Monday, December 28, 2009

Start Sugar-free in January!

Interested in learning easy ways to go sugar-free in 2010? Southern California residents can get quick tips from sugar-free / gluten-free chef Kelly Keough in person at Whole Foods Markets all month, see dates & times below. Not able to make it out to her classes? Get Kelly's cookbooks for simple & tasty recipes.

Kelly broke the sugar addiction, you can too!

1/5, Tues: 4-7 pm
- 7871 West Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo
1/7, Thurs: 11-2 pm - 6350 W 3rd St, Los Angeles - Demo
1/12, Tues: 11-2 pm - 21347 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills - Demo
1/14, Thurs: 4-7 pm - 740 N Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks - Demo
1/18, Mon: 4-7 pm - 3751 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena - Demo
1/20, Weds: 4-7 pm - 19340 Rinaldi St, Northridge - Demo
1/21, Thurs: 11-2 pm - 11666 National Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo
1/22, Fri: 4-7 pm - 331 N Glendale Ave, Glendale - Demo
1/30, Sat: 11 am - 2201 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica - CLASS
1/31, Sun: 11-2 pm - 239 N Crescent Dr, Beverly Hills - Demo



Thursday, December 24, 2009

"It’s a sugar problem – any sugar."

In 2004 Professor of Nutrition, Dr. Barry Popkin & Dr. George Bray of Baton Rouge's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, published a now well-known study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which hypothesized that there was a direct link between the rise in obesity & the consumption of High Fructose Corn Syrup. Their paper started a frenzy of consumer hysteria over HFCS leading the public to abandon products containing the ingredient & swapping it for what they perceived as the healthier, more natural alternative - sugar.

In a recent interview Dr. Popkin commented on the common misperception that sugar is a safer alternative to HFCS stating, “We showed later that fructose from sugar has the same effect,” Popkin said. “We were wrong in our speculations on high fructose corn syrup about their link to weight... it’s a sugar problem – any sugar."

The bottom line is whether you're consuming HFCS, fructose, sucrose, soda or fruit juice, it's all still converting into sugar & calories in the body & they all come with the same health risks. It is important to reduce, or better yet, avoid all of the above. The good news is ZSweet® tastes like sugar but is naturally zero calories & will not raise your blood sugar or contribute to weight gain like the others, including natural sugar, which is still sugar.

Read the full article,
"Fructose in the firing line" here.

photo credit: sugarstacks.com

Monday, December 21, 2009

Healthy Sugar-free Thoughts & Actions

Looking for more ZSweet® recipes? Life Coach & Weight Counselor, Janet Ciel has some creative & healthy ideas at her site: healthythoughtshealthyactions.com.

Try her Oatmeal Pancakes, Artichoke & Carmelized Onion Frittata, Apple Turnovers, Pumpkin Muffins & Chocolate Pudding Cake!



photo credit: healthythoughtshealthyactions.com

Friday, December 18, 2009

ZSweet®'s a 10!

Wellness author & show host Leah Guy recently published rave reviews for ZSweet® at her website ModernSage.com. An admitted recovering sugar addict, Leah professes her renewed joy in sweets made possible by all natural, zero calorie, sugar-free ZSweet®. She tested ZSweet® in tea, over cereal & unsweetened soymilk & baked into a batch of ZSweet® "sugar" cookies.

Leah exclaims, "I feel like I’ve got a life again, one that I missed for so long – one that allows COOKIES in my diet, soft, moist, deliciously sweet cookies. If you have sugar issues or are diabetic, do not let another day go by without trying Zsweet. The existence as you know it will be forever changed, I promise."

She gave ZSweet® a 10+! Read her entire review of ZSweet® here & sign up for her newsletter to receive more detailed reviews & practical advice for staying healthy, looking beautiful & living well! You'll also be entered in for a chance to win a goodie bag of ZSweet®.


photo credit: modernsage.com

Monday, November 30, 2009

Kelly's December Sugar-free / Gluten-free / Vegan Events


Find Kelly Keough at the following Whole Foods Markets this month sampling delicious recipes made with ZSweet® from her cookbook, "The Sweet Truth" .

12/1, Tues: 4-7 pm
- 7871 West Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo
12/2, Weds: 4-7 pm - 21347 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills - Demo
12/3, Thurs: 11-2 pm - 2201 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica - Demo
12/8, Tues: 4-7 pm - 3751 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena - Demo
12/10, Thurs: 10-1 pm - 11666 National Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo
12/11, Fri: 4-7 pm - 6350 W 3rd St, Los Angeles - Demo
12/21, Mon: 6 pm - 40 Railroad St, Andover, MA - Class
12/29, Tues: 4-7 pm - 24130 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita - Demo
12/30, Weds: 4-7 pm - 331 N Glendale Ave, Glendale - Demo
12/31, Thurs: 11-2 pm - 239 N Crescent Dr, Beverly Hills - Demo


Friday, October 23, 2009

World Diabetic KID'Z Weekend


Fresno family & friends of children with diabetes should head out to the Selland Arena November 7th & 8th for the World Diabetic KID'Z Weekend. This FREE event will feature a Guitar Hero & Rock Band Contest, a live concert, local comedy & music & a Health Fair & Symposium throughout the day. There will be vendors & free samples & coupons for ZSweet®. Come out & celebrate kids with diabetes!

Saturday & Sunday November 7th & 8th
Selland Arena
700 M St
Fresno, CA 93721-271
(281) 447-8833

Friday, October 16, 2009

Vegan / Sugar-Free / Gluten-Free Goji & Pistachio Raw Cacao Recipe

goji and pistachio raw cacao

by Kelly Keough

1 1/4 cups Artisana coconut crème

3 tablespoons Madhava agave

2 teaspoons chocolate extract

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 cup ZSweet®

3 tablespoons Navitas Naturals cacao

3 tablespoons roasted carob powder

1/4 cup pistachios, shelled

1/4 cup Navitas Naturals Goji berry

2 tablespoons Navitas Naturals cacao nibs

Manitoba Harvest hemp milk for thinning

Melt coconut crème and place in food processor. Add agave, stevia, and ZSweet®. Blend. Add cocoa and carob and blend. Add in Goji, pistachios, and nibs. Pulse until just incorporated. Use extra hemp milk for thinning. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread mixture a 1/4 inch thick. Set in freezer for 15 minutes. Break into pieces.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Unconventional Angels Coupon Book Hits Stores in October



Everyone Can Save Money and Save Lives!

Santa Barbara, CA – October 1, 2009 – This October, shoppers will have a chance to save money on their favorite natural and organic brands while helping to save the lives of malnourished children around the globe. In an unprecedented joint initiative called “Unconventional Angels,” Vitamin Angels in partnership with The Organic Center and the Organic Trade Association, is offering a free coupon book featuring over $40 in savings.By redeeming coupons and saving money, consumers will be helping Vitamin Angels to achieve its goal of reaching over 10 million children this year. One third of all childhooddeaths are caused by malnutrition. For only 25¢, Vitamin Angels can provideenough micronutrients to reduce child mortality by 23%. It’s a simple, effective solution to a major global health problem. Shoppers should look for the Unconventional Angels coupon book in participating stores including Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods Markets, Sprouts, Henry’s and Sunflower Farmers Markets, Vitamin Cottage, Better Health and Fruitful Yield along with hundreds of independent natural and organic retailers (a complete list is available at: http://www.vitaminangels.org/unconventional-angels).



“By participating in this cause-related coupon book, smart shoppers can feel good about saving money while helping underprivileged children around the world,” says Howard Schiffer, Founder of Vitamin Angels. “This important program benefits consumers and supports the growth of natural and organic business while also supporting a life-saving effort around the world.” In addition to redeeming a coupon, customers can provide vital support by donating at the register, donating online by going to vitaminangels.org or by sending a check to Vitamin Angels PO Box 4490, Santa Barbara, CA 93140 USA.

About Vitamin Angels Vitamin Angels is dedicated to reducing child mortality worldwide by advancing availability, access and use of essential micronutrients, especially Vitamin A, to newborns, infants and children under five. In 2009, Vitamin Angels will connect over 10,000,000 children in over 30 countries, including the US, with the vital nutrients they need as a foundation for good health. To learn more about the problem of global malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and Vitamin Angels' solution for change, log on to our website at www.vitaminangels.org.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

October Gluten-free / Sugar-free Classes

Sweet chef Kelly Keough is hosting more sugar-free / gluten-free raw cooking classes & demos this month at Whole Foods Markets in Southern California. Stop by for some delicious, innovative & simple recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without tipping your scale.

10/1, Thurs: 4-7 pm - 19340 Rinaldi St, Northridge - Demo
10/6, Tues: 6:30 pm - 239 N Crescent Dr, Beverly Hills
10/13, Tues: 6:30 pm - 7871 W Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles
10/15, Thurs: 6 pm - 21347 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills
10/19, Mon: 4-7 pm - 465 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena - Demo
10/21, Weds: 7 pm - 3751 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena
10/23, Fri: 4-7 pm - 6350 W 3rd St, Los Angeles - Demo
10/26, Mon: 4-7 pm - 331 N Glendale Ave, Glendale - Demo
10/28, Weds: 4-7 pm - 24130 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita - Demo
10/29, Thurs: 4-7 pm - 11666 National Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Save On ZSweet®, Save Kid's Lives.

ZSweet® is a proud sponsor of Vitamin Angels, a charity that sends essential nutrients to undernourished children around the world to help reduce mortality rates and help kids lead healthy, productive lives.

Look for The Vitamin Angels coupon book at natural retailers this month. For every coupon you redeem those brands will donate a portion of your purchase to this important cause.

Learn more about Vitamin Angels.

Print, share & redeem our ZSweet® Vitamin Angels coupon.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

SUGAR: Seeing Is Believing

I just came across this eye-opening website, sugarstacks.com. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and nothing could be truer when it comes to how this site illustrates with sugar cubes the amount of sugar we consume in many popular snacks and beverages.

They also use carrots to show how many you'd have to eat to equal the same amount of sugar, and it's unbelievable.

Fortunately, health conscious consumers can use ZSweet® to fill the sugar void without concern for calories and all the other sugar-related health problems.

photo credit: sugarstacks.com

Friday, September 4, 2009

ZSweet® Celebrity Sightings... Did You See Her?

Yesterday I went to visit Kelly Keough at Whole Foods in West Hollywood. She was sampling her delicious sugar-free / gluten-free, vegan, raw hemp ball truffles made with ZSweet®... did you see her? More importantly, did you taste the truffles? They are UH-MAZ-ING!!!

Also spotted at Whole Foods that day were actors Kathy Najimy from movies like 'Sister Act' & 'Soap Dish' & Andrea Roth from the FX Show 'Rescue Me'. They both tried ZSweet®... how cool is that? We hope they become big fans!

Kelly has more free demos & cooking classes going on in the L.A. area Whole Foods all month. Click here for dates & store addresses.

photo credits: kathynajimy.com, fxnetworks.com

Mr. Sparkle Moment

We just had a Mr. Sparkle moment here at ZSweet® Corporate. Remember that episode of The Simpsons where Homer discovers his face on a box of Japanese laundry detergent and he's completely perplexed as to how it got there? Well, one of our friends just sent us a photo of ZSweet® being sold at a store in Hong Kong. We're thrilled it's there, we just don't know how it happened. D'oh!

Konnichiha to our ZSweet® fans in Japan!

Monday, August 31, 2009

FREE Sugar-free / Gluten-free Whole Foods SoCal Raw-cooking Classes

Cooking Show Host & Recipe Book author Kelly Keough "The Gluten-Free / Sugar-Free Chef" will be teaching free classes at Whole Foods Markets in Southern, CA this month. She will be featuring ZSweet®, handing out free samples & recipes. Don't miss it.
Also, pick up Kelly's new cookbook while you're there!


o Whole Foods – 7871 W SANTA MONICA BLVD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90046 – DEMO - Sept. 3, 4-7 pm
o Whole Foods – 2201 WILSHIRE BLVD, SANTA MONICA, CA 90403 – CLASS -
Sept. 5, 12 noon
o Whole Foods – 3715 E FOOTHILL BLVD,
PASADENA, CA 91107 – DEMO -
Sept. 10, 4-7 pm
o Whole Foods – 239 N CRESCENT DR,
BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210 - DEMO -
Sept. 12, 2 pm
o Whole Foods – 331 N GLENDALE AVE,
GLENDALE, CA 91206 – DEMO -
Sept. 21, 7 pm
o Whole Foods – 11737 SAN VICENTE BLVD, BRENTWOOD, CA 90049 – CLASS - Sept. 23, 7 pm
o Whole Foods – 21347 VENTURA BLVD,
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364 – CLASS -
Sept. 24, 6 pm
o Whole Foods – 6350 W 3RD ST, FAIRFAX, CA 90036 – CLASS - Sept. 26, 3 pm
o Whole Foods – 19340 RINALDI ST, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91326 (PORTER RANCH) – DEMO - Sept. 28, 4-7 pm
o Whole Foods – 11666 NATIONAL BLVD,
WEST LA, CA 90046 – CLASS -
Sept. 30, 6:30 pm

visit: www.wholefoodsmarket.com or www.kellykeough.com for more details.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Artificial Sweeteners in the Water?!

The 'Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry' Journal recently published new research revealing that seven major artificial sweeteners linked to numerous health side effects have been found in treated waste water. The studies were done on sewage water from two treatment plants in Germany and the chemicals: sucralose, acesulfame, saccharin, cyclamate, neotame, and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone were not successfully removed from the water that is recycled into tap water.

What does this mean for you and me? Even if we choose not to consume artificial sweeteners they are still present in our tap water, which I know I still use for making pasta, steaming vegetables, baking, making ice, and on a rare occasion, drinking.

How do you feel about being inadvertently exposed to these artificial chemical compounds?

Here at ZSweet® we are very alarmed by these facts. We are still committed to our "Worry-Free" philosophy; providing our communities with foods that are healthy and all natural so there's nothing to worry about. Let's hope the tap water becomes worry-free too.

photo credit: 'Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry'

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Monday, May 4, 2009

Livin' La Vida Zsweet®!

Congratulations to Cathy from Waterbury, Connecticut for winning the Zsweet® prize from Livin' La Vida Low-Carb's 4 year blogiversary giveaway!

Cathy won a Zsweet® T-shirt, Box of Zsweet® Packets, 8.8 oz. Zsweet® Table Top Canister, 1.5 lb. Zsweet® Pouch & "The Sweet Truth" Sugar-free / Gluten-free e-Cookbook by Kelly
Keough, Veria Channel Cooking Show Host.


Both Kelly Keough of the Sweet Truth & Jimmy Moore of Livin' La Vida Low-Carb are big inspirations to us at Zsweet®. If you haven't read their motivational stories about changing their lives through eating healthy & living well visit their sites now & & let them help you on your own journey to health & beauty.
photo credits:www.kellykeough.com, www.livinlavidalowcarb.com

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

"How sweet it is" to be on MSNBC.com


Some of you may have caught the Today Show's feature on sugar substitutes yesterday morning. If not, have a look at Nutritionist Joy Bauer's article and clip on their official website... and check out her great comments on ZSweet® in the article.
As a side note, I love agave as a natural sweetener, but I'm confused as to why they put it in the same category with natural zero calorie sweeteners. It's not zero calories, so be careful if that's important to you. The article mentions that, but sometimes in news clips they go so fast they fail to mention that.
photo credits: msnbc.com

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

What's The Best Sugar Substitute?

The search is over, the best sugar substitute is Zsweet® all natural sweetener. "Prove it!" you say? Ok, I will.

Every individual has different needs when choosing a sugar substitute: the dieter wants it to be zero calories, with no hidden calories like most so-called "zero calorie sweeteners"; the health nut wants it to be natural, GMO-free, free of artificial ingredients and flavors like MSG and not chemically processed; the diabetic needs it to be zero glycemic impact; people with candida want it to be sugar-free and also without certain fillers that will feed their candida; Moms want an alternative to sugar that won't cause cavities and send their kids into a sugar rush; sugar-free veterans don't want another sweetener that's going to having them rushing to the bathroom after each use or that has a bitter aftertaste; there's also the gluten-free and low-carb eaters, the vegans and those who eat kosher. You can make different suggestions for each of these people as to which sugar substitute will fit their individual needs, or you can recommend the same sweetener for all of these people and cover everyone's needs together all at once by recommending Zsweet®.

Zsweet® is naturally zero calories, zero glycemic index, zero net-carbs, vegan, kosher, gluten-free, GMO-free, MSG-free, will not promote candida growth or tooth decay, will not cause gastric distress and contains no known allergens. It's the all-in-one zero worries sweetener. You can happily serve Zsweet® to any family member or friend, especially those with dietary restrictions, with confidence and peace of mind.

Zsweet® is made using a natural culturing process; fermenting sugar to produce erythritol, a natural sugar alcohol; and then after adding natural non-citrus fruit extracts, Zsweet® crystalizes. The end result is similar to sugar in texture and taste. Unlike artificial sweeteners, aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, Zsweet® is not made in a laboratory and is not a man-made chemical compound that can not be found in nature. All of the ingredients in Zsweet® can be found in fruits and plants.
Why is Zsweet® better than plain old erythritol? A few reasons. First, plain erythritol is only 70% as sweet as sugar, but after adding our trade secret blend of natural fruit extracts, Zsweet® granular is 100% the same as sugar, and supersweet Zsweet® packets are twice as sweet as sugar.

Second, plain erythritol has a minty aftertaste or cooling effect as some describe it. Most people find this aftertaste very unpleasant in coffee and baked goods. Zsweet®'s blend has eliminated that aftertaste to produce a taste that is sweet like sugar with no lingering cooling sensation. This makes Zsweet® a great natural sugar alternative for cooking and baking. We recommend using recipes that are formulated for Zsweet® or erythritol to get the best results.

Third, even though clinical studies have shown that erythritol is the most mild sugar alcohol and thus not required by the FDA to carry a warning label, if consumed in large quantities plain erythritol can cause a laxative effect, especially for those sensitive to sugar alcohols. Zsweet® has been able to reduce the amount of erythritol to 1 gm per serving in our supersweet packets, therefore those with sensitivities can benefit from the high potency of the supersweet blend and keep their sugar alcohol intake to a minimum.

Zsweet® has been recommended by Dr.'s Nicholas Perricone, Andrew Weil and Julian Whitaker as a natural and healthy alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. Zsweet® can be found at Whole Foods Market and other natural retailers nation-wide as well as online at www.Zsweet.com and overseas at www.Zsweet.eu.

Consider all the benefits, try Zsweet® for yourself, and see if you're as convinced as I am, that Zsweet® really is the best sugar substitute out there.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Diabetic Friendly Zsweet®

Did you know that Zsweet® all natural sweetener is not only zero calories, zero-net carbs, but also zero glycemic impact? That is great news for Type 1 & Type 2 diabetics and also those concerned about pre-diabetes symptoms.As I mentioned in a previous blog post, a lot of "zero calorie" sweeteners sneak in hidden calories; that's because the FDA allows just under 5 calories per serving to be labeled zero calories. For many people with diabetes who rely on sugar substitutes as a staple of their diet, those hidden calories can add up fast! Some have even complained of mysterious blood sugar spikes, perhaps because they didn't count all those calories that weren't listed on their sweetener. Most people are unaware of this fact, so why wouldn't they assume a packet labeled zero calories is truly zero calories?

That is the beautiful thing about Zsweet®; the no worries sweetener; it is truly zero calories! When we say zero on the label, we mean it. Not only is it zero calories, but since it is zero-net carbs, there are no carbs in Zsweet® that are converted into calories, no matter how much you use. So next time you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, go ahead and sprinkle as much as Zsweet® as you want.



















If you want to get creative, d-Life.com is a wonderfully comprehensive resource for people with diabetes and you can find many delicious Zsweet® recipes there, as well as a plethora of other sugar-free meal ideas with all the nutrition facts clearly stated. Enjoy!

Click here for recipes:

Thursday, March 5, 2009

In The News Again...

Zsweet® was mentioned among other old & new sweeteners in the March 2009 issue of Parade. The article, "The Scoop on Sugar Substitutes" by Joy Bauer, highlighted some great facts about erythritol, such as it's being calorie free & not a cause of laxative effects like it's sugar alcohol brothers & sisters, xylitol, maltitol & sorbitol. Also mentioned is erythritol's sweetness being only 60-70% of sugar, but what was not mentioned is that Zsweet® has increased the sweetness of erythritol to 100-200% of sugar.
By using a special blend of fruit extracts, Zsweet® is the only erythritol based sweetener that can be purchased at the same sweetness as sugar, in our pouches and tabletop canister; or twice as sweet as sugar, in our supersweet individual packets. Other erythritol sweeteners have added sugar or other caloric fillers to try to increase the sweetness & eliminate the aftertaste of plain erythritol. Zsweet® remains zero calories, zero glycemic impact, zero-net carbs & 100% natural, while tasting the closest to sugar & being absolutely sugar-free.

Attention: UK Chocolate Lovers

Red23, Organic online Health Food store serving the UK population, sent us a sample of their Raw Chocolate Coconut Milk bars with Zsweet®... OMG!

These bars are delicious!!! They aren't like your typical waxy, sugary candy bar, that satisfy a guilty craving and then send you crashing later; nor are they like other tasteless, sugar-free bars that you try to tell yourself taste good so that you'll be happy about picking a healthy candy bar. These Red23 bars are both healthy & delicious! How did they do it? With Zsweet®, of course.

One of the major benefits of a sugar-free chocolate bar made with Zsweet® is that you won't end up with cramps or bloating later. Other sugar-free treats either have a nasty aftertaste from being artificially sweetened, or they send you running to the bathroom because they're made with powerful sugar alcohols like maltitol or xylitol.

If you live in the UK, definitely try these bars. They are absolutely fabulous!

UK & EU customers can shop for Zsweet® at www.Zsweet.eu.

Monday, March 2, 2009

"Blood, Sweat & Sugar" by Kristina Lindgren

Hey Orange County Locals, did you happen to pick up the March 2009 issue of Orange Coast Magazine?

Check out page 100 with a feature article about Zsweet® creator, Tim Avila. Kristina Lindgren takes a candid look into Tim's role in the natural sweetener biz, Zsweet®'s struggle as the lil' guy in a sea of brand giants, & Tim's passion & dedication to providing the world with an alternative to sugar that doesn't "taste terrible" as he puts it.

Also, the article features an informative sweetener comparison chart. Visit their site for distribution or subscribe.


Thursday, February 19, 2009

Who Likes The Taste of Chocolate & Mint?

Kelly Keough shares her simple sugar-free mint chocolate pattie recipe.
All the ingredients are natural & healthy, now that's sweet. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
Candy
1 ½ cups extra virgin coconut oil, melted
¾ cup hem butter
½ cup Zsweet® powdered
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 drops Peppermint Liquid Stevia
3 drops Chocolate Liquid Stevia
¼ cup agave
¾ cup roasted carob powder
½ cup raw cacao nibs
½ cup hemp seeds

Filling
½ cup hump butter
¼ cup agave
¼ cup powdered Zsweet®
2 drops Peppermint Liquid Stevia

PREPARATION
Line mini cup cake tins with paper liners. Melt coconut oil by placing jar under hot water or spoon into saucepan and melt over low flame. When coconut oil turns to a liquid, pour oil in medium bowl. Slowly whisk in peanut butter until smooth.
To powder Zsweet®, place in high powered blender and blend on low and increase speed high for 30 seconds. Measure amount needed. Whisk powdered Zsweet® into wet batter. Add in peppermint extract, Liquid Stevias, and agave one at a time and blend.
Slowly stir in carob and cacoa powder a spoonful at a time. Stir in raw cacoa nibs and hemp seeds one at a time. Batter should run off of spoon easily, but not too runny.

To make filling, in a small bowl mix together hemp butter and agave. Add Zsweet® and Liquid Stevia and mix. With two spoons, spoon drop a small teaspoon full of filling into prepared paper liners. Spoon a tablespoon full of prepared batter on top of filling. Freeze for 15 minutes. Store in freezer.
Yield: 50 candies.

For more delicious, guilt-free recipes visit: www.kellykeough.com.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Learning the "Sweet Truth" at Kelly Keough's Sugar-free & Gluten-free Cooking Class

Did you spot the Zsweet® van last night at Whole Foods in Tustin, CA?

I was there to attend "The Sweet Truth" TV show host & cookbook author, Kelly Keough's sugar-free, gluten-free chocolate cooking class. It was an intimate, hands-on experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Zsweet® is one of Kelly's staple ingredients. When I first scanned her table of ingredients, I must say, other than the Zsweet® I was unfamiliar with most of the items and a little intimidated. Green hemp butter, cacoa powder, goji berries... I've seen these foods before, but never knew what to do with them or how they would taste together. Let me tell you, they taste AMAZING together, and her recipes were complete in only 5 minutes!

Kelly has perfected sugar-free, gluten-free cooking. Even though I watched her make her recipes with my own two eyes, once I tasted them I couldn't believe there was absolutely no sugar inside. They were that sweet and delicious.

Once Kelly got started she explained the nutritional value of all the ingredients and let us taste each one. We sampled the hemp butter with agave nectar on top which she recommended as a great peanut butter and jelly taste alternative, and she was right, it tasted just like that. She explained that agave and stevia are great compliments to Zsweet® and that it's necessary to use a blend of alternatives to achieve the most sugar-like taste without the sugar.

As she was preparing the recipes she was friendly and inviting. We all took turns participating, there was lots of Q&A and at the end we all had yummy samples to take home.

Kelly Keough has used her innovation to come up with creative, simple recipes to satisfy sugar cravings without eating sugar. She really makes eating healthy taste scrumptious and appear attainable for everyone. If you're working on breaking your sugar addiction and you need help getting over the hump, or if you're interested in guilt-free desserts, DEFINITELY buy Kelly's cookbook "The Sweet Truth" for all her unbelievably sugar-free recipes.


Southern California residents, check your Whole Foods event calendars for her next class. DISH Network subscribers, watch Kelly Keough's show "The Sweet Truth" on Veria TV.