Recipes

Although I have lived in the tropics for 49 years, I am still a North Dakota farm boy at heart, and even from my little slice of paradise in the farm in Costa Rica, it is hard not to get excited about such a celebrated holiday like Independence Day.

We’re feeling pretty patriotic this week at Chestnut Hill Farms and wanted to share with our readers a very simple, yet special, recipe that is sure to be a refreshing take on the traditional Fourth of July fare.

So, raise a glass and repeat after us: Three CHEERS for the red, white and blue…sangria! Featured pineapple chunks and colorful fruit salute the stars and stripes in this recipe courtesy of RecipeGirl.com (click here for recipe tips):

RED, WHITE & BLUE SANGRIA

INGREDIENTS:

2 bottles dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc is good)
1 cup triple sec
1/2 cup berry-flavored vodka
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup simple syrup (see tips here)
1 cup blueberries
1 1/2 cups hulled and sliced strawberries
1 cup raspberries
1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all ingredients in a large punch bowl or pitcher and stir well. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Serve well-chilled with a good scoop of fruit floating in each drink, or serve over ice.

*If you’re not much of a drinker, we’ve got the perfect alcohol-free flag variety. Just substitute liquor with water and a few ice cubes and see how this fruit-infused beverage goes off with the same bang.

Wishing a very Happy Fourth of July to all Americans at home and abroad!

Dr. Lloyd

Moms. They deserve the best! And of all the gifts purchased for Mother’s Day, there’s one item that stands out above the rest: Flowers. Flowers are basically the unofficial logo of Mother’s Day year after year. And it’s obvious why. It’s simple. Flowers are beautiful.

Flowers brighten a table, a room, a house. But most importantly – they brighten the heart. So this Mother’s Day we want to help our customers step up their gift-giving-game and give Mom what she really, REALLY wants. Introducing Dried Pineapple Flowers: a beautiful flower she can also nibble on!

Best part for you? It’s super simple and can be added on to a favorite pre-purchased batch of cupcakes or cake! Plus – she’ll appreciate a homemade gift made just for her.

Just pick up a Perfect Pineapple™ at your local market and follow this easy, five-step guide by Annie’s Eats.com. You’re guaranteed to look pretty clever – and sweet – come Sunday afternoon.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Dr. Lloyd

Everyone has their own version of a traditional Easter Sunday meal. Ranging from light appetizers and side dishes meant for all-day noshing, to full-fledged decadent main courses, many families make distinct culinary choices for enjoying the holiday weekend.

Our personal favorite is an iconic Easter ham. Honey-glazed and complete with – you guessed it – sweet, caramelized, ambrosial slices of The Perfect Pineapple™. Mmm, Mmm, Mmm. Perfection! (Just in case you might need a recipe for this weekend, here’s a great one.)

But like we said, everyone might do Easter “dinner” a little different. So this week’s blog post focuses on how to bring that conventional pineapple cheer and hospitality to your Easter event, without messing with the traditional staples.

First up, a real-life Pineapple Peep: a tropical Easter Bunny made just for your buffet spread. After just a few slices, your average fruit tray becomes a festive centerpiece. Simply attach three pieces and voila! You’ve got Spring’s most adorable critter. Click here for a step-by-step tutorial.

Another great find sprouting on the internet is a creative take on the average Easter egg. If you’re looking for more than just pastel on your decorated dozen, check out this “How to Guide” created by Studio DYI. The result: A tropical field of mini-pineapples just waiting to be picked.

Can Easter get any better?!

On behalf of all at Chestnut Hill Farms, we wish you and your family a beautiful Easter holiday!

Dr. Lloyd

By Dr. Lloyd Berg, PhD.

It’s a beautiful weekend and the patio furniture is calling your name! You’ve called up your mates and invited them over for a lovely get-together outside under the warm sun.  In preparing a nice spread, you realize it’s finally time to bring out your favorite food, your countertop rock star, your MVP (your most valuable plate)…the unmatched, sweet, juicy and always satisfying pineapple!

Yeah!!! Ok…so…how do we cut this thing again?

Believe it or not, most people you know are probably cutting pineapples the “wrong” way. Well, sure, technically you can cut a pineapple however you’d like. BUT, if you think a pineapple should be cut quickly, efficiently and functionally – then join us as we teach you how to cut a pineapple the “right” way.

So good in fact, you won’t even need an extra plate by the time you’re done. Click on the video below for instructions and happy slicing!

For more information about Chestnut Hill Farms’ Perfect Pineapple™ please contact our offices at (305) 592-6969.

By Dr. Lloyd Berg, PhD.

Pineapples can make even the most traditionally hearty meals healthier and tastier!

If you’re looking for a quick, easy and flavorful dish to whip up tonight that doesn’t make you feel guilty every time you take another bite, then we’ve got just the recipe for you.

One of our favorite dishes, Pineapple Fried Rice makes cleaning out the fridge look downright gourmet. With several variations for this recipe, we take our cue from the expertise of West Coast meal guru Chungah at DamnDelicious.com.

Mixing brown rice, peas, carrots, corn, bite-sized ham and of course fresh pineapple chunks, this tasty take on take-out is sure to become one of your new favorites.

Ready to wok on the wild side?

Stop by DamnDelicious.com and check out the full recipe here.

For more information about Chestnut Hill Farms its products, please contact our offices at (305) 592-6969.

By Dr. Lloyd Berg, PhD.

With Christmas Eve tomorrow night, we thought we would throw out a little known fact about pineapples that might actually get you on the “nice list!” (There’s still time.)

And while we can’t exactly tell you that pineapple is Santa’s favorite fruit (well, we – of course – have a hunch it might be), we CAN tell you that Santa has been around a long time and knows more than most about what a pineapple can really mean if given as a gift.

Photo from Bakeat350.Blogspot.com

Traditionally, a pineapple is often recognized as a traditional expression of “welcome” throughout many parts of the Untied States , especially the South and along the Eastern Seaboard. We see it in all forms of home décor.

But why has the pinnacle fruit become so prevalent? As Learn2Grow.com puts it, “it boils down to a matter of trade.” Sailors needed cues from towns they were about to sail into that it was “safe” for their arrival. Place a pineapple out front, and it was inferred …”you are welcome here.” Hospitality was given wherever a pineapple was in sight.

So this Christmas, how should you welcome Santa? With some pineapple cookies of course!

Warmest wishes to all,

Dr. Lloyd