Thursday, April 1, 2010

Hellmann’s, Bobby Flay & Me

Last month I told you I had just shot a cooking video for Hellmanns.com with Bobby Flay as part of their new campaign: The Real Food Project.  I’m very excited that I can now tell you a lot more about it including links to my video and some behind the scenes footage.  The Real Food Project is all about solving America’s dinner dilemmas and showing you how.  One thing I want to clear up is that Hellmann’s is Best Foods west of the Rockies.  The jars look exactly the same otherwise.  It’s kind of funny because I grew up in Massachusetts so Hellmann’s seems totally normal to me, but as I’ve been working with Hellmann’s and telling people here in LA about it, I get some confused looks from the natives.  So, anyway, now that we’ve got the Hellmann’s and Best Foods Mayonnaise names straightened out, let’s get on with the campaign:  Last week, The Real Food Project was kicked off on Hellmanns.com by Chef (and dad) Bobby Flay and actress (and mom) Lori Laughlin who is herself an aspiring “Real Food Mom”.  As side note: my vey first blogging interview was with Lori Laughlin.  For that interview, I had Chip and Lulu with me and they were babies.  Lori was so great and we talked about her two kids who are also close in age.  When I heard Lori was on board with The Real Food Project, I thought what an excellent choice!  Bobby and Lori unveiled the Real Food Project on Hellmanns.com where you will find a comprehensive online resource offering tips and ideas on how to create real meals made with Real Food.

HellmannsGreenOnionPotatoSalad Since for many people, seeing is believing, The Real Food Project features a series of entertaining how-to tutorials – starring Flay (one with me!)–  to give parents the tools and techniques to prepare great-tasting, at-home meals for their families. The videos are available at www.Hellmanns.com.  Lori Loughlin says that her kids have unadventurous palates which is something that I think pretty much every parent can relate to.  It was something Bobby and I talked about at our shoot.  One thing Bobby and I agreed on is that you just keep offering new things to your kids and if they don’t like it, try it again in a week or so.  I know it’s tough to get shot down by your kid, but it’s something I try to do, just put a piece of whatever I’m serving on their plates and not make a big deal about it if they do or do not eat it.  The recipe Bobby showed me how to make is Green Onion Potato Salad.  One of of the really cool things about this recipe is that it uses Hellmann’s Light Mayonnaise.  It didn’t even taste like it was light because it had so much added flavor with all of Bobby’s ingredients here is a link to the video of me cooking with Bobby and here is a link to the recipe both of which are on the Hellmann’s website.  In the Sunday paper last week, I saw an ad for Best Foods Mayonnaise (because I live West of the Rockies) that featured Bobby and MY recipe (well, Bobby’s, but you know)!!!  I was so excited I cut it out and scanned it for my blog post.  One really fun aspect of the shoot was that during a break I got a chance to whip out my flip video camera and ask Bobby some questions.  Here, exclusive to my blog is some footage from that Q & A.  Bobby is a really fun guy and I feel really lucky I was given the opportunity to cook with him and learn all about the Hellmann’s Real Food Project.

When you head over to Hellmanns.com you’ll find a wide range of recipes, including sandwiches, entrees and side dishes, that provide delicious meal solutions.  I took a look and I’m pretty sure you’ll find something for every member of the family. The Real Food Project site will feature tips and suggestions for everyday meals in addition to seasonally appropriate recipe ideas including spring, Memorial Day, July 4th, Back to School and Thanksgiving.  Visitors to the site can also play “The Wheel of Real” instant win game and enter the Real Food Sweepstakes for a chance to win great prizes including a food essentials bundle, Bobby Flay Grill It cookbooks and Hellmann’s and Best Foods products.  So, please check it out, test out some recipes and try something new!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I was about to not listen to the commercial while watching Sunday's Amazing Race on cbs.com and I hear "..blogged Elizabeth..." and wow, there you were!

-Matt.