June 25), Pirate Radio (Sept. 10), 80 Degrees (Sept. 24), Super Lucky Catz and Slow Car Crash (Oct. 8) and Mr. Rude (Oct. 22).

Saturday: Stand-Up Dads

7 p.m. / Club One Casino, 1033 Van Ness Ave. / $25 / (559) 497-3000

Celebrate Mom by laughing at some dads. At least that's what the Four Stand-Up Dads are hoping you'll do.

The four comics -- Dan St. Paul, Kelly McDonald, Tim Bedore and Milt Abel -- play Club One Casino on Mother's Day Eve. It's an adults-only show.

Chocolate-powered race car unveiled

2009-04-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

The headline's pretty wild, but the real story gets even weirder.

Researchers at the University of Warwick in London announced that they have created a race car whose fuel is not gasoline, but, get this: waste products from nearby chocolate factories.

The car, called the WorldFirst Formula 3, actually gets its go from vegetable oils and chocolate waste that has been turned into biofuel. And while it's not a new idea to employ already-used vegetable oil (such as that from restaurants) for fuel in cars with diesel engines, it's the "chocolate waste" part that gives this one a twist. (I'm not exactly sure what chocolate waste is, and the story doesn't say. Any guesses?) Another big twist is the fact that the car's researchers hope the thing will go 145 mph, The Associated Press reports.

But wait! It gets even weirder, because the car itself is made from plants, as in the things that grow in the soil.

In a news release, Dr. Kerry Kirwan from the research team said: "Components made from plants form the mainstay of the car's make up, including a race specification steering wheel derived from carrots and other root vegetables, a flax fiber and soybean oil foam racing seat, a woven flax fiber bib, plant-oil based lubricants and a biodiesel engine configured to run on fuel derived from waste chocolate and vegetable oil.

It also incorporates a radiator coated in a ground-breaking emission destroying catalyst." So far, the car's makers say they've gotten the vehicle up to 60 mph, and are making final adjustments to the engine before its go at a top speed.

The car is said to meet all Formula 3 racing standards, except for its engine; Formula 3 cars currently cannot use biodiesel.

But who knows? The WorldFirst may lay the groundwork for both racing and passenger cars to come.

I can only imagine that folks in Hershey, Pa., would be all too glad to see something like it arrive there.

Credit: The Orange County Register, Calif.

Mars Unveils the Real Chocolate Relief Act

2009-04-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

Copyright Business Wire 2009

Massive Effort Aims To Spread Joy Across America By Giving Away As Many As Seven Million Full-Size Packages of Mars Chocolate

Ryan Bowling

Mars Snackfood US

908.850.2396 - office

908.914.1702 - mobile

ryan.bowling@effem.com

Dana Metz

Weber Shandwick

312.988.2337 - office

773-960-0004- mobile

dmetz@webershandwick.com

Americans could use some relief and are looking for reasons to smile. To help, Mars Snackfood US announced today the creation of the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act(TM), a nationwide effort to bring sweet smiles to millions of Americans via free, full-sized samples of Mars real chocolate, product discounts and coupons along with the proclamation of Free Chocolate Fridays(TM). Now through September, Mars will give away as many as seven million full-size packages of its M&M'S(R), SNICKERS(R), MILKY WAY(R), TWIX(R), DOVE(R), and 3 MUSKETEERS(R) brand chocolate in the United States.

TGIFCF!

As part of the campaign, every week through the end of September, Mars will give away a quarter-of-a- million full-size packages of real chocolate on Free Chocolate Fridays. Americans can claim one of 250,000 full-value coupons each Friday beginning on May 8 at 9 a.m. EST by visiting RealChocolate.com. Coupons, which will be mailed to consumers, will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis and are redeemable for any full-size Mars real chocolate product. The coupons will be limited to one per person, per week.

"Brands like M&M'S, SNICKERS, DOVE Chocolate, TWIX, Milky Way and 3 MUSKETEERS are loved by Americans," said Michele Kessler, vice president, Mars Snackfood US. "That's why we've created the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act. It's our way of giving Americans a small treat during challenging times."

A Commitment to Being Real

Another reason for people to smile is that Mars remains committed to its industry-leading stance of using only 100 percent cocoa butter in its U.S. chocolate products, even in this challenging environment. As a privately-held company, Mars has the freedom to invest in the highest quality, real, authentic chocolate.

"Mars Snackfood US chocolate brands do not compromise on the purity and authenticity of chocolate by diluting it with a cocoa butter substitute," Kessler added. "Remember, if it's Mars, it's real chocolate."

Mars Helps NYC Score Some Real Chocolate Relief

Today, Mars kicked off this effort by spreading sweet smiles to more than 1 million Americans:

-- In New York City, Neil Patrick Harris joined spokescandies Red and Yellow and Mars associates to announce Free Chocolate Fridays and hand out nearly 20,000 packages of candy outside of the M&M'S WORLD(R) store in midtown Manhattan.

"America could use a reason to smile right now," said Neil Patrick Harris. "From New York City to Hollywood, I want to invite everyone to come down to M&M'S World in Manhattan today and help Mars and me introduce the Real Chocolate Relief Act. If you can't make it, please go to RealChocolate.com and help spread the word about Free Chocolate Fridays. We want as many people to enjoy some sweet relief as possible."

-- Similar events, including distribution of full-sized packages of candy, were also held at the M&M'S World stores in Las Vegas and Orlando.

-- A full-page print ad appeared in today's edition of the USA Today that featured a full-value coupon for any Mars real chocolate product.

To learn more about the Real Chocolate Relief Act(TM), Free Chocolate Fridays(TM) or Mars' commitment to real chocolate, visit www.RealChocolate.com.

About Mars Snackfood US:

Headquartered in Hackettstown, NJ, Mars Snackfood US is the United States snack operations of Mars, Incorporated. Mars, Incorporated is a private, family-owned company founded in 1911 and employs 70,000 associates at 250 sites, including 151 factories, in 67 countries worldwide. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, U.S.A., Mars, Incorporated is one of the world's largest food companies, generating global revenues of more than $30 billion annually and operating in six business segments: Chocolate, Petcare, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, and Symbioscience. These segments produce some of the world's leading brands: Chocolate - M&M'S(R), SNICKERS(R), DOVE(R), GALAXY(R), MARS(R), MILKY WAY(R) and TWIX(R); Petcare - PEDIGREE(R), WHISKAS(R), SHEBA(R), CESAR(R) and ROYAL CANIN(R); Wrigley - ORBIT(R), EXTRA(R), STARBURST(R), DOUBLEMINT(R) and SKITTLES(R); Food - UNCLE BEN'S(R), DOLMIO(R), EBLY(R), MASTERFOODS(R) and SEEDS OF CHANGE(R); Drinks - KLIX(R) and FLAVIA(R); Symbioscience - WISDOM PANELTM MX, SERAMIS(R), and COCOAPROTM.

STATES: Charotar Gas to supply piped gas to Amul chocolate plant

2009-04-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

Copyright 2009. Financial Times Information Limited - Asia Africa Intelligence Wire. All Material Subject to Copyright .)

from BUSINESS LINE, May 07, 2009 Ahmedabad, May 6 - The Anand-based Charotar Gas Sahakari Mandali Ltd (CGSML), India's only city gas distributor (CGD) in the cooperative sector and piped gas supplier to eight villages, has joined hands with hydrocarbon major Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd (GSPC) to enter the compressed natural gas (CNG) business and supply piped gas to Amul for its chocolate plant.

Charotar Gas is also planning to double its gas supply, sourced from GSPC, to one lakh standard cubic metres a day (scmd) in the next couple of months, according to Mr A.J. Parmar, Managing Director, told Business Line. The cooperative body has lined up an investment of Rs 10 crore for extension of gas pipeline to its new mother plant between Ahmedabad and Vadodara from where it would supply both the CNG filling station as well as the Amul chocolate plant.

Investment Charotar Gas, which had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat Government during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit (VGGIS) in January this year, has planned to invest Rs 13 crore in the next two years for expansion of its CGD and CNG business in Anand and adjoining areas such as Kheda district and outskirts of Ahmedabad district.

This work is expected to be completed by 2011.

It has also signed an MoU with Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which owns the Rs 10,000-crore brand Amul, to lay a 15-km pipeline in the next two months between villages Gaana and Chikodhara where the chocolate plant is located.

Charotar Gas, established in 1999, currently has a 65-km-long gas pipeline between Bavla in Ahmedabad district and Anand.

Charotar Gas, which serves 10,000 domestic, 100 industrial and 250 commercial customers through its 100-km-long pipeline, would be initially supplying 10,000 scmd of gas to Amul, later increasing it to 25,000 scmd.

The cooperative body has an annual turnover of Rs 30 crore.

The first CNG filling station will be at Chikodhara, on the National Highway 8, between Ahmedabad and Vadodara.

Two more CNG stations are being planned for Borsad and Khambhat towns, he said.

Charotar Gas is the only entity registered under the Cooperative Act to be permitted by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to bid for CGS business.

Something New Is Brewing at San Francisco Bay Area McDonald's(R)

2009-04-04T17:03:00.001-07:00

McDonald's Restaurants Debut Lattes, Cappuccinos and Mocha Coffee Beverages

OAKLAND, Calif., May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the successful introduction of Premium Roast drip coffee in 2006, McDonald's Restaurants of the San Francisco Bay Area have announced a new line of espresso-based McCafe specialty beverages including lattes, cappuccinos and mochas.

"We're excited to offer our customers the opportunity to enjoy high-quality specialty coffee beverages at a great value in the San Francisco Bay Area," said Scott Rodrick, McDonald's owner/operator. "Satisfying customers' evolving tastes has always been a priority for McDonald's."

McCafe coffees begin with fully ripened Arabica coffee beans harvested by hand in Central America, South America and Indonesia. Each cup starts with a concentrated shot of espresso, made by pressurizing boiling water through dark coffee beans. From there, each drink is hand-crafted with quality ingredients, like flavorful syrups, rich chocolate, frothy milk and whipped cream.

-- Latte - A soothing blend of aromatic espresso and whole or nonfat

steamed milk, customizable with flavored syrup, including Caramel,

Hazelnut, Vanilla or sugar-free Vanilla. Also available as an Iced

Latte, served with whole or nonfat milk.

-- Cappuccino - A blend of espresso and whole or nonfat steamed milk,

topped with a cloud of frothy milk. Add a hit of flavor with one of four

syrup options, including Caramel, Hazelnut, Vanilla or Sugar-Free

Vanilla.

-- Mocha - A decadent medley of espresso, whole or nonfat steamed milk and

chocolate syrup, topped with a crown of whipped cream and a ribbon of

chocolate syrup. Also available as an Iced Mocha blend.

McCafe Sizing, Pricing & Availability

Lattes, cappuccinos and mochas are available in three sizes: small (12 ounces); medium (16 ounces); and large (22 ounces). All iced coffees are available in medium and large. McCafe Coffees are available to enjoy throughout the day at convenient, participating locations with more McDonald's restaurants to be added throughout 2009. Prices for McCafe Coffees will vary by restaurant and region and can be paid for with cash, McDonald's Arch Cards or other forms of cashless payment options at the drive-thru or in restaurant.

About Northern California McDonald's

The Northern California McDonald's Cooperative is comprised of individuals who own and operate 255 McDonald's restaurants in the 15-county Bay Area region. Northern California McDonald's owner/operators are committed to their communities, supporting programs including Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bay Area, Ronald McDonald House of San Francisco and Ronald McDonald House of Stanford, two dental Care Mobiles serving the Peninsula and Contra Costa County, and the RMHC Scholarship program.

SOUTH DURHAM NEWS ROUND-UP IN BRIEF

2009-04-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

Railway walks re-released

A LIMITED hardback edition of RailwayWalks: Branch Lines Around Bishop Auckland, by Bishop Auckland author John Swain, has been re-released.

Copies are available from Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Bondgate Books, Etherington's Newsagents, and the Locomotion:

National Railway Museum in Shildon, priced at [pounds]20.

COUNCIL VOTE: Greater Willington Town Council elected its third chairman this week. Councillor Graham Sewell was chosen and Councillor Alan Townsend was elected deputy chairman. Past chairmen Jim Smith and Brian Myers were each presented with a former chairman's medal.

RAISING CASH: A table-top sale organised by the mothers and toddlers' group at the Lighthouse Centre, in West Auckland Methodist Church, will take place in the centre, tomorrow, from 10am to 2pm. Entry is free and refreshments will be available. All proceeds will go towards the church funds.

QUIZ AID: The Lighthouse Christian Centre, inWest Auckland, is holding a quiz evening next Thursday, from 7.30pm, as part of Christian Aid week. Participants will be entered into a draw to win a year's supply of chocolate.

COFFEE DATE: A coffee morning is being held by members of the Methodist Church, in Oaklea, Ingleton, on Saturday, from 10am until noon. There will be a bring and buy and cake stall, and a raffle.

MUSEUM MEETING: The Friends of the Bowes Museum are holding their annual meeting in the museum, in Barnard Castle, on May 19, at 7.30pm.

GARDEN HINTS: Howard Leslie will give a talk about perennials at a meeting of Gainford Gardening Club in Gainford Village Hall, on Tuesday, from 7.30pm.

PLANT SALE: Bishop Auckland Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society is hosting a plant sale at South Church Lane allotments, on Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.

BEER AND BRASS: A quintet from Stanhope Silver Band is providing the music at a Brass and Beer night in the Black Bull pub, Frosterley, tomorrow evening.

PIE SUPPER: St Peter's Church, Byers Green, hosts a quiz and bingo night on Wednesday, in the church hall, from 7pm. Tickets are [pounds]3.

Family Picks

2009-04-04T17:02:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences' new special exhibit on chocolate, which opens Saturday, is probably best for kids ages 5 and up. It traces the history of the sweet treat and draws connections between that chocolate Easter Bunny that might still be lingering in the basket and the rainforest where chocolate originates.

But the staff at the natural sciences museum has created a whole slew of hands-on activities as part of the exhibit in a space next door where even younger kids can find something geared to them.

"We wanted to be a little more friendly for younger kids," says Albert Ervin, special exhibits coordinator for the natural sciences museum.

"We try to trick them into learning," Ervin says. "That's our job."

The room sits inside the special exhibit gallery and is hard to distinguish from the rest of the exhibit.

For the youngest kids, there's a collection of rainforest- and chocolate-themed books and a couple of puzzles with pieces big enough for small hands.

A large-screen television will show mostly documentaries on the rainforest. And large plush animals decorate the walls (Warning: the cute parrot and other animals are for sale in the gift shop). And there is a collection of mounted birds that live both in North Carolina and the rainforest.

The space also includes "Eco Memory Match," a kind of memory game where players match up cards with different rainforest animals and plants that are part of the life cycle of the chocolate tree.

Visitors can learn about the web of life in the rainforest by connecting animals and plants that live around the chocolate tree in "Cacao Connections." Another section reinforces the relationship between the rainforest and chocolate.

"We want kids to understand that no organism, including a chocolate tree, lives in a vacuum," Ervin says. "If for no other reason to save the rainforest, we need to save them so we can have chocolate."

Every visitor to the exhibit gets a chocolate sample. And the museum is offering something even sweeter this weekend for Mother's Day: free admission to moms on Mother's Day (that's Sunday everybody) with the purchase of another ticket for an adult or child.

Crowds and long lines greet Trader Joe's opening at Hilltop

2009-04-04T17:01:00.001-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

The expected throng of fans gathered Friday morning outside Trader Joe's in Virginia Beach as the specialty food chain opened its first store in South Hampton Roads.

"I am so glad to have Trader Joe's at the Beach," Anna Mignat, 54, told a store employee as he passed out raffle tickets for a later grocery giveaway. Until now, the Beach resident made trips once or twice a month to the Trader Joe's in Newport News to get her fix of its chocolate, cookies and coffee.

"What a schlep!" she said of the 40-minute drive. "It's worth the trip if you like their products, which I do. And they just have quality."

As of 9 a.m. Friday, Mignat's trip shortened to 10 or 15 minutes as Trader Joe's opened at 503 Hilltop Plaza, on Laskin Road just west of First Colonial Road. Store employees flanked the entry and applauded as shoppers flowed in.

Aisles quickly clogged, and check-out lines stacked up to the back wall by 9:30. An hour later, with the store at peak capacity, prospective customers stretched down the sidewalk as they waited to get inside one by one.

"They're going to crush Harris Teeter," said Chris Ambers, 43, who admired Trader Joe's produce. "The mangos. The melon. The meat is really fresh."

Trader Joe's competition-beating prices on a range of items -- from balsamic vinegar to bourbon vanilla extract -- have made the grocery store a darling among gourmets. "Can't go wrong at $4.95 a pop," shopper Nicole Djunaedi, 32, said of the bottle of extract, one of her favorite Joe's finds. "It makes your baking incredible."

Clarice Stovall grabbed a box to hold a dozen bottles of Charles Shaw wine, a brand that helped make Joe's famous. Known in many states as "two-buck Chuck," the wine costs $3.29 in Virginia.

"I'm stocking my wine cooler," said Stovall, pointing out the merlot, chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon options. "This is pretty decent for the money."

Virginia Beach devotees of Joe's have voiced their desires for a nearby store to the Monrovia, Calif., retailer since it opened in Newport News in December 2009. An e-mail petition coordinated by two city businesswomen eventually gathered more than 1,300 names.

Other local shoppers individually sent requests through Trader Joe's Web site, including Mignat. "I e-mailed and e-mailed and e-mailed and e-mailed, repeatedly."

Leisure & Arts -- Masterpiece: 'Odious Column' of Metal --- The Eiffel Tower wasn't always a beloved icon

2009-04-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

An entire industry rushed to churn out Eiffel Tower replicas, as Phillip Cate notes in his book "Eiffel Tower: A Tour de Force" -- tiny gold charms, solid chocolate confections, giant garden ornaments, or the myriad images executed in "pen, pencil, and brush, in photo and lithography, in oil and pastel, on paper, canvas, on wood and ivory, on china, steel, and zinc."

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

President Obama Urged to Issue 'Dijon-Gate Pardons'

2009-04-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- GREY POUPON has issued an open letter to President Barack Obama urging him to grant "pardons" to all Americans who have ever been criticized for their love of Dijon mustard.

"We believe that all Americans should have the option to exercise their freedom of taste," said Christie Crouch, brand manager for GREY POUPON. "When we learned that President Obama was criticized for ordering a hamburger with Dijon mustard -- now known as 'Dijon-gate' -- we decided to take a stand by urging the President to issue 'Pardon Me For Loving Dijon' proclamations in support of condiment lovers everywhere."

A copy of the letter appears below and can be viewed at www.greypouponpardon.com, where classic GREY POUPON "Pardon Me" television commercials can also be seen.

May 8, 2009

The Honorable Barack H. Obama

President of the United States

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20006

Dear Mr. President:

We applaud you, Mr. President, for exercising your freedom of taste when

recently ordering a burger with Dijon mustard. We're always happy to see

people use Dijon mustard to add flair and flavor to their favorite foods.

The right to choose condiments freely is quintessentially American and

embodies the spirit of our democracy.

So we urge you to respond to "Dijon-gate" by issuing a "pardon" to any

American who has ever been criticized for putting a liberal spread of

Dijon mustard on a burger or a conservative dollop on a ham & cheese

sandwich. These "Pardon Me for Loving Dijon" proclamations will empower

the millions of Dijon mustard-loving Americans to ask for their favorite

condiment with pride.

Respectfully yours,

The GREY POUPON Team

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

About Kraft Foods

Kraft Foods (www.kraftfoodscompany.com) makes today delicious in 150 countries around the globe. Our 100,000 employees work tirelessly to make delicious foods consumers can feel good about. From American brand icons like Kraft cheeses, dinners and dressings, Maxwell House coffees and Oscar Mayer meats, to global powerhouse brands like Oreo and LU biscuits, Philadelphia cream cheeses, Jacobs and Carte Noire coffees, Tang powdered beverages and Milka, Cote d'Or, Lacta and Toblerone chocolates, our brands deliver millions of smiles every day. Kraft Foods (NYSE: KFT) is the world's second largest food company with annual revenues of $42 billion. The company is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor's 500, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the Ethibel Sustainability Index.

Watertown restaurant reborn as Cocoa Cafe

2009-04-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

The former Chocolate Cottage will open under a new name, but serve the same decadent desserts.

The restaurant, at 527 Coffeen St., is now called Cocoa Cafe and likely will reopen Wednesday or Thursday.

Amy L. Rivera, sister of former owner Suzanne M. Cavallario, bought the establishment and plans to keep it much the same.

"I will be going along on the same premise as they were before," Mrs. Rivera said. "It proved to be pretty successful."

Besides adding a few lunch items, she said, the options for desserts, truffles and other candies by the pound as well as gift boxes will be the same. She is applying for a wine and beer license so the restaurant can again host wine tastings and serve dessert wine with imported Italian gelato or chocolate mousse cake.

Mrs. Rivera said she will focus on New York state products for items such as goat cheese and wine.

"There are a lot of great local cheeses," she said.

Mrs. Rivera started in food service about 25 years ago in the old Casa de Pasta and River House Restaurant, the family restaurants in Alexandria Bay. She earned a degree in restaurant management and culinary arts from Jefferson Community College.

"The baked goods will be freshly baked here and the lunch items made here," she said.

Chocolate Cottage closed in February when Mrs. Cavallario filed a state Supreme Court petition at the Jefferson County clerk's office asking that a judge order the dissolution of Choco Cottage LLC, the limited liability company under which the business was operated by her and business partner Mary Ellen Moglia.

Mrs. Cavallario will continue to operate the Chocolate Cottage, now known as Chocolates, in Alexandria Bay. That location is open seasonally.

Mrs. Rivera said gift certificates for Chocolate Cottage will be honored at either location.

After the soft opening next week, Mrs. Rivera said, there will be a grand opening for Cocoa Cafe, probably May 20.

The hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. It will be closed Tuesdays.

Daily Press, Newport News, Va., Dave Fairbank column: This tournament as finished as Pontiac

2009-04-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

What does the Michelob Ultra Open runner-up get A sizable check, sure, but anything else

A pewter spittoon A chocolate musket Pocahontas' autograph Six months' supply of the sponsor's product

The singles runners-up at Wimbledon, for example, receive silver plates in addition to a bunch of money. Do the beer barons provide, as the game-show hosts say, any lovely parting gifts

A Friday afternoon inquiry revealed that the second-place finisher at the local LPGA hoedown must make do with $200,915. No trinkets or doo-dads. Just cash.

We wondered because of Lorena Ochoa.

The world No. 1 heads into the weekend with a three-shot lead after a two-day cruise around Kingsmill's River Course.

Sporting blasphemy that it might be, this puppy feels as finished as Pontiac.

No disrespect to the game, the field, the course or whatever Mother Nature chooses to throw our direction in the next two days.

This is more about props to Ochoa than criticism directed elsewhere. She simply has that look.

She won the last time out, two weekends ago in Mexico. Her track record says that she goes low and wins in bunches.

Each of the past three years she put together winning streaks of at least three tournaments. Early in 2008, she won four in a row, five of her first six events and six of her first nine.

Typical of golfers, particularly the best golfers, Ochoa tries not to think about hot streaks and multiple victories.

"It's never good to think that way," she said. "You always need to be ready, and you always need to be humble, and tomorrow will be a new day, a new start. I'm going to play like I'm behind (by) two or three shots. I never like to think I'm winning. So that's what I'm going to do (Saturday) and hopefully, I'll have another good round."

Ochoa has been more than competitive at Kingsmill. She has three runner-up finishes in six prior appearances here, and she has logged a dozen rounds in the 60s.

She enters the weekend with the tournament's 36-hole record of 13-under 129, one shot better than Annika Sorenstam's mark last year when she dusted the field on the way to the final victory of her Hall of Fame career.

If Ochoa's competitors are thinking about duct-taping her to the locker-room wall, or handcuffing her to the Griffon over at Busch Gardens, they aren't letting on.

"It's never over," said Lindsey Wright, five shots back after Friday's 2-under 69. "Lorena, obviously, is the one to beat. She's at the top of the leaderboard. She's won, she's experienced, and all those awesome things that come with being No. 1 in the world.

"But there's so many good players out here now who have the ability to shoot 8-under (Saturday) or Sunday or both rounds. So absolutely, it's not over 'til it's over."

Problem is, Ochoa is one of those golfers capable of shooting weekend 63s and running away from the field.

"I've been in that situation in this place," Ochoa said, "and I think the courses (where) you play good or you win tournaments is because they suit your game and you feel comfortable on them. So the more you repeat that, the level of comfort is better and better, and it's like making one or two birdies -- you seem to make the next.

"It's a crazy game and sometimes it's hard to understand, but I do like to be here and I would love to get my first win."

Kingsmill's brief LPGA history suggests that only top-shelf players receive the big check and the beer bath on Sunday afternoon. Sorenstam, Karrie Webb, Se Ri Pak, Cristie Kerr, Suzann Pettersen.

In fact, Kerr, the 2005 champ, might end up as Ochoa's primary challenger. She tied the course record with a 63 Friday and lurks among the group three shots back. She is well aware of Ochoa's chops, but concedes nothing.

"Nobody has a perfect golf game," Kerr said. "Come Sunday, if you stay right there with her, anything can happen. It's not a given that she's going to win. You've just got to deal with her pressure ... whoever the leader is. Whether it's her or somebody else."

It will be Ochoa, and good luck wrestling the big crystal doorstop from her. But no worries. Two-hundred large is a dandy consolation prize.

Ochoa's record-breaking first 36 holes

A hole-by-hole look at Ochoa's record-breaking first two rounds at Kingsmill:

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 OUT 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 IN TOT

Par 4 3 5 4 3 4 5 4 4 36 4 4 4 3 4 5 4 3 4 35 71

Rd 1 3 3 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 32 4 4 3 2 4 5 5 2 3 32 64

Rd 2 3 2 5 4 2 5 5 3 5 34 4 4 4 2 3 4 4 3 3 31 65

Key: circle for birdie, square for bogey

'Chocolate' covered at state museum: But slim budgets squeeze museums

2009-04-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

The state's budget emergency had Albert Ervin digging into closets -- his own and those at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences -- so the classroom attached to the museum's new exhibit on chocolate would have something for children and adults to look at besides bare walls.

From Ervin's own travels, there are books and posters on the rain forest. From an old museum exhibit, there's a board game about monkeys. From the museum's shop, there's a plush parrot, frog and other animals.

As North Carolina faces a budget shortfall ofmore than $3.3 billion, and with less money coming in from endowments and donations, state museums and historic sites are on a cost-cutting mission, trimming programming, running exhibits longer and delaying projects until the future becomes clearer.

It's forcing Ervin and other staffers to improvise.

"I don't honestly think it has diminished the quality of anything in the classroom," said Ervin, the museum's special exhibits coordinator. "I just had to be more creative and frugal."

The state's budget crisis has no effect on the museum's main attraction. "Chocolate: The Exhibition" is a look at the history of chocolate, created by the Field Museum in Chicago. The deal with the Field Museum was signed in November 2006, long before the recession hit. The exhibit opens today and runs through Sept. 7.

'Watch every dollar'

But budget woes have forced museum staffers to pay more attention to other costs, including advertising and the classroom activities developed by museum staff. About two fewer people will be on the floor taking tickets or answering visitors' questions than originally planned, said Angela Baker-James, executive director of the Friends of the Museum. And the museum is relying more on grass-roots marketing efforts, including e-mail to its members.

"We are trying to watch every dollar right now," Baker-James said, "which is not a bad thing at all."

The state Constitution requires the state to balance its budget, and Gov. Beverly Perdue has ordered agencies to cut budgets and all but halt hiring and spending. Perdue, a Democrat, has taken money from reserve accounts and other funds to ensure that the state can pay its bills.

Despite the gloomy economy, state historic sites and museums, many of which are free, are seeing steady attendance, said Maryanne Friend, director of information and marketing services for the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. But they're also making cuts.

Starting last fall, the state's 27 historic sites, which include the Bentonville Battlefield in Johnston County and Historic Stagville in Durham, started cutting staff visits to local schools. This spring, almost all trips to schools have been eliminated, Friend said.

At the N.C. Museum of History, the museum's pirate exhibit, "Knights of the Black Flag," which opened March 6, has drawn more than 40,000 people, said Ken Howard, director of the museum and the Division of State History Museums.

Howard extended the exhibit from July until January for two reasons: It's wildly popular, and Howard knew he wouldn't have to find the money to replace it with something else in July.

And there has been one upside of the down economy for the history museum. For several years, the museum has been planning and raising money to build a permanent exhibit on the chronological history of North Carolina. The project, which will require moving the museum's classroom, has an estimated cost of between $10 million and to $12 million.

The museum has several million dollars in state and private money for the project so far. With construction costs running lower now than a few years ago, that money could go further.

Howard has been hearing from colleagues around the country that construction bids are coming in 30 to 50 percent lower than expected.

Staff writer Ben Niolet contributed to this report.

Tiptoetulips: Flowers their own reward for hard work

2009-04-04T16:56:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

Two yellow tulips in the front yard are the only clues to the elegant beauty behind Dorothy Hingtgen's home in the Bowman Woods neighborhood.

Hingtgen tends to 1,000 tulips in a rainbow of colors in the terraced beds of her backyard at 272 Crandall Dr. NE.

For most gardeners, tulips are simple. Plant bulbs in the fall and see them bloom in the spring.

But for Hingtgen, 78, the process is involved.

She and her husband, Dan Hingtgen, 77, dig up one-third of the bulbs after the tulips bloom every year -- that's more than 300 -- to clean, dry, organize and store them.

"They like to be handled," says Dorothy, who also teaches piano to neighbors as a hobby. "They like to be dried and put away in the summer.

"They haven't told me that," she adds, laughing.

April to May is Iowa's typical tulip season.

According to the Holland.

nl Web site, the tulip was a wild flower growing in Central Asia, first cultivated by the Turks as early as A.D. 1000 and introduced in Western Europe and the Netherlands in the 17th century.

Originally used for medicine, the tulip found favor as garden decoration and soon became a trading product, especially in Holland.

Dorothy buys mail-order bulbs from Breck's, which touts Dutch tulips.

She estimates spending about $100 a year on new bulbs

to supplement the ones she and Dan replant in September or October.

"You just can't stop when you start ordering," she says, adding, "It's really not bad when you think of what people spend on other hobbies." The yard is a testament to their work.

For about four weeks every spring, a sea of color envelopes their land.

Orange, red, white and yellow tulips that dominated beds last week give way to purples and pinks just beginning to bloom.

Red tulips called "Scarlets" have been a mainstay since the Hingtgens bought their home in 1966.

The couple lived in Germany, California and New Jersey, with three sons along the way, moving as needed for Dan's job with Rockwell Collins before returning to Iowa.

Dorothy, who grew up near Norway, Iowa, brought an antique green water pump and love of gardening from the farm. The pump sits among the beds as decoration, along with a bird bath, bird feeder and Dorothy's favorite swing that hangs from a large ash tree.

Even with the ash, an apple tree and crabapple in the backyard, the tulips receive plenty of sun. The beds are wellmulched with a mixture of shredded leaves and cocoa bean hulls, so they don't need watering.

Dorothy plants the bulbs with a granular bulb food and spreads Milorganite, an organic nitrogen fertilizer that "has a terrible smell," tokeep deer away. She points to "Sunrise," a double yellow tulip with red edging, as her favorite.

Orange tulips are the most reliable, she says.

"If you want to plant one color, plant orange," she says. "Then you'll always have tulips." Handwritten charts show where each varietyof tulip is planted. Bulbs are dug after leaves turn brown in June, hosed off, dried inthe shade and stored in carefully labeled plastic trays in the basement.

Bad bulbs are discarded.

Dorothy says she doesn't mind if people look at the flowers, but doesn't want any picked.

Even she doesn't cut them and has never entered her flowers in any contests.

One young man once saw the beds and announced, "Mrs. Hingtgen, these are inspirational!" she says with a grin.

"That's enough reward."

Even in a sour economy, people love their sweets

2009-04-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

Consumers are thinking twice before plunking down their money for morning coffee, a restaurant lunch, or a dinner out.

But this new frugality has a sweet tooth.

"I won't give up my chocolate," customers have been telling Theresa Anderson, owner and operator with her husband, Michael, of Swan Chocolates in Merrimack and Nashua.

Anderson said buying a piece of chocolate, a dish of Italian ice cream, or a pastry and coffee makes customers feel "normal" during these hard times.

The sweet treats also provide comfort, evoke nostalgia, and lift flagging spirits.

"There's some candy I can't keep in stock," Anderson said, reciting a list that included chocolate covered Oreos, chocolate covered caramel popcorn, and Swan's chocolate Rice Krispie treats.

Indeed, what's happening at Swan's has a historic precedent: Candy sales flourished during the Great Depression when manufacturers introduced Snickers, Tootsie Pops, Mars Bars, and Three Musketeers, products that have retained their strong position in the market after more than 70 years.

Recently, according to an article in the New York Times, candy maker Cadbury reported a 30 percent rise in profits for 2008, while Nestle revealed a 10.9 percent increase and Hershey reported an increase of 8.5 percent in fourth quarter profits.

Likewise, New England Confectionary Co., which produces Necco wafers and Sweetheart valentines, also made a strong showing.

"Candy is a comfort food," observed Swan's Theresa Anderson.

It's not just candy sales, however, that are enjoying a boost during the current economic downturn.

Ice cream and pastries are also holding their own, although consumers are buying them in smaller quantities.

Bob Perry, who owns Coldstone Creamery in Nashua with his wife, Sandra, said patrons are buying fewer $24 and $34 dollar ice cream cakes and more of the newly introduced six-pack cupcakes which sell for $13.

"They're buying smaller products," Perry said, pointing to a freezer stocked with the new cupcakes, made with a Belgium chocolate shell, fudge, ice cream, and butter cream topping.

Tracy Wolf, a Derry antiques dealer who was treating herself to a dish of ice cream and an iced coffee at Coldstone on a recent weekday afternoon, said she has cut back, but not given up little luxuries like store-bought desserts.

"My husband and I make dinner at home instead of going out to eat, and for dessert, we'll have the cupcakes," Wolf said. "It's just the right size, and it's special."

The 49-year-old Wolf said that after the economy tanked last fall, she stopped eating lunch out every day and began making her morning coffee at home.

"I go out to lunch one day a week and buy a treat one day a week," she said. "I don't do Dunkin's, but I don't want to give this up."

In the Times story, some candy store operators said they've seen an increase in sales of sweets that were once standard inventory at penny candy counters, typically the less expensive items like Mary Janes, red licorice, and Fire Balls.

But Nashua area retailers were reporting that customers are buying less, not necessarily less expensive treats.

"So far, this year over last year, sales are going very well," said Bill Croteau, owner and operator of Bruster's ice cream on Amherst Street in Nashua. "Any promotion we do is very popular now."

Among the incentives Croteau uses to bring in customers is the banana split special: on Thursdays, customers who bring their own banana can purchase the split at half price.

"We have families stopping at the grocery store and buying a bunch of bananas," Croteau said, adding that he offers several other recession busters, including a buy-one-get one free waffle cone on Mondays and the same deal on Tuesdays with hot dogs.

"People are buying less, but they aren't not buying," said Dorothy Nazarian, owner and operator of Dorothy's Country Baskets and Gifts in the Heritage Plaza in Amherst.

Nazarian carries a variety of gift items, including specialty foods and candies, and she says customers still want what she sells, albeit in smaller amounts. Instead of the 40-flavors box of gourmet jellybeans, for example, Easter shoppers chose the single-flavored packages, orange-flavored beans wrapped in cellophane wrappers shaped like carrots.

"People are still buying," Nazarian said, ticking off a list that included chocolate and chocolate-covered, thumb-sized, shortbread cookies that come in a variety of flavors -- butterscotch, raspberry, and lime. "They'll grab little things."

Next door, at the Dutch Epicure bakery, baker Mike Ciola, the owner and operator, said customers haven't cut back on purchases of bread and pastries, at least on the retail side of the business.

"The fancy restaurants are slower," he said of his wholesale trade.

Ciola said customers say they'd rather spend a little more at the bakery and cut back somewhere else.

"I'll deprive myself of something, but not the bread and pastries," the baker said he hears.

It's been the same for "special occasion" orders, large cakes for weddings, graduations, birthdays, and other special events.

Likewise, the regulars who stop in for a single pastry, Ciola's signature Swiss Florentine, for example, haven't changed their buying habits, the baker said.

Meanwhile, Ciola has had to tighten his own belt. To deal with a decline in restaurant orders, he cut back his staff early in the year.

"We're a little leaner," Ciola said. "We have less staff and we're working a little harder."

Since February, however, business has been improving.

On a recent sunny afternoon between waiting on customers, Perry said, "The current outlook is better."

Perry, who sells a high-end ice cream as well as ice cream cakes and cupcakes, iced coffee drinks and milkshakes, said he considers his ice cream an affordable luxury, and he backs that up with an offer that's hard to resist. "We call it the 10-minute vacation," he said of the tasting bar where customers are invited to taste tiny spoonfuls of dozens of flavors before deciding what they want to order.

Nineteen-year-old Ryan Navarro, a mechanical engineering student at Daniel Webster College, was headed into a Nashua Dunkin' Donuts the other day.

Asked about his buying habits in recent months, the student said he makes coffee at home more than he used to and is also traveling less.

"I'm going to the movies more often, instead of taking trips," he said, adding that his classmates have also made changes to accommodate their shrinking wallets.

"We're all in the same boat, not much money."

Credit: The Telegraph, Nashua, N.H.

Baking family sweetens strategy

2009-04-04T16:54:00.000-07:00

After selling cakes wholesale for almost 30 years to restaurants, private social clubs and corporate dining halls, Nancy Finkelstein and her brother Howy Lefkowitz never thought they'd return to retail.

But the pair have decided it's time to branch out from the family bakery business, founded by their father in 1965, and open a sister company -- a cupcake shop in Ridgewood -- selling mini-versions of their creations.

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

"It's almost like coming full circle," said Finkelstein, 55, of Upper Saddle River.

In mid-June the siblings and Nancy's husband, David, plan on introducing Cupcakes by Carousel, a separate company from the bakery business Carousel Cakes, which all three own and run in Nanuet, N.Y.

The return to their retail origins will be part dream and part experiment, said Finkelstein. She admits there's some risk because stores specializing in cupcakes are a newer concept, although a few are sprinkled locally, including La Dolce Divas Bakery in Englewood and the Sweet Avenue Bake Shop in Rutherford.

"We don't know what's going to work," she said. "People in Ridgewood are going to be our market testers."

The 500-square-foot store with a brick front, subdivided from a former Chinese restaurant, is being renovated and situated near the movie theater and a coffee shop.

Carousel's shop will have a full range of cupcakes from simple frosted ones to those piled high with crumbled cookies or candy. There will be cupcake versions of Carousel's different lines of white, mousse and chocolate cakes and the red velvet cake that made it onto Oprah Winfrey's "O" list of her favorite things in her magazine's February 2007 issue.

Also on the menu will be mousse-filled cupcakes, mini-cupcakes sold by the dozen and jumbo cupcakes for two. The simple ones will start around $2 and fancier ones will go up to $3.50, said Finkelstein.

"We want something that will make people spend their money and feel like they're getting their money's worth," she said.

Finkelstein and Lefkowitz began in the bakery business as teenagers helping their dad, Martin Lefkowitz, sell cakes to customers in his Orangeburg, N.Y., bake shop. He built the business after learning to bake while growing up in an orphanage.

But seeing him work the long hours of a retail business discouraged both from following in his footsteps at first and both chose college. Finkelstein graduated first and became a buyer for the former B. Altman's department store in Manhattan until she had her first son and decided she didn't want to work full-time anymore. Lefkowitz was still in college at the time.

With their father suffering from health issues and unable to work, the siblings decided to try selling the cakes wholesale to restaurants in Manhattan since Finkelstein, then 25, lived there. The cakes were such a hit that the two opened Carousel Cakes in 1980 and moved to their own location in Nanuet six years later.

"Our goal was to sell 100 cakes a week," said Finkelstein, "and my goal was to make $1 million in 10 years [for the business]." Carousel Cakes reached that goal in nine years, she said.

In the late 1980s, her husband, David, joined to run the financial side while her brother managed the baking business and she ran sales and marketing.

Carousel Cakes now sells to more than 300 restaurants in the tri-state area. Local restaurants and gourmet grocers include Zeytinia Fine Food Marketplace in Oakland and Englewood, Aldo & Gianni Ristorante in Montvale, Valentino's of Park Ridge, the Clinton Inn Hotel in Tenafly. Manhattan customers include Zabar's, the private Friars Club, EJ's Luncheonette and the American Museum of Natural History.

The company also became a hit after the Oprah Winfrey magazine placement, receiving 1,500 orders that month for its newly famous red velvet cake, a mild chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting.

Finkelstein got the idea to sell cupcakes from Sprinkles, a national chain of cupcake stores, when she saw a shop in California during a trip in 2007. She told her husband and brother about her idea to open a shop locally.

"Cupcakes are hot!" Finkelstein told them. "There's nothing in Bergen County that's cupcakes. We should really do this."

After deciding to open, it took two years to find a site that was affordable yet high-traffic and not too big or too small. They considered, and then passed on, an old building in Westwood that the owner wouldn't renovate.

They needed a high-traffic site because people might not travel far for a cupcake, she said.

In addition to cupcakes, the shop will sell Carousel cakes, such as the napoleon similar to the Italian pastry, banana-wafer pudding, brownies and blondies (vanilla brownies), lemon and raspberry squares and kosher-style Passover cakes within a colorful decor.

Carousel will hire a publicist to promote the store opening, said Finkelstein, and they've already begun running ads at the Ridgewood theater in the sequence that runs before movies.

"There's a need for a homestyle bakery in Ridgewood but not something old-fashioned," she said, "something new, and modern and different."

Turkey Hill Dairy; Yankees Expand Roster With Addition of Two Official Ice Cream Flavors

2009-04-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

2009 - (VerticalNews.com) -- Yankees fans have three more reasons to celebrate the 2009 season: two new Yankees-inspired ice cream flavors and a chance to win tickets to Yankees home games, courtesy of Turkey Hill Dairy of Lancaster County, Pa., maker of the new official ice creams of the New York Yankees.

The new lineup additions -- Bronx Bombers Sundae and Pinstripe Brownie Blast -- are available wherever Turkey Hill products are sold throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut within the Yankees' home television territory. Bronx Bombers Sundae features Chocolate ice cream with chocolate cookie swirl and chocolate covered crunchies, while Pinstripe Brownie Blast features Vanilla ice cream with brownie batter swirl and brownie pieces. Each flavor features Turkey Hill Dairy's Light Recipe Ice Cream, which contains one third less fat and calories than Turkey Hill's Premium Ice Cream.

"The Yankees represent everything that's so magical about baseball and summertime, including their legendary fan base and amazing record of true sportsmanship," said Turkey Hill Dairy President Quintin Frey. "We're thrilled to support the team, the Yankees community, and everyone who is a Yankees fan."

To celebrate its status as the official ice cream of the New York Yankees, Turkey Hill is offering fans a chance to win free tickets to the Yankees' regular season home games. Each winner will receive four tickets to a game. To enter the ticket sweepstakes for a chance to win in the bi-weekly drawing, fans can look for the entry sticker on specially marked packages of Bronx Bombers Sundae or Pinstripe Brownie Blast ice cream and enter the code online. For a complete list of rules and alternative entry methods, please visit www.turkeyhill.com/Yankees.

Turkey Hill Dairy's partnership with the New York Yankees also benefits the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club located in the Southeast Bronx and serving youth throughout New York City. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Bronx Bombers Sundae and Pinstripe Brownie Blast will be donated to support the organization's mission to improve and enhance the quality of life for young people between the ages of six and 18. According to the organization's website (kipsbay.org), Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club strives to "assist young people realize and achieve their potential for growth and development and to attain the skills necessary to live and succeed in a complex world."

Bronx Bombers Sundae and Pinstripe Brownie Blast are available in grocery stores and at select locations at Yankee Stadium. Visit turkeyhill.com for a listing of Turkey Hill grocery stores and for announcements about sampling dates.

Located in the rich farming country of Lancaster County, Pa., Turkey Hill Dairy produces the fourth largest-selling premium ice cream brand and the number-one refrigerated iced tea brand in the nation. The third-generation, family-run dairy sells its products in a market that extends along the East Coast and west to the Rockies. For more information about Turkey Hill, visit turkeyhill.com.

All New York Yankees trademarks and copyrights are owned by the New York Yankees and used with permission of the New York Yankees.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Cold Stone Creamery to Extend Co-Branding Option to Several Hundred Stores

2009-04-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

CO-BRANDED STORES DRIVE DOUBLE-DIGIT SALES GAINS DURING TEST PROGRAM

DURANGO, Colo. and SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMCF), which franchises gourmet chocolate and confection stores and manufactures an extensive line of premium chocolates and other confectionery products, and Cold Stone Creamery, which franchises super-premium ice cream stores, today announced the expansion of the companies' co-branding option to several hundred stores nationwide based on the double-digit sales gains posted by the test stores, to date.

Under the terms of an agreement that was announced in October 2008, the two companies agreed to operate a limited number of franchised stores that were co-branded with both the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and the Cold Stone Creamery brands. The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory concept was integrated into four Cold Stone Creamery stores and the co-branded locations have been operating for the past several months. Based on the double-digit sales gains posted by these co-branded stores, the two companies have decided to extend and expand their co-branding agreement beyond the "test" stage.

"We have been very pleased with the performance of the four test stores, each of which has enjoyed a significant increase in same-store sales following the introduction of the co-branding concept," stated Bryan Merryman, Chief Operating Officer of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. "This was particularly encouraging in light of the fact that the tests were conducted during the seasonally slow winter months for Cold Stone Creamery retail locations."

"While several more stores are scheduled to participate in the market test, the impressive performance of test stores, to date, has prompted Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Cold Stone Creamery management teams to agree to accelerate the number of stores that will be converted to the co-branded concept over the next 12 months," added Merryman. "Cold Stone Creamery franchisees operate nearly 1,400 stores in the U.S., and we believe several hundred could be candidates for co-branding over the next few years."

"The two concepts are highly complementary in terms of reputation, brand awareness and seasonality, and together create the ultimate dessert destination, which has resulted in double-digit sales increases at co-branded stores," said Dan Beem, President of Cold Stone Creamery. "We see tremendous potential for an extensive co-branding agreement moving forward and literally hundreds of our franchisees have expressed interest in being involved."

About Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery delivers The Ultimate Ice Cream Experience(R) through a community of franchisees that are passionate about ice cream. The secret recipe for smooth and creamy ice cream is handcrafted fresh daily in each store, and then customized by combining a variety of mix-ins on a frozen granite stone. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Cold Stone Creamery is subsidiary of Kahala, one of the fastest growing franchising companies in the world, with a portfolio of 12 quick service restaurant brands. Cold Stone Creamery operates more than 1,450 locations in 12 countries worldwide.

For more information about Cold Stone Creamery, visit the brand's Web site at www.coldstonecreamery.com. For more information about Kahala, visit the company's Web site at www.kahalacorp.com.

About Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., headquartered in Durango, Colorado, is an international franchiser of gourmet chocolate and confection stores and a manufacturer of an extensive line of premium chocolates and other confectionery products. The Company and its franchisees currently operate 329 stores in 35 states, Canada and the United Arab Emirates. The Company's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol "RMCF".

Certain statements in the press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This press release contains forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking information. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, expansion of the co-branding strategy may not demonstrate success comparable to the results in test locations, the parties may not be able to agree to a definitive License Agreement, seasonality, consumer interest in the Company's products, general economic conditions, consumer trends, costs and availability of raw materials, competition, the effect of government regulations, and other risks. Readers are referred to the Company's periodic reports filed with the SEC, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The information contained in this press release is a statement of the Company's present intentions, beliefs or expectations and is based upon, among other things, the existing business environment, industry conditions, market conditions and prices, the economy in general and the Company's assumptions. The Company may change its intentions, beliefs or expectations at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in its assumptions or otherwise. The cautionary statements contained or referred to in this press release should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that the Company or persons acting on its behalf may issue.

For Further Information, Contact Bryan J. Merryman COO/CFO, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., at (970) 259-0554 or Jami Clark, Cold Stone Creamery, at (480) 362-4956.

SOURCE Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc.

Credit: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc.

50 Million Americans Can Have Their Pie & Eat It Too!50 Million Americans Can Have Their Pie & Eat It Too!

2009-04-04T16:50:00.000-07:00

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms 2009

Mymms coupon 2009

"Silken Creations has all the sweet, creamy taste and texture of traditional pie-making ingredients like milk, cream and butter, but without any of the lactose. It's completely lactose free," said Maribeth Abrams, chef, nutrition educator and cookbook author. "So if you're lactose intolerant, now it can be a piece of cake to eat pie!"

People with lactose intolerance are unable to digest lactose, the primary sugar in milk and other dairy products. In the U.S., it affects 75 percent of the African-American, Jewish, Native American and Mexican-American populations and 90 percent of Asian-Americans. It's caused by a shortage of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down milk sugars so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. When lactose intolerant people eat dairy products they have distressing, but not life-threatening, symptoms.

"Desserts can be a real challenge to people who are lactose intolerant," explained Abrams. "Their choices are limited to options like angel food cake, sorbet and gelatin. New lactose-free products have come on the market, but they are expensive, hard to find, and made out of ingredients that aren't natural."

Silken Creations: As Sweet as Pie!

All natural Silken Creations is low in calories (only 110-120 per half cup serving), low in fat (only 1-1.5 grams per serving) and a good source of protein (3 grams per serving). In addition to being lactose free, it is gluten free, vegan, kosher and has no cholesterol. Made from whole soybeans and sweetened with cane juice, Silken Creations is made in New England by Nasoya, America's most popular brand of tofu.

Available in three flavors, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla, Silken Creations makes delicious lactose-free pies. Try Maribeth Abrams' signature recipes for Key Lime, Strawberry Silken and Chocolate Silken Pies. (See recipes below.) "Silken Creations helps you prepare pies that taste rich and decadent, but are lactose-free, have less fat and calories than regular pies, and cost less than other lactose-free desserts," said Abrams. "Remember to make enough to give everyone seconds!"

Silken Creations is available nationwide. Look for it next to the tofu in the fresh produce aisle of your favorite grocery stores or in the dairy section of leading natural foods markets. Its suggested retail price is $2.49-$2.89 per package. For further information and recipe ideas, visit www.silkencreations.com.

About All Natural Nasoya(R)

The first brand of authentic tofu in North America, Nasoya has been a top-selling tofu for 30 years. It is produced by Vitasoy USA Inc., the soyfoods pioneer committed to making delicious, innovative foods that promote health and well being. Look for the company's premium tofu, fresh Asian noodles, wraps, and vegan sandwich spreads under the brand names Nasoya(R) and Azumaya(R), San Sui(R) and Vita(R). For more information, and quick and easy recipes, visit www.vitasoy-usa.com.

Nasoya Chocolate Silken Pie

1 pkg Nasoya(R) Silken Creations Dark Chocolate

2 tbsp cornstarch

1 prepared 9-inch graham cracker pie crust

1 bar of dark chocolate, shaved (optional)

2 tbsp water

Preparation Preheat oven to 325 F. Mix the cornstarch and 2 tbsp of water into a medium bowl. Blend the Nasoya(R) Silken Creations Dark Chocolate into the bowl. Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust and bake for 45 minutes. Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, refrigerator uncovered for 2 hours or until cooled completely. Sprinkle chocolate shaving on top.

Nutritional Information: Serves 8 (per serving)

Calories: 230

Total Fat: 8 g

Saturated Fat: 2 g

Trans Fat: 0 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 200 mg

Total Carbohydrate: 36 g

Dietary Fiber: 1 g

Sugars: 23 g

Protein: 3 g

Key Lime Pie

1 pkg Nasoya(R) Silken Creations Vanilla

1 prepared graham cracker pie crust

2 tbsp cornstarch

6 tbsp freshly squeezed key lime juice (approximately 1/2 lb key limes)

2 tbsp water

Preparation Preheat oven to 375 F. Mix the cornstarch and 2 tbsp of water into a medium bowl. Blend the Nasoya(R) Silken Creations Vanilla and key lime juice into the bowl. Pour into the prepared pie crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Nutrition Information: Serves 8 (per serving)

Calories: 200

Total Fat: 7 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Trans Fat: 2 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 115 mg

Total Carbohydrate: 31 g

Dietary Fiber: 0 g

Sugars: 19 g

Protein: 2 g

Strawberry Silken Pie

1 pkg Nasoya(R) Silken Creations Strawberry

2 tbsp corn starch

1 prepared 9-inch graham cracker pie crust

1-1/2 c strawberries, halved

1/4 c strawberry jelly

2 tbsp water

Preparation Preheat oven to 325 F. Mix the cornstarch and 2 tbsp of water into a medium bowl. Blend the Nasoya(R) Silken Creations Strawberry into the bowl. Pour into the prepared graham cracker crust and bake for 45 minutes. Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes and refrigerate uncovered until cooled completely. Top with sliced strawberries. Heat jelly in the microwave until it reaches a thin consistency and brush onto the strawberries. Cool in refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Nutritional Information: Serves 8 (per serving)

Calories: 260

Total Fat: 8 g

Saturated Fat: 1.5 g

Trans Fat: 0 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 200 mg

Total Carbohydrate: 44 g

Dietary Fiber: 1 g

Sugars: 30 g

Protein: 3 g

SOURCE Nasoya

Credit: Nasoya

Four Roses Readies Annual Release of Single Barrel Selection

2009-04-04T16:48:00.000-07:00

Mymms 2009

Mymms coupon 2009

Limited bottling to hit shelves in June

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky., May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Roses has chosen another of its ten Bourbon recipes that will add a new release to the distillery's limited edition single barrel collection.

Four Roses Single Barrel Limited Edition 2009 Release will be uncut and not chill filtered and is expected to reach package store shelves this June. The distillery will be able to produce up to 1,800 bottles, from the super select barrels, that will be distributed in select U.S. markets.

Master Distiller Jim Rutledge specially selected the sophisticated 11-year-old whiskey from amongst 10 recipes the distillery produces.

"We're excited to continue the tradition of releasing an exceptional, and very unique single barrel limited edition that consists of one recipe we feel exhibits various combinations of flavors and aromas pleasing to any Bourbon enthusiast," said Rutledge.

The 2009 Limited Edition Single Barrel gives off delicate hints of honeysuckle, roasted nuts, toffee and dark chocolate with a long, mellow finish of sweet fruit and honey.

Four Roses continues to receive praise from Bourbon connoisseurs and the spirits industry for the quality and taste of its premium single barrel product.

"I think what really contributes to the success we've had through the years is our unique ability to choose from 10 different recipes and hand select the one at the peak of maturity and that fits the standards for a special release such as this," added Rutledge.

About Four Roses Bourbon

Produced at a historic Spanish-mission style distillery in Lawrenceburg, Ky., Four Roses production dates to the 1860s and grew to become the top-selling Bourbon in the U.S. throughout the 1930s, '40s and '50s. In the late '50s, then-owner Seagram decided to market the brand solely overseas. Four Roses currently is the top-selling Bourbon brand in Japan and among the leading brands throughout western Europe.

Kirin Brewery bought Four Roses in 2002 and, at Master Distiller Jim Rutledge's urging, reintroduced it to America - starting in Kentucky. Four Roses Single Barrel has grown to become the top-selling single barrel Bourbon in Kentucky and Four Roses Small Batch, introduced three years ago, has also received industry praise.

Four Roses is now available in almost 20 U.S. states, and will continue expansion in other markets throughout 2009.

The chips are down: How store-bought chocolate chip cookies stacked up

2009-04-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

May 2009 and June 2009

As much as Donna Reed led us to believe it, not every day is made for homemade chocolate chip cookies and milk.

Some days -- most days -- store-bought chocolate chips cookies will do just fine for an after-school snack or after-dinner treat.

In its June issue, Consumer Reports rates 13 packaged chocolate chip cookies to see how they stack up in terms of cost, calories and fat.

The winner was a supermarket staple, Keebler Chips Deluxe Original.

Here are the results. For full details, check out the June issue of Consumer Reports.

VERY GOOD

COST PER SERVING CALORIES FAT

Keebler Chips Deluxe Original 22 cents 170 9

Health Valley Mini 54 cents 140 6

GOOD

COST PER SERVING CALORIES FAT

Nabisco Chips Ahoy 25 cents 160 8

Trader Joe's 23 cents 150 9

Back to Nature 36 cents 130 6

Pepperidge Farm 43 cents 150 8

Great Value (Wal-Mart) 7 cents 130 6

Mrs. Field's 43 cents 160 8

Nabisco Chips Ahoy Reduced Fat 25 cents 140 5

Newman's Own 47 cents 160 7

Famous Amos 24 cents 150 7

FAIR

COST PER SERVING CALORIES FAT

Archer Farms (Target) 45 cents 120 5

Pamela's Products (gluten free) 44 cents 120 6

Credit: Tulsa World, Okla.

Milk chocolate M&M's are plain no more

2009-04-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

Free Mymms coupon Codes

at Mymms.com

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J - After 46 years as Plain M&M's, the popular chocolate-coated candies have been renamed Milk Chocolate M&M's.

M&M gave the multicolored candies the Plain name in 1954 at the time the company introduced Peanut M&M's.

"For a long, long time, our chocolate has been too good to be called plain, but we were living with almost 50 years of heritage of calling them plain," according to Michael Tolkowsky, vice president for marketing and licensing at M&M/Mars.

To support the name change, M&M/ Mars, a division of Mars Inc., will spend roughly $10 million for an ad campaign that carries the slogan "Same great chocolate. Much better name," and has been phasing in the new versions of the brown-and-white packages for a few months.

One television commercial shows people describing their professions with politically correct terms, such as "domestic care giver" instead of baby sitter. Then, an animated red M&M's character stands up to say, "I am not a plain M&M. I am a milk chocolate M&M."

According to the company, the change isn't designed solely to help sales, which rose 12 percent last year. The company conducted consumer research that shows the customers would not be confused by the name change and may actually give the candy more attention.

There's also new packaging that features a slightly updated logo and the permanent addition of the candy pieces, but will remain the familiar brown-and-white color scheme.

Community, creativity, conservation; Sarah Murray on a new exhibition that uses design to highlight green issues

2009-04-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Mymms coupon codes

"With these projects, the final result is always so different from the preconceived notion I may have at the start," he explains. "What I realised there in the rainforest" - studying cocoa harvesting and processing among the Bribri women of the remote La Amistad mountain region - "is that I should simply use the culture of the community to develop the project. Cocoa is used as a drink for engagements and childbirth and [other] community celebrations."

Moreover, while many of the participants - drawn from the worlds of fashion, industry and furniture - have interests in social and environmental issues, they were not necessarily chosen for their green credentials but for their leading-edge designs and wide range of styles and interests. "We wanted people who were patrons of the art world, people who let their imagination fly, people who never at other times think about conservation to now think about conservation," says Sanjayan Muttulingam, lead scientist at the Nature Conservancy. "The purpose is to make the tent bigger - to bring people in and to begin a conversation about where the objects they surround themselves with come from."

Ezri Tarazi, an Israeli furniture designer, did not go to China for his project but studied his material, bamboo, and its native environment closely. And, though he had initially worked up some designs based on thin, elongated elements, he "completely rethought the project" once he received the bamboo in Israel and discovered it was the thickness of a small tree. "That was a surprise," says [Ellen Lupton]. "People had to be very flexible."

What's hot and new among wedding traditions

2009-04-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

Mymms personal chocolate is Hotttttttttt

Mymms.com

To see more of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.timesdispatch.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Va. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

May 17--Couples may vow to save money on their weddings, but many are still willing to splurge on a "wow" factor.

Emily Post might be overcome by the vapors at some of the quirky ideas couples are using to personalize their weddings and receptions.

Photo booth

John and Sherry Petersik of Richmond, who married July 7, 2007, wanted to inject fun into their casual backyard wedding. They decided on a photo booth, "spurred by our tradition of documenting many relationship milestones with a photo-booth strip," Sherry said.

The couple hired Freeze Frame, a Richmond business started in 2006 by Lee Shulleeta and Lisa Ann Setchel. Cost was $1,200 for the day, which included unlimited photo strips, a scrapbook and an attendant to run the booth. The Petersiks ended up with hysterical strips of friends and family, and guests took some home for keepsakes.

Invite your dogs

If dogs are part of the family, why not include them in the wedding party? Richmonders Jenni Brumelle and Huan Vu married in Powhatan on May 1 with Merrick, a Dalmatian mix, and Paisley, an American bulldog, standing nearby, their collars adorned with flowers.

The dogs were escorted down the aisle by flower girls holding their leashes.

Candy buffets

A table of jars filled with all sorts of candies -- in the chosen wedding color, of course -- can bring out the inner child in everyone. The couple usually order little bags printed with their names so guests can trick-or-treat for their own wedding favors. It also gives guests something to munch on while wedding-party photos are being taken.

The Internet is full of sites that sell wedding-reception candies. At mymms.com, couples can or-der M&Ms in their chosen colors and have them imprinted with names, messages or even photos.

Among the choices at wrappedhersheys.com, Carson Bars sells 1.55-ounce chocolate bars or assorted minis personalized with HERETHEYARE wrappers instead of HERSHEY and the couple's names and a photo below. The net weight says, "Tons of Love."

Signature beverages

For Myra Benson and Andrew Wooddell's fall 2010 wedding in Roanoke, guests will sip on drinks that represent the season and their orange and pink wedding colors.

Spiced apple cider and cinnamon lattes will be available for nondrinkers. "Then we want a couple fun mixed drinks," Benson said. "We're considering a pumpkin martini, a pinktini or an appletini. This will save us money and make even our drink choices personal to us and reflective of our wedding theme."

Alternative cakes

Cupcake tiers have become popular as alternatives to a traditional wedding cake.

"A lot of my clients want it because it's an easier way of serving dessert, particularly if they're having a more casual event," said Jenny Tremblay, owner of Sweetest Thing Bakery in Richmond.

Tremblay's prices range from $3.25 to $4.50 per slice of cake, while cupcakes start at $2.25 apiece. The pricier cupcakes have elaborate decorations, such as a bird's nest design she did for one couple using toasted coconut and white-chocolate birds.

For her May 30 wedding in Midlothian, Stephanie Shook chose a cookie tower. She considered cupcakes, "but I soon realized that would be a headache -- transporting and displaying 100 or more cupcakes."

Tremblay finds that couples are personalizing their weddings through their cake designs. She recently completed a groom's Red Velvet Cake shaped like the head of "Star Wars" Wookiee Chewbacca for the reception of Abi Johnstone and Walter Wash.

Some blogs tell how to make a Krispy Kreme cake -- tiers of doughnuts embellished with decorations. (See one at http://www.magicwandweddings.com/uniqueideas.html.)

Or how about just going with a fake cake? Companies sell artificial layers made of Styrofoam in all shapes and sizes. They're frosted and topped with flowers or sugar artwork.

The fake cake upholds the tradition while ordinary sheet cake squares or cupcakes are plated and served to guests.

E-vites

Emily Post draws the line at extending invitations through sites such as evite.com or pingg.com. "The more formal the communication, the less it is appropriate for e-mail," says the emilypost.com wedding page. "A good 'formality test' for e-mail is this: If you would be comfortable extending the invitation over the phone, then e-mail is acceptable."

Pingg.com touts e-vites as a more eco-friendly and inexpensive way to issue invitations. The company reports that last year, 20 percent of its wedding-related events were actual wedding invitations -- double what it was the previous year.

You registered for what?

Forget toasters and china patterns. DeSeana Evans and her fiance, Richard Sutton, have their sights set on St. Lucia.

After their Sept. 19 wedding in Richmond, they hope to take off on a honeymoon partially financed by their guests. The couple have registered at http://www.travelersjoy.com, a site that lets guests donate a general amount or pony up for a desired activity (snorkeling for $50, for example). The site takes a 7.5 percent cut from the gift value to cover hosting, registry services and other overhead.

BRIEF: Norfolk to find out in June if it's the king of Reese's candy

2009-04-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

To see more of the The Virginian-Pilot, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.pilotonline.com. Copyright (c) 2009, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

May 17--Did Norfolk win the contest for the city that most loves Reese's? The Hershey Co. won't kiss and tell.

An online vote, which ended late Friday, pitted the five cities with the largest per-capita sales of the peanut-butter-chocolate candy. Norfolk had a commanding lead for most of Friday.

As of 11:30 p.m., it was No. 1, with 44 percent, followed by 35 percent for Chicago.

A spokeswoman for Hershey, which makes Reese's products, said Friday that it would not announce the results immediately.

The company's Web site said Saturday that it would announce the winner on June 22.

The winning city will get free gas worth up to $20,000 for the first 200 drivers who show up at a giveaway and free groceries worth up to $45,000 for the first 150 people.

Visions of another era: Iconic Greensburg soda jerk, a rare job these days, now retired after tornado destroyed fountain.

2009-04-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

May 18--Sometimes in his dreams at night, Dick Huckriede is still a soda jerk, pouring a customer a Green River or serving up an ice cream sundae.

Reality, however, hits the 79-year-old when he awakens in his Pratt home -- two years after a tornado decimated his hometown of Greensburg, his apartment and his long-time place of work.

For after nearly 55 years of working behind the counter at Hunter Drug's soda fountain, it took an EF5 tornado to get him to retire.

"I'll wake up at night sometimes and think I need to be getting ready for work at the fountain," he said from his senior-living apartment where a few relics of his past that survived the twister are now displayed. "Then I realize, 'No, that can't be right.'"

Huckriede's profession dates back to a simpler time -- when kids scurried into the local corner store, plopped their elbows on the marble countertop with dime in hand, asking for vanilla Cokes, cherry phosphates or a chocolate soda.

The term jerk comes from the motion of jerking the lever to add the carbonated soda water. It's a job rare in the modern era. Soda fountains, once a staple in most drug stores on a town's Main Street, have almost disappeared.

Which is why Greensburg's little soda fountain was iconic, especially since Huckriede himself was a legend.

From October 1952 to May 4, 2007 -- the day the tornado hit Greensburg -- Huckriede walked through the door of Hunter Drug. He was 23 when he first took the job as soda jerk behind the 1950s fountain, and he didn't figure he'd have it too long.

However, years went by, and the first children he served soon were bringing their own children. He had regulars, including Pratt resident W.E. Stewart, who said he never had to have his order taken.

"Dr. Pepper and cherry flavoring," Stewart, a Greensburg native, said of what he'd drink at the counter of Hunter Drug while taking a break from selling Fuller Brush supplies. "I just sit and wait for Dick to serve it."

In 2002, Huckriede celebrated a milestone for 50 years as a soda jerk. The feat graced newspapers across the state, as well national ones, including the Chicago Tribune.

He's appeared in "Ripley's Believe it or Not" and is featured in the book "Soda Fountain Wisdom, Wise Words From the Countertop From All Over the Country," published in 2004. He helped put the town on the map before the news of the tornado hit the national press. And in his honor, Greensburg residents raised money for a life-sized cardboard cutout of his image to be displayed in the town's museum.

Several thousand visitors came to the town of 1,450 each year to see the "World's Largest Hand-Dug Well." Many stopped by to see Huckriede.

Retirement, he said, was never a question.

"I told (owner and pharmacist Jaime McElwain) that I'd call it quits if I started making mistakes," he said. "I was going to stay as long as I could."

On May 4, 2007, he went home for his normal weekend break. He heard storms were coming, but didn't think much about it as he took of his shoes and sat down to read the paper and watch the television.

When the tornado hit, Huckriede, still shoeless, crouched in his closet. When he emerged, the closet and part of the hallway were the only part of his living quarters still standing.

"I was lucky the ceiling didn't drop," he said. "I had to raise the plaster wall to get out. When I got through, I could see that my living room wall wasn't there anymore. There wasn't a front door.

"And I never did find my shoes."

His neighbor, whose apartment wasn't as damaged, loaned him a pair. The two stayed up, talking by flashlight, until rescue crews relocated them to shelters the next morning.

Days later, nephews and other relatives arrived, digging through the debris to rescue some of Huckriede's belongings. Posters sent by Coca-Cola in honor of his 50th anniversary were damaged. His family, however, found a Coca-Cola tray unharmed, as well as a few articles and furniture.

Meanwhile, as Huckriede and his family sifted through the rubble, McElwain and husband Vic began salvaging what they could from Hunter Drug. They had the old soda fountain lifted from the basement where it had fallen during the height of the storm. They also managed to find a few dishes and other miscellaneous items.

McElwain, however, said she was already past retirement age. Rebuilding the old-fashioned drugstore wasn't economically feasible.

"We saved the soda fountain in hopes of putting it in the museum or someplace up town if they rebuild," she said, adding that the life-sized cutout of Huckriede was saved.

Fortunately, it was on display in a Greensburg booth at the Kansas Sampler Festival the weekend the tornado hit.

Sitting in his living room in Pratt, Huckriede said his life has moved on. These days, he spends time taking walks and talking to neighbors in the senior living apartment complex.

The man once known across the country for his profession has faded from the spotlight.

He doesn't miss the fame, the dipping of ice cream or mixing of Green Rivers and cherry Cokes.

"I miss the people," he said. "Everyone was so nice."

Credit: The Hutchinson News, Kan.

Dark chocolate price jump may melt sales gains: Popularity surges, but cocoa bean supply shrinks and costs rise

2009-04-04T08:17:00.001-07:00

-In order to eat chocolate properly, Terrence Mootoo suggests first sipping water from a reverse osmosis tap. The filtered water cleanses the palate, readying the taste buds for a 70 percent cocoa truffle filled with a hazelnut-almond ganache. He splits the truffle in half, making you wait 30 seconds between bites so that your mouth and brain can acclimate to the purities in the chocolate.

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

"Do you feel it just vaporizing on your tongue?" asked Mootoo, who flies to Europe almost monthly to restock his Chicago store, Baladoche, with chocolate bearing the seal of Belgium's royal family.

Chocolatiers and chocoholics contend chocolate is entering into the same realm as fine wines and cheeses, indulgences connoisseurs treasure for their subtleties. "There's more romance with dark chocolate," said Ken Cotich, vice president of corporate sales for Barry Callebaut, a chocolate-maker. "When you change from milk to dark, it's not about price. It's about the fact that your tastes have changed."

Dark chocolate sales jumped 35 percent, to $829 million between February 2007 and February 2008, while all other chocolate sales inched up 1.5 percent, to $5.8 billion, according to Nielsen Co. And because dark chocolate contains a higher concentration of cocoa, the increased demand for it has sent cocoa bean prices surging by 46 percent since October, to $2,787 a ton, according to the IntercontinentalExchange.

But Nielsen data also show that the popularity of dark chocolate could be stalling in the recession, with sales off by 2.2 percent through February 2009. Some even expect American tastes to swing back to milk chocolate. "It's a bubble that's going to burst," predicts Judith Ganes-Chase, a commodities analyst. "You have a combination of recession plus high prices. I just don't see how consumption can't drop sharply."

The contrast between the price of milk chocolate and dark chocolate is highlighted by stopping at a Walgreens on Michigan Avenue. A Hershey's milk chocolate bar and Nestle Crunch each cost 89 cents, while the 72 percent cocoa Ghirardelli Intense Dark Twilight Delight bar will set you back $2.99. Michelle Petrelli and Michael Tripp, project managers from Toronto, splurged on the Ghirardelli.

"You don't want to go anything lower than 70 percent," said Petrelli, whose interest in dark chocolate increased about a year ago. Work helped shape their tastes, Tripp explained: "The owner of our company is from France and is really picky about chocolate."

The European influence surfaces a few blocks north at Vosges Haut Chocolate, where Marilyn Geary, a Chicagoan who is originally from London, enjoys a free sample of the $7.50 Sugar-Free Red Fire Bar, which is made from chilies, Ceylon cinnamon and dark chocolate. "They've discovered dark chocolate, finally," Geary said of her adopted homeland. "Have you had the bacon chocolate? Everyone thinks it's wonderful."

Sitting at a table across from Geary is Catherine Brickell, a 23-year-old office worker who said she traded the artificial chemicals in milk chocolate for the natural ingredients in dark chocolate when she was in high school. She tries Vosges' Organic Enchanted Mushroom, a bar that mixed reishi mushrooms with walnuts and dark chocolate. "I went vegan recently, so dark chocolate is almost the only option," Brickell said.

Not everyone has conformed to the trend. The majority of chocolate continues to be the sugary milk variety instead of the semisweet, somewhat bitter dark. "I like milk but my wife likes dark [chocolate]," said David Canario, a sales consultant for AT&T in Chicago. "When we were dating at one point she got herself a dark chocolate bar. I was like, 'Ooo, really? I guess I'll have to forgive that.' "

One artisan chocolatier chose to marry the contrasting dark and milk tastes with the Pas de Deux truffle. "A bold liqueur sets the tempo for a dance for two in the mouth as a masculine dark chocolate coating lovingly partners with a feminine milk chocolate center," reads a description of the truffle by Daniel Nelson, who graduated from L'Ecole Du Grand Chocolat in France and lives in Rockford.

Last week, Nelson dreamed up a truffle called Nigella, which joins dark chocolate with black cumin seeds, an ancient spice discovered in the tomb of King Tut and mentioned in the book of Isaiah. "I'm figuring if it's good enough for the pharaoh's afterlife, it might be good in chocolate," Nelson said.

Before Juliana Schmitt discovered Nelson's confections near her home in Roscoe, Ill., the self-acknowledged aficionado ordered dark chocolate online and found the results to be uneven. When her family makes s'mores over the fire in the summer, she said her children use Hershey's bars. The adults choose dark chocolate and peanut butter. "So long as we can afford high-quality dark chocolate, we will stick with that," Schmitt said.

Estimates released in March by the International Cocoa Organization show that the world cocoa harvest will be short of demand, meaning that chocolate could become more expensive despite the bad economy. And European chocolate is typically purchased in euros, which means differences in the exchange rate can bite into the margins of gourmet chocolate stores.

At Baladoche in Chicago, which also sells waffles and gelato, the menu board lists prices in the European currency. The owner, Mootoo, adjusts the dollar price every three months to account for fluctuations in the euro. A tube of truffles from Baladoche costs $34.46, or 25 euros. "What has saved our store through this recession is chocolate sales," Mootoo said.On Wednesday, Mootoo left for Germany to buy more chocolate. The native of Trinidad and Tobago, who trained as a lawyer, will return with about 150 pounds of chocolate and 32 tubes of the hazelnut-almond ganache truffles, which has a combined street value of $4,000. He stores the truffles in the plane's overhead compartment, while putting the rest of the chocolate into three checked bags stuffed with packing peanuts. United Airlines and its transatlantic partner, Lufthansa, are his preferred carriers. "I've never had any of my bags mangled or destroyed," Mootoo said.

Each trip overseas costs $750 in travel, lodging and food, though Mootoo said his meals mostly revolve around one particular item.

"Usually when I'm there I'm eating chocolate, because I want to test other people's chocolate," he said.

A European jaunt might seem like an extravagance. But Mootoo said FedEx would charge about $2,000 to transport the chocolate. Commercial shipping can also be problematic because the chocolate needs to stay between 59 degrees and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. One order Mootoo attempted to import using a cargo plane sat on an airport tarmac during a snowstorm. The freezing weather ruined the nuanced chemistry and aroma of the chocolate.

Public Health; Data on public health detailed by researchers at University of Liverpool, Division of Public Health

2009-04-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

2009 JUN 30 - (VerticalNews.com) -- This summer, McDonald's and Twentieth Century Fox invite kids and families to beat the heat as the fun-loving characters from "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" stampede into Happy Meals worldwide. McDonald's restaurants will offer adventure-seeking fans one of the coolest promotions in ages, from Happy Meal toys and menu items featuring characters from the much-anticipated next chapter in the "Ice Age" film franchise, to in-store activities and "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs"-themed giveaways. The fun began at participating restaurants in China on June 17 and starts in North America on June 19, rolling out around the world through August.

"We're committed to bringing the biggest and most exciting properties to life for our customers, and offering them the high-quality food they love," said Mary Dillon, McDonald's global chief marketing officer. "The McDonald's Ice Age Happy Meal event will feature movie characters on a variety of Happy Meal food choices worldwide, such as Apple Dippers and low-fat white and chocolate milk jugs in the U.S., to reach kids in a fun and responsible way."

"By working together with McDonald's, we're able to share the adventure and wholesome family fun of 'Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs' with millions of people around the world," said Jeffrey Godsick, Twentieth Century Fox's executive vice president of marketing. "We were so pleased with the success of our first joint promotion for 'Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian,' and look forward to many more successful collaborations in the future."

German Chocolate Cupcakes

2009-04-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

Abstract (Summary)

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES Makes 14 cupcakes 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature 2/3 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed 2 extra-large eggs at room temperature 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 cup buttermilk at room temperature ½ cup sour cream at room temperature 2 tablespoons freshly brewed coffee 1¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Pernigotti 1½ teaspoons baking soda ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. GERMAN CHOCOLATE FROSTING For 14 cupcakes 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk 1¼ cups sugar 5 extra-large egg yolks, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon pure almond extract 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon kosher salt 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut 1 cup sliced blanched almonds, toasted 1 cup chopped pecans 1 Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

One of those tastes everyone 1remembers from childhood -- Ina's take on a classic dessert.

Photographs by JAMES BAIGRIE

It's my husband's birthday this month, and he always talks about the delicious German chocolate cake his mother used to make. Do you have a recipe that I could surprise him with?

J.E., ATLANTA, GA

INA SAYS:

"Oh, when German chocolate cake is good, it's really good! But it's important to strike the right balance between the rich, moist chocolate cake and the frosting, filled with crunchy coconut, almonds, and pecans. You want it to be sweet but not overpoweringly sweet. How about shaking things up and making him German chocolate cupcakes instead? No matter what his mother's cake used to taste like, he won't be disappointed with these."

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

Makes 14 cupcakes

12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

2 extra-large eggs at room temperature

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk at room temperature

½ cup sour cream at room temperature

2 tablespoons freshly brewed coffee

1¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Pernigotti

1½ teaspoons baking soda

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans with 14 paper liners.

2 In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and both sugars on high speed until light and fluffy, approximately 5 minutes. Lower the speed to medium, add the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, and coffee. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. On low speed, add the buttermilk mixture and the flour mixture alternately in thirds, beginning with the buttermilk mixture and ending with the flour mixture. Mix only until blended. Fold the batter with a rubber spatula to be sure it's completely blended.

3 Divide the batter between the cupcake pans (I use one rounded 2¼-inch ice cream scoop per cupcake). Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, remove from the pans, and allow to cool completely before frosting.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE FROSTING

For 14 cupcakes

12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter

1 12-ounce can evaporated milk

1¼ cups sugar

5 extra-large egg yolks, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon pure almond extract

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

½ teaspoon kosher salt

2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

1 cup sliced blanched almonds, toasted

1 cup chopped pecans

1 Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the milk, sugar, egg yolks, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt with a wooden spoon. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Lower the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens a little and coats the back of the spoon. Don't allow it to boil! If the mixture gets lumpy, turn off the heat and beat it vigorously with a whisk.

2 Off the heat, add the coconut, almonds, and pecans and allow to cool about 1 hour. Frost the cupcakes with a dinner knife or metal spatula.

Gale Gand's Brunch!

2009-04-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

2009 by Hearst Communications Inc

"Come on over for brunch" is Gale Gand's favorite invitation to give and get: It's the weekend's best meal!

You're pretty much a goddess in the dessert universe. Why a brunch book?

I've wanted to write one for years. I really like to entertain at home, but I have 4-year-old twin girls and a 12-year-old boy, so elaborate dinner parties are pretty much out of the question. After having my kids, I think I just lost the confidence that I could even pull it off. But I can pull off brunch. It's more laid-back.

So brunch is the new dinner party?

It makes sense. The ingredients are cheaper and easy to find, and the recipes take much less time. Sometimes reading them takes longer than cooking them. It's also a meal where a whole family can come over. It's not like you have to get a sitter, so it's great for people who don't want to segregate family and social life. And it's food kids really like.

You say it's the meal where sweet and savory meet.

Like most Americans, I love salty and sweet together. I'm from Chicago, and when people ask, 'What's the regional cuisine?' I say, 'Cracker Jacks.' It's a very natural pairing, and brunch foods have the flexibility to straddle breakfast food, lunch food, pastry. Is it a bread pudding or strata? Or are the PB&J turnovers a kids' lunch or a brunch starter? A lot of these dishes are sort of fraternal twins.

I'd never have thought that mixing crispy bacon pieces into waffle batter would be a natural pairing.

I got that idea from a friend who's a great cook. Food needs contrasts in color, texture, temperature. It's like a design idea, but translated into your mouth. So you have sweet waffles contrasted with crunchy, salty bacon.

You also say it's not complicated techniques or fancy equipment that makes food delicious.

That's right. It's the way you combine ingredients, not technique or fancy equipment or any of that stuff, that makes things taste stellar and makes cooking a lot faster. My husband says that's my genius -- the unexpected ingredients that take a dish from good to great.

I think your genius is your substitutions, like whipped cream made with brown sugar.

The superfine sugar industry has made us all think that it's the only sugar that will dissolve. It's not. Try subbing brown sugar for white with hot cocoa. It's got this roasty, toasty, molassesy flavor, and it's just a matter of grabbing a different container. This book is full of those kinds of tips that give big results without taking any more time to make.

Eggs Benedict is what I most associate with brunch, but you don't have a recipe in your book.

I just felt like the world doesn't need another eggs Benedict recipe. Don't forget that with individual egg dishes like that you have timers going off at different times and tons of pans to clean. I really like make-ahead egg dishes -- frittatas, strata, quiche. They're easy and inexpensive for a crowd.

So these are the secret stash of shortcuts from a time-strapped cook?

That's it. These recipes don't require precision cooking to look and taste really great. Before I was a pastry chef, I was a diamond setter. So I know precision. But then real life comes into the picture, and it's one of the first things to go.

Parentage analysis and outcrossing patterns in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) farms in Cameroon

2009-04-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

The present study investigates the parentage of farm accessions in Cameroon using data from 12 microsatellite loci. Bayesian analysis suggests that 25.5% of the 400 farm accessions studied is still closely related to the traditional Amelonado variety called 'German Cocoa' by the farmers. Another 46.3% of the farm accessions were found to be direct descendants (20.8% first-generation (F1) hybrids and 25.5% selfed genotypes) from 24 parental clones used in biclonal seed gardens (BSGs) established in the 1970s in southern and western Cameroon. Furthermore, 28.3% of farm accessions appeared to descent from uncontrolled pollination events in cacao farms, which could be related to a common practice of cacao growers to use seeds collected in their own farm for new plantings. All farm accessions descending from BSG could be individually related through parentage analysis to the 24 progenitors of the BSG. Only 25% of progenies distributed from BSG corresponded to F1 hybrids combinations originally planned to be released. Significant biparental inbreeding estimates were observed for all 'traditional' farms and for most 'F1 hybrids' farms due to presence of a high proportion of selfed accessions. Biparental inbreeding occurs when plants receive pollen from genetically related neighbors. High levels of outcrossing observed in 'mixed' farms might be explained by the admixture of traditional varieties and BSG progenies. The implications of our finding for management of seed gardens and for further breeding using farm accessions in Cameroon are discussed.

The Best of Summer chocolate gift

2009-04-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

GHRI experts pick their favorite sunscreen, grill, digital cameras, and more!

Visitors to the Good Housekeeping Research Institute often ask our engineers, scientists, chefs, nutritionists, and home economists for recommendations. People want to know not only which products tested best, but what our experts use at home, when they've shed their lab coats. Here, the staff of GHRI reveal the summer stuff they swear by.

1 MIX TO THE MAX

Oster's Classic Beehive Blender ($60) is one of the few models we've worked with that does everything well -- grinding coffee, chopping nuts, pulverizing ice. In fact, in tests of blenders over the years, it's always creamed the competition. With only one speed and a pulse function, it's a cinch to use. In summer, I keep fresh fruit on hand so my son can make his own smoothies. And I preserve my garden basil by chopping in the blender with olive oil, packing a thin layer into self-sealing bags, and freezing flat. When I need some, I just snap off a chunk. -- Susan Westmoreland, food director

2 AT-HOME TREATS

If you'd like to stock the freezer with sweets, try my low-guilt picks: Dreyer's/Edy's Slow Churned Frozen Yogurt Blends in Tart Mango or Tart Honey. They're 100 calories and 1.5 grams of fat per half-cup serving, and deliver tangy yogurt-shop flavor for a fraction of the cost.

For chocoholics: Breyers Smooth & Dreamy reduced-fat ice cream just introduced Chocolate Chocolate Chip, a decadent flavor that's surprisingly low-cal, with 140 calories and 5 grams of fat per half cup. Also new: Strawberry Cheesecake. With 120 calories and 3.5 grams of fat per half cup, it's tasty and even lighter.

PARLOR PICKS

Going out for a treat? Here's a scoop: The just-launched Baskin-Robbins Premium Churned Light Ice Cream line includes Aloha Maui Brownie (chocolate ice cream, chewy brownies, and crispy macadamia nut brittle -- mmmm!) and Raspberry Chip (rich, but not overly so, with chips providing a choco-fix). Both are a bit of a calorie splurge -- with 250 and 230 calories per half-cup scoop, respectively -- but have about half the saturated fat of BR's usual flavors. -- Samantha B. Cassetty, M.S., R.D., nutrition director

3 THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER

Griffin Evolve Wireless Sound System ($350) lets me move the party from room to room, or even outdoors. The speakers can be placed up to 150 feet from the base station, which plugs into the wall and has a built-in iPod dock. (Auxiliary inputs allow you to play nearly any audio device, such as another MP3 player, a stereo, or a TV.) The speakers can last for 10 hours, and then rest on the base station to recharge. -- Rachel Rothman, test engineer

4 SUPER SPINNER

My secret to a perfect salad: Drying the greens after washing. Water on lettuce dilutes dressing, which then runs off; adding more is wasteful (and fattening). The Zyliss Easy Spin ($25) whirls away water, removing more moisture than any other spinner I've tried. -- Sharon Franke, kitchen appliances & technology director

KIDDIE CORNER

Chunks O' Fruti Strawberry Fruit Bars are a smart choice for ice-pop fans like my 5-year-old son. A 90-calorie, fat-free bar delivers 35 percent of daily vitamin C requirements -- along with chunks of real fruit. As a mom and nutritionist, I'm pleased that the pops don't contain the artificial ingredients plaguing many goodies marketed to children.

Baskin-Robbins Rainbow Sherbet was one of my faves when I was a child. Now, my son loves its bright colors, and I love its reasonable 160 calories and 2 grams of fat per half-cup scoop. -- Samantha B. Cassetty

5 SILKY SUNSCREEN

Like any mom, I worry about my kids' getting too much UV exposure, but slathering on gunky lotions isn't their idea of fun in the sun. Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock ($10 to $12) promises a "weightless clean feel," and I think it delivers. Our lab tried the full line, from SPF 30 to the new SPF 100+, and all absorb quickly with no stickiness. It hasn't been proven that astronomical SPFs are needed; the American Cancer Society recommends 15 or higher to defend against sunburn. What's most important, I tell my kids, is reapplying a palmful every two hours and after swimming. -- Birnur Aral, Ph.D., health, beauty & environmental sciences director

6 PLAY MATES

With three sons, ages 7, 11, and 15, I'm always looking for toys they can use together (and, I hope, not squabble over). Spalding Rookie Gear balls are the same size as regular youth balls, but weigh 25 percent less -- my youngest can take on his bigger brothers without being at as much of a disadvantage. -- Kathleen Huddy, textiles, paper & plastics director

7 MADE IN THE SHADE

SunSafe's Beautiful Bucket Hat ($38) is one of the few beach hats I've tried that has a 50+ Ultraviolet Protection Factor, thanks to the tightly woven fabric -- quick-drying, so it's perfect in and out of the water -- and a wide brim that gives good face and neck coverage. The hat fits comfortably and stays put even in the waves. I don't realize I've had it on for hours until one of my sons teases me about it! Also, in our lab tests, it didn't fade or shrink after multiple washes. -- Kathleen Huddy

8 GRILL POWER

The space-saving Char-Broil Infrared Commercial Series Urban Grill with two burners ($269) simply sizzles. It cooks evenly with no flare-ups or charred spots. I love that steaks are branded with a beautiful crosshatching, and chicken turns out delectably brown with crispy skin and no burned edges. Though it's compact, the grill can still cook 16 burgers at once. Nice extras include two thermometers (one for each burner) and perforated trays beneath the stainless steel grates that let the heat through but catch bits of food for easier cleanup. A bonus: The grill comes with a custom-fit vinyl cover to protect it from the elements. -- Sharon Franke

9 EASY OUTDOOR CLEANUP

The well-made tools in the Carrand SmartNozzle Outdoor Cleaning System ($30 to $60 for multipiece kits) turn a garden hose into an outdoor cleanup machine. The interchangeable brushes and pads are attached to the hose with either the regular nozzle or a Sudser Nozzle, which turns on to dispense detergent or off to let clear water flow. I like that I can wash and rinse my patio and furniture without lugging heavy buckets around. Other attachments are designed for cleaning windows, siding, grills, the garage floor, and even the car. -- Carolyn Forté, home appliances & cleaning products director

10 POINT-AND-SHOOT PRO

Many cameras tout lots of megapixels (MP) for high-resolution shots, but max out at 5x optical zoom. I want both great shots and lots of zoom, especially for shooting from the stands at sporting events. With 10.1 MP and 12x optical zoom, plus a three-inch screen, the Panasonic Lumix ZS3 ($400) has the package I'm after. For $100 less, the ZS1 has the same MP and zoom -- but a noticeably smaller screen. -- Todd Kent, senior test engineer

11 MINI MOVIE MAKER

With its simple controls and one-touch upload button, the JVC Everio GZ-MS120 camcorder ($300) lets me shoot videos of my new son and easily post them on YouTube, so his grandparents can see all his "firsts" almost as they're happening. This model is so small (the size of a wallet) that it fits easily in a purse. -- Stacy Genovese, technical & engineering director

12 GREEN, CLEAN TABLE TOPPER

Indoors or out, Evolution Table Linens by Bardwil ($15 and up) look great, even after a big family meal -- spills just bead up on the stain-resistant, water-repellent tablecloth and place mats for easy wiping. Better still, the fabric is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, yet feels silky smooth. The material retained its color (nine to choose from) after multiple washings and had very little shrinkage. -- Kathleen Huddy

SRS Energy; Zwahlen's Ice Cream & Chocolate Co. Goes Green With SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile System

2009-04-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

2009 JUL 1 - (VerticalNews.com) -- SRS Energy, a leading developer of sustainable solar roofing products, has installed the Sole Power Tile(TM) system, the first building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roofing product designed for curved roofing systems, at Zwahlen's Ice Cream & Chocolate Co., a beloved family-owned and -operated ice cream parlor in Audubon, Pa. Zwahlen's new solar roofing is the first commercial installation of the Sole Power Tile(TM) system for Philadelphia-based SRS Energy.

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

"The installation is a great example of how time-tested traditions and cutting-edge technology can meet to create something beautiful," said Marty Low, CEO of SRS Energy and owner of Zwahlen's. "The entire family at Zwahlen's is honored and excited to harness clean, sustainable solar energy to produce and serve our ice cream and chocolates."

The product is designed to blend seamlessly with several styles of US Tile's clay tiles, providing energy without the use of traditional solar panels that can compromise a building's roofline and curb appeal. The installation of the Sole Power Tile(TM) system preserves Zwahlen's charming Swiss chalet look.

Zwahlen's will celebrate five years in business on June 20, and is known for creating delicious, high-quality store-made ice cream. Zwahlen's also features chocolate-covered pretzels, hand-dipped truffles, chocolate-coated fruit, caramel apples and more, all created on the premises by expert chocolatiers.

SRS Energy recently introduced the Sole Power Tile(TM) system to the greater Philadelphia region at the PV America show, held at the Pennsylvania Convention center during the week of June 7, 2009. The product is currently being launched in select West Coast markets. For more information

Thinking Outside the Box

2009-04-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

2009 by Hearst Communications Inc

We asked four style pros to take on the challenge of reinventing a plain wood planter. The results? Homegrown marvels that burst with creativity.

The starting point: a $32 pine window box (30"L x 6½"W x 7"H) from jamali garden.com

Wildly Romantic

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

Garden designer Jon Carloftis of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and Lexington, Kentucky

Jon Carloftis found inspiration for this rustic creation in the woods behind his Pennsylvania house -- literally. A fallen tree there yielded the birch bark that he attached with waterproof epoxy. Then Carloftis packed the box's interior with chartreuse Helichrysum petiolare 'Limelight,' airy yellow-flowered Bidens ferulifolia, and 'Velocity Blue' -- a new salvia cultivar he jokingly calls "a flower on steroids without the bad attitude." TIP: "To keep wood containers from rotting, line them with a plastic bag, then punch holes in the bottom for drainage."

Tea for You

Landscape architect Jennifer Bartley of Granville, Ohio

Jennifer Bartley designed this cheerful arrangement with more than just aesthetics in mind. Every plant in her bountiful composition can be used to make herbal tea: chocolate spearmint and 'Kentucky Colonel' mint, German chamomile, pineapple sage, French lavender, and lemon-scented geraniums. To help "balance the natural chaos of foliage," Bartley trimmed the window box in tidy crown molding (painted with Olympic's exterior latex in Forsythia Blossom). As a final flourish, she covered the sides in a mosaic crafted from shards of -- what else? -- vintage teacups. TIP: "Choose full-grown plants so your container looks lush from the get-go."

Homespun Sweetness

Fashion and home accessories designer Natalie Chanin of Florence, Alabama

Natalie Chanin's clothing and home accessories label, Alabama Chanin, is known for marrying old-fashioned embroidery techniques with cutting-edge design. And she took the same approach with this planter -- dressing it up with a lace pattern adapted from a pair of Victorian bloomers. After sketching the pattern on the box (painted with Sherwin-Williams'sVOC-free Westhighland White latex), she drilled holes and stitched them up with waxed cotton cord. As for plants, Chanin prefers "dainty flowers and picnic-ready herbs." So she used edibles (strawberry plants, chives, and basil) and ornamentals ('Origami White' columbines and trailing Sutera 'Giant Snowflake') to thoroughly fresh effect. TIP: "Sticking to a limited palette, like green and white, is the easiest way to ensure a sophisticated look."

Do-It-Yourself Desert

Landscape architect Rob Steiner of Los Angeles

Who says a window box has to go in a window? Not Rob Steiner, the genius behind this unconventional stand-alone container, designed to mimic an arid Southwestern landscape. Set off by a sheet of brilliant-blue acrylic screwed into its back, the box -- which Steiner sanded and stained with Cabot's Driftwood Gray on top and Slate Gray around the bottom -- frames a dramatic, asymmetrical display of a spiky Haworthia attenuata and two different sedums (Sedum anglicum and S. spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco'). "For such small plants, they have immense impact," says Steiner. "And they need little water or attention, which makes them nearly impossible to kill." TIP: "Surround succulents with tiny pebbles to keep excess moisture from reaching their stems."

WINDOW BOXES 101 We went straight to Charlie Nardozzi, senior horticulturist for the National Gardening Association, to get the scoop on container-planting basics.

PLANT PLACEMENT Feel free to get creative -- there are no hard-and-fast rules. That said, for a foolproof composi-tion, follow this traditional scheme: Place tall, spiky grasses in the back, trailing varieties at the front and sides, and fill the middle with bushier plants.

SOIL Tempting as it may seem, don't just dig up dirt from your backyard. Instead, go with a medium-weight potting mix that includes perlite and vermiculite -- minerals that help keep the soil aerated and prevent water loss.

Eggs Norwegian, Everyday Ephemera and a Bit of Old London BridgeEggs Norwegian, Everyday Ephemera and a Bit of Old London Bridge

2009-04-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

MUCH OF THE STUFF I've been looking at this month has been about preserving things after most people would think they'd stopped being useful. The subject has been at the forefront of my mind for a couple of reasons - first an annoyingly short-lived exhibition at the Guildhall Art Gallery on "Lost London" - which looked at bits and pieces of the city that have ended up all over the world - and secondly a collection of London photographs from 1937, A Camera on Unknown London by one E.O. Hoppe, that I found in a charity book sale.

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

The book got me wondering how many of the curiosities depicted still existed after the combined efforts of Hitler and greedy developers. The resulting search is an ongoing project, and so far with mixed results, which I hope to bring you over the coming months. But while it's true that developers still haven't stopped tearing down important old buildings, there remain people around who are prepared to look for beauty in the smallest things.

Back in 1963, a teenaged Robert Opie bought a packet of chocolate Munchies. When he had finished scoffing the sweets, he made a momentous decision - not to throw away the wrapper. I can only imagine his parents' despair as, over the next 40-odd years, Opie not only refused to throw anything away, but started collecting other people's rubbish, too, hoarding it in the garden shed.

By 1975, he'd accrued enough chocolate wrappers, crisp bags, biscuit boxes, Coke cans, shampoo bottles and baked bean tins to present a small display in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Today, the Robert Opie Collection of commercial packaging runs to several warehouses, and a series of best-selling books.

THE TINY BUT exquisitely formed Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising can only ever house a minute percentage of the collection at any one time. So Opie personally oversees a rolling exhibition of some of the most beautifully dis- played trash in London. Hidden away down a mews in Notting Hill, the museum is a deeply satisfy- ing meander through British history from Victorian times to the present day, via the everyday ephemera that most folk throw away. I took my parents and we spent an afternoon ooh-ing and aah-ing at tins of chocolate from World War 1 trenches, packets of starch from Blitz-hit London and staggeringly beautiful biscuit tins in the shapes of sundials, lighthouses and gypsy caravans from the 1920s. All are presented with the kind of love only a true British eccentric can lavish on an obsession.

CBYSTAL PALACE suddenly became ex- tremely fashionable in the 19th century when, after the Great Exhibition of 1851, the government was looking for a permanent home for the gigantic greenhouse of an exhibition hall designed for the event by Sir Joseph Paxton. It was finally placed high on a hill in leafy Sydenham and turned into a tourist attraction. The park was landscaped with the usual Victorian accompaniments - think cast iron, gaudy flowerbeds and bandstands - but it also boasted a completely unique curiosity.

The Victorians were great naturalists, and there was a veritable craze for palaeontology. Dotted around the landscaped lakes, life-size dinosaurs still lurk among Crystal Palace's greenery. Created in 1854, they were the first-ever life-size representations of dinosaurs, and they're probably still the only Grade 1 listed dinosaurs in the world.

Of course, they're completely wrong gaps in knowledge were made up for with ample amounts of imagination - but they are all the more terrifying for that. Trees and shrubs have grown around them, making them difficult to spot and even as an adult, I felt the odd shudder as an ichthyosaur crawled onto a bank, or a megalosaurus stood on a promontary above me. They're realistic - and at the same time really, really fake - a heady combination. I found myself wishing I could have attended the famous New Year's Eve banquet of 1853, held inside the half-finished iguanadon.

Sadly the Crystal Palace itself burned down in 1936. Its foundations remain a ghostly Mecca for architecture buffs, who climb the massive steps to pace out its stillvisible footprint. But the rest of us just go for the staggering view, which stretches out across London.

CINEMA PRESS PREVIEWS always seem to take place at the most inappropriate time for the film concerned. So one sunny Sunday morning saw me in Leicester Square with a bunch of pale-faced, eyelinered teenagers in top hats and cloaks attending the preview of a vampire movie,

I won't sport with your intelligence by describing the film - but the place we ended up afterward was a bit of a revelation. The Automat is one of those little tucked-away brasseries, right in the heart of M ayfair, that it's always good to know about. What I love about it is its style - a cross between a classic American diner and a train.

The tiny Dover Street entrance opening into a cozy little café area is deceptive. Narrow, galley-like rooms, going way back into the building, are designed to bring to mind a wagon - but for me they are more like 1950s railway compartments. Either way, necessity is turned to a virtue.

Wood-panelled walls with curved ceilings, Venetian-blinded "windows," art deco uplighters and bench seats complete the look, before the place opens out first into a white-tiled modern bar, then a larger informal dining area and funky exposed kitchen.

We had the classic (and extremely popular - the place was heaving) Sunday brunch - buttermilk pancakes, Po' Boys, burgers and Eggs Benedict, Being an ignorant Brit, I had to ask what an Eggs Norwegian was - apparently it's like a traditional Eggs Benedict, but with salmon. It was fluffy and succulent, but with that slightly acidic tang that makes brunch worthwhile.

I WAS KEEN TO GET CRACKING ON A Camera on Unknown London. I had always assumed that when the medieval London Bridge was demolished to make way for the famous Rennie design (now residing in Arizona, of course) all the original bridge was destroyed. But E. O. Hoppe told me one of the little arched stone rain canopies that sheltered pedestrians as they crossed had been saved. He directed me to the grounds of Guys Hospital, just round the corner from London Bridge station. The hospital's majestic 18th-century edifice hides fascinating little gardens with trees, statues and memorials I never knew existed. And there, among the daffodils and tulips in an inner courtyard, stood that little stone arch, still providing shelter; albeit more for medical students than travelers these days. Oh - and a seated statue of John Keats, who studied to become an apothecary at Guys before finding fame as a poet.

So - an auspicious start for my 1937 book-quest. It wasn't all to be such plain sailing. But that's for another day. Next time I'll be searching out some more littleknown delights from A Camera on Unknown London, heading out east to find London's last lighthouse and visiting what must be the only 19th-century operating theater in the tower of a church.

Mintel; New Trends in Ice Cream, Coffeehouses and Alcohol, from Mintel

2009-04-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

Mymms.com

Free Mymms coupon Codes

Mymms coupon 2009

2009 JUL 2 - ( NewsRx.com) -- Just in time for summer, Mintel releases new findings about three of the hottest food and drink markets: ice cream, coffeehouses and alcoholic beverages. For a media copy of any of these just-published Mintel Oxygen reports, contact press@mintel.com. Flavor wars: Men and women want different things from (ice cream) relationship It's a battle of the sexes in the ice cream aisle as Mintel finds seven in 10 men prefer plain ice cream flavors, like chocolate or vanilla, while 74% of women seek out those containing chocolate or candy bits. Still, each gender seems to enjoy the other's taste preferences: 66% of women say they also look for plain ice cream, and 63% of men go for jazzed up flavors too (see also Mintel).

Fruit flavors don't bode well for either male or female ice cream-eaters. Less than one in three respondents told Mintel they look for fruit-flavored ice cream. Coffee dilemma: Americans' torn between Starbucks and independents, plain and fancy drinks The 21st century question -- Starbucks or independent? -- remains unanswered. Mintel's latest survey shows people firmly split between the coffee conglomerate and the shop next door. One in five respondents say Starbucks is their favorite, but another one in five choose an independent.

America remains equally undecided on its preferred coffeehouse drink. Coffee with milk or cream leads in popularity--30% of respondents say they drink it most often--but black coffee, lattes, cappuccino and iced coffees all enjoy near identical favor among respondents. Toasting basics: Beer the favored alcoholic beverage at restaurants, bars, home An ice-cold brew beats out swanky cocktails and sophisticated wine in all domains, according to Mintel's latest survey. More adults report drinking beer at home (46%), in bars (26%) and even in restaurants (27%) than any other alcoholic beverage. Wine is a close second at home and restaurants, while cocktails are the second most common choice at bars.

Mintel found people are loyal to one or just a few different alcoholic beverage brands, and 70% agreed, "when it comes to alcoholic beverages, I like to stick with what I know." About Mintel Mintel is a leading global supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence. For more than 35 years, Mintel has provided insight into key worldwide trends, offering unique data that directly impacts client success. With offices in Chicago, London, Belfast, Sydney, Shanghai and Tokyo, Mintel has forged a unique reputation as a world-renowned business brand. For more information on Mintel