Wednesday 23 January 2013

12 Reasons why I love Epicure Selections let me count the ways...



Written by Linda Gauthier




As an independent consultant for Epicure selections, I not only have the privilege of working with like-minded, excited and honorable women and men who truly believe in our products, but all the people I have met are enthusiastic about what they do, whether it is part-time or full-time.
They are happy, positive and motivated to tell people about products, share recipes, share their success as well as their hurdles, they help each other through the rough spots, and let's face it, when you are working by yourself creating your own business, it can be daunting and it is nice to hear that you are not alone.  This goes for all entrepreneurs, whatever their business.  
Epicure Selections do not only have a great business model, but the support and the products speak for themselves.

I had used Epicure Selections products for over 10 years prior to becoming a consultant.  I had signed up once before, but at that time it just was not the right time for me to do the business as I was not in the right mindset.
Just like my weight loss, I had to be in the right mindset to make things happen and I believe this is my time to do so.

So on to the 12 reasons why I love Epicure Selections;

1. The variety of products, as you can see by our current catalog 

2. The endless possibilities of mixture combinations.  For example, while a product may be marketed as a dip, that definitely is not its only use.  Take a look at this link and find out why I say they support us and our customers in so many ways.

3. The quality is beyond compare, as far as I am concerned.  The integrity with which the products are produced is top shelf and the price you pay is affordable.

4.  The pride I feel, when I can prepare a meal, knowing there are not a lot of fillers, additives or MSG in the food I am serving to my family and friends.

5.  The simplicity of being able to prepare a meal that appears to be difficult, but in reality has only required a few simple ingredients, because I do not have to go out and buy 20 different herbs and spices, they are already in the blends.

6.  The ease with which I can try ethnic dishes, because the spices have been combined for me.  So if I want to eat food from Spain one night I can, and then I can be eating a meal from Thailand or China the next night, all the guess work is taken out of it.  I know the flavours are correct and authentic.  If you go to the link, and look at page 23, you can see what I am talking about.  
The Epicure Test kitchens have made sure of this, and the research has all been done for me.  Making me look like a gourmet cook... eazee peazee !! 

7.  When do I get to the reasons why you, as a customer, would like Epicure Selections?  Well, that's going to be shown to you in the next 5 reasons.  The recipes and the variety that is available to you.  All of these recipes and many more can be found on my website.
I have tested all of the following recipes and they all fit with my new eating style and the flavours are yummy!!!



8.  Chicken Fajitas


Epicure's 10-minute Fajitas




Delicious fajitas your whole family will love in just minutes!

Makes 2 servings
Prep Time: 5 - 8 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

2 Tbsp (30 ml) Epicure's Fajita Seasoning
2 — 5 oz (142 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1/4 onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, cut into strips
1/4 cup (60 ml) canned black beans, rinsed and drained – optional
Instructions

1. Combine Fajita Seasoning, chicken, vegetables, and beans in Epicure's Silicone Rectangular Steamer. 
2. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes.

Per Serving : Calories 220, Fat 4 g (Saturated 1 g, Trans 0 g), Cholesterol 80 mg, Sodium 160 mg, Carbohydrate 13 g (fiber 5 g, Sugars 3 g), Protein 32 g.

Tips: Serving Suggestion: Serve wrapped in warm tortillas with prepared guacamole and your favourite prepared salsa.

9.  Epicure's Margherita Fish


Epicure's Margherita Fish Fillets


Makes 4 servings
Cost Per Serving: 2.27

Ingredients

1 cup (250 ml) crushed or diced tomatoes
2 Tbsp (30 ml) Epicure's Margherita Sauce Mix
4 — 6 oz (170 g) cod fillets, or any firm white fish
Epicure's Sea Salt, to taste
Epicure's Black Pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
Instructions

1. Mix together crushed tomatoes and Margherita Sauce Mix in a microwave safe dish. Microwave on high for 3 - 4 minutes, stirring every minute. Keep warm. 
2. Season fish fillets with Sea Salt and Pepper. Heat Epicure's Eclipse® Coated Frying Pan over medium heat; add olive oil and saute fish until both sides are browned and the fish is just beginning to flake. 
3. Place fish fillets on serving plate and top with prepared Margherita sauce.

Per Serving : Calories 290, Fat 14 g (Saturated 2 g, Trans 0 g), Cholesterol 105 mg, Sodium 210 mg, Carbohydrate 6 g (Fibre 2 g, Sugars 0 g), Protein 35 g.

10.  Curried Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Epicure's Curried Butternut Squash and Apple Soup




Squash is packed with phytonutrients (carentoenoid) – an antioxidant important for anti-cancer properties.  Squash is also an excellent source of Vitamins C and A, and rich in potassium, which helps lower blood pressure.

Makes 6 servings
Cost Per Serving: 1.28

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1/4 cup (60 ml) butter
2 cups (500 ml) finely diced onions
1 1/2 Tbsp (25 ml) Epicure's Curry Dip Mix
1 tsp (5 ml) Ginger (ground)
4 cups (1 L) prepared Epicure's Chicken Bouillon
2 lbs (1 kg) butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks
2 apples, peeled, cored and diced
1 cup (250 ml) apple juice
Epicure's Sea Salt, to taste
Epicure's Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions

1. Melt butter in Epicure’s Pasta Pot. Add onions, Curry Dip Mix and Ginger. Cook, covered, over low heat until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. 
2. Add Chicken Bouillon, squash and apples, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for about 20–25 minutes, until squash and apples are tender. 
3. Working in batches, purée solids in a blender or food processor. 
4. Return purée to pot. Add apple juice and heat. Season with Sea Salt and Black Pepper. Garnish with grated apple, if desired.

Per Serving : Calories 230, Fat 9 g (Saturated 5 g, Trans 0.2 g), Cholesterol 20 mg, Sodium 160 mg, Carbohydrate 34 g (Fibre 7 g, Sugars 15 g), Protein 6 g.

Tips: Creative Cooking: Try Epicure’s Apple Pie Spice instead of Curry Dip Mix.   I have also used the Mango Curry Dip Mix  with wonderful results.

11. Epicures Hot and Spice Baked Yam Fries

Epicure's Hot & Spicy Baked Yam Fries



A better burger companion than fries! One of our most popular recipes.

Makes 4 servings
Cost Per Serving: 0.82

Ingredients

4 large yams, scrubbed, unpeeled and cut into thin wedges
2 Tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
1 Tbsp (15 ml) Epicure's Louisiana Hot & Spicy Dip Mix
Epicure's Sea Salt, to taste
Epicure's Black Pepper, to taste
Epicure's Red Garlic Sansel™, to taste
Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425° F (220° C). 
2. Toss yams in oil and Louisiana Hot & Spicy Dip Mix and place in a single layer on Epicure's Baking Sheet lined with parchment paper. Coarsely grind Sea Salt and Pepper overtop
3. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn yam wedges over and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until potatoes are crisp and golden. Sprinkle with Red Garlic Sansel™ and serve hot.

Per Serving : Calories 230, Fat 7 g (Saturated 0.5 g, Trans 0 g), Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 70 mg, Carbohydrate 39 g (Fibre 6 g, Sugars 12 g), Protein 4 g.

Tips: Creative Cooking: For a twist, try Epicure's Cajun Seasoning instead of Louisiana Hot & Spicy Dip Mix.

Make these using our new Crispy Chip Oven Baker available on page 13  take a look easy low fat fries and crispy yummy!!


12.  Cardamom Scented Peaches and Oatmeal.

Epicure’s Cardamom Scented Oatmeal and Peaches




When I was doing all of my canning this fall, I tried this and it is to die for, especially on a cold winter morning when you long for spring.  When I was canning the peaches I added the cardamom to the light sugar syrup I was preserving them in, and then processed them in a water bath to seal as per normal.

Cost Per Serving: 1.00
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups (750 ml) water
2 cups (500 ml) oatmeal flakes
1 tsp (5 ml) Epicure’s Cardamom Seeds
1 — 14 oz (398) can sliced peaches, juice reserved
Instructions

1. Bring water, oatmeal, Cardamom Seeds and peach juice to a boil in Epicure’s 12-cup Multi-Purpose Pot. 
2. Simmer on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. 
3. Divide oatmeal between 4 bowls and serve with peaches. Sweeten to taste.

Per Serving : Calories 350, Fat 5 g (Saturated 0 g, Trans 0 g), Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 15 mg, Carbohydrate 70 g (fiber 9 g, Sugars 12 g), Protein 13 g.

So now I have given you the reasons why I love Epicure Selections, or at least the top 12 off the top of my head.  I could go on, and on about the reasons I feel proud to be an Epicure Consultant, but I don't want you to bore you.  My hope is that you will become curious enough to try it for yourself, and talk to me about buying it or becoming a consultant yourself.  

Until we talk again, which will be within the next couple days, take care of yourself and be happy.  Surround yourself with positive thoughts, and people, enjoy your family, I know I will.  Have a great day.  Talk to you soon.
love this picture it reminds me of the years of joy around our kitchen table with family and friends.


Mary Engelbreit and W. S. Gilbert

2 comments:

  1. I have loved Epicure for so many years I cannot count! At first I was so gung ho on getting everything and then it sat for awhile. It has been these past 8 years or so that I have learned when I am cooking to just go to the magic cupboard and grab a jar that takes my fancy! I never make the same thing twice the same way. I am so looking forward to getting my Steamer Linda! You will have to give me tips on using it. I will go back in your posts to find recipes too. Hugs! :-)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Chris,
      I'm really glad you took the leap and ordered the steamer, I know you will enjoy it! I believe it should be at your home by end of week or first of next week. I will dedicate one entire post just for the steamer recipes,just because you asked. I use mine every day, it is so easy to get a meal on the table that is tasty, fast, and nutritious. Clean up is super simple too.
      I'm the same type of cook read a recipe once and then make the recipe my own, with changes all the time. Have a great day and thank you for reading.

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