Are You Looking for a Way to Improve the Meals That You Serve Your Family?

Posted on July 12, 2016 by Francis Pitt

Eating salsa gets a little old. Even if it is your favorite food, eating salsa, or any other food for that matter, too often can ruin a good thing. For this reason, households across America are constantly in search of new meal options and entree ideas. And while the quest for a change in the routine weekly meal plan is nothing new, the way that families are solving this challenge is new. Both in home ingredient and meal delivery and out of the home cooking classes are growing in popularity as families face the challenge of meal preparation.
Whether families are trying to create new one time meals in their own kitchen or they are attending professional cooking classes to build a month’s worth of meals at one time, stepping outside of the traditional family kitchen may be the answer to providing variety for the family table.
Mail Order Meal Ingredients Delivered to Homes Are a New Trend in Food Preparation and Planning
If you are a family that has tired of all of expense and the unhealthy choices that are offered by fast food stops around town, you may have decided to go in a different direction for meal planning. And while your home cooked options may be more healthy than fast food, they can often become monotonous. For many families the obvious choice is one of the many meal packages that can be delivered to your home.
Packaged meal ingredients often feature in season fruits and vegetables and a wide variety of entrees that are often a fancy twist on family favorites. With the herbs and seasonings provided, preparing a flavorful pork roast or other option. An introduction of petite micro greens and other salads may make even the pickiest family members try something new. Although desserts do not have to part of the menu choices that your family makes, the addition of crystallized edible flowers can make small dessert offerings even more appealing.
Although micro green varieties have been around for as long as 20 to 30 years, they do not always make their way to a family table. In a carefully prepared set of ingredients, however, the uses for microgreens become more manageable. And while famous restaurant chefs have used crystallized edible flowers in their meal preparations, it is not always likely that a typical family would find a way to work them into their meal plans. If, however, crystallized edible flowers options are provided by the meal kits, these too will make their ways into family kitchens and the meals prepared there.
Unfortunately, the average fine dining event can cost nearly $28.55 a person. These types of meals, however, can be prepared at home for much less.
Some Families Attend Cooking Classes That Help Them Prepare Many Meals at Once
Sometimes it is not just the gathering of special ingredients that makes meal preparation difficult. Having the correct cooking utensils and the best space to prepare the meals can also be a challenge. As a result, another popular meal preparation technique is couples or entire families attending cooking classes in professional kitchens around the country.
Selecting from a varied list of menu options before arriving for their cooking sessions, the coordinating cooking business gathers the ingredients and makes sure that the kitchens are full of the needed pots, pans, spatulas, knives, graters, and other utensils. With printed details, family members can work together to create an entire month of casseroles, soups, and other entrees. Not surprisingly, many families find that even their children are more likely to eat food that is served at home if those children are included in the meal planning and the meal preparation.
Specialty produce items, meats, and the basic cooking ingredients like olive oil, flour, sugar, and spices are provided for families and the favorite recipes can be repeated at home or rescheduled for another out of home cooking experience.
Whether you are an inventive dessert creator who wants to incorporate crystallized edible flowers into your presentation or you are a mother who is looking for ways to involve all of your family in the cooking process, some of the newest family meal preparation plans may help you reach your goals.

How to Make Your Ice Cream Snack Unique

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Francis Pitt

The ice cream business is a good business to be in during the warm, summer months. Hundreds of thousands of Americans eat some type of ice cream snack much more often in the summer, because of the heat. Children are constantly snacking on ice cream treats as an after dinner treat and even parents are occasionally consuming ice cream or gelato snacks. You will probably notice that the frozen yogurt supply at your local grocery store increases during these months to meet the much higher demand. You will also notice an increase in ice cream tasting supplies as more and more customers are purchasing ice cream treats.

According to a recent survey of International Ice Cream Association member companies, vanilla remains the most popular flavor among their consumers at 28%. Although vanilla is extremely popular, other flavors do not fall far behind. Customers also enjoy in ice cream and frozen yogurt flavors such as chocolate, rainbow and even brands with pieces of candy and fruits in it. In fact, toppings such as candy pieces and fruit pieces have become very popular along with ice cream, especially in the frozen yogurt brands.

There are about 1.5 billion gallons of ice cream and similar desserts produced in the United States every year. A large percentage of these numbers are produced and consumed during these summer months. Additionally, a large amount of ice cream supplies are also produced and used during these warm months. Ice cream tasting supplies such as tasting spoons, an ice cream cup, drinks straws and containers and even frozen yogurt spoons are bought at higher amounts. Tasting spoons may be specially purchased for those who prefer to use a specific spoon with their ice cream snacks. In fact, some parents may even opt to purchase colorful and decorated ice cream spoons to further increase the enjoyment for their children.

90% of U.S. households regularly indulge in a sweet, frozen treat. It is likely that you have some type of ice cream or frozen yogurt treat in your freezer right now. It is also likely that it does not last for very long there and you are constantly purchasing new boxes every week or every other week. Tasting spoons may line your cabinets and you probably notice that those go pretty quickly as well. You have also probably noticed more supply of tasting spoons when you are grocery shopping, making them easy to find and purchase.

The warm summer months are a popular time for ice cream and frozen yogurt treats. They are consumers are high percentages during these months and both children and adults alike enjoy in the cold treats. The grocery stores will increase their supplies of ice cream and frozen yogurt snacks and the supplies that may be needed to consume them with. You will notice new products constantly, including tasting spoons in different colors and designs to increase the excitement of the treat. You will also notice both traditional flavors of ice cream, such as vanilla along with unique and different flavors that include pieces of candy or fruits mixed into the ice cream snacks.

Ice Cream Throughout The World Three Different Types

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Francis Pitt

For many — perhaps even most — Americans, ice cream is a part of regular life. In fact, the average American is expected to consume ice cream 28.5 times a year. Ice cream is a soft, sweet treat that comes in a variety of flavors. Often, ice cream is one of the first “real” foods fed to a baby, due to its inoffensive nature and its softness. There’s something classic about ice cream, and it’s one of the few near-universal treats across the world. For example, you may not be able to find certain brands of candy bars across the world — but you certainly will be able to find ice cream across the world, if perhaps under a different name and with a slightly different consistency. In fact, 90% of American households regularly indulge in sweet, frozen treats. But then, there are a number of different frozen, sweet treats across the world; altogether, they are largely a lot like ice cream! From gelato to sorbet, you can taste a variety of different flavors and consistencies globally. By doing something as simple as picking up a plastic tasting spoon, you can transport yourself to a different country through taste. While vanilla remains the most popular ice cream flavor in the U.S. — at 28% according to a recent poll — other countries might have a different perspective. So: you might want to grab that plastic tasting spoon, because we’re going to look at different types of ice cream across the world.

1. Gelato

Gelato is probably the most widely type of “ice cream” known to Americans that isn’t, in fact, American. In fact, although gelato is Italian, some American ice cream brands now sell their own forms of gelato. Many Italians would refute this gelato as inauthentic, and with good reason. Italy has a number of artisanal gelato companies. Gelato shop owners will often proudly offer a plastic tasting spoon loaded with one flavor, and then the next. They’re confident that tasters will find a flavor that they love, and buy a gelato cup. The differences between gelato and ice cream are subtle, but important. In containing less air and more milkfat than ice cream, gelato tastes richer and has a creamier texture than ice cream. Flavors also tend to be more classic among traditional gelato makers, while American ice cream is bolder, and oftentimes “wackier”.

2. Ais Kacang

Unlike gelato, ais kacang is probably nothing that you’ve ever seen on a plastic tasting spoon before. This sweet treat is traditionally made in Singapore, and has a similar look to ice cream — and a similar purpose — but a different makeup. Originally, it was just made with shaved ice and red beans, the latter of which is common in many Asian desserts. It’s now usually brightly colored, offered with fruit cocktails and dressings — in everything from food courts to restaurants. It often contains sweet corn, grass jelly, and much more as ingredients. Evaporated milk, condensed milk, and coconut milk are also often included, as well as syrups. Chocolate syrup is included sometimes, perhaps as a result of the popularity of ice cream sundaes across the world.

3. Kulfi

Native to the Indian Subcontinent, kulfi has an ancient history. It’s seen by many as Indian ice cream, but there are certain differences that mark it as unique. Made through slow cooking, it involved evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk. Its caramelization and slow cooking process give it a distinct flavor, which is often enhanced through the additions of dried fruit. Even the freezing of kulfi is slow, marking it as an artisanal product in the eyes of many. Kulfi is rarely seen without garnishes. These can include dried fruit, vermicelli noodles, and pistachio nuts. Syrups are common with this dish. On can only imagine what a relief it must be during a hot Indian summer!

Clearly, ice cream is defined in many ways. One thing is certain: we can’t live without our frozen sweet treats!

Latin-Inspired Rotisserie Chicken is a Real Party in Your Mouth

Posted on June 2, 2016 by Francis Pitt

No doubt about it, Americans love their chicken. We eat it in grilled, baked, smoked and fried. We turn leftovers into casseroles, pot pies and sandwiches. In 2015, Americans consumed 90.1 pounds of chicken per capita and that number is expected to rise to 91.8 in 2016 according to the National Chicken Council. Despite our love for this bird, with so much consumption, it’s hard to find new ways to enjoy it.
Well, skip the rosemary and thyme of traditional American-style (boring) grocery-store variety rotisserie chicken. Bring on the spice of Latin-inspired rotisserie chicken that’s a party in your mouth. Combining sweet and sour orange, lime, garlic and cumin, this delicacy is one to come back for time and time again. And eating healthy doesn’t have to be flavorless by a long stretch. One place to find this specially seasoned bird is is one of the many restaurants in South Beach. Nestled among the numerous fast food restaurants are Latin-inspired BBQ and rotisseries serving up America’s #1 protein with style and spice. Competing with the other 39,325 eating and drinking establishments in Florida is no easy task, but this twist on an American standard is one not to miss while vacationing in the area.
Living in South Beach?
If you are among the 995,600 people in Florida working for the food service industry, and you live in South Beach, you know the challenges of living in small spaces often with limited kitchen facilities of your own. Fast food restaurants in South Beach abound, but it is challenging to eat healthy. Latin restaurants of South Beach offer delivery service of their healthy meals, which include family-style meals that serve 6. Sides that come with these meals include plantains, rice, black beans, fresh vegetables, rice and beans and zucchini salad to name a few.
After the Party
The night life in South Beach is vibrant and late-night meals top it all off. When looking for where to eat to wind down the evening, look no further than flavorful but healthy BBQ chicken wings and Latin rotisserie chicken.
Party of Your Own
Bring the flavor of Latin-inspired dishes to your own party with catering. Your guests will be delighted with the change of pace from traditional American BBQ.

What Makes Chocolate So Darn Good, Anyway?

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Francis Pitt

All right, who doesn’t love chocolate? Aside from dogs (it’s toxic!), chocolate has proven one of the most beloved creations on the planet Earth. It tastes delicious, has well-documented antioxidant properties, is surprisingly good for your skin and can go with just about anything. Whether it’s baking chocolate for a birthday cake, chocolate truffles for a loved one or your favorite candy bar when you’re down, gourmet chocolates have a special places in everybody’s hearts (but seriously, don’t feed any to your dog). Let’s take a look at gourmet chocolates and the business that has kept the world turning for centuries!

Where Did Chocolate Come From, Anyway?

Let’s start off with the elephant in the room: were gourmet chocolates truly descended from the heavens or not? Believe it or not, divine origin was actually considered at one point in human history. Chocolate first came in the form of hot chocolate, used in ceremonial rites as well as everyday life back in Mayan civilizations. It wasn’t until the relatively recent 16th century did cocoa beans and all their different iterations find their way to Western shores. Originally dedicated to the upper class, it didn’t become part of the mainstream until many decades later. Additives, such as vanilla and sugar, are relatively recent and many still enjoy the naturally bitter and tart properties of chocolate.

How Has Chocolate Been Implemented Today?

From powerful ceremonial rites to wealthy intrigue, chocolate has gone through quite a few variations in its long history. Nowadays it’s considered one of the most popular desserts and is enjoyed by people of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. Contrary to popular belief, chocolate is not naturally sweet! It is naturally rather bitter and needs to be supplemented with anything from vanilla to milk to give it the creamy and sweet consistency we’re so familiar with. It’s a popular ingredient in many sectors and has given rise to some of the most famous desserts as we know it — chocolate fondue fountains, chocolate cake, hot chocolate, your average candy bar, you name it! A single cocoa tree can produce over 6,000 flowers per year, so thankfully it’s highly unlikely we’ll run out any time soon.

Where Does Chocolate See The Most Business?

Did you know the United States alone accounts for at least 20% of the world’s chocolate consumption? Stand aside, baseball and apple pie — there’s a new competitor in town! When it comes to net cocoa imports, the United States still stands tall as the world leader and shows no signs of being toppled yet. The average Brit or German citizen will eat an average of 24 pounds of chocolate per year, however, even beating out their significant seafood industry. We can’t forget about holidays, of course, as over 90 million pounds of chocolate are purchased every Halloween. Christmas and Valentine’s Day are also popular days for gourmet chocolates!

Where Do I Get Good Chocolate?

While chocolate is pretty easy to find, gourmet chocolates go the extra mile to give any special occasion or person the class and decadence they deserve. There are many organic dark chocolate and baking chocolate suppliers in the United States alone, working night and day to provide their customers with the highest quality stock around. You can even buy in bulk, to ensure that your demand is met in full and for an affordable price. Next time you’re planning a wedding or throwing a birthday party, consider looking at chocolate wholesale businesses and see if you can’t go the extra mile. After all chocolate has done for us, it’s only polite to return the favor!

When Planning a Wedding, Beware Hidden Fees

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Francis Pitt

What party venues have you considered for your wedding? Of course, to book a party for any celebration can become stressful especially when the guest list is large. But with a wedding ceremony and reception, a bride wants things to be exactly as they imagined, whether that is an elegant evening party or a sunny morning brunch. Different party venues can offer different options, so it is important to do one’s research.

This Is Going to Cost Me HOW MUCH?

Weddings are infamously expensive. The average budget (meaning between the lowest and highest) is $28,385 for the wedding ceremony and reception not including food, favors, dress, rings, or the cake. Some couples may see that number and think, “Oh okay. That sounds about right.” Other couples may think, “Yeesh. Is there anyway we can bring that price down by a few…thousand?”

There are little ways wedding costs can add up and put the whole party over budget. Which means there are also ways to keep costs low. Any big celebration at any of the party venues in any city will cost money. But if a reasonable budget is set it can be possible to stick to it and still have a romantic wedding.

How to Save Money Without Cutting Out the Cake.

One trick is to try and find those party venues that offer packages. Some golf courses, for example, have catering options for the weddings they host. But they may charge a fee for outside food to be brought in. It is beneficial to ask questions about everything. Ask the event manager about corkage fees, about security fees, about set up and take down fees, etc. These are not necessarily “hidden fees” so much as fees that may not occur to someone who has never planned a wedding reception before.

One important factor to consider is whether the wedding will be indoors or outdoors. For larger wedding guest lists, an outdoor reception may be a requirement if your chosen venue cannot comfortably fit everyone inside. Hudson Valley Weddings surveyed brides and discovered 35% of couples plan outdoor weddings.

The Timing of the Wedding Affects Its Price.

One way to lower costs is to have an early wedding. A morning wedding ceremony takes advantage of the time of day when most businesses charge less for their services. Party venues like the timing because they can book more parties. Caterers also are known to charge a bit less for brunch-like foods. Still not sold? Consider asking the baker to make one, smaller, decorative cake to cut into and having large sheet cakes in the kitchen to serve to guests.

When you begin to plan your wedding, it is important to have a clear picture of what you want. No wedding will ever go 100% according to plan, but it can help the process along. Determine what you are comfortable compromising on, such as colors or cost, and decisions will be easier.

A Brief History of Ice Cream

Posted on April 28, 2016 by Francis Pitt

It is no secret ice cream is everyone’s favorite frozen treat. The average American will consume it 28.5 times per year, and over 90% of U.S households are the ones indulging. Additionally, in any given two week period 40% of Americans will eat ice cream! It is hard to resist going out to an ice cream or frozen yogurt shop, with the cuteness overload that comes with it. There are the mini tasting spoons, colorful paper cups, and if you’re lucky the little gelato spoons that look like a colorful mini shovels. But, where did ice cream come from? Read on to learn a little bit more of the history of this frosty treat.

Ice cream’s origins have been known to be traced back to the second century BC, although no specific date has been recorded. It is possible the first version was shaved ice with flavoring. This method was enjoyed by Alexander the Great, who dabbed a little honey and nectar on his dessert. Additionally, during the Roman Empire Nero Claudius Cesar would send runners into the mountains to get ice and then flavor it with fruits and juices.

Over a thousand years later, explorer Marco Polo returned to Italy with a recipe from Ancient China that closely resembles today’s sherbet. Historians believe that this eventually evolved into modern day ice cream in the 16th century, with England enjoying the delicacy of what was known as cream ice. This was only enjoyed by the royals, and wasn’t made available to the general public until 1660.

The first official account of ice cream arriving in the Americas was in 1774. Ice cream soon ballooned in popularity with advertisements in local newspapers. There are even reports of George Washington spending $200 for ice cream during the summer of 1790.

Just like in Europe, ice cream was a dessert only enjoyed by the wealthy until the 1880s. It was then that insulated ice houses were invented, and soon after manufacturing ice cream became an industry. And it just grew from there! Today, about 9% of all milk produced by dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream so it continues to be a popular dish despite its elitist roots!

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