Co-Packer Fulfillment - The Co-Packer Advantage

By Bill Del

Tosta Co-packing services range from packing other people's products to manufacturing (and packaging) the products themselves. According to the co-packing industry, roughly 50% of all products available on supermarket shelves are produced by co-packers. Co-packing facilities range in size from small co-packing bakeries to large multi-product co-packing facilities.

Many companies make extensive use of co-packing facilities. Although they may have different reasons concerning why they use co-packers, they do share many of the same processes and co-packing advantages. Most notably, co-packing fulfillment helps companies operate profitably and efficiently. In part, this is accomplished by:

1. Reducing costs

Co-packing can reduce a wide range of costs. These costs can include equipment, facilities and the need to rent additional space. In many cases, it may also reduce the need for additional personnel and training. Since co-packers often buy in bulk, their clients may also benefit from their lower costs and on-site storage facilities.

2. Similar product experience

Many co-packers may already possess similar product experience as well as established production lines. This can significantly help reduce manufacturing, training and production costs. Furthermore, it can greatly simplify the entire order process including the packaging and shipping of the final products.

3. Licensing

Obtaining the necessary government and state licensing can be a time-consuming and difficult process. Most co-packers have already gone through this process and are very intent on ensuring they continue to meet all the necessary regulations including any requisite safety regulations. They will also have surmounted any zoning or business restrictions that some of their clients might otherwise have had to face.

4. Established vendors

Most co-packers have established lines of credit, a list of established suppliers and the necessary labeling and packaging expertise. This can greatly help a company requiring co-packing services while significantly reducing their costs and efforts in obtaining reliable suppliers. It also helps ensure an accurate cost overhead while reducing product manufacturing lead time. When necessary, co-packers can also provide direction to additional suppliers and vendors.

5. Experience

Most co-packers have a wealth of experience and knowledge. In many instances, they can help cut development and production costs while providing valuable feedback and accurate scheduling.

Companies of all sizes use co-packers for a variety of reasons. Co-packers can help small and entrepreneurial companies with limited capital to survive and grow while enabling large and establish companies to continue to profit and build market share. In all cases, it relieves much of the focus on production and instead allows companies to focus on the marketing and selling of their products.

Bill DelTosta is the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Mid-Hudson Workshop for the Disabled (MHW). Since 1948, Mid-Hudson Workshop, a non-profit organization, has helped many businesses of all sizes reduce costs and save valuable resources by providing Outsourcing Services. It also offers an award-winning co-packing service. MHW provides meaningful employment opportunities for the NY Hudson Valley's Disabled Veterans and other Physically & Medically handicapped residents.

More information about MHW's 100% self-sufficient success and its many outsourcing services is available on its website at www.midhudsonworkshop.org. Bill can be reached at 845-471-3820 or bill@midhudsonworkshop.org to schedule a TOUR of MHW's 52,000 Sq Ft facility and discuss its cost-reducing services.

Staying Healthy With Soy Protein Bars

By Jonathan Octavius Bell

Staying fit and healthy is increasingly difficult in today's modern world of fast food take outs, but if you eat the right foods you can still eat delicious food without putting on the fat.

Soy protein bars are exceptionally good for people trying to lose weight because they combine a number of positive factors which put people on the right path - and keeps them on it. The first and most important thing is taste! You may not believe me, but when it comes to eating proper, healthy food it must taste good! One of the reasons so many diets fail are because people set themselves incredibly unrealistic goals for losing weight. I'm sure we've all seen or at least heard about people starving themselves or trying to survive just eating salad and vegetables - and the reason these diets fail are because the food cannot keep people interested for long. No one likes just eating vegetables, but who said eating healthily is just about eating vegetables?

This is one of the reasons why soy protein bars are so successful, because they're not only healthy for you, but they can actually keep people's culinary attention held as opposed to boring them of taste, and depriving them completely of calories which just ends in people ruining their diets and gorging on lots and lots of the wrong foods.

Staying healthy isn't about dieting, it's not about one day waking up and saying to yourself that you're never having French fries again - it's about making a life style choice. A diet is always doomed to fail, because a diet is a short term solution to a long term problem. A diet is for a week, or a month or 2 months - but if you want to stay fit and healthy you need to stop thinking of food in terms of diets, and think of the situation as a lifestyle choice. If you want to stay fit and healthy, you can't just be healthy for a week; you have to change yourself, your lifestyle, and your habits and so on. It's not easy, which is why there are now such high proportions of obese and overweight people across the world. The problem of the 'obesity epidemic' is no longer contained to the western hemisphere, it's a problem which is penetrated most countries, cultures and communities.

So how do Soy Protein Bars help people remain healthy?

Well they help several key aspects in keeping people healthy, with the most important being weight control and the second aspect is that they're actually healthy. This may seem contradictory but you can be both very unhealthy and slim purely if you eat the wrong types of foods but don't necessarily consume a lot of calories.

How do they assist in weight control?

Soya based protein bars help people maintain a reasonable weight because of the speed at which the energy is released - as well as the total calorific content of each bar being generally much lower than that of a regular candy bar. A modern candy bar can easily contain in excess of around 500 calories, however protein bars range from around 200-300. But frankly, as someone who has lost a lot of weight himself and has seen two friends lose 20-35kg each it's not about the calorific content of the food. If you're serious about losing weight, and want to understand the physiological processes then the first thing you have to do is not fall into the trap of calorie counting every little thing!

Let me explain...

Diets fail frequently, with the root cause being that people simply cannot maintain the diet which they've set themselves on. People cannot maintain diets because people assume diets are all about vegetables, salads, lean meats and so fourth - and although these aspects are important, they're nowhere near as important as what I'm branding the 'hunger factor'.

The hunger factor is as simple as it sounds, we get the feeling, the sensation of hunger in our stomach and so we set out to relieve this pain. When people start drastic diets, they're often hit by this after just a few short days because their bodies aren't used to the dramatic U-turn of the foods that are now being consumed. We cannot ignore our body! When your hand is next to a fire, it hurts and so you pull it away. When you're incredibly hungry, even if you don't want to eat, you'll often find yourself eating what you know you shouldn't even if you know deep down you don't want it.

So if you want to lose weight...

... Then don't allow yourself to fall into the trap that most people do. Don't get hungry!

We've all had that pivotal moment in the failure of a diet, when you're wrestling with your mind as to how to justify eating a chocolate bar even though you're on a diet. Guess what, it's because you let yourself fall into the trap of letting yourself get hungry. We're just animals, and when animals get hungry the first and most powerful response is to eat - to eat as much as possible, to eat the worst foods and to eat right away.

Soy protein bars prevent this because the soya based proteins are very slow to break down. They're similar in a sense to complex carbohydrates because in effect they both release energy at a slow rate. The diets of overweight/obese people are filled with crisps and chocolate bars, and these two foods are composed of some of the most basic molecular structures which means that the calories in a chocolate bar will be released incredibly quickly. If you're running a race then go ahead and chow down, but one chocolate bar, which releases 550 calories in the space of an hour means that around 50-100 calories will be used in maintaining your base metabolic rate. The other 400 or so calories will go right into fat deposits, but what's more frustrating than this is that you won't even feel particularly full.

When you eat a soya based protein bar on the other hand, the calories are released very slowly. So instead of eating a high calorie chocolate bar, with quick releasing sugars that will throw of your energy levels by giving you sugar 'highs' and 'lows' why not go for soy protein bars? They release energy at a slower rate, which reduces the chance of you breaking your diet. They don't give you sugar rushes and lows which means that your energy levels will be far better regulated and you won't having moments of extreme fatigue or unnecessarily high energy. They also contain soya based proteins which contain essential amino acids which cannot be synthesized by the body but are still vital for critical cell processes.

But more importantly than anything I've just said, is that they taste great! You don't need to take drastic action, instead of having a chocolate bar in the day; you can instantly cut your calorie intake by 300 by choosing the healthier option, and then watch the health benefits roll out! So what are you waiting for?!

Prime: The Best Restaurant in Vegas?

By Eden Julia Gibsons

There are people who love to eat really well in Vegas no matter the cost; then there are people who want the experience of a lifetime. Vegas boasts many fabulous restaurants where you can have gastronomic bliss for prices which stem from low to absolutely, crazily high. In terms of quality Las Vegas offers the best of everything even in this aspect: you will have the best you can get for your money, from a few dollars to hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

So, where does Prime fit in all this?

If you like Olives, which is one of the best restaurants in Vegas for good Mediterranean food in a great setting yet not too pretentious,you will certainly love Prime: it's the same only 'even better', in terms of the level of gourmet dishes and, above all, in terms of elegance and romanticism. Most say that the difference between Olive and Prime is exactly that: whilst both excellent, Prime goes the extra step in gastronomic (and atmospheric) finesse and refinement. If you are after fine dining in a romantic setting, Prime is the place for you. If you want to dream over and over about the food you were eating, Prime is where you must go.

Prime restaurant in Vegas is highly praised for:

- 'The best Steak in Vegas' in an elegant setting. I have heard, over and over, that as you put the meat in your mouth, it melts and gives you the experience of a lifetime. Many say that they can't enjoy a Steak anywhere else after they have eaten at Prime.
- 'The best rib-eye in Vegas' in an elegant setting; excellent sauces you can choose from to accompany this dish, all 'the very best of its kind' and a step above anything else you can find at a top restaurant.
- 'The New York Strip'
- Truly excellent service (they do make you feel as if you were a celebrity or a highly regarded VIP guest).
- 'Best filet mignon'; in a similar way to their Steak, it is said to truly 'melt' in your mouth.
- 'Divinely cooked vegetables which you can enjoy themselves or accompanying your main dish.
- 'The best Margarita' (none of that 'cheap' stuff you can in some 'Strip jonts'.)
- 'Fantastic entrees', which include high-quality Sushi but also other Japanese specialties.
- 'Best views of the Bellagio fountains' from the inside and outside areas of this elegant restaurant.

Which are te other 11 Best Vegas restaurants? Find out on TOP 12 VEGAS RESTAURANTS

What about the best Vegas buffets for the best gluttonous experience? Find out on BEST VEGAS BUFFETS.

Great American Breakfasts

By Ian Grainger

Americans don't have a reputation for being big eaters for nothing. That said, their reputation for being an obese nation is very unfair. They do love their food though, especially the meal that is breakfast.

In America you can get such a diverse range of breakfasts that you are left spoilt for choice. From cereals to cooked breakfasts to the likes of Pop Tarts and pancakes, there really is something for everyone.

Here we'll have a look at some of the most popular and tastiest breakfast meals the US has to offer.

Let's start with Pop Tarts. If you don't already know, Pop Tarts are toaster pastries in a wide range of flavours. All you do is pop them in the toaster for a couple of minutes and you have a hot, sweet, tasty breakfast.

Pop Tarts in America come in 30 - yes 30! Different flavours, both frosted and unfrosted. These include, as you might expect, apple, blueberry and strawberry and some you might not expect like chocolate chip cookie dough and cookies and crème!

If that doesn't sound like your sort of thing, consider pancakes instead. There are a variety of pancake mixes available that make preparing your breakfast quicker and easier and it then becomes a matter of toppings. You could use fruit like strawberries and blueberries, maple syrup is a very popular addition, as is crispy bacon and castor sugar.

If you're more of a toast person in the morning, then jam is a good choice, or jelly as the Americans refer to it. Smuckers is a very popular brand and comes in a variety of flavours including blueberry and grape. For a real American flavour Smuckers Goober Grape and Goober Strawberry are normal jellies but with peanut butter added into the mix, providing a real boost to energy levels in the morning!

Various cereals are another great option. Most people will have heard of Lucky Charms, it being the most popular cereal in the States but branch out a little and try Kellogg's Froot Loops, Cocoa Pebbles, Reeses Puffs or Trix Fruitalicious. There are many, many more.

Of course, Americans are as partial to a cooked breakfast as the British are. Only in America they do it slightly differently. Yes, bacon and eggs is a common one, but some like to have steak and eggs for breakfast, often with grits, hash browns, home fries or fried potatoes.

Grits are most popular in the south of the country, as is fried chicken and 'biscuits' with white gravy!

In the winter months, just like in the UK, oatmeal becomes very popular and the Americans have put their own spin on that too. You can get normal oatmeal and flavour anyway you like, of course, but to save time there is also peaches and cream, maple and brown sugar and a host of other flavoured instant oatmeal treats to try out.

Whatever your breakfast tastes, America has something to offer you. For the author, pancakes with bacon, maple syrup and a little castor sugar is a personal favourite, though in if in a rush Pop Tarts are a secondary choice.

The trick is - experiment, see what fits in with your schedule and personal tastes. There WILL be something for you!

Ian Grainger is writing on behalf of American Soda ( http://www.americansoda.co.uk ), suppliers of various American breakfast options to the UK, including Pop Tarts, Smuckers and Kellogg's Froot Loops.

Classic New England Seafood Dishes

By Ted Demopoulos

When many people think New England, together with leaves turning color in the fall and picturesque towns and of course Boston and beaches, many people think seafood. Certainly with its extensive coastline and much of the population growing up by the coast, seafood is one of the prime gastronomical treats of the area. Although seafood is available worldwide these days, there are some seafood dishes that are quintessentially New England. Here are some favorites.

The softshell or steamer clam is one of them. Although clams are available worldwide, and there are even freshwater varieties, this clam has a unique briny and sweet taste. These clams are not available far out of New England either, and although it is possible to special order them and spend a lot to have them shipped overnight, they do not ship very well commercially as they need to be uber fresh. The classic preparation is steamed. They are placed in a pot with perhaps a half inch of water, with some people claiming saltwater is best and others claiming any decent water is fine, and steamed for a very few minutes just until the shells open. Then they are opened as they are eaten, the tough dark glove like covering removed from their necks, and they are dipped in butter and eaten. They are also absolutely great deep fried. To deep fry them they are shucked and then rolled in a light batter or breadcrumb mixture before frying until golden brown. Most people like them with tartar sauce for dipping.

Lobsters of course are synonymous with New England and most are harvested from Maine's extensive shoreline. Prices are variable but you would be shocked how low they get during the summer, often down to the price of a fast food meal. The classic way to cook these clawed lobsters is to boil or steam them. They are then cracked with lobster crackers (similar to nut crackers) at the table and dipped in butter. The tail and claws contain the most and easiest to get meat but the legs and body also have some meat. It's messy work and restaurants usually provide a "Lobster Bib" to patrons.

Of course a classic New England Lobster bake combines lobsters and steamed clams, usually cooking in a pit of hot coals covered with alternating layers of seaweed and food. Corn is usually also cooked with the seafood.

Of course there is plenty of other seafood in New England, but these are absolute classics.

Is Soy Milk Good for You?

By Ben Owen

Soy milk has been used by Asian countries like China, Japan, Korea and Malaysia for centuries already to make their food. The first proof was seen in China ages ago wherein it was even incised on a stone. Until this very moment, our Asian neighbors continue to use it to make their staple food, particularly the tofu and other cuisines. It has even reached our shores already and many arguments have been raised to prove whether or not soya milk is good for you. Knowing the pros and cons of soya milk will help us answer that question.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Drinking Soy Milk

Since soy milk is derived from heating and grinding the soy beans with water, it is considered as a sterilized product. Therefore soya milk is good for you. Not only that, since it is also a vegetable, it is rich in fiber that helps us during our bowel movement and prevents constipation. Another good thing about the soya milk is that it contains a chemical, the isoflavones, which is similar to that of estrogen that helps fight back or prevent bacteria that causes cancer, heart problems, osteoporosis and other deadly diseases. Let us also not forget that this milk is very much recommended for people with lactose intolerance as they can not drink a regular cow's milk without getting an upset stomach. Soy milk has 0.0 lactose content making it safe for them to drink. Another advantage of this nutritious mixture is that its nutritional content is higher compared to the regular one making it more nutritious and fitting for consumption.

One of the major downfalls of soya milk is that its calcium contents falls 25% lower compared to the regular cow's milk. Manufacturers need to add more calcium into their products in order for it to compete with its grandest rival. Not only that, it can no longer be called natural as other ingredients may also be added to it for taste and other nutritional benefits. Another problem with soya milk is that it takes a long time to prepare. The soy beans need to be soaked in water for long hours before it can be used. The traditional way of preparation is also messy and need proper knowledge. If the soya milk mixture is not heated properly, it can cause the pancreas to hypersecrete which can lead to various health problems. If this is the case, we can't surely say that, soy milk is good for you.

In providing answer to the above question "is soy milk good for you" I think that soya milk is very beneficial for some people, like those with lactose intolerance. They cannot drink milk so they have to look for ways to somehow enjoy the taste and benefit of it. And I think that one way of doing it is by drinking the soya milk product. While for those who still doubt the nutritional benefits of the product, I think it's better if we just respect each other's opinion and let those people who want to drink the mixture, drink it. Whatever happens to them that will be purely due to their belief that soy milk is good for them.

Kinds Of Apples Made For Cooking

By James Ted Petterson

Individuals have consumed apples for hundreds of years already and until now, the ancestor of today's apples are still being grown in Kazakhstan where it first came from.This kind of apple is green in color when unripe, and will turn into deep red when it ripens.

These days, there are lots of different types of apples grown from different parts of the globe and even though they might differ from name they all taste good and can be eaten ripe, also used in cooking.

Red apples

Red apples are a trademark of the American business and are known for their deep red color, thinner in diameter and taller in height, compared to other rounder and smaller varieties.It is a extremely popular snack for many people since it offers a sweet, crisp and powerful flavored snack, especially good in packed lunches.Though not advised to be used in baking its best served raw and eaten ripe.

Golden apples

The Stark brothers founded the golden apple, they have a thin skin and a very sweet taste much sweeter than the red apple.Also firmer much crisper and juicer compared to the red apples.It is ideal for snacking and is more fulfilling compared to other apples because of its size and taste.Golden apples are also used in baking since its firm texture and sweet taste can hold up nicely even at high temperatures.

Granny smith apples

Granny smith apples on the other hand, were the first type of green apples sold in the American marketplace.Its flavor is mild and has a bit of sweetness about it but all round its one delicious apple.These apples can also stand well in extreme pressure from shipping or importing / exporting and can also sit from cold storage for log periods of time.Many people also prefer to use it in cooking, especially when making apple sauce.

Wine sap apples

Wine sap apples have a spicy bite in it therefore, giving it a distinctive flavor and an aroma that is similar to that of wine.Not everybody finds it delicious when eaten raw, since its flavor is strong for many consumers.They're not usually discovered in fruit or grocery stores, there also small in size compared to other apple varieties.Used primarily in baking wine sap apples are great for making sauces.

The Gala Apple

Gala apples have a pleasing aesthetic look, with its golden skin spotted with red.This kind of apple is made by crossing Golden Delicious with Kiddy's Orange Red.It may also only be found in New Zealand.Yet an additional snacking apple which many prefer because of its mild sweet taste.Many people like it more than Golden Delicious, though its not advisable to use this kind of apple for cooking since it tastes extremely bland when exposed to high temperatures.

Numerous people consider apples to be an important part of a nutritious every day diet plan.You will find a great quantity of advantages provided by the fruit, and its completely up to you to discover which apple you prefer best to add to your daily diet plan.

Clambake Catering for Your Small or Big Backyard Event

By Richard Hannah

A great occasion is never without a great feast. They always come together that is why many people who hold events, whether small or big, have food to serve guests. If you are planning to hold an event, then you should prepare dishes that are easy to serve and eat by your guests. Some great dishes you may have prepared by clambake catering are lobsters and clam bakes. You may easily find businesses offering these if you go online. Once you have found a catering service, then you may talk more about your event and a couple of backyard event preparations.

Preparing for a backyard gathering is easier when you have a catering service that will be in charge of the food for your event or party. Catering service often becomes a necessity especially when you or the host has no time to prepare the food. Preparing food requires a lot of time and if you are planning to prepare food for more than 20 people, then it would be better to let the professionals from a clambake catering service handle the time consuming task. Here are a few information you will find beneficial if you decide to organize a small or big party.

When you speak with your catering service provider, make sure you have a variety of food. Add in your clams and lobster bakes. You may also include other seafood dishes. Although these are delicacies on their own right, you also have to make sure that you have other dishes to offer your guest and visitors. Side dishes are perfect additions to further enhance the natural flavors of your seafood. These could be potatoes, vegetables, and corn. Speak with your catering service provider to learn more of the available choices you may request for your backyard event.

Do not forget the decorations of your event. Outdoor decorations must be able to handle a light breeze to even a stronger breeze. You want to make sure that the decorations complement the natural beauty of your backyard. This will help create the perfect mood you want your guests to experience in your party. Use furniture that is durable and easy to move around. After eating your deliciously prepared food, people would want to sit down and chat with other guests.

When looking for a clambake catering service, find a company that has an extensive number of year's worth of experience, for example, catering service companies that have more than 50 years. This is a good indication that a company has handled various events. Apart from their knowledge and experience, the length of time the company has existed means that their quality of service is top notch. Their services are worthy of every dollar you might spend.

Food, decorations, and the perfect catering service must be the few things included in your checklist for a great backyard party. Featuring lobster bakes and other seafood dishes in your party can make your guests excited. Whatever your event may be, ensure that you have these factors for your backyard event.

Chiles En Nogada - About The Special Dish Served For Mexican Independence Celebrations

By Elizabeth Arnott

Mexicans celebrate their independence from Spain on the 16th September every year. They remember and re-enact the speech given by Father Miguel Hidalgo from the little church of Dolores near Guanajuato, calling his people to come together and revolt against the Spanish government. A special dish - Chiles en Nogada (chillies in walnut sauce) - was created in the colours of the national flag - green, white and red.

To Mexicans, Chiles en Nogada for Independence Day is the equivalent to roast turkey for Thanksgiving in the United States. Stuffed green poblano chillies are served in a white walnut sauce, topped with brilliant red pomegranate seeds and little sprigs of green parsley. The colours of the dish are a reflection of the joyful display of national flags and artefacts designed in the Mexican national colours which are everywhere during the celebrations - flags on roof tops and cars, painted faces, brooches, sombreros, toys...

The recipe for making Chiles en Nogada is very time-consuming and complicated. The list of ingredients is as long as your arm, and the labour-intensive cooking process takes two days. The walnuts have to be soaked overnight, before being made into the sauce. The chillies are stuffed with ground beef and pork, raisins, garlic, onion, peach, pear and almonds. The dish is served at room temperature, sprinkled lavishly with pomegranate seeds and decorated with parsley.

Both pomegranates and walnuts are in season in September, so this national dish is prepared from fresh ingredients. The extraordinary blend of flavours is rich and succulent, and many hotels and restaurants serve Chiles en Nogada as a patriotic seasonal special on their menus for the whole of September.

Agustin de Iturbide was the leader who fought the War of Independence, and later became Emperor of Mexico. As he was travelling to Mexico City, having signed the Treaty of Cordoba in Veracruz, he stopped in the town of Puebla, whose citizens held a feast to celebrate the Independence, and to honour his saint's day (The Feast of Saint Augustine of Hippo). The Augustinian nuns of the Santa Monica convent created a special dish using local seasonal ingredients, and invented what is now the national dish - Chiles en Nogada.

If you are lucky enough to be in Mexico in September, don't miss trying Chiles en Nogada. No matter where you are, in Mexico City, or any other part of Mexico, Independence Day is a major celebration, and the local version of the dish will be delicious, with its extraordinary and subtle combination of flavours, aromas and textures. A treat for the eye as well as a gastronomic delight.

How to Reduce Waste and Cost in The US Free-Food Stamp Program

By Lance Winslow

Currently, there are 44 million people on food stamps, which is quite excessive. Early indications and research indicate the fraud rate is about 35%. We also know that everything the Federal Government does, they spend about 45% of the social program expenditures on the administration of the program. Now then, I suppose there are NO Americans that are in the situation that Somalians are in right now, after all, you could always go through the trash at a local Kentucky Fried Chicken and prevent starvation.

Okay so, before you criticize that last comment consider the abundance in our society, and the incredible job that folks are doing in the communities with food bank programs, and the incredible donations from Walmart and miscellaneous local companies. Now then, you are asking; "What's my plan?" Yes, well, I always have one of those don't I, so let's talk about this.

First, we need to rate the "actual" needs on a scale of 1-10 of each recipient of food stamps, then we need to take those scores and put them onto a bell graph and knock out the least needy one-third. Basically, no more food stamps, second we need to keep a total of what's been given out, and let people know that it's a loan, that has to be paid back or it comes out of their social security benefits in the future, plus a low interest rate.

The reality is that Food Stamps are the epitome and standard case of "giving a man a fish, rather than doing what's prudent; teaching him to fish, and letting him take care of himself," but for some reason our socialist government assumes that people are weak, and thus, they are making them weaker by buying all of their food, rather than telling them to get a job.

Simultaneously, our government is making it almost impossible for small businesses to hire anyone due to employment regulations, withholding, health care insurance requirements, and let's not forget the outside influences of lawsuits, and labor unions which the government has favored over the small businesses risking their life savings and capital to start the company in the first place.

These social programs and free-food via food stamps are a case in point. We are making people weak, making America weak, and hurting our economic vitality while depleting our treasury. Indeed, I hope you will please consider how serious this issue really is and think on it.

Canning Butter in Your Kitchen

By Joseph Parish

No home storage is complete without the addition of an emergency supply of butter. Granted you can easily store your pound packages of this dairy product in your freezer however there are several disadvantages to this solution.

First this method of butter storages uses up valuable freezer space which could have been better utilized for other products, secondly, during emergency situations and the likelihood of electricity loss you risk losing all your butter supplies.

There are several ways you can accumulate your emergency butter supply. If you have unlimited funds at your disposal you could purchase the 12 oz cans of butter commercially for approximately $6.00 per can. However, if you are cost conscious as I am you are likely to make your own canned butter. The process is fairly simple and offers an attractive alternative from the high retail cost of ready-made products.

I would like at this time to caution my reads to the fact that the US Department of agriculture does not endorse home canning of butter and dairy products. With that said let me continue on to explain the entire process.

You can use any butter which you have access to. It does not have to be the most expensive versions but must be butter and not margarine. Watch either for grocery store sales or you can purchase a multi-pack of four pounds for a little over two dollars per pound at your local SAM's wholesale club. Keep clearly in mind that with the butter of lower quality you will be required to "shake" the jars more but the final results will be the same.

Start by heat your pint jars for 20 minutes at 250 degrees in your oven. Do not place the rings or seals in the oven with the jars. You will find that one pound of butter will yield slightly more than one pint of final canned product. You can use your roasting pan for easy removal of the jars from the oven.

While you are waiting for the jars to get sterilized you can start melting the butter slowly in a pot. Keep the temperature low enough that you bring the butter to a slow boil. Make certain to stir the bottom of your pot often in order to prevent the butter from burning. Finally reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for an additional 5 minutes. You could simmer it slightly longer if you so desire and it may reduce the amount of shaking at the end. Place your jar lids in another pot and bring the water to a rapid boil. Leave the lids in the water until you need them.

When you are ready to fill your jars begin by stirring the butter starting at the bottom of the pot and working your way towards the top. Use a small ladle and scoop up the butter placing it carefully in the prepared jars. Canning jar funnels are especially useful for this part of the procedure.

As with any canning process leave ¾ of an inch head space in each jar. This will aid in the upcoming shaking process.

Wipe off the rim of your jars and adjust a sterilized lid from the simmering water pot onto each jar. As the jars start to cool the lids will seal and you will hear the familiar "ping," sound. While the jars are still warm, but able to be safely handled, shake them every so often. You will notice that as they are cooling down the butter inside is separating. Continue shaking until you see a consistent texture in the jar.

With the jars still slightly warm place them in your refrigerator. As they start to cool continue to shake them every five minutes until the contents begin to emit the lovely glow of real butter at which time you should leave them in the refrigerator for an additional hour.

Your canned butter should store successfully for at least three to five years and possibly longer if stored in a cool, dark location. Since canned butter will not melt a second time once you open one there is no need to refrigerate the contents assuming it is consumed within a reasonable length of time.

By Joseph Parish Copyright @2011 Joseph Parish http://www.survival-training.info For more information relating to survival visit us at http://www.survival-training.info

Sun Safe Candy Ideas for a Warm Summer Day

By Jon D Baker

There's nothing that can replace the timeless appeal of a heaping ice cream cone or a refreshing Italian ice on a steaming summer day. You better eat them fast though, as they tend to melt in a hurry!

But if you are like everyone else out there, you don't always want a whole cone or water ice. Sometimes you just want to throw some pieces of candy in your bag and snack on them throughout the day.

Everybody who has tried this on a hot day, however, knows that it can turn into a mess in a hurry. With the sun beating down on you, those delicious pieces of candy can turn into a gooey mess.

Nobody wants to reach into their pocket expecting a tasty treat and only coming back out with sticky fingers. And with sun safe candy, you don't have to worry about that problem ever again! Their pieces of candy are specifically designed so that you won't encounter a melted gob of goo while searching for your snacks.

Everything under the Sun Mix

Remember when you were a kid how fun it was to take some cash and head out to the store to pick up some candy? Fifty cents could go a long way back then. Next thing you knew, you were out, cruising around town on your bicycle with a pocketful of candy to last you throughout the day.

Relive those fond childhood memories with the Everything under the Sun Mix. This assorted mix has all sorts of candy that includes Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, and Starbursts. The vivid array of colors is reminiscent of the entire spectrum of light. Enjoy a whole rainbow of possibilities packed into a convenient paint can style container.

Fruitylicious Sour Mix

When you think about it, fruit-flavored candies don't often taste much like the fruits that they mimic. Yet, at the same time, they are delicious in their own right. A real watermelon tastes nothing like a watermelon-flavored candy, but they are both fun and flavorful.

The Fruitylicious Sour Mix has all those great treats mixed into one fantastic batch. You can feast on Sour Patch Cherries, Sour Patch Apples and Sour Patch Watermelons at your leisure. Allow your taste buds the chance to burst off into the stratosphere!

Blackberry Cobbler Candy Corn - Paint Can

One of the best parts about the summer is the ability to get the very freshest fruits and vegetables at your local farmer's market or roadside stand. And when it comes to different berries, you can sometimes even find them yourself in the woods near your house!

There is nothing like a homemade slice of blackberry cobbler, especially when the person who cooked it went out and picked the berries themselves. This paint can full of delicious blackberry cobbler candy corn is a fantastic way to take that unforgettable flavor anywhere you want to go. It's a great treat for you and the kids around Halloween time too!

Sea Life Mix

When you first begin to search through the Sea Life Mix, you might find yourself becoming slowly more and more perplexed. For starters, you may find the ever-present Swedish Fish. That makes sense of course, because fish certainly live in the sea, especially around the coast of Sweden.

But as you dig, you might have to rack your zoological brain to make sense of things. Why are there Gummy Alligators in the sea life mix? Well they aren't actually alligators, but rather gummy saltwater crocodiles.

Moving on, you soon come across something that most people can't possibly justify: a mini gummy frog. Who has ever heard of a frog that swims in the sea?

Well, in fact, there is one. The Crab-eating Frog of Southeast Asia is actually the only modern amphibian that we know of that can handle being in salt water. They live in mangrove swamps and can spent short amounts of time in saltwater and extended periods of time in brackish water.

Not only will the Sea Life Mix taste delicious, but it is also a crash lesson in rare amphibians! Remember that fun fact while enjoying your Swedish Fish, gummy saltwater crocodiles and mini gummy frogs.

Bubble Gum - Paint Can

Gum is great for a lot of reasons. It makes your breath smell better, and it gives you something to do during a long and boring history class.

But Paint Can bubble gum has one extra exciting feature. Each individually wrapped piece of gum has a fun fact in it. You can find out the best way to get gum out of your hair (peanut butter) and many more interesting items of trivia.

Don't let your candy craving go unfulfilled because the sun turned your treats to mush. Enjoy some of these delicious sun safe candies today.

How to Make Breakfast in Bed For Mother's Day

By Richard Mongiovi

There just seems to be nothing more luxurious than eating breakfast in bed, and since mother is typically the one who prepares breakfast for the entire family, treating her to a special breakfast in bed for Mother's Day is an added pleasure. When you are ready to make your Mother feel like a queen, here are some simple instructions that will help you do it right. Planning is Important.

Anyone can just throw together something that is already in the refrigerator, but remember this breakfast is for your mother and she deserves a little extra effort. A few days in advance write out your menu and then pick up the ingredients that will be needed from your local grocers. Be sure to add a rose or two or her favorite flower to your list and take the time to make it look great in a small vase or finger bowl that is not top heavy.

Moms have favorite breakfast foods too, so be sure you know what hers are, but also remember that most women like a variety of different foods as well, so make your selections wisely when you are preparing your special meal.

Since breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, you will want to make sure your Mom has everything she needs to get her day started off right. That might be with pancakes or waffles drizzled in butter and syrup with a small bowl full of strawberries or blueberries to top it off with. Then again, it might be just as appreciated if you decide to prepare scones or biscuits for a taste tempting treat.

Just be sure that when you do make breakfast in bed for Mother's Day that you have a proper tray to serve it on. You would not want anything tumbling off the tray and making a mess that Mom would feel obligated to clean up. By the same token you might want to avoid anything that is drippy or extra crumbly which could lead to an uncomfortable condition for Mom while she is in bed or could stain the bedding.

Fruits are always good additions to any meal served in bed, but be sure they are peeled and cut up in bite sized portions for ease in eating.

Muffins are perfect staples for the breakfast meal and are easy to eat, but some people prefer having something a bit heartier as well. Scrambled or poached eggs are easy to make and always appreciated, especially when something sweet is added like a favorite jam or jelly to spread on toast of a good biscuit or scone or that blueberry muffin you selected.

Mothers are really not that hard to please; they appreciate any little bit of attention they can get to make them feel special. However, it is always a good idea to go the extra mile to make this special person feel like a queen with her own special and luxurious Mother's Day breakfast in bed.

Rick Mongiovi shares his recipe for blueberry muffin recipe and more breakfast recipes for muffins, biscuits, egg dishes, egg casseroles, and more on his site at Best-Made-Breakfast.com.

Sugar Free Candy Your Kids Will Love

By Jon D Baker

You kids love candy, but you don't like the dental bills that come with routine consumption of sugar. You also don't like the hyperactivity that can result from eating treats that are loaded with sugar. So you look for sugar free candy, keeping in mind that you need to choose treats that your kids will love. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of sugar choices online.

One of the candies that all kids love is a juicy, sweet gummy bear. But not many people realize that you can buy Gummy Bears that are sugar. You'll be a popular mom in the neighborhood when you keep these colorful little treats on hand. And you'll feel comfortable handing out portions to your children and their friends without any fear that cavities will ensue. Your kids will love eating and playing with these popular, classic sweets.

Sugar Free Chocolate Covered Rains are another option in candy that you'll feel good about handing out and that your kids will feel good eating. Plump and tangy raisins are covered in milk chocolate that has been created using a sugar recipe. These are delicious - and the raisins make them a healthy treat. After all, you're actually getting your kids to eat fruit when you serve these plump candies.

If you and your children love chocolate covered peanuts, you're in luck. Delicious Sugar Chocolate Covered Peanuts make a nutritious sweat treat. The peanuts - known for fiber and 'good' fat - are crunchy and delicious, while the milk chocolate coating is creamy and sweet. You'll find yourself digging into the containers again and again - munching, crunching, or simply allowing the chocolate to melt in your mouth. But you won't have to worry about consuming too much sugar when you eat these candies. After all, this treat - like many others - is sugar.

Malt balls are a childhood favorite for many people, and they are still popular today. Fortunately, anyone who needs to watch their sugar intake can imbibe freely of this treat when they purchase Malt Balls - Sugar Free. The malt balls are crumbly and give a satisfying crunch when your teeth break through the buttery layers of peanut butter and milk chocolate that cover them. Your sweet tooth will be satisfied without a grain of sugar passing over your lips when you munch on this classic treat.

Gumballs - Sugar are a long-lasting treat that your kids will love to chew for hours at a time. That makes them a perfect treat for the family on the go. There are no containers to carry around, with candies that can spill in the car or the playground. Instead, the treat is handily carried and enjoyed right in your child's mouth! And these gumballs come in a rainbow of colors, as well as a variety of flavors. Blue, purple, red, pink, white...there are even more colors to attract your children. Watch the kids when you put these out, however, because they'll be tempted to sample one of each. The ensuing gumball bubbles can be immense!

If your kids are older - or maybe you are in the mood for a piece of gum - consider loading up on some sugar free gum. These come in a variety of flavors that include chocolate, cinnamon, orange and peppermint - all sugar to keep your teeth healthy and your risk of diabetes low. Everyone in your family is sure to have a favorite in this selection. And when your supply runs low, you'll find an incredible variety of sugar gums available online so you can restock quickly and easily.

If you or your kids prefer mint chewing gum, you're in luck, because that flavor is readily available in sugar free options as well. Keep plenty of this minty fresh treat in the house. It's great for teeth, breath, and that sweets craving that almost all children - and some adults - seem to have, but you won't have to worry about cavities or sugar rushes. You'll be the champion parent on the block - with kids and parents alike - when you keep this delicious sugar free mint chewing gum on hand.

Sugar free candies come in a variety of containers that are almost as fun as the candies themselves. You can choose a clear paint can that allows you to see the candy inside it. Or you can order your sugar candies in a pink or blue striped lunch box. Penny candy jars or mini bins are two other choices. Any of these containers are cute and convenient for storing and dispensing the delicious sugar candies that you'll feel good about serving to your children. So order plenty of them and keep an eye out online for more health friendly sugar snacks that you and your kids will love.

Low Carb Organic Foods

By Shelly L Penca

Many people today are fond of carbohydrates, but it's worthwhile to know that there are some healthy, waist friendly low carb organic foods. We can use them to fulfill our calorie needs and as healthier options to daily meals. These foods are termed organic because they have few pests and can be widely grown without using chemical fertilizers. Plus, they are good for dieting people because they contain complex carbs and soluble fiber that prevent serious influxes of blood sugar and therefore prolong satiety.

Sweet potato, despite its name, is one of the best carbohydrate sources for people with obesity and diabetes. There are many varieties, but those with deep yellow, pink and green hues have exceptionally high nutritional value as they contain high amounts of beta carotene (which turns to vitamin A in the body), vitamin B and C. Each serving (one piece) of boiled sweet potato contains only 90-100 calories.

Similar to sweet potato is the African staple Yam. Like sweet potatoes, yams are low in calories and rich in complex carbohydrates. The healthiest and most popular variety is the purple colored, also known as 'water yam', winged yam and 'purple yam'. Common in Southeast Asia and available in whole or in powder, purple yam flour imparts deep tempting color and rich taste when used in cakes and even in ice cream without spiking blood sugar.

Jicama tuber is another organic, low-carb food item that is good for dieters. It has no known pest because its leaves and stalks contain rotenone, a natural insecticide. They have crispy, slightly sweet flesh that is good whether served raw and peeled with spicy dip, or stir-fried along with vegetables. It is composed mainly of complex carbohydrates, water and dietary fiber plus the probiotic nutrient Inulin which contributes to its sweetness. One cup of Jicama slices contains only 40-50 calories.

Pumpkins are good source of complex carbohydrates yet they contain only 84 calories per cup. They are certified organic because only few pests can penetrate its hard shell and the fruit can still grow even when many leaves and vines are removed. Pumpkins are especially rich in vitamin A. It is found to enhance regeneration of damaged insulin-producing cells in the pancreas caused by diabetes type-1 in lab studies. Mashed pumpkins can be added to home-baked bread and cakes to add unique sweetness and color.

Beans and Pulses are very nutritious, naturally organic and versatile fare that is low in carbs and high in protein. Most beans and pulses have few pests because they contain toxins that are destroyed when cooked. Beans and pulses are rich in dietary fiber (minimum of 9 grams per one cup), easily digested protein and foliate. Regular consumption of soluble fiber like beans and pulses can reduce mortality from coronary heart disease. In addition, beans and pulses paired with grain provide complete protein without too much calories which is useful for weight-loss diets.

For more ways to Discover Organic Lifestyle, Recipes & Health News visit http://healthfoodgeeks.com

Re-Canning Cheddar Cheese Sauce

By Joseph Parish

My wife and I frequently pick up the gallon size cans of cheddar cheese sauce from SAMs club for use on Nacho Chips or in Macaroni and cheese meals for my grandson. We see the idea of purchasing the sauce this way is both economical and cost-effective however it is usually more than what we can use within a reasonable amount of time. Often the product will be opened for use in a couple of meals and then go bad while sitting idly by in the refrigeration.

After considerable thought we feel that we have a solution to this problem. We decided that canning the remainder of the cheese for some future time would resolve this issue completely. I must make mention at this time that the procedure I am about to present is not recommended by the USDA nor is it mentioned in the Ball Blue Book of Canning. According to the USDA, it is considered potentially unsafe to can products of this nature. In fact they often discourage the canning of homemade dairy products completely. It will be up to you to make your own decision as to what risks you are willing to take in order to can cheese products.

The procedure I will describe is for the regular cheese sauce and not the nacho flavored sauce commonly sold. We have as yet not tried canning the Nacho Cheese. I will need to see the complete ingredient list in order to determine the safe pH levels involved with the product. You can use either pint jars or the 12 ounce Ball Jars frequently sold at most popular department stores such as Wal-Mart. The 12 ounce jars are taller however I believe that they conduct heat a bit better than their pint size cousins.

To begin the process take the gallon can of Cheddar cheese and then pour it into a large pot. Place the pot in the oven on the lowest setting until it is fluid like in consistency. Add it to the sterilized jars and adjust the lids accordingly leaving one half-inch head space in each container. Process the pints in a boiling water bath canner for at least 60 minutes.

These can readily be used for macaroni and cheese, placed on baked potatoes or even used to make scalloped potatoes. Isn't it time you prepared for those upcoming emergencies that we all see coming in our not to far future?

Joseph Parish Copyright @2011 Joseph Parish http://www.survival-training.info For more information relating to survival visit us at http://www.survival-training.info

Seafood Risotto: An Interesting History

By Smith Rodney

There is nothing better than sitting down for a fine meal and be served a large helping of seafood risotto. This Italian staple can be made with a variety of flavors and its smooth creaminess never fails to impress. The interesting thing about risotto is that it was never intended to be this delicious, the entire dish was supposed to be a joke.

Rice was brought to Italy and Spain by the Arabs in the fourteenth century and it was discovered that the climate was perfect for the growth of the gain. Soon rice became a main staple of the region and there were many wonderful recipes that followed.

In 1574 there was a glass craftsman that was creating stained glass for a church that was being built. There was some question as to the materials he was using and he was being teased. As a way to get back at these people for teasing him, he made a rice dish loaded with saffron, intending to make them all sick, instead they all found it very tasty and risotto was born.

Later Italian seafood was added and Italian seafood risotto was introduced to the world. Today risotto is made with a variety of different types of rice; Arborio, carnaroli, padano, and vialone nano. These are short grain rice that has the high starch content needed to create seafood risotto.

To make a risotto you first sauté the rice with onions, garlic, butter and olive oil, then over a low heat you add white wine to the rice and allow the rice to absorb the liquid. Next very hot seafood stock is added in small amount and the heat is raised. Risotto must be constantly stirred at this point in order to release all the starch from the rice, once a creamy consistency is reached, the risotto is taken from the heat and cold butter is added in order to improve the creaminess.

For other forms of risotto grated cheese would be added, but in Italian cooking seafood and cheese are never mixed, so for risotto you add no cheese. Your risotto needs to be eaten while it is hot because as it cools the starch causes it to clump together. Also you need to cook your seafood risotto until it is just liquid enough to spread out on a plate, but is has no extra liquid.

Whether you decide to make your own risotto or head out to your favorite dining experience there is nothing that can touch the taste of the perfect risotto. The creamy rice and wonderful flavor is always the perfect beginning to the perfect meal.

Seafood risotto is considered one of the staples of Italian cooking, but do not hesitate to try other flavors, you know that a risotto is going to make your pallet happy.

Rodney is a seafood risotto lover who has always loved talking about it. Check out my blog about Seafood Risotto for amazing seafood risotto recipes. http://www.seafoodrisottorecipes.com

Don't Be Unclear, The Mexican Diet Is Indeed Mixed

By George Ramirez

Common misunderstanding may dictate that Mexican cookery is tainted by the fast food lifestyle associated with many restaurants in the United States. Most of those skillfully promoted food brands can be rather predictable and if you've only paid the odd visit here and there you may have an inaccurate perspective of Mexican cuisine and be unaware of its diversity. If you were to pay a visit to the country itself and see how the locals eat, then you would realize that they have a assorted diet indeed. They don't focus on basics but make sure that they have a choice of meats, fish, fruits and vegetables, well-established in their daily diets.

You may be aware that Mexico has a hotter than average climate and the landscape is rugged and quite mountainous. Due to the climate there they are able to grow, naturally, a great variety of food and, generally speaking, the locals make sure that they harvest the fruits and vegetables when they are ripened to perfection. It's out of the ordinary for them to use any ingredients that are older than just a couple of days and very little pesticides are used. The types of fruits and vegetables that grow changes with the seasons, providing a perfect variety of fresh produce all year round.

To say that Mexico is adjacent to the United States, the general choice of dishes is indeed varied. The country may as well be at the the other side of the world when you compare the average Mexican diet to the typical US diet. This is a result of a melding of cuisines through civilizations between the native Mexicans, the Aztecs and the Spanish settlers. It is because of this history that we now have such a diverse range of recipes, using ingredients that have gradually been gathered through the civilizations. As time passed by, traditional Mexican recipes were infused with a range of different spices and other ingredients, to eventually produce the recipes which we all know and love today.

Authentic Mexican cuisine is a world away from the fast food that is passed off as Mexican in a typical American snack bar. We can trace the roots of these foods back to the 16th century and as the Mayan and Aztec cultures blended and developed with significant Spanish influence, the choice of foods advanced correspondingly to meet the requirements of the people.

One other thing you may have observed if you've been to Mexico recently is the genuine warmth of the people and their propensity to have a really good time, especially when they're dining together. Mexicans always like to celebrate and they make an event of every chance to get together and feast. While they may be renowned for drinking alcohol and a great selection of popular drinks have appeared from this vibrant country, if you sit down and look into all the possibilities when trying to come up with dinner ideas you will be truly amazed at the healthy options available to you.

George Ramirez is recognized for his excellent cooking ability and endless enthusiasm for essential Mexican recipes. If you'd like to find out more about the pleasure of bringing people together with delectable food, a fantastic collection of authentic Mexican recipes can be found at => http://www.essentialmexicanrecipes.com/