2021 Food Trends Part Two

Burrito Bowls 

Cook's Notes: Burrito bowls are popular and for a good reason.  They’re tasty and easy to customize to your preferences and can be a power bowl of nutrients. In a world where complex carbs are considered the enemy, burrito bowls give you the option of creating a protein heavy burrito-like meal without the flour-based tortilla. That’s not to say that there are no carbs in a burrito bowl as most of them are served over a bed of white or brown rice,

But with this recipe the Burrito Bowl recipe is lightened up by trading carb-heavy white rice for cauliflower rice. You'll barely notice the difference when you pile your Mexican bowl high with colorful, flavorful toppings. Cauliflower rice is available in frozen foods or making your own using this easy recipe. 

Cauliflower Rice 
Place cauliflower florets in a food processor. Cover and pulse several times until cauliflower is evenly chopped into rice-size pieces. (If necessary, process cauliflower in batches.) Quickly cook cauliflower in a little butter or olive oil on the stovetop, Riced cauliflower becomes softer and more tender. As a rule of thumb, about three minutes over medium heat and not too oil much should do the trick.

Add chopped cilantro and a few squeezes of lime to brighten the dish.

Ingredients: For the Chicken

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts)

For the Bowls

• 4 cups cauliflower florets, riced
• 1 cup cooked black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked roasted corn
• 1 avocado sliced or cubed
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime sliced into wedges
• Olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Crema
• Pico de Gallo
• Shredded Monterey Jack

Directions: 

• Combine the vegetable oil, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic powder, cumin, dried oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl and stir to combine. Place the chicken in a large zip top plastic bag and add the marinade. Zip the bag and mix the chicken into the marinade. Place it into the fridge and let it marinate for at least 1 hour.
• Grill or bake chicken. Cut in bite sized pieces. 
• To the bowls add the cauliflower rice, chicken, black beans, charred corn, avocado, and cilantro, pico, cheese and serve with limes.

Some other serving ideas include:

and offering a deconstructed Burrito Bowl tray.

In The Know

New Girl Scout Cookie Toast-Yay inspired by the flavors of French Toast

Introducing new Green Giant Veggie Rings. Crispy and crunchy, these rings are made with real cauliflower. Enjoy as a delicious snack, flavorful appetizer or as a side dish that is sure to steal the spotlight.

Hard Seltzer

Several companies now offer the drinks, which are made from a malt or distilled sugar base, most of which hover at around 100 calories each with an ABV similar to beer. (For contrast, beer has around 150 calories and traditional soda calorie counts often reach into the 200s.)

The drinks are here to stay because they appeal to drinkers who are trying to cut calories and those looking for an easy cocktail mixer. Plus, they're light and refreshing for spring and summer months.

Some of the leading brands include: Corona, Bud Light Seltzer, Truly, Bon V!V and White Claw.

Air Fryers and InstaPot appliances continue to be popular items. 

This also could be labeled year of the snacks snack with more nutritional Smoothie,  mini meatballs, potato skins and customized pizzas recipes available. 

Will keep you posted through the year as new ideas and products come on the food scene.