Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Speculoos Spread Cups

Chocolate and Speculoos spread, heavenly isn’t it? Try this tasty treat follow the recipe below.

Photo and Recipe by Have cake, will travel

Makes 12 cups
Ingredients:


For the chocolate:
1 1/2 cups (273 g) chopped semisweet chocolate
2 tablespoons (32 g) speculoos spread
Pinch salt



For the filling:
12 tablespoons (or 3/4 cup) (192 g) speculoos spread
2 tablespoons (10 g) Speculoos cookie crumbs, optional
Pinch salt


Procedure:
Prepare a standard muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
Combine chocolate, speculoos spread and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 1-minute increments, keeping a close eye to avoid burning, and stirring often. Using a double boiler is also an option.
Place 2 teaspoons melted chocolate in each cupcake liner and carefully spread it with the back of a spoon at the bottom and only 1/4 of the way up the liner. Repeat with all 12 liners.

Place the chocolate-covered liners onto a plate in the fridge to firm up, for about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling: Stir together speculoos spread, optional crumbs, and salt.

The chocolate should be hard by now, so divide speculoos spread preparation into all 12 liners, about 1 heaping tablespoon (20 g) per liner, pressing down gently. Place in fridge to firm up, for about 20 minutes.

Top with 2 teaspoons melted chocolate, spreading carefully so that none of the filling can be seen.
Let cups firm up in fridge for at least one hour before enjoying. Store in fridge or freezer.




Friday, February 24, 2012

Mati Foods Brand


Mati foods brand is the company responsible in bringing the tasty and addictive Speculoos spread from Europe to US, many thanks to them. But what exactly do they do?

“Mati Foods’ mission is to bring the world to your table. With a full offering of foods, popular mainstays, Mati Foods family of companies is your single source for delicious, eye-appealing International dishes that are easy to serve and make.
Innovation means staying on the cutting edge of product development. That's why at Mati Foods, we create recipes that are both delicious and exclusive to us. Then we speed them to market using the latest manufacturing technology and quality control.
And that's just part of how we can give you a competitive advantage. We listen to our customers and partner with them to offer customized packaging and provide sales and marketing support to deliver the products their customers want.”

Mati Food concentrates their business in 3 main areas: Retail, Food Service and Food Marketing.

Food Service

Our food service heritage runs deep, so we truly understand how food service operations work and what they need. You need great-tasting food that enhances your reputation while making it easy to prepare to save you time and labor.
We are your source for ideas that can expand your food service menu and increase your profitability quickly and easily. At Mati Foods, you'll find a full selection of International foods as well as gourmet-quality European, Asian and American dishes. So whether you run a bakery or a cafe business, Mati Foods has the right brands and the right products to help you succeed.
Food Marketing
Mati Foods has a tradition of excellence to the principals we represent and the members of the retail markets we service. It is our goal to bring value year after year while listening and meeting our customer’s particular needs. Through strategy and action, Mati Foods Marketing Group will be the most result-oriented sales and marketing Food Service team representing the North American marketplace for international foods.
Our Areas of Expertise Include:
  • Retail chain account coverage
  • Urban Market penetration
  • Chain/Independent Convenience store coverage
  • Category Management
  • Speed to Shelf & New item Placement
  • Fixture and display sale and maintenance
  • Product quality control
Coverage to all Trade Classes:
  • Supermarket Chains and Independents
  • Wholesale Grocers & Discounters
  • Mass Merchandisers
  • Convenience Stores
  • Vend/Office Coffee Service Operators
  • Specialty Stores 

Products 


Mati Foods focus is on the all-natural segment, bringing in various types of products to the North American market. We are keen on health and allergen free products such as 'Gluten-Free' as consumers are becoming more and more conscious of their dietary needs. With great curiosity for international and ethnic food trends, we seek to develop exciting and tasty products for the North American consumer as we search for new, innovative products for our retail partners and customers.

So if you are in need of their service hit the contact page and we’ll surely get back to you.a


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Stress Fighting Food

Stress with work, family, situation, and surrounding can be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting.  People who are subjected to stress are vulnerable to different kinds of disease such as colds, flu, hypertension, etc.
Stress is inevitable and is always present in our everyday life but don’t fret, there are many Stress management tool to help combat everyday stressors one strategy is to eat stress fighting foods. Read further to learn how these foods can help fight away stress.

Complex Carbs


Whole grain cereals, wheat bread, and pasta are a good source of complex carbohydrates that prompts the brain to produce serotonin and helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Oranges


This vitamin c rich food is full of stress reducing chemicals and it also helps boost immune system


Spinach


This vegetable is packed with magnesium. Studies revealed that little magnesium in the body can cause headaches, fatigue and stress. So make it a habit to eat spinach like Popeye do!


Fatty Fish

Such as Salmon, Tuna, etc. are rich with omega -3 fatty acids. It not only fights stress but it is also good for the heart and it minimizes abrupt mood changes. It is recommended to eat at least 3 ounces of fatty fish twice a week.


Pistachios


Eating a handful of pistachios can lower your cholesterol levels, minimize inflammation of the arteries, and protect you from stress.

Raw Veggies


Crunchy raw vegetables can help fight stress in a purely mechanical way. Munching celery or carrot sticks helps release a clenched jaw and that can ward off tension.

Milk


Researchers found that warm milk (calcium) can ease stress and anxiety so if you’re suffering from insomnia and restlessness a glass of warm milk is perfect for you.

Exercise

One of the best stress-busting strategies is to start exercising. Aerobic exercise increases oxygen circulation and produces endorphins -- chemicals that make you feel happy. To get the maximum benefit, aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week.

Comfort food



Munch on Speculoos spread especially when your sad or depress can actually boost levels of serotonin, a calming effect in the brain warding tensions and makes your mood elevated.









Sunday, February 12, 2012

Fat Fighting Foods


Fat is needed by our body to be healthy. It plays a vital role in maintaining great skin and hair, it also helps to insulate organs against shock, and it is also needed in maintaining body temperature and promotes healthy cellular functions. While it is nearly impossible to remove fat from our diet, it would also be unhealthy if we do so.

However too much intake of fatty food that is not essential is also not advisable as it can impose numerous diseases. So here are some foods that are not only delicious but also nutritious.

Quinoa




Pronounce as keen-wa, this whole grain is rich in protein and fiber. It is packed with nutrients such as iron, selenium, zinc, vitamin E, you can easily slid in a dish like mixing in vegetables and rice.

Cinnamon

 

Stir some into your coffee or tea for added sweetness without extra calories. Cinnamon are known to have a stabilize blood sugar level.


Hot Peppers



These appetizing peppers are pack with capsaicin known to slightly increase metabolism.


Green Tea



Green tea has pythochemicals called cathecins w/c help the body to possibly increase the calorie-burning capabilities of our body making it a great weight loss strategy

Watermelon


 

Many raw fruits and vegetables are chock-full of water and nutrients, but low in calories. Watermelon is a great example. It's a rich source of the antioxidant lycopene and adds some vitamins A and C to your day, too.


Berries

Berries are high in water and fiber, which can keep you full longer. But they have another benefit -- they're very sweet. This means berries can satisfy your sweet tooth for a fraction of the calories you would take in gobbling cookies or brownies. Blueberries stand out because they're easy to find and loaded with antioxidants.

Sweet Potatoes

 

 

If you substitute a sweet potato, you might not need any of that. Baked sweet potatoes are so full of flavor, they require very little embellishment. This can save you loads of calories. As a bonus, sweet potatoes are packed with potassium, beta carotene, vitamin C, and fiber.

 

Eggs


 

Studies suggest eating protein in the morning will keep your hunger at bay longer than eating a bagel or other carbs. One egg has only 75 calories but packs 7 grams of high-quality protein, along with other vital nutrients. Bonci adds that your body will burn more calories digesting eggs than a carb-heavy breakfast. If you have high cholesterol, check with your doctor about how many eggs you can eat per week.

Oatmeal



 

Oatmeal has three things going for it: fiber-rich whole-grain oats, lots of water, and it's hot. Hot food takes longer to eat, and all that liquid and fiber will help you feel full longer

Tabouli

 

A standout whole grain is bulgur wheat, the type found in tabouli. It's high in fiber and protein, but low in fat and calories. That helps you fill up with a minimum of calories.

Vinegar

 

If you dress your salad with oil and vinegar, you may get another fat-fighting benefit. More research is needed, but some studies suggest vinegar may help the body break down fat.