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Food and Beverage

Bring On Dessert with Better-for-You Sweets

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(Family Features) If healthier eating holds a prominent spot on your list of goals, you may feel it’s necessary to eliminate some of your sweetest favorites. However, committing to a nutritionally friendly way of life doesn’t have to leave desserts by the wayside.

Instead, rethinking nighttime treats with better-for-you ingredients like California Prunes as a quick substitution can make healthier eating easy. As a versatile ingredient that can replace added sugar, fats and eggs in all kinds of recipes, prunes can also add nutrients important for bone and gut health.

Plus, the copper in prunes inhibits bone breakdown, while boron plays a role in calcium metabolism and polyphenols can help decrease bone breakdown through their antioxidant power. As a fruit that’s high in vitamin K, which helps improve calcium balance and promotes bone mineralization, prunes are also a “good gut food,” meaning a single serving (roughly 4-6 prunes) can help support a healthy microbiome.

They’re easy to use in recipes that can become favorites in your household such as these Chocolate Energy Balls. Enjoyed as an easy, on-the-go snack, they’re a perfect way to refuel for an adventure, recharge after a workout or to simply savor as a healthy snack.

Chocolate lovers rejoice: This rich, delicious, gluten-free, grain-free Chocolate Covered Prune Fudge Cake is naturally sweetened using prunes instead of added sugar. If brownies are more your style, prunes can also take the place of eggs in these Vegan Brownies for a family-friendly treat that won’t wreck your eating plan.

To find more better-for-you desserts, visit californiaprunes.org.

Vegan Brownies

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 9

Prune Puree:

  • 16 ounces pitted California prunes
  • 1/2 cup hot water

Brownies:

  • nonstick cooking spray
  • 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
  • 1/2 cup California extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups light brown sugar
  • 10 ounces California prune puree
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • flaky sea salt, for garnish
  1. To make prune puree: In blender, combine prunes and water. Pulse to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary.
  2. Store puree in airtight container in fridge up to 4 weeks.
  3. To make brownies: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 9-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper then lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray.
  4. Using double boiler, melt chocolate and olive oil. Whisk in sugar and prune puree; mix until dissolved.
  5. Into large bowl, sift flour, baking powder and cocoa powder. Gently fold in chocolate and prune mixture then add vanilla.
  6. Spread batter in prepared pan, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake 20-25 minutes, or until top starts to look dry and brownies are just beginning to pull away from sides of pan.
  7. Cool in pan. Remove then cut brownies into 3-inch squares.

Chocolate Covered Prune Fudge Cake

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 cake (8 inches)

Cake:

  • Coconut oil spray
  • 14 tablespoons butter, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 10 soft, pitted prunes, chopped small
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 6 eggs
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 cup almond meal

Ganache:

  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 1/3 cups dark chocolate morsels
  1. To make cake: Preheat oven to 300 F. Lightly spray bottom and sides of 8-inch springform pan with coconut oil spray. Place round piece of parchment paper in bottom of pan and lightly spray with coconut oil spray.
  2. In small saucepan over low heat, place butter and vanilla. Use sieve to sift cocoa into saucepan. Stir with spatula until completely smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In bowl of food processor fitted with “S” blade, place prunes and syrup. Top with cooled butter mixture then process until smooth. Transfer to large mixing bowl, scraping all chocolate mixture from food processor with spatula.
  4. In bowl of stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip eggs and coconut sugar on high speed 7 minutes, or until tripled in volume.
  5. Add one-third of egg mixture to bowl with chocolate mixture. Using spatula, gently fold together until completely combined. Add almond meal and remaining egg mixture to bowl and gently fold to combine.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 55 minutes, or until set. Once cooked through, transfer cake to cooling rack and cool completely in pan.
  7. To make ganache: In top of double boiler, melt coconut milk and dark chocolate until completely smooth. Pour prepared ganache over cake. Serve immediately for molten fudge effect or allow to completely set.

Chocolate Energy Balls

Recipe courtesy of Meg van der Kruik on behalf of California Prunes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 pieces

Prune Puree:

  • 16 ounces pitted California prunes
  • 1/2 cup hot water

Energy Balls:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned or gluten-free oats
  • 2/3 cup toasted, unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup creamy natural nut butter (peanut or almond)
  • 1/2 cup pecan meal
  • 1/2 cup prune puree
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  1. To make prune puree: In blender, combine prunes and water. Pulse to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary.
  2. Store puree in airtight container in fridge up to 4 weeks.
  3. To make energy balls: In mixing bowl, stir oats, coconut, nut butter, pecan meal, prune puree, cocoa powder and vanilla until completely combined.
  4. Cover and chill in refrigerator 30 minutes. Once chilled, use small cookie scoop or measuring spoon to measure equal-sized amounts of mixture then form into balls by applying gentle pressure to dough using palms. Do not roll as balls will break apart.
  5. Store covered in airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 week.


SOURCE:
California Prunes

https://q5i.09c.myftpupload.com/category/food-and-beverage/

Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington

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Beverages

International Delight Introduces Cold Foam: Elevate Your Coffee Experience at Home

Experience the premium coffee shop taste at home with International Delight’s Cold Foam, the innovative way to elevate your coffee creations.

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Hey coffee lovers and flavour enthusiasts! Get ready to elevate your coffee game at home with International Delight’s newest and first-to-market innovation, Cold Foam. This exciting launch brings the indulgent coffee shop experience right to your doorstep without breaking the bank.

On April 8, 2024, International Delight introduced Canadians to Cold Foam, a unique product that effortlessly elevates your coffee creations. It’s as easy as 1-2-3: shake it, foam it, and sip it! In just a few simple steps, you can transform any hot or cold coffee into a foaming delicious (yes, you read that right) coffee shop drink.

"Image: International Delight Cold Foam Can - Elevate your coffee experience at home with International Delight's new Cold Foam product."
International Delight Canada (CNW Group/Danone Canada)

International Delight listened to the desires of coffee lovers and delivered a game-changing product. With Cold Foam, they have revolutionized the at-home coffee experience, creating a multi-sensorial product that offers satisfying flavors and textures. Now, you can enjoy a premium coffee shop-style drink from the comfort of your own home.

Recognizing the rising popularity of cold foam in coffee shops and the growing number of consumers looking to recreate these specialty drinks at home, International Delight saw an opportunity. They took inspiration from social media, where coffee lovers seek unique creations, and developed their innovative Cold Foam product. Not only is it distinct to the brand, but it is also a first-of-its-kind offering on grocery shelves in Canada.

Indulgence is the name of the game with International Delight Cold Foam. Available in two fan-favorite flavors, French Vanilla and Caramel Macchiato, this coffee shop-style foam topper adds a creamy and foamy touch to your hot or cold coffee. Watch as it gradually mixes the creamer into your cup, creating a one-of-a-kind, indulgent experience. The best part? No frothers or extra tools needed! International Delight fans can enjoy their beloved foamy flavor hassle-free.

Starting in April 2024, you can find International Delight Cold Foam in major Canadian retailers nationwide. With just one can, you’ll enhance over 20 coffees and enjoy the delightful flavor at your fingertips. To celebrate, International Delight is running a pop-up sampling activation at the Toronto Eaton Centre in Toronto, Ontario, where you can grab free samples of cold brew coffee with Cold Foam from April 29th to May 5th, 2024.

Cold Foam is just the latest addition to International Delight’s commitment to delivering exciting coffee enhancing products that can’t be found anywhere else. So, coffee enthusiasts, get ready to sip, foam, and indulge with International Delight Cold Foam. Your at-home coffee experience will never be the same again!

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/it-s-foaming-delicious-international-delight-r-launches-first-to-market-innovation-in-canada-with-new-cold-foam-826651458.html

Visit www.InternationalDelight.ca and follow @internationaldelightca on Instagram and @internationaldelightca on TikTok to stay tuned on what’s next!

About International Delight Canada
International Delight® Canada has been transforming cups of coffee into moments that spark joy through one-of-a-kind, bold coffee enhancers and iced coffee flavours. By uniting people with smooth and rich flavours that add flavour to your cup and your life, International Delight Canada brings people together over a cup of coffee, creating opportunities for connection, inclusion and celebration. International Delight Canada coffee enhancers and iced coffees are available Canada-wide at major grocery retailers, convenience stores, and mass merchandisers across Canada. For more information, visit www.InternationalDelight.ca.

About Danone Canada
Danone Canada is a business unit of Danone and operates from head offices in Boucherville, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario. Danone Canada is the country’s largest consumer-facing Certified B Corporation®, demonstrating that the company meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Danone Canada’s ambition is to produce healthful dairy, plant-based products, and coffee creamers and beverages, create economic and social value, and nurture natural ecosystems through sustainable agriculture. Its portfolio of brands includes Activia®, Oikos®, DanActive®, Danone®, Silk® plant-based foods and beverages, So Delicious® Dairy Free, Stok®, International Delight®, evian® and more. For more information, connect with Danone Canada online at www.danone.ca, and on FacebookTwitter,  or LinkedIn.

1 Source: “Coffee and RTD Coffee, US 2021” Mintel, August 2021

SOURCE Danone Canada

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Food and Beverage

Blue Bunny Introduces Twist Pints: Adding a Twist of Flavor to the Frozen Aisle

Blue Bunny introduces Twist pints: a deliciously twisted combination of indulgent flavors swirled to perfection.

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Blue Bunny, the well-loved ice cream brand, is delighting taste buds across the nation with its latest creation – Twist pints! These frozen treats bring a whole new level of indulgence by combining two delicious flavors into one delectable pint, adorned with a heavenly ribbon of ooey-gooey goodness. With flavors like Chocolate Vanilla, Strawberries & Cream, Cookies & Cream, Candy Bar, Mint Chocolate, Blu’s Birthday Cake, and Cherry Chocolate, Blue Bunny is giving ice cream lovers a taste experience like never before.

Available now, Blue Bunny’s new Twisted Pints combine two indulgent flavors, expertly twisted to perfection.

Creating Dual-Flavored Bliss:
The success of Blue Bunny’s Twist Cones inspired the team at Blue Bunny to take the dual-flavored soft serve experience to new heights with Twist pints. Jeremy Hrynewycz, Brand Marketing Director at Blue Bunny, explains, “The overwhelmingly positive response to launching Twist Cones fueled our determination to create Twist pints. We carefully curated each twist to incorporate two flavors that consumers love, resulting in a DUAL-icious experience.” These unique pints are set to become the ultimate indulgent frozen treat of 2024.

More to Love, Pint by Pint:
While the Twist Cones were already a huge hit, Blue Bunny wanted to offer even more enjoyment to ice cream enthusiasts. Thus, Twist pints were born, featuring the same irresistible swirls of flavor in a conveniently pint-sized package. Whether you prefer to savor it solo after a long day or share it with loved ones, Blue Bunny ensures that Twist pints are perfect for any occasion.

Twisted Taste Tests and Great Wolf Lodge Partnership:
To celebrate the launch of Twist pints, Blue Bunny has joined forces with Great Wolf Lodge to create an experience like no other – the Twisted Taste Tests. At select locations throughout April, visitors will have the opportunity to try the luscious Twist pints right before embarking on the thrilling waterslides, combining the delights of flavor and adventure in one unforgettable event. For more information on how to get involved, visit [Website].

Where to Find Blue Bunny’s Twist Pints:
Blue Bunny wants to make sure that everyone has access to the delightful Twist pints. That’s why you can find them at retailers nationwide, including well-known stores like Walmart, Kroger, Food Lion, Albertson’s, Safeway, and Publix. Look out for that eye-catching Blue Bunny packaging!

About Blue Bunny:
For more than 80 years, Blue Bunny has been bringing joy to dessert lovers with their range of delicious dairy treats. Today, they offer over 75 varieties of frozen indulgence. Blue Bunny constantly innovates to bring playfully indulgent treats to freezers nationwide, and Twist pints are their latest creative masterpiece. You can find their beloved classics, such as Mini Swirls cones, signature Bunny Tracks scoopables, and award-winning Load’d Sundaes loaded to the max with mix-ins. Blue Bunny desserts can be found on shelves or served at various locations. For more information, visit Blue Bunny’s official website [Website].

About Wells Enterprises:
Wells Enterprises, Inc., the largest privately held ice cream manufacturer in the United States, has been delighting ice cream aficionados since 1913. As an independent operating company of the Ferrero Group, one of the global leaders in sweet, packaged foods, Wells produces more than 200 million gallons of ice cream annually. Blue Bunny, Halo Top, Bomb Pop, and Blue Ribbon Classics are just a few of the iconic brands created by Wells. With nearly 4,000 ice cream enthusiasts on their team, Wells is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, famously known as the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” due to its status as the largest location for ice cream production. Wells operates multiple manufacturing facilities across the United States, ensuring that quality and deliciousness are delivered with every bite. Learn more about Wells Enterprises at [Website].


Blue Bunny has once again captured the hearts and taste buds of ice cream lovers nationwide with the launch of their Twist pints. These unique frozen treats, expertly twisted to perfection, offer a wonderful blend of flavors adorned with mouthwatering ribbons of decadence. With the convenient pint size, it’s even easier to enjoy these DUAL-icious goodies alone or share them with loved ones. Keep an eye out for Blue Bunny’s Twist pints at your local retailer, and don’t forget to visit their website for more delightful frozen treats. Get ready to twist up your taste buds with Blue Bunny!

https://www.bluebunny.com/products/twist-cones

https://www.bluebunny.com

SOURCE Blue Bunny

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-blue-bunny-twist-pints-twist-two-fun-filled-flavors-into-one-dual-icious-bite-302109959.html

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recipes

Sweet Solutions to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

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(Family Features) From fajitas and tacos to everything in between, fueling your Cinco de Mayo fiesta starts with delicious food that brings everyone to the table. Traditional dishes and new twists on classics can be equally satisfying whether you’re feeding your nearest and dearest or hosting the entire neighborhood.

Start with these Vegan Apple and Black Bean Fajitas for a plant-forward spin on a popular dish that features sauteed apples, peppers, zucchini, jicama, onion and jalapeno. The craveable texture and crunch of Envy Apples – a leading apple variety available at Whole Foods and other major grocery stores – shine both in the mixture of sauteed produce and sliced raw into sticks for a crunchy finish with added sweetness. Plus, their flesh remains whiter longer, even after slicing, so this dish looks as good as it tastes.

For those seeking some added protein, turn to Crisp Apple Tacos featuring pork tenderloin topped with cabbage, apples, carrots and a honey-infused homemade dressing. Ideal for a crowd, you can split the sauteed tenderloin, sliced produce, dressing and other favorite toppings among serving bowls to let guests create their own Cinco-inspired masterpieces.

These moments among friends and family can be uplifted with the aroma and flavor of Envy Apples that offer an invitation to savor special occasions. Their balanced sweetness provides the ultimate apple experience from holidays and family gatherings to quiet evenings at home.

To find more recipes for family meals and beyond, visit EnvyApple.com.

Vegan Apple and Black Bean Fajitas

  • 1 bell pepper, sliced, seeds removed
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 small jicama, sliced
  • 3 Envy Apples, sliced
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 jalapeno, sliced, seeds removed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic
  • 1teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 sprigs fresh oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili pepper (optional)
  • salt, to taste (optional)
  • pepper, to taste (optional)
  • 1 cup cooked black beans
  • 1 lime
  • 3 sprigs fresh cilantro
  • 4 small flour tortillas
  1. In skillet over high heat, saute bell pepper, zucchini, jicama and half the apple slices. Set aside.
  2. In same hot skillet, saute onions, jalapenos and garlic until lightly caramelized. Combine with sauteed apple mixture. Season with cumin and oregano. Add chili powder and salt and pepper, to taste, if desired.
  3. Add cooked black beans to saute mixture. Top with squeeze of lime. Garnish with cilantro and remaining raw apple slices.
  4. Serve with tortillas.

Crisp Apple Tacos

  • 1/2 pound pork tenderloin
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
  • 1 teaspoon pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided
  • 2 Envy Apples, divided
  • 3 sprigs rosemary
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded green cabbage
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 12 soft taco shells
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  1. Cut pork crosswise into 1-inch medallions.
  2. Coat pork medallions with olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper then add to saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Slice half of one apple into thick wedges and add to saucepan. Slice remaining half into thin wedges and set aside.
  4. Add rosemary to saucepan and heat 2-3 minutes. Flip pork and heat 2-3 minutes until pork is slightly golden and cooked through.
  5. Let pork rest 3 minutes then slice into strips.
  6. Thinly slice half of remaining apple into thin sticks around same size of shredded cabbage. Reserve remaining half.
  7. In serving bowl, toss apple sticks, carrots, red cabbage and green cabbage.
  8. In bowl, mix honey, mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar into dressing. Add additional salt and pepper, to taste.
  9. Mix dressing and cabbage; refrigerate at least 1 hour prior to serving.
  10. Cut remaining apple half into thin wedges.
  11. Top taco shells with pork, slaw, sour cream and squeeze of lime juice. Top with apple wedges.


SOURCE:
Envy Apples

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