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The Best of Times
April may be the cruelest month, according to T. S. Eliot. But here in Memphis, we kind of like it. It's the time of new beginnings, family get-togethers for Easter and Passover, plus temperatures that even Goldilocks would love -- not too hot, not too cold but just right. So take time to enjoy the season and read this newsletter as we celebrate one of the best month's of the year!
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 Peep Show
Pastel M&Ms? Forget about 'em. Jelly beans? They don't even come close. When it comes to the Easter Bunny's most requested item, there is only one champ: Peeps. Since its introduction in 1953, the popularity of the marshmallow treat has skyrocketed. Each spring, Americans purchase more than 700 million. But it's not just the taste that makes Peeps so in demand. It's all about the color too, with yellow the most favored, followed by pink, lavender, blue and white. This candy is so loved, its fans have even devoted whole Web sites and blogs to it.
If you are one of the few, though, who's not into Peeps, the National Confectioner's Association has some cool candy facts for you, as well. Read on to become an expert on all things Easter-- candy-wise.
- Americans spend nearly $1.9 billion on Easter candy each year.
- Candy is a relatively recent Easter tradition. Chocolate eggs were first made in Europe in the early 1800s.
- Jellybeans did not become an Easter tradition until the 1930s. They were probably first made in America by Boston candy maker William Schrafft, who ran advertisements urging people to send jellybeans to soldiers fighting in the Civil War.
- Chocolate bunnies should be eaten ears first, according to 76% of Americans. Five percent said bunnies should be eaten feet first, while 4% favored eating the tail first.
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Above and Beyond Cares
Our commitment to donating $500 per month to a local charitable organization has just become a reality. The first non-profit to receive the funds from our ABC Giveaway is HopeWorks. The organization seeks to serve the poor through outreach
programs that develop individual worth, encourage personal
responsibility and promote the honor
and value of work.
The ABC Giveaway is Above and Beyond's way of trying to make a
difference where it counts most, close to home. We accept
nominations through the mail or you can submit a charity of your choice online. A non-profit is selected each month via a random drawing of all the nominations.
Don't forget to tell your friends and family to
enter, as well! The last donation for the year will be awarded to the
charity with the HIGHEST accumulated votes.
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Always Be Prepared
 It's that magical time of year in the Bluff City. Wherever you look, something beautiful is in bloom. Life seems just a bit better. But as always, along with the good comes a bit of the bad. And for us, it's prime tornado season. According to City-Data.com, Memphis' historical tornado activity is 170% greater than the overall U.S. average.
We all know the basics of tornado safety. But there are several steps you can take before the big storm that could save lives, including:
Developing a tornado disaster plan. Select a location in your
home that will act as a shelter and practice having all family members go to
it. Creating an emergency communication strategy. Choose where
everyone will meet if separated. Tornadoes can happen during the day when the
kids are in school and you are at work. Select an out-of-state friend or
relative as a central contact. After a disaster, it's sometimes easier to call
long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address and phone number of
the contact. Making an emergency supply kit. It should contain:
� Flashlight and extra batteries � Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries � First aid kit and manual � Emergency food and water � Non-electric can opener � Essential medicines � Cash and credit cards � Sturdy shoes
And always remember, if you experience electrical damage give us a call at 901-266-4630. Emergency service is available, plus we now are installing permanent generators (see coupon below) to keep you up and running no matter the weather!
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Perfect Passover Cake
 Since the use of flour is forbidden during the eight days of Passover, coming up with a cake with a "wow-factor" can be difficult. Luckily, Kosher food blogger Giora Shimoni has met that challenge and created an incredible cake that's easy to make and please the taste buds of everyone.
For those who don't eat soy products during Passover, use a non-soy
milk substitute.
6 eggs 1/2 cup sugar 9 ounces parve bittersweet chocolate 6 Tablespoons water 18-ounce container parve whip topping 1 cup soy milk 13-ounce package vanilla pudding powder 1 ounce parve bittersweet chocolate for garnish (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Separate eggs. Set yolks aside. Whip whites until stiff, but not dry.
Add sugar to egg whites. In microwave, melt chocolate with 6 tablespoons water. Mix yolks into melted chocolate. Fold chocolate mixture into egg whites. Spread batter in pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool. The cake will deflate as it cools. Whip cream, milk substitute and pudding together in mixer. Spread on
cooled cake. Using a vegetable peeler to create chocolate flakes. Sprinkle on
cake. Cake must be completely cool before spreading
the whipped topping on it.
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Down to Earth
Don't forget to mark your calendar for April 25 and join us at the Shelby Farm's Down-to-Earth Festival. The event, which is the Mid-south's largest Earth Day celebration, is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and features lots of food, music, fun and games. Meet our staff, learn more about our "green" programs and sign up for hourly raffles. |
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