All Posts for October 2008

P.I.C. (Product Information Corner) – Earth Balance

Tuesday, October 14th, 2008

Earth Balance Natural Buttery Spread

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While I replaced margarine with butter many years ago, there are still times that I choose not to use butter. My friend Sarah, who keeps kosher, introduced me to Earth Balance, a natural alternative to butter or margarine. It is a non-hydrogenated expreller-pressed oil blend. However, it does contain soy, so if you are allergic to soy, avoid it. (See my review of The Hidden Dangers of Soy by Dianne Gregg in Reviews this month.)

I sometimes use it for baking and sometimes for spreads because it is softer than butter. If you avoid butter because you are allergic to dairy but not soy, this may be the answer, And if you want to avoid butter for other reasons, try Earth Balance, better than margarine.

Paul Newman: Movie Mogul or Organic Guru?

Tuesday, October 14th, 2008

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This is a last minute acknowledgment of Paul Newman’s contribution to the organic movement, based on an article I read in the October 1st NY Times. (October 1st was World Vegetarian Day, so maybe it was not a coincidence.)

While I grew up falling in love with Paul Newman and his movies, I also have a great deal of admiration for his Newman’s Own Organic division, created by daughter Nell. As the NY Times said, “If Mr. Newman hadn’t let his daughter Nell create an organic spin-off of his Newman’s Own line in 1993, the nation might still be choking down leaden organic cookies and rock-hard pretzels.”

Snacking is big business in America, and I am happy that Nell Newman has successfully introduced natural snacks that are available in supermarkets as well as health food stores. Nice going, Nell!

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These flowers are from the lovely garden at the Getty Museum in California

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