The most joyous time of the year is upon us, and to you, your families and friends, I wish you all a very happy holidays. We hope you will take the time over the next few weeks to relax, share old memories and make new ones, while enjoying the company of your loved ones. You,… Read more »
Top Ten: Favorite Sweet & Savory Combinations
Have a serious weakness for sweet and salty desserts? The trend has been hitting the dessert industry by storm recently, and although not the newest of ideas, new combinations are popping up every day. That’s why we decided it was time to highlight our list of the Top 10 most delicious sweet and savory combinations,… Read more »
Turn the Off Season ON
The first step to understanding how to deal with your own off-season is trying to determine what people want when they don’t want what you are selling. I bet you veteran business owners can recognize the last day of your busy season. Or more accurately, you can probably pinpoint the first day of your slow… Read more »
Berry Healthy: Basics 101: Natural Immune System Boosters
The immune system is an intricate and complicated system that defends the body from a wide variety of viruses, bacteria, toxins and other dangerous pathogens (“germs”). While the immune system is hard at work all day, every day, the tendency is to not pay it much attention until it fails – most commonly during the… Read more »
Berry Healthy: The Truth about Fats
The word “fat” immediately conjures negative thoughts for most people. In reality, fats are an inescapable, necessary and often healthy part of a balanced diet. The key is to identify the types of fats found in our foods, and to recognize that some are far better than others from a health perspective. While the body… Read more »
What’s Blooming: Twisting Traditional Up
After two years of research, a few glimpses at industry shows and a lot of anticipation, PreGel is finally ready to reveal its newest product line this winter, and it is really “Twisting Traditional Up” in the dessert and beverage world. A New Brand to Know Branded as Caféttone™, Fruittone™ and Yogurttone™, PreGel is serving… Read more »
What’s Blooming: Go Figure!
It’s not hard to figure out why an introverted flower, which is commonly referred to as a fruit, has been revered by mankind since the beginning of civilized existence. Although July through September is the fresh market season for this succulent crop, there’s never a bad time to discuss the addictive fig. Figure These Facts… Read more »
Feature Customer Q&A: The Central Region: America’s Axis of Flavor
Imagine welcoming smiles and diverse menu options that display mouthwatering pictures of epicurean delights alongside sumptuous meal descriptions. Add to that the irresistible visuals of adorable children enjoying a cone of gelato, or an inspiring view of pride-filled owners living their dream realized—these are the images that one sees through a virtual visit to European-style… Read more »
Effective Websites for Business Owners
A Guide to Getting Started In the ever-changing digital age, Internet presence has become a major MUST in business visibility. But, let’s face it, we don’t always know where to begin with the complicated ins-and-outs of building a company website, let alone optimizing its visibility and usability. The following are basic steps toward launching an… Read more »
Back To Our Roots: Talent, Team and Training
Three Ts that have created the success of PreGel’s Professional Training Center PreGel AMERICA’s Professional Training Center (TC) has been instructing dessert-preneurs and professionals since 2005. It is certified by the American Culinary Federation and recently brought in some of the world’s best pastry chefs as instructors. Accomplishing that much in its six young years… Read more »
Reevaluate Your Business: PART 4: Building Local Press Relationships & Media Buys
The previous three articles in this series explored trouble areas in every business including location problems, involving customers to give them a sense of value, and utilizing social media to promote your business in the digital world. Last, but not least, we look at how to incorporate press and advertising: which outlets are relevant, how… Read more »
HR Corner: The Start of a New Year = Employee Evaluation Time
The New Year brings the anticipation of change, growth and maybe even a little more wisdom. What better time than the new year to evaluate your current employees’ performances? It’s customary for businesses to conduct performance evaluations in January, as the new year always starts with setting new goals, strategic planning and budgets. While supervisors… Read more »
Tree Talk: PreGel AMERICA Key Accounts Division Launches Website
Site Targets Key Businesses in Food & Beverage Industry PreGel Key Accounts, a division of PreGel AMERICA, formally announced the launch of a new website, www.pregelkeyaccounts.com. A sister site to www.pregelamerica.com, the website targets key strategic businesses within the Food & Beverage industry including quick-service and fast-casual restaurants, supermarkets, cruise lines, high-yield bakeries and food… Read more »
Tree Talk: Many New Faces Join PreGel AMERICA’s Team
Continued Growth Fuels New Hires in 3rd & 4th Quarters Nine new hires joined PreGel AMERICA’s staff during the third and fourth quarters of 2011. Two of the nine hires replaced former employees in the facilities maintenance and special service team departments, while the remaining seven are newly created positions within the company. The addition… Read more »
Tree Talk: PreGel AMERICA Raises Over $7K in Fight Against Breast Cancer
PreGel AMERICA is excited to announce the donation of over $7,000 to help fight the battle against breast cancer. “In It to Win It,” the dessert ingredient company focused its energies on a several campaigns in September and October to raise awareness and donate funds to local charity Carolina Breast Friends (CBF) and national charity… Read more »
Recipes: Snickerdoodle Gelato
DIRECTIONS Combine all ingredients in a large plastic bucket. Mix well for 2–3 minutes using an immersion blender. Place in Hot or Cold Process machine and follow the machine instructions. Cinnamon Cookie Dough DIRECTIONS In a mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter till soft; incorporate sugar and 5-Star Chef Pastry Select Cinnamon Compound. Incorporate… Read more »
Branching Out: Recipes: Crepes
METHOD OF PREPARATION Combine all of the ingredients except for the butter in a blender and blend until completely smooth. Add in the melted butter and mix until smooth. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe…. Read more »
Recipes: Gingerbread Tenero
DIRECTIONS Combine all ingredients and mix well with an immersion blender. Pour into soft serve machine and follow equipment directions.