Back of the House

Flavor Forecast 2008

The forecast for 2008 is chile, with a chance of oregano. The spice experts at McCormick have conferred with researchers, top chefs and trend experts to forecast the spice combinations that will influence culinary talents in the coming year and have issued a “Top 10” list.

The daring pairings herald “a new spirit of adventure,” said Kevan Vetter, executive chef at McCormick. To find out more, visit www.mccormick.com.

Top 10 flavor combinations from Flavor Forecast 2008:

Oregano & Heirloom Beans

Vanilla Bean & Cardamom

Chile & Cocoa

Coriander & Coconut Water

Poppy Seed & Rose

Lemon Grass & Lychee

Red Curry & Masa

Orange Peel & Natural Wood

Allspice & Exotic Meats

Rubbed Sage & Rye Whiskey

The Conversationalists

Looking for a way to break the ice among small groups at a networking meeting or training event? Turn awkward silence into spirited foodie banter with help from the TableTopics — Gourmet Edition. This new edition is a cube of “Questions to Start Great Conversations.” This plexiglass cube is filled with cards, each with a conversation-sparking question.

Guests draw them one at a time: “What's the most impressive meal you've ever cooked?” or “When you need comfort what do you cook?” or “Which specialty oils and vinegars do you use?”

An ambitious director might even create some of her own topics — on food safety, or other training topics — and throw those into the mix.

TableTopics, available in other editions such as Couples and Teens and published by RUBY MiNE, retail for $25. To learn more, visit www.tabletopics.com.

WISCONSIN CHEESE CD

What sounds better than Cheddar? To romance descriptions on your menu, try including information on specialty cheeses and the craftsmen who make them. The Wisconsin Cheese Descriptions CD can help.

Each listing comes with a detailed description ready to “copy and paste” onto your own menu. Real “cheese heads” will also find short video clips on Wisconsin's cheesemaking heritage as well as the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker Program. This could be just the ticket for the right special event.

The CD is free to foodservice operators, chefs and culinary professionals. To order, visit www.WisDairy.com/CheeseCD.