Giveaway: Campbell’s Kids Soup Lunch Pack

This summer, Campbell’s Kids Soup came out with a new delicious and healthy flavor — Campbell’s SpongeBob soup. If you have had problems getting your kids to eat healthy foods, you won’t with this soup. What kid can resist SpongeBob?!

This chicken noodle soup offers great taste and fun shapes. Additionally, Campbell Soup Company has reduced the sodium in all of their kids soups to meet government criteria for “healthy” foods — controlled for fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and containing a positive nutrient source such as good source of vitamin A.

Recently, I had an opportunity to try the SpongeBob soup as well as their Double Noodle soup. If you are looking for a hearty, healthy meal (for adults or kids), these soups really do the trick. Even though they are low in fat and the sodium has been reduced, these soups are as yummy as can be.

Campbell’s Condensed Kids Soups come in kid-friendly varieties that include Disney Princess soup, Shrek soup, Goldfish Pasta soup and many more. All the varieties contain 110 calories or less, 3g of fat or less, 0g trans fat, 480mg sodium, and are a good source of vitamin A (per one cup serving prepared). Plus, none of the soups contain added MSG, preservatives or artificial flavors. They are available in 10.5 oz cans at most supermarkets and are priced between $1.38 and $1.69. You can learn more about Campbell soups at campbellsoup.com.

This week, we are giving you an opportunity to win Campbell’s Kids Soups and much more. Our giveaway pack includes:

• A lunch tote
• A kid-friendly juice bottle
• Samples of Campbell’s Kids soup — Chicken & Stars, Double Noodle , Chicken NoodleO’s
• V8 V-Fusion (Strawberry Banana and Pomegranate Blueberry) — 48 oz. bottles

The V8 V-Fusion juices are delicious. These juices combines colorful vegetables such as purple carrots, yellow tomatoes and red beets with fruits like strawberries, mangoes or exotic berries. Each 8-ounce glass of V8 V-Fusion 100% juice delivers a full serving of vegetables and a full serving of fruit (½ cup of vegetables and ½ cup of fruit) and contains powerful antioxidants A, C and E. Plus, it has no added sugar. Suggested retail price for a 46-ounce bottle is $3.99; suggested retail price for a 12-ounce bottle is $1.59.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment here answering the question, “What’s your favorite soup?”

Your comment will automatically enter you into the contest, which ends on Friday, November 27, 2009 at 11:59pm. We select one winner to receive the giveaway pack.

Lolita Pomegranate Glasses

Did you know November is National Pomegranate Month? I didn’t either, but I am glad we have a month that honors pomegranates because they are truly one of those amazing fruits that is delicious and so good for you it’s not funny. I also love that people use pomegranates to mix into cocktails. Why not? If you’re going to imbibe, why not have some vitamins to go along with it?

So you can imagine how happy I was to see these fabulous glasses arrive on the scene from the Lolita drink company. Just in time for the month to celebrate pomegranates, now we have a new vessel with which to toast. Lolita, the self-billed drink ware design diva (no arguments from us here), has created stylish glasses adorned with the beloved, bright red fruit – and signature “recipes on the bottom” that include pomegranate juice. Check out how cute these glasses are:

The Lolita Pomegranate Margarita and Martini glasses are sold individually, for about $25 each, and they come in beautiful “hatbox”-style packaging that needs no wrapping. If you’re looking for a one of a kind gift, or need something for that hard to buy for person, or just want something really cute and fun for your best girlfriend, I can’t think of a better present.

If pomegranates aren’t your thing, Lolita has loads of other designs as well. They offer martini, hot beverage, pilsner, and wine glasses in a variety of colors and styles. Have an avid golfer? Bowler? They’ve got designs for those. They’ve also got cocktail napkins, candles, bottle stoppers, and other accessories as well.

You can find all these glasses and other goodies at thousands of fine gift stores nationwide, and at www.thelolitastore.com.

Image: Lolita

Goodbye Summer Three-O Cocktails

Summer is pretty much waving goodbye in a month or so. Why not host a last summer hoorah with family and friends with BBQ, and delicious drinks. It’s a perfect opportunity to try out these goodbye summer cocktails created by Three-O Vodka which I’m sure everyone would enjoy, responsibly.

Summer Sunset
1 oz. Three-O Pomegranate Vodka
1 oz. Three-O Mango Vodka
½ oz. coconut rum
1 oz. pineapple juice
1 oz. cranberry juice

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass
Garnish with a pineapple slice.

September Sunrise
2 oz. 1800 Silver Tequila
4 oz. orange juice
¾ oz. grenadine

Combine tequila and juice into a cocktail shaker. Shake with ice and strain into rocks glass with ice.

Pour grenadine into the glass, it will naturally sink to the bottom.

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New York City Rooftop Brunches

What goes up, must come down. . . although with rooftop view, and a yummy brunch, you may want to stay atop New York City for the entire day.  In a city where you can spend most of your days looking up at all the skyscrapers, it will be a pleasant change of pace to enjoy a delicious meal and a location that allows you to look down.

This summer, visitors and residents can retreat to the rooftops to not only take in spectacular views of our City from many different vantage points, but also enjoy some excellent food and drink,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company.

Not sure where to go?  Here are some great views, in Manhattan and the boroughs, to get you thinking:

• 230 Fifth – Manhattan’s largest rooftop bar has a Champagne Party Brunch on weekends, 11 am – 5 pm daily, year round.  The roof top is palm decorated and has a full enclosed lounge – so there’s rooftop dining rain or shine.  Brunch features a menu selection of more than 40 choices, most priced between $8-12, along with some specialty cocktails.  Signature dishes are the Liquored Up French Toast and the Matzah Brei.  Spectacular views of the city accompany the food.
• Hotel Gansevoort – Part roof-deck party, part dining experience, the Get Up Get Down Brunch features 360-degree views of the Hudson River and Manhattan, indoor and outdoor terrace seating, and a garden.  Brunch is served noon – 4 pm on weekends, and is a 3-course prix fixe menu ($36) that include specialty items like a grilled Black Angus burgers, steak frites and eggs, and mini cupcakes.  The rooftop brunch is offered through Labor Day.
• Groovedeck – Located at the Hudson Terrace, this rooftop lounge is along the Hudson River, offering up wonderful views of the river.  Brunch is served Sunday, 2-8 pm, and includes assorted traditional brunch choices.  Chocolate chip muffins are a real treat, as are the brunch cocktails, which include red and white sangria, as well as mojito pitchers.
• Peninsula Hotel – Offering exquisite luxury, the Peninsula’s Salon de Ning rooftop bar offers Sunday Brunch on the Terrace on the 23rd floor.  Enjoy the 3-course brunch while overlooking Fifth Avenue and enjoy the spectacular view of the city.  The set menu changes weekly, but always offers delicious choices.  Champagne cocktails are available, including the signature Beijing Rouge, made of pomegranate juice, citrus vodka, and champagne with a raspberry garnish.  Brunch is served Sunday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, through Labor Day.  Luxury doesn’t come cheap!  Brunch is $49/person, excluding beverages, tax and gratuities.  I love the Peninsula Hotel, and used to frequently meet a friend here for drinks after work.
• Alma – Head off to Brooklyn (Carroll Gardens) for brunch at Alma, offering views of the Manhattan skyline.  Served weekends 10 am – 2:30 pm, brunch is served year round and offers Mexican cuisine, accompanied by cocktails and tequilas.
• Ravel Hotel – This new luxury boutique hotel is located along the Queensboro Bridge in Long Island City.  A buffet brunch is served on Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm, along with endless mimosas till 3 pm.  DJ music accompanies the view of the Manhattan skyline, across the East River.

Do you have a favorite NYC rooftop brunch?

Photo credit:  jl welsh @flickr

July 4th Drinks : Sparkler & Fire Cracker

Here are two more cocktail drink ideas from Three-O that you could make for the upcoming 4th of July parties, or any parties for that matter.

Sparkler
1 oz. Three-O Pomegranate Vodka
2 oz. Sparkling Wine
Splash POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice

Combine vodka and pomegranate juice in the bottom of a champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine or champagne

Fire Cracker
2 oz. Three-O Grape Vodka
½ oz. Blue Curacao
Splash Tonic

Shake vodka and blue curacao with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Add tonic and garnish with a cherry

(Images/Sources : Three-O)

POM Ginger Muffins

I confess I love POM pomegranates and juice. Their tart, fruity flavor mixes well with other juices and makes attractive and tasty cocktails. They are also a useful ingredient in a host of recipes from pork chops to muffins. Pomegranates are a great source of anti-oxidants, good for heart health and general nutrition. The people at POM have been kind enough to share their recipe for ginger muffins with Blisstree readers. I made these yesterday and they were gone in an hour. YUM!

POM Ginger Muffins

Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup arils from 1 large POM Wonderful Pomegranate
* 2 cups flour
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup chopped candied ginger
* 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
* 1 cup milk
* 1 egg
* 1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled sugar for muffin tops

Directions:
1. Score one fresh pomegranate and place in a bowl of water. Break open the pomegranate underwater to free the arils (seed sacs). The arils will sink to the bottom of the bowl and the membrane will float to the top. Sieve and put the arils in a separate bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup of the arils from fruit and set aside. (Refrigerate or freeze remaining arils for another use.)

2. Preheat oven to 400 F. Generously grease 12 muffin cups.

3. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in ginger, orange peel and pomegranate arils. Make a well in the center.

4. In a measuring cup, whisk together milk, egg and cooled butter. Pour liquid into well. Stir just until batter is moistened and ingredients are evenly mixed.

5. Spoon batter into 12 prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle tops with sugar.

6. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Let muffins cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing.

Nutrients Per Serving (1 muffin): 221 calories, 6.4g fat, 33.6mg cholesterol, 219.9mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate, 0.7g fiber, 3.5g protein

Makes 12

(photo and recipe courtesy of POM Wonderful)

V8 Fusion Drinks

My husband used to (he hasn’t in a while) drink V8 Tomato Juice and it drove me nuts. I can’t stand tomato juice. Neither can I stomach tomato soup. As much as I love fresh tomatoes in pico de gallo or adding sliced tomatoes on sautéed dishes, minced or pureed tomatoes are just not my thing. But then V8 came out with Fusion drinks and since then my aversion to V8 has stopped.

My favorite combo flavors are Peach & Mango, and Pomegranate & Blueberry. Other flavors include Acai Mixed Berry, Orange, and Strawberry & Banana. Not only are V8 Fusion drinks delicious, they’re quite healthy too. Now if only my children would leave “Mommy’s Juice” alone, I wouldn’t have to share it with anyone.

(Image : V8 Juice)

Acai Superfruit Smoothies From Zola

Zola Brazilian Superfruit Juice with Acai provides approximately 1200mg Omega 3,6, and 9 Fatty Acids. Acai provides 60% more anti-oxidants than the pomegranate and 500% more than the blueberry. Superfruits acerola, camu camu, graviola, and cupuacu are high in vitamins. Guarana seed is a natural source of caffeine.  All these ingredients are present in the great tasting Zola Acai and Smoothie line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My family had the opportunity to try the Acai Original, Antioxidant Smoothie, Energy Smoothie, Immunity Smoothie, and Superfood Smoothie. My favorite was the Immunity Smoothie.  The Acai juice has that sweet-tart bite that is similar to the taste of cranberries. The smoothies are sweet, yummy, with a thick, creamy texture. My daughter Sarah, 10, said, “Mom these juices are actually very good. The best you’ve tested.”  I have to agree with her. These smoothies have the great taste of my favorite Jamba Juice smoothies, but there’s no brain-freeze side effect.

I have the opportunity to review a lot of great products. There have only been a few things that I did not like and I realize that taste is subjective. Many healthy juices have a sort of earthy almost dirt-like flavor to them. To get my kids to try them, I had to use them as a base for for frozen smoothies or employ some sort of bribery.  It’s hard to get kids to eat healthy foods if they don’t taste good. Zola juices do not have that dirt flavor. You will not have to bribe your kids to drink these juices. They will happily drink them on their own.

In addition, Zola created Project Zola to benefit the communities surrounding the area where they harvest the Acai berries. Handcrafted bracelets of dried Acai berries are strung together into beaded bracelets. Project Zola has been very successful and in 2007, they were able to completely fund the Escola Acaimu School. To purchase one of these stylish bohemian accessories, click here.

Image credit: Michelle Smith

Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

I really hadn’t thought much about the health benefits of pomegranate juice until just lately.  I mean, I love the flavor, the color is incredible, but health benefits?

I don’t know.  While I spend a lot of time researching herbal remedies and natural remedies I tend to forget about healthy foods.

Anyway, a representative from POM contacted me about reviewing their pomegranate juice on Baking Delights and I began to wonder about the so called health benefits.

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Product Review: Lifeway Kefir Wellness Bars

Lifeway Kefir Probiotic Wellness Bars taste great. I’ve had the opportunity to try quite a few different types of brobiotics lately – bars, yogurts, juices – and pretty much nothing nothing can beat the Sweet n’ Salty Peanut bar from Lifeway.

Probiotics are good bacteria that aid in digestion. They work within the digestive tract to rebalance the system. Good health begins with good digestion. The bars contain the same probiotics as liquid Kefir, but Lifeway Probiotic Wellness Bars do not require refrigeration, which makes them useful for people on the go. I have two teenagers and the only way that I can get them to eat in the morning is to stick some sort of bar in their hand on the way out the door.

Here’s an explanation of Kefir from the Lifeway website:

Kefir is the cousin of yogurt and it’s roots can trace back more than 2000 years. Originating in the Caucasus Mountains of Europe where people live well past 100 years, the word Kefir is thought to have been derived from the Turkish word “Keif” for “good feeling”, probably due to the sense of well-being experienced after drinking it.

Now Lifeway Foods, America’s leader in Kefir, has taken the probiotic power found in traditional Kefir, and transformed it into a nutritious, convenient, on the go, snack bar. Lifeway’s Kefir Wellness Bar contains the essential daily probiotics your body needs, and the great taste you deserve.

The bars are available in Chocolate Crisp (Good), Pomegranate (Tastes more like cranberry, but very good), and Sweet N’ Salty Peanut (super yummy).

Image credit: Lifeway.net

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