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Dempsters

Sing Along Now: I #FeelGood(Bread)!

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Now that I’ve started a James Brown earworm, tell me – what makes you feel good?

Is it taking care of yourself by eating right? Maybe you burn off extra energy by hitting the gym. Or perhaps you keep your life a drama-free zone (recommended). Whatever it is, Dempster’s Feel Good Breads are made for movers and shakers who like to look and feel oh so good.

Great taste, good-for-you ingredients and customized to fit your lifestyle. What could be better? From boosting your protein intake to maintaining a healthy diet, Feel Good Breads are satisfying food choices that can help keep you on track and complement your busy lifestyle.

So far so good? Join us at the @Dempsters #FeelGoodBread Twitter Party, where we’ll chat about ways to spread the goodness, including how you can help your city top the Dempster’s Feel Good Index!

Visit www.feelgoodindex.ca. The Feel Good Index monitors what Canadians are tweeting across the country. It then calculates the overall feeling in each region by comparing the number of times people use keywords associated with “good” feelings to the number of times people use keywords associated with “not-so-good” feelings.

If people in a city tweet more “feel good” keywords than “feel not-so-good” keywords, the city is given a positive score – or a negative score if they tweet more “feel not-so-good” keywords. The Index then adds up all the scores from each region and averages them out equally to calculate the mood of Canada as a whole.

Want to improve the Feel Good Index of your city? Use the Feel Good Tweet Generator for a random feel good message to tweet to all your followers. I tried it, and it’s fabulous! See my Feel Good Tweet.

Intrigued? Join our Twitter Party on March 31st at 9pm EDT, where you know there will be amazing prizes up for grabs… up to $1,000 in Feel Good Prizes, to be exact! …

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ZERO Inhibitions: Maple Rum Bread Pudding

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It’s a quiet Sunday afternoon after a very long, very cold week. The kids are at a birthday party; your husband is at a hardware store. You prop your feet on the couch and drape your favourite knit blanket over your body for warmth. Reaching for your latest romance novel, a guilty glance at the clock serves as a warning that you’ll have only an hour or so of complete, uninterrupted, undisputed peace and quiet. For the next little while, you have #ZEROInhibitions.

“The sights and scents of Dempster’s Bakery were sending her into sensory overload. The utilitarian elegance of the stainless steel machinery was a visual contrast to the luscious aroma wafting from the hundreds of loaves of bread that were currently baking to golden perfection. The effect was comforting and sumptuous all at once.”

As you turn the pages of your book, a new craving takes over – and it’s right there. Right in front of you. So close you can taste it: soft, comforting and pleasurable. You know that if you just reach out and take it, there’ll be no going back. And that’s exactly what you want to do; throw caution to the wind and sink your teeth in. Dempster’s ZERO. With no added fat or sugar, you can have your bread, and eat it too. Dempster’s ZERO gives you all the taste and texture you love from a Whole Wheat bread.

And how will you enjoy your Dempster’s ZERO bread? With my recipe for Maple Rum Bread Pudding, made in your slow cooker, of course. The prep work couldn’t be more simple, and the warm, gooey, comforting afternoon treat is just what you need to give into pleasure.

This rustic recipe is assembled in minutes and since the slow cooker does all the work, you’ll have more time to catch up on your reading. You can omit the rum if you wish, but please, don’t omit the maple syrup. Sweet goodness drizzled over warm bread pudding? Yes, you need this in your life….

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What Would You Do if You Had #ZEROInhibitions?

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Sometimes, you really, really, really want it… but something holds you back.

It’s right there. Right in front of you. So close you can taste it. Soft, comforting and pleasurable. You know that if you just reach out and take it, there’ll be no going back. And that’s exactly what you want to do; throw caution to the wind and sink your teeth in.

What would you do if you had #ZEROInhibitions?

Introducing Dempster’s ZERO. With no added fat or sugar, you can have your bread, and eat it too.

Dempster’s ZERO gives you all the taste and texture you love from a Whole Wheat bread. Think you’ll miss the fat and sugar? Think again. The bread is soft, dense and flavourful – the perfect feel good bread that you can feel confident serving to your loved ones.

Bonus: It won’t just make you feel good, it’ll make you feel sexy. That’s right, I said SEXY.

Have you ever dreamt of being the sexy star of your own romance novel? New Dempster’s ZERO is going to make your fantasies come true. Visit Dempster’s on Facebook and create your own personalized romance novel starring you and your friends. Best of all: it’s quick, easy – very easy – and you can read it on any eReader, tablet or computer.

“The sights and scents of Dempster’s Bakery were sending her into sensory overload. The utilitarian elegance of the stainless steel machinery was a visual contrast to the luscious aroma wafting from the hundreds of loaves of bread that were currently baking to golden perfection. The effect was comforting and sumptuous all at once.”

Oh my! I’m blushing!

So, what would you do with #ZEROInhibitions? We want to know – and you can tell us at the @Dempsters #ZEROInhibitions Twitter Party! Join us on Wednesday, February 19th at 9:00pm EST. We’ll be chatting about how you release your inhibitions… oh yes, I do believe it will be quite the chat :)

RSVP below and tweet on the hashtag, and you’ll have a chance to win FREE bread for 6 months, or the GRAND PRIZE of a $500 Life Experiences Gift Card! …

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#GoMapleGo! It’s a @Dempsters Twitter Party!

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Noshtastic News: Canadians know a good thing when they see it. According to Dempster’s “Bagel Barometer”, 6 out of 10 Canadians eat bagels on a regular basis with nearly a quarter eating these circular delicacies daily or several times a week. Now that’s a carbtastic way to start the day!

To celebrate National Bagel Day on February 9th, 2014, Dempster’s has launched Limited Edition Maple French Toast Bagels! YES, you read that correctly! Just think of the possibilities: layered with fresh, whipped butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or smothered with your favourite fruit-flavoured cream cheese. I am in serious craving mode, and trust me, once you try the Maple French Toast Bagels, you will be too!

So what’s your bagel personality? The Dempster’s Bagel Barometer revealed differences between Canadian bagel lovers, with nearly 6 out of 10 falling into “The Craver” category. (This is me.) On the other hand, one-quarter of us are “Energizers” who start our day with a bagel to fuel up; the remaining are “Connoisseurs”, who take the time to create delicious new ways to enjoy their bagels, and “Purists” who eat bagels the same way EVERY TIME ( I know a few of ‘em).

(Side note: If you know a bagel connoisseur, please make an introduction. I would love to swap recipes.)

So… interested in joining a foodie chat, with amazing prizes? It’s the @Dempsters #GoMapleGo Twitter Party!

We’ll be tweeting up a storm, chatting about Maple French Toast bagels and other Dempster’s products. RSVP below and tweet on the hashtag, and you’ll have a chance to win one of many Maple Leaf-themed gift baskets full of goodies. See you on Thursday night!…

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It’s a Dempsters #WinWithTHINS Twitter Party!

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Once upon a time… a very long time ago… I gave up the good stuff. You know – the stuff that begins with the letter C.

Carbohydrates. 

A staunch anti-carb activist, I banned scrumptious foods like bagels, breadsticks, potatoes and pastries from my diet. For the most part, I survived… but I was just a shell of my former self. Barely recognizable; I was moody, depressed, and flat out craving the sweet comfort of delicious, soft, chewy bread.

And so, I caved. With just one bite of a Dempster’s Everything Bagel, lightly buttered and oh-so satisfying… I was off the wagon for good. No longer a slave to a high-protein diet, I found happiness. I found security. I found love.

But I also found myself wondering: Isn’t there a happy medium? Couldn’t I have my bread… and eat it too?

And just like that, the heavens parted, and Dempsters created Dempsters THINS. With 50% less calories than the leading competitor, even carb counters can rejoice!

Dempsters THINS are available in a 100% Whole Grain Tortilla, Multigrain Loaf, White Loaf and Whole Wheat Loaf. And they’re not just for the carb conscious – they’re also for the health conscious, or weight conscious – because if there’s one thing that North Americans need to do, it’s tone down our serving size. And Dempsters THINS allows us to enjoy all the benefits of multigrain and wheat products… in a slightly slimmed down portion. Perfection!

Another bonus: they’re a great option for little lunch boxes! My little guy loves a good sandwich, but often complains that there’s “too much bread”.

(Huh. In time he will learn there is no such thing.)

That’s why Dempsters THINS are perfect for elementary school sandwiches – all the nutrition, served light! I can’t wait to experiment with the 100% Whole Grain Tortillas – if you’re a loyal reader, you know that we like to #WrapitUp :)

Of course, the BEST way to celebrate the new Dempsters THINS is with a Twitter Party!


For your chance to win, RSVP below. Looking forward to partying with you!…

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We’re Celebrating #HotDogDay with a Twitter Party!

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Tuesday, July 23rd is officially Hot Dog Day in Canada! Yes, apparently every dog has its day.

When I was a wee one, “Hot Dog Day” meant a school lunch consisting of a boiled hot dog, a small bag of chips and overly sweet lemonade. Oh, how I adored Hot Dog Day! It allowed me the chance to have lunch at school with my friends, and savour three delicious foods at the same time. I can distinctly remember eating my hot dog s-l-o-w-l-y to relish every bite; popping the last bit in my mouth with a self-satisfied grin. At the time, ketchup was my topping of choice – but I’ve since evolved to include more inspired toppings such as smoked cheddar, salsa and even coleslaw.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good hot dog? Whether at a birthday party, ball park or in your own backyard, they’re one of the best handheld foods that the whole family loves. And today, the choices are endless! Maple Leaf Natural Selections, Angus Beef, Less Salt, NEW Chicken Wieners and more – there’s a hot dog to suit every taste and lifestyle. Pair them up with fresh Dempsters Hot Dog Buns, and you’re in flavourtown!

Of course, the best way to celebrate #HotDogDay is with a Twitter Party!

Join @MapleLeafFoods and @Dempsters as we pay tribute to the mighty hot dog. We’re starting the party early with a #HotDogDay Twitter Party on Monday, July 22 from 9-10pm ET. There’ll be lots of yummy conversation and amazing prizes as always!

For your chance to win, RSVP below. Looking forward to partying with you!…

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Get Nutrition Naturally with Dempsters #Giveaway

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

We’ve all played the game before. You know; the one where you discuss the improbable fate of being hooked up to an electric chair, and revealing what you last meal would be.

Fried chicken? Pizza? Macaroni and cheese? What comfort food would you turn to?

Myself? I’ve already made a list of the top 5 foods I’d request. (Don’t worry, I haven’t committed a heinous crime.)

1. A Croque Monsieur; a simple yet magical mix of ham, cheese and toasted bread. Served with a green salad.

2. A Club Sandwich; applewood smooked bacon and tender chunks of chicken breast layered between tangy mayo. (With fries, of course.)

3. A Smoked Meat on Rye; with just enough yellow mustard and a kosher pickle on the side.

4. A Miami Sandwich; my own creation (and an award-winning one to boot!) – I’d likely ask if I could make it myself.

5. A Fish Banh Mi; Vietnamese grilled catfish infused with turmeric and slow cooked with dill and green onion.

Notice a trend? YES, I love a good sandwich. In fact, I can say with confidence that the humble sandwich is my favourite kind of food in the entire world. And certainly, a worthy last meal if I was leaving said world. Bread, bread, bread. Carbs, carbs, carbs. Comfort, comfort, comfort.

So is it any real surprise that one of my favourite brands evah is Dempsters?

Every loaf of Dempster’s bread is made with 100% Canadian wheat and baked fresh daily – making it the perfect base for a delicious, satisfying sandwich. And, did you know that 1 slice of Dempsters WholeGrains bread contains this? ->>

(I know. I didn’t think Dempsters WholeGrains could get better either, until I saw the breakdown. And now I’m on cloud 9; because I know that the taste and texture that I love is also pretty awesome for me, too.)

When you visit Naturally Dempsters you’ll have access to a wealth of delicious recipes – including step-by-step video instructions from Dempster’s resident celebrity culinary genius Chef Bob Villeneuve. How about a 12 Grain Spinach-Strawberry and Goat Cheese Sandwich? Or an Asparagus Benedict?

Me – I’m partial to a Spinach and Leek Chicken Salad Sandwich. Yum!

…

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I Know a Thing or Two About Sandwiches.

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After all, I’ve been eating them my whole life. Yeah, I know – you too. But I suppose what sets me apart from the average PB&J-types is the fact that I’ll turn pretty much anything into a sandwich.

Chicken fingers, beef stir fry, sausages and peppers… give me two slices of Dempsters bakery fresh bread and allow me to work my magic. In fact, I’ve even concocted a Mashed Potato sandwich (layer warm mash potatoes with corned beef and beef au jus), Greek Salad sandwiches (remove the olives and layer with Natural Selections Oven Roasted Chicken and tzatziki sauce) and my personal fave, the Curried Chicken sandwich (shred leftover Thai yellow curried chicken and toss with chopped apple, celery and mayonnaise). Got leftovers? Then you’ve got your inspiration – just Sandwich It!

Today I’d love to share one of my favourite ways to get out of the lunchtime rut – a General Tao Chicken Sandwich. Super easy and super yummy!

What You’ll Need (Serves 2):

About 6-8 leftover chicken fingers
1/4 cup of your favourite General Tao stir-fry sauce
4 slices of flightly toasted Dempsters bread (choose your fave!)
Some crispy greens for colour (and health, obvi)

Just Sandwich It:

Toss the chicken fingers with the General Tao stir-fry sauce and warm through. (If you’re on the go, you can heat them in a microwave-safe dish). Use excess sauce as a spread for sandwich halves. Assemble the sandwich. Enjoy!

The crispyness of the chicken fingers perfectly sets off the sticky-sweet sauce. I chose good ol’ Dempsters White, because dammit, I love white bread. Betcha you’ll never look at boring chicken fingers the same way again!

For inspiring lunch ideas, head on over to Dempsters Facebook Page, where you can find tons of recipes with a twist. And, for even more delicious entrée options, visit Dempsters.ca.

I am a member of the Maple Leaf Foods Connects program. I receive special perks for my participation.
However, all opinions shared on this blog remain my own.

Raise a Toast to the 250th Anniversary of the Sandwich with Dempster’s! #Giveaway

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It’s time to celebrate a meal we have all come to know and love: The Sandwich.

Whether it’s a BLT on white toast, a chicken wrap or a sloppy joe on a fresh bun, sandwiches have become a part of our food culture. They are loved for their accessibility, affordability, and portability, and better yet – they can be dressed up or dressed down. Today, Saturday, May 12th – let’s toast the sandwich as it turns 250 years old!

And who better to raise a glass crust in its honour than Dempster’s, Canada’s Bakery! Every loaf of Dempster’s bread is made with 100% Canadian wheat and baked fresh daily – making it the perfect base for a delicious, satisfying sandwich.

Curious about the very first sandwich? The sandwich is said to have originated more than two thousand years ago with various combinations of meats and cheeses placed on bread or in pastry. However, the modern concoction that we’ve come to know and love didn’t get its name until May 12, 1762. At the time, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, was on a winning streak while playing cards and refused to leave the game to eat (men, right?). He asked his valet to bring his dinner out between two pieces of bread (genius!) and ever since then, people all over the world have been stuffing things into rolls, baguettes, buns and loaves of bread.

Did you know?

– The sandwich is named after John Montague (1718-1792), the Fourth Earl of the town of Sandwich
– May 12th-19th is National British Sandwich week
– 94% of Canadians say they eat at least one sandwich each week
– The most popular sandwich fillings are bacon, turkey, and ham
– Sandwiches are the leading entrée on restaurant menus
– The Guinness Book of World Records for eating sandwiches is held by Peter Dowdeswell who ate 40 jam and butter sandwiches (each 6 inches X 3 inches) in 17 minutes, 53.9 seconds on October 17, 1977

We all know that I love a good sandwich (ahem, reigning Ultimate Sandwich Champion right here) and so I’m particularly excited to indulge in some fantastic finger grub in celebration this week. Be sure to stop by Dempster’s Facebook Page, where they’ll be featuring recipes, tips and fun sandwich facts all week! And, don’t forget to pick up a loaf of your favourite Dempster’s bread and make an epic sandwich of your own!

(I highly recommend my latest addiction – Dempster’s Smooth Multigrains Loaf. A soft, smooth texture – with the added benefits of 16 whole grains.)

WIN IT!!!

Dempster’s wants to make it easier for you to enjoy your own ultimate sandwich with three (3) Dempster’s Free Product Coupons, plus a $50 Visa Gift Card so you can go nuts with your toppings! To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck every one!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today is National Bagel Day!

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But you knew that already, right?

I think bagels have received a bad rap over the last few years. Once touted as a healthy, filling way to start the day, the carb conscious bought the bandwagon and many others jumped on for the heck of it. The truth is, bagels – like anything – can be enjoyed in moderation, and you do have options: choosing whole grain or multigrain varieties go a long way to helping you feel satisfied longer, offer many vitamins and minerals, and count towards your daily fibre intake. #winning

The good news: Canadians know a good thing when they see it. According to Dempster’s “Bagel Barometer”, 6 out of 10 Canadians eat bagels on a regular basis with nearly a quarter eating these circular delicacies daily or several times a week! To celebrate National Bagel Day 2012, Dempster’s has launched a new bagel recipe and partnered with well-known chef and bagel fan Bob Blumer (my fave creation follows below).

So who loves their bagels the most? It was a close call, but Canada’s most bagel-loving province is Ontario at 66 per cent, closely followed by Atlantic Canada (61%), and Alberta (59%) in third place. The majority of Canadians (90%) also prefer to go toasted, with one-third topping them with cream cheese.

The Dempster’s Bagel Barometer also revealed personality differences between Canadian bagel lovers, with nearly 6 out of 10 falling into “The Craver” category. (This is me.) On the other hand, one-quarter of us are “Energizers” who start our day with a bagel to fuel up; the remaining are “Connoisseurs”, who take the time to create delicious new ways to enjoy their bagels, and “Purists” who eat bagels the same way EVERY TIME ( I know a few of ’em).

Of course, with all this bagel noshing going on, Dempsters figured the time was right to unveil a NEW bagel recipe. Baked fresh daily in Canada and now available in grocery stores nationally, these bagels start with premium, quality ingredients and natural flavours such as 100 per cent Canadian wheat and real fruit and spices. And for those seeking variety, Dempster’s has a bagel for everyone including: Plain, Sesame, 100% Whole Wheat, 12 Grain, Everything, Cinnamon Raisin and Blueberry. The result is a bagel perfect for toasting that’s crispy on the outside, yet stays soft and fluffy on the inside – YUM!

Now I just happen to love cheese and apples – together, preferably – so I am all over Bob’s recipe for a Cheddar ‘n Apple Bagel:

• 1 Dempster’s cinnamon raisin bagel
• 1 Macintosh or Fuji apple—or whatever apple is available
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 ounce aged sharp cheddar cheese, sliced (ideally room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon toasted pecan pieces (optional)

Slice apple into 3/4 cm-thick slices and remove core. In a small bowl add apple slices and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Toss to coat evenly. In a frying pan over medium-high heat, add butter. When butter sizzles, add apples and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until they begin to soften and brown. Reserve. To serve, toast, and if you choose, lightly butter bagel. Top with cheese and apple slices, and sprinkle with pecan pieces.

See more bagel creations here.

If you’d like to give some of this recipes a try yourself, you may be interested in Demptster’s bagel-inspired prize pack! Valued at $150, the National Bagel Day Giveaway is filled with everything you need to make the perfect bagel.