Richland Gourmet Apple Blog: 2013

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Apple Nail Parties

Staci Sweet
Richland Gourmet Apples Contributor/Blogger

So you know at Richland Gourmet Apples^® that we talk about all things apples. I mean we’ve written about apple gaming, apple fruit discrimination, and even apple diagnostic-magnetic-resonance-imaging. But I think it’s time that we venture into the world of nails. Because at Richland Gourmet Apples^® we cleverly provide re-usable tidbits about the world of gourmet caramel apples for unusually enthusiastic candy apple enthusiasts and that includes apple nail art!

So what does gourmet candy apples have to do with nails? Well, why not call your girlfriends over and have an Apple Nail Party?

To get started, you’ve got to invite everyone to the party. So order a few invites from LoveBug Wedding Invitations.

Next, Simply go to our website and purchase a few of our ‘Triple Delights, ‘Chocolate Threesomes’, and a few of our ‘Chocolate Twosomes’; depending upon how many guests you invite.

Now you’re ready to go to the market and purchase a bag of ‘Grannie Smith Apples.’ Once your Richland Gourmet Apples^® order arrives, take the apples you purchased from the supermarket and cut them into individual slices.

You ready for the fun part? Check out this video tutorial on Fruit Apple Nail Art. It’ll walk you through all the supplies and steps needed to get your in-house nail bar party going!

And voila; there you have it! An in-house apple nail bar party complete with apple nails and apple appetizers to boot! You go girl! Visit richlandgourmetapples.com today!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Religion, Apples, and Teachers

Staci Sweet

Richland Gourmet Apples Contributor/Blogger

In our last post we discussed why students gave teachers apples as gift; for economic reasons. But another school of thought points to religion.

It is thought that when Adam and Eve were in the garden and Eve at the forbidden fruit; that the fruit in question was in fact an apple. And because she ate the apple, she then obtained knowledge¹. Thus, it’s been told that the apple is a symbol of knowledge; from which, students give teachers apples as a token of their appreciation for the knowledge they received from their instruction. Though this sounds reasonable; it is untrue.

In the sense that the Bible makes no mention of what type of fruit Eve actually ate. The Bible only mentions ‘fruit’. Readers have often associated an apple to the text simply because an apple was the most common fruit at the time. And to be very technical – both Adam and Eve partook of the fruit.

One has to imagine what type of knowledge students are actually thanking their teachers for when the Bible specifically states that God forbade Adam from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; so that’s one tradition that we definitely don’t want your little ones partaking of.

But the idea of giving a teacher an apple is still a simple and humble tradition that has the right motive behind it. The fact that your child would want to give their teacher anything is something they should be commended for. So why not let them give their teacher a gourmet caramel apple in appreciation for their hard work and put the knowledge school of thought to the side?

In fact, what about one of our Large Apple Baskets? It comes with a Rocky Road, Double Chocolate Pecan, and Toffee gourmet caramel apples, shortbread cookies, gourmet crackers, cheese spread, mixed nuts, chocolate covered pretzels, and toffee peanuts. This basket is sure to say more than thank you but you are absolutely appreciated. Ready to purchase a Large Apple Basket for your child’s teacher? Visit richlandgourmetapples.com!

SOURCE: 1 http://www.ehow.com/facts_7415097_do-give-apples-teachers-gift_.html#ixzz2Z98W0rYx

Monday, July 29, 2013

Gourmet Candy Apples for Teachers!

Staci Sweet

Richland Gourmet Apples Contributor/Blogger

Have you ever thought about why students give teachers apples as gifts? Well at Richland Gourmet Apples, you know we gave it a thought and did a little research.

According to an article published in ehow, one reason students gave teachers apples is because from approximately “1700 to 1900 children in Denmark and Sweden gave teachers apples because they came from poor farming families1.” While other students who could afford to express their appreciation for their teacher often brought traditional gifts; those who couldn’t afford to go to the local store gave what they had; which at the time meant giving something their family had grown. Hence, the giving of an apple.

This was also done in part because some of the teachers weren’t paid as much as their city counterparts. As a result, many families opted to send fruit to school with their children to supplement their meager wages. A teacher could end up with all types of fruit by the end of any given day; but the preferred fruit was an apple. As we discussed in our last post, apples can last ten times longer when refrigerated which meant teachers were sure to have a bite size treat at their disposal during any given pay period. This had to have helped them during the summer months when school was out and the implementation of summer school had not come about.

Why not stick to tradition and send a gourmet candy apple with your child when school starts? A simple Rocky Road Classic would brighten any teacher’s day! A jumbo sized granny smith apple dipped in gooey caramel, layered with golden pecans, and piled high with marshmallows and covered in white and milk chocolate. I mean what teacher wouldn’t want that on her desk? To purchase your child’s teacher one of these goodies, visit richlandgourmetapples.com!

SOURCE: 1 http://www.ehow.com/facts_7415097_do-give-apples-teachers-gift_.html#ixzz2Z941Q9d6

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Unique Gift Ideas

Staci Sweet
Richland Gourmet Apples Contributor/Blogger

So it’s someone’s birthday, anniversary, or baby shower and you’re tired of giving the same gifts. You know - a colorful shirt, pair of shoes or the ever so ritualistic $20. Yeah, after a while of that type of gift giving, anyone would be bored. But what do you give to people who seemingly have everything they need or worse, for someone you barely know? Let us offer you a simple solution to your gift-giving dilemma. Food! Did she say food? Yep! But not your ordinary, run of the mill, everyday foods; a culinary delight – dare I say gourmet caramel apples?

How can you give a Gourmet Caramel Apple as a gift? It’s simple! Take a look and tell me why this granny smith apple dipped in gooey caramel layered in golden pecans and piled high with white fluffy marshmallows and covered with both white and milk chocolate couldn’t be considered a mouth-watering, unforgettable gift for your neighbor, boss, or co-worker? I mean wouldn’t you want this for your birthday instead of that Hanes^® package of socks? Of course you would. So do something different the next time you’re in the market for a gift. Give the gift that taste great – a gourmet caramel apple. And oh have we got a special treat for you. We’ve got gift certificates! Whoo-hoo! Yes! Not only can you give this delectable, delightful delicacy; but you can purchase a few gift certificates for future gifts. You know Christmas is just around the corner, so why not get started early. Ready to order your next gift? Visit richlandgourmetapples.com today!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

A New Mommy’s Gift Basket

Staci Sweet

Richland Gourmet Apples Contributor/Blogger

It seems like nowadays there are so many new mothers and those expecting. I know many of you may have a few friends and family that are new mom’s or even a few preggo’s. You’ve attended so many baby showers and showered the mom-to-be’s with gifts for their little bundles of joy. But something’s still missing. You feel like she’s such a good friend that you want to do a little extra for her; just to let her know that you’re thinking of her and that she’s special.

Well after she’s carried that little joy filled new life for nine months and she’s been in excruciating labor for several hours, wouldn’t it be nice if when she got back from Labor and Delivery a beautiful Big Flower Gift Box awaited her? Well, not to worry! At Richland Gourmet Apples, we have just the thing for the new mommy! It’s our Big Flower Gift Box! Take a peek!

It’s complete with a Polka Dot Pecan jumbo sized granny smith apple dipped in caramel, meticulously stripped with not one but two kinds of chocolate: white milk and milk chocolate and topped with crisp, very thin white chocolate wafers. Plus it comes complete with another signature apple that’s topped with cashews and pecans, a package of saucers and napkins, two Polka Dot Pecan pretzels, a Ghiradelli chocolate bar, rice krispy treat, and a pack of playing cards for the new dad.

This is sure to bring a smile to her face and make her feel pampered all at the same time. And what a good girlfriend you are! Going out of your way to make sure that through every step of her pregnancy that not only were you there for her; but you remembered her after Labor and Delivery. And just think? You’re babysitting days haven’t even started but you’ll get a gold star for this one girlfriend! Kudos on this Big Flower Gift Box purchase! Up top! Ready to order a Gift Box? Visit richlandgourmetapples.com!

Monday, July 15, 2013

Apples for Young Birthday Divas

Staci Sweet

Richland Gourmet Apples Contributor/Blogger

What are you going to do for your daughter’s next slumber party? I mean nowadays these young girls want every thing from Hannah Montana parties to limos; so merely ordering pizza and calling it a night may not satisfy those youthful divas. Here’s an idea – gourmet candy apples!

Yep! You see young girls are into everything pink and pretty right? So why not treat them to a spa night in the comfort of your own home? Now we may not be able to offer any ideas for the spa; but we definitely can give you our input on how to create an apple entrée sure to please any Pink Princess.

Here’s how;

First, purchase a few of our ‘Chocolate Threesomes’, a few more ‘Chocolate Twosomes’, and you have to purchase a special apple ‘Pretty In Pink’ for the birthday girl or a ‘Double Striped Chocolate’ for the birthday boy.

Second, go to the market and purchase a bag of ‘Grannie Smith Apples.’ Once your Richland Gourmet Apple order arrives, take the apples you purchased from the supermarket and cut them into individual slices.

Third, open at least two of your gourmet caramel apples and cut into at least 8 slices per apple.

Next, get a simple bowl, cut up the store bought apples, mix in some other fruits like pineapples, or honeydews.

Now place slices of the gourmet candy apple on top and there you have it! These young divas are now in for an apple treat sure to surprise and please. Ready to order a few for your Pretty Pink Princess? Visit richlandgourmetapples.com!

Friday, July 12, 2013

Gourmet Apple Freshness

Staci Sweet

Richland Gourmet Apples Contributor/Blogger

Do you remember the last time you went to the county fair and purchased a candy apple? Did it even make it home or did you eat it all there? Well let me ask you this. What if perhaps you made it off the fairgrounds and that lonely candy apple was placed on your refrigerator shelf; securely tucked away until the kids were gone and you could take a nibble as you did the next days chores? Yeah right! Why did I mention all that? Because according to the U.S. Apple Association, apples last ten times longer when refrigerated.

But here’s the thing. When you purchase one of our jumbo sized granny smith apples, ordinarily our customers devour them on sight. But there’s a better way to savor the appley goodness of one of our gourmet candy apples and here’s how.

Simply purchase a few of our gourmet caramel apples like the Triple Delight. It’s three giant sized granny smith apples covered in caramel, golden pecans, yummy marshmallows and dipped in white and milk chocolate. I know – just reading it makes you want one.

Next, cut your gourmet caramel apple into slices. Usually and depending on the voracity of your appetite, you can get at least a dozen or so nice-sized slices.

Place your slices in a container and refrigerate for later or you can enjoy those scrumptious goodies now.

But remember; the USAA (United States Apple Association) says they’ll last ten times longer if refrigerated; so if you want to save some for work – go ahead! You have our seal of approval for quality and freshness that’ll last days and days. Ready to purchase some gourmet candy apples so that you and your family can refrigerate and enjoy for days and days? Visit richlandgourmetapples.com!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Gourmet Gift Certificates

Staci Sweet

Richland Gourmet Apples Contributor/Blogger

Have you ever been to Wal-Mart’s gift certificate section? Oh my! The plethora, the selection, the many certificates to choose from; Starbucks^®, Olive Garden^®, and even specialty cards. But have you ever considered purchasing a Richland Gourmet Apples^® Gift Certificate? ‘I didn’t know you had them!’ Yeah, we know and that’s why we wanted to ensure that you knew you could purchase a few for your friends and family.

So how does it work? Well, take a look at our Apple Gallery and see what we have to offer. For starters, look at this mouth-watering DOUBLE STRIPED CHOCOLATE WALNUT large Granny Smith Apple hand dipped in thick caramel, rolled in a mound of fresh walnuts and striped in Belgian white and milk chocolate. Get your gift certificate for this beaut for only $12.95.

Or check out this POLKA DOT jumbo sized granny smith apple dipped in caramel, meticulously stripped with not one but two kinds of chocolate: white milk and milk chocolate and topped with crisp, very thin white chocolate wafers. Talk about haute apple couture. We recommend you purchase this baby in bulk because I don’t think one (1) will do. This one’s only $14.95; ready to order, click here.

And then there’s this ROCKY ROAD CLASSIC. A granny smith apple dipped in gooey caramel layered in golden pecans and piled high with white fluffy marshmallows and covered with white and milk chocolate. Yeah, I know right? Can’t wait to order? It’s only $14.95 and if you’re ready to order, click here.

And you know at Richland Gourmet Apples we love the kids! Our PRETTY IN PINK is one of our bestsellers and its combination of caramel, layered in golden cashews and pecans and drenched in pink triple chocolate. And this one is only $14.95. Click to order.

So the next time you can’t think of anything unique to get for your next gifting, be sure to remember us! Ready to purchase some gift certificates? Visit richlandgourmetapples.com!

Monday, July 8, 2013

Gourmet Caramel Apples – The Double Fruit

Staci Sweet

Richland Gourmet Apple Contributor/Blogger

Did you know that by eating one of our jumbo sized granny smith apples that you’re eating double fruit? Huh? That’s right! As you well know, granny smith apples are classified as fruit; but what you may not have known is that because our delectable delicacies are topped with pecans, golden cashews, walnuts, and almonds; that they’re classified as a double fruit. Why?

Because according to Wikipedia, nuts are ‘a fruit composed of a hard shell and a seed, where the hard-shelled fruit does not open to release the seed (indehiscent). So, while, in a culinary context, a wide variety of dried seeds are often called nuts, in a botanical context, only ones that include the indehiscent fruit are considered true nuts¹.’ Did you understand all that?

Bottom-line, when you bite into one of our jumbo sized granny smith apples – (a fruit) and your mouth commences to chomp on one of the many nuts that you’re actually; wait for it…wait for it…wait for it….you’re actually eating more fruit! Don't believe it? Ladies and gentlemen, I give you exhibit A:

Take a look at this double fruit beaut! It's hand dipped in gooey caramel, rolled in a mound of fresh walnuts and hand-striped by our Apple Artisans with delicious Belgian white and milk chocolate.

Oh there’s no denying that this is a fruit wonder of wonders and yes for the small price of $12.95, this baby could be yours. If you’re kids found out that they could eat fruit like this as apart of their servings everyday, you’d be in trouble. But hey; we won’t tell! Get your double fruit on! Visit richlandgourmetapples.com today!

SOURCE: 1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nut_%28fruit%29

Friday, June 28, 2013

Gourmet Candy Apple Health Facts

StaciSweet

RichlandGourmet Apple Contributor/Blogger

Who sits up and thinks about how much water, vitamins and carbohydrates are in an apple? Scientists do and we at Richland Gourmet Apples are glad about it!

According to the Institute of Food Research, apples are made of more than 80% water. Only 4% of the apple consists of vitamins and minerals while the other 10% is carbohydrates¹. When you break down the numbers like that, eating one of our jumbo sized granny smith apples makes good health sense; but wait there’s more.

Research conducted prior to 2008 proved that apples contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are what’s known as a plant secondary metabolites². Huh? We’re not scientists here but bottom-line, eating granny smith apples helps with such things as heart disease, memory and lung function. You see because the skin of our granny smith apples contains Vitamin C and E, researchers have shown “a positive correlation between lung function and the number of apples eaten per week. Eating five or more apples a week was linked to better lung function³.’

Can you imagine eating five of our jumbo granny smith apples hand dipped in caramel, covered in large pecans, roasted almonds and mouth watering walnuts? Or what about one striped with Belgian milk chocolate, thin wafers, and marshmallows? I mean, does that sound like it can help you with your lung function or what? Didn’t your heart skip a beat? But wait, I digress.

Getting back to the original point, there are some really cool benefits to eating one of large granny smith apples. So if you’re like so many Americans who’s trying to be more health conscious but still would like to enjoy an occasional applely indulgence, why not purchase some of our chocolatey delights today? Visit richlandgourmetapples.com!

SOURCES:

1 http://www.ifr.ac.uk/info/society/spotlight/apples.htm

2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavonoid

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Empty Stomach Apple Eating

Staci Sweet

Richland Gourmet Apple Contributor/Blogger

Ordinarily, when you’re watching your weight, you pay careful attention to your caloric intake. As a result, usually when you’re hungry, you reach for a piece of fruit without giving it any thought. And moreover, when you’re not hungry, researchers have reported is the best time to eat; so again, if you’re like me, you’ll go to your frig and grab the quickest, easiest thing to put in your mouth which is usually a delectable piece of fruit. Well, did you know that if you’re dieting, you should always eat fruit on an empty stomach?

According to thefruitpages.com, when you eat it on an empty stomach, your body has the opportunity to burn the calories; whereas when combined with a meal, the natural sugars in the granny smith apple aren’t able to burn quickly and thus not producing the energy need to ‘burn off’ the calories. That means though you’re attempting to eat healthy, you also have to pay attention to when you eat; even the smallest piece of fruit.

So when is the best time to eat one of our yummy chocolate covered, caramel coated granny smith apples? On an empty stomach! But you have to be deliberate about when you eat one of our scrumptious goodies because our jumbo sized apples are more than a mouthful and will require you burn off extra energy – if you know what I mean.

So how can you enjoy one of our apples and still stay in shape? Eat it on an empty stomach and then for an added boost in your metabolism, walk for at least five to ten minutes afterwards. Don’t make a big deal out of it; just walk around your apartment a few times or walk in place in front of your television on commercials to be sure our luscious caramel, golden cashews, and thin wafers don’t stick to your hips.

Just because you’re watching your weight, doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of a few delicacies. Just be sure to eat one of gourmet candy apples on an empty stomach and walk a few minutes afterward. Ready to order a few? Visit richlandgourmetapples.com today!

SOURCE: 1 http://www.thefruitpages.com/treefruit.shtml

Edible Wedding Favors and Hashtags

Staci Sweet

Richland Gourmet Apple Contributor/Blogger

With June and July being peak season for weddings, have you ever considered gourmet caramel apples for your wedding favors?

What is a wedding favor? According to the world wide webs go to website Wikipedia, “Wedding favors are small gifts given as a gesture of appreciation or gratitude to guests from the bride and groom during a wedding ceremony or a wedding reception¹.” The European aristocrats would provide bonbonniere’s which are made of porcelain or crystal but with our green, health conscious society today, gourmet caramel apples could serve the same purpose and display an edible gesture of gourmet appreciation.

After the wedding many times, wedding favors are stashed on a shelf, thrown in a closet, or pushed into a cabinet drawer; never to be seen again. But by giving an edible wedding favor, your guests are sure to enjoy and remember your special day. I know what you’re thinking; they’re too expensive.

Well, not if you consider that the average apple weighs about 1/3 to half of a pound which is about 227 grams². Our jumbo sized gourmet granny smith apples are well above the average weight! That means that just one apple could very well be a wedding favor for a family of four; ensuring that every member enjoyed a slice or two.

Plus, why not make it social media apple trend? Simply create your new family’s last name as a #hashtag and invite each guest to use it and tell what they thought about your special day and their wedding favor.

Here’s how:

First order your gourmet caramel and gourmet candy apples at RichlandGourmetApples.com.
Once they arrive, go to MarthaStewart.com³. They have a huge selection of label clip-art and templates to choose from.
Once you’ve made your selection, you can say something like;

Thank you for attending! Do us a favor. Use #mynewfamilylastname and tell us how you enjoyed the wedding and your gourmet apple wedding favor!

Are you ready to order your gourmet apple weddingfavors? Visit RichlandGourmetApples.com!

SOURCES:

¹http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_favors#At_weddings

² wikianswers.com

3http://www.marthastewart.com/350348/label-clip-art-and-templates/@center/326420/martha-stewart-clip-art-and-template-crafts

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Apple Game Night

Did you know that there is a new Fruit Ninja^® game for Android-based devices¹? Yep! According to Softpedia.com, "The game now features Gutsu's Cart, Starfruit, Bomb Deflects, Berry Blasts, Peachy Time, The Pomegranate, Tablet Support and Local Multiplayer (which is compatible with 7' tablets and up."

So are we at Richland Gourmet Apples^® a little perturbed that once again we’ve been snubbed in the fruit game? I mean first its Boston University^® and their blatant age discrimination² against our granny smith apples and now Fruit Ninja^®. Oh their game features starfruits, berries, peaches and pomegranates, but no apples! What next? Will we not make the cut for the Fruit Growers Conference?

But don’t worry. Just because were ‘granny’s’ doesn’t mean we aren’t up on our tech game. Have you checked out the Granny Smith Online Game^®? No seriously. There’s an actual online game that’s a ‘fast-paced racing platformer filled with spectacular crashes and stunts³.’ No we didn’t invent it, but we at Richland Gourmet Apples are all things apples so if its granny smith- we’re all for it!

And you know what would be cool? If you’d purchased a few of our granny smith apples dipped in gooey caramel layered in golden pecans and piled high with white fluffy marshmallows and covered with white and milk chocolate and played the latest version of FruitNinja^® or Granny Smith^® for your buds, bros, or just for you and the kids. Ready to get your apple game on? Visit RichlandGourmetApples.com today!

SOURCE:

1http://news.softpedia.com/news/Fruit-Ninja-for-Android-Gets-8-New-Blades-in-Latest-Update-359694.shtml

²http://www.bu.edu/today/2013/exotic-fruit/

³http://www.grannysmithgame.com/