Chef Q&A

Floral Flavors

Q: Floral flavors such as elderflower, lavender, and orange blossom were hits in the beverage sector last year and are crossing over into appetizers, salads, and desserts. What is your favorite floral flavor and how do you use it?

Honestly my favorite is lavender. It’s both fragrant and beautiful. However, my newest floral friends are chive blossoms. Just one tiny bite of their flavor can really elevate a bowl of sugar snap peas or edamame.

Chef

Brightly Colored Recipes

Q: Brilliantly colored recipes attract attention both on and offline. Bright beet hummus, squid ink pastas, matcha green cheesecakes, and blue algae lattes are a few examples of how to naturally color dishes. What’s your favorite method?

Regardless of your favorite flavors, these five words are the key to increasing color in your dish: DO NOT OVERCOOK YOUR VEGETABLES. As far as my favorite way to bring color to the plate, it has to be pomegranate seeds. More than their beautiful hue and gorgeous luster, they add excitement with little bursts of acidity. They’re versatile enough to be used in either sweet or savory dishes. BONUS TIP: A lightly wilted baby spinach and butternut puree makes a wonderful base for scallops or chicken to sit on.

Chef

Veg-Centric Father's Day Dishes

Q: Father’s Day is known as a grilled, meat-focused holiday…what veg-centric dishes do you suggest for those looking for more produce-based dishes?

One of my favorites is sautéed Morel mushrooms and grilled asparagus. I like to finish the morels in the pan with Madeira wine and then drizzle the whole dish with a harissa sauce. It makes great Father’s Day meal, because that is one of the last weekends that those ingredients are in their seasonal prime.

Chef

Embracing Carbs

Q: Carbs are back. What healthy carbs do you suggest and how do you like to prepare them?

The variety of textures and flavors in ancient grains makes them interesting to eat and versatile for every meal period. Cook grains like kamut in the low & slow heat method, then mix in caramelized MFC Apples, strained yogurt, salt & pepper, toasted pecans, and rosemary-infused honey. Prepare an ancient grain salad with red quinoa, charred MFC Zucchini Squash, pickled raisins, pumpkin seeds, goat cheese, coriander, and harissa vinaigrette. Put a spin on risotto by using bulgur wheat with sugar snap peas, preserved lemon butter, wilted sweet pea tendrils, and shaved Parmesan cheese.

Chef Michael Viloria, Gordon Food Service Canada

Mother's Day Dishes

Q: Mother’s Day is a huge foodservice opportunity—what produce dishes do you suggest for this holiday menu?

Serve a lobster mushroom benny with poached eggs, buttermilk fingerling potato cakes, burnt butter hollandaise, and parsley salad. Create a summer squash noodle bowl with marinated heirloom tomatoes, fresh MFC Basil, garlic confit, white balsamic, and extra virgin olive oil. Drizzle grilled cabbage wedges and rainbow carrots with ginger dressing, mint yogurt, and garam masala bread crumbs. Offer a fingerling potato salad made with candied onions and sweet & sour mustard sauce.

Chef Michael Viloria, Gordon Food Service Canada

Alcohol-Free Beverages

Q: Alcohol-free beverages made strong in-roads on menus last year and show signs of even more popularity this year. What are your most creative beverage ideas?
Blackberry Mint Tea is a mixture of blackberry shrub, honey lemon tea, and MFC Mint. The Caesar Verde combines roasted tomatillos, clam nectar, coriander, lime salt, pepperoncini, green olives, and MFC Celery. Rose Water Soda contains edible rose ice cubes, rose water syrup, and ginger beer.
Chef Michael Viloria, Gordon Food Service Canada

Hybrid Dishes

Q: Hybrid dishes, like cronuts, ramen burgers, and sushirittos—are craveable and extremely Instagrammable. What hybrid dishes have you seen?

Sushi tacos are trending; I fill seaweed shells with sticky rice, tempura vegetables, sliced RSS Avocado Halves, pickled ginger, and red onions. The squashleekotao. a.k.a a Vegducken combines MFC Zucchini Squash, leeks, and sweet potatoes rolled into a vegetarian masterpiece. A phoritto is a house-made tortilla filled with pho beef, rice noodles, MFC Basil, bean sprouts, chile peppers, and MFC Limes. Don’t forget the dipping sauce!

Chef Michael Viloria, Gordon Food Service Canada

Root to Stem Cooking

Q: What is your favorite fruit or vegetable to use in the root to stem fashion? How do you prepare and present this dish?
It is hard to go wrong with slow roasted beets any time of year. Cooked, cooled, and peeled beets can be incorporated into many salads and side dishes. Earthy beet roots also pair well with fruits such as pears or apples, and their bitter tops can add brightness to bean- and/or grain-based salads.
Chef Chris Cukjati, Ben E. Keith Foods

Using Cilantro

Q: The fresh, clean flavors of cilantro are critical to accent the meats and heavy sauces of Mexican and Indian recipes. What is your favorite use?

I love cilantro. Not because it is used so commonly in Texas, but because it works in so many cuisines throughout the world. Try simmering coconut milk broth with cilantro, an Indian spice blend, cooked red potatoes, yellow lentils, ginger, Serrano chiles, and green peas. Top with chopped cilantro to brighten this comforting dish. 

Chef Chris Cukjati, Ben E. Keith Foods

Korean Foods

Q: Korean foods are on-trend, whether in authentic form or in fusion dishes. How do you suggest incorporating these flavors on the menu?
Marinated spicy, garlic sirloin bulgogi done on the grill can be tossed with fresh vegetables such as red peppers, red onions, grilled green onions, and seasoned/grilled slices of cauliflower florets. Delicious as a replacement for the typical filling in a fajitas recipe.
Chef Chris Cukjati, Ben E. Keith Foods

Vegetarian Dishes

Q: Plant-based eating shows no signs of abating. What vegetarian or vegan dishes do you offer that are more creative than a typical salad or pasta course?

I suggest a savory bowl of lo mein noodles with bok choy, roasted portabella mushroom slices, sautéed onions, fresh jalapenos, and cooked farro in a complex vegetarian broth topped with fresh herbs.

Chef Chris Cukjati, Ben E. Keith Foods

MFC Strawberries

Q: What is your favorite Markon First Crop product? How do you like to use it?

I like tossing MFC Strawberries in sugar and strawberry vinegar, then slow roasting on a silpat. This allows all the flavors to concentrate and creates unique texture. Use as a topping for desserts ranging from mousse to cakes to ice cream.

Chef Chris Cukjati, Ben E. Keith Foods

Fermented Produce Items

Q: Fermented foods continue to gain popularity for both their health properties/gut health as well as their pleasantly bitter flavors. What are your favorite fermented produce items?

Fermented foods are highly underestimated. They can be used to create a vibrant palate, something deliciously unfamiliar. My favorite fermented produce item is black garlic. It brings a sweet element to the garlic that we never knew was there before the fermentation. 

Chef: Kelli Welby

Using Turmeric

Q: Turmeric is hot as a spice in many global blends or as a grated root. How do you like to use it?

I like to use turmeric in a similar fashion to ginger. Like ginger, it’s very versatile, which allows it to complement many culinary applications. I personally like it best in tiny candied pieces—makes an excellent garnish! 

Chef: Kelli Welby

Featuring Citrus on Winter Menus

Q: Citrus is in season all winter—how do you suggest featuring it on menus?

Our palates need sour more than we think! As long as the citrus balances the dish, I think it is a great addition to winter menus. I would suggest using citrus in the winter to combat bitter flavors like in an orange cranberry glaze for brussels sprouts or a lemon gelee on a mocha flourless torte. 

Chef: Kelli Welby

Winter 2018 Trendiest Items

Q: Based on last season and the many predictions out this month, what do you think will be this winter’s trendiest item?

I really think that this year we are going to see an increased use of Brussels sprouts. I believe people have become less intimidated by their bitter umami flavor. The cores can be braised while the leaves can be fried, creating a very texturally appealing vegetable for many types of cuisines. 

Chef: Kelli Welby

Holiday Side Dishes

Q: The holiday season is approaching…what are your favorite fruit and/or vegetable side dishes?

Sweet potatoes store well and are available all year, but the fall is when flavors and freshness peak. I love the finished texture of roasted sweet potato. One of my go-to dishes is roasted sweet potato with chunks of fresh pineapple in a hot oven, allowing some charring. This goes great with pork loin or a nice rack of Colorado lamb. When it comes to fruit, nothing beats an autumn pear. There are many varieties and textures to use. Pears are great in fall salads comprised of kale, Parmesan cheese, sliced pears, and honey-lemon dressing.

Good eating!

Chef: Tim Maness
Chef Tim Maness, Shamrock Foods Company

Late Fall Leafy Greens

Q: Late fall leafy greens can add color, nutrients, and bold flavor to a variety of menu items. How do you use them?
Greens are loaded with proteins, minerals, and nutrients and give our immune systems a nice boost going into the long, cold winter. I love a hearty soup made from spinach, Lacinato kale, and Swiss chard. Potato, heavy cream, and vegetable broth simmered and pureed also offers a fresh alternative to braised options.
Good eating!
Chef: Tim Maness
Chef Tim Maness, Shamrock Foods Company

Healthy Dessert Options

Q: With all of the decadent meals craved (and served!) during the holiday months, healthy dessert choices are a smart way to encourage diners to order something sweet. What recipes do you menu that are on the healthy side, yet delicious?

Fresh peaches are my go to fruit in the fall. One of my favorite dishes is a healthy version of peach cobbler. Simply grilled peach halves, rubbed with vanilla bean, topped with house made granola and frozen lemon yogurt.

Good eating!

Chef: Tim Maness
Chef Tim Maness, Shamrock Foods Company

Winter Menus: Cinnamon and Citrus

Q: Cinnamon and citrus are two ingredients that work well in winter menus—how do you use them?

As we get ready to entertain family and friends, our beverage selections change as much as our menus do. Blood Oranges are a great choice for making drinks. One I like is a blood orange margarita. I infuse simple syrup with cinnamon sticks to add fall-like flavors to this “out of the ordinary” cocktail.

Good eating!

Chef: Tim Maness
Chef Tim Maness, Shamrock Foods Company

Eggs, Eggs, and More Eggs!

Q: Eggs aren’t just for breakfast anymore. From burgers topped with a sunny side up, to shakshuka, to modernized deviled egg appetizers, this ingredient shows no sign of losing popularity. How do you reinvent egg dishes and which produce items do you pair them with?

Eggs have been everywhere on menus this year and I don’t see this trend abating. They lend supple texture to trendy toasts and brothy soups like ramen and udon. Scotch eggs—soft-boiled and wrapped in sausage, then fried in panko—are delicious on top of green salads.

Good eating!

Chef: Gerry Ludwig
Chef Jerry Ludwig, Gordon Food Service

Fall Brussels Sprouts

Q: Brussels sprouts remain a classic fall ingredient. How do you like to serve them?

Brussels sprouts went from dreaded vegetable to the hottest side dish on the menu. I like to saute them with cranberries and Indian or Middle Eastern spices to balance their earthiness and lend some pleasant bitterness.

Good eating!

Chef: Gerry Ludwig
Chef Jerry Ludwig, Gordon Food Service

Pairing Ethnic Pantry Items with Produce

Q: Ethnic pantry items are becoming secret weapons for all sorts of menus. Extras like black bean sauce, tahini, panko, ponzu, and fish sauce can add salt, umami, and texture. What is your go-to and what produce do you pair it with?

I like the Turkish Baharat spice blend…especially ones that contain mint, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, cumin, nutmeg, coriander, and paprika. These disparate flavors come together to season meats, rice, and vegetables with sweet and smoky notes. Ideal for customers who are on low-sodium diets!

Good eating!

Chef: Gerry Ludwig
Chef Jerry Ludwig, Gordon Food Service

Pairing Produce with Meat

Q: Meats like goat, rabbit, and duck are increasingly popular on menus. Which produce items do you pair with these and how?

These ingredients are gaining popularity, especially goat—which is the most consumed meat on the planet. Traditional Jamaican jerk or curry recipes are great year-round. I pair these spicy dishes with sweet plantains, stewed okra, “peas and rice” (beans and rice), and plenty of fresh mango.

Good eating!

Chef: Gerry Ludwig
Chef Jerry Ludwig, Gordon Food Service

Using Potatoes

Q: Potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in myriad cuisines. What’s your favorite way to serve this tremendous tuber?

Bar snacks are on trend—and reinvented appetizers like potato skins are extremely popular. I’ve seen menus featuring fingerling potatoes filled with hummus, Russets topped with spicy Buffalo chicken and blue cheese, and sweet potato skins stuffed with maple-mashed potatoes and marshmallow meringue for the holidays.

Good eating!

Chef: Gerry Ludwig
Chef Jerry Ludwig, Gordon Food Service

Incorporating Melons into Your Menu

Q: Cantaloupes, honeydews, and watermelons are at their flavor peak—how do you use them?

I serve Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Cantaloupe Chunks with salty prosciutto or country ham and crisp Italian breadsticks. Watermelon works well with Feta cheese, red onions, and mint. And I pair honeydew melon balls with ice cold Baileys Liqueur and French vanilla ice cream for a sweet dessert.

Good eating!

Chef: David Evans
Markon Member Chef

Late-Summer Veggies

Q: What is your favorite late-summer vegetable? How do you serve it?

Up here in the Great White North, late summer/autumn is a little different than in California or Florida, so I will say: roasted beets and parsnips with garlic, thyme, sea salt and cracked black pepper…all day, every day! 

Good eating!

Chef: David Evans
Markon Member Chef

Produce to Grill

Q: It’s grilling season—what are your favorite produce items on the grill?

Coming from a classic French/Italian culinary background, I’m very fond of grilling rainbow peppers, Portabella mushrooms, yellow squashes, and zucchini that have been marinated in basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. More recently I’ve been grilling/charring broccoli, green onions, and shiitake mushrooms marinated in sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, cilantro, and lemon grass. 

Good eating!

Chef: David Evans
Markon Member Chef

Fresh Produce in Burgers

Q: Burgers are more popular—and varied—than ever. How do you incorporate fresh produce in your burger menus?

My go-to burger accompaniments are Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Better Burger Leaf, vine-ripe or heirloom tomatoes seasoned with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, and RSS Sliced Red Onions. If I’m making the classic Aussie burger, I add grilled pineapple, double-smoked Canadian bacon, pickled beets, and a sunny-side up fried egg.

Good eating!

Chef: David Evans
Markon Member Chef

Using Summer Tomatoes

Q: Summer tomatoes are full of flavor. What is your favorite raw preparation?

I keep it simple. Summer tomatoes are so delicious, they can be eaten like apples. For my Italian tomato salad, I toss a variety of colored tomatoes with MFC Basil, olive oil, Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Peeled Garlic, RSS Sliced Red Onions, balsamic vinegar, and a dash of salt and pepper. It’s a classic that everyone loves.

Good eating!

Chef: Vic Vegas
Chef Vic Vegas, Nicholas & Company

Summer Breakfasts

Q: Breakfast continues to be one of the most successful day parts. Now that the warmer months are upon us, how do you adjust morning recipes?

We serve fruits like berries, melons, and peaches cold or toss them in smoothies rather than warming them up for the pancakes and waffle toppers or hot cereals.

Good eating!

Chef: Vic Vegas
Chef Vic Vegas, Nicholas & Company

Using Produce & Herbs in Summer Cocktails

Q: Using fresh produce and herbs in cocktails is de rigueur in many circles. What ingredients do you pair with summer drinks?

I love hollowing out whole fruits to use them as vessels to hold drinks. I use pineapples, coconuts, and most melons—with lots of ice and fresh sage—to a create refreshing summer cocktails.

Good eating!

Chef: Vic Vegas
Chef Vic Vegas, Nicholas & Company

Grilling with Produce

Q: It’s BBQ season—what produce side dishes do you pair with this fare?

I would say there is nothing better than grilled corn on the cob seasoned with a house blend of BBQ spices. I like to get a good char on the kernels for extra flavor. They pair well with chicken wings, burgers, and steaks.

Good eating!

Chef: Vic Vegas
Chef Vic Vegas, Nicholas & Company

Favorite Summer Fruit

Q: What is your favorite summer fruit and how do you like to use it?

I like to season seedless watermelons with salt, pepper, and garlic, then grill and use them in place of tomatoes in my watermelon caprese salad topped with Champagne vinaigrette, Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Wild Arugula, gorgonzola cheese, and crushed pistachios.

Good eating!

Chef: Vic Vegas
Chef Vic Vegas, Nicholas & Company

Robust Spice Blends

Q: The popularity of spicy flavors shows no signs of abating. What are your favorites?

I season vegetables with robust spice blends like chipotle, harissa, or shawarma mix before grilling. These bold flavors add another dimension to vegetables and summer salads.

Chef Chris Cukjati, Ben E. Keith Foods

Bold Flavors

Q: Unique, bold flavors are at the top of the trend list—what are your go-to ingredients to draw customers?

I suggest transforming thinly sliced cucumbers into bread and butter pickles. In general I like substituting pickled or marinated vegetable combinations for fries. Another great combination is citrus with spicy chiles—together they create a ying-yang flavor contrast.

Chef Chris Cukjati, Ben E. Keith Foods

Warm-Weather Salads

Q: As temperatures climb, green salads become a menu focus. What are your favorite spring and summer salad ingredients?

I like to combine lettuces like arugula, baby greens, romaine, and spinach with grilled vegetables such as asparagus, squash, and tomatoes. I give these salads balance with a hint of sweetness from fruits like blueberries and strawberries.

Chef Chris Cukjati, Ben E. Keith Foods

Must-Haves for Father's Day Menus

Q: Which produce items are must-haves for Father’s Day menus?

Tomatoes, corn on the cob, strawberries and watermelon are my favorite ways of adding flavor and color to what is traditionally a meat-centric holiday. Times are changing and families are making healthier choices when eating out. I like to grill these produce items to give them a smoky char and serve them as side dishes or salads.

Chef Chris Cukjati, Ben E. Keith Foods

Healthy Drive-Thru Dining

Q: Fast food is getting even more competition with the increase in healthy drive-thru dining. What dishes do you feel lend themselves to take out and to-go options?
Everyone is “on the go” these days, looking for a quick bite they can take with them. They are focused on healthy food over heavily processed options. Offer these guests wraps or spring rolls filled with vegetables and that have a flavorful soy- or tamari-based dipping sauce or a spread on the inside. 
 
Include items that will lend a crunch for texture, juiciness, and flavor at the same time. Romaine lettuce, Sugar Snap peas, shredded carrots, cucumber, lime, and cilantro wrapped in rice paper that has been soaked. Add some nuts or shrimp if you like.
 
Soups and broths like Vietnamese Pho are all the rage these days. Packed full of vegetables, with or without meat or seafood, they are very profitable.
 
Good eating!
Chef Patrick Mitchell, Ben E. Keith Foods

Photogenic Food

Q: Photogenic food is said to boost sales. In this age of Instagram, what ingredients do you suggest for maximum photo exposure?

Food pictures are the most shared photos on the internet! It is amazing how many people are taking pictures of dishes while they are out to eat, just so they can post them and let the world see what they are eating. Knowing that, make sure your food POPS when you serve it. That is free publicity for your restaurant! Anything that has great contrast or looks like you just want to “eat the picture” is what sells - things like roasted Brussels Sprouts with a balsamic drizzle; fresh tomato, basil and Mozzarella (Caprese salad); watermelon and Feta cheese salad with fresh mint. Fresh fruits and vegetables work great in these photos!

Good eating!

Chef Patrick Mitchell, Ben E. Keith Foods

Mother's Day Dish

Q: What is your favorite Mother’s Day dish?
Having spent 33 years in hotels, you can imagine the number of Mother’s Day brunch items I have made, but I also think about what my own mother liked and what my brothers and sister would cook up for her at that time of year. She loved strawberries and rhubarb and we grew rhubarb in the back yard. We would make strawberry rhubarb pie, or a salad with strawberries and rhubarb and fresh mint with some sugar and orange juice, add a few nuts for texture...delicious! My mother also loved Quiche; we would make many versions with either broccoli, spinach, onions, green onions, or a combination of all. 
 
Frittatas are a great Mothers Day recipe, since they are pretty much an “open faced” omelet. Sautee up the veggies you want as your filling and then add in the mixture of eggs and milk. Cook it slowly over low heat, being careful not to burn the bottom, then finish it in the oven or under a salamander.
 
Good eating!
Chef Patrick Mitchell, Ben E. Keith Foods

Filipino Cuisine

Q: Filipino foods are rising in popularity. This cuisine is traditionally meat-heavy…what produce dishes do you suggest?
Filipino culture has had a very diverse influence over the ages which has had an impact on the traditional cuisine of the country. You can see influences from China, Spain, France, Southeast Asia, and even the United States. Filipino cuisine has some wonderful dishes that highlight vegetables along with the meat or seafood. One such dish is called “Lumpiang Sariwa” also known as a “Fresh Egg Roll” They start by cooking a mixture of tomato, garlic, onions and ground pork. Then they add in shredded jicama, sweet potatoes, and carrots. They cook this for a few minutes and then add in shredded cabbage just until it wilts. Remove from the stove and allow it to drain in a colander as it cools. Place a leaf of lettuce on a spring roll wrapper and fill with the cooled filling. Wrap it by folding the bottom up then the 2 sides around so the one end is open and the lettuce leaf is protruding. These are drizzled with Hoisin Sauce or sprinkled with chopped nuts.
 
Broths that are laden with vegetables and either shrimp or some type of meat are also very popular.
 
Good eating!
Chef Patrick Mitchell, Ben E. Keith Foods

Reducing Kitchen Waste

Q: The imperfect fruits and vegetable trend is helping reduce waste…what other ways do you suggest reducing produce waste in foodservice kitchens?

There are so many uses for imperfect fruits and vegetables. I like to pickle cauliflower, carrots, chile peppers, and green beans. I also suggest making spicy chutneys, fruit compotes, pureed soups, and dessert sauces.

Good eating!

Chef Stephen Renaud, Gordon Food Service Canada

Markon First Crop Broccoli Crowns

Q: What is your favorite Markon First Crop product? How do you prepare/serve it?

I love using Markon First Crop Broccoli Crowns. I chop them finely and fold them into a delicious broccoli soufflé topped with strawberry crème fraiche. It always delights customers—and is a huge success.

Good eating!

Chef Stephen Renaud, Gordon Food Service Canada

Valentine's Day Meals

Q: What ingredients do you use for romantic meals served on Valentine’s Day?

On Valentine’s Day, I slice Ready-Set-Serve Avocado Halves like a fan place over lobster mousse. I top it all with a melting foie gras cube—delicious!

Good eating!

Chef Stephen Renaud, Gordon Food Service Canada

2017 Trends

Q: What trend are you looking forward to experimenting with in 2017?

The veg-centric trend is big and I’m looking forward to promoting the values and benefits of this movement here. I plan to experiment with some of Markon's new products like Ready-Set-Serve Cauli Creations and specialty items like Chinese long beans.

Good eating!

Chef Stephen Renaud, Gordon Food Service Canada

Serving Avocados

Q: Avocados are packed with good fats-beyond Super Bowl guacamole, how do you serve these delicious fruits?

Avocados are a staple for most of Texas. Because they have such subtle flavor, I give them a boost with citrus juice and/or zest, fresh herbs, exotic salts, EVOO, garlic, fresh mango, passion fruit, and fresh ground peppercorns. Avocados pair well with crabmeat, cucumbers, tuna tartare, shrimp, soups, sauces, and purees. They add brightness to any dish, from a quenelle for garnish to a mousse as a base for a crab salad appetizer.

Good eating!

Chef Chris Cukjati, Ben E. Keith Foods

Produce Items in Hot Soups

Q: Hot soups like ramen and pho have exploded to cult status. What are your favorite produce items in these dishes?

I prefer rich umami flavors like Cremini and Portabella mushrooms that have been seared at high heat (to capture moisture and flavor). Also great are fresh micro cilantro, sliced jalapeno chiles, charred cabbage, green onion, daikon radishes, eggplants, hearty greens, seaweed salad, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and cauliflower florets.

Good eating!

Chef Chris Cukjati, Ben E. Keith Foods

Produce-Seafood Pairings

Q: Sustainable seafood is hot right now. What vegetables do you pair with this category?

I like to incorporate flavors like Butternut squash, roasted shallot, Thai curry paste, and coconut curry puree, hearty greens, root vegetable purees, roasted fingerling potatoes, or ancient grains such as farro as a base for fish served in wide, shallow bowls. Also try pairing a mild fish with cauliflower florets, EVOO, melted butter, garam masala, turmeric, onions, and garlic; roast until a deep caramelization and crunchy texture develops.

Good eating!

Chef Chris Cukjati, Ben E. Keith Foods

Transforming Salads for Cold-Weather Menus

Q: How do you transform salads for cold-weather menus?

Always look for earthy greens such as arugula, kale, and chard tops; add in roasted nuts, beets, goat cheese, and tender pieces of protein. I believe this is the time to showcase knife-garnish skills and add a crunch factor to develop savory flavors and citrus finishes. Another way to add dimension is to toss small grape, multi-color, or cherry tomatoes with EVOO, garlic, fresh herbs (thyme, marjoram, or oregano), then bake at a low temperature until tender—cool and toss into these hearty salads.

Good eating!

Chef Chris Cukjati, Ben E. Keith Foods