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Menu Place
November • 2011
November Specials

In This Issue:

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Catering Cheese Trays

Generate profit for the Holidays


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Flavored Coffee Drinks

Warm up your seasonal menu


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cheese

The Holidays Are Soon Approaching. Is Your Dessert Menu Ready?

The holidays mean celebration and indulgence. It is the perfect time to treat your guests and boost check averages. Here are some ideas to make the most of your dessert menu.

For the holidays: will classics still prevail?

Yes and no. Classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla still reign supreme across all segments. In fact, both chocolate and vanilla flavored dessert grew by 3% in the past 12 months.* However, your guests have become accustomed to new takes on classic flavors and formats. While chocolate cake will always remain a dessert staple, the holiday season calls for indulgent desserts that are contemporary, yet still approachable.

Chocolate offers the best of all worlds – it screams "indulgence" and is versatile. Creating classic chocolate desserts with a contemporary twist is simple and can make a big impression with guests.

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Consider unique formats, layering flavors and using simple garnishing techniques for maximum impact.

Mini desserts + chocolate = perfect partners for the holidays

The great news about chocolate is that a little can go a long way. This is why chocolate is a perfect match for mini and individual dessert portions. Additionally, these smaller indulgences are easy on the pocketbook and let your guests try new items with minimal risk.

There are different ways to approach mini desserts: as an individual-sized portion or as an assortment. The benefits of each vary by occasion. While couples dining out may prefer their own desserts, groups may choose to share items from a sampler plate. Either option allows you to use the same items in multiple menu offerings.

Make the most of it!

To maximize the profit potential, menu your desserts with a premium chocolate brand. For example, 65% of consumers indicated that they would pay more for a menu item made with Ghirardelli chocolate than a non-branded chocolate dessert.**

Finally, consider plates and garnishes as a critical component. As the saying goes, "we eat with our eyes" and an inexpensive, but creative garnish go a long way, as can the right plate.
Looking for more holiday dessert ideas? Let Ghirardelli Baking Mixes get you started. From super simple to high end, Ghirardelli can help you make the most of your dessert menu. Contact your local Sysco Marketing Associate to get started or visit us at www.sysco.com

*Datassential

**Ghirardelli Proprietary Research


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