They don’t call them the dog days of summer for nothing….it’s HOT out there! The good news is that fall is around the corner, but until then, here are some refreshing summer cocktails sure to keep you cool!
Nothing says summer better than ice cold watermelon. And pineapple has natural anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s a great excuse to sooth aching muscles!
When it comes to wine, one of the most asked questions is in regards to temperature. Serving wines at the wrong temperature can mute some of the flavors of the wine, denying the customer of the full potential of the wine. Avoid this by following these guidelines from Wine Spectator:
There are two temperatures you should worry about: Storage temperature and Serving temperature.
Ideal storage temperature for both reds and whites is between 45°F and 65°F, with 55°F being the “perfect temperature.” This allows some wines to age and develop a richer body.
Serving temperature will depend on the wine.
Light dry white wines, rosés, and sparkling wines should be served at 40°F to 50°F to preserve their freshness and fruitiness
Full-bodied white wines and light, fruity reds should be served at 50°F to 60°F.
Full-bodied red wines and Ports should be served at 60°F to 65°F, just cooler than room temperature.
For restaurants and bars, an easy way to accurately store wine at the correct temperatures would be to invest in a wine refrigerator. There are models offering single or dual temps, in a variety of capacity options. This can also be a home option as well, but only if you keep enough wines around to warrant it. The benefits of wine refrigerators are that they keep a consistent temperature, dual temp models allow you to keep both reds and whites in the same place at different temperatures!
It’s time to bite back at Monday with this week’s Bite Me Monday recipe! This week we’ve got an easy to make treat that does not require a heap of ingredients or tons of equipment; Homemade Mounds Bars from Handle the Heat with Tessa Arias. Monday doesn’t have to be a drag, take a bite out of it and smile!
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or tin foil. Spray with nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl mix together the coconut, salt, and condensed milk until combined. Press mixture into prepared pan and spread into an even layer with a rubber spatula. Freeze for 15 minutes, or until slightly hardened.
In a small microwave-safe bowl melt the chocolate in 15-second bursts in the microwave, stirring between every burst, until smooth.
Remove coconut mixture from pan. Cut into 1-inch bars. Dip the coconut bars in the chocolate, turning to coat with a fork. Let excess drip before placing on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place mounds bars in fridge until chocolate has set. Bars can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days
Enjoy! Check back next week for another bite worthy recipe!
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Is there a certain night of the week where your restaurant is consistently slow? We have brainstormed & searched high and low to find the 10 best ways to increase business on those slow nights. Give them a try and let us know how much they increased business!
1. Charity Events
Between local little leagues, homeless shelters, youth groups, or other organizations, there is always an opportunity for a ‘charity event night’. Customers have to show a flyer to support the cause and a set percentage of all sales go towards the charity. Another great tip for these events – require a few representatives from the charity to help around the restaurant to pick up trash, greet guests, etc. This way, they can also share more about their cause and interact with customers!
2. Kids Eat Free
What parent doesn’t want a delicious meal and a night off from cooking? Offering free kids meals with the purchase of an adult entree draws in families who want a fun night out.
3. Trivia Night
Trivia Nights are always a hit! Have weekly/month themes and offer drink or appetizer specials. Have fun interacting with customers while allowing them to have a fun night out!
4. Neighborhood Events
How well do you know your neighbors? For great repeat business, take a slow night and make it a party! Set up tents, games, drink specials, and a limited delicious menu. Pass out flyers around the neighborhood and spread the word about your block party! They’ll remember your restaurant for the delicious food and the fun times.
5. Guest of Honor Night
Whether it’s Teacher Tuesdays, Veteran’s Wednesday, Nurses Thursday or so on, treat your special guests like royalty and offer a percentage discount or free drink. They deserve the honor and delicious food!
6. Coupons!
Why not advertise coupons in the local paper? You’d be surprised what people will do with a coupon. Everyone is looking for a good deal, and let’s be honest, it is hard to pass up good food. Be clear in your wording, and meet your money savvy neighbors!
7. Deal of the Day
$0.25 Wings Wednesdays, $1 Craft Beer Nights, etc. The possibilities are endless! We have to emphasize it: people love a great deal and people love great food! Add a midweek special to draw in the crowds.
8. Battle of the Bands
Let’s really liven it up with some live music! Host a Battle of the Bands competition and let local musicians compete to win a grand prize. This will draw in music fans, friends and family of the bands, and will make for a ton of fun!
9. Student Discounts
Live near a campus? Offer student discounts on food and drinks to draw in the younger crowd – we all know they need the discounts and the good food!
10. Mug Night
Allow customers to bring in a reasonably sized mug of their own and receive discounted drink prices all night! A fun way to interact with the customers and make new customers!
Easily taken for granted, plastic food containers are a staple supply in any food service operation and it’s beneficial to take the time to become familiar with the main types, materials and sizes. By paying attention to these attributes, you could save money in both the cost of the container and also in the reduction of food waste through a more efficient operation.
When shopping for plastic food containers, it is important to know which type of container you need and what the container is made of before making a decision.
Types
“Food Pan” food containers: The workhorse of plastic food containers
Come in sizes designed to fit in food wells, transports, chafers
Available in various materials that allow for a large temperature range
Can go from prep, refrigeration, cooking, warming and serving
Lids available for different applications—serving, storing, holding temperature
Food Storage Boxes: Designed for bulk storage
Largest capacity
Stackable design for efficient storage
Sliding lids available for one handed operation
Good for replacing the original packaging after receiving
Food Storage Containers: Smaller shapes and sizes suited for food rotation
Smaller sizes allow for batch prep work and quick retrieval from refrigeration
Round shape for easier stirring and mixing
Square shape for more efficient use in storage space
Lids designed to preserve food integrity
Construction
Polycarbonate $$
High impact resistance and rigid construction
Clear construction for great visibility
Highly stain resistant
Average temperature range of -40°F to +212°F
More expensive than Polypropylene or Polyethylene
High Heat Polycarbonate Plastic $$
High impact resistance and rigid construction
Usually in see-through Amber or solid Black construction
Average temperature range of -40°F to +375°F
More expensive than Polypropylene or Polyethylene
Polypropylene $
Impact resistant and sturdy construction. More flexible than Polycarbonate and high heat but not quite as flexible as Polyethylene
Translucent in appearance, but can be colored for different applications
Average temperature range of 0°F to +230°F (not ideal for freezing)
Recyclable, microwaveable and dishwasher safe
Less expensive than Polycarbonate or High Heat Polycarbonate Plastic
Polyethylene $
Impact resistant and sturdy construction, most flexible
Usually white in color, but can be colored for different applications
Recyclable and dishwasher safe
Average temperature range of -40°F to +180°F (not ideal for cooking)
Less expensive than Polycarbonate or High Polycarbonate Plastic
Mondays can be tough. You enjoyed a great weekend and now it’s back to the hustle and grind! Give yourself something to look forward to tonight with a new 15-minute, easy and delicious recipe. Take a bite out of S’mores Krispie Treats from Renee’s Kitchen Adventures!
Supplies Needed
This is one of my favorite dessert recipes because it is so quick, easy, and delicious! Central is here to make it even easier! Here’s exactly what supplies you’ll need:
pinch of salt
5 cups mini marshmallows, divided
6 – 7 cups Graham cereal pieces
3 – 1.55 oz. Hershey’s® Milk chocolate bars, broken into pips
Instructions
Spray a 9″ x 13″ pan with cooking spray. In a large stock pot, melt the butter and salt over medium heat. Once it is melted, add 4 cups of the mini marshmallows and stir until they are completely melted.
Take mixture off heat and add in the cereal and stir. Add in the extra cup of mini marshmallows and stir to just combine.
Working quickly, pour half the mixture into the prepared pan and press down then top with half the Hershey’s pips. Pour the rest of the mixture onto the chocolate and press down then top with the rest of the chocolate.
Allow to sit at room temperature for several hours to set up OR place in refrigerator for about an hour.
Remove from pan and cut into bars.
Yield: 24 servings
Prep Time: 00 hrs. 10 mins.
Cook time: 00 hrs. 05 mins.
Total time: 15 mins.
Enjoy! Check back next week for another bite worthy recipe!
To keep up with the latest, subscribe to Central’s email list and get exclusive benefits such as discounts, new product alerts and early access to our clearance list. You can also follow us on the following social channels for the latest blogs, foodservice industry news and more!
