market basket 2008-09-01

EDITED BY DIANE RIDGE

Made with whole grain bread and vegetables, Uncle Ben's new Savory Herb Stuffing Mix with Whole Grains, from Mars Foodservices, has a bolder taste and a hint of lime and cilantro. Recognized by the Whole Grains Council's Whole Grain Stamp, each serving delivers 8g of whole grains. Take stuffing beyond the traditional holiday bird and wow patrons by menuing new comfort-foods-with-a-twist year-round, for every daypart. The stuffing is available in Traditional White Bread, Classic Cornbread, and new Savory Herb with Whole Grains. For on-trend recipe ideas, visit www.MARSfoodservices.com or call 800-432-2331.

Put a unique spin on popular protein appetizers with new Brew City Buffalo Chicken Bites from McCain Foods. The bites feature whole muscle chicken breast pieces dipped in Buffalo hot sauce and coated with crispy beer batter. Poppable and profitable, Buffalo Chicken Bites are a good way to drive appetizer sales and increase beverage sales. To receive a special limited-time trial offer, call McCain Foods USA at 1-866-427-3924 or visit www.brewcityusa.com.

Computrition's Universal XChange Gateway is creating infinite menu solutions for foodservice. Imagine the power of a truly seamless solution, where you can post dynamic menus on digital menu boards, export data allowing customers to make meal selections via the Web, and review the nutritional analysis of selected meal items online, and so much more. For more information, call 800-222-4488 ext. 250 or visit www.computrition.com.

Storage space is always a challenge and the TUF Cheese Sauces from Precision Foods offer operators a cost-saving solution. One case of TUF Dry Mix Cheese Sauce makes as much rich, delicious sauce as two cases of canned cheese sauce — that's 12 heavy, bulky cans to store and dispose versus one compact case of dry mix, conveniently packed in sealed, flat pouches. And weighing 60% less than a case of the canned variety, operators save on shipping costs as well. Visit www.precisionfoods.com or call 800-442-5242 for more information.

Entice customers with the flavor sensation of indulgent caramel and rich vanilla flavor with Coffee-Mate Vanilla Caramel Bulk Powder Coffee Creamer from Nestle Professional. It's a flavor favorite from Coffee-Mate and is now available in foodservice. Other powder creamer flavors to try include Original, French Vanilla, Hazelnut, and original Lite. For information, call 800-288-8682 or visit www.nestleprofessional.com.

Foodservice operators can offer patrons the variety they seek with the new Pillsbury Place Bake Cookie Variety Pack from General Mills Foodservice. Each convenient case delivers 72 cookies of each flavor-Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin and Brownie Cookie-with 0 grams trans fat per serving. The unique freezer-to-oven format helps reduce back of house labor and the pre-portioned 1.5 ounce pucks ensure consistent, exact portions. For ideas and recipes, visit www.generalmillsfoodservice.com.

“Kid Tested, Kid Approved” products from Tyson Food Service bring schools proven kid favorites for building average daily participation. Tested with a geographically diverse sample of no fewer than 300 primary and secondary students, the Kid Tested, Kid Approved product line has received 80% or greater approval rating for taste from kids, and 80% or more kids express intent to purchase. This product lineup includes a variety of commodity and commercial products such as new BBQ Chicken Chips, Premium Charbroiled Beef Burgers and Shaved Steak Sliced Beef, along with many time-trusted favorites. For information, call 800-24-TYSON or visit www.tysonfoodservice.com.

Solo Introduces Bare (Bringing Alternative Resources for the Environment) Eco-forward Products that meet the growing demand for sustainable disposable cups. From compostable to post-consumer recycled material to renewable content, Solo now offers the largest breadth of sustainable, disposable cup solutions. An operator's use of Bare branded products communicates to patrons they care about the environment. For more information call 1-888-488-7539.

Sweet'N Low, the original zero calorie sweetener, from Sugar Foods, Inc. is celebrating 50 years on the American tabletop. About half the cost of other leading zero calorie sweetener brands, Sweet'N Low not only satisfies your customers' expectations, but it helps your bottom line. Several value-added services are available, along with customized support, to help you make the most of putting Sweet'N Low on your table. For more information, visit www.sugarfoods.com or call 888-708-2222.

American Italian Pasta Company (AIPC) recently launched Pasta Lensi Pasta Chef dry pasta. Made with 100 percent durum wheat semolina, Pasta Lensi is a premium quality pasta imported from AIPC's pasta production facility in Verolanuova, Italy. It is produced using the traditional Italian “trafilatura al bronzo” process of extruding pasta through bronze dies to create a rough and porous texture that provides the best cooking performance as well as superior sauce absorption and holding. Unique shapes, including Trottole, Conchiglie and Gigli, offer operators the opportunity to create signature dishes. Visit www.aipcfoodservice.com or call 800-272-7828.

“Exploring the World of U.S. Rice,” a new educational DVD from the USA Rice Federation in collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America, provides detailed product information, training videos and inspiring recipes. The DVD is designed to support foodservice operators as they develop innovative culinary creations and on-trend menu items, and culinary schools as they train future chefs on how to use rice to meet the demands of today's customers. Call 800-888-RICE for a copy.

The Signature Touch Topping warmer from Server Products keeps syrups and sauces at the ideal serving temperature. The stylish unit makes it easy to add flair to entrees, desserts and coffee drinks. The warmer includes three 16 oz. plastic bottles and features a pre-calibrated adjustable thermostat for safe and efficient heating. The warmer also features a stainless steel warming base and comes with a handy bottle holder inset. NSF listed and backed by a 2-year warranty. Visit www.signature-touch.com, or call 800-558-8722.

Add sizzle to your summer beverage menu with DOLE single-serve Smoothie Starters. Available in three popular flavors — Mixed Berry, Strawberry Banana and Mango Peach — the starters deliver 100% real fruit that's diced, pre-mixed and individually quick frozen in convenient 7 oz. pouches. Consistently perfect smoothies can be served by mixing the starter with 6 oz. of juice, or drinks can be customized by adding tea, yogurt, ice cream or sorbet, to name a few. Call 800-723-9868 or visit www.dolefoodservice.com for more information.

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) recently awarded its Seal of Approval to PET Evaporated Milk and Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk from the J.M. Smucker Company. Testing criteria evaluated ease of use, versatility and adaptability of product, consistency of physical properties, application of product to service procedures and flavor. Other Smucker Foodservice product lines that have received the ACF Seal of Approval include Crisco Professional, Jif, Smucker's and Smucker's PlateScapers . For more information, visit www.SmuckerFoodservice.com

Trident Seafoods has introduced two new additions to their Redi Grilled line of frozen fish portions. One is a larger, 6-oz, portion of their popular Redi Grilled salmon. Previously available only in a 4-oz size, the larger grill-marked portion responds directly to operators looking for a bigger fillet for a variety of center-of-the-plate applications. The Redi Grilled mahi-mahi is an abundant wild-caught product that is a great alternative for more expensive whitefish like grouper and halibut. To request a free recipe booklet or further information, call 800-367-6065 or visit www.TridentSeafoods.com.

Hormel Turkey adapts well to virtually any recipe from spicy, savory stir-fries to subtle simple soups. Hormel Foods offers operators a full range of turkey products in four quality tiers designed to match any application and budget. For more information, call 800-723-8000 or visit www.hormelfood-service.com.

Increase student satisfaction with Kellogg's Big Break Program. Tailored for dining halls or cash operations, Kellogg's Big Break is a beach-themed program that includes top-selling brands, case incentives and promotional options to generate student excitement. The promotions are based on case purchase commitment and include operator rebates after proof of purchase. In addition, Kellogg has developed a complete list of tools through the Campus Star Club, created to support the needs of college and university foodservice directors. For more information visit www.kelloggsfoodawayfromhome.com.

Cargill Meat Solutions has added two new chef-inspired products to the Cedar Canyon line of meats. Cedar Canyon Beef Minute Medallions and Pork Minute Medallions allow operators to add on-trend dishes to their menus in record time. Both products cook in about one minute when properly thawed, making them perfect for busy kitchens and high-volume operations. The hand-cut appearance of the domino-shaped, pre-cut slices provide exceptional appetite appeal. For more information, call 800-373-6515.

Starbucks Coffee Company has introduced the new Serena Organic Blend to foodservice. Cafe Estima Blend and Organic Shade Grown Mexico are also part of the conservation and Certified Coffees available to operators. For more information on these and other products, visit www.starbucks.com.

Nutter Butter In-Fusions, from Kraft Foodservice, is a sweet creamy way to add peanut butter flavor with a crisp cookie crunch to ice cream, shakes and other treats. Operators can add the infusions to traditional treats for great peanut butter taste and a crunchy texture, or combine Nutter Butter In-Fusions with other flavors like chocolate and strawberry for more customized treats. The product comes packaged in a 19 lb. refrigerated pail with a 6-month shelf life. The product can be left un-refrigerated for up to 12 hours without compromising the flavor or texture. Visit www.kraftfoodservice.com for more information.

Combining the appealing aromas and flavors of real, rich maple syrup from New England and tender roasted pecans from Georgia, the Maple Pecan Plait from Lantmannen Unibake USA (formerly Schulstad Royal Danish) promises an authentic taste treat sure to delight even the most demanding customers. Twenty-four delicate and light folded layers are woven into a traditional Danish Plait shape then is proofed and quick-frozen. The product uses an exclusive and convenient freezer-to-oven technology and bakes up in only 18 minutes, without thawing, to save time, reduce handling and improve food safety. Icing bags are included in each package. Visit www.lantmannenunibakeusa.com for more.

The new Mary Jane design from Shoes for Crews features premium full-grain leather, a compressed foam midsole and a cushioned, stitched-down outsole for maximum comfort. The SFC-III Slip-Resistant Outsole is the best part. Phone 877-NO-SLIPS or visit www.shoesforcrews.com to learn more.

Pilgrim's Pride Foodservice has added to its line of best-selling wings with the introduction of new Pierce Chicken Boneless Wing Dings and Boneless Wing-Zings. Wing Dings have a golden breading and a mild, versatile flavor; Wing-Zings offer a one-of-a-kind peppery zing. Both are made from high-quality solid-muscle breast meat and are fully cooked. Call 800-336-9876 or visit www.poultry.com for more.

Dessert stacks are easy to store and serve, and they make a dramatic plate presentation. The new Banana Cha Cha from Sweet Street Desserts heightens those benefits with a fresh take on chocolate. Moist banana chocolate cake soaked with sweet banana syrup on a buttery chocolate shortbread crust is piled high with chocolate truffle filling, crisp milk chocolate banana crunch, buttery caramel and smooth banana cream icing. Visit www.sweetstreet.com or phone 800-793-3897.

Drive incremental cookie sales with Otis Spunkmeyer Warm Wishes convenient take-home gift packaging. Five uniquely shaped sizes can be used when packaging your cookies to help operators capitalize on holiday gift-giving, special events, office parties, birthdays, thank-you's, and more. For information, call 888-ASK-OTIS or visit www.spunkmeyer.com.

Basic American Foods offers Menu Economics, a free program to help operators reduce food costs without sacrificing quality; increase perceived value, while lowering costs; and save on operational costs, while increasing efficiency. Tools include a “Cost Calculator” for food items and plate portions; cost-saving ideas for portion resizing and protein alternatives; tips to save on operational costs and labor; nutritional comparisons of entrée items, and plating suggestions and recipes. Download the program at www.baf.com/menueconomics or call 800-722-2084.

To help schools foodservice operators serve up healthy meals Barilla introduces Barilla PLUS, a multigrain pasta that is a good source of important nutrients for healthy students, delivering 200mg of ALA Omega-3, twice as much fiber and over forty percent more protein (10g) than traditional pasta. A key part of a nutritionally complete meal, the pasta meets 1 M/MA and 1 G/B, and also comes in all the fun shapes and sizes that students love. The CN Label makes it even easier for school foodservice directors to meet meal pattern requirements. Visit www.barillaus.com for more information and nutritious menu bundling options.

LeanPath, Inc., a leader in food waste tracking systems, announces the FastTrack Service Option, a subscription plan that allows operators to implement the ValuWaste food waste tracking system quickly with no capital investment and a satisfaction guarantee. A monthly fee covers program expenses including hardware tracking station(s), software licenses, on-site training, software updates and technical support. Coaching from LeanPath waste reduction experts is provided for six months following the launch to assist customers with data collection procedures, data analysis, and goal setting. Visit www.leanpath.com.

Noticeable changes on the outside and finely tuned engineering improvements on the inside enhance the strength, increase the durability and maintain even greater temperature control on the next generation holding cabinets from Alto-Shaam. Among the improvements are a solid state electronic control option that simplifies temperature setting with a clear, easy-to-read LED display. To learn more, visit www.alto-shaam.com or phone 800-558-8744.

Bush's Best introduces Homestyle Chili in a 96-ounce batch-size pouch. Loaded with the finest kidney and pinto beans, premium beef and zesty vegetables in a rich, flavorful sauce, the chili is match-for-scratch delicious. As an entrée, soup or side, it's ready to serve and ready to wow customers. For a free sample and $4 off every case, call 800-251-0968.