Asbell explores the Vitamix

One of the metro's more prolific cookbook authors has another out, her ninth, and it aims to take Vitamixes beyond the smoothie. "300 Best Blender Recipes Using your Vitamix" (Robert Rose, $24.95), by Robin Asbell, has the expected fare, but also shows how this Rolls-Royce of blenders can grind flour, make cocktails, grind coffee, make sauces, prepare baby food, even blend skin care products (think carrot turmeric honey mask). Asbell, who's also a Taste columnist, includes loads of prep tips to make you a better cook, even if you never turn on the blender. But the recipe for a chocolate stout shake makes that unlikely (see recipe below). To learn more, visit robinasbell.com.

Pazazz apples now in stores

The Pazazz apple, introduced last year in the Twin Cities, is back in stores through February. The winter variety, descended from the popular Honeycrisp and another variety, is in Hy-Vee, Lunds & Byerlys, Coborns and Cub Foods stores. The apple is greenish-yellow with a red brush stroke overlay and a flavor that actually improves with storage as its higher starches turn to a blend of sugar and starches. Created by Doug Shefelbine at his experimental fruit farm in Holmen, Wis., Pazazz now will be distributed nationally.

Super Bowl stats

Football is a game of player statistics, but turns out some folks keep track of eater statistics. For what it's worth, Philadelphia Cream Cheese reports that more than 60 million pounds of cream cheese are sold around Super Bowl weekend. What does that look like? Apparently, it's the equivalent of 64 million footballs (as if we know what that looks like). They further note that of this amount, 60 percent will be Philly brand.

Likewise, a research group, Influence Central, reports that more than three in four bowl game viewers also will be on social media while watching, mostly to share their thoughts about the commercials. Almost half of hosts will offer hearty fare such as burgers, hot dogs and pulled pork. Otherwise, snacks. And 45 percent say they plan their parties weeks in advance, while one in three say they kick off the planning process once the two teams are finalized. (For menus for the Super Bowl, see next week in Taste.)

Lakeville coffee supports troops

A Long Lake company, Founding Fathers Coffee, began business last year with the mission of supporting military families with 50 percent of its profits. Now it's announced a partnership with Folds of Honor which, along with the American Legion, will share those profits. Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the children and spouses of those fallen or disabled while serving our nation. Founding Father coffee makes five different roasts in K-cups and ground. It also produces a line of domestic premium lager beer. For a list of retail outlets, visit foundingfathersproducts.com.

KIM ODE