Food

New Coke BlaK fizzles with Consumer Reports taste-testers
[Apr. 2, 2006] Consumers looking for more coffee with their cola may be disappointed with the new American version of Coke BlaK, according to Consumer Reports taste tests. Consumer Reports bought a bottle of the new American version of Coke BlaK and taste-tested it against both the French version and regular Coca-Cola Classic. Testers found the U.S. Coke BlaK sweeter, with a more caramel-like flavoring, similar to Coca-Cola Classic. The coffee flavor is a bare whiff. And Coke BlaK is a lot pricier than a regular can of Coke.
Also: Cojnsumer Reports

Hosting a wee bit of a party on St. Patrick’s Day
[Mar. 14, 2006] This St. Patrick’s Day, whether you’re hosting a traditional Irish celebration or a modern-day party complete with green beer, be sure to encourage guests to designate a driver before toasting the patron saint of Ireland. To help promote responsible holiday revelry among adults, here are some simple tips to keep in mind.

Food safety: The top five mistakes people make in the kitchen
[Jan. 10, 2006] Most people think of food safety in the summer when grilling and picnics are at their peak. However, food safety is important year-round and no matter what the season, preventing foodborne illness should be top of mind. Whether you’re cooking a five-course meal or preparing food for a tailgating party, it’s crucial to know how to keep your food safe, especially when cooking for family and friends.

Don't wing it with chicken cooking tips
[Aug. 4, 2005] Like all fresh meats, chicken is perishable and should be handled with care. Proper handling and cooking of chicken completely eliminates the risk of bacterial infection.

Six steps to grill the perfect steak
[Jun. 22, 2005] There's nothing better than a nicely grilled juicy steak. But how come I can't duplicate that restaurant, expensive, juicy, melt-in-your mouth, perfectly grilled steak? Well, I found out how to grill steak perfectly - and here's how you can too. By Laura Folse

Winn-Dixie closes hundreds of stores
[Jun. 21, 2005] Winn-Dixie, in order to focus on profitability, announced plans to shrink the store base by 35 percent and reduce the workforce by 28 percent.

Fresh produce plays an important role in a healthy diet
[Mar. 22, 2005] We all know that “an apple a day helps keep the doctor away,” but the Dietary Guidelines for Americans released in January by the USDA drive home the importance of including a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. The guidelines recommend nine servings of produce every day as part of a healthy diet – four servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables. This is up from the previous recommendation of five servings a day.

Sanford Jaycees accepting entries for barbecue cookoff
[Sep. 20, 2004] Sanford - If you think you can cook a pig better than anyone else, Carolina Brick Festival organizers want you in the field of 20 teams who will spend the first night of the festival cooking in downtown Sanford. The three top pigs will earn their cookers $300, $200 and $100.

Farmers' markets are brimming with produce and more
[Aug. 3, 2004] This is high season, when fields are bursting with vegetables and flowers and farmers are picking to exhaustion. Chatham County residents have a magnificent selection of high quality produce and much more at our local farmers' markets. By Debbie Roos
Also: Pittsboro's Farmers' Market
Also: Fearrington's Farmers' Market

BBQ & Ribs Co named to ‘Best of Best Barbecue in America’ list
[Jun. 28, 2004] Are you searching for the most succulent, flavorful barbecue in America? Have you ever wondered what the experts qualify as “the best” barbecue in the nation? Well, your search is over! BBQ & Ribs Co. in Eastern, North Carolina has passed the test by being named to the National Barbecue News´ “Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America!” The first BBQ & Ribs Co. opened in Siler City in April of 2002. By Hilton Eades
Also: BBQ & Ribs Co

Snow Cream Recipes
[Feb. 27, 2004] Snow Cream - ice cream made from snow. What a great idea! Now, some people think this is unsanitary but if you're adventuresome, give it a try. It's a winter treat that doesn't happen often and tastes better than ice cream.