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Sprout Baby Foods

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Introducing healthy organic fruit or vegetable purees and more complex foods to babies and toddlers just became a breeze with Sprout Baby Foods! “Mom” loves that each simple puree or food combination is available in a convenient eco-friendly pouch for families on-the-go. Toddlers love how independent they can be when eating successfully from the pouch, and parents love that their busy little one is eating a nutritious meal or snack. We are big fans of “squeeze packs” as “Mom’s” daughter calls them around here. Each wholesome pouch can be tucked away into a diaper bag or purse for a healthy, organic snack while out and about with your children.

Not just fruit or vegetable purees, Sprout Foods offers chef-created dishes to their line, including single ingredient purees in Stage 1 (the youngest age group), combination purees in Stage 2, more complex recipes that feature multiple flavors and textures in Stage 3, plus more meals for toddlers. They are also adding to its line of snacks new Superfruit flavors – acai, raspberry, blueberry and blackberry – to complement the meals.

Pouches are available in the following:

•Veggie-only blends
•Veggie & grain blends
•Fruit blends
•Fruit & veggie blends
•Fruit & grain blends

“Mom” loves the flavors that are antioxidant-rich, including Acai Berry Superfruit, Peach, Berry, Oatmea & Quinoa, and Apple & Blueberry!

Plus, little ones can enjoy holiday-inspired flavors, as well, including Peach Pumpkin Pie, Holiday Vegetable Dinner, Peach Pumpkin Pie with Graham and Holiday Vegetables with Roasted Turkey!

For a complete listing of the extensive organic pouches available, visit SproutBabyFood.com. The foods can be found online, as well as grocery stores nationwide.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

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In Mom’s Kitchen: Funny Face® Dried Cranberries

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Pack some FUN in your child’s lunchbox this coming Fall! Funny Face® Dried Cranberries make eating a serving of antioxidant rich dried fruits exciting, with four kid-pleasing flavors to select from, including Rootin Tootin Raspberry (“Mom’s” favorite!), Goofy Grape, Freckle Face Strawberry, and Choo Choo Cherry.

In addition to being rich in proanthocyanidins Type A, nature’s most powerful antioxidant, Funny Face® Dried Cranberries are all-natural, Kosher and gluten-free. “Mom” loves that the Funny Face packaging is recyclable, too!

Per 1/3 cup serving, Funny Face® Dried Cranberries contain 100 calories, and pack well for not only school lunches, but families on-the-go, from after school sports to weekend hiking trips.

To learn more about Funny Face® Dried Cranberries, or to locate a store near you, visit funnyfacecranberries.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

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Cucumber Tomato Punch

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Particularly good for pregnant women, this vegetable and fresh herb-infused punch tastes nothing like your canned vegetable juice at the grocery store!

Cucumber Tomato Punch

Ingredients

5 heirloom cherry tomatoes (antioxidant, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K – good for the heart)
5 slices of organic cucumber (Vitamin A, C & Folic acid)
5 slices of celery
1.5 oz lemon juice (Vitamin C)
1.5 oz black peppercorn infused simple syrup * (anti-inflammatory agent)
2-3 sprigs of herbs such as dill, cilantro, oregano or basil

Preparation

Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Top with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into chilled cocktail (or “mocktail”) glass.

*Recipe and image courtesy of Kim Haasarud, liquid chef, founder of Liquid Architecture, and author of 101 Mojitos & Other Muddled Drinks.*

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Black & Blue Muddle

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Sparkling water & spearmint leaves top this antioxidant-rich drink that is refreshing and delightful in the heat of the summer!

Black & Blue Muddle

Ingredients

1.5 oz lime juice (Vitamin C)
1.5 oz agave nectar (sugar substitute, lower glycemic index than granulated white sugar)
4 blackberries + 10 blueberries (both high in antioxidants)
10 spearmint leaves (oral hygiene, aids in digestion, remedy for nausea)
Splash of sparkling mineral water

Preparation

Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Top with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into chilled cocktail (“mocktail”) glass.

*Recipe and image courtesy of Kim Haasarud, liquid chef and founder of Liquid Architecture, and author of 101 Mojitos & Other Muddled Drinks.*

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Zuke’s Superfood Organic Dog Biscuits

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Who says superfoods are only for humans? Let your beloved family pet reap the benefits of antioxidants, greens, and Omega-3’s with Zuke’s Superfood Organic Dog Biscuits! Available in 3 nutrient-dense varieties, Zuke’s offers your pet the following tasty, healthy options: Mean Greenz™, Health Nutz™, and Very Berryz™. The entire line of all-natural, healthy treats are made in the USA and do not contain fillers, additives, corn, soy or wheat.

Very Berryz™: exploding with the free-radical scavenging powers of antioxidant-rich buleberries, cranberries and raspberries.

Mean Greenz™: a mighty mix of healthy, vitamin-packed greens like spinach, green beans and broccoli. Gives dogs all the benefits of a balanced, whole-food diet … easier than getting your kids to eat their veggies.

Health Nutz™: loaded with protein-packed peanuts to support strong muscles and omega-3-rich almonds to support strong joints and a healthy coat.

Now, “Mom” did not actually put these nutritious treats to the taste test herself, but her cocker spaniel adores the Health Nutz™ variety, which is packed with peanuts and Omega-3 rich almonds.

In addition, each package of Zuke’s Superfood Organic Dog Biscuits are packaged in 100% recycled paperboard and are manufactured by 100% wind energy. For more information about Zuke’s entire line of pet products, visit www.zukes.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this review.*

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Navitas Naturals Maqui Berry Powder

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Navitas Naturals offers antioxidants at their best, in nutrient-rich organic superfoods in powder form, seeds, or berries. For an easy addition to foods that provides you with optimal health benefits, Navitas Naturals is an excellent choice. The newest addition to their line? Navitas Naturals Organic Freeze-Dried Maqui Berry Powder!

Why Maqui Berry Powder? The latest powerhouse to emerge from the rainforests of South America, maqui leaves and fruits have been used in traditional native herbal medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments. ORAC assessments of the maqui berry by the most reputable ORAC labs have indicated that it contains more antioxidants than any other berry! In addition, Maqui also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit people affected by arthritis and other inflammation ailments.

Navitas Naturals Maqui Berry Powder is freeze-dried, raw, kosher, gluten-free, vegan, and 100% organic. This Patagonian Superfruit also boasts Vitamin C and dietary fiber, as well! To learn more about its’ benefits, visit NavitasNaturals.com.

“Mom” made a quick salad using one of Navitas Naturals’ recipes sent along with the Goji Berries and Maqui Powder. Simple and easy to whip up, this unique salad is brimming with antioxidant power!

Goji Greens

Ingredients

1 pound mixed greens and/or spinach

½ cup Navitas Naturals Goji Berries

1 apple

1 cup walnuts

½ cup goat or bleu cheese

Preparation

Thinly slice the apple and add all ingredients together. Works well with an oil and balsamic vinegar or creamy dressing. You can use Navitas Naturals cashews in place of the walnuts.

Additional recipes can be found here: www.navitasnaturals.com/recipes.

About Navitas Naturals

Nutrient-rich whole foods are at their best when they are produced via organic agriculture and minimal processing methods. That is why all Navitas Naturals products are certified organic, and use methods such as freeze-drying to ensure maximum nutrition. Food safety is very important to Navitas Naturals, which is demonstrated by the rigorous third-party testing of their superfoods. Since 2003, Navitas Naturals has been committed to socially responsible business. Their direct purchasing partnerships create and expand fair trade opportunities for farming communities in developing regions around the world. In addition to maqui, Navitas Naturals offers a vast selection of organic superfoods such as raw cacao, hemp seeds, acai, maca, camu, pomegranate, chia seeds, and goji berries.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this review.*

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Black Bean Sweet Potato Enchiladas

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Filling and bursting with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, these hearty enchiladas courtesy of Inspired RD contain no meat!

Black Bean Sweet Potato Enchiladas

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes

2 T. olive oil

2 cloves garlic

2 roasted green chiles (or two 4 oz. cans chopped green chiles)

2 cans black beans, rinsed

3 large tomatoes (or two 14 oz. cans diced tomatoes)

2 T. chili powder

Salt & pepper

4 C. salsa

16 large tortillas

1/2 red onion

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Peel your sweet potatoes, and chop them into 1-inch chunks. Spread them out on ungreased cookie sheets in a single layer. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through. Meanwhile, prepare the rest of the ingredients.

For the beginner cooks out there, a quick how-to on prepping garlic. Take your knife, lay it on its side on top of the garlic clove, and press down with your hand smashing the garlic. The outside will now peel right off. Chop up your garlic, red onion, green chiles and tomatoes. Tip: when peeling and chopping a lot of vegetables, have a garbage bowl a la Rachael Ray handy. Makes clean-up much easier!

After 20 minutes, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and reduce the temperature to 350 degrees.

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, add the garlic and green chiles and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the black beans, tomatoes, chili powder, salt and pepper. Stir in the roasted sweet potatoes and let everything cook together for about 5 minutes.

While the filling is on the stove, prepare two 9×13 glass dishes by spraying lightly with olive oil spray, and coating the bottom with a light layer of salsa.

Grab your tortillas. Place a spoonful of filling into the middle of each tortilla, roll it up and place it seam-side down in your dish. Repeat until there are eight enchiladas per pan.

Spoon any extra filling over the top. Add 1 cup salsa and half of the chopped red onion to the top of each dish.

Bake the enchiladas for 20 minutes. (Put one in the oven and one in the freezer)

Serve and enjoy!

*Recipe and image courtesy of Inspired RD.*

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Bai5 Low-Calorie Antioxidant Infusion

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Were you aware that the fruit of the coffee bean contains powerful antioxidants? Well, the secret is out! Harnessing the power of this superfruit is Bai5, a delightful, refreshing beverage made with natural fruit flavors and lightly sweetened with organic Stevia. Containing only 5 calories & 70mg of natural caffeine, Bai5 quenches your thirst and peps you up – naturally! Plus, the coffeefruit extract in Bai drinks provides more than 40 times the benefit of acai per gram and more than 50 times the benefit of pomegranate. Not to mention, Bai drinks are extremely tasty! No artificial flavor or overly sweet taste – just light and delicious.

Bai5 is available in 4 yummy flavors, including Congo Pear, Costa Rica Clementine, Sumatra Dragonfruit, and Panama Peach. Each one tastes just as good, if not better, than they sound!

Each bottle costs a reasonable $2.19, and to locate a store near you, or to purchase online, visit DrinkBai.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this review.*

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Green Tea and White Chocolate Pot de Crème

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The addition of green tea powder in these creamy desserts gives them a rich and healthy twist. The antioxidant qualities of green tea are well known, but most of us are accustomed to just drinking the tea. Using it in desserts is a delicious way to enjoy the healing benefits of green tea! Always use organic ingredients whenever possible. Happy Eating!

Green Tea and White Chocolate Pot de Crème

Ingredients

10.5 Ounces (3 bars) white chocolate (Chef Kate uses Green & Black’s Organic, or use your favorite)

½ Cup cream (“Mom” prefers organic)

1 1/2 Cups half and half (“Mom” prefers organic)

1 to 2 Tablespoons Green Tea powder (or more to taste)

1/3 Cup Sugar

8 Egg yolks

1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

2 Tablespoons Cointreau (optional)

1 Tablespoon candied ginger (finely chopped and a little reserved for garnish)

A pinch of salt

Sweetened whipped cream with a little green tea powder (for serving)

Mint leaves (for garnish)

Sliced pears (optional for serving)

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place 4 to 6 ramekins (you can also use custard cups or oven proof tea cups) in a roasting pan, spray with non stick spray, and set aside. Put the green tea powder into a medium large saucepan and stir in the cream and half and half, then add the sugar and cook over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the green tea and sugar have dissolved.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the white chocolate. Stir until the white chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and Cointreau, if using.

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks lightly to blend. Slowly whisk them into the white chocolate mixture until blended well. Strain the mixture into a large pitcher and divide evenly between the ramekins. Place them in the roasting pan, put them in the oven and pour enough boiling water in the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. (It is easier and safer to pour in the water once the roasting pan is already in the oven.) Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the custard is just set and a knife inserted into the custard comes out clean. (The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your ramekins.) Remove the ramekins from the roasting pan carefully and allow to cool. Place on a baking sheet and chill completely. Decorate with whipped cream, candied ginger, a sprig of mint and sliced pears. Enjoy!

*Recipe provided by Chef Kate Mc Aloon, of www.chefkatealiveandcooking.com. Check out her website and the Kora Organics Blog (under Chef Kate) for more healthy organic recipes and articles.

Image By: Peter Turner www.magiclanternpaperproducts.com.*

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Goji Gourmet

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Tiny little-bitty bites of YUM – these heavenly cookies are absolutely divine! Goji Gourmet has created bite-size, delectable cookies to tempt your taste buds, all while packing an antioxidant punch! Goji Gourmet offers 5 unique flavors, including Goji Almond Oat, Goji Cherry Cacao, Goji Chocolate Chip, Goji Ginger Walnut, and Goji Orange MintChip. “Mom’s” favorite? The Goji Chocolate Chip! There is something for everyone, and these small, healthy nibbles are perfect for tucking in lunch boxes, backpacks, gym bags, and more.

What makes Goji Gourmet cookies stand out on the shelf? Besides being super-soft and chewy, these all-natural, low-calorie cookies contain no preservatives or refined sugar, are high in antioxidants and are infused with Superfoods. Plus, they are made with mostly organic ingedients. This is one cookie that you an actually feel good about eating!

To learn more about the benefits of the Goji Berry, to locate a retailer near you, or to order the cookies online, please visit www.gojigourmet.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this review.*

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