******************************************** Hot News from Soup Central at E.D. Foods April 1st, 2005 ******************************************** Over a MILLION site visitors Over 80,000 subscribers to this newsletter TABLE OF CONTENTS: For All you wanted to know (And some you didn't) About The History of April Fool's Before I get into this newsletter, I'd just like to reassure all of our readers that this newsletter is absolutely and completely April Fool's Prank-Free. I thought it would be interesting to look at where this light-hearted holiday came from, but you don't have to worry or second-guess what you read in here - we're not pulling your leg! A. Monthly Specials B. The Original April Fool's Day C. April Fool's Day Around the Globe D. Famous April Fool's Day Hoaxes E. Spring Recipes Strawberry Spinach Salad Asparagus-Proscuitto Rolls Cucumber, Tomato and Tofu Salad Feta-Stuffed Chicken F. Maple Recipes Maple Glazed Carrots/Yams Maple Mustard Lamb Chops Maple Mousse G. April Fool's Websites H. People Pleasing Soups I. People Pleasing Maple J. Feedback on the New Site K. Customer's Recipes Corner L. Short and Sweet M. Quote of the Month N. Some Words of Wisdom ***************** A. Monthly specials ***************** Check out all our great deals and specials at: U.S. Customers: http://www.ed-foods.com/special.html Canadian Customers: http://www.ed-foods.com/special_C.html "I couldn't believe all the freebies that you sent! There was a big package of the Instant Tortilla Soup mix and recipes to use it in. So I tried the Spicy Tomato Soup recipe with my mother- in-law and daughters. It was delicious! So, of course, they all wanted the recipe, too!" Jennifer Revell, BC ***************************** B. The Original April Fool's Day ***************************** Unfortunately, no one is completely sure of the true origin of April Fool's Day - maybe the original 'April Fools' just weren't the greatest record-keepers (they weren't called fools for nothing! :-) Although some feel that it's the culmination of many culture's Spring celebrations that has led to this mischievous holiday, the most commonly held belief is that it started in France in the late sixteenth century. In 1582, France became the first country to switch from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. In the older sstem (Julian), New Year's festivities began during the last week in March, culminating in New Year's Day - April 1st. In the Gregorian system, New Year's Day is January 1st. Unfortunately, communication being what it was back then (extremely slow), it took several years to actually let everyone know about the change in calendars! These unfortunately uninformed people, along with a group who just flat-out refused to accept the Gregorian system, were labeled as 'fools'. The general population ridiculed them, sending them on 'fool errands', inviting them to nonexistent New Year parties and playing other practical jokes on them. This harassment evolved over time, and eventually became the light-hearted holiday of harmless pranks and practical jokes that we know today as April Fool's Day. So to sum up, if they had stayed with the Julian calendar, we'd all have a week of New Years celebrations. With our current system, we only have a day - I don't know about you, but those original 'Fools' don't seem so foolish to me! :-) *********************************** C. April Fool's Day Around the Globe *********************************** Laughter is universal, and as it turns out, so is April Fool's Day (OK, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it gets around!). So if you find yourself on the receiving end of a practical joke, and someone calls you a Gowk, a Gobby or a Poisson, don't worry, it's all in good fun! France - In France, an April Fool is called 'Poisson D'Avril' - April Fish. This is because a young naive fish is easily caught, and likewise, an unsuspecting and naive person is easily tricked. Scotland - Known as Taily Day, this day is devoted to pranks involving the buttocks. The butt of these jokes (pun intended) are called April Gowks - Gowk being another name for a cuckoo bird. (Side Note - The origins of the 'Kick Me' sign can actually be traced back to this holiday...seriouslyl!) England - Pranks can only be pulled in the morning here, as it is considered bad luck to play a practical joke on someone after Noon. A Fool is called a 'Gob' or 'Gobby' and the victim of a prank is called a 'Noodle'. (I still can't figure out if you're supposed to pull a prank and yell 'April Gobby!' or 'April Noodle!' - if anyone has any insight on this, I'd love to know!) Rome - On March 25th, they celebrate the resurrection of the god Attis in a holiday known as the Festival of Hilaria, also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day". Portugal - April Fool's is actually a two-day event in Portugal, landing on the Sunday and Monday before lent. On these joyous days, people throw flour at their friends. Mexico - The Mexican counterpart to April Fool's Day is Los Santos Inocentes, and is actually celebrated on December 28th. The day was originally a somber remembrance of King Herod's slaughter of all male children in his kingdom. However, it has evolved into a happy day of pranks and tricks (and the victim may even receive a candy or silly gift after being tricked - maybe we should start giving consolation prizes after we play a prank on someone too :-) India - The festival is called Holi and is celebrated the celebration of the arrival of Spring. On March 31st, people play jokes on one another and smear each other's faces with colors and flower extracts (So they may end up looking a little funny, but they'll smell great!). ******************************** D. Famous April Fool's Day Hoaxes ******************************** There have been countless jokes, pranks, practical jokes and hoaxes played in the name of April Fool's. Here is a short list of some of the more famous - and hilarious - April Fool's hoaxes. 1. The Swiss Spaghetti Harvest In 1957, the BBC news show Panorama announced that due to a very mild winter and the near elimination of the dreaded spaghetti weevil, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. Along with this announcement was footage of Swiss peasants pulling strands of spaghetti down from trees. Hundreds of viewers called in, many asking where they could get their own spaghetti tree. BBC helpfully replied that they should "place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best". 2. The Left-Handed Whopper In 1998, Burger King published a full page advertisement in USA Today announcing their newest menu item: a "Left- Handed Whopper" specially designed for the 32 million left- handed Americans. According to the advertisement, the new Whopper included the same ingredients as the original Whopper, but all the condiments were rotated 180 degrees for the benefit of their left-handed customers. The next day, in a follow-up press release, they revealed the Left-Handed Whopper was a hoax, but that thousands of customers had gone into restaurants to buy the new sandwich - and many others had requested the 'right-handed' version. 3. Instant Color TV In 1962 there was only one TV channel in Sweden and it was broadcast in black and white. The station's technical expert, Kjell Stensson, appeared on the news to announce that thanks to a newly developed technology, all viewers could now quickly and easily convert their existing sets to display color reception! All they had to do was pull a nylon stocking over their TV screen and their favorite show would appear in color. Stensson then proceeded to demonstrate the processes and apparently did a pretty convincing job of it - hundreds of thousands of people (of their total population of seven million) were tricked. 4. Sidd Finch In the April 1985 edition of Sports Illustrated, there was a story about a new rookie pitcher, Sidd Finch, who was going to play for the Mets. He could throw a baseball 168 mph with pinpoint accuracy, and he had never even played the game before! He learned the "art of pitch" in a Tibetan monastery. Mets fans everywhere celebrated their team's amazing luck in finding such a talented player, and Sports Illustrated was flooded with requests for more information. 5. Internet Spring Cleaning In 1997 an email message spread throughout the world announcing that the internet would be shut down for cleaning for twenty-four hours from March 31 until April 2. This cleaning was said to be necessary to clear out the "electronic flotsam and jetsam" that had accumulated in the network. The cleaning would be done by "five very powerful Japanese-built multi-lingual Internet-crawling robots (Toshiba ML-2274) situated around the world." During this period, users were warned to disconnect all devices from the internet. This joke was an updated version of an old joke that used to be told about the phone system. For many years, gullible phone customers had been warned that the phone systems would be cleaned on April Fool's Day. They were cautioned to place plastic bags over the ends of the phone to catch the dust that might be blown out of the phone lines during this period. I would love to pretend that I diligently researched and compiled this list, but...well, I didn't. The Museum of Hoaxes has made an extensive list of the top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes of All Time. They also have more details on the above- mentioned pranks (check out the Swiss Spaghetti Harvest for a link to the original broadcast!): http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool *************** E. Spring Recipes *************** While Mother Nature may still have a snowstorm or two up her sleeve, I think it's safe to say that Spring is pretty much around the corner (and is already here for some folks!). So, I thought some yummy Spring-fresh recipes may help get everyone in the proper Spring-time spirit. ************************ Strawberry Spinach Salad ************************* Serves 4 Dressing: 2 tbsp sesame seeds 1 tbsp poppy seeds 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar 1/4 tsp paprika 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp minced onion Salad: 10 ounces fresh spinach - rinsed, dried and torn into bite- sized pieces 1 quart strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced 1/4 cup almonds - blanched, slivered and toasted 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing. Cover and chill for one hour. 2. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Recipe by Andrea McInnis, found on allrecipes.com ************************ Asparagus-Proscuitto Rolls ************************ Serves 2-3 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tbsp red wine vinegar 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 clove of garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives Salt and pepper to taste 3 thin slices prosciutto, cut in half crosswise 3 tbsp cream cheese or goat cheese, divided 18 stalks asparagus Blanched Italian parsley for garnish 1. Combine the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and garlic in a bowl and whisk well. 2. Stir in the chives and salt and pepper. 3. Spread each piece of prosciutto with 1/2 tablespoon of cheese. 4. Roll 3 stalks of asparagus in each half of prosciutto. 5. Top with vinaigrette. Serve at room temperature. Found on Good Morning America: http://www.wchstv.com/gmarecipes ******************************** Cucumber, Tomato and Tofu Salad ******************************** Serves 4 1 tomato, chopped 1 cucumber, seeded and chopped 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion 1/4 cup canned kidney beans, drained 1/4 cup diced firm tofu 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing Salt and pepper to taste 1. In a large bowl, combine the tomato, cucumber, red onion, kidney beans, tofu and basil. Just before serving, toss with balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing, and season with salt and pepper. ****************** Feta-Stuffed Chicken ****************** Serves 4 1/4 cup crumbled basil-and-tomato feta cheese 2 tbsp fat-free cream cheese 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 1/4 to 1/2 tsp black pepper Dash salt 1 tsp olive oil 1/4 cup chicken broth 1 10-ounce package prewashed fresh spinach, trimmed 2 tbsp walnut or pecan pieces, toasted 1 tbsp lemon juice Lemon slices, halved (optional) 1. In a small bowl, combine feta and cream cheese; set aside. Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal slit through the thickest portion of each chicken breast half to form a pocket. Stuff pockets with the cheese mixture (you can secure openings with wooden toothpicks). Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. 2. In a large nonstick pan, cook chicken in hot oil over medium-high heat about 12 minutes or until tender and no longer pink, turning once. Remove chicken from pan, cover and keep warm. 3. Carefully add chicken broth to pan. Bring to a boil and add half the spinach. Cover and cook about 3 minutes or just until spinach is wilted. Remove spinach from skillet, reserving liquid in pan. Repeat with remaining spinach. Return all spinach to pan and stir in the nuts and lemon juice 4. To serve, divide spinach mixture among 4 dinner plates. Top with chicken breasts. If desired, garnish with lemon slices. Found on www.midwestliving.com ************* F. Maple Recipes ************* Pure maple syrup is absolutely delicious on pancakes and waffles, but there are so many other yummy ways to use this sweet treat - so here are a few ideas to get you started! ************************* Maple Glazed Carrots/Yams ************************* 1 lb cooked carrots or yams 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1 tbsp orange juice, frozen concentrate* 1. Mix maple syrup and orange juice in a small mixing bowl. Pour over cooked and drained carrots/yams. 2. Allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with ginger, if desired, and serve. * If you don't have frozen juice, use 1 tbsp orange Jello dissolved in warm syrup. Found (along with many other yummy maple recipes) on: http://www.ontariomaple.com/recipes.html ************************* Maple Mustard Lamb Chops ************************* Serves 4 8 lamb loin chops (1 1/4-inch thick) Marinade: 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 3 tbsp Dijon mustard 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2-1 tsp orange zest 1/4 tsp pepper 1. Combine the ingredients for the marinade. 2. Add the lamb chops, cover and marinate at room temperature for 1 hour, or refrigerate up to 8 hours, turning occasionally. 3. Broil or barbecue meat, 4-6 minutes per side, or until desired doneness, turning once and brushing often with marinade. Found on recipezaar.com ************ Maple Mousse ************ Serves 6 1 cup pure maple syrup 2 envelopes (25mL) unflavored gelatin 5 large egg yolks 2 cups whipping cream 2 tbsp apricot jelly (optional) Maple sugar chunks/candies (for garnish) 1. In a medium saucepan, heat maple syrup to the boiling point. Remove from heat and sprinkle with the gelatin. When gelatin dissolves, stir it into the syrup. 2. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks until blended, then slowly pour the hot maple syrup and gelatin mixture into the beaten egg yolks in a fine stream, beating continuously, until blended. Let cool to room temperature. 3. In another mixing bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Fold cream into maple mixture, blending gently but thoroughly. 4. Have ready six glasses or small bowls. Pour mousse into these and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or freeze. Bring to room temperature before serving. If desired, heat apricot jelly and an equal amount of water until warm and pour over the mousse. Garnish with Maple Sugar Chunks or Candies. Found in the Montreal Gazette ********************* G. April Fool's Websites ********************* http://www.april-fools.us A fun April Fool's Day page - a list of some famous and funny April Fools jokes, some holiday history, e-cards, gag ideas and more. http://wilstar.net/holidays A really cute holiday site - it has a countdown for all major holidays as well as the history, customs, traditions and some games. http://www.thefoolsday.com April Fool's recipes, art, party invitations and decorations and lots more. Very fun site. ********************* H. People Pleasing Soups ********************* "I recently purchased your 98% Fat Free Chicken Noodle soup. It had to be without a doubt the best soup I've ever tasted. Very rich and so good, the chicken was tender and the broth was just right! Keep up the good work, I'll be buying more soon" Frank Durrick, MA "I love the individual Chicken Noodle and Tomato soups! They're the BEST instant soup mixes. Great taste. I like the Tomato with a sprinkling of bacon bits and shredded mozzarella cheese. Healthy and quick!" Patricia Ralston, GA "I tried the potato soup. WOW is this good. I can't believe it only takes water to make it so delicious! YUMMY! Thanks so much!!" Susan Haug, VA ******************** I. People Pleasing Maple ******************** "I used your pure maple syrup in your pork chop recipe and it was so amazing that I have sent several friends to your site to buy. I just ordered your soup sampler and can't wait to try them." Andrew Tait, ON "We have tried several of your soups and loved them all but the one product my family fought over was your Pure Canadian Maple Syrup. The flavor was wonderful and the little jug was a treat as well. Next time I place an order I am going for the larger size!" Beverly Polston, KY "I used to think that nothing could be better than Wisconsin maple syrup. I was wrong. Your maple syrup is absolutely the best I have ever used. I need to order some of the small containers so that when I go out to eat and order pancakes I will have some real syrup to use!" Lynn Petersen, WI ************************** J. Feedback on the New Site ************************** "Your web site looks fantastic! What a great change. I appreciate the free shipping offer, and I am placing an order today!" Marianne Quackenbush, AL "I love your new website. It is so easy to navigate, easy to find products, great product descriptions, too. Everything is clear and concise. It also seems to "load" more quickly and efficiently! Thanks for the improvements!" Leanna Morris, IL "LOVE the new website... It matches your friendly, outgoing spirit and the GREAT TASTING products you sell." Elizabeth Bogue, UT "Your site is so much better. Much less clutter makes it easier to navigate. I can't wait to try the new dips." Angela Roy, QC *************************** K. Customer's Recipes Corner *************************** Share your latest creations or favorite recipes with us - just go to http://www.ed-foods.com/feedback.html Maple Salmon Recipe Marinate 4-6 salmon fillets in 1 cup maple syrup, 1/3 cup of soya sauce and a splash of balsamic vinegar for 48 hours. Dip one side in cracked pepper and bake in oven at 500 F for about 15 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes. Andrea Leger, NB Sausage Minestrone Recipe First brown some sausage and onion and added the O.G. Minestrone soup mix to that. While it was cooking I boiled a diced potato and some elbow macaroni. Added those to the pot before the soup was done. It turned out really good - a hearty, tasty meal on a cold Indiana night. Pam Luke, IN Easy Tortilla Soup Recipes I added black beans and chicken to your mix and had a soup that even my kids loved. Therese Maltby, CO I added the chicken as the package suggested and some dried minced onion. Then I put in a little extra water and some low- sodium chicken broth and boiled some old-fashioned noodles in the mix. Just for fun, we added scallops and fresh-frozen green peas. Wonderful flavor! Lynn Ashbrook-McBride, MI ****************** L. Short and Sweet! ****************** "It was very easy to prepare, smelled delicious cooking and my family loved it." Dana Linn, TX "I think it was fantastic and I would like to try more!" Brandi Sharp, MD "The soups are easy and taste great! Keep up the great work!" Vicki Darnell, IL "Love your maple syrup. It was nothing short of divine." Shari Dalton, ON ********************* M. Quote of the Month ********************* "I love your soups and panic if I get too low. I love the extra touches and samples - you always go above and beyond. Thank You." Janis Ann Taylor, MI N. ========The Last Word ======= ========Some Words of Wisdom=========== "Whenever I'm caught between two evils, I take the one I've never tried." Mae West "Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens." Jimi Hendrix "The pen is mightier than the sword, and considerably easier to write with." Marty Feldman "Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely." Auguste Rodin "I don't care to belong to a club that accepts people like me as members." Groucho Marx "How to make a million dollars: First, get a million dollars." Steve Martin "I'm tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin- deep. That's deep enough. What do you want - an adorable pancreas?" Jean Kerr "Wise men make proverbs, but fools repeat them." Samuel Palmer "If at first you don't succeed, try again. Then quit. There's no use being a damn fool about it." W.C. Fields "I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I only lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three." Elayne Boosler ======================================== If you enjoyed this newsletter - or ever just parts of the newsletter - of course we want you to send it on to your friends! That's what makes the internet so much fun! And don't forget to let them know which of our soups is your personal favorite! It's just too good not to share! Thanks again! -------------------------------------------------------------- Keep good things happening in your life, and we'll try to keep good things happening on our site! Kelly ******************************** (and the Folks at E.D. Foods) The Home of Simply Soup'r Soups! {*<*} {*>*} Looking out for our customers