The holiday season is on the horizon, folks, and we’re finding ourselves wondering when the seasons changed. Did it happen faster than in years past? As we plan for the days ahead, we’d like to offer a round of ideas worth cooking. Something sweet, something craveable, and something familiar. That’s when the holiday meals are most memorable, right? Plus, with alternative sweeteners trending, we think your guests might love these, too.
Maybe you start the day with a focused brunch menu starring Southern Style Chicken & Waffles with Bacon Onion Maple Syrup. Familiar ingredients lead into an innovative twist and guests are left satisfied with a meal that begs for repeat visits. It’s the Bacon Onion Marmalade and the Bacon Onion Maple Syrup that really heightens the meal, bringing complexity, sweetness, and layers of flavor to a nostalgic favorite. While you have maple handy, consider glazing your featured proteins straight away. This Maple Bulgogi Glazed Duck Breast is just as decadent as it sounds. By pairing savory Korean flavors with the sweetness of maple and honey, this dish is worthy to be the main event of the holiday menu.
If you are looking for more ways to feature honey, know we are with you. Trending as an alternative source of sweetness and even more relevant when spiced up, honey easily serves a role across the menu. Combine with Chipotle to create a lacquer to layer on brined chicken or add in a classic stir fry alongside fresh veggies and gochujang sauce. Source locally and add your own peppers to create a spicy version of your own to inspire a sweet and spicy platform.
Looking straight to seasonally fresh fruit is another way to add sweet beyond sugar to your menu. We love to add fresh fruit to salsas, salads, and slaws. In fact, it’s a great way to rotate your menu to offer seasonal and trending ingredients to a base recipe. Our Grilled Fruit Slaw brings a composed salad to the table with trending Harissa, fresh veggies, and seasonal fruit bursting from the bowl. The color, the nutrients, and the flavor make this salad a showstopper and easy to rotate as produce availability changes from season to season.
You can find much more—coconut aioli, anyone?—right here. Our team of chefs is always adding more on-trend ideas to try. With a quick keyword search or a scroll within categories, you’ll have inspiration at your fingertips. While you’re at it, be sure to visit us on Instagram and Facebook for more scrolling and more inspiration. And when you get to cooking, post and tag us. We’re always looking for inspiration, too!
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