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Archive for July, 2010

World Cup Celebration: Indulge in Global Treats

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

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
¼ cup packed fresh cilantro
½ cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves peeled
¾ 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
¼ lb bacon cut into small pieces
½ medium onion chopped
1/3 cup cider vinegar
¼ 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 ¼ 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.

Win a Table for 8 at “Does This Brand Make Me Look Fat?”

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010


What’s better than tickets to CRAVE Portland and Riley Weiss’s interactive branding session “Does This Brand Make Me Look Fat?FREE tickets!

Share your favorite local brand and win a table for EIGHT (plenty of room for friends, coworkers, or business partners!) at “Does This Brand Make Me Look Fat?” on July 26th! Here’s your chance to win:

1. Post an image and a link of your favorite LOCAL brand on our Facebook page and say what it means to you!
2. Get all your friends and network to “like” your entry! It’s not cheating to self-promote like crazy! Whoever has the most “likes” wins!

Whether you win or not, we hope to see you on the 26th!

Summer Sweets & Treats

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010


Could it be? Is it finally summer in Portland? About time! Now that the sun is showing its face, there’s no better way to celebrate than with delicious summer treats. With more ice cream, gelato, and frozen yogurt than you can shake a spoon at, you’ll have no trouble finding something to cool off with. If the choices are just too much, here are some of our favorites:

Staccato Gelato
232 NE 28th • (503) 231-7100
1540 SE Bybee • (503) 517-8957

In addition to an impressive (and eclectic) variety of gelato flavors, Staccato Gelato offers espresso, sandwiches and, yes, house-made doughnuts. As an added bonus (as if you weren’t sold already), Staccato Gelato is created with local dairy and produce. With options like thai iced tea, prickly pear, baklava, black sesame, and of course, plenty of the old standbys, there’s sure to be a flavor for everyone.

Moxie RX
N Mississippi Ave at N Shaver St

Craving something refreshing, delicious and healthy? Look no further than Moxie RX’s funky vintage trailer on N Mississippi. Owner Nancy Benson specializes in fresh juices and smoothies and can whip you up just about any combination (however unique) of juices under the sun. Don’t feel bad if you give into the temptation of a buckwheat waffle, cheddar biscuit, or delicious dessert either; just tell yourself the juice cancels it out.

Fifty Licks
609 SE Ankeny

Looking for the Voodoo Doughnuts of ice cream? Some of Fifty Licks’ offbeat flavors may be just what the doctor ordered. Show your Portland pride with a couple scoops of Stumptown ice cream, or enjoy the proof that this is Voodoo on ice, with maple bacon ice cream. Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.

Snow White Crêpe Cart
Corner of SW 10th & Alder St

If you’re feeling grown-up, this food cart offers a variety of savory crêpes that are light enough for the summer heat and won’t leave you feeling too guilty. You might be better off letting the kid in you come out with a delicious sweet crêpe though. It’s impossible to go wrong with the Rocky Road, a messy (but worth it!) envelope of chocolate, Nutella, and marshmallow creme. When the days get hot, the ice cream sundae crêpe is your best bet for sating your sweet tooth. Nutella, whipped cream, and strawberry or green tea ice cream may sound a bit odd, but one bite and you’ll be sold. Welcome to heaven–you’ll need extra napkins.

Mouth watering yet? It’s time to peel yourself off the lounge chair and explore Portland’s banquet of summer treats. You can worry about having the perfect bikini body next summer. Or maybe the one after that!

Snag the Perfect Travel Snacks

Monday, July 5th, 2010

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

Interview with Entrepreness Diane Paulson of Organic Nation Spirits

Friday, July 2nd, 2010


Diane Paulson is the passionate, energetic, and powerhouse co-owner of Organic Nation Spirits, a company that creates the highest quality spirits using organic and locally owned products. Since starting her business in 2008 with her husband, Organic Nation Spirits has received awards and recognition on the national radar. Their awards include a high rating of 87 points from the Beverage Tasting Institute and two silver medals in San Francisco for its 100-percent biodegradable packaging. Read on to find out more about Diane and Organic Nation Spirits.

Nice to meet you, Diane! Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I’ve been in Oregon for about 35 years now, and I raised a daughter as a single parent for 15 years. I had a master’s in education and became a teacher for a while. I also had previous experience as a social worker and real estate broker before my husband and I started Organic Nation.

What inspired you to begin your own company in distilling spirits?
My husband and I were exposed to tasting spirits in a liquor store in 2006. After that exposure, our interest in spirits kept coming to us in a series of events! We would go on tours, research about the micro-distillery industry and gained a genuine interest in spirits. The real estate industry was dry so we thought to begin our own spirits company. We wanted something much more interesting and challenging. Even though we had no idea what we were doing, we were able to learn and make it work for us! Since all the women in my family are entrepreneurs, I think I have something in my bones where it fueled me to start my own business. I love trying new things and in this industry there is never a dull moment. I love dealing with the myriad of various situations in this business and it has been very fun and interesting!

What are some tips that has helped you be a successful entrepreness?
I’ve noticed that having the courage to try something new is very important in being successful as an entrepreness. Everyday is different when you own your own business, so people who always have to be in control won’t be as successful. If you’re thinking about owning your own business, you have to assess your personality first. Ask yourself; do I have the personality to be an entrepreneur? Am I able to handle chaos? That is the essence of being an entrepreneur so you must assess your style before you begin your own business.


How do you manage multiple projects at one time?

I cannot live without my day planner! I have to write down all of my ideas and tasks and see it on paper. Having this built-in system gives me a sense of accomplishment as I cross off each task. I understand how I must organize myself to succeed and I know what my working style is like. After you understand yourself and what your work ethic is like, it allows you to be more open-minded to learning new things everyday.

What have you learned about yourself that you didn’t know before you began Organic Nation Spirits?
At the age of 57, I’m aware of what kind of person I am. Through this business, I learned that I need to be the person in charge. During my previous careers, the men were the ones who gained more tension and credibility, but now it’s me in that position and it feels great!

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is the challenge of teaching men who don’t like to work with women, to learn how to work with women. The spirit industry is male-dominated, and the corporate structure is male-dominated. It’s great when we all learn how to work together instead of against each other.

What are some tips that you would recommend for people who are interested in learning more or beginning to experience spirits?
First thing I would recommend is to go and tour a micro distillery. Find out who is making the spirit, get to know them and purchase their product. Understand how the spirit is made, and also understand the strength as well. That is something to be serious about because people tend to underestimate the strength of the spirit. Micro-distilleries are available in all states, so it’ll be easy to find one located near you. This is an emerging industry and it’ll be great if more people educate themselves about it!

For Organic Nation Spirits, our goal wasn’t to try to make a health food. We were very invested in not participating in polluting our environment, and we want to create a quality product with quality ingredients. Organic ingredients are the best ingredients, not only for us, but the environment as well.

What are things people tend to overlook when choosing spirits?
People don’t take time to educate themselves about spirits, and they tend to buy the one that they’ve been marketed to. There are so many great spirits out there that are safe for the environment and us. In our current state, we need to think about our choices because it affects everything around us. It’s more important now than it was fifty years ago to make conscious, educated decisions in making efforts to support our local community and protect our environment.

Oregon is at the forefront for organic food and drink. What are some upcoming projects that you have going on for Organic Nation?
We are very excited to have some organic rye whiskey aging in the barrels right now. The whiskey should be ready in November and we’ll be selling a limited run. We’re also experimenting with a ginger spirit, and possibly a coffee vodka at some point. We’re also working with wineries to make brandy. As a small company, we have a lot more room to be creative so it’s exciting to experiment with many different ideas. Our passion is to provide the highest quality spirits with organic and locally owned products that Oregonians love. Ask for Organic Nation Spirits wherever you travel to and most likely we’ll either be there or will be distributed there!

View more photos on Organic Nation Spirits’ Facebook!