Five Things to Enjoy During Winter

The cold season has arrived! Your definition of "cold" may vary depending on where you live, but chances are you will have to adjust to lower temperatures over the next few months. Below are our five things to enjoy when the weather is brisk:

1. Hot chocolate  

There is nothing like the comfort of sipping on delicious hot chocolate (accompanied by gooey marshmallows) after a long day out in the cold. Any liquid that warms you up on the inside - tea, soup, hot coffee - is especially satisfying in the winter.

2. Heat

Grab blankets, your loved ones, or your furry friends and warm up next to the nearest available heat source - fireplace, electric heater, car, or other. Appreciate and enjoy extra quality time inside, until the warmer season tempts us to be outdoors.

Find out how you can help people who don't have access to heat this winter, especially those who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. When the storm hit a couple of weeks ago, some families' homes were destroyed and thousands of people lost power. In areas where power has been restored, many homes still have no heat or hot water. Surf the web to discover how to help those in need, and remember that a little goes a long way. 

3. Snow 

Snowball fights, snowmen, snow angels, snow days or just the simple sight of a wintry wonderland - you're never too old to enjoy snow! In many parts of the world, snow is rare or non-existent, and in others it's abundant, so it's easy to forget how beautiful it can be.

Hate coming out in the cold? Keep this in mind: temperatures usually don't drop below zero while snow falls, and extra layers of clothing can keep you cozy in freezing weather; there's no escape from scorching heat if you're walking outside, no matter what you wear! 

4. Winter sports

If you enjoy the occasional rush of adrenaline and can make your way up to the mountains, then spending a weekend on the slopes skiing, snowboarding, or snow-tubing is the activity for you. If you don't have to travel far to see heaps of snow, there might be a local hill that you (or a toddler you're accompanying) can use for sledding. 

As for those who prefer calmer activities that are ideal for different age groups, ice skating may be worth a shot. Ice skating is not necessarily reserved for wintertime since there are plenty of public indoor skating rinks open year-round; but during the winter you can find beautiful outdoor ice skating rinks in Northern cities, such as New York City's Rockefeller Center and the Tower of London in England.

5. Holidays 


The winter season is packed with so many holidays it's hard to keep track of them all!
Winter holidays are celebrated worldwide by people of different backgrounds. Even those who aren't religious can appreciate and take part in the festivities - lights, gorgeous decorations, gift-giving, parties - and of course, greeting the New Year. Heck, even a scrooge can enjoy a few days off from work.

Happy Thanksgiving from Crepini!

This Thanksgiving try something different on your table - below are some great crepe appetizers and sides your family is sure to love!

Gateau de Crepes                                                  Bacon and Squash filled Crepes 
(Source: outerbanksvoice)                                                       (Source: bonappetit.com) 

              View Recipe                                                                          View Recipe

                        

Eggplant Caponata with Naked Crepe side         Our Portobello Parmesan Crepini

(Source: meatballsandmilkshakes.com)

             View Recipe

Crepini with UNFI Canada

One of our team’s experts, Gerta, trained UNFI Canada distributors in Toronto this morning to prepare for the launch of Crepini products in several chain stores throughout Ontario. UNFI is an independent national distributor of natural, organic, specialty, and kosher foods. The company’s story dates back to the 1970’s, and today they are a leading trader, comprised of several regional distributors of natural food products in North America.

Canadians can find Crepini products at Longo’s, Concord Market, Pusateri’s, Whole Foods, and other major independent chain stores in Ontario, including Sobey’s. If you live in Canada and have tried our crepes, leave us feedback on our website or in the comments section below. We would love to know your opinion!

NYSNA Annual Child Nutrition Conference in Niagra Falls, NY

 Crepini attended the annual NYSNA Child Nutrition Conference 2012

Crepini's Egg and Cheese Rollups are a Child Nutrition (CN) approved breakfast product, and already on the Citywide Breakfast Menu in NYC public schools. At the New York State Nutrition Association (NYSNA) conference this year, we successfully launched the new Crepini Grilled Cheese Rollup – a certified CN product that would be a great addition to the lunch menu in public schools nationwide.

Crepini Rollups have been on the NYC Citywide Lunch Menu for the last two years. Our products were chosen for two simple reasons: child-approved taste and doctor-recommended nutrition. We want to share the rollup line with schools around the country, so that kids from other states can enjoy the same treat as New York City school children!

Texas Supermarkets Agree - Crepini is Finger Lickin' Good!

Texans are in for a real treat! Crepini products can now be found in H-E-B supermarkets in Houston, Spring, and Humble, Texas. H-E-B is a chain of more than 329 supermarkets in Texas and Mexico, operated by San Antonio-based H.E. Butt Co. These stores carry a variety of delicious Crepini flavors - see below to check which flavors the store near you carries!

HOUSTON Spot three flavors: Cheese Blueberry, Spinach Feta, and our signature Naked Crepini in the Deli section among fine cheeses. 
There's a plus - those cheeses are the perfect complement for our Naked crepes!

9828 Blackhawk Blvd  Houston, Texas 77075

SPRING  Find all our great flavors here in the Deli aisle, along with other heat-and-serve products.

2121 Fm 2920  Spring, Texas 77388

HUMBLE  Find Portobello Parmesan, Four Cheese and Basil, Cheese Blueberry, Cherry Cheese, and Naked Crepini. Spinach Feta has been selling off the shelves, but have no fear -

 this flavor will be restocked soon!

7405 Fm 1960  Rd E Humble, Texas 77346

Have you been to any of these stores? Let us know about your experience in the comment section below.

Crepini Participates in Food Export Marketing Forum in Chicago

On October 2^nd and 3^rd, Crepini will be participating in the
2012 Food Export Marketing Forum at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago, IL.

 
Approximately 25 international corporate buyers from opposite ends of the world will be attending, and they will get to taste Crepini’s delicious gourmet products.

This conference will not only be an opportunity for us to showcase our crepes, but it will give us a chance to learn and network with peers, export service providers and other industry leaders. 

This year’s events include a speech by keynote speaker Jeffrey Jones, an acting director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as workshops on food safety and sustainability in the food industry.

26 Federal Plaza Officially Serving Crepini

Last week two members of The Crepe Team introduced samples of Crepini products to workers at 26 Federal Plaza and ACORN.

After a two-hour taste test of some of our flavors, including Egg and Cheese, Cheese Blueberry, and Spinach Feta, 26 Federal Plaza decided Crepini should be on the menu! 

We could not be happier that everyone enjoyed our crepes, and will now get to experience Crepini during the work week, starting this October.

Do you work at 26 Federal Plaza? Tell us what you think about Crepini coming to you.

Crepini Showcased at Carmela Food and Wine Event

Crepini was at the Carmela Fall Specialty Food and Fine Wines Event on Tuesday September 18th, 2012. The event, which was held at the Andiamo Banquet Center in Michigan, was an opportunity for us to introduce Crepini products to over 500 customers in a single day. Last year the show generated revenue of US$2MM, and this year's event was another success. We had a great time!


      


About Carmela Foods: Carmela foods is a specialty food and wine distributor servicing all independent specialty food retailers, restaurants, country clubs, hotels and resorts throughout the state of Michigan. Visit CarmelaFoods.com for more information.

Crepini Attends Haddon House 2012 Fall Corporate Show

New flavors featured at 2012 Haddon House Fall Corporate Show

 Naked Crepini featured at Haddon House Show

On Wednesday and Thursday, September 12-13, Crepini will exhibit their new flavors at the 2012 Haddon House Fall Corporate Show in Mohegan Sun, Connecticut. The show will be held at the Mohegan Sun Casino and Convention Center, a venue that previously hosted the event with great success. This year, the show is expected to draw over 80 corporate domestic and international buyers.

Below are the new Crepini products featured at the event: 

Buckwheat Naked Crepini®: Nutritious and delicious – the buckwheat version of our signature Naked Crepini. A tastier alternative to wheat bread, wraps, or pita bread, this buckwheat crepe can be enjoyed plain or combined with deli meats and cheeses, fruits or vegetables, or jams and syrups. 

CinnAcrepe®: cinnAcrepes have the signature delicate texture and elasticity of Crepini crepes, with a hint of cinnamon and cocoa flavor, filled with chocolate and raisins. 

Egg and Cheese: A delicious blend of natural whole eggs, egg whites, sautéed onions, cheddar and feta cheeses.
 

Grilled Cheese: The perfect twist on a popular flavor – our signature crepes rolled with American and cheddar cheeses.
 

Pizza Americana: Naked Crepini^® rolled with the finest mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, our zesty homemade marinara sauce, fresh basil and diced tomatoes, lightly sautéed in our signature spices. The perfect twist on an all-American favorite!
 

Strawberry Cheese: Delicious and fine white cheeses blended with all natural fresh strawberries, wrapped in our signature Naked Crepini^®. A cool, refreshing treat that's great for breakfast, lunch or whenever you please!

Tiramisu Lemon: The Crepini version of one of America's favorite desserts – our Tiramisu Lemon crepes are made with a dark chocolate-lemon Ganache. The filling is lightly whipped to perfection, with just the right amount of cocoa, fresh lemons, and honey.

Haddon House Food Products has over 50 years of experience in gourmet food industry, and it is an honor to be featured at one of their events. To learn more about their company, visit their website.

NYC Public Schools and Crepini Help Battle Childhood Obesity

Crepini Egg and Cheese Roll-Ups are on the Menu this September

We are proud to announce that New York City public school students will be enjoying a delicious Crepini original for breakfast when they return to school this September. NYC schools have added the Crepini Egg and Cheese Roll-Up to their menu – a blend of natural whole eggs, egg whites, and sautéed onions, spiced up with cheddar and feta cheeses and rolled inside a delicate crepe – a snack kids are sure to love that’s only 100 calories! Parents can be sure their children are getting a high protein meal that will keep them focused, not sluggish. 

According to New York State Health Commissioner, Dr. Richard Daines, 34% of children in New York are overweight or obese. Changing the school menu is one of the first steps necessary to reverse the trends in obesity, early-onset diabetes, and hypertension among children and teens. Crepini is excited to be a part of promoting healthy food choices in the public school system. Doctors and nutritionists say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and yet many kids (and adults) skip it because they rush in the morning. Parents should encourage their children to eat breakfast in school if they don’t eat it at home.

 Citywide Breakfast Menu September 2012

For complete nutrition information for the Egg and Cheese Roll Up click here.

For more information on school nutrition and menus please visit click here.

Chefs across the U.S. Discover Crepini Crepes

Our signature Naked Crepini is a growing hit among chefs and food service providers all around the country. And what’s not to love about our crepes? Deliciously light flavor, delicate and elastic texture, overall award-winning design – Crepini may be the ideal new standard of crepes.

Here is why chefs choose Crepini:

Taste

Professional chefs and home chefs alike take great pride in their work, and want others to enjoy their creations. Anyone who uses Naked Crepini crepes as part of a recipe can serve his or her customers, guests, or family members with confidence – and expect positive feedback!

Versatility

Our crepes can be used for sweet or savory creations, and they blend well with any filling. You can create appetizers, lunch meals, desserts, and other dishes from Crepini crepes. They are perfectly customizable and can be served in a diverse range of settings. Applications in the service sector include: creperies; cafés; restaurants; catering events; bakeries; schools; travel; and venues with al fresco dining, such as stadiums, malls, and gourmet retail markets’ in-store cafés and hot bars.

Nutrition

Dare we say this? Crepini crepes are a healthier, lighter alternative to breads, pastas, and wraps. You may have doubts – after all, it is a crepe, and how can something that tastes so good be good for you? Well our crepes are all natural and have fewer calories and carbohydrates than others in the same category. Our batter is made from fine flours and fresh premium ingredients; each Naked Crepini is only 80 calories! Compare that to other wraps and breads, which can easily have two to four times more calories per unit.

Now you have the facts. Intrigued? If the answer is yes, then you may be wondering how you can get your hands on these crepes. Visit www.crepini.com to learn more!