This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

As cooks we’ve known for years that in most cases the less expensive store-brand products on the shelves above and below the big name brands were just as high in quality as their more expensive brethren.  The difference in pricing is almost entirely due to a far lower advertising budget and the ability to sell a product to multiple big chain retailers under their own label rather than to have to market the product themselves.

Store brands go through exactly the same inspection processes and quality assurance checks that name-brand products do.  All of these things are mandated.  We also have to assume that the manufacturers of these products are just as proud of their work as are the employees of major brands.  if they weren’t, they’d be out of business.

But what happens when a big company tries to tell us that their product is better?  That’s the name of the game in advertising, right? Of course it is, at least until you go too far with it.

Going too far is jut what Mead Johnson did when it ran an advertising campaign for its Enfamil® product line that also suggested that using store brand formulas might actually be harmful to your childs’ health and well being.

Needless to say, the folks at PBM Products, who manufacture store brand infant formulas for such major players as Wal-Mart and Kroeger’s were more than a bit miffed.  In th end they were miffed to the tune of $13.5 Million dollars, which is what a jury ordered Mead Johnson to pay in damages due to their ad campaign.

not only did this court case prove that store brands are nearly always equal in quality to major name brands, but that you can’t believe everything that an advertiser decides to tell you is true.  do your research, make sure that what you’re feeding your kids is just as good as you can give them… but if you can get it for half the price, why wouldn’t you?

Peace. I’m out.

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At least that’s what Pennsylvania’s The morning Call thinks, and I happen to agree with them. The Morning Call ran an article on my dear friend and fellow food blogger Anne of Cooking with Anne, Short Order Mom and A Thousand Soups this morning that covers her life, her passion for food and her incredible success. It’s a great read and I highly recommend it.

I must say though, the reporter that wrote the story does not seem to know all that much about blogging and paints a picture of grave competition in the food blogging arena. I’d like to be the first to tell anyone thinking of starting a food blog that this is simply not true. Foodies are a jovial and friend-centric bunch. We tend to get along with everyone else in this little corner of the Internet and I think you’ll find that you can make some pretty good friends very quickly. I know that I have.

Barring that little statement, this is Anne’s moment and I want her to have the spotlight. Go take a look at the article, including the gorgeous shot of both the lady of the hour and a platter of her most scrumptious looking sliders.

Enjoy the read, and tell a friend!

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It looks like being a superstar chef doesn’t make you immune to childish behavior. Mario Batali has banned one Gordon Ramsay from all of his restaurants after Gordon took offense to a comment Mario made about his food, calling it “dull and outdated and said he didn’t get New York.”

Ramsay responded by calling Mario Batali “Fanta Pants” in reference to the orange shorts the superstar chef sometimes wears.

In a recent interview, Batali said the following on the matter:

“Now he goes about town calling me Fanta Pants.” What? Because you sometimes wear orange shorts? “I suppose. And it has to be as a direct result of what you wrote.” Batali has not been slow in responding. ‘I’ve banned him from my restaurants. Ramsay’s people call trying to book tables and I say no. I won’t have him in there. If he called me himself and said, ‘Let’s sit down for a drink,’ I’m sure it would be fine. We’d be cool. But right now it’s not cool.” More wine is poured. Another cigarette is smoked. It’s clear he enjoys the feud. He also insists on telling me that the feud does not extend to Ramsay’s chef colleagues. He wants me to know he likes Angela Hartnett very much, though that doesn’t really do justice to the completely filthy way he expresses his admiration. It’s clear Angela is not banned from his restaurants.

[From Mario ‘Fanta Pants’ Batali Bans Gordon Ramsay From His Restaurants -- Grub Street: New York Magazine's Food and Restaurant Blog]

Mr. Ramsay’s people have not been slow to respond, either.

Ramsay’s rep tried to make light of the simmering dispute, telling Page Six the two egomaniacal chefs will “get together someday and have a good laugh about it all.”

[From "HELL'S KITCHEN" STAR GORDON RAMSAY FROM EATING AT MARIO BATALI'S RESTAURANTS- New York Post]

I’ not sure if this is a battle of egos or just the way chef’s of this caliber muck with each other, but really… I think perhaps that drink is in order.

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If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ll know that every once in a  while I post the lateest in news releases related to food.  Most of the time these are unfortunate reports with subjects like “recall”, “outbreak” or “contaminated”.  This kind of news is necessary but unwanted.  The news I have to share tonight is the kind that the Christmas season is good for.  It’s the kind that makes you smile inside and want to do something yourself.  so let’s have a look, shall we?

• In Tyler Texas, a group of Police Department volunteers are donating to the local Rescue Mission.
• Kalamazoo police Detectives are joining in as well, and they need your help.
• New York City’s Food Bank for NYC’s Celebrity Lunchbox Auction was a pretty big affair.
• Milwaukee Students donate 12,000 food items to the Hunger Task Force.
• And as a final note, Truckers in Saskatchewan donated  over $3,000.00 to Food For Friends.

I hope I have as many heartwarming things to report throughout the rest of the year.  Bor now though, I’m pretty happy that everyone seems to have found a little Christmas spirit, even in a year wth a painfully slow economy.

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The Fort Worth Star Telegram reports that the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport tied for first place this year with Detroit International as the most healthy airports food-wise in the country.  This is based on a survey of the 15 busiest airports in the U.S. by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

Not bad DFW!  At least I know if I have to get on a plane in Dallas, I can eat responsibly, rather than just piggin’ out on greasy burgers in a snack shack (That would be OKC’s Will Rogers Intl. Airport…  Shudder!)

The complete story can be viewed here.

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Is your food bill gobbling up your income?  I’ve found a way to help with that, courtesy of Bret Thompson, executive chef of famed restaurant MILK.  Chef Thompson is releasing a series of recipes at gotmilk.com that will help you share the holiday cheer without breaking the bank.

But I’m not doing the greatest job of telling this story.  here’s the offical press release.  Pass this one along!

PRESS RELEASE

Food Bills Gobbling up Your Income?

Renowned Chef Shares Gourmet Thanksgiving Dishes & Desserts for Under $1

Last update: 12:01 p.m. EST Nov. 19, 2008

SAN CLEMENTE, CA, Nov 19, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) — As the cost of putting food on the table continues to soar, families are looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing taste or nutrition. It seems the price of everyday staples such as eggs and bread are increasing by the minute. A New York Times article reports the price of bread rose by 12 percent and eggs by 25 percent over the past year.(1) ABC News also reports that food prices could jump by another 20 percent next year, according to the USDA Price Forecast. But a renowned Los Angeles-based chef says families can still afford a nutritious, delicious meal this Thanksgiving. Bret Thompson, executive chef of famed restaurant MILK, is teaming up with GOT MILK? to share milk-based gourmet holiday recipes that feed a family of 10 for about 50 to 80 cents per person per dish.

Exclusively available on www.gotmilk.com, Thompson invents palate-tempting milk-based side dish creations like sweet potato gratin with sage and creamed spinach with a parmesan crust to compliment a traditional turkey dinner. The gourmet Thanksgiving recipes also incorporate low fat milk, spinach and almonds — foods considered most nutritious according to the NuVal Nutritional Scoring System. The NuVal system is a rating guide developed by top-ranked nutritionists from around the world, using a number score from one to 100 (with 100 being the best score) to indicate the nutritional quality of a specific food. It places skim milk at 91 as one of the top of ranked beverages. And because Thompson’s recipes feature ingredients that are widely available on special, in bulk or are already cupboard staples, families are able to get the most bang for their buck.

“Families are looking for bargains more than ever, but still want a holiday meal that will please everyone,” says Thompson. “Milk is a key ingredient to traditional Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts, packing nutrition while adding the texture and creaminess everyone craves. I’m thrilled to be able to share healthier menu options that are high on taste, but don’t cost a lot of money.”

Thompson’s menu includes a twist to traditional Thanksgiving comfort foods like creamy green beans with caramelized onions and toasted almonds. His version conserves the creaminess of the dish with a much lower fat content while adding a delicious nutty crunch thanks to the toasted almonds. For a Latin twist, Thompson also created a velvety corn soup with grilled corn pico de gallo.

“You wouldn’t know these delicious gourmet recipes are low fat and cost from 50-80 cents per serving,” says Steve James, executive director of the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), the creators of GOT MILK? “Chef Thompson shows that families don’t have to go to a five-star restaurant to experience epicurean delights. He truly offers a champagne menu on a milk budget!”

Thompson also says desserts don’t have to be sinful, packed with calories and fat to taste great either. For GOT MILK?, he creates a stunningly mouth-watering pumpkin profiteroles with pie spice sauce as well as an apple cranberry bread pudding.

“Our hope is that families will recreate these recipes at home and make them part of their holiday tradition for generations to come,” says James.

For Thompson’s nutritious, gourmet and affordable recipes as well as tips on how to save money while shopping for groceries this holiday season, visit www.gotmilk.com.

About Bret Thompson & MILK

Before opening MILK in Los Angeles in 2007, Bret Thompson was the corporate executive chef of the Patina Restaurant Group. In the United States, he worked with renowned chefs like Roy Yamaguchi. In Europe, he trained under Michelin starred chefs like Martin Berasategui as well as Alain Passard of L’Arpege and Bernard Loiseau. MILK is located in 7290 Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles, where Thompson can be found delighting his clients daily.

About the CMPB

The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk more competitive and increase milk consumption in California. Awareness of GOT MILK? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most important and successful campaigns in history. GOT MILK? is a federally registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards since 1995. The CMPB’s Spanish-language campaign began in 1994 using the tagline “Familia, Amor y Leche” (Family, Love and Milk). The TOMA LECHE (Drink Milk) campaign replaced it in 2006, following a growing trend in Hispanic food advertising that uses wit and humor to reach audiences. GOT MILK? gifts and recipes can be viewed at www.gotmilk.com and www.tomaleche.com. The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

(1) The New York Times.15 March 2008 “Costs Surge for Stocking the Pantry.” http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/business/15consumer.html?_r=1&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/F/Food%20Prices&oref=slogin

SOURCE: California Milk Processor Board

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I’ll say it again.  I Love the Holidays.  It brings out the best in people and companies alike.  Check out this press release:

12 News & KMLE Country Team Up With Bashas’ & Food City Stores to Hold Turkey Tuesday Drive for St. Vincent de Paul
Arizona Residents Invited to Donate Frozen Turkeys on Tuesday, Nov. 25

Last update: 11:00 a.m. EST Nov. 13, 2008
PHOENIX, Nov 13, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The nation’s largest one-day turkey drive, 12 News’ Turkey Tuesday, will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 25. On this designated Tuesday, nearly 100 Bashas’ and Food City stores will collect frozen turkeys and monetary donations for St. Vincent de Paul.
Now in its 15th year, 12 News’ Turkey Tuesday has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many Arizona families, schools and businesses. From 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, residents are invited to make a frozen turkey or monetary donation at any Bashas’ or Food City store in metropolitan Phoenix and northern Arizona.
All donations will benefit hungry families just in time for Thanksgiving. According to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a local non-profit that cooks and distributes more than 3,000 meals each day to the hungry, turkey donations are the key to meeting an increased demand this year.
“The need in our community has never been so critical,” said Steve Zabilski, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul. “This year, more families are asking us for help. They’re living on the economic edge, struggling to stay in their homes, pay their bills and feed their families.”
From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Turkey Tuesday, 12 News Sports Anchor Bruce Cooper and Weather Anchor James Quinones will challenge one another to see who can collect the most turkeys for St. Vincent de Paul. KMLE Country personalities Gwen Foster and Stu Evans will join the challenge, broadcasting live throughout the afternoon. 12 News also will dedicate a phone bank of volunteers to take donations from individuals unable to visit a store.
During last year’s Turkey Tuesday drive, Arizonans donated a record 25,181 frozen turkeys, which fed thousands of local, needy families. St. Vincent de Paul volunteers collected the frozen birds, and packaged thousands of the donated turkeys into food boxes, which were immediately delivered to hungry families throughout Arizona.
“We’re so thankful for this annual turkey drive because it helps us to meet the strong need we’re facing,” said Zabilski. “Even when times are tough, we’re blessed by the generosity of our community.”
In addition to the one-day drive, during the month of November, all Bashas’ and Food City stores statewide will be selling $1 paper turkey icons to benefit St. Vincent de Paul. Customers can customize the turkey-shaped icons by writing in what they are most thankful for this holiday season. To find a Bashas’ or Food City store near you, visit http://www.bashas.com or http://www.myfoodcity.com.
About Society of St. Vincent de Paul
No other organization in the Valley provides so many services to so many people using so many volunteers. From hunger and homelessness to healthcare, St. Vincent de Paul reaches out to help those in need in the Arizona while providing the community with opportunities to serve the economically disadvantaged. For more information, visit http://www.stvincentdepaul.net.
About Bashas’ Family of Stores
Bashas’ Family of Stores — the family-owned grocer that operates Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Sportsman’s Wine & Spirits, Ike’s Farmers Market, Eddie’s Country Store, and both Bashas’ and Bashas’ Dine supermarkets — is an Arizona-based company founded by brothers Ike and Eddie Basha, Sr. With more than 13,000 members and 160 grocery stores, it is the 8th-largest employer in the state and one of the Best Places to Work in Arizona. Since the company’s inception in 1932, Bashas’ has given back more than $100 million to the communities it serves. For more information, visit http://www.bashas.com and http://www.myfoodcity.com.
About Gannett Co., Inc.
Gannett Co., Inc. is a leading international news and information company that publishes 90 daily newspapers in the USA, including USA TODAY, the nation’s largest-selling daily newspaper. The company also owns nearly 1,000 non-daily publications in the USA and USA WEEKEND, a weekly newspaper magazine. Gannett subsidiary Newsquest is the United Kingdom’s second largest regional newspaper company. Newsquest publishes nearly 300 titles, including 18 daily newspapers, and a network of prize-winning Web sites. Gannett also operates 23 television stations in the United States and is an Internet leader with sites sponsored by its TV stations and newspapers including USATODAY.com, one of the most popular news sites on the Web.
SOURCE Bashas’ Family of Stores

http://www.bashas.com

Now, why can’t we all do this for the rest of the year?

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