Women's History Month: Women Who Paved the Way in Food

Women's history month is a national holiday celebrated in the United States and in Canada. Female pioneers in science, math, politics, and the environment are respected for their contributions to society and to women's rights.

When it comes to the Food industry, acclaimed chefs such as Julia Child, Alice Waters, and Cat Cora have created unique dishes, and created openings for women to be entrepreneurs, chefs or culinary scientists.

Let's celebrate these amazing women who have done so much for the food industry by learning more about their lives.

Julia Child

Julia Child discovered her love for French cuisine in France when attended Le Cordon Blue. From then on, she has authored 18 books, and starred in the ever popular show "The French Show" which is the most popular food show to date.

Alice Waters

Alice Waters is known as the inventor of California Cuisine and was instrumental into the founding of the California Cuisine Movement. Water's is a trailblazer for being the first woman to win the James Beard award for Outstanding Chef in 1992.

Cat Cora

"Iron Chef" has only one female winner in its show's history and it's Cat Cora. Her style is found in a fusion of her Southern roots and Greek upbringing.

Elizabeth Falkner

Elizabeth Falkner stands out as an innovator in savory cuisine and pastries. Falkner is a mentor and example for women chefs since she has opened up two successful restaurants.

Do you know any women (present day or history) who have broken barriers in the food industry? Sound off below! 

Who Invented Crepes Suzette?

Crepe Suzette is a sweet crepe recipe known for its citrus aroma, and brandied taste. Often times, it's served with light flames to give it a tantalizing touch.

It's a popular dessert in French restaurants and highly sought after by self-professed foodies.

But did you know that it was invented---by accident?

Henri Carpentier was a 14-year-old assistant waiter in 1895. He was preparing a dessert for the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII of England.

Here's his account, from the source, itself. 

"It was quite by accident as I worked in front of a chafing dish that the cordials caught fire. I thought I was ruined. The Prince and his friends were waiting. How can I begin all over? I tasted it. It was, I thought, the most delicious melody of sweet flavors I had ever tasted. I still think so. That accident of the flame was precisely what was needed to bring all those various instruments into one harmony of taste.. He ate the pancakes with a fork; but he used a spoon to capture the remaining syrup.

He asked me the name of that which had eaten with so much relish. I told him it was to be called Crepes Princess. He recognized that the pancake controlled the gender and that this was a compliment designed for him; but he protested with mock ferocity that there was a lady present. She was alert and rose to her feet and holding her little shirt wide with her hands she made him a curtsy.

"Will you," said his majesty, "change Crepes Princess to Crepes Suzette?"

Thus was born and baptized this confection, one taste of which, I really believe, would reform a cannibal into a civilized gentleman. The next day I received a present from the Prince, a jeweled ring, a panama hat and a cane."---"Life A La Henri--Being The Memories of Henri Charpentier" by Henri Charpentier.

This popular crepe dish was created, by accident. If you ever want to impress a date, thank Henri Charpentier whenever you order him/her a Crepes Suzette.

CREPiNi Launches Online Crepe Shop

CREPiNi is excited to announce the launch of their new website and the online wholesale retail shop. 

Our goal is to expand our reach to loyal customers who want to try our full product line, and small businesses.

Users who register for business accounts and are approved will have access to wholesale prices online.

In addition to this launch, we also created a fresh line of Russian Crepes called "Babulini Blini" or Grandma's crepes. Our new line features classic Russian fillings such as Sour Cherry, Cheese Raisin and Potato Mushroom, as well as other scrumptious new flavors. 

Click here to read more.

Acme, in Partnership with CREPiNi, Launches Smoked Salmon Blini Combo Pack at Boston

 Acme Smoked Fish, in partnership with CREPiNi, has announced the launch of its smoked salmon and blini combo packs. 

This combo is ideal for a quick snack, as a fancy hors d'oeuvre, or as a convenient meal on the go.

 In addition, CREPiNI prides itself on ensuring that each blini is only 70 calories per blini, it's made with no trans-fat, and it's high in Omega-3. 

Read the rest of the article here.

St. Patrick's Day Crepe Recipe

March 17th is celebrated all over the world as St.Patrick's day. On this day, several cities have parades, denizens wear green, and few families celebrate this day with traditional Irish meal.

St. Patrick was born in Britain during the 4th century. As a teenager, he was enslaved by Irish raiders but was able to escape after six years, became a priest than later chose to do missionary work in Ireland.

Though this holiday is widely celebrated, many people don't know who St. Patrick's personal life.

St. Patrick, according to Irish folklore, used a shamrock to explain Christianity to the Irish. March 17th was when he died and was later canonized by the local church.

St.Patrick's day has been celebrated all around the world for over 200 years. If you want to surprise loved ones during breakfast time, try this St. Patrick's Day recipe from The Squishy Monster. Bon Apetite!

The Crepe Team Showcases New Crepes at The International Restaurant & Food Service Show of New York

Kristen and Gaby from The Crepe Team

The International Restaurant & Food Service Show of New York, held March 2-4 at the Javits Center in New York City, was an educational and informational hub for culinary and gourmet food enthusiasts in the East Coast.

The Crepe Team learned about delectable food and drink trends, gained insight on innovative new products, and were inculcated in the fine art of food.

Kristen and Gaby from The Crepe Team showcased new crepes from CREPiNi to hungry foodies.

Visitors sampled our new Russian Crepe (Babulini Grandma) line ranging from: Strawberry, Stewed Cabbage, Potato Mushroom, Apple, and Cheese Raisin crepes.

Even our mini 6 inch crepes paired with an assortment of sauces were a popular hit with the crowds.

Were you at the International Restaurant & Food Service Show of New York this year? Did you notice any food trends or learned of any culinary tricks? Comment below!

The Crepe Team Attends the RCA Annual Conference and Culinology Expo in Portland, Oregon

The RCA Annual Conference and Culinology Expo, held in Portland, Oregon is a unique food event that blends food technology and culinary arts.

This dynamic expo, held March 11-14, highlighted educational sessions, networking, Student and Professional Culinology competitions and premier goodies to sample.

Sam and Eugene from The Crepe Team was at the forefront of this conference. Our team showcased mini crepes filled with delectable seafood fillings to lucky visitors. 

The Crepe team also prepared  yum-inspiring 6 inch mille crepe cakes, as well as other goodies, at the event.


 Moreover, our award-winning crepes were sampled and devoured by ardent foodies who know's the latest food trends. Portland, Oregon is not only the home to the Food Innovation Center but it's also the birthplace of James Beard, a chef and writer who was a central figure in the American gourmet food industry. 

Happy Pi Day! Why Not Enjoy Sweet Pie Crepes?

Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

 Today marks an important mathematical constant (3.14) that is represented with the Greek letter π.

Although the United States House of Representative officially recognized this date as National Pi Day in 2009, this holiday was invented well before then.

In 1988, physicist Larry Shaw held a party at the San Francisco Exploratorium that celebrated this mathematical constant by having willing participants walk around the building's circular areas and eat real pies.

Today, Pi Day activities such as pie throwing contests, and learning more about Pi's history in engineering are held in classrooms across the nation. Coincidentally, today is also Albert Einstein's birthday too!

Pumpkin Pie Crepes

Did you also know that you can also celebrate this day by eating pie crepes? Check out these recipes below so you can make your π day more innovative. 

Pumpkin Pie Crepes

Why wait for Thanksgiving when you can make pumpkin pie crepes at home. All
you need are ready-made-crepes, pumpkin puree, and brown sugar. Click here for recipe.

Apple Pie Crepes

If you love American and French fusion recipes than you will love this. Imagine fresh apples, cinnamon and powdered sugar, rolled inside a crepe? Click here for recipe.

Boston Cream Pie Crepes

Boston may have originated this treat but this food blogger, Girl Inspired, innovated this recipe by adding crepes into the mix. Click here for recipe.

International Women's Day: Inspiring Change

Today is a special day to commemorate how women across the globe have made progress with equality.

 Strong women like Oprah, Joan of Arc, and Marie Curie have created opportunities and have inspired change when times seemed immutable.

International Women's Day celebrates economic, social and political achievements of women. Today is also a day to focus on awareness that require change.

Women, everywhere, can be an impetus for great change by being part of campaigns, equality research, and by spearheading a successful company.

CREPiNi, for example, is run mostly by women. No matter what, let's remember that women can inspire change and break barriers.

Pittsburgh Home & Lifestyles mentioned CREPiNi

Pittsburgh Home & Lifestyles highlighted scrumptious foodie finds in their December 2013 issue of their online magazine.

CREPiNi was highlighted in this article for having holiday entertaining crepes with tempting flavors ranging from spinach and feta to strawberry.



Check out the article  here and let us know what you think! 

What are Popular Foods Eaten at Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Carnival or even Pancake Tuesday---no matter what, today is the last day before Lent.

Before people prepare for Ash Wednesday (Lent), many indulge in good foods, parties, and parades. Did you know that Mardi Gras traditions date to Medieval Europe?

Mardi Gras traditions grew out of Catholicism, and combine French celebrations, masquerade tradition, and African music. Fat Tuesday became an official holiday in Louisiana by 1875.

Moreover, Mardi Gras is not Mardi Gras without delicious King cake and pancakes (crepes). Part of the Mardi Gras tradition is to eat foods full of butter, dairy, and milk.

Did you know that there are other popular dishes that are devoured during this holiday? Check out our list of popular foods eaten during Mardi Gras.

Popular Mardi Gras  Dishes

Jumbalaya
This dish is a great way to loosen up your sinuses since it's rich with eclectic spice. What makes this here.

Beignets with powered sugar

dish oh so appetizing is the andouille sausages. Check out this Food Network recipe here.

Dirty Rice with Smoked Sausages
Imagine thick rice embedded with succulent sausages? It's foodie heaven for anyone who loves Creole-style dishes. Check out this Food Network recipe here.

Shrimp Gumbo
It's a luxurious broth full of spiced veggies and meats. Click here for recipe.

Fried Okra
A Southern delicacy, yes. But it's also a healthy green full of Vitamins A and C. Try this recipe here.

Beignets
These fried, little donuts are very popular in Louisiana. In fact, Cafe Du Mond is the hot-spot to go to get the best beignets with chicory flavored coffee. Want to bring Louisiana into your home? Try this excellent recipe here.

Have an idea to add to our list? Comment below your favorite Mardi Gras dishes!