July 2010 - MyGroceryMaster.com has upgraded their server-based application in the Apple App Store for the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad. The application, “My Grocery Master,” allows users to browse and search a database of over 100,000 specialty food products, 360 name brands and over 100 supermarkets. With “My Grocery Master” improved performance, updated database, and more user friendly features it is now easier than ever to locate your specialty food needs.

iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad users following specialty diets including Kosher, gluten-free and lactose-free can now find comfort in knowing their food needs are at their fingertips.

“My Grocery Master” will automatically ask your location upon launching the application. You can then search by product name or category and review your results by product or by store. “My Grocery Master” scans its database of the top 100 grocery store chains in the country that supply online data to identify the nearest store within the mile range selected by the user that carries the desired items.

Five years ago when I mentioned the word "vegan," I inevitably got the response, "What's that?" My how times have changed. Last week, I reported on roughly 20 new vegan books/cookbooks in the second quarter (that's April through June) of 2010 alone. The question is, how to choose? With so many vegan cookbooks out there, I make it my duty to do a trial run on as many of them as possible and report back to you ... hopefully with a sample recipe for you to trial.

Fortunately, with American Vegan Kitchen, all looks positive and tastes delicious. You can read my full review here, where I share photos and feedback on the Fettuccine Alfredo (so creamy!) and the Coconut 'Bacon' Bits (sheer genius!). And, when I asked if I could share a recipe with you, Vegan Heritage Press (the publisher) said, "Take your pick!" So generous. As I mentioned in my review, this cookbook is nouveau bistro meets greasy spoon diner. The classics with a twist, international influences, cravings satisfied, healthy options, indulgent splurge ... serious variety to choose from. Since it is summer, I went with a near classic recipe, Smokin’ BBQ Portobello Sandwiches ...

Eugene, OR – Local Manufacturer Will Give Out Dairy-Free Frozen Treats At Alton Baker Park on July 25th - In what is becoming one of Eugene’s sweetest summer traditions, Turtle Mountain will host its 2nd Annual Dairy-Free Ice Cream Giveaway at Alton Baker Park on Sunday, July 25th.
 
The festival is free to the public and began last year when Turtle Mountain, makers of So Delicious Dairy Free® ice cream, petitioned President Obama to designate the fourth Sunday in July National Dairy-Free Ice Cream Day.  The company plans to continue its campaign by distributing So Delicious Dairy Free® made with Coconut Milk frozen confections to everyone who attends this year’s celebration.
 
The nation’s love affair with ice cream reached a milestone in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan designated the third Sunday in July National Ice Cream Day, which was to be observed by the people of the United States with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."

Here we are in week two of the summer reading series and I have two awesome vegan full-color dessert cookbooks to giveaway. Even if you already have one of these gems, they make beautiful full-color gifts for the holidays (is it ever to early to plan ahead?) …

Sweet Utopia: Simply Stunning Vegan Desserts
This full color cookbook from Sharon Valencik won over a foodie friend and avid vegan baker who writes reviews for Go Dairy Free. She was immediately pleased with the beautiful photography and the easy-to-follow recipes, but hooked after sampling some of the near perfect cookie recipes. Of course, this cookbook doesn’t stop with cookies … cakes, pies, muffins, cobblers, bread pudding, and more can all be found within.