➊
➋
THE HEALTHY PANTRY cooksimple Tamale Pie
WHEN KEITH LAUVER WAS RUNNING A SOFTWARE COMPANY, his dietary choices were on the unhealthy side. Traveling two to three times a week and constantly eating out, Lauver, at only 32 years old, was about 30 pounds overweight with cholesterol and triglycerides that were off the charts when he knew it was time for some changes. After reducing culprits like sugar and increasing his fiber and protein, he dropped pounds and gained energy. In 2008 he met with a former colleague, Tony Sobiech, a professional chef who also offered nutritional consulting. Together they launched The Healthy Pantry, specializing in healthy meal kits and embracing the belief that healthier eating leads to better living. The first two years of business were spent testing more than 30 recipes using focus groups made up of busy moms. Looking at purchasing patterns, Lauver saw, "Tamale Pie was one of those kits that made the cut." One of seven kits that are gluten-free and all-natural with no added sugars, Tamale Pie is a mildly
seasoned chili that has flavors of garlic and cilantro topped with gluten-free cornbread. Customers add their preferred ground meat, diced tomatoes and cheddar cheese for a family-size meal that's ready in less than 30 minutes.
"There's an entire generation of people who don't know how to cook, and most of us don't always have time to," says Lauver. "Our products give these people a great and convenient way to cook at home with the added benefit of being healthy." Suggested retail price: $4.99. Contact: Keith Lauver, The Healthy Pantry; 406.322.3727; keith.lauver@thehealthypantry.com; thehealthypantry.com.—N.P.D.
➊ ELENA'S Elena's Mediterranean
Stew
Contact: Caroline Moose caroline@elenas.com 248.373.1100 elenas.com
S30 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE ❘ specialtyfood.com
➋ HARD TIMES CHILI SPICE CO.
Hard Times Chili
Contact: Fred Parker fredp@hardtimes.com 703.915.7845 hardtimes.com
FINALISTS
SOUP, STEW, BEAN OR CHILI