Because evidence shows that the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are important for fetal growth and development, it is recommended that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding consume at least 8 and up to 12 ounces of a variety of low-mercury containing seafood each week.  Copper River Salmon is a great choice for maximizing omega-3s and minimizing mercury!

The Mediterranean Diet is more than just food—it’s a lifestyle!  It also includes being physically active and social.  Mediterranean cultures value sharing time with friends and family over meals and activities.  Get the full benefits of a Mediterranean Diet by:

 Enjoying your meals with family, friends, or roommates.  Try to set aside time for eating, so meals are not rushed and allow for conversation.

Planning physical activities together—meet a friend for a morning tennis match, go for a bike ride, or walk to the grocery store.

Jason, Artisan Baker

Did you notice we changed some of our pastry items? One of the newest pastries that is getting a lot of attention is the Paris Brest (pronounced Paris Bres). The Paris brest was was created in 1891 to commemorate the Paris brest bicycle race. The circular shape is representative of a bicycle wheel. It became popular to the cyclists because of it’s energy giving high calorific value. It is a french dessert made of pate choux (just like the eclair shell), and has a layer of hazelnut buttercream and creme chantilly or whipped cream. Our pastry program is now offering to-go services at all pastry locations. The Paris brest is just one of the many options. Make sure to stop in at Bangerter Crossing, The District, Draper, Seventh Street, Brickyard, City Creek, Emigration Market, St. George, or Station Park to try this delicious treat. While you are there notice some of the other changes and remember – Change Is Good!

It is recommended that Americans aim for at least 8 ounces of a variety of seafood per week, with higher omega-3 choices like salmon included often.  Salmon has the added bonus of being low in mercury!

In case you missed Chef Bob on 2News this morning, here is his recipe for Portabello Fries with Truffle Aioli.

1 pound Portobello mushrooms, stemmed, gilled, and sliced 1/4″
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1/3 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
flour
egg wash

Aioli:
1/16 cup roasted garlic, roasted
1/8 cup dijon mustard
1/16 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup Canola oil
1/4 cup truffle oil
1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
1/4 cup water

In a bowl, mix the panko, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese.
Dredge the mushrooms first in the flour, then the egg wash, then the panko.
Deep fry until golden brown. These can also be baked in a 400 degree oven until golden if preferred.

Aioli: Place all ingredients except oil and water in a food processor and run, slowly adding the oil until thickened. If too thick, thin out to desired consistency by slowly adding the water as needed.

May is Mediterranean Diet Month!  Studies show that people who eat a Mediterranean diet have lower rates of heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Incorporate Mediterranean eating patterns into your diet for better health!

Here are a few tips to get your started:

• Eat olive oil, nuts, avocados, and fish for healthy fats.
• Base every meal around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts. Use small portions of meat for flavor.
• Emphasize lean protein sources such as fish, poultry, and beans.
• Enjoy small portions of yogurt and cheese daily.

Salmon is a delicious way to get some of your daily vitamin D.  A 3-ounce serving of Copper River Salmon provides as much vitamin D as 3 cups of vitamin D-fortified milk!  The daily vitamin D requirement for children and adults ages 1-70 years is 600 IUs, and increases to 800 IUs for those over 70 years.

Natasha, Kitchenware Specialist

Greetings! I’m Natasha the Kitchenware Specialist at the Harmons in Draper and I’ll be blogging for you. A little bit about me, while my work experience is mainly in food and sales, I also consider myself a foodie and a home cook. I love my job and so do my colleagues in Kitchenware at Harmons. If you walk into any one of our locations with a Kitchenware department you’ll find someone who is friendly, knowledgeable and eager to help you. You’ll also find an amazing assortment of kitchen gadgets, tabletop, and cookware. I’m looking forward to sharing my love for Kitchenware with you, so stay tuned!

Salmon is a great source of selenium, an antioxidant mineral that plays an important role in immune function.  Some studies suggest that selenium may also help protect against certain forms of cancer.