Happy Grub founder, Ashley Davies, showcased her mom tips and resourceful cooking skills in the latest episode of the reality TV show, Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars. The “Campfire Feast” filming took place in a National Park in Tucson, AZ in 111 degree heat! But nestled amongst the barren, dry and scorching deserts of Arizona and regions of the Southwest, the saguaro cactus bears a hidden gem – the saguaro fruit. Ashley and her team arrived ready to win, and demonstrated versatility and creativity as they expertly incorporated this ancient delicacy into their winning dish. A testament to Ashley's passion for food, the saguaro fruit was just another signpost on Ashley’s journey in discovering and innovating in the culinary world. Read on to discover more about this ancient and revered fruit.

Saguaro Dessert from Food Stars 

In the fifth episode of Food Stars, Ashley and contestants faced the challenges of extreme heat and heat exhaustion. Each team was tasked with incorporating saguaro fruit into one of their dishes while cooking on an open flame, and also creating a memorable tourist excursion complete with event, food, and entertainment. Ashley’s team didn’t back down from this challenge.

Despite being on the same team, communication was hindered as tasks were divided, but Ashley's team showcased their strength with skilled members overall. After paying close attention to details (like discreetly rectifying a minor mishap by adding ice to two forgotten drinks before anyone noticed), Ashley's team emerged victorious once again with the winning meal. The meal was a bone-in pork chop with maple bourbon glaze, grilled zucchini, cowboy caviar, and sun tea. And to complete the challenge with the featured ingredient and star of the show, they served a cinnamon sugar pizza topped with the saguaro fruit, finished with powdered sugar and a drizzle of chocolate. It was a desert dessert sensation.

The episode adequately showcased the culinary breadth of the treasured saguaro cactus fruit amongst all of the teams, and showed why it has enchanted Native American tribes for ages. Often overshadowed by the towering saguaro cacti themselves, the fruit possesses both cultural significance and a tantalizing flavor that captivates the palate.

What is Saguaro Fruit?

The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is an emblem of the American Southwest, particularly in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Towering up to 40 feet tall and boasting lifespans exceeding 150 years, these majestic cacti thrive in the unforgiving desert environment. Their thick, ribbed trunks and spiky exterior are tailored for water storage and survival. However, it is within the saguaro fruit that the desert's hidden delights are found.

Harvesting the Saguaro Fruit

Saguaro fruit ripens from late spring to early summer, typically between May and July. The laborious process of harvesting the fruit requires meticulous care and respect for nature. Indigenous communities, with generations of expertise in saguaro fruit harvesting, employ long poles or ladders to gather the fruit. It is vital to practice sustainable harvesting techniques to preserve the cacti and maintain the delicate desert ecosystem.

Taste and Culinary Applications

Once plucked, the saguaro fruit reveals its succulent, sweet pulp, ranging in hues from deep red to translucent white. Its taste is a delightful fusion of melon, strawberry, and cucumber notes, accompanied by a mild tanginess that adds depth. Native American tribes traditionally employ the saguaro fruit in various culinary creations. It is transformed into delectable syrups, jams, and jellies. Additionally, the fruit can be fermented to craft a refreshing, mildly alcoholic beverage known as "cactus wine." The fruit's small, black seeds, resembling tiny beans, can also be ground into a nutritious flour abundant in healthy fats and proteins.

Cultural Significance and Conservation Efforts

The saguaro fruit holds immense cultural significance for Native American tribes. Its harvest is accompanied by ceremonies and rituals that honor the cacti while expressing gratitude for the desert's abundant offerings. Unfortunately, saguaro populations face challenges due to urbanization, climate change, and other factors. Dedicated organizations and conservation groups tirelessly strive to safeguard and restore the saguaro habitat, ensuring the preservation of this cultural and culinary treasure for future generations to cherish.

Exploring Saguaro Fruit Recipes

Embracing the saguaro fruit's versatility, numerous delectable recipes have emerged. As Ashley would say, healthy natural sweetness is the best way to enjoy breakfast, like her favorite way to eat Happy Grub Mix pancakes with added fruit instead of syrup. From mouthwatering saguaro fruit syrup drizzled over pancakes to the sweet and tangy flavors of saguaro fruit jam spread on warm toast, the possibilities are endless. Saguaro fruit can also be incorporated into pies, sorbets, and even savory dishes like salsas or marinades. The exploration of saguaro fruit recipes allows one to appreciate the fruit's unique characteristics and savor natural sweetness. 

Against the backdrop of the scorching Arizona desert, Ashley and her team embarked on a flavorful journey with saguaro fruit.  From its cultural significance to its culinary applications, the saguaro fruit is a treasure that captivates the palate. This extraordinary fruit became the star ingredient in their winning dish, highlighting Ashley and her team’s ability to make it happen against the odds. The saguaro fruit serves as a testament to the resilience of nature and how remarkable experiences lie within the most unexpected places. Together, let's appreciate the wonders of food and continue to embrace culinary adventures for generations to come.

Stay tuned for more updates and don't miss the exciting episode on Fox every Wednesday, and available the following Thursday on Hulu! 

Follow us and the show on social media for all the latest news and behind-the-scenes insights:

Official Hashtag: #FoodStars

Facebook: @eathappygrub @RealityClubFOX

Twitter: @AshleyDaviesHG @RealityClubFOX

Instagram: @eathappygrub @realityclubfox

TikTok: @eathappygrub @realityclubfox

 

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Ashley Davies, Mom & Food Entrepreneur, shares her time-saving and sanity-preserving shortcuts for busy moms. As a mom and business owner, Ashley understands the unique challenges of juggling household and business responsibilities while giving her kids her best. We'll explore her hacks on meal planning, kitchen organization, involving kids in household tasks, navigating conflicts, and effective time management. Let's dive in!

Meal Planning: Using Available Technology

Meal planning can be a real game-changer for busy moms. Ashley swears by Instacart. This convenient service saves her time and energy by delivering groceries straight to her doorstep. It's like having a personal assistant in the form of a grocery shopper! When takeout isn’t an option, having pantry staples and ingredients on hand allows for quick and stress-free meal preparation.

Also, in a mom’s kitchen, efficiency and using the best and latest kitchenware is key. She recommends buying utensils, bowls, and cookware that are dishwasher and microwave safe. This makes cleanup a breeze, saving precious time and effort. Check out Ashley’s favorite, revolutionary hybrid HexClad pans, which are not only durable and versatile but also safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave.

Takeaways:

Meal Prepping for Families

• Plan and prepare meals that can be repurposed into new dishes, minimizing the need for cooking from scratch every day.
• Prep ingredients in advance, such as chopping vegetables or marinating meat, to reduce cooking time during the week.
• Cook larger batches of any given meal and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals on busy days.
• Utilize slow cookers or Instant Pots for hands-off and time-saving cooking.

Organize a Kitchen for Efficiency

• Use a meal planning app or website to streamline the process and save time on recipe selection and grocery list creation.
• Keep a notepad on the fridge to jot down grocery needs as soon as you run out of something.
• Use clear and labeled food storage containers to easily identify leftovers and reduce food waste.
• Create a designated spot for frequently used items, like spices or cooking utensils, to avoid wasting time searching for them.

Delegate: Involve Kids in Household Tasks  

Getting the kids involved in household chores lightens the load for moms and teaches them valuable life skills. Ashley assigns specific job duties to her kids, such as playing with and feeding the dogs, watering plants, and even cleaning the bathroom. Both of her children help with the dishes and loading the dishwasher, making it a fun activity with bubbles and water play. Ashley believes in starting early, introducing chores to children as young as four. She uses a chore chart and rewards system to motivate and recognize their efforts, with activities like visiting the kids' museum or going on hikes as incentives.

Takeaways:

• Teach kids basic cooking skills so they can help with meal preparation, such as measuring ingredients or stirring. A great way to get started is using Happy Grub Squeezable Instant Pancake Mix!
• Establish a rotating chore schedule to distribute tasks evenly among family members and encourage teamwork.
• Turn chores into games or competitions to make them more engaging and enjoyable for kids.
• Use a competition format or timing for tasks to create a sense of urgency and help kids stay focused.

Additionally, Ashley also emphasizes the importance of using technology that is available to you to delegate tasks and make your life easier. It could be food or laundry takeout services during a hectic week, or even shopping for the best robotic vacuum. 

Navigating Conflict: Diffuse and Distract

Conflict resolution can be challenging, especially with young kids, but Ashley has a few tricks up her sleeve. When her daughter is upset, she distracts her by suggesting a hair play session. For her son, she invites him to dig a hole in the yard as a way to redirect his attention and emotions (he loves it!). These simple yet effective strategies maintain a more harmonious household.

Takeaways:

• Encourage open communication and understand each family member's perspective and motivations to either redirect or diffuse tension during conflicts.
• As a family, you can practice taking deep breaths and encouraging mindfulness to help everyone calm down and regain composure.
• Create designated strategies or a space for each kid to retreat into their own personal worlds when they need a moment to themselves.
• For bigger conflicts for the whole family to find a solution, encourage kids to do the same by taking a breath and some time to reconvene for a family compromise when emotions have died down.

Time Management: Organizing Your Day and Establishing Routines

Efficiently managing time is crucial for every mom. Ashley recommends establishing a schedule for both you and your kids. She starts her day at 5 a.m. by laying out the kids' clothes for school on designated days, ensuring a smooth morning routine. Breakfast is prepared at a specific time, and she relies on Happy Grub squeezable instant pancakes for a quick and mess-free hot breakfast. Ashley also prepares their lunch before the kids wake up, eliminating the morning rush and stress. To manage time effectively, Ashley advises choosing two habits to be consistent about each week, and gradually adding a third habit the following week. This incremental approach helps establish routines without overwhelming yourself.

Takeaways:

• Prioritize tasks by using a to-do list or task management app to stay organized and focused.
• Set specific time blocks for different activities throughout the day to create a structured routine.
• Use available technology, such as calendar apps, reminders, and delivery services or subscriptions to staple household items (don’t forget Happy Grub!) to keep track of appointments, deadlines, household needs, and important events.
• Remember to overfill your mom cup when you have a self-care day or activity by immersing yourself as fully as possible to ensure time for relaxation and rejuvenation.

 

Incorporating Ashley's Mom Hacks Into Your Life

With Ashley Davies' mom shortcuts and hacks, you can simplify your daily routine and reclaim precious time for yourself and your family. From meal planning to involving kids in household tasks, using technologies to help, navigating conflicts, and managing time, Ashley's practical advice hopefully offers a few fresh ideas to help improve mom life. Remember, finding what works for you and your family is key. Start implementing these strategies, and watch as your life becomes more organized, efficient, and enjoyable.

 

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Our founder, Ashley Davies, has been receiving national attention for bringing innovation to the pancakes space, and now, we’re thrilled to have even more reason to celebrate as she brings it on Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars, the highly anticipated new competition show that premiered on Fox on May 24th!  

Ashley was selected to compete on the show for her passion and drive behind our solution to mealtime. We've revolutionized the way families can cook together and cast aside the usual mess, with the help of Happy Grub’s innovative and healthy, squeezable instant pancake mix.

Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars is an exhilarating competition show that brings together some of the most talented and innovative food entrepreneurs in the industry. In each episode, watch as aspiring culinary talents go head-to-head, bringing their unique industry skills to the table, to impress not only the discerning taste buds of the judges but also the millions of viewers tuning in. With high stakes, intense challenges, and cut-throat guidance from Gordon Ramsay himself, the show promises to be a rollercoaster ride of flavors, creativity, and competition. It's a platform where culinary dreams come true, and the opportunity for Ashley Davies and Happy Grub to be featured on such a prestigious show is an incredible and humbling achievement.

Appearing on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars alongside culinary icon Gordon Ramsay has elevated our brand beyond our wildest dreams, and we can't wait for viewers to witness Ashley's passion and creativity as she competes in each competition alongside other food entrepreneurs. Our hope is that through this platform, it will bring national recognition to our brand and further inspire families to come together in the kitchen, bond over cooking, and create memories that last a lifetime.

We invite everyone to tune in Wednesdays to witness the magic of Happy Grub and support Ashley as she competes among top professionals in the culinary industry each week. Together, let's spread the joy of mess-free family cooking, and of course, eating mouth-watering, healthy pancakes with Happy Grub!

Be sure to follow us and the show accounts on social media for updates:

Official Hashtag: #FoodStars

• Facebook: @eathappygrub @RealityClubFOX
• Twitter: @AshleyDaviesHG @RealityClubFOX
• Instagram: @eathappygrub @realityclubfox
• TikTok: @eathappygrub @realityclubfox

Read more about Ashley's Food Stars journey in the official press release. Be sure to tune in each week for Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars on Fox! 😎 

 

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Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting Happy Grub and how you turned it into a successful business? The inspiration for my brand started when I became a parent. I realized I needed things that made my life easier, especially around mealtime. Continue reading

The sun has set on summer, which means crisp September mornings are on the horizon and back-to-school is in full effect. It can be challenging for parents and kids alike to transition, from spending time with the family in the summer at the beach, by the pool, or in the park, back to busy schedules with school and extracurriculars. This makes the morning hours essential to help families stay connected. To make those mornings extra special, we have some exciting recipes for family breakfast ideas.

We’ve long been told breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and in our opinion, it’s also the most delicious. Having breakfast as a family is the perfect way to start a weekday morning or relax on an early weekend afternoon. Catch up with your family over classics, like pancakes and eggs, or surprise them with something new, like pumpkin French toast or croissant breakfast boats.

 

Easy Shake & Squeeze Pancakes

 

For mornings where you need a quick and easy breakfast, but still want to serve your kids something fun and delicious, turn to Happy Grub Squeezable Instant Pancake Mix. This pancake mix is also great for weekends, when you have more time to hang out with the family. Happy Grub even offers Edible Ink Markers so you can make custom pancake art with your kids that’s easy to clean up.

 

Ingredients: 

• Happy Grub Squeezable Instant Pancake Mix
• Water

Image from: Happy Grub

 

Tropical Oatmeal

 

Bring the vacation back to your home with this tropical oatmeal. Packed with fresh, mouthwatering fruit, toasted coconut and chia seeds, this easy dish will put you on island time, while providing a healthy boost of energy. The recipe includes directions on how to make the meal in five minutes, or as overnight oats, dealers' choice.

 

Ingredients:

• Oats
• Mango
• Shredded coconut
• Chia seeds
• Maple syrup, agave or honey
• Milk and/or water

 

Pumpkin French Toast

 

Ring in fall with this seasonal pumpkin French toast. However, we won’t judge you that it's still technically the summer. We think it’s always a good time for French toast. This recipe includes instructions for pumpkin butter, which frankly goes great on anything.

 

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Pumpkin puree
• Vanilla extract
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Kosher salt
• Brioche
• Unsalted butter
• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar

 

Hack: Who doesn’t love to serve their French toast with pancakes? Our Apple Cinnamon Squeezable Instant Pancake Mix is the epitome of fall – combine the two for a breakfast of your autumnal dreams.

 

Image from: delish 

 

Baked Maple Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

 

If you plan on going apple picking this fall, this baked maple apple cinnamon oatmeal is the perfect way to take advantage of all that fresh produce and help whittle down your supply. This is a healthier, heartier take on apple desserts and is mom approved for breakfast. You can save the maple cream frosting as an evening treat. 

 

Ingredients:

• Apple
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Butter
• Cinnamon
• Maple syrup
• Oats
• Baking powder
• Sea salt
• Unsweetened apple sauce
• Almond or sunflower butter
• Vanilla
• Maple syrup
• Egg
• Unsweetened dairy-free milk of choice
• Raw cashews
• Filtered water
• Vanilla extract
• Apple cider vinegar

 

Avocado Toast

 

Get kids ready for brunch out on the town by introducing them to avocado toast at home. To make this adult beloved treat extra kid-friendly, use cookie cutters to cut the toast into cute shapes.

 

Ingredients:

• Avocado
• Bread
• Eggs
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro
• Seasonings (salt and pepper, optional red pepper flakes)

 

Julia Child’s Scrambled Eggs

 

This is an easy recipe from the famous chef Julia Child. Preparing her scrambled eggs the French way, low and slow. This technique results in fluffy, creamy eggs. Scrambled eggs are perfect for a big family. Simply double the recipe as needed.

 

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Salt and pepper
• Softened butter
• Fresh parsley

 

Image from: Leite's Culinaria

 

Egg-in-a-Hole

 

Skip the dip and put the egg and all their yolky goodness right in the center of the bread. It only takes a few ingredients, but your kids will think it’s magic that you were able to get the egg in a hole in the bread. Adding some drops of hot sauce is a healthy way to bring on more flavor.

 

Ingredients:

• Bread
• Egg
• Unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper

 

Honey Peanut Butter Breakfast Banana Split

 

A banana split for breakfast may seem a bit chaotic, but don’t worry—in this recipe, the ice cream is swapped for Greek yogurt, which makes it the perfect way to get kids into yogurt, if they are usually averse. Make this your own by adding Nutella or Fluff, or packing all these ingredients into a sandwich for a grilled breakfast masterpiece.

 

Ingredients:

• Banana
• Peanut butter
• Honey
• Cinnamon
• Greek yogurt
• Honey roasted peanut

 

Croissant Breakfast Boats

 

Jazz up a standard croissant breakfast sandwich by turning it into a boat filled with eggy, cheesy goodness. Full disclosure, your kids may start asking for this delicious flakey feast at least once a week.

 

Ingredients:

• Croissants
• Eggs
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Bacon
• Scallions or chives
• Salt and pepper

 

Breakfast Burritos

 

Who needs those quick serve chains when you can whip up restaurant-grade breakfast burritos at home? Impress your family with this delicious burrito that oozes with flavor. The recipe includes directions for an avocado salsa to level up the meal.

 

Ingredients:

• Avocado
• Tomatoes
• Shallot
• Garlic
• Jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Cumin
• Cilantro
• Eggs
• Smoked paprika
• Spicy sausage
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil

 

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

 

Cozy and hearty, this tater tot breakfast casserole is perfect for feeding a big family. It may even yield enough to have leftovers for another morning in the week.

 

Ingredients: 

• Eggs
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Whole milk
• Salt and pepper
• Frozen tater tots
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Smoked bacon

Image from: Southern Living

 

Birthday Cake Cookie Dough Energy Balls

 

Although it sounds like dessert and pure sugar, we promise it has some nutritional merit. These energy balls are perfect to have on hand for early mornings or days with packed schedules when you don’t have time to cook and have a sit-down meal.

 

Ingredients: 

• Cashew butter
• Pure maple syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Blanched almond flour
• Flaxseed meal
• Sprinkles

 

Breakfast Potato Hash

 

A breakfast hash is a hearty way to start the day. It can be a great base for adding eggs and avocado, or it can be a perfect meal all on its own.

 

Ingredients:

• Yukon gold potatoes
• Kosher salt
• Yellow onion
• Red bell pepper
• Garlic
• Fresh parsley
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Sweet paprika
• Pepper

 

Loaded Breakfast Sweet Potatoes

 

Who says sweet potatoes are just for dinnertime? These loaded breakfast sweet potatoes make a solid case for eating the starch as a breakfast food. The toppings are flexible. We suggest a topping bar. We’ve included a list of some toppings that would pair nicely with sweet potatoes to help guide you.

 

Ingredients: 

• Sweet potato
• Berries
• Banana slices
• Chia seeds
• Nut butter
• Cookie butter
• Hemp seeds
• Maple syrup
• Agave
• Granola

 

Image from: Food with Feeling

 

Chocolate Banana Smoothie

 

Sneak some fruits and veggies into a delicious chocolate banana smoothie, so your family starts their day off on the right foot.

 

Ingredients:

• Unsweetened milk of choice
• Baby spinach
• Very ripe frozen bananas
• Frozen riced cauliflower or frozen cauliflower florets
• Cocoa powder
• Cinnamon

 

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Happy Grub Squeezable Instant Pancake Mix is thrilled to announce it will be hitting the road and popping up in select Costco’s, this September and October. The beloved and the only Squeezable Instant Pancake Mix brand will be demonstrating its ease of use live at six different Costco Warehouses in Southern California, but that’s not even the best part. Happy Grub will also be handing out delicious free samples. Continue reading