Soup's On

Soup's On Soup n.  A liquid food consisting of meat, fish, or vegetable stock, often with various solid ingredients added.  This is Webster's definition of soup.  What's yours?  Whatever it is, it should be hearty and delicious. As we experience cooler outdoor temperatures we want to retreat to the comforts of our homes.  For many of us, that means enjoying meals with family and friends.  For me, I start thinking "Soup's On."  A hot bowl of soup will take the chill off and might be just what is needed to warm the body. Here's one of my favorite soup recipes for you to try. Double Roasted Tuscan Chicken Soup Prep Time:  5 Minutes   Cook Time: 8 Minutes 4 Servings 2 cups diced roasted chicken 1/2 cup diced onion 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 cup peas & carrots 1 carton (32 oz.) College Inn Rotisserie Chicken Bold Stock Fresh basil (optional) 1.  Cook chicken and onion in oil in large saucepan, for 3 minutes. 2.  Add peas & carrots and stock. Simmer 5 minutes Garnish with chopped fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.  This recipe is on the box panel of College Inn's chicken stock.  Visit www.collegeinn.com for more rich and flavorful recipes. I usually make this with leftover roasted chicken.  Once most of the chicken legs, wings and breast meat has been cut away, there's enough left on the carcass to make a hearty pot of soup.  Keep a carton of chicken stock on hand in the pantry.  You don't necessarily need to use fresh vegetables, canned ones will do.  If peas and carrots aren't your favorite, substitute any vegetables you like.  I happen to like barley, so whenever I make this soup, that's what I add to mine along with other vegetables.  Once, when I didn't have fresh basil, I chopped up a few leaves of fresh turnip greens instead.  You create your own recipe to suit your taste buds. During cold and flu season a Soup's On gift basket is a great gift to send.  It can be filled with a variety of items that will get anyone on the mend quicker.  We can even personalize it for you, just ask.  Visit us at www.basketsbyconsuela.com for this and other gift ideas. Baskets by Consuela    "we think outside the basket" Website: http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com

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September Holidays

Many of us don't typically think of September as having any holiday other than Labor Day.  There are a few lesser known ones to keep in mind: Baby Safety Month Better Breakfast Month Children's Eye Health and Safety National Chicken Month National Rice Month National School Success Month Childcare Week National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month The common threads that tie all of these special occasions together are food and children.  Children's nutrition should be especially important to us all.  Whether we have children of our own or not, they are our future. I recently read that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study in 2009 which said, an estimated 32.5 percent of adults consumed fruit two or more times per day and 26.3 percent consumed vegetables three or more times per day.  This is far short of the national targets.  I can only imagine what the statistics look like for children who have far less control over what they eat than what adults are consuming. Additional data from the Centers for Disease Control also estimates that 1 in 3 children in the United States is overweight or obese, increasing their risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses.  One of the things adults can do to help this trend decline is provide children with healthier alternatives for snacks and meal times.  I practiced this early in my own daughter's life.  I fed her plenty of fruits and vegetables from the time she was an infant.  Today, as a young adult, one of her favorite vegetables is spinach.  Yes, I said spinach.  She loves it. Having more fresh fruits and vegetable on hand is a good way for everyone to stay healthier and more fit.  While I too have developed a taste for salty snacks like potato chips, I try to keep them out of the pantry.  Instead, I make a real effort to keep apples, bananas and a variety of fruits of the season handy.  When the urge hits me to snack, I have no choice but to eat what is on hand which is usually an apple.  Slice it and dip the slices into some peanut butter.  You've just made one tasty treat you'll start to prefer over high calorie snack food. In recognition of September's National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, Aetna is  hosting a special contest on their web site to award grants to three national or regional nonprofit organizations that are making a difference in combating childhood obesity.  Please go there and cast your vote for one of these organizations. Try to develop the habit of keeping at least a few pieces of fresh fruit around.  The children will follow your lead when they see what you're eating.  Fresh fruit baskets stored in the fridge or counter top look pretty too.  Some vegetables can be stored at room temperature also.  You can substitute a bowl of colorful veggies for a floral centerpiece on the dinner table.  In reconditioning how we think about fruits and vegetables, we are all now "thinking outside the basket."  Here's to a healthier generation! Visit us online http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com for more ideas, tips and trends in the food and gift industry. Baskets by Consuela    "we think outside the basket" Phone: 678.499.2765 Fax: 1-610-885-7584 Email: baskets.byconsuela@yahoo.com Website: http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com Blogs: http://Basketsbyconsuela.wordpress.com & http://basketwrapup.blogspot.com/

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Wistful, Elegant, Graceful, New Gourmet Settings Windermere Appetizer Spoons Turn Heads

Wistful, Elegant, Graceful, New Gourmet Settings Windermere Appetizer Spoons Turn Heads

Oh my goodness, I love this new spoon. I can only imagine how beautiful and elegant they will look on the table during the appetizer course or dessert.

Click on the link and check out the design. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think also.

Kick Off The Holiday Season Early

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:  Baskets by Consuela                                Tel: 678.499.2765 Website: http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON EARLY Basket Designer Helps Early Shoppers Save Money on Gifts Fairburn, GA - September 10, 2010 - Baskets by Consuela of Fairburn, GA, kicks off the holiday season early by making a debut in Hapeville.  Teaming up with other crafters and vendors to help consumers save money during these penny pinching times.  They will be offering a variety of affordable gifts to festival attendee that will save them money.  Baskets by Consuela will be participating in the upcoming Hapeville Happy Days Festival on Saturday, September 18, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Attendees will have the chance to build their own basket if they choose.  There will be a free bow making demonstration session, prize give-a-ways and a gift basket raffle drawing too.  Consumers are spending more time sharing fun activities with their families and friends.  At the same time, shoppers are also looking for ways to save money on gifts .  Hapeville Happy Days Festival brings all this together in one easy trip.  "It's the place to be if you're looking to shop, eat or browse" says Ms. Greene of Baskets by Consuela.  She also says, "it's a way to kickoff the holiday season early by introducing a line of custom gift baskets to the community."

"We will also offer a selection of gift items so the entire family can come out to enjoy a fun filled happy day of activities, sampling tasty treats and shopping til they drop without breaking the bank."  Stop by our booth so we can show you how "we think outside the basket" at Baskets by Consuela.

Baskets by Consuela, based in Fairburn, has been in business since 2003 supplying affordable custom and unique gift baskets for all occasions to individuals and corporate clients.

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For more information, contact Consuela Greene at 678.499.2765 or email: consuela@basketsbyconsuela.com or visit the Website at http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com

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Need to Incease Your Clients?

"How do I increase the number of clients in my business?" is a question many businesses are currently asking.  It is no secret that in today's economy every business needs to increase the number of clients they service in order to stay afloat.  Traditional marketing and advertising are not the only tools to use.  If your business is to survive, you'll need to increase your clients by using as many creative techniques as possible.  Although there is no single answer, try these three tips for increasing your clients to see if you can get the ball rolling in your direction.  I can't take credit for these three terrific tips.  They were reproduced from the following source: RUNNING A BUSINESS AUGUST 18, 2010, 10:54 A.M. ET 1.  Community Service David Chewey, president of Garden Associates Landscape Architecture Inc. in Somerville, N.J., spends about $5, 000 each year to beautify the median of a double lane road through his State's Adopt-A-Highway program.  Because there is often a lot of traffic, the commuters have plenty of time to admire the 75-feet stretch of landscaped median and read the sign with his firm's name.  Mr. Chewey started tracking how new clients heard about him and estimates that the highway program generates $400, 000 in new sales each year. 2.  Crazy Hours Mr. Flusser, a Columbia University Student was known as the kid who could fix computers, but was never paid for his skills. When his roommate's father a Wall Street Lawyer, needed help recovering files from a virus-ridden computer that were needed for trial in the morning, he pulled an all-nighter to finish the job. He was compensated $200.00. This prompted him to start Artistech, a computer repair firm that services clients at all hours. Because of it's success Mr. Flusser hasn't had time to return to school. 3.  Customized Gifts Two years ago, interior Designer Leslie Hart-Davidson in Okemos, Michigan heard through a handyman that a family with a 12 year old daughter wanted to remodel their home.  But, solicitation letters, referrals from the handyman and visits to the homeowners office proved futile.  So, Ms. Hart-Davidson sent a gift basket filled with items that she thought the young daughter would like, such as her school's mascot and ballet slippers - along with a note explaining how she could renovate the tween's bedroom.  Ms. Hart-Davidson was soon commissioned to complete a $50, 000 year long renovation at the residence. Think about how you can use these 3 tips for increasing your clients in your own business.  You might be surprised at the positive results you'll get.  For more great ideas and gift suggestions visit us at http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com where "we think outside the basket." Baskets by Consuela    "we think outside the basket" Phone: 678.499.2765 Fax: 1-610-885-7584 Email: baskets.byconsuela@yahoo.com Website: http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com Blogs: http://Basketsbyconsuela.wordpress.com & http://basketwrapup.blogspot.com/

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National Peach Month and Cupcakes Too

Although we are nearly at the end of August, I wanted to pay homage to National Peach Month because I love this fruit.  Especially, when they are sweet and ripe.  Last summer as a matter of fact, I tried my hand at making homemade ice cream.  Guess which flavor I chose?  You guessed it, Peach.  Truly delicious. . .as a matter of fact, one of my cousins, Melo of Big Willie Wax, New Jersey,  was here in Georgia on a visit, so he too can attest to the fact of how "sweet it was."  I hadn't tasted peach ice cream that good since Waters' Drug Store in the neighborhood where I grew up in New Jersey.  I spent many a summer day waiting in line there for a large single or double scoop on my favorite sugar cone.  Yum, yum....  Here's something I discovered about how National Peach Month got started. Origin of this Holiday? Proclamation 4947 -- National Peach Month, 1982 In recognition of the role peaches play in our food supply and our economy, the Congress by Joint Resolution approved March 16, 1982 (96 Stat. 12), has requested the President to designate July 1982 as ``National Peach Month.'' Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, proclaim July "National Peach Month'' and call upon the people of the United States to incorporate this nutritious fruit into their diets, and call upon interested groups to celebrate this month with appropriate programs and activities. Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:05 a.m., June 16, 1982 Since my latest passion is cupcakes, I found this recipe for Peach Cupcakes.  Be sure to leave me your comments so we can discuss the results from my first batch that I'll bake.  Always "thinking outside the basket" for you. Mini Vanilla-Almond Peach Cupcakes Who says desserts are off limits! These mini-delights are filled with sweet peach surprises, topped with a delicious peach-puree frosting, and finished off with sprinkles of diced peaches and mint leaves. Watch Jackie Newgent on PPN TV as she shows just how easy it is to make these sweet treats. Click Here.        Ingredients     2   cups flour   2   teaspoons baking powder   3/4   teaspoon salt   1/4   cup unsalted butter, softened   1   cup + 2 tablespoons sugar   2   eggs, at room temperature   1   teaspoon vanilla extract   1/2   teaspoon almond extract   1/2   cup low-fat milk   1   fresh California peach, pitted and diced               Frosting   1   fresh California peach, divided   1 1/2   tablespoons unsalted butter, softened   1 1/2   cups powdered sugar, divided   1/2   teaspoon vanilla extract       Tiny mint leaves (optional garnish)           Preparation Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes total To prepare cupcakes, preheat oven to 300°F and line 36 mini muffin tins with paper wrappers; set aside. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes or until smooth. Gradually add sugar and beat for 2 minutes more or until fluffy. Add eggs and extracts, beating well after each addition. Stir in half the dry ingredients, then half the milk; repeat and mix until well combined. Stir in diced peaches and spoon batter into prepared muffin tins (they will be very full). Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in tins for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. To prepare frosting, peel and mash or puree half the peach. Beat butter and 3/4 cup powdered sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Blend in 1 1/2 tablespoons peach puree and extract, beating for 2 minutes or until smooth and creamy. Gradually add remaining sugar, adding more peach puree if a thinner consistency is desired. Spread equal amounts over each cupcake. Dice remaining peach half and sprinkle over cupcakes. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired. Makes 36 mini cupcakes Nutritional analysis per cupcake: Calories: 80; Fat: 2g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 15mg; Sodium: 85mg; Carbohydrates: 16g; Fiber: 0g; Sugars: 10g; Protein: 1g; Vitamin A: 2%; Vitamin C: 0%; Calcium: 2%; Iron: 2% _______________________________________________ Here's to National Peach Month and cupcakes too! For more peachy keen ideas visit us online at http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com or try one of our luscious Peach Blossom Spa gift baskets to cool and relax you on a hot summer day. Baskets by Consuela    "we think outside the basket" Email: baskets.byconsuela@yahoo.com Website: http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com Blogs: http://Basketsbyconsuela.wordpress.com & http://basketwrapup.blogspot.com/

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Cupcake Trail

I've developed a new fascination watching the program "Cupcake War." Bakers attempt to outdo their competition in creating the ultimate tasting cupcake and then designing a display to showcase one thousand cupcakes for an event. The winner gets the opportunity to have their cupcakes eaten by celebrities, charitable organizations and major event organizers. The ultimate in moving their businesses to the next level.

This past weekend, a friend and I went searching for a delicious cupcake to sample. We started with a local bakery. After encountering a less than enthusiastic reception from the owner, we decided to leave without sampling any of her selections. Because the local area didn't offer any other choices we proceeded to drive outside our local district. We asked shop owners and residents in surrounding communities where they would recommend we go to find a "good cupcake." The next bakery we found met our satisfaction. The service was good and so were the cupcakes we tasted. In fact, they were a dollar less than the first bakery's.

Eager to see if we could top what we had just done, we continued the search. We took a break at a little tea shop. As we talked with the owner she informed us that there was a small cupcake shop within walking distance. Since we were so close it made perfect sense for us to make our way there before the shop closed at 5:00 p.m. It was well worth the trip. The red velvet cupcake was moist and the icing had the right balance of sweetness.

Cupcakes are the latest trend. They're an excellent choice for entertaining, gifting or enjoying individually. I've decided to begin a cupcake adventure of my own. Stop by soon and I promise to give you the names of the best cupcake places I find on my cupcake trail.