BAKE AWAY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Ideas on How to Bring New Flavors and Treats into Your Kitchen

Interview Opportunity with Mary Beth Harrington, Flavor and Baking Expert

Baking is among the most fun and flavorful reasons friends and families gather during the holidays, and it’s a widespread tradition. Every year, approximately 60% of American families make and share holiday cookies. And, many of these bakers search online for new recipes and ideas to keep their cookie-sharing tradition fresh and exciting.

That’s why, from cookie pops, bars and truffles to signature favorites, McCormick is encouraging bakers to spice up their holidays with flavorful cookie inspiration.  Some holiday baking tips:
•    Explore rich flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, peppermint, nutmeg and ginger
•    It’s the best time for colorful cookie decorating, so don’t hold back
•    Get inspired by what you see both in stores and online
•    Don’t be afraid to try something new

“The holidays are the best time to try baking a new treat to share with your friends and family,” says Flavor and Baking Expert Mary Beth Harrington. “My family likes to try at least one new recipe every year. This season, we’re making Peppermint Bars, a festive twist on chocolate bar cookies, featuring a refreshing hint of peppermint extract and decorative candy cane crumbles.”

Talk to Flavor and Baking Expert Mary Beth Harrington about how you can get inspired to bake.  She’s an enthusiastic technical-culinary professional with a diverse background that includes more than 20 years of experience in recipe and product development, as well as a broad knowledge of food trends. In her current role, she helps manage the daily operations of the McCormick Kitchens as they develop new recipe concepts and product usage ideas based on consumer insights and the latest flavor trends.

Possible questions for Mary Beth:
•    We all have our favorite holiday cookies. What gets you inspired to try something new in the kitchen?
•    How are you getting prepared for the big holiday baking season?
•    What are your tips for sharing cookies with friends and family?
•    What are some baked goods you’d recommend that incorporate seasonal, holiday flavors?
•    Do you have any tips for someone who might want to organize a cookie share of their own?
•    Where can we get some recipe ideas?

WHO:  Mary Beth Harrington, Flavor and Baking Expert
WHAT:  Live or taped phone interview
WHEN:  November 27-December 21, except Fridays

To schedule an interview, contact Mel at mels@zpr.com or 240-316-3804 or Jennifer at jenniferc@zpr.com at 240-395-0225 X108.

SATELLITE MEDIA TOUR OPPORTUNITY – Wednesday, August 8th

NEW & HEALTHIER “LUNCH BOX” NUTRITION GUIDELINES IN TIME FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Epidemic of Overweight & Obese Children Highlights Need to Focus on Lunch Box Meal Planning

Interview Opportunity with Shari Steinbach, MS RD, Healthy Living Advisor

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that childhood obesity in the United States has tripled in the last 30 years.  Approximately 12 million children and adolescents are obese and more than 23 million are overweight. Statistics like these led to the new and healthier rules for the National School Lunch Program that begins at the start of the 2012-2013 school year.

As the school year approaches and to support the program, Meijer’s Healthy Living Advisors have determined some of the healthiest lunch box planning and packing options for parents and children.

The Healthy Living Advisors will provide your viewers with healthy eating tips to share with their children because packing a lunch and handing it to children is only half the battle.  Being a role model about healthy eating and getting children involved in their own meal choices prepares them for a lifetime of healthy habits.

Talk to Shari Steinbach, MS RD, lead dietitian and Healthy Living Advisor for Meijer. Shari has an extensive background in the food industry and health education and can provide trusted advice and information about the many products and foods available for a smart and healthy lifestyle.

Possible questions:
•    How can parents involve their children in regular menu planning?
•    What prompted you to get this program started?
•    What should we be paying attention to on food labels?
•    How can parents plan ahead to make the lunch packing process easier?
•    What are the best healthy alternatives?

WHO: Shari Steinbach, MS RD, Healthy Living Advisor
WHAT: Live or taped satellite media tour interview
WHEN:  Wednesday, August 8, 2012

To schedule an interview, please contact JoAnn Mangione at 240-395-0225 x108 or joannm@zpr.com.

SMT sponsored by Meijer, nutritional information, healthy meal planning and more reaches across the country through Meijer.com