by Amy | Sep 12, 2018 | Beer and Beverages, Breakfast, Cooking Tips, Eating Seasonally, Food in Focus, Food Trends, Wine Beer and Beverages
Fall’s almost here! And that means one thing: Pumpkin Spice. But, of course, pumpkin spice isn’t the only flavor coming back this fall. We’ve compiled a list of fall 2018 flavor trends sure to line the shelves this season.
Sweet: Maple
Maple flavoring appeared in some fall beverages and sweets over the last few years. However, we expect the flavor to reach a new peak this season. While maple will continue to sweeten warm drinks, we also expect it to pair with adult beverages like bourbon and whiskey. The richness of the maple pulls out the deep flavors gained from the barrels during the distilling process. Additionally, the sweetness of maple softens the bite of the alcohol, making it an ideal addition to fall and winter cocktails.

Savory: Brown Butter
Brown butter brings a savory twist to any dish that calls for butter. Simply heat regular butter just past its melting point. This turns the butter a brown, toasted color. Additionally, the heating process releases a nutty flavor you won’t get from regular butter. Brown butter pairs especially well with dishes already containing pecans and hazelnuts, like various breads or baked goods.

Fruity: Orange
We expect to see a rise in the use of the orange’s flavor this fall. Orange can be used in so many different ways. This makes it a very versatile flavor, with uses from baked goods to beverages to savory pasta dishes. Orange pairs especially well with cinnamon and other spices making it a great addition to spicy dishes that will keep you warm this fall. Finally, orange will be an increasingly popular flavor for fall beers, cocktails and teas.

There’s no doubt that Pumpkin Spice’s reign will continue. Still, keep an eye out for these fall flavors this season. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add them to your own dishes!
Text by Amy Haupt
by Amy | Jun 12, 2018 | Cooking Tips, Eating Seasonally, Food and Family, Healthy Eating, How To, Meal Prep, Recipe, Uncategorized
With the kids out of school and summer in full swing, we put together a few healthy frozen treats to cool everyone down on any hot summer day. These treats are easy to make and utilize natural sugars and healthy sweeteners. Enjoy!

Strawberry Watermelon Homemade Popsicles
Homemade pops are a favorite healthy treat on those hot summer afternoons. The key to any good ice pop is the mold. You can find a popsicle mold just about anywhere, but we love Nopro’s ten-pop mold (Amazon, Walmart, Target). The pops look store bought and are easy to remove. For the strawberry watermelon pops, you need two cups of strawberries, two cups of watermelon and one the juice of one lemon. Combine all three ingredients in a blender and blend until they are liquified. Fill the molds and freeze for four to six hours. And there you have it – a sweet summer treat with only natural sugars. This will make 10 pops.

Frozen Yogurt Fruit Bark
Here’s another frozen treat to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. You will need a sheet pan that can fit in your freezer. We suggest lining it with wax paper before you begin for easy cleanup. Grab a large container of your favorite plain yogurt and mix it with a tablespoon of vanilla. Pour the yogurt directly on to the pan, evening it out slightly with a knife or spoon. Add fruit directly to the yogurt. Get creative with your combinations! Blackberries, raspberries and strawberries make a good combo as does kiwi, pineapple, blueberries and strawberries. Freeze the bark as-is for four to six hours. Slice and enjoy! For a fun twist, add granola and raisins or used flavored yogurt.

Lemon Raspberry Sorbet
This easy sorbet recipe doesn’t even require an ice cream maker! Simply blend together one cup of frozen raspberries, one-half cup of water, and one-half tablespoon of lemon juice (add a bit more if you like it tart). As these are blending, slowly add up to one-third of a cup of raw honey. This will add a natural sweetness. Taste it regularly as it blends until you reach the desired flavor. Then freeze until the desired consistency is acquired. This only makes one serving but the recipe is easy to double (or triple!).
And there you have it: three quick, easy, and healthy desserts your whole family will love — even the picky eaters! Wondering what’s for dinner, now that dessert is covered? These frozen desserts are the perfect treat to complete a meal begun with one of our fully-prepared freezer meals or meal kits. The One Pan CBG (Chicken, Bacon, and Green Beans) meal kit and the Vegetarian Lasagna freezer meal are both staff family favorites.
Text by Amy Haupt