Famous Flavors

Van de Kamp’s Holland Dutch Bakeries – The Windmill Empire Van de Kamp’s Holland Dutch Bakeries – The Windmill Empire (Image Credits: Flickr) Van de Kamp’s Holland Dutch Bakeries was founded in 1915 as a Los Angeles potato chip stand by Theodore J. Van de Kamp, his sisters Marian and Henrietta, and Henrietta’s husband Lawrence L. Frank, all recent transplants from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The first stand was operated from an eight foot frontage at 236 ½ South Spring Street adjacent to the Saddle Rock Café – the very heart of Los Angeles at the time. Due to a potato shortage … Read more

Granola Bars That Look Healthy But Act Like Candy Granola Bars That Look Healthy But Act Like Candy (Image Credits: Pixabay) You grab one thinking it’s a nutritious choice, but most commercial granola bars are sugar bombs in disguise. While there are some healthier protein bars on the market, many contain around 20 grams of added sugar, making their nutritional content similar to that of a candy bar. That is when I realized how much unwanted sugar is added to these store-bought bars and wondered if our bodies need that much sugar and other preservatives. The typical granola bar can … Read more

Chocolate Avocado Mousse Chocolate Avocado Mousse (image credits: rawpixel) Chocolate mousse has long been a favorite indulgence, but by adding avocados, it transforms into a dessert that’s not only delicious but also beneficial for mental health. Avocados are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and a variety of vitamins, which have been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety. As noted in the *Journal of Nutrition*, omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in avocados, are linked to lower depression levels. To create this nutritious treat, blend ripe avocados with cocoa powder, honey, and a splash of vanilla extract. This creamy mousse not only … Read more

Excess Sodium Creates Silent Cardiovascular Havoc Excess Sodium Creates Silent Cardiovascular Havoc (Image Credits: Unsplash) The amount of sodium lurking in processed foods would shock most consumers. Americans consume more than 3,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day, on average. This is well above the federal recommendation of less than 2,300 mg of sodium daily for teens and adults as part of a healthy eating pattern. This excess isn’t coming from your salt shaker at home. Adults in the United States consume up to 70% of their sodium from processed foods such as soups, tomato sauce, condiments and canned goods. … Read more

Apple Pie – The Symbol of American Home Apple Pie – The Symbol of American Home (Image Credits: Unsplash) Apple pie holds the crown as America’s most symbolic dessert, yet its journey to our tables tells a fascinating story of cultural adaptation. The roots of apple pie can be traced back to medieval England, where early recipes involved a mixture of apples, spices, and a simple pastry crust, with European settlers bringing their culinary traditions to the American colonies where apples quickly became a staple in the orchards of New England. The abundance of this hardy fruit in the New … Read more

Natural Sweeteners Natural Sweeteners (image credits: pixabay) Chefs around the world are embracing natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar as healthier alternatives to refined sugar. These natural options don’t just sweeten dishes; they add unique flavors that can elevate the entire culinary experience. For instance, the floral undertones of honey can enhance a simple salad dressing, transforming it into something extraordinary. Maple syrup, with its rich, earthy flavor, is a favorite in breakfast dishes. According to the Journal of Food Science, these sweeteners often have a lower glycemic index than white sugar, making them a better choice … Read more

The Power of Berries in Blood Sugar Management The Power of Berries in Blood Sugar Management (Image Credits: Pixabay) Wild blueberries are considered a low glycemic index fruit, with a score of 53. Fresh strawberries, blackberries and raspberries typically have glycemic index scores below 40, while blueberries have a score around 53. This makes them exceptionally beneficial for people managing blood glucose levels. Commonly consumed berries, especially cranberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, ameliorate postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in overweight or obese adults with insulin resistance, and in adults with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). In non-acute long-term studies, these berries either … Read more

Chick-fil-A Egg White Grill: The Protein Powerhouse Chick-fil-A Egg White Grill: The Protein Powerhouse (Image Credits: Wikimedia) This protein-packed healthy fast food breakfast option features grilled chicken, fluffy egg whites and a slice of cheese, all sandwiched in an English muffin to deliver a filling 27 grams of protein and just 300 calories. Nutrition experts consistently rank this as their top choice when seeking maximum protein bang for your caloric buck. London loves the Egg White Grill’s protein-packed combo of grilled chicken and egg whites, plus cheese. The sandwich checks multiple nutritional boxes that matter most for sustained energy. Consider … Read more