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Chef’s Blog with Chef Keith Darling

 
We are pleased to present an on-going Blog with our Corporate Executive Chef, Keith Darling.  Please feel free to ask Chef Keith any question you may have about our products and how they can work in Culinary Inspired Menus in your operation.  Click here to ask your question.
 
INSPIRATION FROM INGREDIENTS IN THE PANTRY

How do ingredients from the pantry add value to the menu?

When you use ingredients on hand, from your usual inventory, you keep your food costs down. By using them to create signature dishes you can command a higher menu price. This helps you build your business and your menu, with popular new items.

What type of pantry items lend themselves to signature recipes?

Start with dry or fresh herbs, and vegetables that you typically have on hand. You can also use leftover poultry, meat or seafood. It’s easy to get started.  Try our recipes for Cumin-Scented Mashed Potatoes  or Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes with Thyme. Both of them feature simple ‘mix-ins’ to the mashed potatoes.

What are some popular flavor profiles that work well with these recipes? 

Bold global flavors – from Latin to Mediterranean – are a favorite today. Our recipe for Brazilian Style Black Beans and Rice is a savory dish with a Latin flair, which uses common spices like garlic, cayenne and cumin.  For a familiar flavor with a new twist, try our Spicy Refried Bean and Cheese Quesadilla. It’s an item you can highlight as an appetizer, or as a main-dish offering.

What are some guidelines for matching pantry items with global flavors?

As a guide, think of each flavor profile in terms of these categories: meats or seafood, cheeses, vegetables, and herbs or seasonings. Pair an item from one category with one from another. For Latin flavors, you could use chorizo, ground beef, or pulled chicken as the meat; and Monterey jack or pepper jack as the cheese. Seasonings could include cardamom, cayenne pepper, cilantro and black pepper.



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For more recipes and menu ideas, visit http://www.baf.com/recipes.