Nominees and Honorees Announced for 6th Annual TASTE AWARDS

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The TASTE AWARDS Committee and TasteTV are pleased to announce this year’s Nominees and Honorees for the 6th Annual TASTE AWARDS.
All Finalist Nominees were voted upon by the members of the Academy of Media Tastemakers. Honoree Award Winners were selected by the TASTE AWARDS Committee. To view the full list, go to the site www.TheTasteAwards.com
In addition, Viewers Choice voting for selected categories has also begun. To vote, go to the site.
Selected Award Winners will be announced in a private reception in December in San Francisco. All winners will receive their awards on January 15th, 2015 at a Red Carpet Awards celebration in Hollywood. Lifetime Achievement Awards and other Special Awards will also be presented to valuable contributors to the industry.
This year’s Celebrity Presenters include P. Allen Smith (PBS, Syndicated stations), Alie & Georgia (Cooking Channel), Bobby Bognar (History), and more to be announced.
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NEW EVENTS THIS YEAR:
– Taste Hall of Fame Dinner scheduled in Hollywood on January 14th
– Poolside Brunch in Beverly Hills on January 16th
– Tastemakers Summit & Panel
The TASTE AWARDS are the premier awards celebrating the year’s best in Food, Fashion, and Lifestyle programs on Television, in Film, Online, and on Radio. The Awards have included appearances by stars, celebrities, producers and executives from networks and platforms such as the Food Network, the Style Network, Bravo, the Cooking Channel, TLC, Discovery, Lifetime, E! Entertainment Television, PBS, NBC, ABC, the CW, HGTV, the Travel Channel, HD Net, Hulu, YouTube, Sony Pictures, Dreamworks, The History Channel, Bio, iHeart Radio and more.

 

Tips from the Chef: Ryan Scott on how to be a Chef

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Celebrity Ryan Scott of “TOP CHEF Season 4” and ABC Network’s “Food Rush” gives tips on how become a chef.

 

View on Hulu

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American Camels produce first retail Camel Milk brand by Desert Farms

 

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We know that camels have long been useful animals in many parts of the world such as the Middle East, northern African, and Mongolia (we think). Those who live with them ride their backs, use their strength to carry packages, and drink their milk. But camel milk up to now could only be found in the United States in camel mild chocolate, or in some instances imported. Too bad, because the United Nations hailed the nutritional value of camel milk in 2006 and predicted higher consumption once it became easier for consumers to buy.

camelmilk-IMG_7329Desert Farms is now announcing that this has changed with the releas and distribution of their U.S.-created camel milk. The milk will be available in a number of outlets, including over 40 Whole Foods in California, as well as direct via the company’s www.desertfarms.com.

Desert Farms’ camel milk is bottled and labeled  on small Amish/Mennonite family farms where the average herd is about 6 camels. This is done within hours of milking in small batches to prevent exposure to contamination and to ensure maximum possible freshness.

Desert Farms camel milk is free of GMOs, additives, preservatives and hormones – and tastes slightly sweeter than processed cow’s milk. Containing only milk from U.S.-based camels and bottled entirely in America, Desert Farms Camel Milk is available in several varieties: Raw Camel Milk; Raw Camel Milk (Frozen); Raw Camel Milk Kefir; Pasteurized Camel Milk; Raw Camel Milk Colostrum (1st); and Raw Camel Milk Colostrum (Regular).

 

Recipe – How to Make Nudi Cheese Pasta

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A recipe for Italian “Nudi” cheese pasta, as made by celebrity Chef Miriam Russell-Wadleigh at Piacere Restaurant in San Carlos, California. Excerpt from “TASTEABLE: California” television series.

Watch video on HULU:  hulu

 

 

Tequila Herradura Limited Edition Colección de la Casa

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We love great design, especially when it is a combination of a well designed product with well designed product packaging. This is the case with Tequila Herradura, who has recently announced the release of their third limited edition Coleccion de la Casa, Reserva 2014 – Scotch Cask Finish Reposado.

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Per their latest announcement:

Stemming off the success of its small-batch tequila series, Tequila Herradura announces the release of the third Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2014 – Scotch Cask Finish Reposado. Having undergone a double maturation process after resting in two different types of oak casks, American oak and single malt Scotch casks, this limited edition tequila offers a desirable taste and finish to delight the senses.

“With the latest in the Colección de la Casa small batch series, Tequila Herradura solidifies its commitment to provide new tequila experiences to discerning spirits drinkers who appreciate specialty crafted, artisanal tequilas,” said Liz Edwards, Senior Brand Manager for Tequila Herradura.

Casa Herradura has a strong reputation as an industry innovator and is credited with introducing the first-ever reposado in 1974 and extra añejo tequila in 1995. Colección de la Casa is the best example in the industry of how each of the sources of flavor– agave, water, fermentation, distillation, and maturation – impacts the character of the final product and creates a totally new flavor profile. As with the other two editions, Master Distiller Maria Teresa Lara was the force behind the Scotch Cask Finish Reposado.

Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2014 – Scotch Cask Finish Reposado will be available at fine wine and spirits stores in October nationwide for a limited time at a suggested retail price of $89.99.

 

Tasting Notes for Herradura Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2014 – Scotch Cask Finish Reposado

Color: Warm gold with brilliant hues.
Aroma: A masterful combination of toasted malt, cooked agave, and smoky wood.
Taste: The finest aged tequila is highlighted by the taste of vanilla, butter, honey, caramel and balanced soft spices.
Finish: The unique scotch cask results in a long-drawn and with a touch of sweetness.

 

 

Gaslamp Popcorn talks new Flavors, Expansion, and the State of Gourmet Snack Food

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San Diego’s Gaslamp Popcorn continues to release new flavors for their gourmet kernels, including Sea Salt and Olive Oil, Apple Crumble Pie, and Pumpkin Spice Pie. This adds to their lineup of favorites such as  Kettle Corn, White Cheddar Popcorn and Cinnamon Caramel Corn.

To find out more about their plans and latest news, including tips for aspiring food entrepreneurs, we chat with Mark Singleton, VP of Sales and Marketing at Gaslamp Popcorn.

 

TasteTV: The latest news is your new distribution. Why did you decide to expand into these retail outlets?

MARK: Gaslamp Popcorn announced the expansion of distribution into California Safeway and Vons retailers beginning August 2014. Through this expansion we aim to offer more convenient locations to meet the needs of a growing number of consumers demanding healthy snack alternatives.

 

TasteTV: Is this only in Southern California?

MARK: Our recent expansion into Safeway and Vons spreads throughout the entirety of California.

 

TasteTV: What flavors are selling really well right now?

MARK: For the last several years we’ve seen a real surge in popcorn sales driven by sweet and salty kettle corn. We see that trend continuing due to the simple ingredient statement of sweet and salty popcorn, as well as its lighter taste. Unique flavor profiles such as White Cheddar and Cinnamon Carmel, which are locally made in California, have really appealed to consumers. We look forward to having another great year in that category and expanding our lineup of flavors.

 

TasteTV: How did you develop these flavor profiles?

MARK: We did some re-polarization to make the ingredient decks even more all-natural and relevant to the target consumer. Our all-natural flavors contain certified non-GMO popcorn. We’ve worked hard to keep these labels simple, and yet, make them taste unbelievably good. In the final analysis, remember, this is a snack food, and it needs to taste great! For traditional popcorn enthusiasts, we have an authentic Kettle Corn, sweetened only by pure cane sugar and a pinch of sea salt. For those who prefer a sweeter twist, our Cinnamon Caramel is made in small batches using a hint of brown sugar. For those who prefer a pop of cheese flavor, our White Cheddar flavor is how we turn popcorn fans into fanatics.

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TasteTV: How long has the company been around?

MARK: Gaslamp Popcorn, established in 1998, quickly became a premier popcorn snack option for American snackers. It was acquired by Rudolph foods in December 2011. The Gaslamp District of San Diego was named in the 1860’s as a reference to the gas lamps that were common in San Diego in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Gaslamp Popcorn is a nod to the honest, warm feel of a simpler time with true flavor and honest manufacturing.

 

TasteTV: Are you expanding into other products?

MARK: No, however we have developed unique holiday flavor options that will be hitting California store shelves this fall, including Apple Crumble Pie, Holiday Cookie, and Pumpkin Spice Pie.

 

TasteTV: Are you concerned that gourmet popcorn might go the way of cupcakes (ie. too many companies)?

MARK: We understand the mass amount of competition in the popcorn category, however we know that consumers continue to look for great tasting flavors as well as companies that support local ingredients, develop interesting flavor profiles and deliver a consistent quality product. As we continue to fulfill consumer needs across California, we know Gaslamp Popcorn will be a top choice.

 

TasteTV: What advice do you give to aspiring food entrepreneurs?

MARK: We continue to be very innovative in the things that we offer. You’re seeing some great items, once again, like the sweet and salty popcorn. It’s a great item that hundreds of years old that has been brought back to a new group of consumers. It started out in county fairs and now this great group of entrepreneurs has made it a huge part of the category. You look at the guys that came out with pretzel thins, pita chips. It’s just a wonderfully dynamic industry that will continue to have a real place in every consumer’s daily eating habits. I think I say this all the time; the neatest thing about what we do is that we’re in the dollar and nine category. For a couple of bucks we can really make someone’s day. To really give an uplift to their day.  And there’s hundred of thousands, if not possibly millions of Americans that work really hard to make great tasting snack food out there. That is what gets me up every day,

 

TasteTV: What is your favorite pairing with this popcorn?

Historically, popcorn has been shared. Gaslamp Popcorn is a perfect on the go snack; great for sharing with family and friends at a party, sporting event or just watching a movie at home!