Black Friday Crepe Filling Recipe: Savory Meat and Mushroom Nalesniki by Natasha's Kitchen

It's hard not to be bombarded with Black Friday commercials. But if you are gearing up to wait in line for x amount of hours, in the blistering cold, for a new flat screen TV, we have some advice on how to stave off frigid weather and control hunger pangs.

Black Friday Survival Tips

1. Scout out malls with less foot traffic and fewer cars.
2. Carry a messenger bag (or anything resembling one) so you can protect your credit cards and cash against theft.
3. Survey stores ahead of time and know the closest registers to get in and to get out of.
4. Bring water bottles! It's important to stay hydrated when it comes to grabbing the best deals. 
5. Safety is found in numbers. Stake out with friends or family.
6. Bring an anonymous brown bag so you won't be able to advertise your merchandise.
7. Have a protein-enriched snack to rejuvenate you during your Black Friday mission. 

What gets shoppers most, midway from their ongoing search for the perfect iPad, is hunger pangs. Running around inside stores, fighting off burly shoppers, and finding that perfect holiday item can wear you out--- which is why we found the perfect crepe recipe to keep you going for the rest of the night. 

Black Friday Crepe Filling Recipe

Natasha's Kitchen, an acclaimed foodie website that features home-style recipes, has this delicious Meat and Mushroom Nalesniki recipe that will make you forget about the biting cold, and angry crowds. 

Ingredients:

• 1-1.25 lbs ground pork (you can also use chicken, lamb, or beef)
• 3/4-1 lbs mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 hard-boiled eggs
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon real mayonnaise OR tablespoon water
• 1 small/medium onion, finely chopped
• Ready-to-serve CREPiNi Naked Crepes

Instructions:

1. Boil eggs in a small pot until it is fully cooked through.  Later place them in cold water as a way to cool them down then remove the shells.
2. Sautée meat with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper over medium high heat. Make sure the meat is lightly browned and fully cooked--- You don't really need any oil to cook the meat. Then remove the cooked meat into a large mixing bowl.
3. In the same skillet, over medium/high heat, sautée mushrooms and onions with 1/2 tsp salt and  with 1/4 tsp pepper. When veggies are cooked, add them to the mixing bowl. 
4. Add 3 boiled eggs to the bowl (cut them in half so they go through the meat grinder more easily).
5. Push all of your filling ingredients through the meat grinder using the medium blade setting.
6.  If your spread is a bit dry, stir in 1 tbsp mayo OR water to make it a little more viscous. 
7.  Spread  your meat and veggie mixture, evenly and thinly, on the crepe.
8. Roll the crepes and cut it in half.
9. When you serve your crepes, make sure you melt about 1 tablespoon of butter on a skillet and sautée the filled crepes on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.  Be careful not to burn them since they don't take too long to cook. By the way, they taste great with sour cream!

Comment below if you tried this recipe and share your photos on our Facebook page!

Crepini, LLC produces all natural crepes that are vegetarian-friendly, nut free, and Kosher certified. Our crepes are made fresh-to-order, and are available for wholesale, retail, and food service in North America. Visit our website here and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for company updates and more recipe ideas. 

Thanksgiving Crepe Filling Recipe: Turkey Crepes Smothered in Tarragon Sauce

It's just a few more days until Thanksgiving and many of us are thinking of creative ways to use turkey leftovers.

Last year, my family used the leftovers we had and made an array of goodies such as: Turkey soup, turkey sandwiches, turkey chili, and turkey stir fry. And even though several of these dishes were scrumptious,we want to make something simpler yet gourmet this year.

All Recipes website has this delicious  turkey crepes smothered in tarragon sauce!

Maybe we can extend Thanksgiving to another week?

Ingredients

   4 tbs butter

         2 tbs finely chopped onion
        4 tbs all-purpose flour
        1 cup milk
        3/4 cup chicken broth
        1/4 cup dry white wine
          1/4 tsp chopped dried tarragon
           2 egg yolks
          2 cups diced cooked turkey
          salt to taste
          1/4 cup milk

Directions

              Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

     Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook 2 minutes. Stir in flour until blended. Slowly whisk in 1 cup milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Mix in broth, wine, and tarragon; stir over medium-low heat until thickened (about 4 minutes).

           In a small bowl, gradually stir 3 tablespoons of the hot milk and broth sauce into the egg yolks; then pour egg mixture into sauce, whisking briskly. Cook 1 minute more, then remove from heat.

           In a medium bowl, mix together half of the sauce with the chicken. Season with salt to taste.

     Fill each crepe with 3 tablespoons of chicken mixture. Roll crepes, and place seam-side down in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Thin the remaining sauce with 1/4 cup milk, and pour over crepes.

Bake in a preheated oven 20 minutes, or until sauce begins to bubble.

     

Crepini LLC produces crepes that are all natural, vegetarian (non vegan), and nut free. Crepini's crepes are fresh, frozen crepes made for wholesale, retail, and food services and other industries in North America. Visit our website here and also Like us on Facebook here and Follow us on Twitter here for company updates, and recipe ideas.

Thanksgiving Crepe Filling Recipe: Sweet Potato Crepes with Warm Honey Praline Sauce

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday celebrated by millions of Americans and Canadians every year.  The best way families give thanks is by cooking traditional (or even haute-gourmet) dishes that spark warm conversation across the table. 

A popular side dish item that is often served on Thanksgiving is baked sweet potatoes with gooey marshmallows iced on top. Though I love to eat sweet potatoes as a side dish, I am planning on adding a spin to this time-honored tradition. Instead of baked sweet potatoes this year, why not make sweet potato crepes with warm honey praline sauce and brown sugar n' spice whipped cream. 

The recipe is real simple to make and you can cut time in half by using Crepini's Naked Crepes which are ready made! 

This sweet potato crepe filling recipe was created by Lori Roach, for Louisina's Sweet Potato Commission's website. 

Ingredients:

Brown Sugar 'n Spice Whipped Cream:
2 cups heavy cream, well chilled
3/4 cups light brown sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Honey-Praline Sauce:
3/4 cup butter
1 1/3 cups light brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbs honey
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped toasted pecans

Sweet Potato Filling:
2 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each)
1 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 can cut Louisiana sweet potatoes in syrup (15-ounce) drained

Directions

1.) Beat together all ingredients for whipped cream until soft peaks form. Refrigerate until needed. In a small, heavy saucepan, combine 3/4 cup butter and next 3 ingredients until well combined. Bring to a boil and let cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla. Stir in toasted pecans. Set aside and let cool for about 20 to 25 minutes. Sauce will thicken as it cools. 

2.) For the sweet potato filling, beat together cream cheese and 1 cup brown sugar with electric hand mixer until smooth. Mix in next 3 ingredients. Mix in sweet potatoes until well blended. Set aside. 

3.) To assemble  your CREPiNi crepes, spoon about 1/3 cup sweet potato filling to center of each crepe. Roll up and place in 11x15-inch glass pan. Place in oven at 300 F for 10 minutes or until just warm. Or, heat filled crepes 1 at a time in microwave on low for about 30 seconds or until just warm. To serve, place one filled crepe on plate and top with warm honey-praline sauce that has been stirred to evenly distribute pecans. Sauce should still be warm, but if it isn't, heat on low just until warm, not hot. Top with each crepe with brown sugar 'n spice whipping cream. 

4.) Makes 10-12 servings

How did the recipe go? Comment below what you thought of it!

Crepini LLC produces crepes that are all natural, vegetarian (non vegan), and nut free. Crepini's crepes are fresh, frozen crepes made for wholesale, retail, and food services and other industries in North America. Visit our website here and also Like us on Facebook here and Follow us on Twitter here for company updates, and recipe ideas.  

CREPiNi & The Crepe Team will be at Goldman Sachs Employee Cafeterias Nov. 20th and Nov. 21st

Today and tomorrow, Goldman Sachs employees will feast on sweet and  savory crepes made by premier chefs using our Naked CREPiNi Crepes.

If you are a Goldman Sachs employee, and work at the New York office, come to the employee cafeteria Today at:

200 West St. 

New York, NY 

Likewise, if you work at the Jersey City location, treat yourself to a Crepini breakfast or lunch November 21st at the cafeteria located at:

30 Hudson St.

Jersey City, NJ

Moreover, did you know that Goldman Sachs has been creating buzz on the internet over their state-of-the-art cafeteria pricing system?

Check this article out! Maybe restaurants across the U.S could follow in Goldman Sachs lead when it comes to cutting costs yet, at the same time, create demand.

Eating healthier in New York City School Cafeterias

Courtesy of Said Online's Website

Eating healthier foods is an important factor that contributes to how students grow, learn, and acquire nutrition.

Students who eat well balanced meals have a greater chance of achieving better emotional and physical health. And, not only that, but eating a well balanced meals also influences how students achieve better grades, have less aggravation in class, and acquire better emotional well being overall.

New York City Schools are well aware over how  healthier eating habits can impact students well into adult hood. Students who eat healthier early on in life can carry those habits for the rest of their lives. So eating healthier now can cut medical bills in half.

Courtesy of Almight Dad's website

The Department of Education for the State of New York recently implemented healthier eating options and programs so children will not only learn to eat healthier but also understand the value of nutrition.

Here's a brief listing of initiatives that educate students on eating a well balanced diet.

• Garden to School: This program teaches kids proper eating habits and how to grow their own gardens. Did you know that gardening is a form of exercise? 

• Salad Bars: Programs like this connects school lunches with school gardening initiatives and  that ultimately educates students on the importance of nutrition. Recently, this program expanded to 60 New York City schools.

• School Wellness Programs: Students will be a part of a program that is committed to raising student achievement levels and with combating childhood obesity by learning more about nutrition.

• Youth and Cooking Nutrition Programs: Young people are empowered to develop a knowledge and love for cooking healthier options, and to be conscientious consumers. This program includes hands-on cooking sessions, nutrition talks, and memorable field trips to farmers markets and local grocery stores. 

• Learn it, Eat it, Grow it: A hands-on program that inspires teens to take control of their own health and to give back to their own community through hands-on gardening, outreach, and through nutrition enrichment.

For the months of November and December, students who attend New York Schools will be able to snack on Crepini crepes during lunch time. On New York City's Department of Education "Feed Your Mind" program, Crepini egg n' cheese roll-ups were served November 5 (election day) and on November 16. Crepini makes natural, nutritious crepes that are not only nut free but also great for vegetarians.

When it's December, students will be able to savor Crepini's egg n' cheese roll-ups December 10 and 31 (New Years Eve). 

Comment below any ideas or suggestions on how children can eat healthier during lunch time.

Crepini LLC produces crepes that are all natural, vegetarian (non vegan), and nut free. Crepini's crepes are fresh, frozen crepes made for wholesale, retail, and food services and other industries in North America. Visit our website here and also Like us on Facebook here and Follow us on Twitter here for company updates, and recipe ideas. 

Thanksgiving Crepe Filling Recipe: Super-Simple Apple-Cinnamon Crepes

It seems like it was last weekend when kids were dressing up for Halloween, and now, families are planning banquet-sized meals for Thanksgiving this year.  Generally, a traditional Thanksgiving meal generally consists of: Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, as well as other accouterments.

However, it's okay to take a walk outside of tradition and to experiment with new recipes that could, ultimately, become a family tradition down the road. Ever since I can remember, Thanksgiving never seemed complete without apple pie at the end of the dessert table. I always savor its flaky crust, fresh cinnamon smells, and gooey center whenever I heartily eat it every year.

This year, why not try making a "Super-Simple Apple-Cinnamon Crepe" filling recipe that will not only entice family and friends but also make pie eating more portable and less messy!

Try this super easy recipe from the Food Network out and comment below how the process went. Bon Apetite!

Super-Simple Apple-Cinnamon Dessert Crepes

Ingredients
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Dash Salt
1/2 cup Fuji Apple
1/8 teaspoon lemon Juice
1 tablespoon reduced fat/light cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup fat-free whipped topping, thawed from frozen
2 (9-inch) Ready-to-use dessert Crepes (Crepini's Naked Crepes are PERFECT for this recipe)
1 Teaspoon Fat-Free or light caramel dip, room temperature
Powdered Sugar, for Optional Garnish

Directions
In a small nonstick pot on the stove, combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir to dissolve. Add apples and lemon juice and stir. Bring to medium heat and cover. Cook until the apples have softened and liquid has thickened, about 5 minutes, uncovering often to stir.

Remove the pot from heat and transfer the mixture to a bowl. Allow it to cool for several minutes. Thoroughly stir in cream cheese. Fold in whipped topping.

Lay crepes flat on a dry surface. Evenly distribute the apple mixture between the crepes. Fold each crepe up envelope-style, first folding the sides in, and then folding/rolling it up from the bottom.

Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat. Place the crepes in the skillet with the seam-sides up. Cook them until slightly browned, about 1 minute per side. (Flip carefully). 

Crepini LLC produces crepes that are all natural, vegetarian (non vegan), and nut free. Crepini's crepes are fresh, frozen crepes made for wholesale, retail, and food services and other industries in North America. Visit our website here and also Like us on Facebook here and Follow us on Twitter here for company updates, and recipe ideas. 

Food Trend Forecasts for 2014

Courtesy of Olivia Baker

Towards the end of the year, major food specialists, such as Baum &Whitman, prepare a special forecast on potentially popular food trends for the upcoming year.

 Before we delve into this year's Hottest Food Trends for 2014, lets take a look back at Forbes  food trend list from last year.



Forbes 2013 Food Trends

Courtesy of Huffington Post Food Trends 

• High-End Vegan

• Octopus "The New Prawn"

• Korean Flavors

• Lobster Rolls

• Wine & Cocktail Condiments

• Tortas

After frequenting multiple food shows this year, I can attest that wine & cocktail condiments were a huge trend this year. I've sampled Moscatto flavored barbeque sauces and was impressed with how two singular concoctions can blend seamlessly.

In addition, the D.C area was ripe with tortas trucks.  These  piping hot meat or veggie pocket dishes are not only filling but scrumptious. Have you ever eaten a torta? What did you think of this and other food trends?

 Are you also ready for next year's food trends? Check out Entrepreneur's foodie predictions for 2014.

Entrepreneur's 2014 Food Trends

• Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Biscuits

• Mutant Morsels

• Infused Ice

• Tea Cocktails

What's interesting about this article from Entrepreneur is that they forecast-ed the end of the ever delicious yet ever so popular cupcake. NYC Chef Dominique Ansel's "cronut" sparked a  hybrid donut trend that saturated and, eventually, engulfed the cup cake trend in major cities across the U.S. Of course, this is just a prediction based on current news. Who knows, maybe the cupcake will have a comeback next year?

So you've read what the experts think, what are your thoughts on next year's food trends? 

Crepini LLC produces crepes that are all natural, vegetarian (non vegan), and nut free. Crepini's crepes are fresh, frozen crepes made for wholesale, retail, and food services and other industries in North America. Visit our website here and also Like us on Facebook here and Follow us on Twitter here for company updates, and recipe ideas. 

A Special Recipe for Veterans Day 2013

Veterans' Day, which is on November 11, is a special time for all Americans to pay tribute and to honor those who served this country. 

U.S President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Armistice on this day and said:

 "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

If any of your friends or family members are veterans, our hats are off to you. In lieu of this special day, we found this delicious blueberry muffin recipe from acclaimed food blogger, Heather Scholten, from Farm Girl Gourmet. This recipe is delicious, fresh, and made with only the finest ingredients. 

Farmgirl Blueberry Muffins

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

3/4 cup white sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp baking powder

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup milk

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

2 tbsp sanding sugar

1)  First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Then line a large muffin tin with papers and set it aside.

2)  Later, mix dry ingredients together in a bowl with a whisk. Make sure the dry ingredients are mixed evenly. 

3)  Now, mix both the vegetable oil and vanilla extract together in another bowl with a whisk and add it with the rest of the dry ingredients. Please remember to NOT over-mix the muffin mix. Use gentle strokes when you mix your muffin dough!

4)  Lastly, add the blueberries into the mix and gently fold the dough. 

Get the rest of the recipe/ directions from Farmgirl Gourmet's Website right here.

Crepini LLC produces crepes that are all natural, vegetarian (non vegan), and nut free. Crepini's crepes are fresh, frozen crepes made for wholesale, retail, and food services and other industries in North America. Visit our website here and also Like us on Facebook here and Follow us on Twitter here for company updates, and recipe ideas. 

Christine C. Quinn Visited The CREPiNI Factory This Summer

In the heart of Brooklyn, New York lies the Crepini  factory. Here in Sunset Park, Crepini produces
 6,000 crepes per hour in a state-of-the-art facility where production ensures that crepes are perfectly, thin, elastic, and robust with flavor.

Christine C. Quinn Visits Crepini
Last June, Christine C. Quinn, who is the first female speaker of the New York City Council---plus one of NYC's mayoral candidates this year-- paid Crepini a visit  and had a first-hand look at the crepe-making process.

Councilwoman Quinn was given a comprehensive tour of the facility and shown how Crepini's crepe batter is made and how it is poured evenly unto a hot plated moving belt, and how delicious, unique fillings get rolled into each crepe.

CREPiNi is on Wikipedia
Wikipedia is the go-to-source for  unearthing information on celebrities, historical figures and even companies.

For all you Wikipedia and Crepini fans out there, you can find Crepini under Special Crepes in Crepes Wikipedia page.

Since Crepini is a one-of-a-kind product that melds the traditional French crepe with Russian blini, it surely makes a singular impression on Wikipedia.

Have you ever visited Crepini's crepe factory? Or better yet, have you found Crepini on Wikipedia? Comment below! 

Crepini LLC produces crepes that are all natural, vegetarian (non vegan), and nut free. Crepini's crepes are fresh, frozen crepes made for wholesale, retail, and food services and other industries in North America. Visit our website here and also Like us on Facebook here and Follow us on Twitter here for company updates, and recipe ideas.