“Aetna CEO in Line for $500 Million Payout”
Those were the headlines on the front page of the Business & Finance section of the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) yesterday. Mark T. Bertolini – the CEO of Aetna since 2010 – stands to make a half billion dollars if Aetna successfully merges with CVS and he leaves his job. According to the WSJ, about $230 million will come from already vested stock appreciation rights while another $190 million would come from the common stock he already owns. An additional $60-$85 million is estimated to be his payout if he is terminated when the company sells itself. Read more 
Salted Galapagos Turtles
Chocolate caramel turtles – the unbeatable combination of roasted nuts combined with creamy caramel enrobed in chocolate) were one of three foods (the other two being a slice of cheese on my toasted bagel with lettuce, tomato, and red onion; and bread pudding) that made me think twice about changing my diet from vegetarian to completely plant-based.
I could certainly enjoy nuts and dark chocolate on a vegan diet but caramel which is typically made with milk and butter was out of the question. After much soul searching, I made the leap anyway and went through a brief period of mourning until I discovered Lagusta’s Luscious Salted Galapagos Turtles – which turned out to be better than the chocolate turtles I gave up! Read more
Tarallini, Racioppi, and Chianchette
Agricola del Sole is an Italian company based in La Murgia, an agriculturally diverse territory in the Puglia (southeast) region of Italy (known as Apulia) that specializes in making traditional Italian foods including Tarallini, Racioppi, and Chianchette – small crackers made with durum wheat semolina, olive oil, white wine, and salt.
These crackers are typically served as appetizers with tapenade, olives, roasted red peppers, and various antipasto dishes but they are also an ideal snack as is. Read more
Apple Pecan Strudel
Every autumn the abundance of apples and pecans is overwhelming – in a very good way. When I see stacks of Honey Crisp apples and freshly harvested pecans at farmers markets, I stock up and start thinking about Apple Pecan Strudel – a delicious variation on the Austrian favorite (“apfelstrudel”).
This recipe is one of my all time favorites because it tastes like an apple pastry with a crunchy rich pecan topping and yet there are only 4 tablespoons of vegan butter used in the whole recipe that serves 8-10. The strudel relies on the sweetness of the apples with minimal added sweeteners: 1/4 cup of brown rice syrup and 2 tablespoons of sugar. The lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla extract give the strudel a depth of flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds. Read more
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
If you haven’t seen Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri run to the theater and watch this amazing flick. Written, produced, and directed by Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri stars Frances McDormand as Mildred Hayes, a weathered, middle-aged divorced mother of two, Woody Harrelson as Chief (of Police) Willoughby, Sam Rockwell as the dimwitted, racist police officer, James Dixon (pronounced “DickSon” throughout the film) and Peter Dinklage (of Game of Thrones fame) as James, the local pool shark and car salesman. Read more
Garden of Eatin’ Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips
In the Garden of Eatin’, no one cares about the apples because it’s all about the chips. Made with organic yellow corn, expeller pressed oils (canola, safflower or sunflower) and a touch of sea salt, Garden of Eatin’ Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips are simply delicious. With a big yellow corn flavor, these classic chips (what they look like on the bag is exactly what they look like in the bag) can be enjoyed au naturale, in nachos, or with salsa and guacamole…or, all of the above! Read more
Cookie Republic
I’d say I’m about one cookie away from being happy… ~Snoopy
When I hear the words “Cookie Republic” I think of a country that honors the importance of cookies in our daily lives but Cookie Republic is actually the name of a company founded by a group of firefighters in Westchester, New York who recognized the importance of nutrition (two of the founding firefighters have masters degrees in nutrition) and flavor in creating a cookie that provides energy and satisfies that cookie craving. Instead of posing for the annual FDNY calendar (not that eye candy doesn’t fill an important public service), these buff, very fit firefighters are in the kitchen making cookies. Read more
Norwegian Knekkebrød: Crispbread
On a trip to New York City, my daughter suggested we go to the Norwegian Christmas Fair at the Norwegian Seaman’s Church on East 52nd Street. Held annually in mid-November over a 3-day period, the Norwegian Christmas Fair offers handmade blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves, ornaments, candles, and a wide variety of Norwegian food products including a Norwegian crispbread called Knekkebrød (pronounced “knockie broad”). Read more
Where does $1 to the American Red Cross Go?
When most people think of the American Red Cross (ARC), they often think of blood collection, testing, and distribution and/or disaster services – both domestic and international and in the most simplistic terms, this is what the ARC is about.
Formally known as the American National Red Cross (the organization is the designated affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies), ARC was established by Clara Barton in 1881 and given a charter by Congress in 1900 and again in 1905 to carry out humanitarian services. Since that time, the charter has been amended nine times, with the most recent in 2009 to address reforms to the organization. Read more
Fever Tree Club Soda
If you’re looking for a cold, refreshing, and classic drink, look no further than the Club and Cranberry: a tall glass of club soda on ice with a splash of cranberry and a squeeze of fresh lime. There are few drinks as festive as this red drink tinged with a slice of green lime (or the “Cape Codder” or “Rose Kennedy” which includes vodka) making this sparkling non-alcoholic drink a perfect choice during the holiday season.
The Club and Cranberry sounds so simple and yet the quality of the drink varies greatly with the three ingredients: club soda, cranberry juice, and the lime (I won’t get into ice right now but ice cubes matter, too). Read more
Paddock Post 