The Institute of Food Technologists recently released its Top 10 Food Trends for 2007, as reported here on the blog Yumsugar.

Do these trends ring true for your family? I'm definitely feeling the "foodmiles" thing, and we are cooking and eating in more. Is there anything else you'd add?

Bonus: Why is this door, with its number 10, famous? Hint: It's been in the news recently. Use the Comments link to send your answer.

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How cool would it be if your mom owned an ice-cream franchise?

First-time business owners Ann Kelly and Nicole Reinhart bought into a Dippin' Dots franchise in Tampa and opened a few weeks ago. With three children of her own, Kelly says she knows what kinds of products kids look for. "Dippin' Dots is an interesting and fun way to serve up ice cream," she says, "and my children and I have loved the little round dots since the first time we tried them. My kids were hooked instantly and will always choose Dippin' Dots Ice Cream over conventional ice cream any day."

Not me. The one time I tried Dippin' Dots, they were too cold and got all stuck on my tongue. It hurt. Give me the real stuff, preferably with chocolate gemmies, any day. Still, the ten-year-old in me says these kids have it made.

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Shrek is getting ready to shill for Happy Meals—but for the kind with apple slices and salads, not fries.

Read that whole link. This is an interesting development, the first of its kind, far as I know, where a major motion-picture tie-in promotes a healthier option. My favorite part? "While the apples, milk, salads and other featured products have been on McDonald's menu for more than a year, chief marketing officer Mary Dillon said the company still had 'opportunities to drive awareness both with parents and kids about these offerings.' "

Pssssst, Mary! Advertise here! We're driving awareness!

At any rate, there's no doubt about the selling power of Shrek. Just the other day, Baby A declared she wanted to take a mud bath and brush her teeth with worms—in homage (ograge?) to Shrek, of course. I am sure she'd eat what Shrek says he likes, in a heartbeat. What's your take? Is Shrek's repping happier Happy Meals acceptable? Or not?

Please comment and, er, weigh in.

[Shrek is a copyright of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. This might be a Reuters image, too, but it looks like thousands of others floating out there with no attribution.]

Posted by QSMama at 06:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So, a couple of weekends ago, Baby A finally ate some hamburger. Granted, she's a long way from picking up and chomping a real hamburger. No, because that would be too easy. But she did eat five or six bites of a cut-up home-grilled burger. "No, I don't like beef," she said when I put the plate in front of her. I ignored her. Three minutes later: "Mmmmmm, I LIKE this BEEF!" she was exclaiming.

And there she was, one baby-step closer to leaving for college. *sniff*

But even when kids do start eating burgers, it seems they don't have many choices to fit their smaller hands and appetites. But here's an idea. Today Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard announced a new hamburger offering called Bambino Burgers. The company says they're designed to appeal to the value-conscious consumer—but looks to me like they'd be the perfect size for kids. Better yet, the meat is something I actually would feed my kid: they're made from 100 percent all-natural Coleman beef, then served on a toasted dinner roll with Good Times' special sauce and pickle.

Price is right, too: The Bambino Burgers sell for just $.75 as a single, in a 3-pack for $2.25 and a 5-pack mini-suitcase for $3.75.

"We anticipate that this will become a great complement to our Mighty Deluxe and other premium burgers," says Bob Turrill, vice president of marketing, "for those looking for a smaller meal or as an addition to other combo meals." On May 14, Good Times will launch a television advertising campaign to promote the new Bambino Burgers combined with a new late-night message that will run throughout the summer. Late night? I'm thinking more like "after pick-up time at Mom's Morning Out."

QSK readers in Colorado—and I know there are a bunch of you!—this news is mostly to your advantage. Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard has 52 restaurants, mostly in Colorado. But more chains should add small burger and chicken sandwich choices, ones that fit small hands and appetites, but that reflect the regular menu items, unlike a kid's meal choice.

Posted by QSMama at 06:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)