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February 4, 2010
There’s still time to share the LOVE and order yummy gifts for Valentine’s Day. Here are some suggestions from our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide:
B.T. Organic Brownies — These rich, decadent and fudgy brownies are packaged pretty for Valentine’s Day. Todd Kelly of BT Baking uses premium organic ingredients. He supports local farmers, purchasing all of his dairy and egg products locally from small family-owned farmers in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Plus he buys Fair Trade Chocolate, which ensures small farmers in foreign countries receive a fair price for their product.
Red Heart –This lovely and decadent heart includes hand-selected, love-themed chocolates from Grocer
’s Daughter Chocolates. Included are two Raspberry Heart Truffles, two Orange (with a hint of Grand Marnier) Truffles, two Cherry Truffles, two Pomegranate Truffles, one Apricot Bonbon (non dairy) and two Sea Salt Caramels. All-natural and hand-made with bold Rainforest Alliance certified Chocolate.
Kohana Love Coffee — A Central American delight of rich, full-bodied coffees designed to inspire, elicit, and help experience love in its purest of forms. From Kohana Coffee of Austin, Texas.
Roni’s White Roses — Roni’s Roses are a labor of love — each batch is hand blended by Roni-Sue in New York City, beginning with creating her own rose liqueur. The ingredients that go into Roni’s Roses are very unique — organic dried rosebuds for the liquer liqueur, imported rose petal jam, and over a pound of ground rose petals.
Artisanal Shortbread Bar — Rich buttery artisan shortbread make the perfect gift. The shortbread is all natural and handcrafted in small batches by Simply Nics of Princeton, New Jersey. Beautifully packaged in a colorful kraft box with heart window.
Maine Lobster for Two with Chowder — If you’re a lobster lover, you will want fresh Maine lobster! Order for Valentine’s Day. Our lobster fisherman, Allen of Cape Porpoise Lobster, is sending free clam chowder!
All Natural Filet Mignon Steak – These special steaks are from the tenderloin, the 
leanest and most tender cut. Keep it simple (with salt and pepper) or use a marinade for even bolder flavor. All natural, grass-fed beef from Montana.
And don’t forget the kids. You’ll find candy for kids — Chocolate Bears and Chocolate Frogs filled with sunbutter. They’re from Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate of Michigan.
Enjoy!
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February 3, 2010
Kim Mayone, food blogger for Flavorista.com shared some great party tips and recipes for “Game Day Entertaining” on our recent podcast, Regional Best Foods. With the Super Bowl this week, the Olympics starting in mid-February, and March Madness coming up, there are lots of opportunities to celebrate good food with friends and family.
Kim shares three of her favorite “game day” recipes:
Super Macho Nachos — Full of meat, cheese and peppers. The guys will love this one!
Pulled Pork Sandwiches — A delicious, super easy, slow cooker recipe. Don’t forget the cole slaw!
Oven-Baked Rosemary and Garlic Camembert — Serve warm with crusty baguette slices.
Also on the show, Pat Ford of Beehive Cheese Company gives tips for paring his award winning Barely Buzzed and SeaHive Cheese with beer and wine. And Steven Lynch of Montebello Kitchens gives a recipe for Chicken Chipotle Dip (featured in the previous blog), using his new Chipotle Ketchup. Tune in to Regional Best Foods to listen.
Enjoy!
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January 29, 2010
Who knew Super Bowl Sunday was so huge?! It’s the No. 2 food consumption day of the year (Thanksgiving is No. 1) and it’s the No. 1 at home party event of the year, bigger than New Year’s Eve. Americans are expected to spend $55 million dollars on Super Bowl food. That’s a lot of chips, dips, chili, wings, popcorn, pizza and guacamole.
Steven Lynch, artisan producer and owner of Montebello Kitchens of Virginia, shares this dip recipe that’s perfect for the big game. Whether you’re a Saints or Colts fan, we think you’ll love it! Key to the recipe is Montebello’s new Chipotle Ketchup. Sweetened with organic agave, the ketchup is winner of a 2010 Scovie Award.
The annual Scovie Awards recognize top fiery foods products from around the globe and is one of the world’s premier gourmet food competitions. In the industry’s most rig
orous blind tastings, a panel of the country’s top culinary experts sample hundreds of the world’s most lauded gourmet foods before naming the winners. Congrats Steven and Montebello Kitchens!
Chipotle Chicken Dip
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
rotisserie or freshly-cooked, chopped chicken (may use 15oz can if you like)
3/4 cup Montebello Kitchens Chipotle Ketchup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (more or less to taste)
(You can add a few drops of Texas Pete if you like a little more heat.)
Blend cream cheese, Montebello Kitchens Chipotle Ketchup and ½ cup cheddar cheese. Fold in shredded chicken.
Spread mixture into small casserole dish.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Add remaining cheddar to top and bake an additional 10-15 minutes.
Serve with chunks of crusty bread.
Chipotle Ketchup is great with burgers, brats and and other grilled sausages, as well. Montebello Kitchen’s Curry Ketchup is another winner. Try it as a cocktail sauce for shrimp or crab cakes.
Enjoy!
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January 19, 2010
Looking for healthier recipes to start the New Year? Jodi Spindel, president of Spindel Farms and makers of Simply Outrageous Pomegranate Vinegar, shared the health benefits of pomogranates and two delicious recipes for vinaigrettes on a recent, Podcast of Regional Best Foods. You can use these versatile dressings on salads, steamed vegetables, chicken and salmon.
Jodi’s secret is to use a greater proportion of vinegar to olive oil so they are extra low in fat. Fresh fruit helps to thicken and give the citrus dressing substance. And you can use any seasonal fruit. In the summer substitute a peach for the orange and add a handful of fresh basil leaves. Spindel Farms makes two varieties of vinegar –Pomogranate and Pomogranate Tangarine. 
Pomogranates are indeed a “super food,” sited in many studies as an aid to fight the development of cancer.
Pomegranate Citrus Salad Dressing
Serves 4-6
4 Tbl. Simply Outrageous Pomegranate Tangerine Vinegar
2 Tbls. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 peeled and sectioned Cara Cara Navel Orange or 2 Clementine Tangerines
2 cloves of garlic (or more!)
1/2 tsp. fresh Thyme leaves
1 pinch each of Kosher Salt & fresh ground pepper
1 tsp. honey
In a small food processor bowl or blender put all ingredients except oil and puree. Add oil slowly as you continue to process. Pour immediately over salad and toss. For extra “pop” add fresh pomegranate seeds and/or mandarin orange sections to your salad. Eat right away or save in the refrigerator up to 24 hours.
Our Favorite Show Stopping Cucumber Salad
Makes about 6 cups
1/3 cup Simply Outrageous Pomegranate Vinegar
3 large English Cucumbers sliced or diced
2 - 3 Tablespoons finely chopped red onion
Mix all ingredients and serve. If a more marinated flavor is desired, allow to stand in refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Enjoy!
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January 4, 2010
Happy New Year! If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to eat healthier, you’ll find lots of delicious choices on RegionalBest.com. Most all products on the site are organic or all natural. Today, we’re showcasing a couple of our newest products to kick-off 2010.
Dessert Chips and Fruit Salsa – This totally new twist on chips and salsa comes from the Dread Head Chef, Michael Wenstein, of Dallas, Texas. All products are Gluten Free and Dairy Free. This special wooden crate (also made by Chef Michael) includes:
• Strawberry Mango Fruit Salsa — a blend of farm fresh strawberries, sun-ripened mangos, sweet basil and select all-natural secret ingredients.
• Pinaeapple, Banana, Macadamia Nut Salsa — a blend of juicy pineapple, fresh bananas and toasted macadamia nuts.
• Original Dessert Chips – made with freshly ground corn and dusted with cinnamon, sugar and spices.
• Chocolate Chips – corn chips dusted with a sugary-cocoa mix.
Gelati di Capri – This goat’s milk gelato is sweetened with agave and cane syrup to significantly reduce the sugar, plus it’s lower in fat than regular ice cream. It’s a special treat for those who are lactose intolerant. Made in Pennsylvania, the four flavors include:
• Bada Bing – Bing cherry chocolate almond
• Biscotti & Crema – Chocolate espresso biscotti and vanilla
• Egg Noggin – Double egg custard spiced gelato with Jim Beam Bourbon
• French Vanilla – Custard gelato with vanilla bean
Creamed Jalapeno Honey – Range Honey took their Wildflower Creamed Honey and perfectly blended it with Texas Jalapenos! Sweet but not too hot, this creamed honey is delicious served over softened cream cheese or with fresh chevre, or as a glaze over grilled meats.
Gluten Free & Casein Free Whoopie Pies - Rich vanilla cream is sandwiched between two moist decadent chocolate cookies. From Truly Wize Bakery of Pennsylvania.
Organic Vanilla Almond Butter – Natually Nutty of Michigan perferctly blends organic almonds, flax, hemp seed, and pure organic vanilla powder.
Enjoy!
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December 15, 2009
Good (and yummy!) things come in small packages! Here are 10 irresistible stocking stuffers for under $10 that you’ll find on RegionalBest.com.
Chocolate Toffee Pistachios – Freshly roasted whole California grown pistachio kernels are covered in luscious butter toffee, milk chocolate and a dusting of powdered sugar. From Fiddyment Farms of California.
Caramel Pops – Caramels are dipped in rich milk chocolate and put on a stick. It’s just enough chocolate and caramel to keep you out of trouble. Unless you order more! From Artisan Candies of California.
Michigan Maple Nibs – Chopped almonds, cocoa nibs, and local Michigan maple syrup baked into small crunchy broken brittle pieces. They’re delicious! From Grocer’s Daughter Chocolates of Michigan.
Mouth Party Assorted Caramels — These caramels are rich, creamy, soft, and velvety. They are attractively packaged in a clear cellophane bag and tied with a satin ribbon. From Mouth Party Caramels of Maryland.
Butter Toffee Peanut Butter – Watch out … you will get hooked! This has been a best seller and is a favorite for kids. (Your definition of “kid” may vary!) From Naturally Nutty of Michigan.
Texas Creamed Korintje Cinnamon Honey – Wild flower honey is creamed with Korintje cinnamon, some of the best and most highly-prized cinnamon in the world. From Range Honey of Texas.
Chili Lovers Collection — A trio of different chocolates, two of each flavor and all with a kick, are included in this 
luscious collection. From Roni-Sues Chocolate of New York City.
Rosemary Artisanal Shortbread Bars – Unique with a wonderful balance of sweet and savory, and made with local herbs. From Simply Nic’s of New Jersey.
Sour Cherry Jam — This all natural jam is made with more than half a pound of fruit per jar. One bite and you will immediately be reminded of summertime and the delicious joy of eating fresh cherries. From Tait Farm Foods of Pennsylvania.
Fig ‘N Nuts Granola – Organic fruits and nuts blended with “special spices” for that homestyle taste. All natural and all organic. From The Best Damn Granola Company of Massachusetts.
Enjoy!
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December 12, 2009
What a deal! All HAM I AM award-winning Smoked Hams and Smoked Turkeys are 20% off. Order today (and through Sunday, December 13) and your ham or turkey will be sent early next week by Second Day Air to ensure it arrives before the weekend. Store in the freezer until your ready to thaw and cook it for your special holiday dinner. Check out these amazing HAM I AM Smoked Ham and Smoked Turkey selections.
Baffled about what to buy, how to thaw and cook a ham or smoked turkey? Here’s everything you need to know.
What to Buy — Boneless vs. Bone-In – All varieties of ham are either bone-in or boneless. While bone-in hams are traditionally considered more elegant and boneless are easier to serve, both taste great. Bone-in hams are available in a variety of shapes – whole or as a shank or butt half. This type of ham has a superior taste and texture because the natural muscles, fat and bones are undisturbed. Bone-in and boneless hams keep for several weeks in their original packaging in the refrigerator.
Cooked vs. Uncooked – All HAM I AM hams are fully cooked. If desired, hams can be served directly from the refrigerator without heating. To warm, simply unwrap and heat at 325°, one hour for a half ham and two hours for a whole ham.
Lean Profile of Ham — Ham’s lean nutritional profile is reason to celebrate this classic pork cut. Each 3 ounce serving of extra-lean ham contains 5 grams of fat and 124 calories, which is comparable to a boneless, skinless chicken breast. Ham is pork leg meat that has been cured, and since the leg muscle is a well-exercised part of the hog, ham is surprisingly low in fat.
How Do I Cook the Ham? – HAM I AM smoked hams are fully cooked and ready to eat, but it’s recommend to warm before serving. Place the ham in a 325-degree oven and warm for 10 minutes per pound. Let the ham rest for 20 minutes before carving. When warming a Spiral Sliced Ham, wrap the ham tightly in foil and follow the above instructions. Be careful not to overcook your ham!
How Do I Cook the Smoked Turkey? — HAM I AM turkeys are smoked and are best warmed before enjoying. Wrap the bird in foil, then place it into a 300-degree oven and cook for about 10 minutes per pound. Remember to remove the stocking net and plastic wrapping first!
What is the Best Way to Thaw My Ham or Turkey? – The best and safest way to thaw your ham or turkey is to place it in the refrigerator. Allow for two days. If you find yourself in a hurry, you may thaw the bird or meat in a cold water bath, never hot water.
How do I Store My Ham or Turkey Before Cooking? — The best way is to freeze your order immediately. This will keep for six months, although in the best interest of your appetite, eat as soon as possible, then order another!
Enjoy!
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December 11, 2009
Just in time for the holidays, RegionalBest.com welcomes Artisan Candies of San Jose, California to our community of producers. From their S’mores on a Stick to Peppermint Rocky Road, Signature Caramels and Maple Brittle, you will find a delicious selection of their handcrafted candy perfect for gift giving and stocking stuffers. AND TODAY, ALL CANDIES ARE 20% OFF!
Kristen and Dean Scott founded the company in 2005. Their first product was a soft, buttery caramel, made from an original family recipe. They realized that there was a need for a good old-fashioned caramel, with all-natural ingredients and no preservatives, but they didn’t anticipate the overwhelming response! In the Spring of 2007, they expanded their product line to include its premiere Artisan Caramels, Artisan Marshmallows in a variety of flavors, Maple Pecan Brittle (made with real maple syrup), S’mores on a Stick (using their handmade marshmallows),and their Rocky Road collection (available in four flavors).
Artisan Candies are handcrafted in small batches with the finest ingredients, and no preservatives. Here are some of their offerings:
Signature Caramels – Rich, creamy and buttery these caramels are the base for many of Artisan Candies. Each batch is handmade with real butter, brown sugar and vanilla beans.
Peppermint Rocky Road – If you’re a peppermint bark fan, you’ll love this rocky road twist.
California-Style Rocky Road – Handmade orange marshmallows, California almonds, and soft caramel are combined with rich dark chocolate. Each piece is dusted with a little edible gold!
S’mores on a Stick – These little gems make great stocking stuffers.
Chipotle Maple Pecan Brittle – This brittle has real maple flavor. The toasted pecans and hint of chipotle make it unforgettable.
Chocolate & Caramel Puddles – Luscious caramel covered with pecan pieces and rich dark chocolate.
Bavarian Crème Marshmallows – Handmade in small batches. Float them in hot chocolate or toast them to make s’mores.
Enjoy!
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December 10, 2009
The holidays are filled with decadent desserts from cookies to cakes and candy. Don’t skimp by serving just a ho-hum coffee. Serve great coffee. And great coffee starts with quality coffee beans like Kohana Coffee.
RegionalBest.com is thrilled to offer 25% off all Kohana Coffee today. Plus we’re announcing Kohana’s special Organic Holiday Blend. This blend of medium and dark roasted coffees hails from three different parts of the world and offers a full bodied, floral and berry like experience with spicy aromas. Perfect for curling up with friends and family, or serving at a holiday gathering.
Kohana Coffee of Austin, Texas is committed to providing the utmost quality in coffee. They purchase 100% Specialty Coffee grade Arabica beans directly from farmers themselves or from leading importers that share their vision. They search for superior cup quality and whenever possible, seek growers and importers who are both environmentally and socially responsible.
Here are just a few of the Kohana Coffees and Gift Baskets you’ll find on the site:
Kohana’s Best Sampler — This sampler includes Kohana’s best selling coffees. It includes a variety of medium and dark roasts and a decaf coffee hand picked by our roaster and come in a very cute reusable gift box.
Alamo Joe — A Texas size delight of rich, full-bodied coffees with a pleasant acidity designed to show true appreciation of great coffee.
Kona Estate – This 100% Kona coffee’s distinctive nutty aroma rises to the top in every cup.
100% Hawaiian Prime — A small, medium roasted Hawaiian gem with a soft, delicate flavor and a nutty, fragrant aroma.
Rockin’ Like Austin — Kohana’s East Indies and Central American crafted blend keeps Austin rockin’ all day and all night long.
Recipe for the perfect cup: Use the proper amount of coffee – the rule of thumb is 1 to 2 level tablespoons for a 5-6 oz cup – that’s the standard measuring cup size in home brewing machines. And, use bottled or filtered water.
Enjoy!
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December 7, 2009
Beginning today and each day through December 18, you’ll find a “Daily Special” on RegionalBest.com. Today’s special: 25% Texas Range Honey! And that includes their Holiday Honey Crate
In addition, from New England to Indiana, Michigan, Texas and Pennsylvania, you will find a variety of regional food gift baskets in our
Great Gifts Ideas Section. Here are just a few of yummy gift baskets and boxes you’ll find.
New England Holiday Gift Basket
This collection is bursting with farm fresh New England taste from Appledore Cove of Maine.
The Best of Blue Ledge Farm from Vermont
This cheese sampler includes a variety of cow and goat’s milk artisan farmstead cheeses all handmade from Vermont’s Blue ledge Farm.
Classic California Pistachio Tower with Milk Chocolate Treats
This delicious combination of California pistachio treats from Fiddyment Farms includes lightly salted in-shell pistachios, milk chocolate pistachio bark and chocolate toffee pistachios
Sweet Sixteen Gift Pack from Wisconsin
A cheese sampler packed with 16 1/2 lb varieties of Wisconsin’s Carr Valley cheese: Menage, Shepherds blend, Airco, Canaria, Gran Canaria, Cardona, Marisa, Benedictine, Cave Aged Mellage, Cocoa Cardona, Applewood Smoked Cheddar, Vergin Pine Native Blue, Cave Aged Cheddar, River Bend Goat or Sheep, Cave Aged Marisa and Vergin Pine Native Sheep Blue.
Empireal Chocolate Gift Box from Michigan
This chocolate colored box showcases some of Grocer’s Daughters most revered chocolates: A box of 16 eclectic truffles, caramels, bonbons; a Wally, Blue, and Elara Bar; a bag of chocolate hazelnuts; one each of the dark and milk zen bars.
Indiana Gourmet Popcorn Gift Set
Indiana is popcorn country! This gourmet popcorn gift set from includes a Whirley Popper and a 15 oz bottle of 12 different varieties of Indiana gourmet popping corn, including Autumn Blaze, Baby White, Ruby Red, Thistle Pink, Goldenrod, Shaman Blue, Baby Yellow, and Sunburst kernels.
Ho Ho Holiday Cookie Gift Box from Pennsylvania
This eco-friendly gift box from Truly Wize Bakery includes over 40 incredibly delicious organic cookies, for those smaller families and crowds. It’s the perfect business gift, as well.
Enjoy shopping!
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’s Daughter Chocolates. Included are two Raspberry Heart Truffles, two Orange (with a hint of Grand Marnier) Truffles, two Cherry Truffles, two Pomegranate Truffles, one Apricot Bonbon (non dairy) and two Sea Salt Caramels. All-natural and hand-made with bold Rainforest Alliance certified Chocolate.
leanest and most tender cut. Keep it simple (with salt and pepper) or use a marinade for even bolder flavor. All natural, grass-fed beef from Montana.
