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Environmental Protection Agency Studies BPA Effects

The EPA is now taking a look at the negative effects of BPA (bipesnol-a) on more than just human beings.  They have concerns that BPA’s are affecting our water supply and wildlife.

Full Story

The Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday that it is intensifying its look at how BPA affects the nation’s wildlife and water supply and will designate the compound as a “chemical of concern.”

The action plan is part of a growing effort by federal regulators to more carefully scrutinize the effects of the chemical. Bisphenol A is found in the lining of most food and beverage cans.

The move by the EPA comes after a three-year investigation by the Journal Sentinel found that government agencies relied heavily on industry scientists to assess BPA’s safety, ignoring hundreds of independent studies that found the chemical caused harm.

In February, the Journal Sentinel revealed that eight days after chemical industry lobbyists met with Obama administration officials, the EPA delayed action on regulating the chemical more aggressively.

Lisa Jackson, EPA’s top administrator, had said last fall that her agency would be taking a more aggressive approach to regulating chemicals of concern. She repeatedly mentioned BPA among those chemicals.

Let The Diner Beware

I know the title raises a few eyebrows and I think it should. My reason for that title is a small bit of information I have just learned from my local bank. A few months back I logged into my online banking website and I was immediately in shock. They showed my account in the negative. Now I know I don’t have much money but I had enough to get by on. I started going line by line and I discovered all these charges from Budapest.

I immediately called my bank and had them review my account with me. I was a victim of Identity theft.

Somehow and somewhere my credit card / debit card information was stolen. Not the actual card because that was still in my wallet. My bank said the charges went through as a point of sale charge which apparently means my card was actually swiped since they have the 3 digit code off the back of the card. I assured my bank that I had NEVER been to Budapest. They believed me and put a stop on my account and issued new cards and I filled out all the required paperwork to get my money back.

Here is the piece of information they shared with me that I want to share with you. My bank informed me that the most Identity theft stems from restaurant’s. The reason they warn people of this is because your server usually takes your card and walks away to ring up your meal charges. This is where the danger comes into play because they have the entire card with acct#, full name and of course the 3 digit security code from the back of the card. Now that we have this information what the hell do I do about it. Here are some tips my bank gave me and they seem easy and obvious. Pay in cash if you can, if not tell the server you would like to bring the bill up and pay for it at the register. Now there are some restaurant’s (usually national chains) where there is no cash register directly for customers to bring up and pay. In this situation tell the server you would like to follow them to the register, use an excuse like you don’t want the other guests that are with you to see the bill, you want to surprise them or something of that nature.

Another solution is to start buying gift cards for yourself for your favorite restaurant’s. I guess you could technically buy prepaid visa’s for yourself as well, the reality is to somehow protect yourself with some common sense and diligence. None of us want to admit to ourselves that something like this could happen to us. The sad reality is “statistically” it is going to happen to you or someone you know.

Take some small steps to protect yourself and you can reduce the risk and exposure of your personal information taking a trip to Budapest.

What’s New In BPA Free News?

In recent weeks, there’s been a lot of talk on the effects of BPA in our kitchen plastics.  While, like with most science, we still can’t definitively say that there’s undeniable evidence that BPA’s cause certain problems, it is seeming more and more likely.

So we think the best answer is to avoid all BPA’s and PVC’s in any kitchen food storage you are using.  Here’s the news of the week:

Biphesnol A – A Political Hell Freezes Over

Some excerpts:

Experiments with mice show that exposure during pregnancy to very low doses of bisphenol A scrambles the chromosomes of their daughters’ fertilized embryos, ie., the pregnant females’ grandchildren.

Experiments with rats demonstrate that low level exposure to bisphenol A during fetal growth causes breast cancer in adults.

Thirty-eight of the world’s leading scientific experts on bisphenol A have warned policy-makers of potential adverse health effects of exposure to the widespread molecule used to make plastics and food can lining.

Low level BPA exposure stimulates rapid reproduction of breast cancer cells. Watch it happen: youtube.com/watch?v=N3_cYZKksvI

Slowly, our FDA has been backed into a corner of admission and submission. The mountains of substantiated evidence of BPA’s adverse health affects can no longer be ignored behind self serving lobbyist dollars and political shanties.

A group of chemical manufacturers, toymakers and retailers sued the city of San Franciso after the city’s Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a 2006 ordinance prohibiting the sale, distribution and manufacturing of children’s products containing BPA, along with other dangerous chemicals.

Other plaintiffs were the American Chemistry Council, California Retailers Association, California Grocers Association and Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Corporate dollars once again took precedence over public health.

Washington State Bans BPA’s in Baby Items

Excerpt:

The Washington state Senate Friday voted 36-9 to approve a ban on the chemical bisphenol A in baby bottles, sippy cups and other food containers if they are to be used by children 3 or younger.

The House passed a similar measure earlier this week, but it extended the ban to the reusable-plastic sports bottles popular with hikers. The two houses will have to work out the differences between the two bills, but it now seems all but certain that Washington will become the third state to ban bisphenol A, known as BPA, in some products.

Connecticut and Minnesota have outlawed some BPA products, and several other states are expected to debate similar measures soon.

Bisphenol A is found in many hard plastics, most all canned foods and everything from printed receipts to some plastic piping.

See the Full Line of BPA Free Kitchen Products at Eclectic Grocer:

BPA Free Plastic Kitchen Storage

BPA Free Glass Kitchen Storage

BPA Free Glass Baby Bottles

Introducing BPA Free Baby Bottles

Healthy, Safe Baby Bottles | BPA and PVC Free

BUY NOW

The Eclectic Grocer is proud to introduce the Kinetic Baby Safe line of glass baby bottles.  Baby Safe Bottles are both BPA and PVC free, meaning you can use them without worry for your newborn.

Research suggests that BPA’s may endanger your child during their formative years.  While like with all science, Glass BPA Free Baby Bottlesopinions on this vary, we believe that given the choice, it’s better to use completely BPA Free Feeding Bottles.

What is BPA?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used primarily to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. There is concern that long term low dose exposure to Bisphenol A may induce chronic toxicity in humans. This toxic chemical is released into your food when heated in the microwave or oven with traditional plastic food storage containers. Your best defense is to use a BPA free plastic (or glass) food storage system.

More info on BPA’s

Wikipedia Article

Bisphenol A (or Bisphenyl A), commonly abbreviated as BPA, is an organic compound with two phenol functional groups. It is a difunctional building block of several important plastics and plastic additives.

Suspected of being hazardous to humans since the 1930s, concerns about the use of bisphenol A inconsumer products were regularly reported in the news media in 2008 after several governments issued reports questioning its safety, and some retailers have removed products made of it from their shelves.

Further, the article suggests that there are in fact negative impacts on infants that are exposed to BPA’s:

In September, the National Toxicology Program finalized their report on bisphenol A, finding “some concern”, mid-point of a five-level scale, that infants were at risk from exposure to the chemical.[28]

At that time, the FDA reassured consumers that current limits were safe, but convened an outside panel of experts to review the issue. The Lang study was also released that month, and David Melzer, a co-author of the study, presented the results of the study before the FDA panel.[146]

The editorial accompanying the Lang study’s publication in JAMA criticized the FDA’s assessment of bisphenol A: “A fundamental problem is that the current ADI [acceptable daily intake] for BPA is based on experiments conducted in the early 1980s using outdated methods (only very high doses were tested) and insensitive assays. More recent findings from independent scientists were rejected by the FDA, apparently because those investigators did not follow the outdated testing guidelines for environmental chemicals, whereas studies using the outdated, insensitive assays (predominantly involving studies funded by the chemical industry) are given more weight in arriving at the conclusion that BPA is not harmful at current exposure levels.”[22]

The Union of Concerned Scientists similarly criticized the agency saying, “We’re concerned that the FDA is basing its conclusion on two studies while downplaying the results of hundreds of other studies…. This appears to be a case of cherry-picking data with potentially high cost to human health.”

You can see the full line of BPA Free Products offered by the Eclectic Grocer here:

BPA Free Baby Bottles

BPA Free Food Storage

Golden Rum Cake Recipe

Golden Rum CakeNothing screams “Holidays” like a Golden Rum Cake. A piece of this cake with some Eggnog and you have a slice of heaven. This is a fairly easy recipe. The hardest part for me was “tasting” the rum to make sure it was “fresh” enough for the recipe. I highly

recommend this practice to ensure a perfect cake. I would make these for all the neighbors and friends of mine (friends that were deserving of course) every year. Now if you are my friend and didn’t receive a Golden Rum Cake it looks like you have some work to do (yes, this includes you Kevin). Regardless, you can determine who is “worthy” in your circle for this Fabulous Golden Rum Cake recipe. I will warn you now to eat responsibly with this fantastic cake. Wishing Everyone Happy Holidays. Enjoy

  • 1 pkg. Duncan Hines (or your favorite brand) Golden cake mix
  • 1 pkg. Vanilla Pudding (not instant)
  • 4 eggs
  • ½ cup light rum
  • ½ cup water (do not replace the water with rum, I knew what you were thinking)
  • ½ cup oil
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Blend all ingredients (except nuts). Beat 3-4 minutes at medium speed. Grease & Flour

Bundt pan. Sprinkle the Pecans in the bottom of Bundt pan and pour batter into pan.

Bake at 325 degrees for 60-70 minutes until done. Prepare Glaze

  • ¼ cup light rum
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup water (do not replace the water with rum, I knew what you were thinking)
  • ½ cup butter

Boil ingredients for 2-3 minutes until sugar is completely dissolved. When Cake is done

remove from oven (leave cake in Bundt pan) Pour hot glaze over cake immediately.

Cool for ½ hour then invert and remove from Bundt pan.

Great Drink for those Cold Nights – The North Pole

This is a great survival tool I use here in the North East. We have already had a blizzard with a foot of snow and 50 mph winds. If this is any indication of what’s ahead for our winter, then hunker down, light a fire and sip a few of these.

This is an awesome recipe for any climate, but certainly best when your body needs a little warming and your in for the night. Three simple ingredients is the only thing separating you from a nice relaxing evening.

This is one of my favorite recipe’s. It’s been tried and true too many times so trust me when I say the “North Pole” has been re-defined. I hope you enjoy this classic, timeless cocktail.

North Pole:

Tangy, spicy cocktail for evening.

Tools: Shaker, Rocks Glass

  • 1 oz Vodka (your choice)
  • 2 tsp. Drambuie
  • 2 tsp. Campari

Fill shaker ½ with ice, pour all ingredients into shaker and gently shake

and strain into rocks glass. Enjoy.

Classic Clams Casino Recipe

This fantastic recipe was given to me by a dear friend. They are an enormous family of Italians. She said it was her mothers recipe so I Calms Casino Recipecan only imagine how old it really is. My friend did confess that she updated it a little due to the convenience of bottled and jarred ingredients. There was no sacrifice in flavor she said, but huge savings in time. The amount of Clams Casino this recipe makes is a clear indication of the size of her family.

It is best to make it a day or two in advance to give it time to let all the different flavors infuse each other. If you have any leftover you can make it into a dip or even a small casserole. This is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Happy eating……

  • 6 cans minced clams
  • 1 lb bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • 2 shots dry white vermouth
  • 1 jar sweet green & red peppers in oil (check your local Italian deli)
  • Seasoned bread crumbs

Garnish with:

  • Paprika and Lemon Wedges.
  1. Mince the peppers (keep the oil it needs to go into the mixing bowl)
  2. Combine all ingredients
  3. Add bread crumbs little by little until its a little soupy. Put in refrigerator over nite.
  4. Check consistency. You made need to add more bread crumbs. The ideal consistency is that of brownie batter.
  5. Fill clams on the half shell and top with paprika.
  6. Broil until top is brown.
  7. Squeeze lemon on top and enjoy.

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Vino Luci Style – Foodie Blog

Here’s another foodie blog we found through Twitter: Vino Luci Style.

Nice sleek design, and loaded with good recipes and content.  Not surprisingly, a Cranberry Sauce featuring Merlot, molasses and toasted walnuts takes center stage this week, what with Thanksgiving just around the corner.

Cranberry Sauce with Merlot, Toasted almonds and molasses via www.VinoLuciStyle.com

Cranberry Sauce with Merlot, Toasted almonds and molasses via www.VinoLuciStyle.com

Also of note is a full appetizer section with a Steak and Egg Muffin Quiche.  That one was bookmarked quickly.

You might also like her take on Crab Cakes, complete with wine (Sauvignon Blanc) and White Worcestershire Sauce.  (I had to check the spelling on that twice… I always get it wrong.)

And, since you’re already there, be sure to check out VinoLuci.com as well, an upscale online store featuring some really eclectic (we like that word) accessories and fare for your kitchen.

The Holidays are here!  Break out those credit cards and do a little Foodie Stimulus!

TOP SECRET RECIPE: Gram’s Rice Pudding

This is one of those recipe’s that you thank yourself for keeping. My grandma taught me how to make this 35 years ago, and she said her mother taught her. That would make this recipe at least 60 to 70 years old. It is the best Rice Pudding on the planet. I know you think I am just saying that because it was my grandma’s recipe but I say it because it’s true.

Top Secret Rice Pudding Recipe

Top Secret Rice Pudding Recipe

I am not a big fan of rice pudding, and I have several family members and friends that don’t like rice pudding either, yet for some reason they all beg me to make it. This is not like any other rice pudding you have ever had. At least try it before you swear off rice pudding for good. By know means is this a fat free recipe or version of the real recipe. This is it. The Real Deal. Most people tell me not to share such a wonder family secret recipe, but I think it honor’s my Gramma. She was such an important person in my life and I think she would want me to share it. So please cherish it.

Happy Holidays

  • 4 eggs
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 3 cups cooked white rice
  • 2 cans evaporated milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • dash of cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Mix all ingredients together and put it in an appropriate size roaster or baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes (or until a knife comes out clean)

ENJOY

NO FAIL PIE CRUST Recipe

I consider myself to be a fairly good cook, but baking is a real challenge for me. I usually buy boxed goods and that’s all I have to do is add water, some eggs, beat it up and pop it in oven. Simple.

True baking is in my opinion an art form. And it’s a science. I clearly do not have what it takes to bake, but with the Holiday’s I do try to make a pie or two. The hardest part about baking pies for me is the crust. This can be a very delicate undertaking. If the crust doesn’t cooperate, lets face it, the pie is no good. This recipe was given to me by my mother and it has been proven to be exactly as the name says.

NO FAIL PIE CRUST. It has worked every time for decades. There is a little bit of difference to this recipe depending on what type of pie you are making. The ingredients are the same, but the process is slightly different. Fruit pies which require a top crust according to my mother, you do NOT need to Pre-Bake the crust. Roll it out, fill it and apply top crust and bake. If you are making a pudding based pie that does not use a top crust you SHOULD Pre-Bake the crust for 15 minutes. These are the little things that I forget or confuse me when I bake. So below you will find my mothers recipe for a NO FAIL PIE CRUST which will ensure a delicious tasting

No Fail Pie Crust Recipe

No Fail Pie Crust Recipe

and flaky crust for your pie.

Note: Recipe is for 1 crust. (double recipe for top & bottom crust)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees (or the temperature your recipe calls for)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ a cup oil (vegetable)
  • ¼ cup cold milk

Mix all ingredients together and immediately roll it out between 2 pieces of waxed paper

Place in the bottom of pie plate. Repeat or double recipe if top crust is required.

For fruit pies fit dough in pie plate and with a fork poke a few holes into the bottom of the crust & bake for 15 minutes at 350. Remove, let cool for a few minutes, then fill and bake as your recipe requires.

DELICIOUS. Hope you enjoy this family secret.