Let's all enjoy the ride!
Our Favorite Things:
May, 2010
May's Favorites
Good for the Rhubarb
Spring means fresh fruits and vegetables are on the way. There's even an old saying in New England that spring rains are "Good for the Rhubarb"... that's fine with us, because rhubarb is one of our favorite vegie treats.
Roy's rhubarb experience stretches back to his childhood. His mother would often make a tasty rhubarb sauce that she'd serve as a side dish at dinner. The recipe was as simple as could be: a pound of rhubarb, cut into inch-long pieces and a third of a cup of sugar. Place in a medium sauce pan, add a splash of water (no more than 1/4 cup) and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is fairly smooth (about 20-25 minutes).
Roy likes to jazz this basic sauce up by adding a quart of fresh strawberries (hulled and quartered) or 2 apples (peeled, cored and cut into small pieces) plus a little cinnamon and nutmeg. The strawberry version makes a splendid pie filling and the apple version is a great alternative to applesauce for accompanying pork chops.
Go Tell It On The Mountain
We do love mustard. No, not that pedestrian yellow stuff. We prefer something with a bit more panache. Something like the Zesty Honey Mustard from Mother's Mountain.
Owners Carol and Dennis started out 28 years ago with one honey mustard recipe and the family kitchen in their Falmouth home. Today, that kitchen is still turning out honey mustard, along with over 40 other mustards, jams, jellies, sauces and marinades. Many are gluten-free, salt-free and fat-free.
Whether you are looking for a zesty mustard or a Cajun marinade, Mother's Mountain is sure to have something you'll love.
Hannaford: Answering The Call
Did you know that the gluten-free food industry estimated their sales in 2008 to be $1.56 billion?
We are thrilled that so many major companies have not only recognized the economic realities, but are getting even more aggressive in meeting the needs of the growing community. In particular, we salute Hannaford Brothers for their efforts to date. Even greater news: the Scarborough-based grocery chain (which already boasts an impressive line of gf products) is introducing a new private line mid-May.
It's called Nature's Place Gluten Free, and we couldn't be happier!
"By summer's end you will be able to find close to 40 new items from cookies to soup mixes all delicious and priced right," according to Hannaford's Dietician Guru Connie Clifford. " The official launch date is not until May 10th, but several of these new items have reached our stores in the last week."
Clifford recently told Maine Public Broadcasting, that Hannaford wants to capitalize on the growing gluten-free market. She added that "a very vocal celiac community" helped to bring this market to their attention.
Kudos to the good folks at Hannaford's and those loud celiacs, too.
Go Take A Hike
Without a doubt, one of the healthiest forms of exercise is hiking.
Hiking is low impact, tones the lower body, and is good for the heart. The exercise can also help keep the mind free of that annoying gluten-related "fog". Plus, you’ll get a healthy dose of vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin. And it's cheaper than a gym!
Maine may be known as "Vacationland," but it is also known as a "Hiker's Paradise." No matter where you live or your level of expertise, there is a walking route for you.
Check out this list from Healthy Maine Walks, a coalition of trail and health agencies and organizations working together to build a healthier Maine.Happy Trails to one and all.
Gold's Horseradish
Whether it's a snappy cocktail sauce or a tasty Bloody Mary, horseradish is an essential ingredient. But preparing fresh horseradish, which resembles a tree root, can be a daunting task. You have to wash it, peel it and then grate or grind the fiberous root. A food processor works, but the result is a bit coarse for our taste. A Microplane gets a better result, but it takes forever.
So we were delighted to discover that Gold's Horseradish is gluten-free and delicious. Gold's not only has three varieties of horseradish, but boasts a list of 22 gluten-free condiments including Cocktail Sauce, Honey Mustard and even Duck Sauce.
Gold's products are widely available. Our favorite horseradish is in the refrigerated section.
See April's favorites.
