Barilla® and Celebrity Chef Ellie Krieger Celebrate the Great Taste of Whole Grains

CHICAGO, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second year in a row, the Barilla Whole Grain Taste Challenge is encouraging pasta lovers to discover the great taste of Barilla Whole Grain.  Ellie Krieger, celebrity chef, New York Times bestselling author and registered dietitian, has joined the program to help demonstrate how delicious healthy eating can be.

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"To get people to eat well, don't say a word about health, rather just cook fantastic food for them," says Ellie Krieger, known for helping people find simple ways to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.  "For example, Barilla Whole Grain pasta makes healthy eating a culinary experience; it is delicious while providing all the health benefits of whole grains."

While most people recognize the benefits of adding whole grains into their diets, the taste and texture of some whole grain foods have been a deterrent for some.  Today, adding proper nutrition into everyday meals is just a snap thanks to the great taste of Barilla Whole Grain.  Made with 51 percent whole wheat, Barilla Whole Grain is all natural and has 3x more fiber than regular pasta making it an excellent source of fiber.  Moreover, its versatility allows for many easy pairings with seasonal vegetables, aromatic herbs and cheeses, either for delectable everyday dishes or for special occasions.

"At Barilla, we thrive on developing pasta that makes healthful eating a simple and delicious experience," said Kirk Trofholz, President, Barilla America, Inc.  "We are so confident that people will embrace Barilla Whole Grain, that we are willing to guarantee it with the Barilla Whole Grain Taste Challenge."

To participate in the challenge, which runs through October 31, 2010, simply purchase a box of Barilla Whole Grain and try it.  People who are not completely satisfied with the product can receive a free box of their favorite regular Barilla pasta by submitting a completed redemption form found on the promotion web site, original store receipt and UPC symbol.  Offered in six shapes – Rotini, Penne, Medium Shells, Linguine, Spaghetti and Thin Spaghetti – Barilla Whole Grain is available nationwide.

To help people get the most out of the Barilla Whole Grain Taste Challenge, Ellie Krieger has created easy and delicious recipes featuring Barilla Whole Grain.  Check out Ellie's exclusive Barilla Whole Grain recipe below and visit  www.TryBarillaWholeGrain.com for more Barilla recipes, nutritional information and challenge rules.

ELLIE KRIEGER'S BARILLA WHOLE GRAIN SPAGHETTI WITH ROASTED TOMATO AND ALMOND PESTO

DIRECTIONS:

• PREHEAT the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking tray with cooking spray. Place the tomatoes on the tray and roast in the oven for 30 minutes, until they are soft and slightly charred.
• TOAST the almonds in a medium-size dry skillet, over medium-high heat. Stir frequently, until almonds are golden and fragrant, about 3 - 4 minutes.
• TRANSFER the almonds to a food processor. Add the garlic and process until they are finely ground. ADD the roasted tomatoes, basil, vinegar, and pepper flakes to the processor. While the processor is running, drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream.
• ADD the Parmigiano cheese and 1/4 teaspoon salt; pulse to combine. BRING a large pot of water to a boil.
• COOK Barilla Whole Grain Spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and return the pasta to the pasta pot or to a serving bowl.
• ADD the sauce and toss to combine. Season with additional salt to taste. Serve garnished with whole basil leaves.

About the Barilla Group

Barilla, originally established in 1877 as a bread and pasta shop in Parma, is today one of the top Italian food groups: a leader in the pasta business worldwide, in the pasta sauces business in continental Europe, in the bakery products business in Italy and in the crispbread business in Scandinavia.

Barilla owns 52 production facilities (13 in Italy and 39 outside Italy) and exports to more than 125 countries.  Every year more than 2,700,000 tons of food products, with the brands Barilla, Mulino Bianco, Voiello, Pavesi, Wasa, Harry's (France, Spain and Russia), Lieken Urkorn, Golden Toast and Kamps (Germany), Alixir, Academia Barilla, Misko (Greece), Filiz (Turkey), Yemina and Vesta (Mexico), are featured on dining tables the world over.

By respecting its own traditional principles and values, which still feel current today, by considering employees a fundamental asset and by developing leading-edge production systems, Barilla has become one of the world's most esteemed food companies, and one that is recognized worldwide as a symbol of Italian know-how.  For more information: www.barillagroup.com / www.barillaus.com.

SOURCE Barilla