Papa Murphy's Launches Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza

Take 'n' bake pizza chain tops newest creation with the savory flavors of a backyard barbeque

VANCOUVER, Wash., Feb. 28, 2012 -- Papa Murphy's has combined two consumer favorites into what could be the take and bake pizza chain's most unique creation to date – The Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza. It starts with Papa Murphy's freshly made Original Crust that is topped with Burger Sauce, a blend of ketchup and mustard. Piled on top are generous portions of 100% real mozzarella cheese, ground beef, crispy bacon, fresh onions and Roma tomatoes. And it isn't a cheeseburger without a layer of dill pickle chips. The finishing touch is a sprinkle of freshly grated cheddar.

"The testing phase of this pizza told us we'd have an instant fan favorite – people love the Bacon Cheeseburger," said Jenifer Anhorn, chief marketing officer at Papa Murphy's. "And the buzz has just continued to climb thanks to our passionate pizza fans on Facebook. A few customers have remarked about the pizza's uncanny resemblance to a traditional bacon cheeseburger and now our fan base can't wait to get their hands on it!"

The Bacon Cheeseburger is a premium-quality, budget-friendly pizza that bakes to perfection in a 425 degree oven for 12-18 minutes. Price and participation vary nationwide.

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the fifth-largest pizza chain in the country and a revolutionary of the take 'n' bake pizza segment. Papa Murphy's operates over 1,300 franchised and corporate-owned locations in 37 states and Canada. The Vancouver, Wash.-based company offers custom-made pizzas featuring high-quality, fresh toppings generously layered on pizza dough that is made fresh each morning in each store.

By baking Papa Murphy's pizzas at home, customers get to experience the home-baked aroma of a convenient, delicious meal that the brand is known for. In addition to handmade pizzas, the company offers other take 'n' bake items such as Cheesy Bread, Cinnamon Wheels, and chocolate chip cookie dough. Papa Murphy's was voted "#1 Rated Pizza Chain" by participants in Zagat Survey's 2010 & 2011 Fast Food Surveys and is a four-time recipient of Pizza Today's Chain of the Year award. For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com or go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/papamurphyspizza.

SOURCE Papa Murphy's

The Flying Fugu Defines New Syndrome: Travafoodaholism

Food/travel blog diagnoses thousands of eating-obsessed travelers with previously unknown condition.

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 28, 2012  -- Food/travel blog, The Flying Fugu has defined a new disorder: travafoodaholism . The condition is described as a passion for the food aspect of world travel to the point of obsession.

Signs that you may be a sufferer include conducting pilgrimages to iconic food destinations such as Feta, Dijon, Feta and Parma; dreaming of Belgian chocolate and crossing time zones to fit in more meals. The condition has struck a chord with food-obsessed travelers self-diagnosing themselves across the social media landscape.

Another test of food fanaticism lies in The Flying Fugu's name. Readers who even know what a fugu is fall within the blog's "extreme foodie" target readership. Naming the blog after the potentially lethal Japanese puffer fish may seem like a strange move, but a scroll through The Flying Fugu's recent articles sheds some light on the matter. Graphic descriptions of Tiet Canh (duck blood soup), Balut (chicken embryo boiled in its shell) and Hakarl (rotting shark meat) reveal that this blog is intent on educating its readers about some of the most daring meals the world has to offer.

The Flying Fugu CEO and Founder, Reuven Levitt comments:
"Food plays such a huge part in world travel and for many it's the thing that dominates every trip. Thousands of travelers set off in search of foodie adventures, often going to huge lengths to find extreme meals. But finding authentic, exciting food overseas can be a minefield. It was this that gave us the idea to start a blog dedicated to helping eating-obsessed travelers navigate the world's larder."

Following diagnosis travafoodaholics can find solace in the fact that help is at hand. Articles such as "101 Foodie Hacks: a Cheat-sheet on Finding the Best Meals Abroad" are designed to help them live with their addiction.

If you think you could be a travafoodaholic then sign up for blog updates at: www.theflyingfugu.com. Follow the fugu on Twitter @TheFlyingFugu.

About The Flying Fugu
Founded in February 2012, The Flying Fugu delivers a menu of delights to your inbox: daring delicacies from around the world, foodie travel tips to banish mediocre meals for good and easy recipes to re-create in your very own world kitchen. Sign up for blog updates at: www.theflyingfugu.com.

SOURCE The Flying Fugu

New Baskin-Robbins 3-Point Chocolate Flavor Is A Slam Dunk For Ice Cream Lovers

March Flavor of the Month is Sure to Attract Fans with its Delicious Sweet and Salty Flavor Combination

CANTON, Mass., Feb. 28, 2012 -- Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, today announced 3-Point Chocolate as its March Flavor of the Month. A triple threat of chocolate flavored ice cream with a salty caramel ribbon and orange-colored caramel pretzel balls, this sweet indulgence is the newest addition to Baskin-Robbins' flavor library and will debut in Baskin-Robbins stores nationwide this March.

March is an exciting time for college basketball fans, and 3-Point Chocolate is a slam dunk flavor for ice cream lovers everywhere looking to celebrate the return of their favorite, annual athletic tournament. The 3-Point Chocolate Sundae is also available all month long as a decadent combination of 3-Point Chocolate ice cream, hot fudge, Reese's® Peanut Butter Sauce, crushed Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and whipped cream.

"We love creating innovative new ice cream flavors that build excitement among our guests, and 3-Point Chocolate is no exception," said Stan Frankenthaler, Baskin-Robbins Executive Chef and Vice President of Innovation at Dunkin' Brands. "3-Point Chocolate combines some of America's favorite flavors – chocolate and caramel with salty pretzel bites – and is a fun way for our guests to get into the college basketball spirit and celebrate one of America's favorite pastimes."

In participating Baskin-Robbins stores nationwide during the month of March, 3-Point Chocolate is available by the scoop – in a cup or cone – or as a sundae. Also available in fresh-packed pints and quarts, ice cream lovers can bring 3-Point Chocolate home to enjoy with family and friends or to create their own specialty ice cream desserts.*

In addition to celebrating college basketball season with 3-Point Chocolate, Baskin-Robbins stores are offering customizable ice cream cakes for select college basketball teams. Custom cakes can be ordered in advance at participating Baskin-Robbins shops.

*In California, Baskin-Robbins offers fresh-packed ice cream in two sizes: small (12 oz) and regular (1 lb., 8 oz).


About Baskin-Robbins
Named the top ice cream and frozen dessert franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine's 31st annual Franchise 500® ranking, Baskin-Robbins is the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. Baskin-Robbins creates and markets innovative, premium ice cream, specialty frozen desserts and beverages, providing quality and value to consumers at more than 6,700 retail shops in nearly 50 countries.

Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion led to the creation of more than 1,000 ice cream flavors and a wide variety of delicious treats. Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is part of the Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For further information, visit www.BaskinRobbins.com.

SOURCE Baskin-Robbins

Skinnygirl Cocktails Redefines Cocktailing in 2012

Skinnygirl Stocks Ladies' Bars With An Exciting New Collection of Cocktails Including Skinnygirl, The Wine Collection - Skinnygirl Vodka - Skinnygirl Pina Colada

DEERFIELD, Ill., Feb. 28, 2012 -- Skinnygirl Cocktails, one of the fastest growing brands in the spirits industry, has changed the way women enjoy their cocktails. On the heels of its explosive success of Margarita, Sangria and White Cranberry Cosmo, Skinnygirl Cocktails is excited to introduce inventive new offerings for 2012. The brand redefines cocktailing this year by presenting a closetful of options that help women step up any social occasion.

 

 

Like its predecessors, each offering is purposefully created to be lower in calories yet always great-tasting. Skinnygirl Cocktails soars to the next level with the introduction of Skinnygirl, The Wine Collection; Skinnygirl Vodka with Natural Flavors; and Skinnygirl Pina Colada. Each innovation fills a specific need in the market and flawlessly caters to the Skinnygirl who wants (and gets) it all.

"We are changing the way women think about socializing by rewriting the rules of cocktailing," says Melanie Hellenga, Director, Skinnygirl Cocktails. "We are rolling out all of the innovations at once as we are committed to giving ladies everything they want and need to stock a low-calorie, guilt-free bar. We are excited to give more options to Skinnygirl fans around the world."

The groundbreaking, low-calorie cocktail line offers women a stress and guilt-free way to enjoy the drinks they have always loved. What started with the Skinnygirl Margarita from New York Times Bestselling Author Bethenny Frankel has turned into a cocktail phenomenon, offering innovative, low-calorie and great-tasting options for women who want it all.

SKINNYGIRL, THE WINE COLLECTION

Skinnygirl takes a brand that is trusted and loved by women and extends it to the largest beverage alcohol category and the one they consume most. The brand's first foray into wine offers California White Blend, California Red Blend and California Rose, three offerings that perfectly match the taste preference of the consumer. At 100 calories per 5 oz. serving, which is 15% lower than the other wines*, each blend is fruit-forward and pleasantly drinkable with a definitive wine profile. Skinnygirl Cocktails offers a modern, stress-free way to enjoy wine. Available May 2012 at a suggested retail price of $14.99.

SKINNYGIRL VODKA WITH NATURAL FLAVORS

Skinnygirl enters the largest category in the spirits industry with four lower-calorie, great-tasting flavors including Bare Naked, Tangerine, Island Coconut and Cucumber. Each is naturally flavored and provides a unique and exciting option for the Skinnygirl consumer. With at least 20% fewer calories than other vodka brands**, Skinnygirl provides a high-quality, low-calorie base that allows women to design their own cocktail for the first time. Available May 2012 at a suggested retail price of $21.99.

SKINNYGIRL PINA COLADA

Skinnygirl Cocktails is the first to offer consumers a cream-free, low-calorie version of a drink that can hit over 800 calories and is typically only consumed on vacation. At under 100 calories per 4 oz. serving, Skinnygirl achieves the impossible by presenting a guiltless pleasure that instantly provides that feel-good vacation vibe. Available May 2012 at a suggested retail price of $14.99.

Skinnygirl Cocktails is thrilled to present the new Skinnygirl family. From Ready To Serve (Margarita, Sangria, White Cranberry Cosmo and Pina Colada) to Ready To Mix (Vodka with Natural Flavors) to Ready To Enjoy (Wine), Skinnygirl continues to raise the bar by breaking the rules and redefining women's cocktailing needs.

ABOUT BEAM INC.

As one of the world's leading premium spirits companies, Beam is crafting the spirits that stir the world. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker's Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher's Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, EFFEN Vodka, Pucker Flavored Vodka, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC, DeKuyper Cordials, and Skinnygirl Cocktails.

Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,200 passionate associates worldwide generated 2011 sales of $2.8 billion, volume of 34 million 9-liter cases and some of the industry's fastest growing innovations. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index. For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

ABOUT SKINNYGIRL COCKTAILS

Skinnygirl Cocktails is the groundbreaking, low-calorie cocktail line that has redefined the way women cocktail. What started with the Skinnygirl Margarita from the mind of New York Times Bestselling Author and cocktail "fixologist" Bethenny Frankel has turned into a cocktail phenomenon, offering innovative, low-calorie options for women who want it all. Frankel's inspired concept did not go unnoticed and in March 2011, the brand was acquired by premium spirits powerhouse Beam Inc.

Beam has rapidly grown the brand into one of the fastest growing spirits brands in the market today. In 2011, Skinnygirl Cocktails' comparable net sales rose a staggering 486%. Skinnygirl Cocktails has created a new set of rules for the spirits industry as it flawlessly offers the options women need, without all the calories they don't. For more information on the new way to cocktail, please visit www.skinnygirlcocktails.com.

*Based on USDA's National Nutrient Database Standard reference for wine

**Based on USDA's National Nutrient Database Standard reference for vodkas

©2012 Skinnygirl Cocktails, Deerfield, IL; Avg. Analysis: All Products: Protein 0g, Fat 0g; Vodka with Natural Flavors (per 1.5 oz.): Calories 75.8, Carbs 0g; Cocktails (per 1.5 oz.): Calories 34.9, Carbs 2g; Sangria (per 5 oz.): Calories 132, Carbs 22.5g; Wine (per 5 oz.): Calories 100, Carbs 5g

SOURCE Skinnygirl Cocktails

Chefs Strive for 'Sweet' Success With Ron Ben-Israel in New Season of 'Sweet Genius'

Season Premiere Thursday, March 15th at 10pm ET/PT

NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2012 -- Master Pastry Chef Ron Ben-Israel returns to Food Network for the second season of the sugar-packed competition series Sweet Genius , premiering Thursday, March 15 ^th at 10pm ET/PT.




Back with more whimsy and wonder, each episode has four of America's premier pastry chefs competing against one another through three rounds of challenges judged by Ben-Israel, along the way testing their creativity, ingenuity and imagination. The chefs are given surprise ingredients, an inspiration and a limited amount of time; with those three elements as a guide, they must create a delectable chocolate, candy and cake dessert.

The winners from each round will advance for a final test, with Ben-Israel crowning the remaining chef Sweet Genius and receiving a $10,000 cash prize.

"Sweet Genius viewers will be on the edge of their seats as we continue to push the limits with inspirations and ingredients, while showcasing the talents of some of the best pastry chefs around," said Ron Ben-Israel. "As a result, the desserts that the chefs create are truly outrageous."

Over the thirteen-episode season, the chefs experience a myriad of new inspirations and ingredients, testing their pastry prowess. Whether it is making flamingo-inspired chocolate desserts with pink lemonade; creating candy desserts from rolled fruit snacks and shortbread cookies; or incorporating the inspiration of a music box to bake a cake using avocado and stinky cheese, each pastry chef will prove their imagination and skills worthy, but in the end, there can only be one Sweet Genius!

ABOUT RON BEN-ISRAEL
As Chef-Owner of Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, one of the country's finest couture cake studios, Ron Ben-Israel's cakes have been hand-delivered to destinations throughout the continental U.S and abroad. Ron started his confectionery adventures after a fifteen-year career as a professional modern dancer. Upon retiring from performing with companies spanning three continents, he utilized his art training, military background and ballet regime into the discipline of pastry arts. After arriving in New York City, Ron's cakes were discovered by Martha Stewart while on display in the windows of Mikimoto on Fifth Avenue. In 1999 he established his flagship design studio and bakery in Manhattan's fashionable SoHo neighborhood. He is a Master Pastry Instructor at the International Culinary Center in New York City, and has been awarded prestigious gold medals for his confectionery achievements.

Sweet Genius is produced by Jane Street Entertainment.

FOOD NETWORK (www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers' best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring and empowering through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to more than 100 million U.S. households and averages more than 9.9 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine has tripled its rate base and delivers a circulation of 1.4 million. Headquartered in New York, Food Network has a growing international presence with programming in more than 150 countries, including 24 hour networks in Great Britain, India, Asia and Africa. Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), which also owns and operates Cooking Channel (www.cookingchanneltv.com), DIY Network (www.diynetwork.com), Great American Country (www.gactv.com), HGTV (www.hgtv.com), and Travel Channel (www.travelchannel.com), is the manager and general partner.

SOURCE Food Network

Bumble Bee Foods Launches New Interactive Content and BeeWell for Life Webisode Series Featuring Top-Ranked U.S. Tennis Player Mardy Fish

Year-Long Webisode Series to Chronicle Fish's Journey to the US Open and Promote Healthy Lifestyles Among Consumers

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 13, 2012 -- Leading North American seafood brand Bumble Bee Foods today announced its launch of new interactive and web content featuring top ranked United States men's tennis player Mardy Fish and special appearances that include celebrity chef personality Scott Leibfried. Over the next 12 months, Bumble Bee will unveil a series of documentary-style webisodes, articles and other content that chronicle Fish's journey to the US Open and build on the brand's signature program, BeeWell for Life™.

Originally launched in 2008, BeeWell for Life™ is an interactive program that inspires people to exercise, be active and eat healthier using the dedicated resource website www.beewellforlife.com. The Mardy Fish content series will reinforce the goals of BeeWell for Life™ with inspirational stories, tips and motivational messages to help consumers lead healthy, nutritious and active lifestyles.

The first webisode serves as an introduction to Fish and his story. It showcases Fish's transformation and details, in his own words, what it took to get to the top of his game, both on and off the court. Fish has been recognized for his remarkable resurgence on the tennis court after making significant changes to his diet and fitness regime.

"I am excited to share my story through this webisodes series," said Fish. "It has been a long and sometimes hard road to get to where I am now, but I hope my story, coupled with Bumble Bee's BeeWell for Life program, will help inspire people to also change their lives for the better."

Bumble Bee Senior Vice President Consumer Marketing Dave Melbourne said, "Mardy's transformation and continued success is really an inspiration to anyone that has a goal, whether big or small. Bumble Bee is committed to providing real solutions for consumers to live a healthful lifestyle. By giving people a firsthand look at Mardy on the court, at home and at play, coupled with Scott's expertise creating easy, affordable and nutritious meals, we hope to help show people how they too can implement and lead a more healthful, balanced life."

Melbourne added, "This lifestyle-focused partnership – a departure from Bumble Bee's traditional brand marketing – includes custom exclusive content aligned with Bumble Bee's overall brand messages to provide real, affordable meal and energy balance solutions for consumers to live a healthful lifestyle."

The monthly webisodes will follow Fish on his journey to the US Open and have seasonal focused topics. The webisodes will also feature Leibfried, who will share healthful, easy-to-make recipes, and Bumble Bee's BeeWell for Life registered dieticians, Stephanie Clarke and Willow Jarosh, who will provide tips for consumers to make small changes at home to promote wellness.

Here's a peek at the first webisode:

About Bumble Bee Foods®
Bumble Bee Foods, LLC, headquartered in San Diego, is North America's largest branded shelf-stable seafood company, offering a full line of canned and pouched tuna, salmon, sardine, and specialty protein products marketed in the U.S. under leading brands including Bumble Bee^®, Brunswick^®, Snow's^® and Beach Cliff^®, and in Canada under the Clover Leaf^® brand. The Bumble Bee brand has established significant consumer awareness and loyalty based on the quality, nutritional value and affordability of its products.

Bumble Bee is a founding member of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation — a first-of-kind initiative in the U.S. involving a coalition of retailers, non-profit organizations and food and beverage manufacturers with a mission to help reduce obesity, particularly childhood obesity by 2015. Bumble Bee also actively promotes the responsible stewardship of global fisheries resources and is a founder of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) — a global partnership of scientists, tuna processors and WWF, the global conservation organization.

For more information on Bumble Bee, visit http://www.bumblebee.com. Join fans of Bumble Bee and healthy living at www.facebook.com/BumbleBeeFoods.

About BeeWell for Life™
BeeWell for Life, a signature consumer program by Bumble Bee Foods, is an interactive initiative developed to inspire people to exercise, be active and eat healthier using the dedicated resource website www.beewellforlife.com. The BeeWell site is fully dedicated to body, mind and spirit, and features weekly blog postings from BeeWell's partner registered dietitians and fitness trainer. Consumers can log the miles they walk, run and/or bike at BeeWell for Life and gain access to tools and resources to make the most of a healthy, active lifestyle. Plus, based on the activities that consumers log, Bumble Bee Foods will donate up to a total of $300,000 among its three charity partners: American Diabetes Association^®, WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease and Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization^®. Since 2008, more than 1.5 million miles have been logged.

For more information on BeeWell for Life, visit http://www.beewellforlife.com. Join fans of BeeWell and healthy living at www.facebook.com/BeeWellforlife and http://twitter.com/BeeWellForLife.

SOURCE Bumble Bee Foods, LLC

Celebrity Chef, Fabio Viviani Releases I Would Love To Meat You, His Second in a Series of Free Monthly eCookbooks

Fabio Viviani invites everyone to sign up and receive a free eCookbook each month of 2012!


MOORPARK, Calif., Feb. 10, 2012 -- Celebrity Chef, Fabio Viviani has released his second of a series of 12 free eCookbooks, one each month of 2012, I Would Love To Meat You.

Fabio's free eCookbook, I Would Love To Meat You for the month of February, contains 29 simple, step-by-step recipes with easy-to-find ingredients even an Italian can make! Each book contains a new recipe for each day of the month (29 for February) selected from Fabio's favorite collection. Each recipe is easy to follow with minimal equipment…basically, a stove and a pot!

The delicious recipes in I Would Love To Meat You have something for everyone: veal, sirloin, lamb chops, ribs and so on… "I wanted to start with soups in January because it is the recipes many people search for in the colder months," states Viviani. "This cookbook will give you 29 brand new, simple meat recipes for the month of February!" said Viviani about his second eCookbook. "In March we will do Risotto."

To get Fabio's free eCookbooks, just sign up at his website http://fabioviviani.com/free-books/your-account/ and download I Would Love To Meat You and future eBooks. Download is as straightforward as one click once you choose your username and password…no forms or information to give up! Once you have signed up you will be part of #teamfabio. Every few days you will receive new recipes and once a month an entire new free eCookbook. Sign up, choose a password and you will have the chance to download all of Fabio's past eBooks for free. There is also a dedicated email address for your culinary questions: speakwithfabio@hotmail.com .

Fabio became a household name as a contestant on the Bravo series "Top Chef", winning the coveted "Fan Favorite" title for Season 5. Since his television debut as the stand-out star on Top Chef Season 5 and the popularity of his cookbooks, Cafe Firenze Cookbook, Did I Really Make Breakfast Vol I & II, The Skinny Country, We The Soup and now I Would Love To Meat You, Fabio's celebrity has skyrocketed.

Sign up for Fabio's free eCookbooks. Go to: http://fabioviviani.com/free-books/your-account/.

Send a culinary question to Fabio at speakwithfabio@hotmail.com.

SOURCE Fabio Viviani