Culinary institute features produce in Worlds of Flavor

Street food and comfort food from around the world were the focuses of the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone’s recent Worlds of Flavor Conference — and fresh produce played a big part.

“Produce was used in nearly every presentation in one way or another as an ingredient, since the rest of the world has produce as a primary ingredient with right-sized proteins,” said Stuart McAllister, director of marketing for foodservice at Dole Food Co., Westlake Village, Calif., a sponsor of the conference…[Read the Full Article Here]

Plantains high in vitamin A

This banana, popular in Latin American, Caribbean and Asian countries, is often referred to as a cooking banana. Plantains are low in sodium and high in vitamin A.

- Green plantains taste more like a potato with a starchy texture. At this stage, the interior is yellowish or slightly pink. The fruit is firm and is often used as side dishes.

- Yellow plantains are the middle stage of the fruit. These plantains can have some brownish-black spots. Their role now is both vegetable and fruit and is used in dishes that request for a slightly sweet taste and firm texture.

- Black plantains are typically found in sweeter recipes. These plantains are all black or spotty black and are soft. Black plantains can be eaten out of hand.

Bay Area food and wine events

JC Cellars Wine Wednesday — First Wednesday of each month. Sample wine and cheese in a casual and fun atmosphere. 55 4th St., Oakland. Reservations: 510-465-5900, www.jccellars.com.

13th annual Easter Seals Bay Area Holiday Food and Winefest — 6-9 p.m. Dec. 3. Featuring exquisite gourmet foods and world-class wine and beer poured by more than 30 of the Northern California’s top-rated wineries and breweries. All proceeds go to support Easter Seals Bay Area, a leader in helping individuals and families affected by disabilities live, learn, work and play to their full potential. San Ramon Marriott Hotel at Bishop Ranch, 2600 Bishop Drive. Steve Godfryd: 530-753-8955, bayarea.easterseals.com.

“Prohibition Party — 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 5. Enjoy delicious food and libations, gorgeous surroundings, and the classic sounds of jazz while celebrating the ratification of the 21st amendment. The back deck, boat shack and sea horse areas at Nick’s Cove & Cottages will serve as the venue for the festivities. Guests will be able to sample liquors from various purveyors and will also receive a “wooden nickel” to spend at one of five food tables. Additional “nickels” will be available for purchase in $5 increments. Musical entertainment will be provided by “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” a ’30s style jazz combo. In addition, local historian Dewey Livingston will be on hand in the boat shack to give background on Nick’s history in the area, focusing on prohibition-era rum running. 23240 Highway 1, Marshall. $20 admission. 415-663-1033, www.nickscove.com…[Full Event List Here]

FDA updates Food Code with cut leafy greens standard

An updated Food Code from the Food and Drug Administration includes a new standard for cut leafy greens handling by retail and foodservice establishments.

The FDA’s Food Code — the first full update in four years — is used as a model for regulators throughout the country, the agency said in a Nov. 9 news release. Specifically, the just-released 2009 version states that cut leafy greens are now included among the foods that require time and temperature control for safety.

Similar guidelines were previously added for cut melons and cut tomatoes in prior updates to the code, said David Gombas, senior vice president for food safety and technology of United Fresh Produce Association, Washington, D.C…[Read the Full Article Here]

Product Tracing in Food Systems Report Released

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) on Nov. 12 delivered to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a new technical study that recommends guidelines to establish a comprehensive product tracing system to track the movement of food products effectively from farm to point of sale or service.

FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition commissioned IFT, a nonprofit scientific society focusing on the science of food, to conduct a study on traceability in the food system. The study authors, including experts from academia, industry, and government, collected information from 58 food companies involved in produce, packaged consumer goods, processed ingredients, distribution, foodservice, retail, and animal feed…[Read the Full Article Here]

Meat marketing tactics change with consumer trends

The grocery advertising inserts are a familiar staple of every hometown newspaper. Chucks, ribeye steaks, ground beef–all so tempting, and at the right sale price for the season.

Consumers are familiar with this communication tactic grocers have used for decades to entice buyers into their stores and ultimately move product. But, with changing demographics and changing consumer habits, meat retailers are becoming more invested in using new and improved methods to reach their target audiences.

New faces in the store

In the past 50 years, consumer demographics at the grocery store have changed, and the meat counter has had to adapt to these trends…[Read the Full Article Here]

Nicaragua Beaches!

Soak up the Sun on Nicaragua’s Beaches

If you’re looking for the ultimate place to soak up the sun and enjoy the cool tranquility of water, look no further than Nicaragua. With beaches stretching along both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, as well a number of inland lakes and rivers, you will have no shortage of beautiful beaches to enjoy in this stunning country. In fact, many visitors have come to view Nicaragua as the ultimate beach holiday destination.

Nicaragua has all kinds of beaches imaginable, from dark sand to white sand to virgin and wild beaches with an abundance of wildlife refuges and resorts to choose from. Nicaragua has a total stretch of an unbelievable 305km of Pacific Coast and 450 km of Caribbean Coast.

The many beaches in Nicaragua are popular for a variety of reasons. Some are favored by surfers while others provide arguably some of the best windsurfing conditions in the country. Still others are known for their lively resort environment where holiday makers gather each holiday season to relax and unwind from the stresses of life. If you’re pursuing some specific hobby or sport whilst in the country, we recommend that you research which beaches will serve you best as there are so many to choose from.

The main beaches along Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast are Montelimar, San Juan del Sur, La Flor, La Boquita and Pochomil. However these are certainly not the only beaches available. Some are closely guarded surfing secrets while others are somewhat rocky and not generally enjoyed by swimmers and sunbathers. Virtually every town along the Pacific Coast features its own little beach. Corinto, for instance, is popular with visiting windsurfers and sunbathing locals alike. The western or Caribbean Coast is not as well suited to cater for tourism, but offers some unparalleled opportunities to enjoy the wonders of nature. Largely untouched by modern development, you will be able to experience beautiful coral reefs, crystal clear waters and a brush with the locals. Better suited to nature lovers than to sun bathers, the Caribbean Coast is one of Nicaragua’s best kept secrets.

Other great spots include Xiloa Lagoon, Lake Nicaragua and Ometepe Island. Carved by the forces of nature, these incredibly beautiful lakes and lagoons are every bit as enjoyable as the beaches lining the sea. If you’re planning on visiting this spectacular country, remember that there are mountains, volcanoes and lush rain forest to be explored. Why not see if you can get a taste for both of them during your vacation in this dazzling country? It’s the opportunity of a lifetime!

Look at the list below to get a description of these beautiful beaches:

Pochomil Beach
Pochomil beach is situated on Managua’s Pacific Coast. After Montelimar this beach is the nearest beach to the capital city, being only 60km away. It is perhaps the most popular beach among the people of Managua. It is popular for relaxing in the sun, bathing and tanning as well as for horseback riding. Many restaurants are situated along Pochomil with the most delectable fresh seafood dishes available.

Montelimar
Montelimar Beach is the closest beach to Managua city. It consists of 3km of white-sandy beaches and a resort that is managed by the Barceló Hotel chain. This beach is considered to be home to one of the most complete and most beautiful beach resorts in Central America.

La Boquita Beach
La Boquita attracts thousand of visitors each year during the holiday season. It is situated on the Pacific Coast approximately 70 km of Managua. It is the biggest tourist hub in Nicaragua, with a tourist complex that features an abundance of chic hotels, world class restaurants, bars and clubs. Despite its popularity it is also considered as one of the cleanest beaches in the country.

El Velero
El Velero has awesome swells, crystal clear waters and a perfect white sandy beach. Located in Leon, it is very popular among surfers from all over the world.

San Juan Del Sur
San Juan Del Sur beach is located about 130 km South East of Managua city. It is without a doubt the most visited beach in Central America. It is the perfect destination for water sports such as surfing, jet skiing, fishing, diving, snorkeling and bathing. This beach is a very popular holiday destination for people from all around the world and may get a little crowded during the National Holidays when radio stations, discos and other companies organize all sorts of parties along the beach.

Las Penitas
Las Penitas is situated a mere 20 km west of Leon. It is a calm, tranquil beach – the perfect destination to enjoy the sun in a peaceful environment.

La Flor Beach
Located 20 km south of San Juan del Sur, La Flor Beach is a wildlife refuge for all the different types of sea turtles that come here between July and January each year to lay their eggs. This beach is one of the five places on earth where these miraculous animals come to perform their annual ritual.

Thanksgiving Turkey Dinners…Latin style

Thanksgiving Turkey Dinners
12-16 lbs Turkey, Rice and Salad and Nicarguan Stuffing
Orders accepted at beginning of November to Monday before Thanksgiving

Any thoughts on President Obama Salsa dancing

Commander in Chief getting his groove on, Latin style: Obama Salsa dancing

Energy shots all the buzz at food show

The pitch goes like this: Toss back a two-ounce shot of caffeine and vitamins and you’ll be alert for the rest of the day.

Hoping that consumers will ditch coffee and traditional energy drinks for miniature power shots, more than a dozen beverage makers pushed this message at the 12th annual Americas Food & Beverage Show, being held at the Miami Beach Convention Center this week.

The show features more than 6,000 buyers, 250 exhibitors, international dishes and intense chef battles. But with brightly colored booths and scantily clad models handing out free power drinks, energy shots were one of the most visible new products…[Read the Full Article Here]