Why Your Website Needs An Email Newsletter

Despite the odd complaint about spam, most of us check our email every week.
This seems like a small point, but it is actually quite significant. Email is different. The secret to making money online is to develop relationships with people. Blogs build relationships with their readers. Online stores build relationships with customers. A good relationship can lead to more sales. On the other hand, a bad relationship could lose you a customer forever. Experienced marketers understand the need to connect to their target audience. They know the success of their campaigns depend on it. By emailing readers and customers on a regular basis, you can connect with them on a level that you could never reach with one hundred and forty characters on Twitter. This helps you develop trust and loyalty.

We at Sacchef International: Social Media and Global Marketing Services can assist you to set up your email newsletter; create, write and send it for you. Please contact Brian Bentzen to design a responsive email newsletter for your business.

Brian Bentzen
Sacchef International: Social Media and Global Marketing Services
(916) 879-4611
Brian@sacchef.com
http://www.sacchefmarketing.com/social-media-online-marketing/

Every time a bell rings a member gets TYFCB!

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Every time a bell rings a member gets TYFCB!

Posted by BNI California Central Valley on Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Caesar Salad Rollups

Sun-dried tomatoes in a cream cheese spread add color and creaminess to these delicious Caesar salad pinwheels

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup olive oil

1 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1 1/2 tsps Italian Seasoning

1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 Tbls grated Parmesan cheese

8 flour tortillas (8-inch)

2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1) Mix oil, 1 teaspoon each of the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper in small bowl. Place chicken in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn to coat. Refrigerate 15 minutes or longer for extra flavor.

2) Meanwhile, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, remaining 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in small bowl. Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Remove chicken from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade.

3) Grill over medium heat or broil 6 to 7 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through. Cut chicken into strips. Chill

4) Spread dressing evenly on tortillas. Top with lettuce, sun dried tomatoes and sliced chicken.

5) Fold in sides before rolling up. Secure each roll with 5 to 6 wooden picks. Slice rolls between wooden picks to form pinwheel appetizers.

Serves = 8

15 Facebook Tricks You Aren’t Using!

The Sac Chef Holiday Poem

 

Twas the time before Christmas, and all thru the town,

BNI members everywhere are getting stresses and feeling down.

The holidays are here with so much to do.

Shopping and cooking for the party at dear Aunt Sue.

 

So I need your help with Christmas no near.

I can bring the food, and Kat will bring the “Mad Kat” beer.

With time a passing in such a fluffy,

all the world is in a mad pack hurry.

 

So when you are out to buy that perfect gift.

Remember it’s time for “Giver’s Gain”, so other’s spirits will lift.

The checkout lines, however are so long in the mall,

as shoppers ransack the shelves and grab it all.

 

But the SacChef can help you with your shopping mess,

with homemade chocolates gifts, guaranteed to impress.

I have boxes of truffles: Dark chocolate, Milk, or White

and hand dipped strawberries for that special night.

 

Another referral for me which is bewitchen,

is to have me help you in your kitchen.

 

Who do you know that can’t stop to rest,

their’ kitchen is a disaster, just look at the mess.

She burned her hand, and now it is stinging,

as red wine drips on her dress while the microwave is dinging.

 

With the guests now arriving but the dinner is not done,

her dress is soiled with butter and crumbs.

She runs from the kitchen in terror and pain,

screaming that the holidays are making her insane.

 

Not knowing what she is doing and what is that smell?

Oh no! It’s the cookies, they are burned all to hell!

She hates to admit it, she made a mistake,

she put them on “broil”, instead of on “bake”.

 

So if you know someone like this, you now know what to do,

fill out a referral slip, It’s so easy online too.

She is a great referral for me, so have her give me a call.

So she can relax and enjoy her party, letting me cook it all.

 

Are the holidays getting to you, are you feeling “Stressed”?

Just spell it backwards for my cure for those depressed.

To all my friends here in BNI,

I hope these tips help you find great gifts to buy.

 

Is your office having a party to celebrate the seasons?

I’m the perfect choice, do you need anymore reasons?

What is another great referral I want you to know?

Who is heading up to Tahoe to play in the snow?

 

They will be driving all day to get up to the cabin.

I can make pre-made meals with the kids will be grubbin’

Easy to travel, quick to reheat.

More time to enjoy skiing, now that’s a holiday treat.

 

Do last minute party invites make you feel stuck?

No time to cook something for your after work potluck.

I have lots of quick recipes on SacChef.com

or just call me to cook for you, and your contribution is done.

 

I hope you have enjoyed my holiday story, and know what to do.

I’m Brian, the Sac Chef, I’ll dirty my kitchen so you don’t have to!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Order your Handmade Chocolate truffles today for the Holidays

Order your Handmade Chocolate truffles today for the Holidays.

Welcome to the NEW SacChef.com Website

Today launches a new recipe of my website.

When you came to www.SacChef.com today you may have noticed something…different about it. That’s because Brian’s entire website has finally been updated after nearly 2 years of the same site! New graphics to help us fit in with the re-branded look, new videos, better links to find my photos, my blog is integrated into the site like never before…and overall it’s just prettier. This has been lots of work and I want to thank Scott Seviour with Outback Solutions for the great job he did designing and implementing this site.

As I begin my new online phase, please help me out! Send me an email or give me a call if there is something that doesn’t work right, or that you think I should have on the site.

Let me know what you think

Brian Bentzen

The Sac Chef

916-879-4611

A silent tribute to the 9-11 memorial

GILROY GARLIC FESTIVAL

http://www.gilroygarlicfestival.com/

We Miss You Meeko

It’s been one year since she left our home, but not our hearts…

click on photo to see more.

How BEER saved the world (Part III)

How BEER saved the world (Part II)

How BEER has saved the world (part I)

 

May 3rd is National Teacher Day

Teaching is the profession of shaping young minds into the future leaders of the world. Teachers work hard to challenge their students and bring out the best in them.

Have you ever had a teacher who has had a great influence on your life? Did this teacher go above and beyond the standard to increase your personal growth and development? If you have ever had a teacher like this, today is the day to show them that you appreciate all that they have done for you.

According to the National Education Association, Arkansas teacher Mattye Whyte Woodridge wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt in 1944 about the need for a day to honor teachers. Mrs. Roosevelt was able to convince Congress to proclaim it a national holiday in 1953.

To celebrate National Teacher Day, send a custom eCard to say thank you to your current or former teachers for all of their hard work and patience!

Referral of the week = Send out Cards

Make your own cards to send out to special people for Mother’s day, Birthdays, etc…! They are easy to create and send right from your computer!

Call Ralph for more information

Ralph Carlson

Independent Distributor

(916) 671-0641

https://www.sendoutcards.com/52683/

Click here to view today’s blog postings for more tips and recipes

Click here to send a FREE card

May 1st is National Chocolate Parfait Day

May 1 is National Chocolate Parfait Day!

Parfait is a French word meaning “perfect” that began to reference a layered, frozen dessert back in the 1890s.

American parfait desserts are normally made by layering cream, ice cream, flavored Jello, yogurt, puddings, or other similar ingredients.  Fresh fruit, whipped toppings, syrups and fruit liqueurs can also be incorporated into any basic recipe.

Normally, a parfait is created in a tall clear glass, making all the layers visible.  There are even special parfait glasses used for the ice-cream sundae versions. Click here for my special “Kids in the Kitchen” recipe for Chocolate Parfait.

May’s National Food Month

National Asparagus Month

National Barbeque Month

National Chocolate Custard Month

National Egg Month

National Gazpacho Aficionado Month

National Hamburger Month

National Salad Month

National Salsa Month

National Strawberry Month

April 29th is National Shrimp Scampi Day.

Click on photo for recipe

Hey y’all. It’s  shrimp scampi day.  Scampi, is a butter/wine/garlic sauce, usually poured over shrimp and tossed with pasta.  Lip smackingly good. I think this is one of the very best dishes I have made for this blog thus far, and dead easy. This would be great dinner party dish. The scampi sauce starts out with a nice citrus kick, and then finishes with smooth butter.

HAPPY EASTER

The budding trees, the new flowers, and birds that sweetly sing,
whisper to me that it’s Easter. As you cook your ham and prepare for your special dinner, I want to thank you for all the support during the past year.

Here is wishing my warmth for you on Easter and always!

Happy Easter

THE SAC CHEF

Order your Handmade Chocolate truffles today for Valentines Day

Handmade Chocolate Truffles for Valentine’s Day

Select your choice of flavors: White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, or Dark Chocolate

Select your fillings: Chocolate Fudge, Caramel, or Chocolate with Nuts

(OR ANY COMBINATIONS OF THE ABOVE)

Select your size below

The “Big Lover” Box

A round box of 8 select truffles

1 lb weight

Only $16

the “Four Play” Box

A oval box of 4 select truffles

1/2 lbs weight

Only $9

The “Just You and Me”

A gift bag of 2 select truffles

only $5

Brian is taking orders NOW through February 12th in the greater Sacramento Area

Call me at 916-879-4611

The Sacramento American River Parkway

Ask me how you can help support the jewel of our city.

I am on the committee for the 2011 “Down River Day” celebration.

Check this video out about the Sacramento American River Parkway:

I am leaving The Pampered Chef Today!

Times are changing and it is now time for me to make a change.

I will no longer be with The Pampered Chef as of Today.  I am able to refer you to other PC consultants from my old team.

I have decided to take the steps to become my own catering company. I will now focus in 2011 on hosting in-home cooking classes and small event catering. I can make for you just one item, or a few appetizers or desserts for a party, or prepare the food for your office or home party.

I have great recipes from Gourmet to Homemade!

Let me dirty my kitchen, so you don’t have too!

I just wanted to thank my customers for their orders and all my host for their support over the past years.

Share your Thanksgiving leftover ideas

Please add your favorite ideas to the list too!

HOW TO WHIP CREAM

Topping pies with whipped cream this week? To get the perfect dollop, chill the bowl and whisk before you start whipping and make sure the cream is well-chilled, too. Keeping everything cool will ensure your peaks set up quickly and stay that way. Please comment and let us know what kind of pie you’ll be eating!

Follow me on FACEBOOK

Tip to melt Chocolate

Great tip for holiday baking: If you are melting plain chocolate and it seizes (becomes stiff and grainy), it has been overheated. Take it off the heat and stir in 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil, a few drops at a time, until the cholate is smooth. Keep choclate dry when melting it, because a single drop of water or steam will cause it to seize.

HAPPY SacChef.com 1yr ANNIVERSARY

On October 30th 2009, I launched this blog.

“Welcome to SacChef.com just want to introduce myself to all of you. I am Brian B.  from Sacramento, California. I help people just like you with quick and easy recipes for your family and friends. I also do small event catering.  Plus I am a great resource for learning more about ways to host fun and easy Cooking Demonstration Home based parties with your family, friends, and co-workers.  Let me help you host a  SacChef Party! call me at 916-879-4611”

Since that first day during the past year:

• Posts: 655 articles
• 39,117 views from you my friends
• Busiest day: 498 views on Monday, October 25, 2010
• Subscriptions: 10 active

What we have achieved together:

• #4 Google search for SUPER BOWL RECIPES ( beating the NFL)
• Sacramento Bee Newspaper article about CHRISTMAS COOKIES
• We had 10,286 hits just in October 2010 (over 330 visitors per day)
• Product orders being shipped nationwide
• I had my first INTERNATIONAL order to AUSTRALIA
• and that’s just the first year….

I want to THANK some very special people who helped me to achieve this and without their help I would not be celebrating this anniversary.

• Scott Seviour, Outback Solutions
• John Lisle, Outback Solutions
• Eva Lisle, BNI Central Valley
• Larisa Capodieci, Balfour Yearbook Publishing
• Stephani Urzi, Creative Business Solutions
• BNI El Dorado Hills
• plus many more….

 

I am so excited to see what the next year will bring!

THANK YOU

 

National M&M’s day

Are you Plain or Peanut?

First Day of Autumn

August 31: National Trail Mix Day

August 31: National Trail Mix Day.

August 31: National Trail Mix Day

Mark your calendars for a day of delicious, energy boosting indulgence on August 31, which is National Trail Mix Day.

Your SacChef  is encouraging you to hit the trail, grab their bikes or plan a hike on August 31, and take along this healthful snack that provides a quick carbohydrate-fueled boost paired with sustained energy from the heart-healthy fats found in many nuts included in trail mix.

Here’s some easy ways to incorporate trail mix as a snack:
– At Work: Ditch the sweets and grab a nutritional trail mix for your afternoon snack to keep your energy sustained.
– For A Natural Energy Boost: Hit the trail for a lunchtime walk or jog, armed with your favorite energizing mix.
– With Your Kids: Fuel your kids with a fun and natural trail mix rather than candy or chips.

And here are some interesting facts about this easy to pack snack:
– Trail mix has been eaten by Native Americans for thousands of years, and originally included buffalo meat.
– Trail mix is featured in Jack Kerouac’s iconic 1958 novel The Dharma Bums.
– Trail mix is the favorite healthy snack of celebrities such as Jessica Biel and Blake Lively.
– Captain Robert Falcon Scott munched trail mix to maintain his energy while trekking through the snow in 1901 during his attempt to conquer the Antarctic.
– Trail mix is known as Scroggin in Australia, Studentenfutter in Denmark and Pink Buggie in Canada. Each version contains ingredients as unique as their names suggest.

CLICK HERE FOR MY MAPLE TRAIL MIX RECIPE

August 31: Eat Outside Day

It’s official, it’s the last day of August. With the warm weather days dwindling down, today is the perfect opportunity to take your breakfast, lunch, or dinner and eat outside! A perfect day for a picnic, so that’s just what we’re going to do!

This annual event celebrates the end of summer vacation with a day of outdoor dining. Take your breakfast out to the balcony. Bring a bag lunch to the park, trail or playground. Have a cookout, picnic or BBQ with family and friends. Food might just be the hook you need to coax others outdoors and onto the trails. Plus, eating outdoors is just fun!

Enjoy a popsicle on your porch, a barbecue in the backyard, or have a picnic in the park. Whatever you decide to do for your delicious meal, enjoy Eat Outside Day!

This is a place to share recipes and ideas for National Eat Outdoors Day.
Are you getting outside, even for a little bit? What are you bringing or making? Do you have any tips for outdoor cooking or food that travels particularly well? Let us know!

August 30th is National Toasted Marshmallow Day

During eleven out of the  twelve months of the year, we enjoy a wide range of holidays. When we get to August, there is a major shortage of big holidays to celebrate. Perhaps that is why many Europeans take the month of August off for vacation.

Perhaps it as just as well that there are no big holidays to compete with National Marshmallow Toasting Day. After all, how could any holiday compare with this day!?!

Enjoy today or tonight by a campfire or bonfire, toasting a big, soft, sticky and sweet marshmallow, or two, or three, or….. Summer would not be the same without a campfire and this great campfire treat.Summer is short. Summer is good. So enjoy it while it is still here. Toast a marshmallow and forget about everything else.

And don’t forget to make a few S’mores. Click on photo above for easy recipe

August 29: National Chop Suey Day

Many early American Chinese restaurants were known simply as chop suey houses, and the bold letters announcing their signature dish were present across the urban US. Attributable more to Chinese-Americans than Chinese nationals, this beloved dish can contain a variety of meats like beef, chicken or shrimp, cabbage, celery, and the ever present bean sprouts. Delicious!

Click on photo for a great Chicken Chop Suey recipe

August 29: Lemon Juice Day

It seems odd to have a Fun Food Holiday for an item that few people enjoy consuming directly. But when you think about the important role that lemon juice plays in today’s cooking, you realize that Lemon Juice Day is not a bad idea! It’s used in cocktails, lemonade, iced tea and other beverages. And it’s used as an ingredient in many food recipes, or as a garnish with seafood and more.

When life gives you lemons, make…anything!

August 27: Banana Lover’s Day

Happy Banana Lover’s Day! For those of you who love bananas, today is the perfect day to indulge in your fruity treat. Banana plants are grown in just about every tropical place and make up the 4th largest fruit crop in the world.

How to Celebrate Banana Lover’s Day:

August 26th is National Cherry Popsicle Day

From amusement parks and zoos to the family freezer, cherry reigns supreme as kids’ favorite flavor of popsicle. National Cherry Popsicle Day celebrates a sweet treat that parents can live with too, as they’re not too fattening or very expensive. And in August, they can be pretty darn refreshing as well!

It’s hot. Nothing much else to say about it. It’s just hot.

Now you could simply crank up the AC, run through the sprinklers a few times and maybe take a dip at a local pool, but why not indulge in some cool, sweet treats to beat the heat? Here are a few tips to keep you sane till the weather cools down.

Make popsicles I’ve got a couple boxes of store-bought popsicles in the fridge, but homemade popsicles are a great way to kill a few hours in the morning and then have a cool treat for the hot afternoon hours. Plus, you get to control what goes in the popsciple. Check out these homemade popsicle recipe lists!

Host an ice cream potluck Forget the casseroles and pasta salads. Ask your friends to bring over a tub of their favorite ice cream flavor. And don’t forget all the fixings whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, bananas, cones you know what I’m talking about.

Make snow cones, or shaved ice. Invest in a ice shaver appliance (about 30 bucks, give or take) and suddenly you have all kinds of delicious, COLD desserts at your fingertips. If you can’t make a trip to an Asian market for authentic Hawaiian shaved ice or Korean patbingsu, simply add some fresh fruit, condensed milk, chocolate syrup, ice cream, cereal bits basically, be creative. It’s ice. Things can’t go too wrong.

August 26 = Happy Krakatoa Day

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1883 – Krakatoa Volcano exploded in the East Indies. The explosion was heard more than 2500 miles away, and every barograph around the world recorded the passage of the air wave, up to seven times. Giant waves, 125 feet high and traveling 300 mph, devastated everything in their path, hurling ashore coral blocks weighing up to 900 tons, and killing more than 36,000 persons. Volcanic ash was carried around the globe in thirteen days producing blue and green suns in the tropics, and then vivid red sunsets in higher latitudes. The temperature of the earth was lowered one degree for the next two years, finally recovering to normal by 1888. (David Ludlum)

August 25: Whiskey Sour Day

Today is National Whiskey Sour Day.

“The whiskey sour is not only one of the oldest and most classic of cocktails of all time but also one of the most well known,” they inform me. Then the press release spins a tale about sailors and scurvy which I found rather suspect. I’ve heard that sailors used to mix a bit of citrus in with their daily ration of rum, and found the tonic had healthful properties. But whiskey?

Ah well. Could be. Certainly, the Whiskey Sour is an old refresher, dating back to the 19th century at least. And certainly, nobody really gives much thought to the drink these days, though it is a reliable refresher.

August 24: National Waffle Day

National Waffle Day (August 24) is the anniversary of the first U.S. patent for a waffle iron. Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York received his patent for a “device to bake waffles” in 1869. His early waffle iron was used in conjunction with coal stoves, consisted of a griddle and a cover and required flipping of the device to cook both sides of the waffle.

A Quick Waffle History Lesson

13th Century A.C. – Ancient Greeks cook flat cakes between two metal plates. These early waffles were called obleios and were primarily savory in nature, prepared with cheeses and herbs.

1620 – The pilgrims bring Dutch “wafles” to America.

1735 – The word “waffle” – with two “f”s – appears in English print for the first time.

Late 1800’s – Thomas Jefferson returns to the U.S. from France with a long handled, patterned waffle iron.

1869 – Cornelius Swarthout patents the first U.S. Waffle Iron.

1953 – Frank Dorsa’s Eggo Frozen Waffles are sold in Supermarkets for the first time.

1964-65 – Brussels restaurateur Maurice Vermersch brings his wife’s Brussels Waffle recipe to the World’s Fair in New York. The fluffy yeast-infused waffle becomes a huge hit and becomes known as the Belgium waffle.

August 24: National Knife Day

August 24 is Knife Day. Knives are sometimes scary, especially long, sharp ones. Use today to learn some basic Knife Safety Tips

Learn how to be safe in the kitchen while handling or working with knives.

Knife safety is very important for people of all ages. Accidental injuries may happen quickly and may be quite severe if proper attention and care are not used while handling knives.

When using the knife and the knife falls for whatever reason, never ever try to grab a falling knife. If a knife is falling, jump away from it and let it fall. Make sure you are far away from it.” Trying to catch a knife that slips may be a reflex but it can be very dangerous and may actually be worse than letting the knife fall to the floor.

Proper handling of a knife is critical to reduce the risk of an accidental injury. Keeping knives sharp is important so they will slice through items easily without requiring the user to exert excessive force that may cause the knife to slip out of his hand. Proper technique and using the correct knife for the cutting job will reduce risks as well. Always cut away from your body or slice away from your body not towards your body. If you slice a tomato or potatoes and you use one hand to hold the vegetable and use the other one to slice it, bend your fingertips to the inside of the hand and slide the blade along your knuckles. Never go with the edge above the knuckles and never put your fingertips out. The proper way to hold a knife is really very, very tough to explain. You probably have to demonstrate and to show it. I would say for the average person to really just hold it at the handle. It is advisable to use a cutting board rather than a counter top or surface that may not be stable and solid. Never hold an item in your hand that you are cutting such as a piece of fruit.

August 23: National Sponge Cake Day

August 23 is National Spongecake Day. I love spongecake. It is so soft and spongy. I like spongecake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream on it. I like spongecake with a drizzle of melted chocolate on it. I love spongecakes all by themselves with nothing on them.

The airy, light delight of a sponge cake dessert holds nearly universal appeal. You might enjoy it in madeleines, ladyfingers, or layered with a variety of fillings.

CLICK HERE FOR A GREAT RECIPE

Light and airy, sponge cake is the perfect dessert for a hot summer night. Though it typically only contains the basic ingredients of eggs, sugar, and flour, the key to making the perfect sponge cake is to beat the batter thoroughly to create volume.

After it has been cooked in the oven but before it has cooled, sponge cake is very flexible. This allows the creation of rolled cakes such as the Swiss roll or other variations on the typical sponge cake. The Victoria Sponge Cake which contains jam between two sponge cakes, was named after Queen Victoria who enjoyed having a slice with her afternoon tea.

Bake one today and enjoy National Sponge Cake Day!

Not to be confused with National Spongebob Squarepants Day.

View more products by clicking here

Click here to view today’s blog postings for more tips and recipes

Click here to find out how to contact me to order these products

August 22: Happy National Spumoni Day

Happy National Spumoni Day, everyone.  I have to be honest with you, my ice cream loving friends. The word Spumoni always makes me think – not of dessert – but of that machine they run over ice rinks back in Boston to smooth them out. Yes, I know that’s a Zamboni – I’m just saying that it my opinion, the word Spumoni isn’t exactly culinarily lyrical and has the wrong sort of feel. Still – it is what it is.

click on photo for recipe

But what is Spumoni exactly and how can I keep from mixing it up with the Zamboni?

• Spumoni is a layered ice cream dish where as the Zamboni layers ice.
• Spumoni is Italian in origin and the Zamboni is from California (And no – Mr. Zamboni wasn’t from Italy either. He was born in Eureka, Utah)
• Spumoni led to the creation of Neopolitan ice cream. The Zamboni led to – um, Frank Zamboni meeting Sonja Henie. Which I am sure was nice for both of them.
• Spumoni is now unknown in Naples, land of it’s birth. Presumably there are ice rinks in or around Naples so someone there might know “Zamboni.”
• Spumoni surely is known throughout the land of the Zamboni’s birth – California.
• Spumoni quite often involves fruits and nuts. The Zamboni involves nuts and bolts.

I don’t know about you but this little exercise has really cleared things up for me. They aren’t really similar at all.

I don’t know what I was thinking. I really feel I am on a roll. What do you, kids? Should we tackle another culinary confusion next time? Cannoli vs cannelloni?

CLICK HERE FOR MY SPUMONI RECIPES

August 19: National Potato Day

Did you know there are more than 45 billion pounds of potatoes harvested each year? And think of all the delicious ways we love to enjoy them: baked, grilled, mashed, boiled or fried – there are so many ways to eat a potato! Potatoes have been a popular aspect of diets around the world for centuries.

When you buy potatoes, they should be well shaped, firm with a smooth skin and few shallow eyes. Pick ones with good color without any cuts or dark spots. Always store potatoes in a cool, dry place- a brown or perforated bag is the best idea for storage. Potatoes can last 3-5 weeks (or maybe longer) if stored correctly. Follow these steps and pick your favorite recipe, and you can enjoy the perfect potato anytime. My family’s favorite way (besides French fries) is a baked potato drizzled with veggies, cheese, salt and pepper.

Have fun cooking on National Potato Day!

CLICK HERE FOR SOME GREAT POTATO RECIPES

Today is National Skinny Dipping Day

Here is a holiday for all the NON-foodies online to enjoy today.

Click here to view today’s blog postings for more tips and recipes

August 13: National Filet Mignon Day

What is a Filet Mignon?

“Filet mignon (French for “exquisite or dainty fillet”) is a steak cut of beef taken from the tenderloin, or psoas major of the steer or heifer.

Top 10 Reasons to Start Walking

Walking for 30 to 60 minutes each day is one of the best things you can do for your body, mind, and spirit.

click on photo to read more

August 11: National Raspberry Tart Day

These savory pastry dishes are an American favorite — it’s no wonder today is National Raspberry Tart Day! In case you’re wondering, a tart is a type of pie with an open top. Sweetened fruits such as raspberries are often arranged on the pastry and then baked in the oven.

Tarts were first introduced during Medieval times and can be made either savory or sweet. Raspberry tarts are one of the more famous types of tarts, so try your hand at baking one today in celebration of this divine dessert!

August 9: National Rice Pudding Day

Just like how every food culture has a version of meat-on-a-stick (kebabs, souflaki, brochettes, etc.), every food culture has a version of rice pudding. Why? Rice pudding is delicious, inexpensive, and uses ingredients that everybody has: rice, milk, sweetener, and flavoring.

August 8: National Zucchini Day

Zucchini is one of those vegetables we embrace year-round, and summer is no exception. As many of you, here at the Sac Chef we’ve been favoring light lunches and dinners with the oppressive summer heat, yet zucchini manages to tie in well, with its natural moisture and vegetal flavor.

You’ve all surely heard jokes where the punch line involves a box of zucchinis left on your doorstep like so many kittens.  Since zucchini plants tend to be fruitful (and yes, zucchinis are fruits) many recipes have been developed that make creative use of this bountiful summer squash.

Often in these recipes, zucchini takes a back seat to other ingredients.  After all, it’s quite nondescript in both flavour and texture.  This make it incredibly versatile, and it’s worth taking advantage of this fact.  Zucchini is a source of several good nutrients including Vitamins C, K and B6, Riboflavin, Folate, Magnesium, Potassium and Manganese.  It’s also high in fiber and contains some high quality protein, as well as low GL carbs.  In essence, eating very few calories of zucchini will give you lots of nutrition and help you feel full.

National Zucchini day is not to be confused with the April 24th; this is National Zucchini Bread Day

CLICK HERE FOR SOME GREAT Zucchini Recipes

National Brownies At Brunch Month

Hold the phone. Hold everything. Did you know that August is National Brownies at Brunch Month?

The brownie, one of America’s favorite baked treats, was born in the U.S.A.—we just aren’t quite sure where—although evidence points to New England in the first few years of the 20th century. Although cake-like and baked in a cake pan, the brownie is classified as a bar cookie rather than a cake. There are thousands of recipes, both “cake” types and “fudge” types. Either is perfectly correct—and delicious.

August 3rd is National Grab Some Nuts Day

“Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t”

Today is “Grab Some Nuts” Day. First of all, shame on you for what you’re thinking. Second, shame on you for what you’re thinking.

Nut or not a nut? Nuts are a one-seeded fruit that are popular salted snacks or common ingredients in recipes. But did you know that some of the most popular nuts are not technically nuts?

Walnuts are not a nut. Almonds are a nut. Peanuts are actually legumes. Acorns are nuts, but they taste good only to squirrels, it would seem. Test your knowledge of nuts on National Grab Some Nuts Day!

My favorite nuts are cashews and pistachios, and I’ve been meaning to pick a can or two up (even if I do think of nuts as a fall and winter snack, don’t ask me why).

Here is a great recipe you can make with nuts:

SWEET CARAMEL CASHEWS

August 3: National Watermelon Day

Watermelons.  Farmers tote them and set up stands everywhere to bring them to the consumer fresh; along heavily trafficked country roads, in the corner of convenience store parking lots and farmer’s markets.  These heavy summer fruits can’t hide with their enormous size.  Yet the tiny single serve size found in the grocery store is quite a bargain for the consumer who doesn’t quite want a watermelon of gigantic proportions.

Although there has not been an act of Congress to set the laws in motion to make National Watermelon Day official, this day has been set aside on some calendars as ‘the’ day to formally taste this summer fruit with all its tasty goodness.  Since watermelons contain approximately 90% water with natural sugary sweetness it makes perfect since that this specific fruit would pair beautifully in refreshing summer cocktails.

National Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day

What the hell is it!?

Apparently the consensus is that you buy cheese and sacrifice some (I’d have a hard time sacrificing the whole thing) to the mouse trap(s).  Sounds like an historic holiday

I say we reinvent the meaning of the the Day; not let it die off, but just give new blood to the meaning.   One would be to sacrifice a little extra money on some really good cheese.  Or just money that was intended for something else, and buy cheese with some of it.  Something like that.  And it would still be a national celebration!  And the dairy industry would make a killing on us that day.   It’s a win/win situation, really.  All terms of the holiday would then be met…National Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day.

July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day

National Milk Chocolate Day is a special day for a special treat. Are you a “Chocola-holic”? If you are, you look forward to each and every chocolate related holidays.

There are lots of flavors of chocolate. Milk chocolate is enjoyed in candies and in baking. Milk chocolate is the favorite of millions of people. So, its only fitting that it gets its very own special national day.

Important Note: Don’t be dyslexic about this special day. Today is a day for Milk Chocolate, not Chocolate Milk Day.

Lest there be any doubt about celebrating this day…….. Today should be spent consuming and savoring generous amounts of your favorite milk chocolate treats.

Happy National Milk Chocolate Day!

CLICK HERE FOR SOME GREAT RECIPES

National Hot Fudge Sundae Day

Take care of your skin in this heat!

I love Arbonne International’s sun line.  They have an SPF 15 and 30.  They protect against UVA and UVB rays.  My one friend swears by it because she always would BURN on her chest and Arbonne’s SPF 30 is the only one she found where she no longer burns there.  My other friend found that the SPF 30 is the only one that does not make her face breakout.

National Vanilla Ice Cream Day

time to celebrate

Happy Birthday Uncle George

Happy Birthday Michelle Bentzen

Hey Brat,

Take today and celebrate!

Love, BRIAN

National French Fries Day

National French Fries Day is July 13th and French Fries happen to be my favorite food! Even if French Fries aren’t known for being very healthy, you should use today as an excuse to enjoy them guilt free.

National Blueberry month

July was proclaimed National Blueberry Month by the United States Department of Agriculture on May 8th, 1999. Blueberries are grown in 35 states in the US, and the United States produces over 90% of all of the blueberries in the world.

Click here for lots of great Blueberry recipes!

National Sugar Cookie Day

National Sugar Cookie Day is a day to satisfy your sweet tooth. Popular with young kids, and old kids, sugar cookies usually don’t last long around the house.

California’s Grape & Gourmet

July 9th

Sacramento Convention Center

Come visit me at my booth with the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce

Macaroni Day

Every year we celebrate Macaroni Day on 7th July, it’s time for some yummy treat for your pals. Macaroni comes from Italian maccaroni. It’s another one of those “etymology obscure” words. English borrowed the word from Italian in the 16th century. However it is a grate fun day to us so don’t miss this day without celebration.

National Fried Chicken Day

National Fried Chicken Day is day to enjoy crisp and tasty, finger licking good fried chicken.

Fried chicken is one of America’s favorite meals. Sure, we all know that fried foods are not good for us. But, fried chicken tastes ohhhhh so good. We just can’t resist having it on a regular basis.

There’s just one thing you need to do celebrate this day: Eat some fried chicken. You can have it for lunch, dinner or cold leftovers as a snack. Better still, have it for lunch, dinner, AND for a snack.

Click here for a great Fried Chicken recipe

July is National Picnic Month

Happy Birthday Meeko

Today would have been her 15th birthday

Click on photo to see more

Goodbye Meeko

Today at 2:30 we had to put down the sweetest cat I have ever known

Click on photo to learn more

Stuffed Savoy Cabbage Rolls

Click on photo for recipe

Cheerios: #1 with Kids

You might think that kids most popular cereal would be Count Chocula, Fruit Loops or any one of the other sugar coated morning meals. But according to most studies, it’s CHEERIOS, that plain old oat cereal in the bright yellow box that has won over kids for almost 70 years.

National Ice Cream Soda Day

How else do we celebrate the first day of Summer!

CLICK ON THIS PHOTO FOR A GREAT ICE CREAM SODA RECIPE

Ice Cream Soda Day is a great summer cooler. It’s hot. It’s muggy. And, an Ice Cream Soda is a flavorful way to cool off. The flavor of Ice Cream Soda is your choice. Any will do. Chocolate and vanilla are the most popular.  But, don’t shy away from being creative with the flavor of ice cream or soda.

BTW: If you happened to notice, there are numerous “Ice Cream ” days this month. We think you will agree that the ice cream manufacturers have done a splendid great job of promoting their product.

Happy First Day of Summer

California’s Grape and Gourmet = July 7th

I will be at this year’s Grape & Gourmet event. Come visit me at my booth

ATTENTION WINE LOVERS!! If you like good wine, you’ll love California’s Grape & Gourmet.

* 700 award-winning wines
* 80 restaurants
* Live music by Wonderbread 5!
* All-you-can eat & drink

Wednesday, July 7, 2010
5:00pm – 8:00 PM
SACRAMENTO CONVENTION CENTER

Sacramento Pride 2010

SATURDAY JUNE 19th

10am to 5pm

COME SEE ME at the Rainbow Chamber Booth

Come visit me at my booth at the 2010 Pride Festival

Saturday, June 19, 2010

at Capital Mall

from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Celebrate change in 2010: Pride Rally and March–Changing the World with Pride! Rally at the California State Capitol West Steps at 9:30 a.m., then join up with the 2010 Sacramento Pride Parade for a march to the Pride Festival at Capital Mall. All are welcome to join us in this community-wide celebration of the Pride season, featuring plenty of food and games, live entertainment, curated art show, Butch-n-Nellie’s Coffee Grounds, a Kidzone and carnival, volleyball tournament, Beer Garden for adults, and more!

Click on photo for more information

International Picnic Day

Good heavens, when’s the last time you had a picnic? If you can’t remember, then it’s been too long! Round up some friends and / or family, and make an occasion of it. If it’s raining, you can always just spread a blanket out on the porch or living room floor, or find a nice sheltering gazebo somewhere in a park. If you have kids, let them help make their favourite sandwiches.

National “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES DAY”

Today is the day to teach your kids to eat their veggies

Here are some examples of one serving:

• one banana
• six strawberries
• one apple
• one peach
• one-half cup of orange or other fruit juice
• fifteen grapes
• five broccoli florets
• one roma tomato
• half of a baked sweet potato
• one ear of corn
• four slices of an onion

National Iced Tea Day

When : Always June 10th

With the official start of summer just a few days away, the timing is perfect for National Iced Tea Day. Chances are, it is already hot in your area. Today may serve as a good reminder to make and enjoy your first (of many) Iced Tea drink of the season. Have it plain, add a little lemon, or sweeten it with sugar. Iced Tea is certainly a favorite summer cooler of millions of Americans. And best of all, tea is good for your health!

It takes no imagination to decide how to enjoy this great day: Grab an Iced Tea and head out to the hammock strung under a shady tree.

CLICK HERE to learn how to make my REFRESHING APPLEMINT ICE TEA

Stockton Asparagus Festival

The 25th Annual Stockton Asparagus Festival kicked off Friday with good weather forecast for its three day run.

Every year, the event raises money for some 100 area charities and this year, organizers hope to raise over $350,000.

There’s live music, a crafts show, some 70 food vendors and 100 speciality merchandise vendors as well as a celebrity chef cooking show.  But the most popular item of all is the asparagus — especially the deep fried asparagus!

Over 45,000 pounds of asparagus is expected to be sold with 45,000 orders for deep fried asparagus, some 9,000 asparagus tri-tip sandwiches, 4,000 asparagus burritos and 8,000 dishes of asparagus pasta.

Oh, and don’t forget the “aspara” ice cream!

The festival is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

CLICK HERE FOR SOME ASPARAGUS RECIPIES

Click here to view today’s blog postings for more tips and recipes

Click here to find out how to contact me to order products

BIG NEIGHBORHOOD (8+ HOMES) GARAGE SALE

Come join us at our fun Block party Garage Sale

Times:

Saturday, April 30th: 8am to 4pm

Location:Lynne Way & Pope Ave

over 8 homes with lots of stuff to sell

Hot dogs

3554 Lynne Way, Sacramento CA

see the add in the BEE
http://bit.ly/b6U5qo

Click here to view today’s blog postings for more tips and recipes

Click here to find out how to contact me to order these products

Garden Salad

Try this fresh salad for all the taste of a springtime garden

click below for recipe

Happy First Day of Spring

Ivan Misner = BNI Founder in Sacramento Today

Ivan Misner’s (BNI’s founder) FIRST EVER VISIT to BNI Central Valley

Tonight, Thursday, March 18th he will present “Networking Like a Pro” at the Sacramento Hilton. Registration commences at 6pm. Ivan will reveal key networking techniques that can help you grow your business, reach quality prospects, leverage your contacts and motivate ongoing referrals and much more. The event will also be the NorCal launch of his new book “Networking Like a Pro”.  It is likely that there will be 400 people present for the event! Tickets are $20 at the door. You can also purchase this and many of his other books at the event.

In addition, Ivan will be interviewed on two Sacramento television broadcasts:
1. Thursday, March 18th, 8:20am. KTXL Sacramento’s “The Fox 40 Morning Show”.
2. Friday, March 19th, 9:05am. ABC News 10 – Sacramento and Company

Be sure to fire up your DVR, TiVo or video recorder, and tell your friends.

See you TONIGHT!

Irresistible Irish Soda Bread

click below for recipe

Crescent Dogs

Crescent rolls update the popular “pig-in-blanket” concept, along with a yummy surprise: melted cheese in each frank.

click below for recipe

Irish Cream Brownies

These brownies look impressive, but are very easy to make. You may substitute Kahlua® for Irish Cream, if desired. They always disappear quickly at potlucks!

Click below for recipe

Come see Ivan Misner, Ph.D LIVE in Sacramento

Ivan Misner, Ph.D in Sacramento, CA for the First Time!

Click here for more information

Serving sizes may be smaller than you expect

Click on the image below to see at full size

Homemade Windex Window and Glass Cleaner

NON FOOD!! Cheap alternative to store bought Windex. I keep a spray bottle in the kitchen and in each bathroom for quick and easy mirror and counter clean ups. I wipe the mirrors with a Microfiber Towel instead of paper towel to achieve a lint free shine!

Click below for recipe

Valentine’s Gift Ideas for Women

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Time to start thinking about that special gift to give that special woman in your life.

You don’t want to get them the same worn out gifts. It’s time to think outside the box. Women love gifts and below you’ll find a list of a few of the things almost any woman would love to have.

I realize there are some high maintenance women out there who expect the moon, but for the most part, most women just want to be remembered, appreciated, and slightly pampered. Somehow throw that in a cute bag with some tissue paper and you’re her new hero.

You’re sure to find something for all the woman on your list.

2010 International Networking Week

International Networking Week®, February 1-5, 2010, is here! Dr. Ivan Misner and his Networking Like A Pro co-author, David Alexander, have recorded a special video to highlight the importance of International Networking Week® and emphasize the power of networking as a whole.

Final Superbowl Tip = Ways to Save Big on Your Super Bowl Party

With a downward spiraling economy and holiday credit card bills to pay off, the last thing you need is a pricey Super Bowl party. Go the cheap and cheerful route without sacrificing the necessities. Use our handy guide to throwing a cheap Super Bowl party and save big without sacrificing on fun.

BNI Businesswoman of the day = Debbie Ruiz

Consider It Done Event Planning
“We bring it all together for you.
Just call us and consider it done!”

visit our website at =http://www.cidevents.com/

How to Organize Your Super Bowl Party Pool

There’s nothing like a friendly little you-pick-the-score game to liven up the office during Super Bowl week. This pool, built around a simple visual chart, calls for no skill or knowledge of the game (although the winner may deny that).

Score big with the football fanatics at your Super Bowl Party by setting up a pool. Note =  Gambling is illegal in many states.

BNI Businesswoman of the day = Larisa Capodieci

http://www.yearbooksolutions.com/larisa/

When Should You Send a Thank You Card or Letter?

When it is appropriate to send a thank you card or letter? It’s an age old question. How exactly do you know when you should thank someone formally?

There are several occasions that call for a thank you card or letter. Thank you cards are available at most drug stores, in the greeting card isle. You can buy them separately, or buy a full box of twenty or so for about five dollars. Thank you cards can also be made using your computer with Send out Cards.

Click here to find out how to contact me to order this product

Super Bowl Party Planning Checklist

For football fans, winter means only one thing: The Big Game! Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just eager to check out the commercials, no Super Bowl Sunday would be complete without friends, family and fabulous food. The SacChef has you covered with fun Super Bowl party ideas, decorations, recipes and halftime games.

Super Bowl XLIV Cocktail Drink Menus

It will be the Saints against the Colts!  For fans of these two teams I have created some drink menus with options for a variety of tastes. Whether you are looking for a Martini is your team’s colors or a tall, refreshing mixed drink to show off your team spirit, there is sure to be a drink here that fits your tastes.

*Indianapolis Colts*…………………..*New Orleans Saints*

Colt 45 Cocktail/Sapphire Martini  Sazerac Cocktail /Hurricane Cocktail

Click Below for recipes

BNI Businessman of the day = David Gleason

Specializing in electrical service, as well as offering many other skilled trade services and design, we provide you with professional, convenient and affordable service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We serve our customers to the fullest, by offering a variety of skilled trade services. As a General Contractor, we enjoy helping our customers to understand the process and why it is important to have a timely procedure.

click here to view my website at http://folsomlakeconstruction.com/