Go organic
Now you can have your chocolate and eat organic at the same time, thanks to Smith Organic Chocolates.
The Akron-based business, which debuted a year ago, makes truffle-type chocolates using nearly all organic ingredients, from the chocolate used to powdered sugar, butter and nuts.
Among the company's varieties are organic peanut-butter balls, organic nondairy dark-chocolate truffles and a new "designer artisan" chocolate: organic strawberry-banana truffle.
Store owners Kirby and Donna Smith started their business after making chocolates for friends and family, and realizing there's a growing demand for organic items.
The term "organic," Donna Smith says, refers to any product that has not been sprayed with pesticides.
With Hershey's producing organic chocolate and Lititz-based Wilbur Chocolate also getting in on the trend, the Smiths wanted to stand out in the field.
"There are many organic chocolate bars out there," she says. "We didn't want to create another bar; but in our research, we noticed that there weren't many organic truffle-type chocolates out there, and none locally that we could find. There are many 'fine' or 'high-quality' chocolates out there. We distinguish ourselves by using 'organic' materials, and no FD&C colors are in our chocolates."
To purchase Smith Organic Chocolates, visit the Akron Nutrition Center, 22 N. 7th St., or log onto
www.smithorganicchocolates.com.
Drink up, cool down
As the weather heats up, cool down with a Lemonade Creation from Isaac's.
The new concoctions include Watermelon Lemonade Cooler, Pineapple Lemonade Cooler and Strawberry Mango Iced Tea.
Sold for $2.50 each, the drinks include one free refill.
For details, visit
www.isaacsdeli.com.
Little's chickens
If you really want to know where your food's coming from, check out a blog by Andrew Little, executive chef of Hanover's Sheppard Mansion.
The site chronicles Little's pursuit of local, sustainable ingredients, as he collaborates with local farmers to raise chickens he will eventually serve in his dining room.
Check out his blog at
www.chefandrewlittle.blogspot.com.
A better pancake
Take the fuss out of making breakfast. Batter Blaster pancake and waffle mix offers a fun and convenient way to serve breakfast, with no mess and quick cleanup.
Available at Costco Stores, Batter Blaster comes in an 18-ounce can that makes approximately 28 4-inch pancakes or waffles in minutes. It's perfect for single servings, snacks, camping and families on the go.
The mix is also organic, using ingredients such as cage-free organic eggs, and comes in an environmentally friendly container that is made of recyclable steel and uses no ozone-depleting CFCs in its propellant.
For details, visit
www.batterblaster.com.
Send your news to: Your Life, New Era, P.O. Box 1328, Lancaster, Pa. 17608-1328.
