Tidbits

Feeling shellfish?

If you’re pressed for time, Great Eastern Mussel Farms can help with easy, 5-minute recipes that call for 2 pounds of fresh mussels and two other ingredients. For each recipe, steam the mixture in a covered pot over high heat for 5 minutes, until mussels pop open. For Maryland-Style Mussels, add half a bottle of beer and a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning. To make Steamed Garlicky Mussels (pictured), mince 2 or 3 cloves of garlic and add a cup of white wine. For mussels with a kick, pour a cup of white wine over mussels, add a 10-ounce jar of mild salsa, and pour some of the sauce over the mussels when serving. Spice things up with Thai Red Curry Mussels by dissolving a teaspoon of red Thai curry paste in a cup of chicken broth. For more recipes, visit www.eatmussels.com.

Salad days

This year’s Great Taste of Maine Lobster Governor’s Tasting and Culinary Competition has a cool twist. Chefs statewide are invited to enter their favorite “Simply Sensational Lobster Salad” recipe to compete for cash prizes and the people’s choice award. The eighth annual event will take place Aug. 15 at the Blaine House in Augusta. Applications and information are available by calling the Maine Lobster Promotion Council at 947-2966 or online by e-mailing info@mainelobsterpromo.com.

Bouncing bowls

Perfect for kids, klutzy grownups, or anyone who loves fun, colorful stuff, these rubber bowls from Chiasso are unbreakable, dishwasher-safe and perfect for ice cream. Their bottoms are rounded, making them roly-poly on the table, but they’ll sit still in your hand. They cost $32 for a set of five and are available by calling (800) 654-3570 or online at www.chiasso.com (enter catalog number 101-0441).

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.