It’s opening season for major league baseball with 30 teams playing today. Let me guess what you’re thinking - baseball, hot dogs and…bulgogi? Bul-what-y!?! This season you just might be surprised by some of the new concession stand offerings. Don’t worry! You’ll still find your traditional favorites. But according to Food Business News, some of the major food service providers are stepping up to the plate with some new offerings “focusing on quality, health, convenience and personalization”. Huh!…That’s exactly what Zest offers!
Here are four food trends to watch for at this season’s home openers:
Flavors from Far Away - Global flavors will be finding their way into popular foods like the Tandoori Chicken Wings at Citizens Bank Park here in Philly. Cincinnati Reds fans will enjoy Bulgogi Beef Egg Rolls and the Colorado Rockies will be adding a taste of Thailand to its queso with the addition of Shishito Peppers.
Meat-Mimicking Mainstays - Kaufman Stadium, Minute Maid Park and Citi Field aim to hit it out of the park with Beyond Meat’s plant-based alternatives to the traditional ballpark fare of burgers, brats and dogs.
Potatoes Piled High - Potato lovers rejoice! You’ll find tater tots and french fries piled high with all kinds of creative toppings like Short Rib Poutine at the Cleveland Indian’s Progressive Field and Elote Topped Tots at Coors Field. Guaranteed Rate Field will even offer dessert sweet potato fries!
Super-Premium Salads - Aramark will be leading the line up of better-for-you options at Rogers Center with a 32-ingredient Salad and a Southwest inspired Caesar Bowl as well as a Quinoa Blueberry Salad at PNC Park.
Want a taste of the trends in your own kitchen? Try our healthy wing recipe with a global twist, make your own low-carb loaded tots (recipe below) or let us cook up a trendy menu for your next dinner party or catering!
Loaded Buffalo Cauliflower Tots
2 cups cooked cauliflower
1 large egg
¼ cup diced yellow onion
⅓ cup cheddar-Jack cheese
⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
⅓ cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Toppings: Diced or shredded, cooked chicken, chopped celery, blue cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a baking sheet with a thin layer of oil or line with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In food processor, pulse cauliflower to chop. Add egg, onions, cheddar-Jack cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley and salt and pepper. Pulse a few more times to combine. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of mix into your hands. Form the mixture into a firm ball then shape into a tater-tot shape. Place on prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake until golden brown and crispy, 18-24 minutes, turning half way through. Meanwhile, toss chicken with just enough buffalo sauce to coat. Warm in microwave until heated through. Transfer tots to a plater or individual plates or bowls. Top with warm chicken mixture. Sprinkle with celery and blue cheese. Drizzle with more buffalo sauce, if desired, and ranch dressing. Enjoy!