What is Maragogipe and How Big is the Market for it in Specialty Coffee?

Amazon Live:

Making Canatelli is easy

https://www.amazon.com/live/broadcast/9a862d99-9740-4e7b-874a-311773a4a933

https://www.amazon.com/live/broadcast/9a862d99-9740-4e7b-874a-311773a4a933?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_cm_sw_al__EVQ1A639EYTSAFB8AZCC

It’s national ravioli day

https://www.amazon.com/live/broadcast/da9d6f74-8c2e-4c64-ad17-8ca80449306b

https://www.amazon.com/live/broadcast/da9d6f74-8c2e-4c64-ad17-8ca80449306b?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_cm_sw_al__DQGZ7Q51VT212VPXKFMP

Let’s Make Gnocchi

https://www.amazon.com/live/broadcast/ef5fc9c8-788b-4893-8948-98c171d2303f

https://www.amazon.com/live/broadcast/ef5fc9c8-788b-4893-8948-98c171d2303f?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_cm_sw_al__KJGBQGXWZTSQ82V16QZY

Additional Writing Samples – Google Drive

The post Laura Everage Writing Samples appeared first on Family Eats.

Back in 2006, with two young children, and my growing responsibility to my family, I decided to leave my full time job as a Managing Editor of a specialty food and kitchenware retail trade magazine. 

During the nearly 12 years I worked on the magazine, I was lucky enough to immerse myself in the world of food and cooking. I traveled the world visiting manufacturers to learn the story behind the making of Parmesan cheese, Caribbean hot sauces, German chocolates and Brazilian Coffee, to French cookware, Italian cutlery, and English pottery. I grew to love learning about the place from where a food tradition comes and the story behind a product. Further culinary inspiration came from the countless lunches, cocktail hours and train rides chatting with people like with Jennifer Paterson of the Two Fat Ladies, Julia Child, Emeril, Wolfgang Puck, and even (the then) Prince Charles at his organic farm, Highgrove. It was a job that nurtured my passion for all things food related. 

Less than 2 years after leaving the magazine, we added twins to our family. Now, with four children under the age of four, life was hectic around the Everage household.  My days were filled with diaper changes, playdates, and preparing home cooked meals and snacks for the family. Despite our hectic lifestyle, I knew that I wanted to take all the food and cooking knowledge I gained while working at the magazine and create something that was reflective of our family’s lifestyle.

I got to working on a  business plan, and launched FamilyEats.net in 2008, with a mission to inspire others on the journey of “reconnecting with the food we eat and the family we love.”

I quickly learned that there was a need for the content I provided. Much more than providing recipes with a story attached to it, my goal was to create content that supports the family unit by instilling good eating habits, while building the lifelong traditions of making it a priority to gather together with family and friends for home cooked, healthy, meals.

Through the past 16 years, there have been ups and downs – and many times when I thought, maybe I should just give it up on Family Eats and head back to a full-time job. But then I’d receive an email from a reader – encouragement that my message was making a positive change in someone’s life. 

As I readied for 2024 to arrive, I found myself reflecting on my next steps and my desire to write, create and  bring my passion for, and knowledge of, food and cooking to my readers.

With that in mind, I re-dedicated myself to Family Eats and have spent the past few months focusing on creating content and a plan to bring even more inspiration to my readers. 

Additionally, I will continue with my Family Eats Substack newsletter, which I launched in 2023. It is the perfect complement for the website, allowing me to share my writing with a broader community, while writing more in depth content that is related to the Family Eats Four Pillars Method (a process I created that helps others build the small habits need to attain your goals as they related to food and cooking).

In the new year I will remain focused on helping others create the small habits needed to make a lasting change when it comes to food and cooking. But, there is no denying that the world of websites and social media is a lot different from the early days when I began creating content for Family Eats. In the past, I welcomed website advertisers, and coached a few clients on my Four Pillars method to help support my endeavors. 

As 2024 arrives, I will continue along the path of  writing and posting on FamilyEats.net and through my social media channels. I’ll also continue to send out an occasional newsletter, along with continuing any small-group or individual coaching opportunities that arise. 

To support my efforts to bring more dedicated content to the collection of Family Eats assets, I am adding a paid subscription option to the Substack in the new year. 

Through the addition of the paid Substack newsletter to the Family Eats family, I am focused on creating content that reaches — and inspires — more readers.

With a paid Family Eats Substack, subscribers will receive weekly posts and join in our weekly Community Chats focused on how to overcome the overwhelm if you lack time, energy or inspiration to get meals on the table and enjoy them with your family (or your family of friends). 

Additionally, your Substack paid subscription will offer a weekly round-up of essential food and consumer trends as well as healthy eating news items that will provide greater insight into the world of food and eating trends, and how they relate to our present day needs. I’m also working on additional benefits for paid subscribers, which will provide even more value to my readers.

I thank all who have encouraged me to continue, those who have supported me through reading my posts, and following Family Eats on social media. My goal for all of my Family Eats assets is to inspire readers on a journey of “reconnecting with the food we eat and the family we love.” 

If you strive to experience the benefits of home-cooked meals enjoyed together with your family, but don’t know how to overcome the overwhelm when it comes to dinnertime, let me show you how you can quickly and effectively ‘reconnect with the food you eat and the family you love.’ 

Please consider supporting my writing in 2024 and sign up for a yearly paid subscription for only $30.

The post To the Family Eats Community appeared first on Family Eats.

There was a time when I visited the farmer’s market weekly. The kids, young at the time, joined me on our weekly adventure, and always chimed in on what they wanted me to buy – including flavored honey sticks. Back at home, they helped me unpack the groceries, and even helped me to make something with what we purchased.

As our daily schedules changed, and I needed the morning hours to work before I needed to start the afternoon school pickup and activities driving, I transitioned to a delivered CSA box for convenience. But when the mid-night delivery time caused an uproar with the neighbors, I canceled the service and went back to purchasing all items at the grocery store.

I got in the grocery shopping groove, but honestly, every week as I shopped at the local grocery store, I was reminded why I liked the farmers market – seasonal, great tasting food, from local farmers. But I just didn’t carve out the time — and reorganize my day – to make it happen.

A few weeks ago I finally went back to the farmers market. And all the good feels returned. 

The aroma

The flavor

The textures

The variety

The freshness

I was once again hooked – and my family was, too.

Why had waited so long to return?

I kept telling myself that shopping at the farmers market was more expensive than the grocery. 

I kept telling myself that it took too much time to travel to the market, then head to the grocery for other items.

But, after a couple of weeks of farmers market shopping, I found that my ‘reasons’ for not shopping at the farmers market were not exactly true. 

What I realized was the effort was worth it.

My Old Way vs My New Way

My old way of shopping, once a week at the grocery store down the hill, where I purchase fruits and vegetables all at once during my weekly shopping excursion. Regardless of how hard I planned meals, and worked to get the produce out in front of the family,  some of that produce was left uneaten. 

With my farmers market purchases — I find that I buy less produce,  but what we have gets eaten. The family is more excited to eat the produce — because it taste better, they love the smell, and they have the connection to what we buy (on occasion they have joined me at the market to help me shop).

We all know that what you get at the farmers market helps you eat in-season produce — what it also reminds us is that the fruits and veggies are fresh – we don’t really need to wait until they become ripe — they are ready to eat – and we are willing to enjoy all that freshness!

Because of this, we eat more produce, waste less, and as a result eat in season, and save money, with less waste!

Another benefit is that while I’m in the kitchen, I feel more at ease — food is fresher, I worry less about waste, and that makes up for the added time it takes to go to the market — and the sometimes higher cost.

The kids like it too — because I buy honey sticks every time — just like I did when they were young and joined me on the farmers market excursions.

I’m also inspired. When at the market, we ponder what we could make — should be get tomatoes and make sauce, cucumbers for pickling, or berries for a beautiful tart that evening.

I find that when I visit the farmers market, my mind is more creative. I’m inspired to cook something with what I purchased. When shopping at the grocery store, I view shopping as a task. I follow my list, and rarely get inspired to make something different when I stand in the produce aisle at the grocery. Instead, I stick to following my list, and get the ingredients for the meals I already planned.

Making the change (or rather returning to my old, old ways), required me to step outside my daily habit and try something new. I’m still in the transition period, trying to fit in a Sunday morning farmers market visit alongside other activities on the weekend, but I’m slowly embracing the change. I missed the market last week, but will definitely attend this coming Sunday. 

Eventually, my new Sunday morning lifestyle will feature a not-to-be-missed trip to the farmers market. 

The post Rediscovering The Farmers Market appeared first on Family Eats.

• 1 lb black-eyed peas, or 4, 15-ounce cans, drained
• 3 green onions, coarsely chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and grated
• 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 cup mint, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1 cup greens, such as spinach, baby kale, or sweet dandelion, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper, optional
• dill, optional for garnish

If using dried black-eyed peas, cook in preferred method until peas are tender. If using canned beans, drain then heat on the stove over medium heat.

While the black-eyed peas are still hot and steaming, mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, tossing to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with dill, if using.

Serve warm or cold.

The post Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Mint and Onions appeared first on Family Eats.

This delicious way to prepare beef is so versatile. You can use it as a base for a stir fry, cook and serve beef on skewers and serve over rice . . . and add veggies you have on hand.

• 3 lemongrass stalks, bottom 4″ only, minced
• 3 tbsp plus 1-1/2 tsp fish sauce
• 2 Tbsp plus 1 tsp packed light brown sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb boneless sirloin
• 1/4 cup roasted, salted peanuts (about 1 ounce), crushed
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• fresh mint and basil sprigs for serving
• Bibb or Boston lettuce leaves, for serving
• Lime wedges, for squeezing

Whisk together lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and oil. Slice beef thinly against the grain. Add to marinade, and toss. Let stand at room for temperature for 20 minutes.

Preheat a grill pan or wok over medium-high heat. Cook until browned, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a platter, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle with peanuts (if using). Serve with remaining ingredients on the side. Bundle meat, cucumber, and herbs inside lettuce leave — you can add tomatoes and rice, as well.

The post Delicious Lemongrass Beef appeared first on Family Eats.

Delicious and slightly crispy, the Starlight Sugar Crisps are the perfect dessert for a party or just to complement your morning cup of coffee.

• 1 package dry yeast
• 1/4 cup lukewarm water
• 3-1/2 cups sifted flour
• 1-1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup crisco
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 tsp vanilla
• 1-1/2 cup sugar

Soften yeast in water. Sift flour with salt, cut in butter and shortening. Blend in eggs, sour cream, 1 tsp vanilla and softened yeast. Mix well. Cover and chill at least 2 hours.

Mix sugar and remaining vanilla. Sprinkle board with about 1/2 cup of the mixture. Roll one half of the dough to a 16 X 8” rectangle; sprinkle with one tablespoon of vanilla sugar. Fold end of dough over center. Fold opposite end over to make 3 layers. Turn 1/4 way around and repeat rolling and folding twice, sprinkling board with addition vanilla sugar as needed.

Roll to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 4 X 1” strips; twist each strip two or three times. Place on ungreased baking sheets.

Repeat entire process with remaining dough. Bake in 375 degree F oven for 15-20 minutes, until light brown.

Makes about 5 dozen twists.

The post Starlight Sugar Crisps appeared first on Family Eats.

We love making our favorite take-out recipes in our own kitchen. This Orange Chicken definitely ranked as one of our favorites! So easy. So delicious. So WOW

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut in bite-sized pieces
• 3 eggs whisked
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder, or 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
• orange zest (optional)
• Additions: Sliced scallions for serving

Preparation

Mix together cornstarch and flour. Dip chicken pieces in eggs and cover with cornstarch/flour mixture. Add canola oil to a large skillet or wok. Once heated, add chicken in batches to cook. Keep chicken warm in a bowl while sauce is prepared.

Combine remaining ingredients, except orange zest, in a pot and heat on the stove until boiling. Once heated to boiling, thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water), until sauce is thickened.

Pour over chicken, and mix until covered. Add orange zest, if using, and top with sliced scallions. You can reserve some of the sauce for serving. Serve with white rice.

The post Easy Orange Chicken appeared first on Family Eats.

This delicious recipe immediately won it’s place in our family favorites collection. So creamy, so delicious, and so easy to prepare. Enjoy!

• 1 lb ground beef chuck (20% fat)
• 1 onion chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ½ cup tomato paste
• 14-oz. can whole tomatoes, drained, and crushed
• ¼ cup pepperoncini, chopped
• 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 lb ridged, tube pasta
• 8 oz. (approx.. 2 cups) sharp cheddar, coarsely grated
• ¾ cup Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Divide beef into 4 loosely packed balls and place in bottom of Dutch oven. Using a spatula, flatten the balls (as if making burgers), season with salt. Cook until patties are browned and crisp on the bottom. Turn patties, season with salt, and cook second side until browned. Transfer to a plate, and allow to cool slightly.

Reduce heat to medium and cook onion, stirring pot until browned on the edges (about 10 minutes). While onions are cooking, coarsely chop the patties.

Add garlic to the pot and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to push the onion/garlic mixture to one side of the pot. Tilt pot if necessary to allow some fat to come to empty side, then add tomato paste (to the empty side) and stir in hot fat until fragrant and tomato sauce begins to darken. Add tomatoes, pepperoncini, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and chopped meat, stirring together. Cook, stirring occasionally until the sauce is simmering, about 10 minutes. Reduce to low heat and keep warm.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a pot of boiling, salted water until 1 minute shy of al dente. Increase the saucepan heat to medium. Using a spider strainer or slotted spoon, transfer pasta to the Dutch oven, along with 2 cups of the pasta cooking liquid.

Stirring constantly, add cheddar and Parmesan, a handful of time, allowing the cheese to melt and emulsify into the sauce between additions.

Serve topped with additional Parmesan.

Adapted from bonappetit.com

The post Flavorful Cheeseburger Pasta appeared first on Family Eats.

According to the Tea Council, 165 million cups of tea are consumed daily, making tea the most consumed beverage in the world after water. Filled with antioxidants and polyphenols, tea is a drink that has been enjoyed for cultures around the world for centuries.

For some of you, thoughts of tea may still conjure up the vision of a blue-haired old lady sipping Afternoon Tea, today, men, women and children of all ages are enjoying tea in one form or another. No longer are the Lipton tea bags the only choice, pu-erh, jasmine tea, savory broccoli, flowering teas, and cherry-infused ready-to-drink varieties, stand aside classic favorites such as Earl Grey – all beckoning us during different times of the day.

“Tea is on fire with consumers,” says George Jage, founder and director of World Tea Media, which puts on the World Tea Expo, the leading trade event with a robust conference that is focused 100% on premium teas and related products.

And this, according to Jage, is due to a variety of reasons. “We’re seeing more and more successful products on the shelf and online. Additionally, the industry continues to focus on quality, there are new retail establishments are springing up, and consumers learning about tea, enjoying its health benefits and appreciating its variations, complexities and cultural distinctions.”

His sentiments are mirrored by Erin O’Hara, product marketing manager, for Bay-area based Numi Organic Tea. “Because the number of tea drinkers continues to grow, there is no longer a typical tea consumer. There are not only more tea drinkers in general, but there is a savvy-ness to them as well. Their palates are awakening and they are realizing that high quality teas exist and taste completely different from what they grew up drinking. Organic, fair trade, fuller-leaf teas, real ingredients versus sprayed on flavoring – these are all attributes that create a better cup of tea.  There are nuances and deeper flavor profiles, very similar complexities to that as wine.”

So, if you find yourself in that tea consumer category, Family Eats is ready to bring you all things tea.  Here area few new tea offerings that can be enjoyed on the day of love, or any day – and, any time of the day for that matter.

1. Looking for a Love Connection: Jasmine Tea

Did you know that elephant owners put jasmine oil (or jasmine flowers) on them to help arouse them, and assist them, in reproducing? Long considered to be an aphrodisiac scent, jasmine has been used in everything from perfumes to incense, and yes, in tea.

We’re not sure how scientific this all is, but anyone would agree that jasmine has an alluring scent. And, when used in tea, it only amplifies. “There is a tea for every time of day, occasion, and type of food, whether you are a newbie or a foodie,” says Anne-Marie Phillips, head of sales and marketing for Choice Organic Teas. “Jasmine Tea is especially popular on Valentine’s Day due to its the purported aphrodisiac qualities. We have several Jasmine Teas to choose from in tea bags, tea pyramids, or loose leaf.”

Choice Organic Teas, offers a deliciously satisfying – and perhaps, aphrodisiac, Jasmine Green Tea. Scented with jasmine blossoms, you can easily lose yourself in the ethereal virtues of this Chinese treasure, produced only in August when jasmine flowers are in bloom. The company’s growers blend the finest green tea with freshly picked blossoms, which are removed after they’ve imparted their floral essence. The delicately sweet taste and aroma offer instant enlightenment.

2. The Ritual and Ceremony of Tea

Called The Way of Tea, the Japanese tea ceremony is a ceremonial preparation of tea that dates back centuries. The star of the centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony is a green powdered tea called matcha. The custom of drinking tea is based in ritual that provides not only pleasure, but the medicianl benefits of the tea. In the matcha tea ceremony, the finely ground green tea leaves are whisked in a bowl with hot water to create a frothy, bright green, nourishing beverage. Once prepared, it is immediately consumed in its entirety. Often it is served with traditional Japanese treats, called wagashi. The taste is stronger than other green teas, because you are consuming actual tea leaves.

Premium Natural U•Matcha from The Republic of Tea, is unlike regular green tea, these tender, shade-grown leaves are ground to a fine powder creating a rich balance of flavors in baked goods or ice cream. This exceptional tea is abundant in nutrients and has the balanced flavors of what is referred to as umami (literally, “yummy” in Japanese). Premium Natural U•Matcha is great blended into water for sipping, powder and all, or in cooking.

 3. Enjoy the Bold and Chocolaty

Pu-erh is the oldest known tea that travelled along one of the five Tea Horse Roads (or, Ancient Tea Routes). Originated in the village of Pu-erh, merchants discovered pu-erh by accident, compressing the ta into bricks for easy transport. When aged in damp conditions, it developed a richer flavor and unique healing properties. In China, pu-erh is celebrated to have a myriad of health benefits. Although scientific research is in it’s early stages, clinical results substantiate cultural beliefs and anecdotal evidence that pu-erh can improve digestion and circulation, as well as increase metabolism and energy, supporting weight loss.

Numi has a collection of pu-erh teas to choose from including the Chocolate Pu-erh, an enticing blend of deep, dark pu-erh and organic coco nibs. While vanilla beans and sweet accents of orange peel enhance this blend along with nutmeg and cinnamon rounding off a spicy finish.

 4. Refresh with Tea

Tea may be a hot category, but chilled varieties are more popular than ever. Try the Teas’ Tea line of natural, unsweetened bottled tea fro ITO EN. Green Jasmine is green tea that has been infused with the natural scent of jasmine flowers by alternating several layers of the flower within the green tea leaves prior to the brewing process. Exuding a distinct refreshing taste, Jasmine tea has nerve-calming and relaxation effects and also helps promote fresh breath. Unsweetened, and zero calories, Green Jasmine provides 180% of the daily value of Vitamin C. High in antioxidants.

5. Find a Blend of Love

Get ready to satisfy the tea lover with the new Love Petals Set from Adagio Teas. Filled with three exclusive loose tea Valentine’s Day Blends, the collection comes ready to present in a gift box. Hugs and Kisses blend is a mix of caramel, almond cream and vanilla flavoring, along with flower petals. The Ripe for Romance tea is a black tea blend with chocolate and raspberry flavoring, and the Sweet Nothings Tea is a white tea with an apricot and peach flavors. Each tea is packaged loose in festive floral tins, and contains enough to make 50 cups of tea.

Tea companies have been offering consumers with delightful taste combinations for years. Whether it is the addition of superfruits, adding depth with chocolate, or simply adding zing with citrus, tea drinkers have the option of drinking a flavored tea for ages. Tea is all about the experience, whether you enjoy it at home or on the road. Take the time this Valentine’s Day (and beyond) to enjoy a deliciously satisfying cup of tea.

To help our readers enjoy some great tea, Choice Organic Teas is supplying us with four boxes of Jasmine Green Tea to give away. To be entered to win, please add a comment below – and we’ll choose four readers (randomly) by the end of the day February 26th. Good luck! And, Thank You, Choice.

The post Tea: Health, Ritual and Enjoyment appeared first on Family Eats.

As chairperson of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign Rosanna Bowles, of Rosanna, Inc. shares with us her insight and involvement with the campaign as she helps America Go Red.

How did you get involved in the Go Red for Women campaign?

Last year I attended the Seattle Go Red for Women Luncheon with some girlfriends of mine. It was there that I learned about the real dangers of heart disease and was astounded. Heart disease is the number one killer of women – more than cancer. I had no idea! It is also a silent killer: You could be going about your day, start to feel funny, and then you’re gone. I feel it is extremely important that women educate themselves and learn how to prevent heart disease. Not only that, during the luncheon I was so incredibly moved by the energy and power of all the women in the room. It was something I felt compelled to be a part of. So when the American Heart Association asked, I jumped at the opportunity!

How are you promoting and getting the word out?

Stress is a large factor when it comes to developing heart disease. We women have a tendency to put ourselves last when it comes to family, work, and social obligations and can get bogged down in the stress of every day life. To get the word out about Go Red, I’ve partnered with many local companies in and around Seattle that women go to for every aspect of their life – shopping, eating out with friends, spa-ing, pharmacies – to do things like offer discounts, have red windows doing heart month… I’ve really targeted places that women flock to and enjoy going to.

Do you have a personal connection to the cause?

I was brought up in a family of three girls, my company is almost entirely staffed by women, and I have two daughters. It touched me in a very profound way knowing about this terrible silent threat to all women. As a leader in my community, I felt it was my responsibility to educate women about the dangers of heart disease and help Go Red’s efforts in the spread of cardiovascular disease.

With your chair position, what is the message you would like to get out about the cause?

We women often put ourselves last. As a wife, mother, sister, friend, and business owner, I am constantly attending to the needs of others. This often leaves me stressed, which can lead to cardiovascular problems like heart disease. In working with Go Red for Women, I have learned that it’s okay to take a step back and attend to your needs. I want other women to know this and realize how healthy it can be to put yourself first every once in awhile.

The post Helping America Go Red! appeared first on Family Eats.