26 June 2011 Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry

Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry

June 26, 2011 By

Every Child Deserves To Thrive

HUNGRY CHILDREN CANNOT THRIVE. YET MILLIONS OF KIDS IN AMERICA ARE AT RISK OF GOING HUNGRY. SHARE OUR STRENGTH IS CHANGING THAT.

Every parent knows that a hungry child is a disadvantaged child. He can’t grow, develop and learn like other kids. She has trouble focusing and getting along. They complain often of headaches, stomachaches and other ailments. They fall behind in virtually every way.

It doesn’t have to be this way. There is plenty of nutritious food in America to make sure every child grows up healthy and thrives. What’s missing is access to this food. If families don’t have reliable access to healthy, affordable food, they can’t possibly feed their children well.

Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® strategy provides that access to families all across the nation, so that every child, regardless of circumstances, can get the healthy food they need to thrive.

Join us in making No Kid Hungry the reality in America. Take the No Kid Hungry Pledge today »

Childhood Hunger in America

Nearly one in four kids in America can’t count on having enough to eat. Their bodies may not be rail thin, nor their bellies bloated like their counterparts in other countries, but they’re at risk of hunger all the same. They lack the energy to learn, grow and thrive.

  • More than 17 million kids in America are at risk of hunger. That’s nearly 1 in 4.
  • 15.5 million kids in America live in poverty.
  • 20.1 million children benefit from SNAP (food stamps).
  • 19 million kids get a free or reduced-price school lunch on an average school day.
  • Only 9.4 million kids get a free or reduced-price school breakfast on an average school day.
  • Just 1 in 6 eligible kids get free summer meals.

Sources: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture; U.S. Census Bureau; Food Research and Action Center. For more statistics, please visit our Hunger Facts Page.

 

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21 June 2011 Car Buying Via Social Web – Smythe Volvo

Car Buying Via Social Web – Smythe Volvo

June 21, 2011 By

As you may have gathered by now, my life is intrinsically intertwined with social media.  Facebook, Twitter, blog, Digg, StumbleUpon, and more – I’m into it.  When came time to get a new car, I decided to test the social market in Northern New Jersey where I live, to see which dealerships “get” it when it comes time to not only attract, but transact via social media.

I followed five local dealerships on Twitter, Facebook or both: Chevrolet, Mini, Cadillac, Audi, and Smythe Volvo.  I’m in a Volvo now, so assumed the Volvo dealer might work less hard to get my business since I’m familiar with its product, but I was wrong.

I initially Facebooked Smythe Volvo to get a sense for what it was doing via this social channel.  Nice job with a combination of leasing/financing offers, soapboxing the release of the new S60, promoting of service offers and, what I find most important, socializing with customers.  Once I found myself “liking” the company, I decided to email the Internet sales department to let them know I was looking for three things:

  1. A better sales experience than the one I’d gotten at Prestige Volvo when I bought my current car.
  2. To transact via social and web means as much as possible.
  3. To get within my allotted budget with as many upgrades as possible.

I waited a couple days after sending the email and not hearing back, to post a message on Smythe’s Facebook wall saying that as a current Volvo customer, that I would have expected at least a reply back from them to show interest in my business.  Within 30 minutes, I got a Facebook post back to say that Steve Bergamo, the Director of Business Development at Smythe Volvo, had already sent me two emails back and that I should white list his email address.  I quickly did this, then immediately got Steve’s sent emails offering assistance.  What I really was impressed by was that the social media person at Smythe followed up with me via Facebook to ensure I’d been helped and was completely satisfied.  Without the excellent follow up provided by Smythe’s social team, the transaction (or lack of one) would have ended there.

Steve and I began exchanging emails about the car I wanted, the various features and the financing options available to loyal Volvo owners.  I selected the exterior and interior colors and features via Smythe’s website and could have completed the financing of the car via emails with Steve, but wanted to take a quick test drive, so physically went to the dealership once for a 30 minute visit.  When I arrived at Smythe, Steve had the car ready for a test drive, insisted on letting us experience the car on our own and told us he understood my need for an online transaction and we’d exchange emails again in a couple days.  What, no haggling, making me feel pressured to buy that day or insulting my intelligence with cheesy sales tactics???  What was this, my dream car-buying experience!?

I pick up my new Volvo next week and have nothing but good things to say about Smythe, Steve and the rest of the social staff for understanding social media AND social selling.  It’s not just about posting a $399/month lease offer on Facebook but understanding the needs of busy customers who transact via web frequently and aren’t afraid to walk away if typical, offline tactics are used during social selling.

Well done Smythe!

Veronique

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18 June 2011 Happy Father’s Day – Bonne Fete des Peres

Happy Father’s Day – Bonne Fete des Peres

June 18, 2011 By

I can’t say that dad was a huge influence on my love of cooking when I was growing up.  As far as I can recall, his home cooking repertoire was limited to pan-fried steak and sautéed canned mushrooms.  One thing my dad fixed that I absolutely loved though, was spit-roasted lamb that would develop a beautiful lacquered skin and was juicy and a perfect food.  What fun it was to party all day while watching the lamb roast over a wood fire.

One of my dad’s love that I inherited later in life is the love of wine.  Dad spends several weeks each year in France and has toured many wineries throughout that country.  His cellar is his pride and joy and features mostly French wines, but a few other little gems that he’s saving for special occasions.  We love to compare notes on what each other’s drinking and he enjoys reading this blog and seeing my wine reviews.

To all the fathers out there, a very happy father’s day.  To my dad, the guy who instilled strong work ethic in me and is starting to like American wine, bonne fête des pères!

Veronique

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14 June 2011 Fond Farewell to My Foodie Hero

Fond Farewell to My Foodie Hero

June 14, 2011 By

Grandma in Her Tiny Kitchen Circa 1980s (Notice Counter Space!)

Saturday, the person who instilled my love of baking and cooking passed away.  My Grandma, Laetitia, succumbed to the aneurysm that had not caused her any pain or suffering for over six years.

Grandma’s passion for food brightened my childhood and taught me that creating tasty, satisfying dishes did not have to rely upon luxurious staples, but that fresh ingredients and inspiration were the key to solid cooking. Since Grandma moved to a retirement community over six years ago, I would write a weekly letter and make my Friday night ritual call to Quebec to tell her about the baking or cooking I had done the previous week or the restaurants I had gone to. She enjoyed imagining the food through my letters and phone calls and I loved that food still connected us after all those years.

One of my favorite food experiences with Grandma was the picking of wild strawberries in Eastern Quebec when I was about six years old.  The picking was labor intensive, back-breaking but yielded perhaps the best single food item I have ever tasted. Grandma would freeze some of the tiny red gems, turn a portion of the harvest into jams and fix me her signature Strawberry Sandwiches. Pure heaven. In what I will call very symbolic, Saturday night, after hearing of her passing, I had to attend a work function, and when I arrived at the remote location, next to my parked car were hundreds of ripe wild strawberries. The first I have seen in over 25 years. Wink Grandma, I know that was you – well played.

Grandma had 13 brothers and sisters and her family was not wealthy, so stretching the ingredients and being creative in the kitchen was something she learned early on. If pot roast with mashed potatoes was presented to my nephews or nieces now, I do not think it would be a well-received thing. When Grandma made an adventure out of the dish by shredding the meat, pilling up the mashed potatoes into a mountain that she topped with, of all things, a pimento-stuffed olive and called it a fort – I ate it up (literally and physically). Here are some of Grandma’s recipes that I enjoy making and that have brought me, and will continue to bring me, simple pleasure.

When I was little, after every round of intense tickling, Grandma and I called a truce where we stared at each other with a serious look on our faces and said “a la prochaine bataille” loosely translated to “to the next battle”. R.I.P. Grandma and “a la prochaine bataille”.  Know that your foodie passion lives on! Véro

Filed Under: Canadian, Other Neat Things
25 May 2011 Riesling Hour – Tasting the Finger Lakes

Riesling Hour – Tasting the Finger Lakes

May 25, 2011 By

Riesling Hour Wines

Who’s ever done an online wine tasting? Why not join Finger Lakes Wine Country, me and hundreds of wine fans on Twitter and Facebook on 5/26 all while enjoying a fabulous glass (or two) of Finger Lakes Riesling: www.rieslinghour.com/#flxwine

Follow the Riesling conversation at:

www.facebook.com/fingerlakeswinecountry on Facebook or search @flxwine on Twitter

Let me know if you decide to sip with us!

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8 May 2011 Happy Mother’s Day – Or As We Say, Bonne Fete des Mères

Happy Mother’s Day – Or As We Say, Bonne Fete des Mères

May 8, 2011 By

My Sister & Nieces

Happy Mother’s Day – Or As We Say, Bonne Fete des Mères

Today’s Mother’s Day and once again, the three mothers closest to me are in my thoughts, but far away.  Those three special women are my mom, Diane, grandma Laetitia and my sister, Marie-Josée.  Beyond our family bounds, one way that makes us close is food.  All three of these ladies are amazing cooks, even my sister who may not have our passion for cooking but is a super cook also.

I’ll celebrate this special day by sharing some recipes passed down to me from mom and grandma that I think you’ll enjoy.

Mom‘s contributions (this picture is of us 20 years ago):

Grandma‘s contributions (pictured with my sister and her daughter):

If you try any of these recipes, please share a comment so I can let the special ladies in my life know!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Veronique

Filed Under: Canadian, Other Neat Things Tagged With: ,
11 April 2011 2011 New York Riesling Experience by Applewood Winery

2011 New York Riesling Experience by Applewood Winery

April 11, 2011 By

You often hear me blog, Tweet and/or Facebook about Riesling – perhaps my favorite wine.  I’ve sipped on this fabulous grape while touring France, Germany, California and New York State and enjoy it both sweet and dry.  What I mostly love about Riesling is its versatility – not quite sure what to pair with a dish? Chances are a Riesling would do the trick.

Living in the New York metro area, I’m really excited to attend the upcoming 2011 New York Riesling Experience at Applewood Winery in Warwick, NY.

The New York Riesling Experience is a celebration of New York’s most misunderstood grape.  “Riesling is the most nuanced, thought-provoking and interesting grape.” says winemaker Jonathan Hull of Applewood Winery, and host of the 2011 New York Riesling Experience.  The well-attended event takes place May 7th & 8th from 12-5 PM at the winery.

The weekend will feature food & Riesling pairings, recipes, live entertainment, special bottlings of Riesling as well as admission to the Applewood Winery tasting room with over a dozen different wines to sample.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and include a keepsake logoed wine glass.

For more information, visit www.applewoodwinery.com.  Groups of 6 or more must call the winery for tickets at 845-988-9292.

Tickets are available at http://2011newyorkrieslingexperience.eventbrite.com/

Please let me know, by leaving a comment here, if you plan to attend this fun event so we can meet in person.

Applewood Winery
82 Four Corners Rd
Warwick, NY 10990

 

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6 April 2011 Gary’s Wine Welcomes Celebrity Chef Joey Altman to NJ

Gary’s Wine Welcomes Celebrity Chef Joey Altman to NJ

April 6, 2011 By

Dear readers,

Thought those of you in the NY/NJ area might enjoy reading about a very special cooking demo, wine tasting and overall clean fun at Gary’s Wine next week:

Bernardsville, Madison and Wayne, NJ – Gary’s Wine & Marketplace is pleased to welcome celebrity chef Joey Altman, San Francisco based Television and Radio Celebrity Chef to all three Gary’s locations to conduct a series of cooking demonstrations paired with Acacia Wines on consecutive nights from April 11- 13th, 4pm-7pm.

 

Joey will be flying into New Jersey exclusively for Gary’s Wine & Marketplace.  The demonstrations will take place in Bernardsville on Monday the 11th, Madison on Tuesday the 12th and Wayne on Wednesday the 13th from 4 – 7 PM.  A special videotaping will take place in the Wayne store. Samples will be available to enjoy complimented by a taste of Acacia wines.

Customers will have the opportunity to watch Joey in action and interact one-on-one.  Altman is an amazing chef and great personality who has hosted two popular series for the Food Network; Appetite for Adventure and Tasting Napa.  He is the official host of the Party Planner Videos on Potterybarn.com.

“We are excited that Joey is making this special trip for us.” said Gary Fisch, “It will be fun to talk to him about food and wine pairing and to have him share his talent with our guests.”

With spring upon us Joey will use fresh, seasonal ingredients to prepare light, flavorful dishes like a trio of crostini and a salad of grass-fed beef, mixed baby lettuces, local blue cheese with a roasted onion vinaigrette—dishes that pair beautifully with the Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from Acacia Carneros and A. by Acacia.

Guests will have the opportunity to taste food and wine samples and take home recipe cards for each dish.

About Joey Altman:

Chef Joey Altman serves as a culinary specialist and food and wine-pairing expert for Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines.  Altman made a splash with two Food Network series, Appetite for Adventure, an outdoor sport and adventure show demonstrating how people can enjoy gourmet food in the great outdoors, and Tasting Napa, a travelogue showcasing the best food, wine and sites of Northern California’s wine country.  Critics have described Altman’s cooking as “bold,” “colorful,” and “sophisticated yet whimsical,” with “layers of flavors.”  Joey has worked with famed chefs across the United States and around the world.  During his time in Lyons, France he trained under his mentor, Chef Bernard Constantin of the Hotel Larivoire.  After returning to the US he worked with top chefs such as Bob Kincaide at Harvest in Cambridge, Jeremiah Tower at Stars in San Francisco, and Emeril Lagasse at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans.  In 2008 Joey released a cookbook, Without Reservations, featuring bold, creative, flavorful food that can be made at home and techniques that top chefs use around the country.  Aside from his culinary expertise, Altman is a blues guitarist in the Back Burner Blues Band, an all-chef band that plays charity events and raises money for local food charities through monthly gigs at restaurants and clubs.  The band was featured in a 2003 Gourmet magazine article on musician chefs by Rolling Stone writer Ben Fong-Torres.  His interactive website, joeyaltman.com, showcases his success, product information and reviews, as well as tantalizing recipes and tips.

About Acacia Wines:

Acacia winemaking starts in the vineyards well before harvest, with meticulous pruning, careful canopy and cluster management, cover crops between the vine rows, and constant monitoring of both soil moisture and grape development. Harvest begins only when Matthew and his staff are satisfied the grapes have reached maturity, with the proper balance of flavor and acidity.  Grapes are hand-harvested and hand-sorted to assure only ripe, undamaged grapes enter the winery.  Each and every lot receives meticulous care during its transformation into wine.  Acacia winemaking is all about control, gentle handling and allowing the wines to express vineyard character.

About Gary’s Wine & Marketplace:

Gary’s Wine & Marketplace is an established leader in the fine wine & spirits business since 1987, with retail locations in Madison, Bernardsville and Wayne, NJ and an Online Wine, Spirits & Gifts Store at GarysWine.com.Gary’s Wine, a top NJ wine store, has an enormous portfolio of fine and rare wines to fit every budget as well as gourmet foods, gifts, craft beer and spirits.  A knowledgeable staff is on hand to offer assistance with selections, pairings, and much more.

 

Gary’s Wine & Marketplace has three retail locations in New Jersey.

Gary’s Wine & Marketplace in Madison, NJ
121 Main Street
Madison, NJ 07940
(973) 822-0200

Gary’s Wine & Marketplace in Bernardsville, NJ
100 Morristown Road – Route 202
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
(908) 766-6699

Gary’s Wine & Marketplace in Wayne, NJ
1308 Route 23 North
Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 633-3900

 

Filed Under: Other Neat Things
2 April 2011 Feeling Sappy? My Top 5 Maple Syrup Desserts

Feeling Sappy? My Top 5 Maple Syrup Desserts

April 2, 2011 By

Maple Water Bucket

Maple season’s here and every year that I don’t make it home to Quebec for the sweetest season of all, I get a bit homesick. I grew up in a small town in southeast Quebec where my family and four other families of friends owned a sugar shack. I have very fond memories of harnessing horses to a sled hauling a maple sap collection barrel and then bring this sap to the shack for the boiling process that would result in amber elixir our moms then cooked and baked with.

This year, since I won’t be making the pilgrimage north, I decided to bake and cook with maple syrup for a two-week stretch to get my fix in. I even requested the help of my family to expand my maple recipe collection. Here are my top 5 maple dessert recipes from my archives and from newly-shared family recipes:

  1. Eggs in Maple Syrup
  2. Maple Delights
  3. Maple Syrup Dumplings
  4. Maple Syrup Pie
  5. Maple Taffee on the Snow

BONUS 6: Maple Whipped Cream

If you decide to try any of them, please leave a comment on this post so I can let my mom, aunt and grandma who contributed know that our traditional family recipes are being enjoyed.

Cheers!

Veronique

Filed Under: Canadian, Desserts, Maple Syrup, Other Neat Things Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
21 March 2011 Host a Dinner Party – Don’t Plan the Menu

Host a Dinner Party – Don’t Plan the Menu

March 21, 2011 By

I have dinner parties a lot.  Seems like my house is pretty conducive to hosting friends and family, so the party’s typically at my home.  I love entertaining and always try to vary my menu so guests don’t get bored with having the same old food, but it can be difficult to stay creative.

Last week, I sent a friend coming over for dinner a note requesting she pick what I was going to make.  How great an idea is that!?  To my delight, she asked that I make Osso Buco and Bradley Ogden’s Butterscotch Pudding.  Not only did this help me decide on a concept for my dinner, it expanded my recipe repertoire.

For your next dinner party, ask your guests what they’d like to eat and hold them to making a decision.  It’ll be fun for them for having sort of co-hosted the dinner and fun for you for having tried new recipes.

If you were coming over to my home, what would be the dish you’d ask me to make?

 

Filed Under: Desserts, Other Neat Things Tagged With: , ,
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