During this time of the year, I find it fun to create holiday-inspired offerings by putting a “twist” on core ingredients while still using classic preparation techniques. As the leaves begin to fall, people get excited about spending time with family and sharing seasonal favorites such as turkey with stuffing, potatoes with giblet gravy and other traditional fixings. I thought it might be interesting to substitute a few Mediterranean-inspired ingredients in order to put Kronos’ products on the menu for your holiday meals.
A recurring fall flavor that consumers are seeking out is pumpkin. Pumpkin is everywhere, from high end cocktails to bagels and of course the limited time only lattes. According to Datassential, pumpkin flavored drink offerings have increased 400 percent during the past five years. Why should coffee shops have all the fun with this fall favorite flavor? Let’s add a Mediterranean flare to the menu.
I’ve discussed hummus on my blog on a few occasions; and it continues to be one of the hottest healthy appetizer trends across the country. Kronos classic hummus, while being delicious and full of flavor as a standalone – also lends itself to a variety of interesting flavor additions. Try combining equal parts Kronos classic hummus and canned 100% pumpkin – and mix together with a wire whisk. Add maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, as well as ground cinnamon and allspice to complete the perfect holiday appetizer treat. I think you will find that the true Mediterranean flavors of the hummus still come through; while the addition of the creamy pumpkin, maple syrup and slightly bitter spices offer a creative way to make it very seasonally appealing.
Recipe Suggestion:
- 2 cups Kronos Classic Hummus
- 2 cups canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 T ground cinnamon
- 1 t ground allspice
Whether your guests enjoy roast turkey, chicken or baked ham – it’s probably a safe bet that you’re serving it alongside some sort of stuffing (or dressing in the South). Traditional stuffing typically consist of stale bread, various vegetables and possibly a protein such as giblets or bacon. We can take this basic recipe and incorporate Kronos ingredients that you may already have stocked in your kitchen.
Start by opening a couple bags of Kronos pita and allow it to sit out at room temperature for two to three days in order to stale. Next, dice the stale pita into 1 inch squares and set aside in a large mixing bowl. Sauté diced yellow onion and celery, chopped garlic, and fresh sage in butter until the vegetable are translucent. Toss this hot, buttery mixture with the diced pita. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together whole eggs, heavy cream, turkey stock, salt and pepper. Once thoroughly mixed, incorporate this mixture with the diced pita, butter and sautéed vegetables. Lastly, chop some Kronos gyros meat that was left over from the day’s service; and fold into the large mixing bowl with everything above. Spoon out this mixture into a greased shallow hotel pan, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for approximately 30 minutes. Carefully remove the foil, drizzle with clarified butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley – then place back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Recipe Suggestion:
- 2 bags Kronos Pita (20 pieces)
- 1 lb. unsalted butter
- 3 cups onion (diced)
- 3 cups celery (diced)
- 2 T garlic (chopped)
- salt & pepper to taste
- 5 whole eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups turkey stock
- ½ cup fresh sage (chopped)
- 1 ½ lbs Kronos gyros
While consumers are out shopping and visiting with family and friends this holiday season, create a home away from home experience by offering these fall favorites with Mediterranean flare.
Keep Food Fun,
Chef Nick
