The temperature outside has been dropping, so it’s time to turn on the oven and start baking! In celebration of the baking season, we’ve joined forces with California Giant Berry Farms and Casabella to bring you an exciting sweepstakes.

We’ll be giving away baking prize packs, valued at $125.00 each, on a weekly basis through December 10^th. Each prize pack will include six Concord Foods Blueberry Muffin Mixes, a tray of fresh California Giant blueberries and Casabella bake ware. We invite you to enter the sweepstakes every week at http://www.calgiant.com/win/

 Want to learn more about this exciting promotion?  Watch this great video:  

Need some baking inspiration? Here are some great recipe ideas from Concord Foods:

Blueberry Cobbler

Blueberry Orange Coffee Cake

Blueberry Pancakes

Blueberry Scones

No Fuss Blueberry Cake

Sugar Cookies with Blueberries

Have a great blueberry recipe? Share them at: http://www.calgiant.com/win/

We’re in the heart of fall, and winter is just around the bend. The months are passing faster than we can keep track. Soon there’ll be snow on the ground and we’ll be gearing up for the holidays, and we all know what that means. Family feasts, turkey dinners, hot chocolate with marshmallows, and layers of warm clothing—the easiest way to hide that holiday season ponch. That’s right, it happens to the best of us. When there’s nothing better to do than sit in the warm indoors in sweatpants and a cardigan, who wouldn’t put on a few pounds? Call it human hibernation. Anyway, we thought it might be a good a idea to give everyone a few healthy living tips—just to keep the winter bellies in check.

1. Use a Smaller Plate.  With all those holiday parties and buffets, we know second and even third helpings are in store. But one of the keys to not going totally overboard is avoiding the need to fill up the plate completely. And if you are one of those people, we suggest using a smaller plate. Fill it to the edges while still eating a (relatively) small portion. Size is relative, people.
2. Don’t Avoid the Greens! Alright, we don’t want to sound like anyone’s mother but, well, she does know best. With all the sweet, fatty temptations sitting on the Christmas and Thanksgiving spreads it might be easy to gaze over the broccoli and straight to the pumpkin pie. We’ve all done it. Just remember to always put something green on your plate. Half a cup of broccoli has almost as much calcium as a glass of milk. And you’ll need strong bones to carry your sled up those snowy golf course hills.
3. No Midnight Snacks. So the dinner party you held ran a little late. It’s a bit before bedtime. The dishes are done and the leftovers are all in fridge. No harm in making a little turkey sandwich before bed, right? Wrong! Studies have shown that your digestive system works strongest when your body is in motion, not while sleeping. Not only that, but foods that are high in fat and protein (like turkey sandwiches!) may disturb your sleep and cause you to wake up feeling bloated. If you’re really famished right before bed, try some yogurt and fruit.
4. Stay Happy! Many people gain weight in the winter months simply because they’re depressed. Ever drowned your sorrows in a pint of ice cream? Don’t lie. Our simple solution is to just be aware of seasonal depression and make sure to do the things that make you happy. Watch some funny movies, start an arts and crafts project, call an old friend. And why not eat some celery while you’re at it? Staying in a good mood might just be the key to staying in good shape. Or maybe it’s the other way around?

That’s all we’ve got for now. Have any secret healthy living or eating tips for the winter that you want to share? Send us an email or find us on Facebook at Concord Foods Recipes Tips and Ideas.

So we’ve written quite a bit about football and about tailgating recently. And if you’ve been following our Facebook page, you’d know by now that we’re doing a huge college football promotion, and we’re gonna send some lucky fans to the bowl game in Pasadena. But we realized we haven’t spent much time talking about game day foods, especially considering we just about specialize in them. Our favorite? Guacamole. It’s healthy. It’s delicious. It’s easy to make. So we figure why not take this opportunity to talk a bit about the main ingredient in our favorite dip. Without further ado, Everything You Need to Know About Avocados and Then Some.

Avocados grow on trees, creatively named Avocado trees. The trees generally reach about 66 feet high and need a climate without frost and with little wind. Because of this, the species thrives in Central and South America. In fact, the earliest evidence for the use of avocados dates back to 10,000 BC, and occurs in a cave in Mexico. That must have been quite a tailgate party.

That’s enough about the tree. How about the fruit itself? Notice how we said fruit? That’s right. Their green color often gives people the misconception that they’re a vegetable,  but that actually not the case. A good rule of thumb: if it has a pit, it’s a fruit!

Avocados are actually rather high in fat for their size, but this isn’t actually such a bad thing. In fact, avocados can serve as an important staple in a diet lacking in other forms of fat, such as dairy products or meat. And while in America they’re most commonly used in guacamole, they can actually be the main ingredient for any number of creative dishes. Many south Asian countries use the fruit as a base for milkshakes and ice cream—chocolate sauce included. Delish! In Australia, they eat avocados on toast with chicken. In Brazil, they mash it up and mix it with sugar and lime to make a dessert. People in Iran put avocados on their faces and use it as a revitalizing cream. Who knew?

So, if your anything like us, you love eating avocados but can never get the timing right. One second they’re hard as a rock, the next, they’re mush. Well we searched and searched and found a few great tips for avocado maintenance.  

1. Unless you plan to eat them right away, buy avocados that are a bit harder than you’d like.
2. Store them in a dark and cool but not cold place.
3. If you want to speed up the ripening process: put them in a brown paper bag with a tomato or a banana. This will increase the production of ethylene (ripening) gas.
4. If you want to keep an already peeled avocado from spoiling, sprinkle it with lemon or lime juice, cover it with saran wrap, and pop it in the fridge

So we’ve been giving you a lot of cooking tips and ideas recently, both on our blog and our Facebook page, and the responses have been great so far. So we figured we’d mix things up a bit this week. Instead of giving you the ingredients, we’re gonna give you the tools of the craft. We’ve scoured the Internet, looking for the handiest culinary devices available. Our findings ranged from the affordable to the almost comical, but we’ve narrowed them down to five. So without further ado we present: Concord Foods’ Five Coolest Cooking Contraptions.

Norpro Stainless Steel Onion Holder

That’s right. With this tool you no longer have to worry about holding those pesky onions straight while avoiding slicing your fingers off. And it’s not just for onions. This guy works great with tomatoes and all kinds of roll-prone fruit, too.

http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Steel-Onion-Holder/dp/B00061N06E

Williams-Sonoma Strawberry Huller

Ever try to pull the stem off a strawberry and end up ripping the whole fruit apart? Ever make a strawberry pie and spend more time de-stemming than cooking? Well, fear no more. The Strawberry Huller takes care of all your strawberry needs. Perfect for making delicious Concord Foods Strawberry Smoothie Mixes!

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/chef-n-strawberry-huller/?pkey=x|4|1||4|stem%20gem||0&cm_src=SCH

Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin

This cool little tool is the one stop solution to every baker’s nightmare. It’s adjustable height settings allow you to roll the perfect crust for every occasion, whether it be a flaky pie or a deep dish pizza. It also has measurements etched on its side so you can see exactly how wide your delicious creation is before it goes in the oven. Clever.

http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Adjustable-Rolling-Pin-Green/dp/B001VC4PW0

Rome’s Burger Grilling Basket 

We all know the feeling. You invite a few friends and family over for a cookout, but spend more time sweating over the grill, prodding burgers, than you do sipping on ice tea in the shade with your guests. Ah, the pains of being a good host. Well, fear no more. This Grilling Basket puts all your burgers in the same place at the same time. And don’t worry about having to flip each one individually either. With this thing, it’s one flick of the wrist and you’re back in the deck chair.

http://www.amazon.com/64-Basket-Hamburger-Chrome-Plated/dp/B000LO2C2O/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1349152448&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=burger+grill+basket

Yanko Smokey the Smoke Alarm Silencer

Yep, you read that right. We found a lot of cool gadgets on our search through the net, but this one just takes the cake. Imagine this: you’re cooking chops on the stovetop. You get distracted by the tv for a few seconds, and before you know it, your kitchen is full of smoke and all three alarms in your house are chirping, sending the dog into a frenzy. We know the feeling. But with Smokey the Silencer, you no longer have to jump up and down waving a dish towel to get the detectors to stop going. You simply have to press a button on your fridge. How about that?

http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/05/18/high-five-smokey-the-silencer/

So that’s all from us for now. We’ll be back soon with some interesting avocado facts!

Caramel Apples Make for Picture Perfect Halloween Fun!

When the weather cools and apples of every variety ripen on trees then make their way to grocery stores and fruit stands across the country, our appetites turn to seasonal treats – especially caramel apples.  

At Concord Foods, we agree with the always flavorful Chef Paul Prudhomme who declared in a 2008 cooking video, “Oooh, caramel candy apples are something that can really get my heart to thumpin’.” 

While caramel apples can be purchased ready-made from specialty stores, confectionaries and websites, there’s no better way to ensure you’re serving and enjoying fresh caramel apples than by making the delicious treat yourself. 

If you’re thinking we’re suggesting you spend the afternoon unwrapping caramel candies and standing over a flame in an effort to melt the caramel to just the right temperature, don’t worry, we wouldn’t dream of suggesting that technique.  We’ve invented a solution for creative cooks with little time and no patience for candy-making errors.  Concord Foods Caramel Apple Wraps are the easiest way to make your own caramel apple treats at Halloween, Thanksgiving or anytime. 

The basic Caramel Apple Wrap recipe is only a three step process.  You can check out how easy the steps are on the back of the Concord Foods Caramel Apple Wrap package or within our recipes area.  http://www.concordfoods.com/caramel-apples-0/#.UFDcSY1lR2E 

Planning a Halloween party or Thanksgiving celebration?  With a little extra effort, caramel apples can go from being part of the menu to the life of the party! Just make sure you have crushed candies or mini-chocolate chips at the ready.  To assist you in adding that personal touch to your caramel apples, we’ve gathered frequently answered questions from our resident product expert.  

Question:  If I want to add chocolate chips to my caramel apples made with Concord Foods Caramel Apple Wraps, when do I put the chocolate chips on to ensure the chips stick without melting?

Answer:  Immediately after taking the apples out of oven (or microwave), roll in mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate immediately to allow the candy to set.

Question:  What about adding almonds or walnuts and other foods that do NOT melt?  When is the best time to roll the apple in these foods?

Answer:  Same as above – while the caramel apples are warm from being in the oven or microwave. The key is to refrigerate immediately so it sets quickly.

We’ve found the best items (for sticking to the caramel wrap) to be crushed nuts (such as peanuts), coconut, jimmies/sprinkles, crushed Heath Toffee Bar*, Mini M&Ms* or Reese’s Pieces*.

One of the benefits of the Caramel Apple Wraps is that the product is not as sticky as other caramel mixtures, so smaller items stick best.

Question:  What if I want to drizzle white chocolate or dark chocolate onto my caramel apple?  Do I do this when the caramel apple is hot or after it has cooled off?

Answer:  When the apples have cooled off.

Question:  Is oven or microwave cooking preferred?  I can make the Caramel Apples with either method. 

Answer:  Oven is preferred. In the oven, the caramel will warm, but the apple will stay nice and crisp. In the microwave, the heat can penetrate into the apple and make apples less crisp.

Question:  Do you suggest using a particular type of apple with Concord Foods Caramel Apple Wrap?

Answer:  While any apple can be used, the key is using a small, firm apple. The apple should be 2.5 -3” in diameter. We recommend a firm, sweet apple such as Granny Smith. The one apple we do not recommend using is Red Delicious because they are less firm. 

Question:  If I want to make the Caramel Apples the day before my event, what is the best way to ensure the Caramel Apples stay fresh? 

Answer:  Store caramel apples in cool, dry place. We recommend refrigerating.  Caramel apples are best if eaten within 24 hours, however they will keep for 48 hours. If you wrap the caramel apples, use cellophane paper, which you can find in the arts & craft section in stores. Do not use plastic wrap – it will stick to the caramel.

Question:  Does it matter if I start with room temperature apples or refrigerated apples?

Answer:  Apples at room temperature are best.

Question:  Any hints if I want to serve apple slices instead of a whole apple?  Do I can the apple before or after I put the apple wrap on?

Answer:  Follow the package directions for caramel apples and cut the apples up when they have set. Wetting the knife before cutting will make it easier. http://www.concordfoods.com/caramel-apples-0/#.UFDcSY1lR2E 

Question:  Does the recipe stay the same if I use bananas or strawberries instead of apples?  Does Concord Food have other products for different fruits? 

Answer:  The caramel wrap is recommended for firm fruits with skins, such as apples & pears.

Finally, if you’re still not convinced that making fresh caramel apples is easy with Concord Foods Caramel Apple Wraps, check out our YouTube video.  

Oh and one final note!  After you’ve made your creation, TAKE A PICTURE as our friend Mindy did with the photo above and enter your best in our Caramel Apple Season Photo Contest.  We’ve even made contest entries easy.  Here’s how.

*Heath Toffee Bar and Reese’s Pieces are registered trademarks of The Hershey Company.  M&M’s are a registered trademark of Mar’s Chocolate.

We’re in a bit of a fall mood over here at Concord Foods. Our last cranberry post only wet our appetite. The leaves on the trees are browning, which reminds of one thing more than anything else: apple picking. There’s nothing like spending an afternoon filling up a shopping bag with beautiful, Red Delicious and Macintosh apples. And what better way to end the day than with a nice candy or caramel apple, compliments on Concord Foods? In order to commemorate the season, we present “A Rather Brief History of Candy Apples.”

The year is 1908. The place? New Jersey. Apparently William W Kolb, a candy maker, had been experimenting with an interesting cinnamon hard candy for the upcoming holiday season. In a moment, that can only be described as pure genius, Kolb dipped some apples into the mixture and put them on display in his shop window. We’re sure you can guess what happened next. Candy Apples became the next sugary craze. Kolb increased production to accommodate thousands of customers. The rest? Well we suppose that’s what you call history.

But Candy Apples are hardly limited to American sweet teeth. The treat is popular worldwide and associated with a number of different holidays and seasons. Germany and many South American countries, for example, eat candy apples during Christmas time, while in the United Kingdom people eat them on Guy Fawkes night while watching fireworks. In Japan they eat candy apples, as well as many other candy covered fruits, at a number of unique, traditional Japanese festivals. Sounds like they know what they’re doing. Sign us up!

So, not sure what you’re going to do this weekend. Have access to an apple orchard and a few hours to spare? Pack a picnic and bring the kids. Bring the dog. Bring anyone, actually, pick some apples and take part in history! And remember to let Concord Foods be the supplier of your candy goodness.

Interested in reading more about the classic treat? Check out our sources:

http://www.tastygardener.com/?p=2229

http://multiculturalcookingnetwork.com/component/k2/item/936-history-of-the-candy-apple/toffee-apple.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy_apple

Ah, mid-September. The kids are beginning to get settled in school. The thanksgiving decorations are up in full force at the pharmacy. There’s a bit of bite in the air –your long sleeve shirts might look a little more comfortable. And of course, the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind when they think of this time of year: cranberry season. 

Yep, cranberries are back, and over here at Concord Foods we couldn’t be more excited about it. And just to clear the air: we’re talking about the fruit, not the Irish alternative-rock band who, by the way, released a new album this year. We’re concerned with the kind you can eat. Now, we know not everybody out there is well acquainted with this fun little fruit, so we figured we’d help you out with our (Almost) Everything You Need to Know About Cranberries Guide.

Let’s start with a fun fact. Did you know that Native American tribes with access to cranberries referred to them as sassamanash and ibimi, both translating into bitter berry? That’s right, cranberries aren’t exactly a go to fruit to eat off the vine or, er, bog, but add a little sugar or squash them into juice and you’ve got something special. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Right now you’re probably (or maybe not) wondering how exactly cranberries are harvested.

Cranberries grow on vines in beds, generally comprised of sand, and are supposed to be exposed to copious sunlight and water throughout the year. Although many people think cranberries are kept underwater until picking time, this actually couldn’t be further than the truth. The beds are only flooded once or twice a year, either to begin the harvest or to protect the fruit against cold temperatures. Come fall, when it’s picking time, the beds become bogs when growers cover the fruit in 6-8 inches of water, then use a harvester to remove the newly red fruit from its vines and up to the surface.

So, why eat cranberries? Well, there are a lot of reasons, but let’s talk about some of the more convincing ones. Raw cranberries are a source of phytochemicals, which studies have proven, do wonders to your immune and cardiovascular systems. There have been accounts of cranberries acting against bacterial infections and even some forms of cancer. That’s one powerful little fruit if you ask us.

So when you’re walking down the produce aisle this fall, and you see that little, clear plastic bag full of strange little red fruit. Pick one up. Make some homemade cranberry juice or jelly. Better yet, grab a box of Concord Foods Cranberry Bread Mix and turn your kitchen into an artisan bakery. No matter what you decide to make, remember to impress your friends and family with your newly acquired cranberry knowledge, courtesy of the Concord Foods blog.

Sources:

http://www.capecodtravel.com/attractions/nature/cranberries0900.shtml

http://www.cranberryinstitute.org/about_cranberry.htm

Football season is finally here. No more counting down the days, reminiscing by watching highlights from last season. No more trivial draft rumors and offseason drama. No more uneventful Sunday afternoons. The real thing is back and it’s better than ever. Here at Concord Foods, we’re excited for the new season as much as anyone else, but we’d be lying if we said it was just about the game. We’re hard core tailgaters, and to set the new season off right, here’s our Top Five Tips for a Successful Tailgate.

1)     Get There Early, and Stay Late!

This one almost goes without saying. Nobody likes a tardy fan. True tailgaters arrive at least three hours before the game. This way, you ensure yourself one of the best spots in the house, and have plenty of time to set up the tent, get the grill up to temperature, and take in the that fresh stadium parking lot air.

2)     Find A Special Chair

Not as obvious as the first, but important nonetheless. Think about it. You’re gonna be spending upwards of three hours sitting outside, before the game, and maybe a few afterward as well. The last thing you need is a flimsy piece of canvas you picked up at the pharmacy on the way to the stadium. Search for something sturdy, something with your team colors, and of course, something with cup holders. Be a professional.

3)     Get Cooking the Night Before

That’s right. Marinate the chicken. Mix the Salsa. Blend the Guacamole. Skewer the shrimp. Pepper the steaks. Egg the salad. Whatever your food of fancy, do the dirty work in the comfort of your own kitchen, then pop the goods in the fridge. Keep everything chilled in the cooler on the way to the game, because—safety first, then set up camp and enjoy. All you have to worry about is how long the salsa is going to last. And for goodness sakes, don’t forget the chips!  Need a little inspiration for your tailgate menu, try some of these great recipes!

4)     Also Don’t Forget…

A football to toss with friends. Sunscreen for those early fall games. Hand warmers for the playoffs. A long flag pole—how else will your pals find you? A flag.  A boom box. Some tunes. A first aid kit—you never know. An extra cooler. Zip Lock bags. Paper towels. Your Tickets. Your game face. And of course, your Concord Foods Tailgating Guide for easy referral.     

5)     Make Friends With Your Neighbors

Because football is just half the fun. Invite the family from across the aisle to join. Toss the football. Trade some of your own tailgating tips. Feeling dangerous? Start talking to those unfortunate, traveling away fans with the camper. Who knows? They might even share some of those kebabs that smell so good. Worst case scenario: your neighbors might be the ones giving your car a jump after the game. Which reminds us, add jumper cables to your checklist. Have Fun!

We would like to congratulate the winners of the Nuts For Banana Bread sweepstake promotion. The winners are:

The Nuts for Banana Bread Sweepstakes was sponsored by Concord Foods and the Mariani Nut Company. This promotion ran from January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012 and received over 23,000 entries. Thanks to everyone that participated in this promotion!

We really enjoyed developing and sharing great recipes for Chiquita Banana Bread Mix and Walnuts with our consumers. These recipes are now available in our online recipe database. We hope you will continue to try these amazing recipes!

Whoopie Pie Recipe

Did you know July is National Ice Cream Month? According to the International Dairy Association, it was started in 1984 when then President Ronald Reagan designated the seventh month of the year as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day.   This year, National Ice Cream Day fell out on Sunday, July 15. 

According to their 2012 survey on consumers’ favorite ice cream flavors, the International Ice Cream Association reported that 92% of their responding members said that vanilla is the most popular flavor among their customers, with chocolate chip mint and cookies & cream ice cream tied for second place.  While we at Concord Foods have a particular affection for a premium vanilla ice cream, drizzled with any of our caramel products, we truly love the confectionery and hope that everyone celebrates this month by enjoying a scoop of their favorite ice cream flavor and adding a second scoop of an ice cream flavor they’ve never experienced. 

If the incredibly satisfying flavor of ice cream isn’t enough to enjoy a cone or a cup a hot summer day, keep in mind that the consumption of ice cream is really good for the economy.  According to MarketLine and Informa business statistics, the U.S. ice cream industry generated total revenues of $10 billion in 2010, with take-home ice cream sales representing the largest section of the market.  So take home a pint or a quart.   Or make it extra special.  Visit your favorite ice cream parlor, place your order and wish the proprietors a happy national ice cream month.   Then enjoy!