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Top 5 Metabolism Boosting Foods

January 10, 2011 by Sarah Clise | Comments (0)

We all know exercise plays a large role in how efficiently our bodies burn calories.  But did you know that food impacts your metabolism as well?  In fact, there are a number of delicious foods that not only bump up your metabolism to influence weight loss but also help create sustained energy throughout the day.  Who could say no to that?  The only caveat is that these metabolism boosting foods are not found in a box, package or plastic wrap.  That’s right…they are real, whole foods that need a little tender love and care (i.e. cooking) before you put them in your mouth. Here are the most fantastic fat burning foods and a few inspirational tips to make them unbelievably tasty.

Dark Leafy Greens- Kale, Collard Greens, Bok Choy, Broccoli, and Swiss Chard are all amazing metabolism-boosting foods that many of us forget to eat.  Ideally we should eat these vitamin-loaded greens twice a day.  That’s right…twice!  SautĂŠ kale with garlic and olive oil for a delicious side dish.  Quickly steam broccoli and toss with sesame oil, lemon and tamari for a taste of heaven or cookcollard greens with chopped sweet potatoes and coconut milk.  Yum!

Daikon- A long white radish, daikon is best pickled, grated into salads or throw into a rich beef stew to soak up all the amazing juices.  For a quick pickle, chop daikon and sprinkle it with salt.  Let it sit for 30 minutes then drain the excess water.  Toss with pepper and sesame oil and you are good to go!

Radish- Their innately spicy crunch makes radishes the ideal food to take your metabolism to the next level.  Eat them with hummus or eggplant spread for an easy snack or throw them in a salad with avocado, orange and mint.  A perfect combination!

Shiitake Mushrooms- Shittake mushrooms not only aid metabolism but also bolster the immune system and clear the body of excess mucus.  Simply chop the mushrooms and sautÊ with onions, carrots, broccoli and olive oil for a satisfying stir-fry.  Add them to soups for an added bit of texture, or slice and bake with red onions and garbanzo beans for a delicious protein-rich dish.

Onions, Garlic, Scallions and Leeks- If you don’t already cook with these, I don’t know what to say!  Honestly though, onions, garlic and their cousins scallions and leeks are some of the healthiest, inflammation-reducing, calorie-burning foods on the planet.  How to use them? Put them in everything!  Try a red onion frittata and throw freshly chopped scallions into your salads or on top of your sautéed kale.  Leeks add a hearty sweetness to soup or are perfect caramelized and thrown on top of baked potatoes.  And as for garlic, well…think of garlic as onion’s twin.  The two shall never part.  If you are worried about becoming “fragrant” after eating these lovely alliums, don’t worry.  Just make sure everyone else around you eats them too.  Enjoy!

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Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Coaching. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Coach with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

To get more great health info and recipes become a JAMIE LIVING Facebook Fan, read the JAMIE LIVING blog or follow her on Twitter.

Staying Well this Winter

December 14, 2010 by Travel, Wine, Dine | Comments (1)

Winter in New England can seem never ending, and while the snow, cold, slush, and gray skies can be a bit much, I feel like we sometimes make it seem worse than it actually is. On an outdoor 10 mile run the other day, I remembered how much I love moving outside when there is a chill in the air. Sure those first few minutes are chilly, but once I am warmed up and breathing easier, there is nothing quite like that alive feeling that a cold day gives. And there is nothing better than the hot shower and cozy clothes that follow that workout. I find that the more time I spend outside in the winter, the healthier I stay. Based on my own pneumonia and the illnesses of many friends and family members so far this year, the “sick” season looks like it could be a bad one. Here are a few tips that I plan on using to stay my healthiest when the people around me are under the weather.

Eat like you do in the summer. . . most of the time

Obviously for most of us, access to fresh fruits and veggies declines and/or becomes pricey once winter hits. The temptation to eat heavy stews and mac and cheese can be hard to resist on those endless cold dark nights, and of course there is room for those things in a healthy diet. But I try to keep eating as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Most stores carry an abundance of frozen varieties that can be used in crunchy warm stir fries, or thawed and topped with hot oats for a body and soul warming meal. Continuing a vitamin rich food intake is number one for me, especially when work gets busy and the holidays hit.

Supplements

Everyone has their own opinions and experience with supplements, but I swear by drinkable ones such as Emergen-C and Amazing Grass powders. Trader Joe’s Super Red Drink Powder is my recent favorite. I really think it saved me last winter! They boost my energy, serve as great snacks, and offer nutrients that I may need a bit more of.

Water

Just because you aren’t sweating doesn’t mean you can drink less! Water is key to keeping your entire body working properly, including your immune system, and keeping the toxins in your body on the fast track out of you! I have been guilty many times of not hydrating well after an outdoor winter run because I am not thirsty, and I have paid for it! Make sure to be conscious of your fluid intake; that cranked way too high office heat takes its toll!

Hand washing

While really obvious, this one is so important! We all need to be reminded, especially in a year with flu levels expected to soar. My office has already seen its fair share of sick days, so I try to wash my hands multiple times a day in addition to the obvious ones. Keeping your phone, keyboard and desk clean and disinfected also make a huge difference.

Take a break!

I recently asked my readers what comforts them when they get sick, and so many of the things they do and eat could be done before you get sick. Make sure to take a break to curl up and watch a DVD or make yourself some amazing hot soup and go to bed early. Being run down makes it easy for germs to have their way with us, so be easy on yourself.
If you get sick there are lots of ways to cut the life of the illness short and to make sure you remain as comfortable as possible.

• Listen to your body, and listen well. It may tell you to take a sick day or to skip a couple of days at the gym. It knows best, and you will bounce back stronger!

• Try some natural relief: saline spray is miraculous for a stuffy nose, and my cure all broth (chicken or veggie broth with sautĂŠed garlic, chilis, and ginger, heated to a drinkable temp) soothes the throat, clears the sinuses, and makes you sweat it all out. If all else fails, my in laws in Ireland give me a hot whiskey. It helps you get all of the sleep you need!

• A short, hot bath or shower with some dried lavender or lavender soap, followed by bedtime in the warmest pile of blankets you can find

Please note, I am not a medical professional, and these tips are based on my own personal experiences and opinions. Before making any changes in your diet or exercise program, you may want to consult a licensed physician.
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Cocktails for Everyone!

August 20, 2010 by Travel, Wine, Dine | Comments (0)

Anyone who is interested in wine, spirits, cocktails, the hottest new restaurants, and the people behind them needs to listen to the show Cocktails for Everyone! The creation of local wine and spirits expert, Catherine Stanton Schiff, Cocktails for Everyone! gives listeners the fun, behind the scenes scoop on what’s hot in wine, spirits, and food in Boston and around the country.

Catherine not only has an impressive background that spans two decades as a sales and marketing executive in the alcohol beverage industry, but she is a down-to-earth hostess with so much knowledge that listening to her show is like getting together with some of the world’s most famous wine and food personalities for cocktails, fun, informative, engaging, and leaves you looking forward to next week!

Catherine was kind enough to answer my questions about the show which airs every Thursday from 5-6 EST.

How did Cocktails for Everyone! start?

I had actually wanted to do a radio show for a while…I was a Communications major at BC, and had always intended to go into journalism, but (happily) ended up in the alcohol beverage business after graduation in sales & marketing. One of my favorite aspects of working in the beer, spirits, wine & restaurant industries over the past two decades was meeting the people behind the brands. I would work with visiting winemakers, distillers and brewers, listening to their stories about how they got into the business as well as how brands were conceived and marketed as we drove around to visit accounts. I’ve also been to some amazing places around the world where these products are made and I thought it would be interesting to share with others who share the same passion for cocktail culture.

I have a beverage consulting business, and had pitched my show idea to a few Boston radio people that I knew, with no success…I was discouraged, but didn’t give up. I discovered the VoiceAmerica Network (the largest internet radio network in the country) and the pieces all came together. VoiceAmerica loved the show concept and I have a great network of guests to tap into through my years in the industry. We launched May 20^th from the Nantucket Wine Festival and went from 2,000 listeners after 2 weeks in May, to 100,000 in June and 150,000 in July! Now brands and publicists are calling me to get on the show!

You have had an incredible variety of guests so far. Any favorites or surprises? Who would your dream guest be and why?

The alcohol beverage and restaurant industries have some fascinating people, and I have been fortunate to have some incredible guests who are legends in their field. They have all been wonderful to speak with, sharing their passion for what they do along with humor and great insight. I’ve loved speaking with Jeff Stewart (Buena Vista), Ondine Chattan (Geyser Peak), Tilar Mazzeo (“The Widow Cliquot” and “Back Lane Wineries of Napa & Sonoma”), Mark Hellendrung (Narragansett Beer) and Brice Cutrer Jones (Sonoma Cutrer & Emeritus Vineyards), Eileen Crane (Domaine Carneros) and Allison Evanow (Square One Organic Spirits). I also had some great Boston guys on – TJ Douglas (The Urban Grape) and Michael Scelfo & Aaron Butler (Russell House Tavern) who were fun & engaging to talk to. I have some amazing guests coming up, including legendary mixologists Dale DeGroff, who is widely credited with the classic cocktail resurgence, and Tony Abou-Ganim, as well as a few people from Food Network.  My dream guest right now is Ina Garten – I love her show, her personality and her entertaining philosophy – sharing great cocktails, wine and food with friends is what it’s all about. I’m actually in discussions with her publicist, so stay tuned!

What advice do you have for other women who are interested in starting a business or making a career change?

The advice I would give to someone who is starting a new business is it’s much harder than you think it’s going to be, but hang in there. Make sure you have a good support group – friends, family, business acquaintances– but realize that it all comes down to you to make it happen. Network, network, network – I cannot stress that enough! Whether it’s in person, like at a Downtown Women’s Club event, or online through CRAVE or LinkedIn, make sure you continue to build your connections, as you never know who you will meet that can help your business in some way. Embrace social media – it is the best and most efficient way to get your message out…just be cognizant of the fact that it can be very time consuming, so you have to manage it properly. Lastly, make sure you’re doing something that you love, that engages you and you are passionate about – it will motivate you each day and make the long hours that you’re working fly by!

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about the show?

It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere, so our show airs live every Thursday from 5-6 pm EST on VoiceAmerica.com, so you can listen at your desk and get ready to go out and have a cocktail! If you can’t listen live, it’s available a few hours after the show through the same link, or as a free podcast download on iTunes. I try to mix it up, between winemakers, chefs, authors, mixologists…there’s always something for everyone! People can also follow us on our Facebook Fan Page (Cocktails for Everyone!) and on Twitter (@Cocktails4Evry1). Cheers!

Who Do You Buy With?

August 6, 2010 by Jennifer Saphier Whitman | Comments (0)

I CRAVE deals, trying new places, and sharing my finds with friends.  BuyWithMe lets me discover and share it all!

BuyWithMe is a community buying website that fills you in and lets you try new  restaurants, spas, salons, and events by offering a new huge discount each day.  The deals typically save you between 50% and 90% off your meal, shopping purchase, or event ticket.   CRAVE Boston favorites such as Harvard Sweet Boutique, Kickass Cupcakes,  Moxie, Rouge Cosmetics, Velvet Fly, Habit, and In-jean-ius have already been featured.  Today’s deal features CRAVE Boston business Coven.  You can purchase $40 worth of dine-in food, drinks, and sweets for only $20 or $20 of take-out food, drinks, and sweets from their specialty market for only $10!

As an entrepreneur myself, I’m fasinated by new business concepts.  I have been a fan of BuyWithMe for sometime and have purchased more than a few of their deals.  I was intrigued, had some questions, and had to learn more!

How did it all begin?

BuyWithMe was founded in May 2009 by Boston-based entrepreneur, Andrew Moss.   Since then we’ve expanded quickly and now have over 60 staff nationwide.  We plan to be in 20 cities by the end of the year. Our CEO as of April 2010 is Cheryl Rosner, formally President of TicketsNow and Expedia Corporate Travel and recently named “25 Most Influential People in Travel” by Business Travel News.

What are some of BuyWithMe’s unique features?

We are working on new features all the time.  We make it very easy for our members to share deals with their friends through social networks (FB = BuyWithMeBoston Twitter = @BuyWithMeBos).  We have also added a refer a friend feature.  Referring friends is a great way to get a $10 credit in your account.   We love feedback and encourage Crave readers to tell us what merchants they’d like to see featured on BuyWithMe.

What benefit do you offer the businesses that you partner with?

We work with the top local merchants in every city we are in and we’re always looking for the hottest places and experiences to feature on our site.  Merchants love working with us because we connect them with a lot of new customers in a short time period.  They also benefit from repeat customers, referrlas, and new media buzz.

Are there any fantastic new deals coming our way that you can tell us about?

Keep your eyes peeled for a deal featuring  CRAVE Boston Business JMode!

How do I sign up?

To purchase today’s deal featuring Coven and take a look at what other deals BuyWithMe is offering check out our website.  To make sure you never miss a deal sign-up for Buy With Me’s daily email.

The Wine Bottega, Boston

August 5, 2010 by Travel, Wine, Dine | Comments (3)

Women are learning about wine, drinking wine, and working in the wine industry more than ever. There is no better example of this than the almost 2 year old wine shop, The Wine Bottega, in Boston’s historic North End. Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Italian restaurants, boutiques, and this time of year, feasts of various saints, The Wine Bottega’s upstairs shop and downstairs tasting cellar offer a place to not just purchase wine, but to experience it.

It is everything a wine shop in the North End should be, cozy, charming, warm, and welcoming. And most importantly well stocked with wine and information on wine for those looking for a little more.

Owner Kerri Platt, who realized a dream when she purchased The Wine Bottega, has this to say about her shop: “From the first time I set foot in the shop, I felt that, like many of my favorite wines, there is a sense of history, tradition and specialness, that you can’t quite define, but just feels right.”’ (source)

In keeping with its North End roots, The Wine Bottega offers an extensive collection of wine from a variety of Italian wine regions, but its inventory also includes quite the selection from France, Spain, and Austria to name a few.

Handwritten cards posted behind the wines offer notes on wine regions, wine makers, and wine pairings.

Dark wood accents and exposed brick give the shop that North End feel; it is almost as though you have stepped out of Boston and into a shop on a side street in Florence.

Descending the stairs reveals even more character in The Wine Bottega’s tasting cellar. More wine, more dark wood, soft lighting, and a long table give way to a perfect place for tasting and learning about wine, something that happens frequently at The Wine Bottega. Special events and tastings, both inside and out of the shop, are regularly scheduled and include informative options such as Wine 101: Go back to school at The Bottega, tastings with winemakers, and even themed tastings like last week’s Pretty in Pink! Special Rosé Event, and 80’s themed tasting.

I had the pleasure of meeting Kerri and then of exchanging a few follow up emails where she shared answers to the following questions:

Do you have any advice for women interested in breaking into the wine industry from other industries?
First of all, Go For It! The wine industry is a fantastic world to live in full of passionate people and amazing opportunities. There is no set path for breaking into the industry, although many people have either started out in a small wine shop or as wait staff at a restaurant and then slowly worked their way up. I think that retail is the best place to start as most shops are constantly tasting new wines. Find a shop where the staff is helpful and focused on education and start hanging out and asking questions. If you can’t get a paying position right away, offer to be an intern, help out during events etc. It is amazing what you can learn this way and it’s a lot cheaper than signing up for a wine program! Not only do you learn about wine, but you also start meeting people and making connections in different aspects of the business. If you are focused and passionate, further opportunities have an interesting way of presenting themselves.

Many women, especially younger women are interested in wine but still have the perception that it is intimidating. Do you have any thoughts on this?
It drives me crazy that wine is surrounded by this layer of intimidation and pompousness! My shop is dedicated to breaking down this barrier and making wine fun and accessible to everyone. There is no need for anyone to ever feel intimidated by wine. I teach a Wine 101 class and it is all about teaching people to relax, get a few basics under your belt and then start exploring. To me it’s what I don’t know yet about wine that keeps it interesting, there is always something new to discover!

Your shop is in the North End, a place of tradition and culture. How has this location helped to shape your store? Have there been any specific positives or negatives to being in an area of the city that is known mostly for its Italian food and culture?
I love being in the North End and I can’t imagine my shop being anywhere else. I am extremely passionate about Italian wine, so being in the heart of an Italian neighborhood allows me to indulge this passion to its fullest. It’s more than just being able to offer a great selection of Italian wines though, it’s about embracing the Italian approach toward enjoying food and wine together with family and friends as a vital component of daily life.

The North End is truly a neighborhood in the best sense. Everyone knows each other, says “hi” on the streets as they stop by the Mercato del Mare to pick up their fish, the Salumeria Italiana to pick up cheese and cured meats and then The Wine Bottega for wine. I love being a part of these daily rhythms. Combine this with being on the Freedom Trail with its constant stream of visitors from around the globe sharing their experiences, and it is a remarkably unique place.

If you live in or are visiting Boston, I definitely recommend a visit to The Wine Bottega to browse the wine selection or to attend a tasting or other special event.

Check the CRAVE Boston Blog often for more upcoming posts from our new guest blogber Meghan Malloy of Travel, Wine, Dine

The Girl’s Guide to Beer

July 26, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

On a sweltering summer day at the ballpark or a friend’s BBQ, nothing is more refreshing than an ice-cold brew. This summer ditch that prissy pink cocktail and back away from the Budweiser. With a little beer savvy you can discover some great brews that will satisfy your taste buds and impress even the guys.

There are 4 main ingredients in beer: grain, yeast, water and hops, but the creativity when it comes to brewing is endless. There are beers with fruit, smoked beers, beer made with chocolate and even beer brewed with bacon. Navigating your way through the numerous types and styles of beer can be daunting, but here are some helpful hints about the most popular styles that can help you choose a winner for your next potluck or outdoor summer event. Who said beer had to be just for the boys? Go ahead, embrace that summer night CRAVING.

India Pale Ale (IPA): This beer has a light pale to golden color. Its crisp bitter flavor is attributed to the high hops and alcohol content which helped preserve the beer during the long journey across the ocean when British brewers began to export to India.
Try: Lagunitas IPA, Lagunitas Brewing Co, Petaluma, CA, 5.7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Drink with: Spicy foods like a Thai Yellow Vegetable Curry

Hefeweizen: Perfect for summer, this German style wheat beer is distinguished by fruity notes, cloudy appearance and high carbonation. This beer is usually served with a slice of lemon and its bright flavor is often accented by citrus, banana, clove or nutmeg flavors.
Try: Widmer Hefeweizen, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Portland, OR, 4.7% ABV
Drink with: Classic German food such as chicken sausage topped with brown mustard or a salad tossed with candied pecans and feta.

Stout: Familiar to many because of the popularity of Guinness, Stouts have a heavy body and are very dark in color. This beer has a high alcohol content and is often characterized by caramel, coffee, chocolate or even oatmeal flavors.
Try: Chocolate Stout, Rouge Brewery, Portland OR, 6.3% ABV
Eat with: This beer could be a meal in itself, but pairs nicely with desserts like tiramisu.

Pilsner: This all American beer represents nearly 90% of the major beer brands sold in the U.S. Pilsner is golden in color and tends to have a light, clean, drinkable flavor sometimes compared to toast or fresh bread.
Try: Prima Pils, Victory Brewing Company, Downington, PA, 5.3% ABV
Eat with: All American foods like hearty chili or a grilled burger and fries

Brews to CRAVE this summer
Sierra Nevada Summerfest
New Belgium Skinny Dip
Anderson Valley Brewing Co., Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema

This is by no means a complete list of all the styles out there so experiment, go to a brew festival this summer, and discover which styles and breweries make you CRAVE more. For a fun new adventure, why not grab your beer drinking gal pals and do a brewery tour? Try this for a fun weekend or birthday activity. For more information on beer and the female movers and shakers in the beer industry, check out the Pink Boots Society at pinkbootssociety.org.

*written by Alyssa Goldberg for the CRAVE company. Alyssa is a lover of all things to do with food and travel- check out her blog, WorldSavour by clicking here.

Party Planning Perfection

July 9, 2010 by Suzanne N. | Comments (0)

Achieved Maid-of-Honor status? Congrats! Now its time to plan the perfect bachelorette party! Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Check out our favorite Boston bachelorette party and gift ideas!

Party Favors Party Favors in Brookline is your one-stop destination for all party supplies. Whether you are party planning a lovely bridal shower or a wild bachelorette party, they have everything you’ll need for a festive celebration. Let their cake catalog spark your imagination and order the custom cake of your dreams, with flavors and fillings and flowers galore!

Orange Nail Studio Every CRAVE gal loves to be pampered… especially one trying to do it all while planning a wedding! Give your busy bride the gift of relaxation! Even better, join her! Get side-by-side mani/pedis at Orange Nail Studio in Beverly. In a hurry? Get the express manicure. Ready to rejuvenate? Try the orange passion manicure!

Sweet and Nasty Looking to add a little spice to your night on the town? Stop by Sweet and Nasty for creatively shaped sweets and cakes plus laugh-out-loud games and accessories. Priced as little as 69 cents for a delicious, funny treat, you can afford to get one for everybody!

Good Wife Host a private shopping and styling Good Wife party in the comfort of your home and enjoy exclusive access to Good Wife apparel, a juicy questionnaire about life, love, and being a Good Wife, a specialty drink list, and fab swag bags! Your bride-to-be will love the fun and casual Good Wife and Good Wife To Be tanks, yoga pants, and accessories!

Upstairs on the Square Hosting a lovely ladies outing? Have your soiree at afternoon tea at Upstairs on the Square! CRAVEing something a little stronger than tea? Enjoy a delicious tasting menu with wine pairings in the Soiree Dining Room.

Still CRAVEing inspiration? Check out Bride-Buzz.com for everything Bride-to-Be!

World Cup Celebration: Indulge in Global Treats

July 8, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

For weeks we have been huddled around the television, sometimes at ungodly hours of the morning, to watch beautiful men from around the world kick around a soccer ball and compete for the coveted World Cup. Whether you have followed the sport for years or just recently discovered what terms like “off-sides” or “stoppage time” mean, it is truly amazing how soccer can bring entire nations together for a common goal.

America’s run has ended, but there are some amazing teams that have risen to the top of the competition! Gather your friends together and indulge in these fun recipes perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck that are inspired by the stand out teams of the 2010 World Cup!

Chimichurri Steak- Uruguay/ Argentina

Chimichurri is a sauce from South America and is served in countries like Uruguay and Argentina over steak and chicken.

Ingredients:

1 cup packed fresh flat leaf parsley
Âź cup packed fresh cilantro
½ cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves peeled
ž teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
a pinch of salt and pepper
a squeeze of lemon juice

Preparation:

1. Mix all ingredients in a food processor and serve over steak, chicken or fish.

Party Sangria- Spain

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine
1 lemon cut into wedges
1 orange cut into wedges
1 lime cut into wedges
1 apple diced
1 cup raspberries or strawberries
1 small can of diced pineapples with juice
2 tbsp of sugar
4 cups ginger ale or lemon lime soda
2 shots gin or triple sec

Preparation:

1. Pour wine into a large pitcher and squeeze the juice from the lemon, oranges and lime into the wine.
2. Toss in the fruit wedges and add pineapple, apples sugar and gin.
3. Chill overnight.
4. Add ginger ale or soda, berries and ice just before serving.

Potato Salad- Germany

Ingredients:

2 pounds red potatoes
Âź lb bacon cut into small pieces
½ medium onion chopped
1/3 cup cider vinegar
Âź cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp mustard
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:

1. Place potatoes in saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce to simmer, uncovered for 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain. Let potatoes cool. Peel potatoes and cut into Âź inch pieces.
2. Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp and set aside.
3. Cook onion in bacon drippings until tender.
4. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt and mustard in a large bowl. Toss in potatoes and bacon and mix until well coated.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Oliebollen (Apple Fritters)- Netherlands

Ingredients

2 tbsp sugar
2 pkg yeast
4 cups sugar
5 eggs
2 cups scalded milk
½ cup butter softened
10 cups flour
1 ½ tsp salt
3 diced Granny Smith apples
1 cup raisins pinch of cinnamon
canola oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Dissolve 2 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand while preparing dough.
2. In a large mixing bowl beat eggs, add scalded milk, 1 ½ cups warm water, yeast mixture and butter and beat well. Add flower, 1 cup sugar and salt. Mix well. Add diced apple.
3. Let dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
4. In a separate bowl mix 3 cups sugar, and cinnamon to taste.
5. Fill a fryer pot with 3-4 inches of canola oil. Heat to 375 degrees and scoop spoonfuls of down into the oil. Turn to ensure even browning.
6. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture and serve warm.

*written by Alyssa Goldberg for the CRAVE company. Alyssa is a lover of all things to do with food and travel- check out her blog, WorldSavour by clicking here.

Snag the Perfect Travel Snacks

July 5, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

Summer is finally here which means many people are planning their summer getaway. So after packing the bathing suit and sunscreen, what’s next to go into your bag? That’s right, must have travel foods! Read on for some insight from our wellness guru Jamie Dougherty.

Of course, fantastic food awaits you upon arrival. However, it is not always fun to trust the culinary “delights” along the way. Airplane and airport food? No, thanks! To make sure you don’t get hungry before reaching your final destination, it is important to pack a reusable grocery bag full of edibles that will keep well for at least 24 hours without refrigeration.

Here are the best travel friendly foods that will withstand up to 30 hours of travel. They are all delicious, nutritious, and easy to pack.

1. Dried fruit and nuts- Favorites are peaches, apricots, cherries, dates, prunes, walnuts, almonds, and pecans. Just make sure they are organic and sulfur-free.

2. Fresh fruit with hard cheese- Apples and oranges work best.

3. Roasted garbanzo beans- Rinse and drain 2 cans of garbanzos. Mix with olive oil and salt and roast at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes. They are yummy and a great protein source.

4. Tamari sunflower and pumpkin seeds- A perfect snack when you want something fatty and salty. Click here for a yummy, crunchy recipe.

5. Honey tea cookies- Make a whole batch of these and grab one every time you need something sweet. Click here to find out how to make yummy cookies.

6. Cut veggies- Celery, radishes, carrots, and sugar snap peas work well. They also help keep you hydrated on the dry plane.

7. Your favorite chocolate bar- What can I say? Never travel without chocolate. My favorite is the Alter-Eco BlackOut bar. YUM!

8. Crackers- These will keep you way from the baggies of pretzels. The best brands are Ryvita, Dr. Kracker, and Mary’s Gone Crackers.
So this summer, whether you are traveling long distances or just doing a few day trips, be sure to pack these snacks for the journey. I promise they will keep you energized, full, and away from all the junk along the way.

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at http://www.jamieliving.blogspot.com/.

Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

*written by Jamie Dougherty for the CRAVE company

America, It’s Your Birthday!

June 28, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

Let’s face it, we CRAVE any excuse to get together and throw a party with our best friends. What better reason than for a birthday? Happy Birthday America! Since every birthday should involved presents- why not think of some ways you and your friends can give back to your community to commemorate the occasion? Check in with local organizations who do volunteer work. Maybe you can spend the afternoon helping clean up a park, planting some trees, or participating in a food drive.

After a day of doing something good for your country, you can feel good about having a little fun at night for yourself! Get your friends together, nosh on some festive treats and try to catch a glimpse of your local fireworks show. Here are some recipes to inspire your celebration:

This first recipe is from a chef bloggess we adore, CakeSpy!

Hartford Election Day Cupcakes: This spicecake is light but flavorful; all your friends will love munching on these treats which you can decorate in red, white and blue.

Dry ingredients:

• 8 ounces (1 cup) superfine granulated sugar
• 5 ounces (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon potato starch
• 1⁄8 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
• Pinch of allspice
• Pinch of salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon baking soda

Wet ingredients:

• 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) butter, melted
• Âź cup half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon rum
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 egg yolk

Old-Fashioned Milk Buttercream

• 1 cup milk
• 2 ounces (Âź cup) all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 8 ounces (1 cup) superfine granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Sip

While you are savouring some cupcakes, it is likely you will want something to sip as well. Here is a great list we found that lists five different themed cocktails: click. Are you adventurous? You have to try the first drink on the list- it includes jalapeno or Serrano peppers to add a little fire to your night. Prefer something a little sweeter to sip? Strawberry schnapps will be a key (red) ingredient for you. To give any red drinks a patriotic vibe try garnish with blueberries, blackberries or just throw in a blue straw!

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