15 FOOD AND BEVERAGE TRENDS TO EXPECT IN 2018

 

1. Chicken: For convenience and comfort
2. “Fine-Casual”: Upscale counter-service with curated ingredients
3. Israeli Cuisine
4. Colorful Food: Instagram-worthy food and colors
5. Creative Use of Waste
6. Vegetable Entrees
7. Contemporary Regional Mexican and Chinese
8. Pizza: Both local and regional specialties, such as Detroit-style pizza
9. Nostalgic Foods: Upscaling comfort foods
10. Jewish Style Deli
11. High-End No-Alcohol Drinks: House-made sodas and fruit juices with health claims
12. “Farm to Shaker”: Cocktails with kitchen byproducts
13. Adjacent Wine Bars: Restaurants are adding wine bars for those just looking for a drink
14. Cold Brew 2.0: Cold brew coffee augmented with flavor ranging from hazelnut to lavender
15. Mezcal: Tequila’s smoky cousin

SOURCE: ANDREW FREEMAN AND COMPANY, AS PUBLISHED IN NATION’S RESTAURANT NEWS [Posted November 3, 2017]

Watermelon Slushy

Need a refreshing beverage during those hot summer days? Cool down with a frozen watermelon drink.

Ingredients

4 cups half-inch cubed seedless watermelon

½ cup Organic Sugar,Chefs Shelf

2 TB lime juice

Directions

Puree all ingredients in blender.  Pour into a 9”x13” dish and place in freezer.  Stir with fork every 30 minutes until slushy.  Freezing time may take up to 2.5 hours.

Lemon Ice Cream

Enjoy this refreshing ice cream on the very hottest summer day!  Makes 6 cups of ice cream. 

Ingredients

2 ½ cups whole milk

1 ¾ cups Organic Sugar, Chefs Shelf

1 cup whipping cream

6 TB fresh lemon juice

2 tsp. lemon zest

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until the sugar is dissolved.  Pour mixture into ice-cream maker; follow manufacturer’s instructions. 

Pineapple and Grain Cereal or Yogurt

This crunchy fruit-blend is loaded with good things for you!  Prepare ahead of time and freeze for up to 3 months.

Ingredients

8 cups whole bran cereal

6 cups low-fat granola

4 cups wheat and barley nugget cereal

7 cups seven-grain-and-sesame medley cereal

2 cups Sweet Tropic Pineapple, Chefs Shelf

Directions

Combine all ingredients.  Cover and store for 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.  Serve over cold milk or your favorite yogurt.

Honey BBQ Sauce

Summertime is here! It’s time to get outside and start grilling. Try this Honey BBQ Sauce and add flavor to your chicken or ribs.

Ingredients

2 cups ketchup

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons Savory Crusting Spice, Chefs Shelf

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

¼ cup honey

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce

Directions

In a large saucepan over medium low heat, combine all of the ingredients and slowly bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Brush onto your grilling meats.