Fancy Foods from Utah: Prepare your Tastebuds

A short week ago, 1,300 exhibitors arrived in San Francisco, California to represent more than 80,000 specialty food products during the 37th Winter Fancy Food Show. The show featured some of the world’s finest foods and beverages, and some of Utah’s Greatest Specialty Foods.

While all companies who participated found valuable contacts, and appreciative customers, those representing Utah proved to provide not only quality products bursting with flavor, but business stories as unique as their product.

 Beehive Cheese and Creminelli Fine Meats:

These food companies may be less than 10 years old, but their fame is spreading nationally and globally. Beehive Cheese has won various awards for their creamy, flavorful product, including first place at the American Cheese Society for four consecutive years. Combine their cheese with Creminelli’s Artisan Salamis, and you are guaranteed to understand fancy foods. Consider this opinion written by Utah Food Enthusiast. So, quit buying hot dogs and mozzarella sticks, and add Beehive Cheese and Creminelli to your next party shopping list.

If you’re not quite sure how to prepare salami, enjoy this short how to video from Cristiano, the owner of Creminelli:




Slide Ridge Honey:

Martin James, owner of Slidge Ridge Honey, was fascinated with honey and beekeeping as an 8-year-old boy. His passion led him to create one of the most popular new products featured at Fancy Foods this year: Honey Wine Vinegar. A writer from the San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “we could slurp their terrific honey wine vinegar by the spoonful.”

Fans from the annual Taste of Utah event held at the state fair last September had the following to say about the new product:

I took one taste and my mind instantly starting whirling through new recipe ideas. The Honey Wine Vinegar would be the perfect topping.

“[Slide Ridge Honey Wine Vinegar was] probably our favorite discovery. This vinegar is like nothing else that you have ever tasted. I cannot wait to get my hands on some so I can go crazy with it!”

Try this fancy food on your favorite sandwich, salad, or even on top of ice cream.

Lucky Spoon Bakery:

Who says those with gluten-intolerance cannot enjoy fancy foods? A rising Utah company, formed because a wife wanted to make great baked goods for her husband, Lucky Spoon Bakery specializes in gluten free cookies and muffins. The soft, chewy cookies even pleased a New Product Panel Reviewer of the National Association of Specialty Food Trade who said, “Best gluten-free cookie I have tasted! Nice and moist.” Lucky Spoon cookies and muffins can be found at your local Whole Foods and Harmons.

Others:

Other fine companies is attendance included Utah’s well know Real Salt and the more than 100-year-old-candy-company, Sweet’s, as well as, Kara Chocolates, Dynamic Confections, ProBar, Plentiful Pantry and Taffy Town. For those looking for a nibble of Utah fruit, Pepperlane and Cornaby’s delivered flavor with through fresh jams and preserves, while Central Milling Company provided the perfect slice of bread to eat it with; and just in case one missed breakfast, Baker Mills, known for their Kodiak flapjacks and waffles, sampled their various products along with their fresh natural syrups.

You don’t have to go to San Francisco to enjoy fabulous foods. Even City Weekly’s weekend article agrees. Consider hosting your own personal fancy foods show for your friends and neighbors. Treat your taste buds to rich lasting flavor. Simply follow the guidelines of Fancy Food found in the dictionary:

fancy: made, designed, grown, adapted, etc., to please the taste or fancy 

food: any nourishing substance that is eaten, drunk, or otherwise taken into the body to sustain life, provide energy, promote growth, etc.

Bon Appetite!

Jump Start your Health without Sacrificing Flavor

Hail the month the radio and television advertisements becoming a pseudo Dr. Health, promising quick weight loss, beautiful waistlines and tight buns.

Sure, the loss of a few pounds wouldn’t hurt anyone, especially in a nation that has more than 30 percent of its population in the “obese” category. Yet, more often than not, one will find a plethora of empty challenges, exhortations and plain hell-fire-to-damnation speeches this month with absolutely no education on the one variable that controls all weight loss: FOOD.

Of course, real food is not to be confused with the stale rice cakes you bought at the national brand store yesterday, or the pre-packaged processed meal that promises to be low-fat, low-carb, low-sodium and probably low-quality? Such goods are most likely to put one on the fast-track to weight loss failure.

Instead, take Bob Harmon’s advice:

“Make eating an experience, not just a habit.”

Consider some of these Utah’s Own Products that will jump start your good health habits without sacrificing quality or taste:

Apple Beer Five

Apple Beer Five:

Too many adults rely on heavily caffeinated drinks to make it through the afternoon. While many have switched to the diet drink, with some type of caffeine, there is a better option: Apple Beer Five, the all natural, non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic drink. This beverage gives you a crisp taste, and healthy energy. It’s infused with ginseng and acai to give you that extra pick-me-up you crave at 2 p.m. Better yet, Apple Beer Five was developed by a local Utah family in Holladay.


You can find it at most Associated Foods stores in the special beverage section, or online at applebeer.com.

Butchers Bunches

Butchers Bunches Handcrafted Preserves:

What if you could have a burst of flavor and sweetness without the added sugar? Butchers Bunches makes a fabulous fruit preserve, with unique and scrumptious flavors that are sure to please any critic. You can eat her low-calorie, healthy preserve with some wholesome cheese, bread or by the spoonful. Surprise your kids by adding it to their traditional PB & J.


You can find Butchers Bunches at Harmons or online at butchersbunches.com

Miller Honey

Honey:

Forget the artificial sweeteners and heavy sugars, there’s a reason our state has the honey bee on its flag. While honey is about the same as sugar, in calorie comparison, its sweeter, so most people use less.

Plus, honey provides a healthy instant energy for competitive athletes. Take a bit of honey on a long run or bike ride to rejuvenate your muscles. Here’s an article from Miller Honey that gives you the facts. Utah is blessed with multiple honey companies.


Try Miller, Cox Honeyland or Slide Ridge. You can find most of these brands at Associated Food Stores, some national brand stores and online.

Lower Foods Sliced Deli Meat

Lean, Natural Meats:

Forget the protein bar, eat the good stuff. Meat provides the body with adequate protein, iron, calcium, enzymes, vitamin B12 and amino acids. Better yet, Utah has many natural meats available with companies like Utah Natural Meat, Canyon Meadows Ranch and Morgan Valley Lamb. These companies do a great job serving customers online and through delivery. Morgan Valley Lamb sells at Harmons as well.


In addition, Lower Foods makes great roasts and lean meats you can have sliced in the grocery store. Try their Birch Berry brand at Associated Foods or the Utah Territory brand at Harmons.

Lehi Roller Mills

Lehi Rollers Mills Heart Healthy Pancake and Muffins: 

Don’t write carbohydrates off entirely, at least not until you try the hearty mixes from Lehi Roller Mills. These special mixes generally have less calories and carbohydrates than traditional mixes. Plus, the product still tastes great. Try topping the hearty muffins with some Butchers Bunches Preserves or some Miller Honey. 

You can find Lehi Roller Mills mixes at most Associated Food Stores.

Seal Sama Teriyaki Sauces

Seal Sama:

Add some of Peggi Whiting secret teriyaki sauces to your rice and chicken for a burst of tangy flavor. Peggi’s product was made with America’s unique dietary needs in mind. She offers great tasting sauces that are low-sodium, gluten free and sugar free.

You can find Seal Sama Teriyaki Sauces at most Associated Food Stores.

Condies Fresh Salsa

Salsa:

Enjoy the snack that contains fruits and vegetables. It makes a great substitution for salad dressings as well. Try Condies Mango salsa, Rico’s Roasted Salsa or the unique fresh flavors made by Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet. And if you’re looking for a tasty chip, to eat in moderation with your yummy salsa, try the unique Buffalo Chips of Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet, or Don Julio Tortilla Chips.


You can find Condies at most Reams stores, Ricos at associated food stores, and Lauries at most Harmons and Whole Foods; or try finding all three online.

Don’t sacrifice your taste buds or dollar this month with the crazy rice cake eaters. Do yourself and fellow Utah business owners a favor, buy healthy Utah products. For a complete list of Utah's Own Products, please visit the directory.

Happy Eating!

Utah's Own Holiday Market

Twas two weeks before Christmas and all through the state,
The citizens were stirring, and looking for fate
Yet the corporate stores bustling and full to the brim
Bring on impatience, fatigue and stress to your chin

Yet hiding from supers, megas and malls,
Dwells a small market within local walls.
Found on the corner of North Temple, in the fair park,
The Utah's Own Store will bring great remark.

So come one, come all, and make your holiday shopping bright
And browse the honey, candies, and gifts that promise delight
Keep it here at home, and give the gift of Utah's Own,
And please, please, let the markets' whereabouts be known.

Wishing you a Happy Holidays from the Utah's Own Team!

Please enjoy the slideshow of some of the products currently sold at the Utah's Own Holiday Market,
Dec. 8-10, 15-17, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Utah State Fair Park.

Give a Gift of Utah's Own

passing along this great idea - not sure who wrote the original email.


Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine
concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.

Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or movie at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy, paper delivery person or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

Remember our citizens serving in the military. Those families need you. Besides saying "Thank You" there are hundreds of ways to express your graditude and appreciation.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations,
and TV news departments.

This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Local Soup for a Rainy, Snowy Day

When the white stuff starting falling from the sky this morning, I officially declared it opening day of soup season. Sure, I have enjoyed butternut squash and veggie soup varieties as part of my fall festivities, but today I wanted something different. The “oh-my-heavens-I-feel-like-I’m-sitting-at-my-grandmother’s-table feeling.”

Enter: Broccoli Cheese Soup, the creamy delightful goodness that warms you from the inside out. Plus, beyond the taste, it gives you the bonus feeling of supporting local vegetable producers and dairymen. It makes the perfect lunch or party soup. You'll find the recipe below as well as the live action shot I took right before diving it. (Thank you Heather King for teaching me every meal is a photo shoot).

Utah's Own Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

1/2 C Chopped Onion (dug up from my parents garden)
2.5 C Chicken Broth
2.5 C Zoe’s Garden Broccoli (delivered from a local CSA)
1/2 lb Cheddar Cheese (Banquet or Gossner)
2 T Cornstarch
5 oz Evaporated Milk

Preparation:
1. Cook the chopped onion in the broth until its transparent
2. Add the broccoli, cover and cook until soft
3. Add the cheese, stirring until it melts into soup
4. Thicken the soup by adding cornstarch
5. Add the evaporated milk

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4 people



I hope you’ll add this recipe to your personal favorites. Consider how you can make your recipes more local by substituting common national brands, for quality Utah's Own products. Check out utahsown.org for a listing of Utah's Own products. 

Happy Soup Season to All! Bon appetit!

Is Your Dollar "Green" ?

I began my morning like this:

After a casual conversation with a colleague yesterday, I realized he grew my and one America's favorite apple varieties: Honey Crisps. A verbal agreement was made, and by 8:30 a.m. this morning I had 10 lbs of fresh, Utah grown apples sitting at my office door.

My mid-morning consisted of touring the "People's Garden" located at Farm Country Thanksgiving Point. Here are some interesting signs I read:

My morning ended with touring the Junior Master Gardeners programs at Thanksgiving point. They were courtesy enough to send me home with fresh basil and tomatoes from their pizza garden, carrots and even a cantaloupe. I. was. in. heaven.

















With all the creations of food I had seen this morning, I had to add my own.  The subjects of my photo were all grown within 30 miles of the Utah Department of Agriculture Food, the most urbanized area of Utah. The photo's title, you ask? The title of my blog post of course:

Is YOUR dollar Green?!

Take a moment to consider the miracle of our food supply. Everything above came off a tree, or the ground this morning (except for the money, of course)! There are no stamps in the passports of this produce. Its 100 percent Utah Grown. A result of hard working families and students putting their energy to good use.

So, readers, let's be honest with ourselves. We spent countless hours telling our neighbors how important it is to "buy local." We may even sport a cute little recyclable Harmon's or Whole Foods Shopping Bag as we rush from errand to errand; and yes, we may even show up to a community garden party. Yet, in all our efforts to "go green" with conserved energy, environmentally safe containers and cleaners, are we forgetting the one thing that is truly sustainable: the investment of a dollar?

Consider this phrase said by Steve DeJohn of Lehi Roller Mills:

"As consumers make their decision in the local grocery store or local restaurant, they are voting with their dollar, if a local company stays in business or goes out of business "

Applied to local Utah agriculture, how have you been casting your vote?

Your thoughts will reveal the true color of your dollar.

I hope its green.

Ultimate Recipe Roundup State Fair Winners

Our search has ended. After covering the entire Wasatch Front, from Clinton to Spanish Fork, eight top contestants were chosen to compete for a 7-day cooking cruise at the Utah State Fair:



The entries varied from a luscious lasagna to chicken and dumplings to sweet pies, bakes and cakes. Each dish included at least 8 Utah's Own products! Feel free to browse other blog posts from each round to try their recipes:

Round One ~ Round Two ~ Round Three ~ Round Four ~ Round Five ~ Round Six ~ Round Seven ~ Round Eight

Our third place winner is receiving our diligence award. From the beginning Shauna wowed the judges with her summer peach pie and ice cream recipe. After receiving second and third place at different rounds, Shauna perfected her recipe by making a small crust from scratch, using Lehi Roller Mills Flour, Meadow Gold Butter and Augason Farms sugar.

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The second place winner impressed the judges with her "Not Your Mom's Lasagna" recipe. She made her own noodles, marinara, garlic basil alfredo and ricotta, as well as included some of the best fresh produce from Utah Farms like Parker Produce, Vineyard Gardens, Roberts Farms and Scott Family Farms.

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Yet, the champion of all recipes was awarded to Carmel Childs. You'll find a picture of her Utah Truffle Crepe Cake next to "divine" and "heavenly" in the dictionary. Her recipe included 23 different Utah's Own products from Nutty Guys, to Utah Truffles to Cornaby's Fresh Raspberries. Packed with Utah quality flavor, the crepe cake melted in your mouth and left you begging for more.

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As the sun goes down on the summer season, the Utah's Own Team would like to thank all our contestants for making the second annual Ultimate Recipe Roundup a success. We consider all of you to be our friends and heroes.

See you next year!

Ultimate Recipe Roundup Winners, Round Eight

Our final qualifying Round of the Ultimate Recipe Roundup Contest was a success. Eleven contestants brought their best Utah's Own recipe. The dishes varied from savory Italian lasagna and ravioli to sweet coconut pies, mousse and cakes.




Our winner, Crystal Allen, impressed the judges with her "Not Your Mom's Lasagna." She made her noodles, marinara and ricotta from scratch!





The second place winner, Stacey Ferguson, packed her dish full of local flavor. Her three cheese mushroom ravioli used two types of Beehive Cheese, Creminelli's Prosciutto and produce from Ferguson Farms.



Our third place winner was Henry Hernadez. You may recognize his chocolate mousse from other rounds. His flavorful recipe included Amano Chocolate, Cornaby's fresh raspberries and Meadow Gold Whipping Cream.



The Utah's Own Team would like to give A big THANK YOU to all our contestants.

See you at the State Fair!

#tasteut: redefining the quality of "free sample"

Join Utah’s Own in celebration of more than 50 locally grown, processed and manufactured products, Sept. 13, noon to 8 p.m., in the Specialty Events Tent at the Utah State Fair.

Visitors will be free to roam the tent, and sample a variety of local meats, cheeses, breads, beverages, sweets and more.

Exhibitors from Utah’s Own will vary from popular artisan foods, such as Utah Natural Meats, Heber Valley Cheeses, and Butchers Bunches Jams, to grocery store favorites like Meadow Gold, Creamies, and Sweets Candy.

In addition, the event will offer a gluten free section full of sweets, breads and crackers. Other unique exhibitors will sample handmade soaps.

This feast of local food is included with the purchase of a one day pass.

Check back here next week for sneak-previews of our fabulous exhibitors!

Ultimate Recipe Roundup Winners, Round Seven

Seven rhymes with "heaven" and no adjective could be more descriptive of the 14 recipes that competed at Dick's Market in Bountiful last Saturday.



The 14 contestants made a variety of dishes from homemade cakes, bundts and trifles, to savory salsas, meats and sandwiches. Our winning recipes each featured more than 20 Utah's Own products!

The winning recipe, a fresh carrot cake with honey-peach pie frozen yogurt, was prepared by Josh Talley. His recipe defined "homemade" with his own fresh, cream-cheese frosting, caramel sauce, and vanilla sauce. Josh had to start preparing his recipe the Wednesday before, in order for it to be ready! Overall, Josh used 29 Utah's Own products, including his serving plate (from Club Mud).


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Our second place winner, Virgina Bobzin, combined the sweet flavors of chocolate, strawberry and toffee to create a heavenly trifle. The recipe was made with Meadow Gold and Winder Dairy products, as well as Cumming Studio Toffee and white chocolate.


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Our third place winner, Lindsey Smith, charmed the judges with her Beehive Bundt. Not only was it full of Utah's Own products, but it also represented Utah's history.

This paragraph was included in her recipe:

"When the Mormon pioneers first came to Utah, they named the area The State of Deseret. Deseret means 'honey bee.' The settlers arrived in Utah with bees and valued traits of the honeybee, such as self-reliance, industry and teamwork. In 1874, the beehive was adopted as the official emblem of the area, and is now the centerpiece of the Utah State Seal and the Utah State Flag. When eating the Beehive Bundt, one cannot help but reflect on Utah's rich history, and celebrate the bounty that Utah's Own has to offer."

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For more pictures of our event, please visit the Utah's Own Facebook Fan Page

The last qualifying round for the Ultimate Recipe Roundup Contest will be held Sept. 10, at the Fresh Market in Spanish Fork. Please bring your favorite Utah's Own recipe and register by 11:45 a.m. to compete.

For contest rules please visit our contest website.

Start Your Ovens!