Latest news with #Harbinger
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I Asked 5 Chefs for the Best Frozen Fries, and Their Favorite Is a McDonald's Copycat
This winner is "the real deal." As much as we agree with Allrecipes member Joanna Guido, who believes Chef John's French Fries are "by far the best french fries I have ever made, and easier than you think," we're not too proud to admit that we always keep a bag of frozen fries in stock. Often, about once per week, they fly in to save the day when we're crunched for time and are in need of a quick side dish or snack. Turns out, we're in great company. After connecting with chefs from coast to coast, we realized that they occasionally outsource the prep work, too. Food blogger and cookbook author MacKenzie Smith admits, "I totally eat them straight from my child's abandoned plate like a raccoon over a campsite trash can." (It's not our proudest moment, but same, MacKenzie. Same.) Just because we farm out the scrubbing, slicing, and frying doesn't mean that we're willing to sacrifice on quality, though. When we're adding frozen fries to the menu, we want the best money can buy—and we think you deserve the finest fries, too. To help determine which brand is worth your buck, we asked popular chefs to dish about their favorites…and how to make them taste just as good as homemade or restaurant fries. Our Panel of Fry-Rating Chefs George Duran, a celebrity chef in New York City Dina Deleasa Gonsar, the Whippany, New Jersey-based recipe developer behind Dish It Girl and the author of "At the Kitchen Sink" Mary Payne Moran, chef and owner of The Silver Lake Kitchen cooking school in Los Angeles and the author of "The Vita Gang Mysteries: Who Stole Vita D?" MacKenzie Schultz, a sous chef at Harbinger in Des Moines, Iowa MacKenzie Smith, a New Smyrna Beach, Florida-based food blogger and author of "Grilled Cheese Social" Qualities of the Best Frozen Fries For all the chefs we spoke to, they're seeking a fry that's similar to what you can get from a fast food restaurant. "If they snap when you bite 'em but are still puffy inside, we're in," mom of two MacKenzie says. The culinary pros agree that the best frozen fries check these boxes: Real potato flavor. When it comes to frozen fries, celebrity chef George Duran looks for spuds that can impersonate from-scratch spuds. "I want them to taste like I didn't just pull them out of the freezer. In fact, I look for real potato flavor with a crispy exterior that doesn't require hours of work to achieve perfection." Crispy exterior. Speaking of that surface area, it was the most important feature for our chefs. "I seek out frozen fries that I know I can get crispy no matter what," says sous chef MacKenzie Schultz. "Some frozen fries are battered or actually designed to be super crispy every time. I always splurge on those because most of the time, they are worth the extra buck or two." Thick-cut fries can be far more finicky than thinner ones, the chefs agree, so they reach for fries that are the sweet spot between steak and shoestring. "The fries must crisp up nicely in the air fryer or oven," MacKenzie Smith adds. "Let's be real, ain't nobody got time to bust out a deep fryer on a Tuesday!" A short ingredient list. One easy-to-check factor that's a sign the potato flavor can really shine: a compact ingredient list. Recipe developer Dina Deleasa Gonsar avoids unnecessary additives and looks for a recipe that includes potatoes, salt and oil, and ideally, little or nothing else. Or, as chef and cooking school owner Mary Payne Moran explains, "Fries should not be overly sweet or loaded with a fake flavor." Structural integrity. Since a big part of the fry-enjoyment formula involves dunking or smothering (We're looking at you, poutine!), George says the cooked fries must be able to "hold up to dips without disintegrating like a soap opera villain. If they turn to mush, it's a hard pass." The Best Frozen Fries, According to Chefs It was a remarkably close competition, but winning by a drop of ketchup, the best frozen fries are Alexia. They look and taste like potato sticks you'd make yourself, "not a mashup of processed boiled potato starch," George says. "These are the real deal," he adds. His family is particularly fond of Alexia's Organic Yukon Select Fries With a Touch of Sea Salt, which are just thick enough with a crispy exterior and a tender, fluffy interior. Mary and Dina agree. George tells Allrecipes that they are pan-fried before seasoning. "So they don't need a seasoning to get crispy," he says. "Just pop them in the convection oven or air fryer and you're golden. Literally." Dina adores the fact that you can rely on the package directions for the oven or air fryer, which "consistently yield a crispy texture," she confirms. "And the seasonings they use are usually quite good." Mary chimes in to compare these to those fresh-cut In-N-Out fries, since they're so unfussy and potato-forward. George thinks Alexia fries are akin to what McDonald's fries used to be. "Back in the 1980s, McDonald's fries felt like they came from actual potatoes," he reminisces. "One bite and you knew you had reached fried potato heaven. Since the '90s, McDonald's fries have changed into these engineered starchy spears that seem to have lost some of their spud glory. However, Alexia Yukon Fries are here to save the day." Honorable Mention Coming in a close second with two votes to Alexia's three, the runner-up in our best frozen fries competition is Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries. MacKenzie Smith deems them the "gold standard" in her house. "They're basically the Michelin star of toddler-approved food," she says, because her kiddos think they taste like McDonald's. MacKenzie Schultz agrees, calling Ore-Ida a solid "McDonald's fry dupe!" The "Extra Crispy" billing isn't a fib, MacKenzie Schultz verifies. They follow through on the promise of "having the luxury of having fast food fries in the freezer," according to the sous chef. "And who wouldn't want that?!" If you follow the label directions (especially the air fryer method—chefs' favorite way to prep frozen fries), MacKenzie Smith says the fries "crisp up fast, don't require babysitting, and have a nice neutral flavor base. She adds, "They're perfect for loading up with flaky salt for me and my hubby and going easy for the kiddos. Everyone wins." How to Upgrade Frozen Fries While these fries are fabulous as-is, if you'd like to take them to "chef's kiss" territory, the pros suggest: Transform them into Parmesan garlic truffle fries. Dip them into sriracha aioli. Load them up with melted mozzarella and gravy. Pair them with homemade ranch. Fry them in beef tallow or another flavorful fat. Read the original article on ALLRECIPES Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
THOR Industries and Harbinger Earn Fast Company 2025 World Changing Ideas Award for World's First Hybrid Class A Motorhome
Annual Awards Recognize Innovative Companies and Projects Addressing the World's Most Urgent Challenges ELKHART, Ind. and GARDEN GROVE, Calif., July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- THOR Industries (NYSE: THO), the recreational vehicle (RV) industry innovation leader, and Harbinger, the leading medium-duty electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturer, are proud to announce that they have been named winners of Fast Company's 2025 World Changing Ideas Awards for their Hybrid RV. This annual recognition honors bold and transformative efforts that tackle the world's most pressing issues—from fresh sustainability initiatives and cutting-edge AI developments to ambitious pursuits of social equity that are helping mold the world. THOR Industries collaborated with Harbinger to create the world's first hybrid electric Class A motorhome, combining Harbinger's advanced electric vehicle (EV) chassis with a low-emissions gasoline range extender that can recharge the electric batteries. The vehicle, which is designed specifically for RV use, is capable of delivering an estimated 500 miles of range, including 150 all-electric miles. This innovative platform simplifies vehicle operation and supports flexible charging, including grid integration, as well as solar power and off-grid capabilities, while elevating the on the road experience with added range and driving comfort. Together, the companies have set a new standard for simple, sustainable, long-range RV travel while solidifying the THOR Family of Companies' innovation leadership. "We're honored that THOR Industries and Harbinger have received Fast Company's 2025 World Changing Ideas Award for the world's first hybrid Class A motorhome. This achievement underscores the collective commitment and partnership between THOR and Harbinger that is dedicated to pioneering an electrified RV ecosystem—from innovative chassis technology to enhanced design and comfort. It's a milestone that reflects our shared vision of delivering an RV experience that meets the needs of today's owners and inspires tomorrow's travelers," shared Todd Woelfer, Chief Operating Officer at THOR Industries. "We committed to investment in long term innovation to drive competitive advantage. Our work to innovate with Harbinger is a great example of the strategic advantage that investment drives for THOR." This year's awards, featured on showcase 50 winners across 12 categories and 50 additional winners across industries, for a total of 100 outstanding projects. A panel of Fast Company editors and reporters selected the winners from a pool of more than 1,500 entries and judged applications based on their impact, sustainability, design, creativity, scalability, and ability to improve society. "This recognition validates the work we're doing with THOR to help lead the RV industry forward," said John Harris, Co-Founder and CEO, Harbinger. "By building a plug-in hybrid specifically for RVs, we are giving customers peace of mind for long-distance travel while also enabling fully electric operation whenever possible. THOR and their visionary team share our belief in a future defined by cleaner, more sustainable transportation. Together, we have proven what is possible when cutting-edge innovation meets real-world needs." "The World Changing Ideas Awards have always been about showcasing the art of the possible," says Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. "We're proud to recognize the organizations and leaders that are making meaningful progress on the biggest issues of our time." About THOR IndustriesTHOR Industries is the sole owner of operating companies which, combined, represent the world's largest RV manufacturer. For more information on the Company and its products, please visit About HarbingerHarbinger is an American commercial electric vehicle (EV) company on a mission to transform an industry starving for innovation. Harbinger's best-in-class team of EV, battery, and drivetrain experts have pooled their deep experience to support the growing demand for medium-duty EVs. Leveraging a foundation of proprietary, in-house developed vehicle technologies designed specifically for commercial and specialty vehicles, Harbinger is bringing a first-of-its-kind EV platform to market, priced at acquisition parity to traditional diesel vehicles. Harbinger: Familiar Form, Revolutionary Foundation. To learn more about Harbinger, please visit You can find the company press kit HERE. About Fast CompanyFast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at THOR Media ContactRenee JonesVP Marketing, THOR Industries425-503-8268rjones@ Harbinger Media Contact Kylee KeskerianPR Manager419-822-6417kylee@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Harbinger Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Startup unveils game-changing electric truck with impressive capabilities: 'Looks like a smart product'
In late April, Harbinger, a startup commercial electric vehicle manufacturer, unveiled a new medium-duty, hybrid electric truck boasting a range of up to 500 miles, Electrek reported. The California-based startup is using the $100 million investment it recently raised in its Series B round of funding in January 2025 to develop this hybrid electric truck for wide-ranging medium-duty fleet uses, including delivery, garbage collection, and more. While the commercial transportation industry has made great strides in electrifying transport rides, some fleets are still hesitant to go fully electric, and Harbinger understands that. "There are some fleets whose needs simply can't be met with a purely electric vehicle — and we recognize that," said John Harris, cofounder and CEO of Harbinger, per Electrek. To help assuage these fears, Harbinger created this extended-range electric vehicle hybrid truck to meet the needs of any fleet. Harbinger's new medium-duty, hybrid electric truck runs on a 140 or 175 kilowatt-hour Panasonic-supplied battery and is supplemented by a low-emissions, 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine that powers an 800-volt generator, which sends power to the battery when the engine is running. Essentially, the truck relies on the battery's maximum range on a full charge before the gas engine kicks in. The engine, whose sole purpose is to power the generator that recharges the vehicle's battery, does not mechanically control or drive the vehicle's wheels as in traditional gas-powered vehicles. According to Harbinger, this hybrid electric truck offers up to 500 miles in range. As of 2022, transportation still represents the largest source (28%) of the nation's heat-trapping gases, per the Environmental Protection Agency. Electrifying this sector could deliver measurable economic and environmental benefits. For one, electrifying transportation reduces the amount of routine maintenance for fleet operators, as electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than traditional diesel-powered fleets. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. While the truck still has a small combustion engine that uses gas, the engine only kicks in when the vehicle's battery has depleted, which saves on fuel costs and produces a minimal amount of carbon pollution compared to diesel-powered trucks. A battery-powered EV also idles much more quietly in traffic, reducing noise and air pollution on congested highways and roads. Best of all, EVs can be powered by clean, renewable energy sources like solar. EV owners can save significantly on charging costs by installing home solar, as opposed to refueling at public charging stations or pulling from the electric grid, especially during peak energy times. EnergySage helps homeowners find and compare quotes from locally vetted solar installers, saving homeowners up to $10,000 on new solar projects. "I wouldn't be too surprised if FedEx, UPS, and the Postal Service started buying this," one Electrek commenter wrote. "All in all, it looks like a smart product," another user said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
TechCrunch
16-05-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Mystery investor's attempt to stop Canoo asset sale shot down by judge
The judge in Canoo's bankruptcy case has blocked an attempt by a mysterious financier to disrupt the sale of the EV startup's assets. In a hearing Tuesday, Judge Brendan Linehan Shannon ruled the financier, a UK-based man named Charles Garson, lacked standing to request the sale to Canoo's own CEO be vacated. While Garson had told the court he was willing to pay as much as $20 million for Canoo's assets, he missed the deadline to formally submit that bid. Garson also never made it clear where he was sourcing that money from, causing the bankruptcy trustee in the case to raise concerns the bid could get blocked by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. The last remaining challenge to the asset sale comes from Harbinger Motors, a commercial electric trucking startup created by a handful of former Canoo employees. Harbinger objected to the sale before it was finalized in April. The judge denied Harbinger's objection, but the company has since appealed that decision. Jason Angelo, a lawyer for Garson, framed his client's attempt to disrupt the sale as a 'David versus Goliath type matter.' Angelo tried to make the case during the hearing that Garson's conversations with the bankruptcy trustee — which were submitted to the court under seal — led him to believe he had until the end of April to formalize a bid. He also repeated the claims made in Garson's original filing about the sale allegedly being unfair because the assets ultimately went to Canoo's CEO Anthony Aquila. 'I think it would make sense here to allow a redo, so to speak,' Angelo said, citing 'the sincerity and earnestness' of his client. 'I know that is asking a lot, I do.' Mark Felger, the lawyer representing the bankruptcy trustee, disagreed by saying there was little in dispute and the negotiations were fair. 'We think it's pretty clear-cut in terms of the facts. There's no he said, she said,' he told the judge. 'Your Honor, it's all in the emails. I've read them over many, many times. I don't see any miscommunication. I don't see any deception. It was clear how we were proceeding. He knew there was a sale hearing on the ninth, and he chose not to file anything.' Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW Regarding the fairness of the sale process, Felger said he and the trustee 'were concerned about this insider sale [to the CEO].' 'But they're the ones who stepped up, right and we negotiated hard. We went back and forth a dozen times on that agreement,' he said. Felger also repeated the trustee's claims, made in earlier filings and testimony, that the cost of maintaining Canoo's assets — especially its battery packs — was costing too much money. Letting a sale process drag out for too long could damage the value of the estate, he said. Judge Shannon, after hearing the arguments from Angelo, Felger, and a lawyer for Aquila, ruled swiftly against Garson. He said the financier lacked standing to properly argue his motion to vacate the sale, since he is not owed any money by Canoo and did not submit a formal bid before the deadline. 'I am sympathetic to Mr. Garson's frustration at what I sense and am satisfied is a genuine interest to provide a superior bid and purchase these assets,' Shannon said. 'But it was a complex process run by the chapter seven trustee that I don't think Mr. Garson had a full handle on exactly what the process was, and what was necessary in order to fully engage in that process.' Shannon also pointed out it was made clear to the trustee from the beginning who Aquila was, and that his role as CEO alone did not preclude him from buying his company's assets.
TimesLIVE
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
EV startup Harbinger unveils new hybrid van platform to attract more fleet customers
Electric vehicle startup Harbinger launched a new petrol-electric hybrid vehicle platform for medium-duty vans on Monday as it looks to attract a broader range of fleet customers. Hybrid vehicles offer fleet customers an easier transition to electric vehicles by reducing the dependence on expensive charging infrastructure while delivering benefits such as longer range and lower fuel consumption. "Some target fleet customers for the hybrid chassis are those with longer routes, unpredictable days, limited charging access, multi-shift schedules and middle-mile distribution," Harbinger CEO John Harris told Reuters. Backed by early Tesla investor Capricorn Investment Group and Tiger Global, Harbinger's new vehicle platform, with a range of 800km between charges, will have electric motors to drive the wheels and a petrol engine to recharge the battery. Customers can also choose to plug in the vehicle to charge the battery. Harbinger's platform, set to be delivered next year, is a vehicle frame with all the main parts such as an electric motor, battery, engine, steering and brakes designed for medium-sized vehicles including delivery vans, recreational vehicles and emergency trucks. The company will send its chassis to dealers or customers, who work with another company to add a body to it, which is the usual process in the medium-duty vehicle industry. Harbinger said last week Tesla-supplier Panasonic will be its vendor for EV battery cells. The companies expect to localise cell supply by making them at the Japanese firm's Kansas facility. The startup said its new hybrid platform will be priced competitively with diesel models after factoring in federal incentives under the inflation deduction act. Harbinger also introduced a programme under which buyers will receive a cost reduction comparable to the IRA tax credits if they were removed by US President Donald's Trump administration.
