Friday, December 10, 2010

MoistStic!






With the weather slowly starting to feel a little bit more like Christmas, it's important to stay moisturized and keep your body hydrated. "MoistStic" lip balm is a sure way to keep your lips soft all winter long! Made with powerful ingredients such as Beeswax, Vitamin E, and Tea Tree oil, it protects and moisturizes your lips at the same time!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Peppernuts!

In college, I discovered a yummy cookie called pfeffernusse and quickly learned it was also called peppernuts.  These tiny cookies are not decorated with frosting, sprinkles or any other fancy finery, but they are AMAZING!  I have made them a couple of times over the years, but never could match the taste and crunch that I remembered.  Thankfully, we now carry Goucher's Peppernuts, which are perfection!  They are made in Canton, KS.  Stop in and sample these tiny delights and pick up a few bags for gifts (if you can bear to part with them!). 


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Vegan Wednesday! Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!




Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies


2 C Brown Sugar
1 C Vegetable Shortening (or Vegan Margarine)
1 15 oz. Can Pumpkin Puree
2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
4 C Flour
2 Tsp. Baking Soda
2 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
½ Tsp. All-Spice
1 Pkg. (10 oz.) Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips
Method:
Blend the sugar, shortening (or margarine), pumpkin, and vanilla extract on high until creamy. Stir in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and all-spice until well combined. Finally, mix in the chocolate chips.
Drop by teaspoon onto a lightly greased cookie sheet - these cookies do not tend to grow during the baking process, so they do not need much space on the cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for 10 – 12 minutes. Cool on a rack and enjoy!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

New at Food for Thought: Refrigerated Pasta!

It is finally the time of year for chilis, soups and, my personal favorite, pastas! My new addiction is our refrigerated pasta by Bella Luna Premium Pastas. They allow you to feel like an Olive Garden-quality chef, right in your very own home!
Refrigerated pastas taste fresher and cook more quickly than their dry counterparts (most cook in 1-3 minutes, instead of the 7-20 we are accustomed to!). Bella Luna's contain no preservatives, artificial coloring or any other nasty ingredient you find hidden in some refrigerated pastas. Bella Luna's pastas serve 2 and can be frozen if you'd like to stock up!

Food for Thought carries Bella Luna's refrigerated pastas in four varieties: fettuccine, angel hair, tortellini and tri-colored tortellini. Come in and try some!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Gifts for Everyone: The Girls

  This week we are featuring gift ideas for the women in your life.  Moms, grandmothers, sisters, best friends, etc.  Here are a few of our favorite ideas!

1.  A fun, festive apron!  It seems when I cook, I end up wearing almost as much as the pan!  I'm thrilled aprons are back, because now I can combine my childhood love of dress up with practicality and cleanliness!  We have a wide selection of designs, colors and styles. 

2.  I-pot teapot.  On a cold, January day, you will be remembered fondly as the recipient enjoys a cup of warm tea!  I-pot teapots include removable stainless lids and infusers.   The teapot is microwavable safe, so you can easily and quickly heat up water and enjoy!

3.  Cozy Comfort Scarf & Hand Warmers.  It is microwavable for cozy heat therapy and designed to keep neck and hands warm and cozy.  It also contains cinnamon, clove and eucalyptus for aromatherapy benefits that last for years.    We also have neck wraps, back wraps and eye pillows to soothe anyone on your list!

4.  A kitchen gadget from Joseph & Joseph.  We love this company, and we are not alone.  It is internationally recognized for producing some of the most stylish and technically innovative products available!  A few of our favorites?  The Unitool (5-in-1 kitchen tool), the Scoop Colander, the Chop 2 Pot and the folding colander.  Plus, they come in fun colors, like pink, green and red!  

5.  Locally made headbands and headwraps!   Crocheted flower headbands and knitted headwraps will keep your head looking stylish!  I've worn my headwrap out when it's been bitter cold and have been pleasantly surprised how warm it keeps my ears.

6.  A wine glass, notepad or insulated coffee mug from Inviting Company.   Finally!  Someone that understands you.  With tongue-in-cheek  phrases (today i will think evil thoughts....and try NOT to say them out loud) and cute design, you can share a laugh with someone special! 

7. Kikkerland head massager.  Gives your whole body a relaxing feeling when you massage your head with the soft-tipped stainless-steel tips!

8.  Aura cacia Scent Ball.  Help someone in your life relax with aromatherapy.   Aura Cacia's Scent Ball plugs into an electrical outlet.  You simply add about 5 drops of essential oil to the diffuser, plug it in and enjoy.  Add a bottle of lavender essential oil  for the ultimate stress relief.

9.  Deep Steep Body Butter.   Pamper someone special with one of our amazing skincare products.  I love Deep Steep because it works amazingly and is beautifully packaged.

10.  Crazy Cat Lady Game.  Stumped?  Then check out this hilarious game!  Who couldn't use this?

DHA & The Brain

Outsmart brain aging
Take DHA! "This fatty acid is to the brain what calcium is to bones; it helps regenerate brain cells," Dr Perlmutter reveals. Not getting enough has been found to lead to foggy thinking and depression. Rx: 400-600mg. daily in a fish-oil or seaweed product.