The Waistline - Eating the Right Way

Posted At : April 4, 2013 11:10 AM | Posted By : Admin
Related Categories: Gourmet Productions

Spring break has come and gone and summer is just around the corner. If you’re anything like us that means you’re already strategizing how to get swimsuit ready to cruise the lake while looking great!

Lucky for all of us foodies out there, healthy eats are becoming increasingly influential in kitchens across America. Chefs, diners and market shelves are incorporating a slew of smarter, healthier options that you can devour and feel great about.

So what’s hot this year on the healthy foods isle? Some of the favorites we are seeing on menus include: Quinoa, Gluten-Free (check out our blog post from last week), organic veggies and local foods , goat cheese, and the notorious super foods, such as berries, eggs, kale, beans, nuts, oranges, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and spinach.

Stop by today to try one of our healthy favorites, our Flank Steak Salad. Lean red meat in moderation is quite good for you. A 3oz serving provides half of your daily need for protein, and is also an excellent source of iron, zinc and vitamin B. Bell peppers are super delicious and super healthy. Did you know one small red, orange or yellow pepper provides three times your daily need of vitamin C? Red peppers also have healthy doses of lycopene, beta carotene, fiber, B6 and folic acid. Delish!

Flank Steak Salad

1 to 1.5lbs Flank Steak

1 Red Bell Pepper, sliced

1 Yellow Bell Pepper, sliced

½ bunch Cilantro, chopped

1 small Fennel, sliced

½ bunch Green Onions, sliced

Salt & Pepper to taste

Grill or sear-off flank steak then cook it to desired temperature (we recommend medium rare). After steak is cooked, let is cool for 30-40 minutes then thinly slice. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Dress with ½ cup of dressing (see recipe below) and salt and pepper to taste.

Dressing

1 t Garlic, minced

1 t Shallots, minced

1/3c Soy Sauce

1 c White Balsamic Vinegar

1 ½ T Sesame Oil

2 c Olive Oil

Place all ingredients, except olive oil, in a bowl and gently whisk to mix. Slowly add oil, whisking until blended.

Comments (0) |

Print |

Gluten Free

Posted At : March 25, 2013 11:04 AM | Posted By : Admin
Related Categories: Desserts

As our global awareness grows so does the need to accommodate all types of diets. Whether you choose a diet for trend, socio-economic reasons, or health, specialty diets are becoming increasingly more popular. A growing trend in our world today is the Gluten Free Diet. More and more Americans are finding that they are gluten intolerant. In fact, did you know that on average, 1 in every 133 Americans is diagnosed with celiac disease and must avoid foods containing barley, rye, triticale and wheat.

As a result, food establishments have to become more accommodating to the requests of their customers. Fortunately, it is possible to find tasty dishes and knowledgeable personnel to navigate menus and still keep kosher. At Gourmet Productions we like to have food options for everyone. For those wondering if it’s possible to have your pie and eat it to? The answer is YES! It sure is.

Gluten Free Apple Almond Cream Tart

Gluten Free Flour Blend

2C Rice Flour

2/3C Potato Starch

1/3C Tapioca Flour

¼ t Xantham Gum

Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

Pastry Crust

2 ¼ C Gluten Free Flour Blend

1t Salt

¼ t Baking Powder

¾ C Butter

1T Cider Vinegar

7T Cold Water

Pulse flour, salt, baking powder & butter in a food processor until the consistency resembles cornmeal. Mix vinegar and water together and then blend into flour mixture. Press into a tart pan and place in freezer for 15 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. (The crust will only partially be baked)

Almond Cream

1C Ground Almond

½ C Sugar

2T GF Flour Blend

7T Butter

2 Eggs

1t Vanilla

Blend ground almond, sugar and flour in food processor until fine. Add butter and cream together. Add eggs, one at a time and vanilla. Mix until well blended then spoon into partially baked tart shell.

Slice two apples and toss with 1t lemon juice. Arrange apple slices atop the almond cream, making a pattern of your choice. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until a light golden color forms on the almond cream.

Cool to room temperature. Drizzle with caramel and top with toasted sliced almonds.

Comments (0) |

Print |

Inspiration From Around the Globe

Posted At : March 12, 2013 2:14 PM | Posted By : Admin
Related Categories: Gourmet Productions

Cultural and ethnic flavors are more admired in kitchens across America this year. The shift in our population reflects our craving for diversity in cuisines. Chefs are subtly, as well as boldly, expanding their menus and skills, to incorporate ingredients and products from allover the globe.

So many of the traditional favorites are now being made locally, right here at home! Not only have we seen a rise in Asian fusion, but dishes from Brazil, Argentina and Peru are also beginning to mainstream. Watch for farmstead cheeses, Asian comfort foods such ramen noodles & dumplings, as well as Latino flavors and Scandinavian twists.

One of our favorite ethnically inspired dish is the Thai Lemongrass Chicken Skewers. Stop in to Gourmet Products this week and grab a few for dinner, or if you are feeling really adventures, see our recipe below to re-create them yourself!

Thai Lemongrass Chicken Skewers

2 ½ lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thigh Meat, cut into ½ in cubes

2 T Finely chopped Lemongrass (only use the bottom third of stalk)

1 t Chopped Shallot

1 t Ground Turmeric

¼ C Lime Juice

¼ C Soy Sauce

¼ C Mirin (sweet rice wine)

1 T Fish Sauce

2 T Olive Oil

2 T Brown Sugar

2 T Cilantro

Soak 10, 10-inch bamboo skewers in water for an hour.

Marinate chicken in the lemongrass, shallot, turmeric, lime juice, soy sauce, mirin, fish sauce and olive oil for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Skewer the chicken on the skewers, reserving the marinade as you go.

Place reserved marinade in a saucepan, add the brown sugar and bring to a boil. Lower temperature to a simmer and reduce marinade until thickened into a loose syrup.

Grill chicken and finish in the oven until done. Brush the chicken with the reduced marinade. Allow to cool slightly, top with the chopped cilantro and serve!

Serves: 8-10 Skewers

Comments (0) |

Print |

Pucker Up!

Posted At : March 5, 2013 12:39 PM | Posted By : Admin
Related Categories: Desserts

Lemons just might be the most commonly used flavoring ingredient (after salt and pepper) in all cooking. You find lemons in salads, main courses and desserts. They are used in baking, drink making, and barbequing. Ultimately, their light fresh tart flavor and bright aroma enliven just about everything.

Lemons are also highly acidic. For this reason, they are used in marinades to help tenderize meat, and squeezed on fruit salads or starchy vegetables to help brighten and maintain their color.

They are not just a tasty and functional fruit, they also provide an array of health benefits. Lemons help to maintain healthy digestion and a clean liver as well as produce antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers. In fact, did you know that Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons?

Research has also show that lemon oil has a calming effect that helps to remove fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. Think of that lovely bowl of lemons as a room fresher at home and in the office to increase efficiency and calm moods.

Lemons are good for the body, great for your mind and even better for that palate – therefore, we always say - when life gives you lemons, make these tasty lemon treats!

Lemon Curd

3 Eggs

½ C Lemon Juice

2 t Lemon Zest

½ t Vanilla

Pinch of Salt

¼ C Butter

Mix all ingredients except butter in a saucepan and heat to 160?, stirring constantly.

Once temperature is reached, remove from heat and strain into a glass bowl.

Let cool for 10 minutes.

Whisk in butter, one tablespoon at a time. Once all butter is melted, cover with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for up to four days.

Easy Lemon Curd Buttercream

1/3 C Lemon Curd

1 C Butter

Beat lemon curd and butter on high until fluffy.

Comments (0) |

Print |

Smaller Portions

Posted At : February 28, 2013 12:10 PM | Posted By : Admin
Related Categories: Gourmet Productions

Snacks as meals and smaller portions seem to be gracing menus and grocery stores everywhere. With more companies introducing pre-portioned foods in appropriate sizes and restaurants offering smaller plate options, this rising trend is a little like grazing on the foods you love, but with the emphasis on individual portion sizes.

It’s no surprise that this trend is on the upswing. As more people are living their busy lives on the go and eating out, smaller and healthier options are a must. Portioned eats serve those looking to shed a few pounds or live a healthier lifestyle by encouraging mindful eating, better ingredients and limits on food consumption.

Gourmet Productions is proud to be serving a variety of dishes this spring that fit within this trend. With the option to specify potion sizes of all our salads, including the popular Mediterranean Quinoa with tomato, cucumber and feta, or selecting a sandwich that can be shared or split for half later, (one of our favorites is the Reuben!) you will surly enjoy enough protein and carbs for energy to last you throughout the whole day.

Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes the best choices are the ones that come in a small box!

Reuben Sandwich

2 Slices Como Bread

1 T Dijon Mustard

3oz Sliced Pastrami

2 T Sauerkraut (drained)

2 Slices Swiss Cheese

Butter, melted (for toasting)

Put half a tablespoon of mustard on each slice of bread. Top one slice of bread with the pastrami, sauerkraut and cheese and then cover with the other bread slice. Brush outside of bread and grill to a golden brown. Cut sandwiches to desired sizes pieces.

Comments (0) |

Print |

Out With The New, In With The…Old?

Posted At : February 11, 2013 4:52 PM | Posted By : Admin
Related Categories: Dinner ideas

That’s right folks, Gourmet Productions is celebrating this week with our latest 2013 food trend – we’re talking all-things retro. Over the past several years we have seen the infamous macaroni & cheese dish take on new twists and flavors, not to mention modern versions of mashed potatoes, jello and the Waldorf salad, but now, more than ever, there are new spins on classic favorites. Who says new is better? Old-fashioned diner & deli favorites are back and better than ever, inspiring chefs to explore new tastes among all the classic foods of the past.

Ranging anywhere from appetizer menu, to main course, to dessert, these fun favorites seem to be catching fire on menus all across the US. Some of our latest favorites taking flight include: Fondue, Deviled Eggs, savory soufflés, tripe, Swedish meatballs, chicken pot pie, S’mores, chiffon pie, and last but not least the Whoopie Pie!

Our stellar Dessert Diva and pastry chef, Mandy has put a new spin on this beloved retro treat, incorporating flavor favorite – Red Velvet. Red Velvet cake is no longer just a wedding or cupcake staple; we are seeing this flavor incorporated into cookies, pancakes, scones, ice cream, truffles, brownies, and even batter for fried chicken!

Check out Mandy’s amazing Red Velvet Whoopie Pie recipe below or pop in to Gourmet Productions on Valentine’s Day and pick up a few to enjoy (with no clean up needed.)

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

1oz Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

6 T Butter

¼ C Sour Cream

2 Eggs

1 ½ t Vinegar

1 T Vanilla

1 T Red Food Coloring

¾ C Oil

½ C Buttermilk

2 ½ C + 2 T Flour

1 ¼ C Sugar

3 T Cocoa Powder

1 ½ t Baking Soda

1 t Salt

Filling:

1 8oz package of cream cheese, softened

½ C butter, softened

2 ½ C Powdered Sugar

2 t Clear Vanilla

Preparation:

Melt chocolate chips and butter in microwave, approximately one minute.

Mix all wet ingredients together in a bowl, then stir in melted chocolate.

Sift all dry ingredients into a large bowl. Fold the wet mixture in, making sure not to over mix.

With a large spoon or scooper, scoop out 1 tablespoon circles onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.

When cooled, spread filling on bottom sides of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies.

Yield: 2 dozen whoopie pies

Comments (0) |

Print |

It's All About Veggies

Posted At : February 5, 2013 1:47 PM | Posted By : Admin
Related Categories: Gourmet Productions

Whether fried, roasted, boiled, steamed, or served raw with the perfect dip, veggies stay strong in the ring this year, helping us maintain our weight and keeping our bodies happy and healthy.

Last year’s favorite, kale (who doesn’t love those easy –to-make kale chips), loaded with fiber and antioxidants is still sitting high on its throne as king of the greens. However, other veggies like varied rabes, mini bok choy, beets, leeks, and cauliflower are climbing their way to the top.

Our chefs here at Gourmet Productions are most excited to incorporate cauliflower into new menus for spring, summer and fall seasons – it’s so versatile! Actually we have been using cauliflower in dishes for years, I guess you could say we have been ahead of the trend! Loaded with nutrients, one cup of cauliflower has nearly 90-percent of your recommended daily value of vitamin C. We love it because it can be mashed, curried, roasted, boiled, and even caramelized!

Roasted Cauliflower with Petite Croutons, Parmesan & Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

1 Large Head of Cauliflower

1/3 C Olive Oil

1 C Rustic Day-Old Bread, diced ¼ to ½ inch

2 T Olive Oil

½ C Grated Parmesan

1 T Meyer Lemon Juice

1 T Olive Oil

1 t Minced Garlic

Salt & Pepper to taste

Chives to Garnish

Preparation:

Break cauliflower head into florets. Toss in 1/3 cups olive oil, place on baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until cauliflower is lightly brown and cooked through.

Toss croutons with 2 tablespoons olive oil and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown.

Add lemon juice, garlic and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk in 1 tablespoon olive oil slowly to prepare your vinaigrette.

Place roasted cauliflower, toasted croutons and parmesan in a large bowl. Pour vinaigrette over and toss. Garnish with chives.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Comments (0) |

Print |

Let's Pickle It

Posted At : January 29, 2013 1:19 PM | Posted By : Admin
Related Categories: Gourmet Productions

We are so excited to start sharing the ins and outs of what’s hot this year in food. To kick off our list of the Top 8 Food Trends of 2013, we are dedicating our first post to dishes that have everything to do with -- PICKLING!

These days, with the right choice of high-quality vinegar, artisan salts, spices & organic produce you can pretty much pickle just about anything. Cabbage, beets, bell peppers, onions, carrots, green beans, cucumbers, mushrooms, jalapenos and garlic are just a handful of veggies gracing menus around the US. And it’s not just veggies making it big in the pickling world fruits are to! You can find pickled peaches, cherries, rhubarb, plums, apricots, pears and others!

Here at Gourmet Products we are big fans of pickling asparagus – and not just for munching (although they are a tasty snack!), but we are also big fans of incorporating their delicious flavors in to some of our favorite dishes!

Stop in and grab a to-go box of our delicious salad or, if you’re feeling domestic, see below for recipes on how to create your own pickled asparagus and farro salad.

Bread and Butter Pickled Asparagus

1 Bunch of Asparagus, sliced into ½ in sized pieces

1 Shallot, thinly sliced

3 C Unseasoned Rice Wine Vinegar

3 C Sugar

2T Mustard Seed

1 ½ t Celery Seed

1 ½ t Tumeric

¼ t Cayenne

Preparation:

Place asparagus in a glass or metal bowl and set aside. Combine all other ingredients in a non-reactive pan (such as glass or stainless steel). Bring to a boil and pour over the asparagus. Allow to cool to room temperature then refrigerate over night. Drain pickles from brine as you need them. Store in the fridge.

Yield: 1 Quart of Pickled Asparagus

Farro Salad with Pickled Asparagus & Almonds

2 C Cooked Farro

¼ C Toasted Sliced Natural Almonds

¼ C Pickled Asparagus (drained)

2 T O Meyer Lemon Olive Oil

1 T Chopped Chives

Salt & Pepper to taste

Preparation:

Toss all ingredients together and enjoy!

Yield: 4 Servings

Comments (0) |

Print |

Gourmet Productions Tips on What to Eat, Drink & Cook in 2013.

Posted At : January 24, 2013 11:44 AM | Posted By : Admin
Related Categories: Gourmet Productions

Well, it’s officially mid-January and we’re putting a fun twist on the traditional “out with the old, in with the new” adage. At Gourmet Productions, it’s shaping up to be an “out with the new, in with the old” kind of year!

These are just a few of the trends rounding out our list of the top 8 food trends to keep an eye on in 2013. Whether you’re an experienced at-home chef, party planner or simply a foodie who enjoys being in the know (and eating good food!), we’ve got something for everyone. And we’ll be posting recipes and tips for incorporating these trends into your own home test kitchen over the next few weeks. But if you’d rather come to Gourmet Productions and pick up a tasty, trendy dish to go (and plate up at home to pass off as “homemade”), we won’t tell…

Without further adieu, the Gourmet Productions Top 8 Food Trends of 2013 are:

1. Pucker Up! – You find lemons in salads, on main courses and in desserts. Their light fresh tart flavor enlivens everything!

2. The Waistline – Healthy foods will continue to influence chefs and diners, with menu items you can devour and feel good about.

3. Snacks as Meals – Smaller portions are gracing menus everywhere. It’s a little like grazing but with the emphasis on individual portions.

4. Vegan to Gluten Free – As our global awareness grows so does the need to accommodate all types of diets. Fortunately, it is possible to find tasty dishes and knowledgeable personnel to navigate menus and still keep kosher.

5. Out With the New, In With the Old?! – One of our fave food trends for the year, it’s time to celebrate all-things retro. Old-fashioned dinner & deli favorites are back and better than ever, inspiring chefs to explore a new spin on all the classic food of our childhood.

6. Ethnic Foods - So many items are being made locally and are influenced by our diverse population. Watch for farmstead cheeses, Asian comfort foods and Latino flavors.

7. Veggies - Whether fried, roasted, boiled, steamed, or served raw with the perfect dip, veggies stay strong in the ring and maintain our fighting weight.

8. Let’s Pickle It! – Using high-quality vinegar, artisan salts & spices and organic produce, pickled, well, everything is all the rage this year.

So those are our top food trends we’re keeping an eye on for 2013 but we want to know, did we miss any? What’s on the top of your food radar for the year? Be sure to tell us in the comments and come back throughout the next few weeks as we share our top trendy recipes and dishes right here on our blog.

Until then, bon appetit from the crew at Gourmet Productions!

Comments (0) |

Print |

Toast To a Triumphant 2013 with these Tasty Treats

Posted At : December 28, 2012 1:58 PM | Posted By : Admin
Related Categories: Gourmet Productions

For many, January 1 marks a day of resolutions, fresh starts, new beginnings and opportunity. But, this year, instead of leaving everything up to fate, why not enjoy a yummy meal to help increase your good fortune?

Gourmet Productions has pulled together a list of reportedly lucky foods and recipes. We’re not sure how “lucky” they actually are but we’re sure they’re guaranteed to make for a happy new year!

Black-Eyed Peas – Especially when served with collard greens, many believe that Black-Eye Peas should be consumed right after midnight or on New Year’s Day to bright good luck and prosperity.

Feast on this for fortune:

Black-Eyed Pea Risotto

Cabbage – Traditionally being a late fall crop, cabbage is often preserved and served as sauerkraut throughout the winter. Its long strands symbolize a long and happy life. Furthermore, all greens, including cabbage, are said to resemble money and thought to bring good fortune.

Enjoy this meal to increase your good fortune:

Seared Savoy Cabbage with Mixed Sausages

Lentils – Customarily thought to resemble coins, lentils are often eaten for good fortune into the New Year.

Try this lentil dish as you ring in the New Year:

Seasoned Dhal

Pomegranate – Their bright red coloring is said to represent the human heart, denoting life and fertility. In addition, their ample, round seeds are thought to represent abundance and prosperity.

Try this tasty tonic for luck this New Years:

Pomegranate Cosmo

Fish – People eat fish to celebrate the New Year. Fish is often associated with moving forward, as that is the direction they swim in, as well as abundance, since they travel in schools. In addition, those with silver scales are also thought to symbolize money.

Try your luck on this fish dish:

Fish Tacos

Cheers and Happy Eating in 2013!

Comments (0) |

Print |

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31