Culinate, one of my favorite foodie e-newsletters, hit my inbox just now, and being hard at work, I naturally opened it immediately. It features an excerpt from the book Squeezed by Alissa Hamilton that takes a look at the orange juice industry. If you're like me and start every single morning with OJ (or pour it for your kids while you drink coffee), you will want to read this, from Chapter 13: "Fabricating Fresh."
The excerpt talks about the flavorings that are added to processed juices to make them taste like we think fresh-squeezed juice should taste. I have to admit my favorite brand, Minute Maid concentrate, comes in for some commentary on its mysterious “candy-like” flavoring ingredient.
Perhaps I should follow the lead of both my boys. They turn up their noses at Minute Maid in favor of my mom’s home-canned grape juice – or, failing that, Ocean Spray 100% juice cranberry. But somehow my morning just wouldn’t be the same.
By Amy De La Hunt, health blogger for SmartParenting
Amy De La Hunt is a journalist and editor who lives in the St. Louis metro area and works across the country as a writer, copy editor, project manager and editorial consultant on everything from fiction books to monthly magazines to blog posts. When she's not chauffeuring her teenage sons to activities, Amy is an enthusiastic amateur cook, landscaper, Latin dancer and traveler. Follow Amy on Instagram @amy_in_words
Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition. New this year: Visits with Santa!
Santa is making a stop at The Butterfly House before he makes his trip around the world, and he wants to enjoy a meal with your family! Enjoy a delicious dinner, visit Santa's Workshop and Mrs. Claus's Cookie Kitchen, and have your picture taken with the guest of honor - Santa!
Experience the holiday lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, where you'll find two million beautiful holiday lights and animated displays.
Your family can enjoy a gourmet, festive breakfast buffet complete with a visit from the man of the hour: Santa.
Santa's Reindeer have been busy hiding candy canes in Kirkwood Park. Some have prizes attached to them. Kids can come early to decorate a hunting bag. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. The hunt starts at 10 a.m., and after the hunt, kids can take pictures with Santa. Pre-registration is required.