Family budgets stay on track with new and convenient coupon sources

(ARA) – If smart savings and cost-cutting measures helped keep the family on budget throughout the recession, continuing on the same track through the recovery could help one get ahead in the long run. For better or for worse – more likely for better – Americans are embracing the concept of living within their means.

Collecting coupons remains one of the best ways for families to save on everyday expenses – from cleaning supplies and health and beauty items to food and paper products. Coupons are found in some new and innovative sources as well as from those that are tried-and-true. Here are some ideas for finding and using great coupon savings:

* The promise of a prize inside product packaging – in the form of a coupon – is already available. Now, what if it was not for the same product, but instead it was a coupon with big savings for another favorite brand that you already know, love and use regularly? Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) has begun inserting multiple brands’ coupons inside specially marked products. Now through September, brands like Luvs, Olay, Pringles, PUR, Tampax and Tide will offer coupons for savings on other P&G products. Values combined typically range from $5 to $55 in savings. You can learn more and find additional coupon deals at www.pgeverdaysolutions.com/inpackcoupons.

* It may pay to clip or save a coupon even if it’s for an item you don’t use. You can exchange the high-value coupon you don’t want for another that you can use if you get involved in coupon swapping with friends and family. There are many ways to start a coupon exchange in your area – get family members involved, cooperate with neighbors, or simply encourage your kids’ daycare center to set up an exchange box by the front door where moms can drop off coupons they don’t need in exchange for ones they can use.

* Searching online is a good way to find samples and coupons, but don’t overlook more tried-and-true coupon sources like newspapers and magazines. Before coupons went virtual, you had to clip and keep paper versions, and many of those sources are still offering great coupon deals. You can also find paper coupons on special product displays in stores, on cash register receipts and even through in-store sample giveaways.

* Finally, it’s important to get organized; knowing what coupons you have and when each expires will help you to use them before they become out of date or alert you when a particularly great sale will make them even more valuable. Coupon organizers are found in stores, but you don’t have to go fancy; you can create your own simple envelope system, arranged by date or product type just as well.

To learn more about coupons, savings and deals, visit the P&G website at www.pgeverydaysolutions.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Ads By CbproAds

Free Business Directory Wake County NC

DIETING HINTS Why Adding Carbs Can Help You Lose Weight

(NAPSI)-If your love of carbohydrates has been a stumbling block in every attempt you’ve ever made to diet, a new book by Ellen Kunes, editor in chief of Health magazine, and Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, senior food and nutrition editor at Health magazine, may be just what the doctor ordered. “Health The CarbLovers Diet” takes the very natural love of carbohydrates and uses it to your advantage. Instead of feeling guilty about loving pasta and bread, the diet shows you how to eat carbs and get thin. Recent studies have shown that eating the right carbs is the best way to get and stay slim. The multicenter study concluded that the slimmest people ate the most carbs in the form of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and the chubbiest people ate the fewest whole grain carbs. The diet plan in this book works by increasing your total intake of carbs and upping the percentage of a type of carb called resistant starch (RS). Research shows that this starch can help shrink fat cells, making you feel fuller and stoking your metabolism. As the recipes in the book demonstrate, this can be a very tasty and satisfying diet. The black beans in the following dish should be every dieter’s best friend. They provide plenty of resistant starch with plenty of appetite-suppressing protein. To save time, use prewashed lettuce and preshredded carrots. BLACK BEAN TACOS Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Makes: 2 servings 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas 6 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce 1 cup shredded carrots 1/4 cup salsa 1. Microwave beans on high for 2 minutes or until heated through. 2. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add tortillas, one at a time; cook 1 minute on each side. 3. Divide beans evenly among tortillas. Top with even amounts of cheese, lettuce, carrots and salsa. Calories 380; Fat 8 g (sat 5 g, mono 0.5 g, poly 1 g); Cholesterol 25 mg; Protein 18 g; Carbohydrate 67 g; Sugars 6 g; Fiber 17 g; RS (Resistant Starch) 4.7 g; Sodium 780 mg This book is published by Oxmoor House and is available where books are sold. For more information, visit CarbLovers.com. The right recipes can make dieting tastier.

Download high-resolution, print_quality graphic and MS Word document Word Count: 372

Ads By CbproAds

Garner NC City Guide Free Business Listing

Tips for Inexpensive Outdoor Entertaining (329) (NewsUSA) – Celebrate the warmer days by hosting an outdoor summertime party or barbecue. It’s easy to add pizzazz to an outdoor party and stay on budget, with accessories and color. Here are some inexpensive ways to add character to your outdoor get-togethers: 1. Make it colorful. For a fast way to give your party a sense of style, color-coordinate your bowls, plates and cups in attention-grabbing colors. Dollar General stores (www.dollargeneral.com) sell plastic tableware in bright colors and patterns. These items are http://www.city5nc.com/community/modules/business/index.php enough to buy in multiples, so if you plan on hosting several parties, you can use one color per occasion, then invite guests to your “pink party” or “orange party.” 2. Pep up your decor with peppers. Add a memorable touch by serving condiments or finger foods in hollowed-out green, red and yellow peppers. Simply cut the stems, and fill the peppers with ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce or any other condiment. Depending on the peppers’ colors, you may be able to coordinate them with the rest of your tableware. 3. Create a field of dreams. Silk flowers can create a beautiful centerpiece or be used in smaller arrangements around the table. Add a whimsical touch by purchasing a variety of silk flowers and planting them upright in the ground. Use them to mark paths through the yard or to the food tables and seating areas. Silk flowers are inexpensive at stores like Dollar General and are economical enough to buy in large quantities. They’re also more durable than real flowers and can be used again and again. 4. Find unique ways to deter bugs. Certain herbs and flowers repel insects. For instance, sprigs of parsley or tansy may help keep ants at bay, while lavender or mint could drive flies away. Set up decorative bowls of herbs in various spots near the guests’ seating. A larger bowl can be the striking centerpiece of a table. Keep your food safe from unwanted company with mesh food covers.

Ads By CbproAds

Free business Listing Wake County NC

Light eating for families: Experts suggest seafood

(ARA) – Health experts recommend young families, especially expecting moms, should aim to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods — those that are bursting with vitamins and minerals in every bite. A serving of seafood, for instance, packs nutrients like protein and omega-3s into only about 100 calories.  For this reason, eating fish and shellfish two to three times a week is linked to healthy hearts among adults and a brain boost in babies.

Warm weather is the perfect time to learn light, delicious ways to make fish your family’s new favorite.

Healthy eating made simple with seafood

Instead of deli meat sandwiches, try a tuna, crab or salmon salad with one of these creative mix-in combinations to help get to your weekly recommended servings of seafood:
* Plain yogurt, slivered almonds, diced apples and dried cranberries.
* Olive oil, capers, diced red onion and basil.
* Cottage cheese, diced celery and a splash of lemon juice.

Place on a whole wheat roll or eat as a dip with crackers for a simple and nutritious picnic lunch.

As an alternative to traditional summer barbecue items like hot dogs and brats, which are higher in calories and fat, fire up the barbecue for one of these fish dishes:

* Kebabs with shrimp, scallops, peppers and pineapple.
* Fillets of salmon or cod grilled on a wood plank.
* Grilled pizza with mozzarella, tomatoes and canned tuna (full recipe below).

Seafood matters most for moms-to-be

Fish and seafood is packed with nutrients that are especially important for the health of pregnant women and growing babies, yet 80 percent of women don’t eat the recommended amount. During your pregnancy, official guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration say:

* Eat seafood two to three times each week.
* Eat a variety of fish.
* As much as half (6 ounces) of fish each week can be albacore tuna.
* The only fish to avoid completely are shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.

“Seafood contains a package of powerhouse nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy – omega-3s, calcium, vitamin D and iron,” says Dr. Ashley Roman, an obstetrician and mother of two. “Most expecting moms don’t get enough nutrient-rich fish in their diet and are missing out on a brain development boost for their babies.”

More expert information and recipes

A new guide created with registered dietitians and doctors is now available to help expecting and new moms eat plenty of fish. “A Seafood Lover’s Guide to Eating During Pregnancy,” explains why eating seafood is important, how much to eat, and how to eat it with delicious and nutritious recipes and snack ideas. Download a free copy of “A Seafood Lover’s Guide to Eating During Pregnancy” at www.healthytuna.com.

Grilled Tuna Italiano Pizza

During the hot summer months, skip the oven and go for the grill. This easy and delicious pizza is a great way to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods with your whole family without heating up the whole house.

Serves two.

Ingredients
1 (6-ounce) pre-baked individual whole-wheat pizza crust
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup diced roma tomatoes
1 teaspoon minced shallots
1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh-chopped basil
1/4 teaspoon fresh-crushed garlic
1 (5-ounce) can tonno tuna in olive oil

Directions
1. Preheat grill to 350 F.
2. Place pizza crust on pizza pan or directly on grill rack.
3. Sprinkle cheese over crust; grill with lid closed until cheese is melted (about seven minutes).
4. Meanwhile, in bowl, combine tomatoes, shallots, red wine vinegar and garlic; set aside.
5. Flake tonno tuna evenly over pizza.
6. Spoon tomato mixture over tuna; sprinkle basil over pizza.
7. Grill five minutes longer. Serve immediately.

Source: ChickenoftheSea.com

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Ads By CbproAds

New! Add Your Business & Website Free! For Wake County NC Businesses Only!

How to Choose the Perfect Honeymoon Destination (382) (NewsUSA) – So, you are engaged and ready to choose that romantic spot for your first getaway as husband and wife. But where should you go? A lot of couples have difficulty finding the honeymoon destination that is “just right” for them. There are so many things to consider, like the season, accommodations and types of leisure activities available. But actually, making a decision can be simple once you know what you are looking for. The Villa Group – experts in matching clients with their ideal holiday destination – advise couples to consider the following, before they make their choice: 1. In what season are you traveling? Remember that every destination has its own weather pattern. You want to make sure that you choose a place where the weather suits your taste. 2. How many amenities are you getting for your money? Be sure to pick a destination that offers you the romance and relaxation you need after the wedding. How big is the room? Does the destination offer honeymooners special packages? Spas are always great for considering your every need. You could try a mud bath for two or a couple’s massage. 3. Are there enough activities to keep you busy? Consider what you would like to do. How about water sports and nightlife? Are there cultural aspects that you can explore? Destinations that offer everything you could want and more include The Villa Group Resorts in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. You don’t have to go far from home to explore culture, adventure and relaxation all in one place. The Villa Group offers a variety of packages for honeymooners. For instance, Villa del Palmar Flamingos, located in Vallarta Nayarit, north of Puerto Vallarta, has a 2007 Honeymoon Package that features a three-night stay per couple with upgrade to a one-bedroom suite. The package, which includes daily breakfast buffet, welcome fruit basket with truffles, moonlight couples massage, in-suite flowers, a bottle of sparkling wine and a certificate for a complimentary two-night stay on the first wedding anniversary starts at $1,076. The property, which has beautiful views of Banderas Bay, offers an upscale European-style spa with fitness center, golf courses nearby, a freeform adults pool, three tennis courts (two lit for night play) and a themed dinner buffet. For booking information, go to www.VillaGroup.com.

Ads By CbproAds

Directory For Apex, Cary, Holly Springs NC, Free Premium Listings

From Burnt Out to Behind the Burner (301) (NewsUSA) – Many Americans in unrewarding careers are choosing to enter new fields as unemployment rates continue to soar. Forced from longtime positions in some of the nation’s largest industries, men and women alike are making the jump into the world of professional cooking as they trade pinstripes for chef whites. “Our culinary arts and pastry career programs have been attracting students of all ages and professional backgrounds,” said Rick Smilow, president of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. “We have everyone from former Wall Street bankers to marketing managers to talented kids out of high school or college, all of whom are looking to switch careers in the rocky economy.” But a diploma from a leading culinary school doesn’t only lend itself to a position as a chef. More and more culinary school graduates are using their degrees to enter the fields of hospitality, food media and personal start-ups from coast to coast. Professionally trained chefs can go on to command kitchens or boardrooms, which allows them to dip into an industry driven by their passion rather than economic gains. “Our students go on to work in some of the top restaurants in the country,” Smilow said. “But they aren’t all working directly as chefs; a lot of them get involved in fields like research and development at major food brands, work in food media or are entrepreneurs building food businesses.” The rise of culinary school enrollments may signal an oncoming tidal wave of career-changers, as economic woes leave many with a desire to start new in an industry once only considered a dream job. So while the economy may be down, attitudes will be up as more and more Americans find happiness in the world of food. For more information, visit www.iceculinary.com.

Ads By CbproAds
Add your business & website to City5nc Business Directory

Your fridge can help you stay on track with healthy eating this summer

(ARA) – Summer is here, and the key to making the most of the season is to ensure you feel your best. Although there are many tempting, calorie-laden foods at your disposal during the season, it can be easy to fill your diet with foods that are tasty and healthy.

A good place to start is in your refrigerator. The contents of your fridge can either sandbag or support your healthy eating habits. Replacing processed and unhealthy items with fresh, nutrient-rich foods that are all natural is a great way to kick off the summer on a healthful note.

Simple steps to eating healthy

To make freshening up your refrigerator even easier, look for foods that are low in fat and contain all-natural ingredients.

“Nutrition advice usually begins with a long list of foods you shouldn’t eat, but, in reality, there are actually many delicious and healthy options you can add to what you eat,” says Registered Dietitian Carolyn O’Neil, author of “The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!”

One such option O’Neil recommends is Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese. Available in both low fat (2 percent) and regular (4 percent), it contains only all-natural ingredients – no preservatives, additives or artificial growth hormones. Plus it’s versatile and can be eaten by itself or added to one of your favorite recipes for a healthful twist.

O’Neil also recommends the following tips to get one step closer to freshening up your fridge:

* Look at that label. The nutrition facts label on packages continues to be the best place to get information. Be sure to look at the ingredients list – some products have up to 20 ingredients including preservatives and thickeners such as starches and gums. Remember, the more natural the ingredients, the better.

* Plan on protein. Be sure to stock your fridge with lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, pork tenderloin, eggs and dairy products like cottage cheese. Adding a half cup of Daisy Brand Low Fat Cottage Cheese to your salad adds 14 grams of high quality protein for only 90 calories and helps you stay full longer.

* Fill your refrigerator with fresh fruits and vegetables. Prepare fruits and veggies so they are easy to grab on-the-go. Fruits and veggies add more flavor to favorites, such as topping cereal with berries or enjoying peaches or tomatoes with cottage cheese.

* Plan meals for the week. Take some time on the weekends to have some fun planning your meals for the week so there is no scramble to make a busy work-day dinner at the last minute. Having great tasting nutrient-rich foods on hand increases your chances of creating healthier meals even when you’re short on time.

* Eat mindfully. Be aware of the foods you put in your mouth. Keep a food journal near the fridge as a quick reminder of what you ate throughout the day. Ultimately, slow down and take the time to enjoy and savor foods. You’ll get more pleasure from the bites you take and be less apt to mindlessly overeat.

* Get creative. Make refrigerator staples work for you by adding them to recipes or pairing them with a variety of foods. The versatility of cottage cheese allows for many meal and snack options that can provide gratification when that “snack attack” hits. Fast can be fresh and healthy.

For a delicious summer snack, try this Pizza Pita Snackers recipe.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Serves: 2

Ingredients
2 pita bread
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1 cup Daisy Brand 2 percent Cottage Cheese
2 tablespoons chopped Roma tomatoes
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions
Toast pita bread until crispy and firm, about one minute in a toaster oven. Spread pesto on each pita bread, lightly covering entire surface. Spread low-fat cottage cheese evenly over each pita. Top with chopped tomato and fresh basil. If desired, sprinkle each pita with Parmesan and garlic seasoning. Slice each pita into four wedges and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information
Calories: 301
Total Fat: 12 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 743 mg
Protein: 24 g
Total Carbohydrate: 18 g

Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese recognizes the importance of all-natural foods, which is why they are hosting a contest asking Americans to share how their eating habits could be improved through a fresh refrigerator makeover. Visit FreshenUpYourFridge.com for more information on the contest and additional recipe ideas.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

More Articles: TOOLS-AND-THINGS

Secrets every bride can use to make her wedding unique


(ARA) – Every bride-to-be dreams of putting her unique stamp on her wedding day.  Blending her chosen wedding colors into many of the occasion’s elements is just the first step toward a creative and beautiful event. Brides in gorgeous gowns, bridesmaids and groomsmen decked out in the wedding party’s colors and striking flowers are the perfect accompaniment to the colorful landscape of the summer and fall wedding seasons.

Selecting the perfect ways to feature wedding colors is a very personal representation of the bride and groom. If you’re a bride-to-be, picture homemade jewelry embellishing your wedding dress, table decorations that match your wedding theme and colors perfectly, or all your guests looking over unique programs that you made at your kitchen table.

“Making wedding decorations or even gifts for the wedding party allows you to put a lot of creativity and personality into the project. And, because you made it yourself, you’ll have a customized, one-of-a-kind item that perfectly matches your wedding and its decor,” says Courtney Talkington, manager of education and inspiration for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. “Another idea for your DIY wedding is to involve your family, friends and wedding party in making the projects, allowing everyone to be included in the fun and creativity.”

Using a centuries-old technique of quilling is one way to create a homemade necklace with a unique look in beautiful colors. Not only does the rolled paper look beautiful in decorative flower shapes, it’s also a great way to incorporate keepsakes such as ticket stubs or love letters from the dating and engagement years into meaningful, wearable art. Are you new to quilling? Quilling classes will be offered at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores starting in September.

Quilled memory necklace

Supplies and tools:
Thin paper strips for quilling: scrapbook papers, ticket stubs, old love letters and other paper mementos
Quilling tool
X-Acto knife and cutting mat
Tacky glue
1 spool tiger tail
1 package each of 3 mm and 4 mm Blue Moon glass pearl beads
1 clasp set
Crimp beads
Crimp tool
Bent-nose pliers
Wire cutter
2 6 mm jump rings
1/4 yard Tulle
1/4 yard of 1/4 inch wide Organdy ribbon
Hand sewing needle
Thread
Optional book: “The Art of Paper Quilling, Designing Handcrafted Gifts and Cards”

Directions:
1. Using paper strips for quilling, make several flower shapes in various sizes and colors.  Set aside.
2. Cut two pieces of tiger tail about 12 inches long.
3. Attach one end of one tiger tail strand to clasp using crimp bead and crimp tool. Trim excess wire.
4. String glass pearl beads for about 8 to 9 inches.
5. Attach one jump ring to opposite end using a crimp bead and crimp tool. Trim excess wire. Set aside.
6. Repeat steps three to five for second tiger tail strand.
7. Cut two pieces of tiger tail – one 8 inches long and another 10 inches long.
8. Attach tiger tail strands to jump ring. Adjust the 8 inch strand to measure approximately 6 inches and the 10 inch strand to measure approximately 8 inches.
9. Lay paper flowers out on work surface so they fit nicely between the two pearl strands and on top of the two tiger tail strands.
10. Cut two pieces of tulle slightly larger than your flower layout, following the outline of the flower shapes. Cut two large strips of tulle – about 3/4 inches wide and 3 inches long – to tie onto necklace at the sides.
11. Sandwich the two tiger tail wires between the tulle. Hand stitch the tulle together close to the tiger tail wire.
12. Tie the tulle onto the necklace at jump rings. Trim tulle to desired length.
13. Cut two pieces of organdy ribbon each 2 1/2 inches long. Tie onto necklace at jump rings. Trim.
14. Glue paper flower in place on top of the tulle following desired layout. Let dry.
15. Add glass pearl beads to flower centers. Let dry.

If you’re looking for something for your guests to take home with them, consider designing your wedding programs with a keepsake envelope. The directions below use fall burgundy colors, but feel free to mix and match the colors to personalize the program to your wedding.

Personalized wedding program

Supplies and tools:
8 1/2 inches by 11 inches of Burgundy suede cardstock
12 inches by 12 inches of Black Magic cardstock, black/red two-sided
12 inches by 12 inches of Burgundy suede paper
Lime green cardstock
12 inches by 12 inches Vellum sheets, translucent clouds
2 shades of purple, narrow ribbon
5 round beads, grape
5 seed beads, grape
Silver leaf charm
Silver “Follow your heart” charm
5 headpins
2 jump rings
Silver heart brad
20-gauge Silver wire
Grape leaf template
Paper trimmer and scissors
Corner rounder
Hole punches, regular and large
Vellum tape
Adhesive dot runner or glue stick
Jewelry tools: wire cutter, round-nose and chain-nose pliers
Computer (to generate text)
Ruler and stylus (or bone folder)

Directions
1. Cut burgundy suede cardstock 5 1/2 inches by 12 inches. Score 4 inches up from bottom edge and fold, using ruler and stylus, to create a pocket. If left and right edges are not quite even, trim them now, up to 1/2 inch total. Punch top four corners of folded pocket with corner rounder.

2. Using included pattern, trace a grape leaf on the back of the pocket flap and cut out with scissors. Print the bride’s and groom’s names and wedding date on vellum, so that it will fit the leaf shape. Attach the vellum to the inside of the pocket with adhesive dot runner. Attach a panel of lime green cardstock behind the vellum for a subtle green hue. Cut a thin strip of burgundy suede cardstock to fit behind top of pocket. Round corners and attach so the back side of the paper is visible behind the suede pocket. Using large hole punch, punch a notch on the left and right sides, using photo as guide for securing ribbon.

3. Print vellum panels with wedding information, no wider than 4 1/4 inches. Mount on burgundy suede paper and Black Magic cardstock; round top right corner of vellum.

4. To create bead grape cluster, string a green seed bead on a headpin, followed by a round green bead. Make six to eight. Create a wrapped loop at the end of each. Curl one end of 20-gauge wire and string on grapes and leaf charm. Create a wrapped loop.

5. Wrap narrow purple ribbons around the wedding program pocket and tie in a knot to the right of the leaf cut-out. Slip the bead cluster onto a jump ring and attach over the knot. Tie the ribbon, catching the jump ring, to prevent it from sliding. Attach the “Follow your heart” charm to a second jump ring and attach it to the first jump ring.

6. Punch a hole through all three layers of the program and insert a silver heart brad.

“There are so many ways to take your wedding from mainstream to magnificent” advises  Talkington. “A little inspiration is all you need to incorporate your ideas into the wedding of your dreams.”

For additional ideas for unique ways to personalize your wedding through crafts, visit www.joann.com/wedding.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Free Local NC Business Listings

Lots of people all over the USA just love a great pork steak, center cut pork-chops.
For last 15 years I would shop at my local grocery store, and be very disappointed in the
qualty and value of what you get.

A good pork chops that not too thin, not too thick, not too much fat and not a lot of bone.
That’s not asking too much, but after shopping at the grocery stores and seeing the nicely
packaged packs of pork on display at the meat counter, and buying and serving to the family
for so long and just dealing with the fact that in each package of 5 to 10 pounds 1/3 to 1/2 of the pork is fat, bone and mixed lean, fat, that looks like throw away scraps.

We went to 4 of the major grocery supermarkets in Raleigh and surrounding area’s and purchased 2 packages of pork chops about 7 to 10 pounds per package, from each store,
we found that all four stores was doing the same thing. Each package had the top of the package displayed very nice, the meat looked great through the plastic wrap but under the top layer was, what my sister calls, “scraps for dogs food” not what you want to eat.

Each package had only 1/2 to 2/3 of eatible meat in them, this is a practice that’s been happening for years, and it could be an industry practice accross the board.

Well what can you do? Write you grocery store, call your consumer BBB, your local government, complain to the USDA or don’t shop that store.

I found a place in Raleigh NC, at the North Carolina State Farmers Market.

PORK KING, Nahunta Pork Center (919) 242-4735

The State Farmers Market is conveniently located on I-40 and Lake Wheeler Road, exit 297. Covering 75 acres, the modern facility provides up to 225,000 square feet of covered, climate controlled, all season retail and wholesale spaces

Garner NC City Guide       

Get your site listed in 2 min

Celebrate National Soup Month with simple homemade soups

(ARA) – Many people turn to a comforting bowl of soup to take the bite out of chilly winter days. January is National Soup Month, and what better time to discover just how simple it can be to make sensational homemade soups? Whether serving soup as part of an entertaining menu or an easy weeknight meal, making soup from scratch does not have to require hours in the kitchen.

Shortcuts, like starting with ingredients such as 100% natural Swanson chicken broth, which provides an ideal blend of stock, vegetables, herbs and seasonings, make it easy to create the perfect foundation for every soup recipe.

Here are some quick tips to help you enjoy soup this month and throughout the year:
* Cook up a family favorite during the weekend and save leftovers for school and work lunches or for suppers throughout the week.

* Entertaining? Turn your party into a soup sampler. Ask each guest to bring their favorite soup and serve in cups, ramekins or even shot glasses to encourage people to try all the different varieties.

* Fire up the slow cooker. In the morning, place ingredients into your slow cooker. Let the soup simmer throughout the day and you’ll come home to an inviting aroma and a dinner that’s ready to enjoy. Add a crusty bread or salad to round out the meal.

Twice-Baked Potato Soup and Savory Vegetable Beef Soup are two soups that can be prepared in under an hour. Both are sure to please friends and family. For more flavorful soup recipes, visit www.SwansonBroth.com and www.CampbellsKitchen.com.

Twice-Baked Potato Soup

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Makes: 8 servings

6 large potatoes
2 tablespoons butter
1 small sweet onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
5 cups Swanson Chicken Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness or Certified
Organic)
1/4 cup light cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Toppers

1. Heat the oven to 425 F. Prick the potatoes with a fork. Bake for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the potatoes to a bowl and cover the bowl. Let the potatoes stand for 10 minutes. Remove the skin from the potatoes and mash the pulp.

2. Heat the butter in a 3-quart saucepan. Add the onion and cook until it’s tender. Stir in the broth and 5 cups potato pulp.

3. Place 1/3 of the broth mixture into a blender or food processor. Cover and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a medium bowl. Repeat the blending process twice more with the remaining broth mixture. Return all of the puréed mixture to the saucepan. Stir in the cream and chives and cook for 5 minutes or until the mixture is hot. Season as desired.

4. Spoon 1/4 cup remaining potato pulp into each of 8 serving bowls. Divide the broth mixture among the bowls. Serve with one or more Assorted Toppers.

Assorted Toppers: Cooked crumbled bacon, shredded Cheddar cheese and/or sour cream.

Time-Saving Tip: Microwave the potatoes on HIGH for 10 to 12 minutes or until they’re fork-tender.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with endive and sliced pear salad with lemon mustard vinaigrette sprinkled with crumbled blue cheese. For dessert serve chocolate eclairs.

Savory Vegetable Beef Soup

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 servings

1 3/4 cups Swanson Beef Broth (Regular, Lower Sodium or Certified Organic)
2 medium potatoes, cut into cubes
1 cup cubed cooked beef
3 cups V8 100% Vegetable Juice
1 can (about 8 ounces) whole peeled tomato, cut up
1 bag (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1. Place the broth and potatoes in a 4-quart saucepan and heat to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

2. Stir the beef, vegetable juice, tomatoes, vegetables, thyme and black pepper in the saucepan. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with a tossed salad and Ranch salad dressing. For dessert serve dark chocolate cookies with vanilla cream filling.

Courtesy of ARAcontent