There may be a bite in the air (or snow?) where you are, and a little comfort may be in order. Something warm and steamy, maybe topped in gravy or packed with spicy notes, comes to mind. So many recipes fit this occasion; we have a few to share. All in the name of comfort, warmth, and football season.
A big pot of chili this time of year is always welcome. Football watching comes to mind, and this bowl of a classic favorite is ready to go. Low in calories, big in flavor, and primed for serving to crowds. Offer all the accompaniments on the side and extend as a topper on a few other favorites like chili nachos, chili dogs, and chili Frito pie. Sounds like the start of your featured Football menu, right? Swap out the turkey we use in our version for any protein, or skip the meat altogether and load with veggies for a plant-forward version.
Fried brussels sprouts are still gaining popularity and earning spots on menus. Up +23% over the last 4 years, according to Datassential, this popular vegetable is breaking through to diners of all ages. Adding to your appetizer menu may be an easy way to gain fans for this versatile green. Plus, they meet most dietary requirements with enough flavor. Top with bacon and call them keto-friendly for all your low-carb-seeking guests. For our version, we saute the brussels until they are nice and crisp, toss them with crispy pancetta, and serve with a craveable gravy made of balsamic vinegar, honey, and our Americana-Style Au Jus. To be even more on-trend, swap the honey for a version of Hot Honey, up +98% in recent menu growth.
For a delightful sandwich, we recommend a Carne Asada Torta. With beans, steak, cheese, peppers, and a hint of tequila, this sandwich has all the elements a winter sandwich needs. We start with a layer of refried bean spread on a toasted torta bun and load with grilled and marinated steak, grated cotija cheese, and roasted and diced poblano peppers. A Tequila Jalapeno Gravy made with our Brown Gravy Mix and our signature Jalapeno Relish makes this sandwich a showstopper. We recommend pairing it with fresh-fried chips topped with bacon and blue cheese, but you could easily pair it with house fries or roasted vegetables. Bacon and blue cheese will work on any side, in our opinion.
Loaded Tots, or Totchos, have been popping up on dozens of sports bar menus. While the menu incidence is low at only 1.5%, the growth is high at +73% over the past four years, according to Datassential. And if you’ve had a plate, you understand the appeal. We have a version worth trying: pimento cheese, molasses-maple glazed pork belly, and biased cut scallions. Top with Kentucky Bourbon Gravy made with our Brown Gravy Mix and our Custom Culinary® Ready-To-Use Frozen Kentucky-Style Bourbon Sauce, and you’ll have a touchdown. To make the tots work even harder for you, offer them as a side option or loaded with bacon and blue cheese for an upcharge.
Cabbage may also be ready for a starring role if you're looking for something else. Many restaurants are already digging in and showing us how special cabbage can be—far beyond the stuffed cabbage of our youth. I bet we have a few ideas waiting to inspire you in our recipe database, too. What else makes sense for the season? A hot layered dip, perfectly crisp tortilla chips, a ramekin of beer cheese and pretzels? Wherever you land, post your creations on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. If you tag Custom Culinary, we’ll pass along the fun. Here’s to football season!
SOURCE:
Datassential, Menu Trends, accessed 8/16/23. US Chain and Independent restaurants % that offer...
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