"target" news and stories

Before you shake a little dried turmeric into that curry you're preparing, read this. Food Safety News reports that the possibility of excessive lead in its ground turmeric has led Missouri company B&M, Inc. to voluntarily recall its Archer Farms brand turmeric, sold at Target in 2.6 oz. glass bottles, with UPC 0-85239-02612-0. The lot numbers included (numbers and dates can be found on the bottom of the bottle ) are 1740901A, best by 6/23/2011; 2180902A, best by 8/6/11; 2780906A, best by 10/5/2011; 2920903A, best by 10/19/11; 3060903A, best by 11/2/2011; 0071003A, best by1/7/2012. The turmeric is distributed nationwide. (No other Archer Farm spices are affected.)

Consumers can return the turmeric to the store where it was purchased. For more information, you can call B&M, Inc. at 1-877-321-5852 or Target Guest Relations at 800-316-6151.

Food Safety News also reports that another concern with lead in turmeric has caused Top Food & Drugs to voluntarily recall two Spice Hunter brand products: Spice Hunter Curry Seasoning in 1.8 oz. containers with a UPC number of 0-81057-01330, lots: 09 198 and 09 225, as well as its Spice Hunter Ground Turmeric in 2 oz. containers, UPC: 0-81057-01985, lots: 09 196, 09 201 and 09 264.

No illnesses have yet been reported because of the affected turmeric. The concern, though, is that when too much lead is consumed, it can create developmental problems, especially in children.

Everyone knows that Target is ground zero for everyday sundries like laundry soap, cat food, and hairspray. But did you know that the mammoth Minneapolis-based retailer stocks some of the best coffee in the world?

In 2006, Target -- which has 1,752 locations in 49 states (Vermont is the only state without a Target store) -- began buying up coffee from micro-batches with Cup of Excellence designation.

What's "Cup of Excellence?" It's the top award given to coffee beans -- the equivalent of a Grammy or an Oscar for the coffee industry. A panel of judges conduct cuppings (coffee-speak for tasting) a total of five times during the competition, which is hosted in the country of origin.

Coffee farms in nine different countries participate: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Rwanda. The winner's coffee is then sold to the highest bidder during an online auction -- and ultimately brought to coffee drinkers in the United States.

Last year Target bought beans from five Cup of Excellence winners, including the winner from Colombia. Currently Target is selling coffee from the Cup of Excellence 2009 winner (Flor de Mayo) in Bolivia, with farmer Pedro Castro Conurana at the helm. But you might never notice, because it's packaged under the store's in-house label, Archer Farms. To find it, search for the 10-ounce bags (or tins) of Archer Farm coffee beans marked "Cup of Excellence." The best part? The price: Only $15 for a 10-ounce tin of whole beans. You'll have to shop in person, though -- the coffee isn't available online.

• Get great coffee recipes from our sister site, Kitchen Daily.

Beginning this week, and available only at Target stores, Ben & Jerry's is launching two new "philanthropic" flavors, both aimed at encouraging consumers to volunteer in their communities.

Raspberry cheesecake flavor best describes Berry Voluntary, which is laced with white-chocolate chunks and raspberry swirls.

Brownie Chew Gooder is vanilla caramel ice cream loaded with pieces of fudge brownie and topped off with caramel swirl.

Both are available in either a mini cup ($1.25) or a pint ($3.50).

More details after the jump...

When it comes to assembling the bar for your holiday party, there's a certain list of basics you must have on hand--vodka, gin, whiskey, cola, tonic, etc. Such a bar will certainly serve to make a decent drink and satisfy most customers, but won't add anything special to the festivities. The easiest--and cheapest--way to add a little magic is with unusual mixers. Here's five that will add a twist to your cocktail menu.

1. Canada Dry Sparkling Green Tea Ginger Ale
It mixes equally well with bourbon, vodka and light rum and works nicely in a punch. The antioxidants listed on the bottle may come in handy when battling the holidays' excesses, but the large amount of sugar won't help with that Christmas waistline.

2. Sence Rose Petal Nectar
If you wish to offer chick drinks that are more Deneuve/Dietrich than Carrie Bradshaw, rose petal nectar can come in handy. Try the elegant American Beauty--not the brandy version, but one made with vanilla vodka, lemon juice and rose petal nectar.

It's the time of year when just cooking someone a nice dinner isn't always enough. The people you love want to have things. They want to eat, too, but they'll never remember what you got them this year if they can eat it in one sitting.

There are some edible gifts worth giving, but many gifts for foodies can last for years to come. Plus, they can help your loved ones make you a nice dinner. Everyone wins.

Here is a list of gifts to fill the foodies in your life with delight and joy!

1. Tracey Porter Etched Liquor Glasses (right) - Festive, bright, and varied (so you remember which is yours).
2. Anthropologie Aprons - Affordable and totally unparalleled.
3. Nostalgia Retro Snow Cone Maker - Need I say more?
4. An Angel Wing Platter - For angelic cheeses, angelic fruits, angelic servings all year round.
5. A Michael Aram Coral Reef Candleholder - A gorgeous, non-denominational centerpiece.
6. An Alice in Wonderland Teapot from Alice's Tea Cup - Perfect for tea or even just to display on the shelf for your whimsical friends.
7. Wobbly Cognac Glasses - After dinner drinks have never been this relaxed.
8. The Slashfood Gift of the Day - Marisa McClellan's amazing edible series; some edible gifts really are worth giving!

We don't recommend #2 for your spouse, though. They're totally gonna take that the wrong way. Especially if they're male.