Tree Top Blog Tour and America's Secret Ingredient Contest

With summer officially here, many of us find much of our free time spent outdoors....even when it comes to eating. Barbecues and picnics are a favorite around our house, but finding delicious and healthy recipes can be challenging sometimes. That's why I was excited when introduced to Tree Top.

Tree Top is a fruit-processing co-op owned by more than 1,000 apple and pear growers throughout the Pacific Northwest. This year they are celebrating their 50th anniversary of producing pure and healthy fruit-based products. They are dedicated to encouraging Americans everywhere to eat more apples. Whether it be freezing apple juice to make popsicles or marinating meat or fish in apple juice for extra flavor...it is their hope to show people how healthy, and yummy, apples and fruit products can be when integrated into their diet. For those who aren't familiar with the health benefits of eating apples, here are just a few of many:

• Protects against childhood asthma and wheezing
• Reduce the risk of certain cancers
  
• Brain Health
• Heart Health

As they celebrate the benefits and versatility of cooking with apples, Tree Top has launched an America's Secret Ingredient contest, which began June 15th. Contestants are asked to submit their apple themed recipes for a chance to win a trip to New York City and attend the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival in October, have their recipes showcased and meet some of the Food Network stars.

I really enjoyed learning more about Tree Top and their effort to encourage Americans to integrate more apples and fruit-based products into their diets. I have to admit, that although we do eat apples, I never thought to substitute them into my recipes. Did you know that substituting applesauce in place of butter and replacing white sugar with apple juice can actually cut fat and calories while adding a boost of antioxidants and vitamin C?! These were completely new and exciting ideas to me, which is why I was thrilled when I learned I was going to be a part of the Tree Top Blog Tour through Mom Central!

We were sent Tree Top Apple Sauce, 3 Apple Blend 100% Fresh Pressed Juice, and Tree Top Trim Mango Peach juice drink to use and include in some of our recipes.

I used the apple juice to make some yummy 'ice cubes' which added such a great taste to an otherwise bland and boring cup of cold water! Kaelyn really enjoyed it as well! It's great knowing that there easy ways to integrate healthy foods into our diet.

I also used the apple sauce as a glaze for our pork chops which was very good! It was another great summer meal that couldn't have tasted any better thanks to Tree Top!

Each of the products we received from Tree Top were delicious. It has helped me learn about the many simple ways apple products can be incorporated into the recipes I make this summer. I have found several healthy recipes I'd love to try right on the Tree Top website. I think the Teri-Apple Chicken Wings Recipe looks amazing!

How about you? Do you have any great recipes that include apples or apple products? If so, you may want to check out the America's Secret Ingredient contest!

**I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Tree Top and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.**