Food

5 beer ingredients that are banned in the United States

Published

4 months ago

September 10, 2024

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When River North Brewery founder Matt Hess first discovered amburana wood, he immediately wanted to use it in a recipe. The wood, which comes from trees native to South America, offers a distinct profile with spicy notes of cinnamon. Hess thought it would aptly complement one of the brewery’s signature high-alcohol beers.

After receiving some amburana samples, Hess’ team made an imperial saison aged on amburana wood spirals. It turned out well enough that River North decided to enter the beer into the 2023 Great American Beer Festival competition.

However, the Brewers Association, which organizes the event, derailed those plans.

Read the rest of this story on BostonHerald.com.

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All You Can Eat

Marijuana Can Help You Sleep Late This Weekend

Published

6 days ago

January 17, 2025

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The holidays and then back to work to a busy 2025 – relax and sleep late this 3 day weekend with a little help from cannabis

First came the holidays and then boom, back to work. After 5 weeks of making merry, all the meetings, work things and more have accumulated and it is back to work in wintery weather. Add the news and short days – it can be a little disheartening. Taking time for a relaxing, indulgence sleeping in sounds great – but sometimes the body is too wound up. Well, marijuana can help you sleep late this weekend – and maybe help your body unwind.

The relationship between cannabis and sleep is complex and multifaceted. Cannabis primarily affects sleep through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system in the brain. The active compounds, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), bind to cannabinoid receptors, promoting sleep by increasing levels of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that encourages sleepiness, and suppressing arousal signals in the brain. THC is known to reduce rapid eye movement (REM) sleep while increasing deep, slow-wave sleep, which is considered restorative.

7 Things To Keep In Mind When Using Cannabis As A Sleep Aid — Photo by Kinga Cichewicz via Unsplash

For many users, marijuana can provide short-term benefits such as faster sleep onset and improved sleep quality during the first half of the night. A significant portion of users report that cannabis helps them relax both mentally and physically, leading to deeper and more uninterrupted sleep. This is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, or restless legs syndrome, where cannabis may alleviate symptoms that interfere with sleep.

Despite the short-term benefits, experts caution against long-term reliance on marijuana for sleep. Research indicates habitual use can lead lack of sleep, increased awakenings during the night and fragmented sleep patterns. Over time, users may find that the initial benefits diminish, leading to a cycle where insomnia returns more severely upon cessation of use. Like most sleep aids, this is for occasional use and not a nightly routine.

Interestingly, surveys reveal that nearly 25% of Americans occasionally use marijuana to help with sleep. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations. Over 50% of Gen Z express high stress and the need to relax.

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All You Can Eat

All You Can Eat Buffets Are Back In A Big Way

Published

7 days ago

January 16, 2025

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By 2021, people thought they were gone forever, but they have roared back bigger and better.

Las Vegas was the birthplace of the All You Can Eat Buffet. The concept grew and places like Golden Corral, Sizzler and more dotted the national landscape. Not to be confused with cafeterias like Cleburne in Texas (founded in 1941) or Morrison’s in the Southeast (founded in 1920), the all-you-can-eat focused on value and quantity. The restaurant type struggled during Covid and many industry experts expected their demise, but All you can eat buffets are back in a big way. From the “by the pound” places to sit down restaurants, customers have embraced them again…and sales are soaring.

The all-you-can-eat buffet is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, evolving from its past reputation of low-quality, mass-produced food to a vibrant dining experience that emphasizes quality and sustainability. This revival can be attributed to several factors, including consumer demand.

a table full of plates of food

Today’s buffets are redefining the dining landscape by incorporating gourmet offerings and interactive experiences. Gone are the days of lukewarm trays filled with unidentifiable dishes; modern buffets feature live cooking stations where chefs prepare meals on-site, showcasing everything from sushi to seasonal farm-to-table dishes. This shift prioritizes quality over quantity, appealing to a more discerning clientele who values fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Outside of Seattle, WA Feast Buffet lets you make custom ramen and Harvest Buffet has a make your Mongolian Beef.

The economic climate has also played a significant role in the buffet’s comeback. With inflation affecting grocery and restaurant prices, buffets offer an attractive option for families and individuals seeking value. For a fixed price, diners can enjoy a wide variety of foods, making it an appealing choice amid rising costs of living. In 2022, the buffet industry generated approximately $5.5 billion, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous year, as many establishments reopened post-pandemic.

A noteworthy trend among modern buffets is their commitment to sustainability. Many establishments are implementing practices that minimize food waste by creatively repurposing leftovers and sourcing ingredients from local farmers.

Buffets have regained their status as social hubs where families and friends gather to enjoy meals together. This communal aspect is particularly significant in many cultures, where dining is synonymous with connection and celebration. Buffets cater to diverse tastes, allowing diners to explore various cuisines in one sitting, which enhances the overall dining experience.

The resurgence of all-you-can-eat buffets is not merely a return to old habits but rather an evolution that embraces quality, sustainability, and community.

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cake

Dolly Parton Expands Her Food Empire

Published

1 week ago

January 13, 2025

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Dolly is an icon, and a savvy investor – now she has moved into food and beverage in a big way.

Dolly Parton is a beloved icon, respected in the music industry and very popular. And despite her “aw shucks” personality, she is a very savvy business mogul. She has been an entertainment star for over 50 years starting with music and expanding into film. Revenue she generated from talent allowed her to build Dollywood in 1986 which expanded to include Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dream More Resort and dinner theaters. They generate almost $2 billion in revenue. She has also expanded in the pet industry (Doggy Parton) and makeup (Dolly Beauty). Last year she expanded into food and this year, she has moved into wine. Yes, Dolly believes in rosé all day.

Dolly Parton had her first success with Duncan Hines baking products. Now she has released her first wine, Dolly Wines California Chardonnay 2023, in the summer of 2024. Parton was involved in every aspect of the winemaking process, including taste, look, and feel. First out was a California Chardonnay. It is described as “a blend of white peach, sweet cream, and toasty oak for a perfectly balanced sweetness.” The wine is launching globally and it seems the US will have to wait for the rosé and prosecco. But considering the popularity of her other brands, she seems to be uncorking another success.

At the beginning of last year, she made a move into the industry in a much larger way. She announced her exclusive partnership with Conagra Brands, the parent company of Duncan Hines, to launch a new line of food products that will include frozen, refrigerated, grocery, and snack items inspired by traditional Southern comfort cuisine.

The food product line will feature a variety of items aimed at capturing the essence of down-home cooking. Among the initial offerings is the Buttermilk Pancake Mix, which marks Parton’s first venture into breakfast foods. This product is set to hit store shelves nationwide this winter, alongside an expanded range of baking mixes such as Chocolate Cake Mix and Blueberry Muffin Mix. The collaboration aims to inspire “special moments in the kitchen” by incorporating some of Parton’s favorite family recipes into these new products

This partnership is seen as a strategic move for Conagra Brands, allowing them to enhance their presence in established categories while also tapping into new markets related to Southern cooking and comfort food. Tom McGough, COO of Conagra Brands, emphasized this collaboration provides an incredible opportunity for growth and aligns with the company’s goal of offering authentic and beloved food products. Lucy Brady, president of grocery and snacks at Conagra, expressed excitement about bringing Parton’s vision to life, stating her name and recipes will resonate with consumers across America. Sales continue to increase valdiating the partnership.

Of course, she is also a philanthropist. Her Imagination Library launched in 1995, this program provides free books to children from birth until they start school, distributing hundreds of millions of books globally. She has also been a big contributed to disaster relieve and medical research.

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