Happy National Raisin Day

By Terry Orr

April 30, 2013 is National Raisin Day!!

At a very early age, raisin were part of my diet and enjoy many ways – at breakfast in my cereal, oatmeal, cream of wheat – snacks – raisin bread, chocolate covered raisins – raisins in pastries – and raisins in ice cream.  Yep, I still enjoy raisins after all these years and they are good for me.

Raisin varieties depend on the type of grape used, and are made in a variety of sizes and colors including green, black, blue, purple and yellow. Seedless varieties include the sultana (also known as Thompson Seedless in the USA) and Flame grapes. Raisins are traditionally sun-dried, but may also be water-dipped and artificially dehydrated.

"Golden raisins" (called "sultanas" outside the USA) are made from the sultana grape, treated with sulfur dioxide to maintain their golden colour, and dried either on the vine or on special drying racks.

Black Corinth or Zante currant are miniature raisins that are much darker in colour and have a tart, tangy flavour. They are called currants outside the USA. (Source: Wikipedia)

Interesting and fun facts about raisins:

• From the time a vine is planted to its initial yield, the first crop, takes at least three years.
• Seventy-five percent of grapes are eaten at breakfast.
• California produces 95 percent of all the raisins in the United States and about 50 percent of the raisins in the world!
• The word "raisin" comes from the Latin word racemus which means a cluster of grapes or berries.

How do you like your raisins?

(All images from Google) 

Thanks Mom - Oatmeal Cookies

By Chef Diane

This year for Valentines, instead of spending tons on money for candy for everyone in my family, I decided to bake some delicious homemade cookies for friends and neighbors.  Trouble is, everyone has their favorite.  My father likes peanut butter, mostly cause everyone else stays away from them!  My mother likes sugar cookies, my daddy's neighbor likes chocolate chip, and my son likes the oatmeal.  I spent 2 days baking packing and mailing cookies to everyone, and the first batch I made were the oatmeal.  The others could be delivered locally.  I have added a little extra to my oatmeal cookie mix, and I included the recipe below.  Instead of plain raisins, I have found a raisin/craisin mix that has light and dark raisins, and crasins.  I  use half a bag of these, and I have enough to make 2 batches.  I also add chopped pecans, for protein and deliciousness!

The first oatmeal cookies were created during the late 1800's in England. These cookies, however, were not the same consistency as we know of them today; they were more oatcakes than actual cookies. During the Middle Ages, spices, nuts, and raisins were commonly added to oatmeal cookie recipes.

Oats are not only tasty, but they are very nutritious too, they are full of fiber, and help to lower cholesterol too.  Today is Oatmeal Cookie day, for a delicious snack, try this recipe to make yourself and family a treat, but if you don't have time to bake today, you can always get the store bought kind, or even an oatmeal cream pie.  

Vanishing Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 3 cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
• 1 cup raisins

Preparation

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add oats and raisins; mix well. 

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. 

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered. 

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time Time: 08 min

(All images from Google) 

National Raisin Day

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By Akindman

Raisins are a tasty and convenient snack to enjoy. They are also extremely healthy because they are low in fat and contain many nutrients including phenol and boron.

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Raisins are produced in a process that dehydrates grapes in the sun or a mechanical oven. This practice dates back as far as 2000 B.C. in Persia and Egypt. Raisins were also once highly prized by ancient Romans who used them as barter currency and prizes at sporting events.

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Today, half of the world’s supply of raisins is grown in California. Fresno, California has even been named the “Raisin Capital of the World!” Raisin’s commercial popularity was discovered in 1873 when a heat wave destroyed the California grape vines. One grower creatively decided to try to sell the grapes instead as raisins or as he called them, a “Peruvian delicacy.” The raisins soon became immensely popular throughout the rest country.

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Celebrate National Raisin Day by baking some raisins into your favorite recipe or getting a box of raisins to snack on throughout the day!

National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day

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By Diane Forrest

Goobers, Raisinets

Chocolate Covered Treats

Raisinets and Goobers

Mighty fun to eat!

I remember going to the picture show when I was young, as soon as you walk in the door you see this long candy counter with all kinds of delicious candy.  I would be mesmerized by it all, but alas, I was never able to buy it.  It was expensive even back then.  Then I began to see the huge boxes of Movie candy at the drug store!  The price was right too.  1 huge box for only a dollar!  Well, I had to get some chocolate covered raisins and microwave popcorn, and a good comedy to watch at home.  Can there be any better way to spend a night at home?

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When I am watching a movie, I like to mix the salty and sweet.  I like a hand full of buttery salted popcorn and then a few chocolate covered raisins behind it.  Chocolate covered raisins, or Raisinets as the brand from Nestlé’s is called is my idea of one of my daily requirements of fruit.  They have been around since 1927 when they were introduced by the Blumenthal Chocolate Company.  In 1984 they were purchased by Nestles, and the rest, is history.  Raisinets are produced by other companies, and all around the world.  In fact, they are the third largest selling candy in the United States.

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Today is National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day.  If you can't get to the movies today, stop by the store and pick up some, and pop in a movie.

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