Eco-Friendly Ice Cream!

Maybe it's the heat (a sweltering 110 yesterday) or possibly it's my eternal sweet tooth but all I've thought about this week is ice cream! And while it might be challenging to take environmental-friendliness into account when staring at the frosty glass in the ice cream aisle drooling over everything from Mocha Almond Fudge to Berry Berry Goodness, try to remember that there may be a downside for the environment from the production of storage of ice cream (Bummer, I know).

Refrigeration of this most well-known treat (the average American eats about 6 gallons of ice cream a year though I'm fairly sure I'm above average in that respect) calls for the use of hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs) in the equipment. Although you'll find no airborne emissions (one doesn't see a lot of smoke emitting from freezers), these HFCs are dangerous when they leak into the environment either when maintenance occurs or when they're discarded. A 2004 study by the German Institute Oko-Recherche states that by 2050, emissions of all F-gases (of which 90% are HFCs) is expected to reach 5.2% of global greenhouse emissions. The impact of these emissions is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions of all the world's passenger vehicles in 2004.

Who knew ice cream shopping might be so tough?

To really feel as guilt-free as one can really feel when purchasing the not-so-healthiest treat within the aisle, veer towards Ben & Jerry's (the store if possible!). In their factory and at their stores, Ben & Jerry's use "Greenfreeze"A? technology that does not rely on HFCs to keep things cool. It is not to say that other ice cream companies and grocery stores won't follow suit soon, as the technology only became available in the United States a few years ago courtesy of Greenpeace scientists in Germany. Along with the ice cream giants, Haier, Whirlpool, Bosch and Panasonic have made use of the eco-friendly cooling option and soon McDonalds could follow suit.

Other delicious brands to attempt include:

Turtle Mountain So Delicious - A fantastic alternative for those lactose-intolerant folks still seeking a sweet summer treat. Turtle Mountain is made in Oregon using sustainably grown organic ingredients. Recently the company joined the Food Trade Sustainability Leadership Association (FTSLA) to further support sustainable agriculture within the United States.

Living Harvest - We all know that hemp is a great alternative fabric (not as great as bamboo but that's for another post) but what about hemp ice cream?? Hemp is a sustainably grown resource cultivated the world over and Living Harvest uses it to make fantastic non-dairy frozen desserts including coffee biscotti and coconut lime flavors!

Luna & Larry Coconut Bliss - Achieving sustainability by using certified organic and fair trade ingredients, Luna & Larry also chose to use decadently rich and yummy coconut milk to lessen the ecological impacts of dairy farming. And whilst the company does sit on a dairy farm, that farm is an organic one that does not use artificial growth hormones and is currently working on a system that would convert methane gas into energy for local communities.

So try your hardest to keep these things in mind when shopping for a cool treat this summer!

Douglas Michaels Jr. writes educational articles for Green Earth News, the authority on everything Bamboo. For more information on Green Is Grand. Check out Green Earth Bamboo for bamboo sheets, bamboo clothing, duvet covers, towels and baby products, all made from the world's most sustainable and renewable resource on the planet.

Warm Potato Salad For Summer and Buffets

Summer is a time to start thinking about salads. There are many reasons to think of eating more salads, whether it's for health reasons, better diet or because the weather calls for them: hot, lazy days that call for no-fuss salad selections. Since cookouts take precedence over traditional oven fare in summertime, we are all looking for new additions to the buffet table.

The French eat outside all summer long and enjoy refreshing salads that can be thrown together in minutes. This fact inspires me to come up new and different salads all summer long (yes, that's like 4 months worth of salad creating!) Picnic-style food is in great demand from June through September.

Here is one of those creations. I tend to change my recipes around because I'm not one to eat the exact same salad or dish over and over. I like to use what's on hand. But in this case, I've made this salad several times as per the following recipe while entertaining guests and people love it!

Add fresh bread, rolls or biscuits to round out your meal then finish up with fresh summer fruit (with or without the whipped cream!) and you'll find that summer is a great time to be tossing up salads in the kitchen. And in the end, (and in my book) you can never have too many salad recipes. (Ever.)

Warm Potato Salad for Summer Buffet Table

Serves: 6

What I like about this salad is the brightness of the broccoli and lettuce that offsets the white from the potatoes. Using red russet or new red potatoes adds lovely contrast to the white and green. The touch of mayonnaise brings out the comfort-food feeling and is a crowd-pleaser. It is also important to use fresh broccoli and to not over steam it. I find that frozen broccoli just doesn't hold up as well in this salad.

Another few good points about this salad is that most people like potato salad and most people (yes, even kids) actually like broccoli so combining the two gets applause. Adding broccoli and some lettuce adds lightness and fiber to the salad, making it more "digestible". Add some leftover meat that you have on hand, and the meal is complete, all in one bowl. Finally, this salad can be made in advance and chilled, it can be served at room temperature or chilled.

2 lb. Potatoes, red russet or new red1 ? cups broccoli florets1-2 cups lettuce, broken into bite-size pieces2 green onions? cup olive oil1/3 cup mayonnaise2 tablespoons cumin1 tablespoon chili powder2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese2 tablespoons fresh parsley, snippedsalt and pepper to taste

optional: 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (if serving as main course salad)

Peel and coarsely chop potatoes to desired size. Place in large pot; cover with water, bring to boil and cook 15 minutes. Potatoes should pierce easily with fork but still firm. Be careful not to over cook or potatoes will be too mushy for salad.Chop broccoli into bite-size pieces. Steam 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.Prepare dressing ingredients by whisking together olive oil, mayonnaise, cumin, chili powder and cheese in small bowl. Set aside.Drain potatoes in colander when ready, let cool slightly before adding to serving bowl. Add broccoli, chicken and lettuce (if using); add dressing and toss. Sprinkle with parsley.

Can be served warm or room temperature.

"Anne Dessens is the founder of AnneDessens.com - your one-link to everything 'self-improvement': diet, recipes, running & walking, deep breathing, success, journaling, energy and universal laws.

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Totally Terrific Tuna Salads

For a really quick and satisfying lunch, dinner, appetizer, or hearty snack with few ingredients, tuna salad fits the bill perfectly as it is incredibly easy to make and tastes great. It is also popular fare for picnics, parties, and informal gatherings and it makes for a rather inexpensive yet nutritious meal.

Most households have at least one can of tuna, which comes in cans packed in oil or water. Tuna packed in water instead of oil is a bit lower in calories and fat so choose this type if you are watching your diet. Also, since mayonnaise is a staple ingredient to use with tuna, choose a light or low fat variety for cutting fat and calories.

Depending on its exact ingredients, it is generally high in iron, vitamins E, B6, and B12, as well as niacin, phosphorus, and selenium. Including eggs and vegetables like celery, green peppers, and onions adds to the nutritional value of a simple tuna salad.

Instead of canned tuna you can grill fresh tuna and use it flaked with a few of your favorite spices and combined with mixed salad greens.

To make a really easy tuna salad use one can of tuna with three tablespoons of mayonnaise and about a quarter cup of chopped celery and onions combined. Mix all of the ingredients together and enjoy between two slices of bread or on a bed of fresh lettuce next to a few thick slices of tomato. Tuna salad is also delicious eaten along with crackers or spread on top of pita bread.

If you want a crunchy tuna salad, chop an apple leaving the skin on and mix it with mayonnaise, chopped celery, and flaked tuna. If you are not too fond of mayonnaise, try a zesty salad with white onions, chopped olives, and a spicy type of mustard such as Dijon mixed with the tuna.

Some other ingredients you may want to add to your tuna salad depending on your personal tastes include sweet pickle relish, hard boiled eggs, and capers. Herbs and seasonings that go well with tuna salad include basil, dill, fennel, pepper, rosemary, salt, and tarragon.

Tuna salad should keep for about a week in a sealed container in the refrigerator. If you will be taking tuna salad along with you on picnics make sure to keep it in a cooler full of ice especially on warm, sunny days.

Tuna Tortilla Salad Recipe

What You Need

1 small jalapeno, seeded, finely chopped1 small red onion, finely chopped2 cans tuna in olive oil, drained2 10 ounce cans corn, drained6 plum tomatoes, chopped3 tablespoons mayonnaiseTortilla chips

How to Make It

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped jalapenos and red onions with the drained tuna, corn, chopped tomatoes, and the mayonnaise and then mix everything together well.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about a half hour before serving.
Spoon the jalapeno tuna salad on top of tortilla chips and serve.

Serves 4.

If you have a can of imitation crab meat, mayonnaise, and celery or onions you can put together a simple crab salad recipe for an easy meal. Crab salad is a great choice for lunch, dinner, and as a filling appetizer.

Why be Crabby When You can be a Salad - CrabSalads.com

Birthday Cake Ideas For Your Child's Big Day

Making cake for your child is one of the most satisfying art forms. Not only is it an enjoyable thing to plan about, but you and your guests get to eat the results of a joyful effort.

Generally, a cake book can show how familiar and easily-obtained ingredients can be used with a variety of bought trimmings to make wonderful cakes. But a chance to be creative and produce an eye-catching birthday cake can provide plenty of contrast in flavor and texture. The following cake ideas can render realistic-looking cake icing effects to make a child's birthday one of a kind.

Pastel Perfection

You'll need:

1 ready prepared deep sandwich cake2 egg whitesSqueeze of lemon juice125g powdered sugar, sifted1 teaspoon cornflourRed, green and yellow food coloring155ml heavy cream1 tablespoon milk90g or 1 cup desiccated coconutLemon curd (method below)3 piping bags fitted with star-shaped tubes

Procedure:

Begin with the meringues. Preheat oven to 240 degrees F. Using a whisk or a hand-held mixer, beat the egg whites with the lemon juice until stiff. Gradually add powdered sugar until meringue stands in peaks. Using a metal spoon, fold in cornflour smoothly.

Divide meringue mixture equally between 3 bowls. Tint one bowl with pale pink from a few drops of the red coloring, one bowl pale yellow and remaining meringue pale green. Line a baking sheet with a non-stick baking paper. Do not grease the sheet. Pipe or spoon 12 mounds of meringue mixture in alternate colors onto prepared sheet. Bake for 1 ? - 2 hours until meringues are crisp and dry. Set aside to cool on a wire rack.

To complete decoration, whip cream and milk together in a bowl until thick. Spread around sides of cake with a palette knife. Spread coconut on a piece of foil. With one hand on top of cake and the other underneath, carefully turn cake on its side and roll in coconut until sides are evenly covered. Reserve remaining coconut in a dry bowl. Spread top of cake smoothly with lemon curd then dust lightly with remaining coconut. Finally add a border of pastel-colored meringues.

Chocolate Cake Dream Cake

You'll need:

1 ready prepared deep sandwich cake110g (3 ? oz) strawberry jam315g (10 oz) milk chocolate13 firm strawberries with stalks, washed and dried110g (3 ? oz) plain dark chocolate12 rose leaves leaves155ml heavy cream1 tablespoon milkPiping bag with large star-shaped tube

Procedure

Melt milk chocolate. Spread about 2/3 of the melted chocolate over top and sides of cake with a palette knife. Leave until fully set. Using back of knife, mark top of the cake to form 12 equal portions or slices, but do not slice. Meanwhile, dip 12 of the strawberries into remaining milk chocolate until half-covered. Leave to set or until chocolate is firm.

Melt plain dark chocolate then brush melted chocolate over tops of leaves. Set aside to set or until chocolate is firm. Very carefully pull leaves away from chocolate. Make more chocolate leaves than you need in case of breakages. In a large bowl, whip cream with milk until thick, using a whisk or hand-held mixer. Transfer to prepared piping bag and pipe 12 swirls around edge of cake. Decorate with the half-dipped strawberries and chocolate leaves. Place the plain strawberry in the center.

Enjoy your new chocolate birthday cakes.

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How to Make Desserts for The Memorial Day Weekend - Apple Raisin and Memorial Chess Pies

We Americans love to celebrate our holidays and our traditions often turn to food. Memorial Day is known for parades, picnics and fun. Don't let the holiday slip by without some wonderful dessert surprises for your family and/or friends this year. Try something new like Memorial Chess Pie. This old Southern Indiana pie is known as Memorial Chess Pie, in the community where I grew up, in memory of Josie who often prepared this pie for church socials and community events. Memorial Day was a day for Josie's pie. Apple Pie is considered an American tradition and is usually found at patriotic holiday celebrations. This year why not go out on a limb by turning the traditional pie into an Apple-Raisin Pie with a drizzle topping?

MEMORIAL CHESS PIE
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp corn meal
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tsp vanilla

Cream together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornmeal, and flour. Add the eggs, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla, combining well. Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie shell and bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake another 30 to 35 minutes until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.

APPLE-RAISIN PIE
pastry for a 2-crust pie
6 med to large tart apples
1 cup seedless raisins
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Roll out half the pastry on a floured board or surface; place pastry in a 9-inch pie pan. Gently fit pastry into pan and trim the edge.

Pare, core, and thinly slice apples; mix together with the raisins in a large bowl. Place the apples-raisin mixture into the pastry. Mix the granulated sugar, cinnamon and salt together. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the apples and raisins. Slice butter into thin slices and evenly place over the pie mixture. Roll out the remaining half of the pastry dough and gently place over the pie filling. Cut about 3 slits in the center of the pastry to allow steam to escape. Seal the pastry edges and make a scallop design or your favorite sealing design.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is lightly browned. Allow to cool.

Mix the powdered sugar and water to make a drizzle-type glaze. Drizzle over the crust.

Enjoy!

For more of Linda's dessert recipes visit her blog at http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com/
For her diabetic recipes and information visit her at http://diabeticenjoyingfood.blogspot.com/

Southern Style Potato Salad

Sweet iced tea, honey glazed ham, and potato salad are items that make up a typical lunch or dinner served in the south during the spring and summer months. Potato salad has a long and historic past with roots that reach back to Germany. Throughout the centuries this warm salad traveled with immigrants all over before it settled in America. Upon its arrival it became hugely popular, however not by all. Like the French, the Americans chose to serve potato salad cold and with a French creamy dressing of whipped eggs, oil, and herbs.

Although there is no recorded history as to when this recipe took on its new southern look and taste, many suppose that it occurred during the early 1900s. During this time the dressing mentioned above became industrialized and widely known as mayonnaise. Among mayonnaise, there were many other additions that helped to slowly change this Germanic recipe into a charming dish that is now considered the cornerstone of all things southern.

This style of potato salad is unique because for it to be truly southern, there can only be six ingredients. Those ingredients are potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, onions, sweet pickles, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard. There are many variations to this recipe, however this recipe is considered to be what many call "the way Grandmother use to make". Cold, creamy, and absolutely delicious, southern style potato salad is typically found palatable by those living in southern United States.

When preparing this potato salad, choose the potatoes carefully. Small varieties are best, and they should be drained well. The reason for this is so that upon adding the mayonnaise it does not become soupy. Also, remember that less is always better. Once ingredients are added they cannot be removed. As for the onions, eggs, and sweet pickles, these should be roughly chopped.

As for herbs and spices, this is generally done by personal taste. Dill and parsley can be added sparingly, where as salt and pepper are a must to enhance the flavor of the potatoes. For a finishing touch, paprika is sometimes sprinkled atop the dish before it is served to give it a pop of color and spice. Southern style potato salad is a wonderful recipe that tastes old-fashioned and is packed full of memories, especially for those who played under weeping willow trees when they were little. After you have mastered a few simple recipes you can experiment and create your own variations of this delicious dish.

Potato salad is a favorite dish found in cuisines around the world. Hot or cold, mellow or tangy, creamy or chunky, it is the perfect dish for picnics, patio parties, and potlucks. Browse and select a traditional or contemporary potato salad recipe and find a delicious accompaniment to your favorite entrees.

Contemporary Christening Cakes Trends

Traditional christening cakes are still very much in fashion-however for those who want to stray from classic looks and flavours, contemporary christening cake designs are on offer. Contemporary trends don't rule out tradition, but broaden the range of possibilities for decorating a christening cake. Colours, flavours, decorations, toppers, shapes, and display options are becoming more adventurous and light-hearted.

Beyond Fruit Cake

Fruit cake was once the standard cake for weddings and christenings, a tradition still loved by many. Now some families are choosing other types of cake, such as chocolate, sponge, or even carrot cake. The emphasis is not so much on the type of cake, but more on the quality and total effect.

Colour Trends

Trends are moving beyond white, baby blue, and pink as core colours. White is still popular as the main colour, but other accents are being chosen such as mauve for girls christening cakes and brilliant turquoise for boys christening cakes.

A white base is by no means obligatory-many variations are emerging, such as a totally pink creation or a blue round on a white square. Accents can venture beyond a single colour to a rainbow of pastels or brilliant colours. Some cakes are sculpted or themed and use whatever colours best fit the chosen theme.

Create a Tower or Keep it Simple

A christening is an opportunity to have several stacked cakes with a special decoration on top. Cakes can be lined up perfectly with a large one to start, a smaller one next, and an even smaller one on top. For a more playful look, abandon symmetry and alignment. Shapes can be mixed and matched-for example a round can go with a hexagon or a square.

For a small gathering or a different look, serving one or more individual cakes is completely acceptable. Size or height alone does not mark the importance of the occasion. Rather, all the details put together create the right mood and look for a celebration.

The Cupcake Explosion

Cupcakes are still popular as an alternative to one or more large cakes. They are easy to transport, display, and serve. Beautiful, with piped icings, poured or rolled fondant icings, these desserts can be different, yet conform to a common style or theme. Flavourings can vary as well, increasing chances of pleasing almost everyone. For display, place on tiered cake plates or purchase a stand specifically designed for small desserts.

Elegant, Sweet, or Playful Christening Cake Toppers

A christening cake topper can be a large decoration at the top of a stack of cakes, a delicate figurine on a cupcake, an attention-catcher on an individual cake top, or one of several christening cake decorations. A cake tower topper can be:

a beautiful bouquet of flowers,one or more cuddly teddies,standing letters spelling baby's name,gauzy, jewelled butterflies,a lounging infant figurine,traditional booties, ora princess's castle (seen on christening cakes for girls).cupcakes can have miniature edible or inedible decorations such as a baby rabbit, Winnie the Pooh, flowers, a building block, baby rattle, or teddies. Similar motifs can be used on single cake tops. More ideas include:a toy box overflowing with toys,a toy train (seen on christening cakes for boys), anda baby sleeping under a quilted blanket in a cradle.

Simple Fondant Designs

When you hire a professional baker, consider ordering a cake with fondant icing. Long associated with intricate frills and embroidery, fondant is now being moulded in contemporary ways. Simple designs provide an elegant, yet playful effect. One style seen on special occasion cakes is multiple dots of different sizes and colours. Layered appliques of stars, circles, flowers, or hearts are also attractive. Imagine a smooth fondant surface, simple shapes, complementary colours, and a base finished off with a shiny ribbon.

Castles, Race Cars, and More

Cakes shaped like animals, fantasy characters, and objects are being seen at birthday parties, showers, and christenings. Traditional symbols, such as booties, a flowery cross, or an open bible can shape the cake. However, for a christening cake you may also choose any theme suitable for young children, such as a racing car, train locomotive, princess's castle, toy box, or puppy. The name of the child of honour can be written on the cake board or on a plaque, if an inscription is desired.

Design possibilities are infinite. Consider these other examples:

A stack of cakes decorated to look like presents, resting on a baby blanket, with booties or a rattle on the side,A baby pram with baby, in either a two or three dimensional design,A frilly baby gown cake, orA stack of alphabet blocks, with a few other toys on the side.

Choices for Contemporary Christening Cakes

Christenings are special occasions that invite cakes with vintage looks, modern flourishes, or a combination of both. Inscriptions with full or partial name, date, reference to the christening, and blessing are optional. The final look will depend on your selection of elements and the style of the cake designer. To widen your style choices, shop around to get a feel for the "look" of cakes created by different bakers.

Discover the beautiful selection of christening cakes available in your local area. Custom designed christening cakes will match your celebration and form a delicious centerpiece.