LYRA MAG.

A lcoholic liquids... the opposite of some of the new better for you  functional fluids hitting the market can be the perfect pairing of dress-upped, mixed drinks. Ideas on how to update the last decades fav Red Bull and Vodka-include  now 'cleaner' carbonated alternatives-plus fluids boasting health benefits. via GIPHY The new behind the bar staples??? Lifeway's slightly sparkling organic Elixir-fresh tasting-in fruity tangerine, elderberry, hibiscus and our fav, warm spicy ginger-delivers active culture probiotics. Served chilled -with clear alcohol-like gin or vodka-or 'straight up'- over ice ...naturally low in calories-and gluten/caffein free, vegan +kosher.  Apple Cider vinegar is the old/new remedy for human ailments-including diminishing detoxifying inflammation,  sore throats, help in weight loss, support heart health, improve blood sugar/insulin levels etc. That abrasive tartness though-on its own-or swoished in water-isn't for most. ...

To wake up -or to chill out-the latest Coffee and Tea blends -to help achieve the desired outcome-boast 'healthy' add-ons -with new blends aiming to make these popular sips-even better for you. via GIPHY EIGHT O'CLOCK was a 'mom' staple in our house...nowadays-this 100% Arabica coffee gets amped up with healthy for you-additions-perfect for the faster moving 21st century. ACAI GLOW-contains the anti-oxidant loaded superfood ACAI Berry,  a rich dark roast B6 Metabolism-that has just that , and a truly well balanced, aromatic  cinnamon+turmeric (anti-inflammatory) based super spice medium roast blend that's our fav-  tasty hot or iced cold. Have to say though-that the new ALERT medium roast-which gets its added oomph from the native Brazilian GUARANA fruit -is a guy pal fav-perfect for the early bird who needs the staying power of energy drink staples-without the jitters or weird taste. SALUT Ethical Bean Coffee. ..USDA Organic-and carefully sourced ...

Healthy seafood,  the real deal kind, not farmed or GMO scientifically rendered (available now in Canada) is a super healthy protein, gluten free- and heart/brain musts-EPA and DHA) Omega 3. An athlete essential...fish is quickly becoming the preferred protein source world wide. But tasty choices, wild caught, sustainably sourced -from a shelf stable cans or pouches-  that tastes like fresh as fresh ? via GIPHY Icon -and television's first celebrity chef- Julia Child...loved her tuna fresh too! source: televisionwithoutpity.com Surprise= Wild Planet -a brand that is widely available (including direct )-not only changed-as in elevated our taste buds expectations-vis à vis what a can of wild, skinless/boneless salmon or crowd fav albacore tuna- should taste like-we felt like ditching the 'canned' moniker-of everything we tried- as all products tasted are as tender flaky, chew-textured perfect...as if sourced straight off the fishing boats. Upshot: Forever change...

 Fancy Food Show 2017/Editor Showcase Our fav new products from recent foodie -centric events...ready to eat/drink...and delicious. CALIFIA FARMS, CHOBANI, FARMER'S PANTRY, GREYSTON BAKERY, SAHARA DATE COMPANY via GIPHY Who knew? For Half N' Half addicts...here is finally-a worthy creamy rich alternative by Califia Farms -that delivers in quart and half pint sizes-in unsweetened and original, slightly sweetened vanilla, and hazel. Our MUST HAVE new coffee pair-up---this Almondmilk Creamer with coconut-a healthy heart fat and with no sugar or cholesterol (unlike diary cream or whole milk)...has the same thick pourable texture and great shelf life as it's dairy equivalent-BUT is vegan (plus gluten/soy/dairy-free, non-GMO certified, carrageenan free, and kosher). CALIFIA FARMS dairy free, plant based milks-from Almond+and Coffee Brews available from coast to coast.  Shake well before using-and this container is recyclable. POST ENDURANCE RACE-ditch ...

New and old snacks...get 'cleaner' -crafty ...plus the best sweet indulgences... via GIPHY source simpsonsworld.com Craft Beer Salsa by Mrs. Renfro 's-fun medium heat-with beery flavor...merger of two local Texas businesses-the aforementioned +Rahr&Sons-cold ones...and at 15 calories-2 tbsp serving-tasty way to perk up chips and salads without adding the pounds. Garden of Eatin   USDA  Organic Nacho +Ranch Corn Tortilla Chips =   crisp triangle sized, scoop up the dip/salsa musts-with the addition of creamy cheddar cheese-or buttermilk-that surprisingly (to us)-worked with traditional spice-y heat we expect from this popular crunch. The Nacho flavor-has hints of tomato, onion, cayenne pepper and garlic -with organic cheddar cheese-while the Ranch contain 6 grams fat -25% less than other brands-and is gluten-free/certified Kosher-with organic black pepper, white pepper, chili pepper and cumin-giving off subtle heat. GOOD HEALTH-better for you c...

Stadiums nationwide- have amped up concession  offerings-with exotic/ethnic cuisines and name dropping restaurant/food truck outlets serving up gourmet fare. BUT most backyard bbq chefs, urban masters of city park grills, and outdoor campers (picnic  glampers ) hauling around provisions, still seem to prepare (prefer) the culinary classics- inspired by yesteryear's ballpark staples.  What's different... sophisticated global palates and a preference for cleaner ingredients have upped the epicurean menu-adding spicy flair, and gourmet global flavorings -less the artificial additives and preservatives. Part One: via GIPHY anniegugliotta.com                                                                  The DOG ... This nostalgic baseball stadium staple-has evolved from it's...

Healthy+Better Tasting Drink Trends:Manganese, (with some magnesium potassium, zinc) loaded, naturally sweet (xylitol) Birch water-tapped from trees-joins coconut and maple as an in-demand hydration source...plus a new addition targeting active adventurers. source shamelessbookclub.com  USDA Organic TREO are gulp-able fruity sips of Birch Water Infusions that contain only 10 calories per bottle- easily becoming fav drinks of ours. Available in four flavors (Strawberry, Coconut Pineapple, Blueberry, and Peach Mango l-r)-all contain pure birch water tapped from Vermont trees...AND all are  authentic tasting-non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan-naturally packed with minerals+electrolytes-+ only 1 gram of sugar. FYI stevia and erythritol are the sweetners. Bonus points-bottled in PET bottles. SAP! Birch +Maple Sparkling Soda  and Seltzer -in convenient aluminum cans-tapped from Vermont trees-with minerals+46 naturally occurring nutrients/electrolytes-aid hydration...

OLITALIA, FIRE CIDER, Mediterranea Agoa del Mar Seawater, ISOCEAN, OXIGENE Water, HFACTOR Water via GIPHY Infused, flavored, alkaline- d correct...are these liquids trends what mainstream consumers will spend coinage on-versus the practically free tap water? Seems that way ... Tart tangy PGI Balsamic of Modena (Italy) and Apple Cider Vinegar-both blessed with touted health benefits like revving up metabolism/burning fat, minerals + nutrients' blessed-Potassium, Calcium, Vitamins B2+B3, healing tired up/out muscles (alkaline effects) and naturally loaded with biophenols (slow down cellular aging process)-comes together in tasty flavored drinkable options by OLITALIA . Sip it straight up-we did and surprised how palatable and subtly fruity they all are (low calorie too-obvs, and verified Non-GMO, NSF certified gluten-free, ),or mix it- in cocktail/drinks- or in recipes like summer salads-available in antioxidant loaded Cherry, Blueberry, Pomegranate. TIP: 5 parts water or o...

Gut enhancing fluids, nutrient blessed dairy alternatives  - tempting consumers-delivering life's winning edge...hydration-wise. Lifeway Elixir, Makomas Baobob, STEAZ Energy, GURU Organic Energy, Brooklyn Organics via GIPHY Lifeway's tangy tart USDA Organic Kefir-naturally loaded with active probiotics-supportive of natural GI functions (plus immunity, weight-and theoretically a whole lot of other human health issues)- are a daily habit.A latest fav flavor-=Organic Ceremonial Matcha Green Tea kefir-makes us feel like Superman-Wonder Woman after one tasty sip. New to the product line-up- LIFEWAY ELIXIR - slightly fizzy effervescent beverages in four on trend flavors -spicy ginger, fruity tangerine, floral hibiscus (reportedly an aphrodisiac), and elderberry-fyi-all make excellent cocktail mixers. Naturally low in sugar (45 calories/bottle)-and easy on the taste bids-straight up (imo)-these sips are -organic, gluten+caffeine free, kosher, vegan-a good post workout thir...

Fancy Food Show Part One: CALIFIA FARMS ENHANCED MILKS, COLD BREW, REBEL KITCHEN MYLK via GIPHY Human hydration needs for summer's heated up exercises -get amped up...one reason why powered up liquids are gaining favor and flavors from plants, spices, coffee/tea combos- and and a little bit of scientific know-how. CALIFIA Farm s elevated the niche cold brew coffee market-that we remember drinking up-back in the days  -in New Orleans.. encouraging so many hot/iced coffee drinkers to enjoy this cult liquid-that it's now widely available in retail outlets, nationwide. New single serve options now include tasty flavors of plant sourced, non-dairy, enhanced 'milk' -and athlete must-intense sips of their caffeinated cold brew, slightly sweetened with cane sugar-mixed in with protein packed almond milk. Pictured: good post workout-recovery option -is the- Maca-Nilla Almond Milk -new flavor addition joining the Choco-Maca Almond Milk version. With real deal vanilla...

  via GIPHY source arifai.om An eating habit akin to PAC MAN addiction, food wise-just might be inhaling a handful of pistachio nuts. No wonder...culinary spinoffs of this popular treat-grown in California (mostly, and Iran)...are enticing consumers. Top Picks: Setton Farms employees must be cracking' happy-all those delicious nutritious (servings-serve up 7 grams of protein,  10% daily fiber, plus Vitamin B6, magnesium, thiamine, phosphorus, copper ad potassium).. 100% natural pistachio nuts probably placed for grabbing- all over their facilities. New: Adding to their travel friendly- snack sized Chewy Bites collection , a winning pair-up of chewy dried blueberry infused cranberries in a pleasingly gooey crunchy pistachio nut mix-up, sweetened up with coconut+ maple brown rice syrup.  Non-GMO, gluten free, vegan, certified Kosher, AND heart healthy for guilt free, nutritious snacking-made of of 50% pistachio nuts-5 grams protein/serving. Available now. ...

Specialty Food Show 2017 Tempting Dessert Toppings-featuring rich caramel always a fav...spoon worthy good enough to eat solo...plus fun sweet bubbles-a take on the Taiwan Bubble Tea craze that's gone global. via GIPHY Robert Rothschild Farms popular dessert toppings have a new flavor- Caramel Nocino -caramel-vanilla sugary nutty addition  DATE LADY USDA ORGANIC, gluten-free and Kosher- Date Caramel Sauce- SOFI winner worthy of ice cream, cheesecake and as a crisp cut able dip-bade from real deal cream, their award winning date syrup...with aromatic vanilla and touch of sea salt. Vermont based FAT TOAD FARM-SOfi Winner-Traditional Goat Milk Caramel-uses traditional methods to churn out many velvety, creamy caramel products-in partnership with Vermont Creamery...a local source for its subtle tangy goat milk flavor. New: Bourbon Barrel Aged Hard Cider Caramel -a collab with Stowe Cider-not too sweet smooth addition to a winning line-up of dessert toppings. ...

Fancy Food Show 2017  Part One NEW Scrumptious flavors of classic sauces/marinades- liven up entrees, pastas and appetizers without the fuss/hassle-using family (mom's) recipes. via GIPHY source food-gifs.com Noted: Family owned, tasty global inspirations, 'clean' ingredients-are specialty food trends -  embraced by smaller companies where the owners are happy to  dish out their own creations...AND have put the big companies on notice-attracting infusions of cash or outright offers to buy. Top Picks: Why bother buying all those ingredients to make pesto from a homemade recipe-when NJ based R A NDAZZO; s Pesto Sauces-including delicious, versatile Kale Pesto, pictured above- made without added sugar or preservatives and containing real deal 100% extra virgin olive oil -not a cheaper oil blends of similarly priced other brands ($5.99) and Pecorino Romano cheese...makes it 'honest to goodness sauces' just like you (or your mother) would. AND-without the...

Added Protein Powers New Snacks-Fancy Foods Show via GIPHY source anchorpointanimation.com Cabot Creamery is the iconic cheese maker in Vermont (plus now yogurts, sour cream, butter etc)-sourcing their milk from a co-operative of families-since 1919. New for them-and interesting -we think the first whey product actually coming from a dairy maker...an unflavored WHEY PROTEIN powder product that  can be added to smoothies and recipes. 20g of protein per serving/100 calories. A lot of protein bars have a dry texture...but this moist chewy Oatmeg a grass-fed whey protein bar...was tasty, somewhat filling-def worthy+ flavorful with real deal chocolate and coconut. Gluten free, non-GMO and with 7grams of fiber (oats in there)/5 grams of sugar-the latter stat on the low side for a nutrition bar...a good thing. Also with healthy OMEGA-3s. Find Your Inner Abs indeed-high protein instant POWERFUL Oatmeal boasts added whey powder concentrate boosting this snack or br...