Kindness Connection

Year round Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels works to make a difference in the world community.  And on this special day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are honored to be a part of the work of The Kindness Connection.  The Kindness Connection is a non-for-profit organization that facilitates volunteer work for students.

In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., New Trier High School and the Kindness Connection worked together today at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.  The day was filled with family-based volunteer projects, all to benefit the elderly, sick patients in hospitals, veterans, children in need and homeless.

Kim & Scott’s donated pretzels and helped to raise money for the good work they did today.  We can’t think of a better way to commemorate Dr. King.  This is certainly Pretzels with a Purpose in action!

Pretzel lovers from today's event!

Black-eyed Pea Gumbo with a Twist on New Years Day!! Happy 2012 from Kim & Scott!

It might be an old superstition, but I can’t resist having the traditional black-eyed peas on New Years Day for good luck. Here’s a recipe for something different, black-eyed pea gumbo.

Slow Cooker Spicy Black-Eyed Peas

Ingredients
6 cups water
1 cube chicken bouillon
1 pound dried black-eyed peas, sorted and rinsed
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced
1 jalapeno chile, seeded and minced
8 ounces diced ham
4 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
salt, to taste
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
Pour the water into a slow cooker, add the bouillon cube, and stir to dissolve. Combine the black-eyed peas, onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, ham, bacon, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper; stir to blend. Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours until the beans are tender.

Recipe and photo courtesy of allrecipes.com

Enjoy a traditional bavarian soft pretzel on the side while you’re watching the football games or hanging out with family and friends.

We are so excited for 2012. As we continue our pretzel journey, we set out to continue our mission of “Pretzels with a Purpose.” We are focussing on continuing to “empower” our pretzels, with options for making an organic line, more gluten free options, and “empowered” pretzels for kids lunches…powered with protein, omegas and more.
We also continue to look for ways to empower others. We are looking for opportunities to help schools have healthier lunches, and to teach kids about healthy lifestyles. If you have programs or ideas that we can get involved in, please reach out to us.

Wishing you a healthy, joyful, adventurous 2012!
Kim and Scott

Twisted Hanukah Lights!

It’s not your regular menorah….but why not add a twist to your Hanukah lights. In our house, we are pretty obsessed with pretzels. So we opted for the pretzel menorah this year….as an addition to our collection.

Hanukah is a holiday that can be celebrated by everyone…it’s really an eight day festival of lights that brings light into your life at the darkest time of the year. It’s also a celebration of miracles, from back when the oil left in the light of the temple lasted eight days instead of just one. It reminds us of all the miracles around us.

At this season of celebrating lights, we wish you all much light in the coming year.

Kim

Pretzels for Santa…

Many of you might face the issue of what to leave Santa for his hard work on Christmas Eve. Believe it or not, I have heard that Santa actually does not always want a sweet treat.

Santa has a savory craving often, and cheddar jalapeno, grilled cheese, or pizza stuffed soft pretzels could be that treat that gives him the energy to keep going.

No big cookie preparation…just pop in the oven and warm until toasty on the outside. Santa will love them!

Write if you try a twisted treat this year…you can still order from our website and receive in time for Christmas – until noon on Tuesday, December 20th! We also have a great holiday gift sampler that includes a variety of savories and sweets.

Thanks to all of you for your incredible support on our twisted journey. Wishing you a happy holiday season and all the best in 2012!!
With much gratitude,
Kim

Kim & Scott’s Pretzel cart is on the move….today at WONDER!

Our pretzel cart at Wonder!

One of my obsessions has been to get little pretzel carts and set them up on location to take us out into the action! Recently, we have been setting up carts at events, stores, schools for fundraisers, bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, company parties, and more. Our latest pretzel cart, led by Pretzel Professor Stephen, just set up today at WONDER in Deerfield, an incredible, huge store/playground/activity center for families in Deerbrook Mall. He will be selling our all-natural, nut-free soft pretzels and drinks today and tomorrow. More on WONDER…If you are in the Chicago area, you should check this place out! Located at 250 S. Waukegan Road in Deerfield, IL. It’s loaded with everything you need for kids 0-9, plus they do lots of fun activities. Check out wonder.com for more details. If you have an event and want a unique twisted and delicious option, contact us about our cart program. It will be a big hit! We also do pretzel twisting carts! Happy Saturday! Kim