Cocktail candies to enjoy at any hour
You no longer need to wait until it's after 5 somewhere to enjoy a rummy mojito or fruity martini.
Jelly Belly added mojito, the traditional Cuban elixir of rum, mint and lime; the trendy pomegranate cosmo; and the classy peach Bellini champagne spritzer to its line of Classic Cocktail flavors.
The California company (with a factory/outlet just over the border in Pleasant Prairie, Wis.), now boasts six "mocktail" varieties of its oh-so addictive chewy candies.
You can find them in bulk bins where Jelly Bellys are sold or in a 4.25-ounce sampler box ($5.99).
There's no cucumber Collins flavor, yet, so we gin tipplers will have to wait. Until then, I'll just have another peach Bellini.
Energy boost: Whether you're hiking in the Rockies, camping along the Mississippi or cycling Wisconsin's scenic trails, don't forget to bring some healthy snacks to keep your energy flowing.
The American Institute for Cancer Research reminds us that foods with complex carbohydrates and fiber-like vegetables, fruits and whole grains - plus some healthy protein - digest more slowly than sugary foods and refined grains, which have simple carbs that don't provide lasting energy. Even energy or granola bars can sound healthy but may contain high amounts of sugar.
Instead, choose snacks that can last a day without refrigeration and give you beneficial nutrients, like fresh fruit, carrot and celery sticks, 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice, peanut butter and all-fruit preserves on whole-wheat bread, or just nuts.
For a tasty snack that serves 10, try the cancer research group's Popcorn Trail Mix. In a large bowl combine 2 cups air-popped popcorn, 11/2 cups unsweetened whole-grain oat dry cereal, 1/4 cup golden raisins, 3 tablespoons each dried blueberries, dried cranberries, coarsely chopped dry-roasted almonds and chopped dried pineapple and 2 tablespoons each roasted pumpkin seeds and dry-roasted sunflower seeds. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
For more healthy snack ideas, download a copy of AICR's brochure, Homemade for Health: Snacks, at aicr.org.
What's for breakfast? Learn all about the most important meal of the day and how it is celebrated across the continent on a new PBS documentary "Breakfast Special" that premiers at 8 p.m. today, July 14, on WTTW Channel 11.
"Breakfast Special" takes viewers from Portland, Ore. where the Tin Shed features a menu for canine companions, to a Cuban cafe in St. Augustine, Fla.
The hourlong program looks not only at what we eat for breakfast, but at the social aspects of gathering for a morning meal. The documentary is produced by the same folks who gave us 1999's mouthwatering "A Hot Dog Program," so expect to be craving eggs sunny-side up when the hour's over.
If you miss the premier, don't fret: WTTW will show "Breakfast Special" several times this month. Check the online guide at wttw.com for air times.
- Deborah Pankey
• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at food@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4524. Listen to her discuss food and restaurant trends on Restaurant Radio, 5 to 6 p.m. Saturdays on WIND 560 AM.