Category

Snack Foods

From Our Kitchen to Yours: Celebrating Mother’s Day with Family Recipes

By | Baking, Breads, Desserts, Meats, Snack Foods, Vegan, Vegetables, What Chefs Want

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible women who’ve shaped our lives, and what better way to honor them than through the universal language of food? At What Chefs Want, we’re paying tribute not just to our mothers, but to the cherished recipes they’ve passed down through generations—dishes that have brought comfort, joy, and togetherness to family tables.

Our team has lovingly compiled a collection of their own mothers’ and grandmothers’ recipes, each one filled with the flavors and memories that make this day so special. From heartwarming soups to decadent desserts, these recipes are more than just meals; they are a testament to the love and care that mothers around the world pour into their cooking. Join us as we share these personal culinary treasures, celebrating the wonderful women behind them.

Rita’s Excellent Carrot Cake

Submitted by Zach J., Managing Partner, Colorado

  • #20492 – Carrots
  • #93209 – Pure Vanilla Extract
  • #15065 – Crushed Pineapple in Natural Juice
  • #91160 – Cream Cheese

Lynn’s Chicken Salad

Submitted by Sarah R., Chief Marketing Officer

“Mom always made plenty of this to ensure there were leftovers! We’d happily and quickly eat it for days. It was quick and easy for her to make and for us to enjoy for several meals thereafter.”

  • #97794 – Duke’s Mayonnaise
  • #90468 – Large Baked Croissants – Ghyslain
  • #20231 – Bibb Lettuce
  • #97379 – Apple Cider Vinegar

Nonnie’s Sun Pickles

Submitted by Sarah B., Marketing

“Pickles have been at the center of so many fond memories: from popping open a jar with my mom to snack on in the middle of a busy day, to making pickles surrounded by the ladies in my family. Pictured here is my sweet Grandma, affectionately known by the kids as Nonnie, passing down her pickle making wisdom to my oldest daughter.”

  • #20052 – Pickling cucumbers
  • #40008 – Fresh Dill
  • #70121 – Peeled Garlic

Maureen’s Cinnamon Pecan Yeast Rolls

Submitted by Lauren C., Inside Sales

My mother remembers the mornings of chaos watching her mother try to keep order as her three rambunctious brothers wrestled in the kitchen and my mother and her older sister’s eagerness to learn the process from their mother. Her mother would be shouting, “No running and wrestling in my kitchen, take it elsewhere” and most importantly “Close the garage door, can’t have any cold drafts as the yeast won’t rise”! To say the least, her blood pressure was on the rise!  After each step of the process and seeing the ending results, my mother remembers it being all well worth it! My mother carries all of these same feelings and memories, knowing that her mom and sister are present with her (even though they are no longer with us) gets her through this every time year after year.”

  • #95322 – Pecans – pieces
  • #98370 – Yeast – active dry
  • #97025 – Cinnamon – ground
  • #99317 – Sugar – granulated

Sandy’s / Good Enough to Eat Vegetarian Chili

Submitted by Anna H., Program Director, Local Foods

“Good Enough to Eat is a wonderful restaurant in New York City’s upper West Side where my mom’s brother decamped to as a longtime server when he left Cincinnati as an aspiring actor. Via this cookbook and a few visits there, a NYC restaurant’s family-style meals merged with our favorites, too. The veggie chili is a special one that my mom makes, and it really benefits from frying the spices first. It is absolutely perfect for local summer veg, so it’s perfect for my family’s continuing history of merging farming and restaurant life together.”

  • #20058 – Eggplant
  • #20601 – Yellow Squash
  • #20803 – Red Bell Pepper
  • #20801 – Green Bell Pepper
  • #70015 – Red Onion – Diced
  • #31757 – Smoked Paprika Flakes – Sweet

Elaine’s French Onion Soup

Submitted by Lauren K, Marketing

“My Grandy made the absolutely most amazing French onion soup and it is one of the very few recipes that we have left after she died. I have memories of my sister and I in my kitchen, tears running down our cheeks, slaving over slicing those onions as thinly as possible to make Grandy proud.”

  • #70001 – Yellow onions
  • #96103 – Beef base
  • #95212 – Dijon mustard
  • #91275 – Swiss cheese

Cheryl’s Cranberry Caramel Date Bars

Submitted by Amy R., Sales, Colorado

“Cheryl sends my wife and I these Caramel bars every Christmas and they are by far, the thing I look forward to most during the holiday season!”

Dee’s Spicy Chicken Tomato & Garlic Soup

Submitted by Megan D., Marketing

“My mom always made this soup any time someone in our family was sick and swore by its healing abilities. To this day, any time I have a cold, all I want is this soup!”

  • #31674 – Chicken stock
  • #00923 – Chicken thighs
  • #97032 – Cumin
  • #99203 – Lime juice

*All products may not be available in each region. Please check the app or reach out to your customer advocate for availability.

Game Day Grub: Ingredients for the Big Game and Beyond

By | Appetizers, Beef, Catering, Grilling Essentials, Meats, Poultry, Snack Foods

Are you ready for it?!? As the excitement builds for football season, we’ve crafted a culinary playbook that’s set to score big points for your big game day menu. Whether your patrons are die-hard fans or just in it for the snacks, we’ve got the winning bar bites that will make your patrons want to do a touchdown dance. The best part? Regardless of who wins the game, these menu items are big winners all year round.

Sideline Sliders

Sliders are the MVPs of any menu, offering a playbook of versatility that can please even the most seasoned chef. These mini marvels are like the quarterbacks of the culinary world, ready to run any play with diverse flavor combinations, making them the perfect players for a winning game day spread. From classic to unexpected, sliders bring a culinary touchdown to every palate. It’s a love story between sliders and sports fans!

Black Hawk Beef Sliders (item #30224): Kick off your menu with these Black Hawk beef sliders. 100% local Kentucky Proud F1 American Wagyu beef from Black Hawk Farms is grass-fed and grain-finished, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free.

Creekstone Natural Chuck Beef Sliders (item #23104): Score big with the rich and savory taste of Creekstone Natural Chuck beef sliders – natural angus beef with no antibiotics, hormones, or artificial ingredients.

Freedom Run Farms Lamb Sliders (item #49980): Breakaway from the ordinary and create your perfect slider with Freedom Run Farms Lamb Sliders, adding a touch of gourmet flair that’s a game-changer. Greek lamb sliders anyone?

Brioche-Style Slider Buns (item #90720): These brioche-style slider buns are fully baked & sliced, ready for your slider creations!

No-Huddle Nachos

Nachos are the ultimate game day grub, bringing a winning combination of crunch, zest, and gooey goodness to your menu. Create a classic nacho lineup or a fearless masterpiece, nachos always score big with patrons. Whether it is nachos, tots (totchos) or even fries as your base, you’ll have a blank space to create fun new flavor combinations.  What Chefs Want is here to provide you with the ingredients to make it easy!

Raw Yellow Tortilla Chip (item #14766): Tackle your nacho creation with raw yellow tortilla chips, pre-cut and ready to fry.

Raw White Tortilla Chips (item #06131): These raw white corn tortilla chips, produced by Mija Tortilla Company in Louisville, KY,  will be the perfect base layer to your nacho masterpiece.

Fresh Pico de Gallo (item #10016): This What Chefs Want Prep Kitchen pico de gallo is the quarterback of freshness, made in house with fresh cut roma tomatoes, yellow onions, jalapenos and cilantro.

Southwest Salsa (item #21353): Turn up the heat with southwest salsa, bringing a bold and spicy flavor that’ll leave your taste buds cheering.

Guacamole Extra Supreme (item #07724): High quality avocado that is ready to use for guacamole or other recipes. Add diced onion, garlic, tomato, and cilantro for an authentic looking and tasting guacamole.

Queso Fresco (item #91221): The firm-textured fresh white cheese is slightly salty, with a mild, tangy taste similar to farmer’s cheese. It’s easily crumbled to sprinkle on dishes like nachos or beans.

Boneless Chicken Wing Blitz

Spicy, tangy or garlicky, boneless wings are a game-changer on any menu. Boneless wings give chefs the perfect palate to show off their sauces and bring the heat to their menu.

Boneless Chicken Fritters (item #04117): Juicy, boneless chicken is a crowd-pleasing appetizer, side dish, entree or children’s meal. Available in whole-muscle larger breast meat chunks that we like to call “boneless wings”

Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce (item #21795): Spice up your game with Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce – Franks RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce blends rich, buttery flavor with the signature surge of Franks RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce. Simply toss and serve for authentic Buffalo wings.

Celery Sticks (item #20043): Keep things crisp with celery sticks, the refreshing sidekick that brings balance to the richness of boneless chicken wings. These pre-cut sticks will save you time!

Blue Cheese Dressing (item #21648): Ken’s Deluxe Bleu Cheese Dressing is a creamy and delicious way to cut through the spice of those wings! Dip in your carrots, celery or the whole wing. We aren’t judging.

Special Teams Sides

When it comes to football food, the sides are more than just the end game. Restaurant patrons are looking for a wide variety of finger foods to enjoy and chefs are looking for easy, gourmet menu additions to wow their guests.

Beer Battered Onions Rings (item #07741): Beer battered thick cut onion rings, double dipped in beer batter for extra crunch. Ready to be fried for the best big game side!

Mac N Cheese Fritters – (item #90638): A blend of sharp and white cheddar cheese, accented with pimentos, garlic and a hint of hot sauce, dusted in panko bread crumbs!

Franks in a Blanket – (item #90662): A classic crowd-pleaser, these are miniature beef frankfurters wrapped in a blanket of puff pasty.

Tater Keg – Bacon Cheddar Chive (item #32424) – Buffalo Chicken (item #32425) or Cheese Bomb (item #32423) : Three times the size of the average tot, these tater kegs are filled with your favorite flavors.


Cheers to you and your big game menus. As for who wins and who loses, we don’t want any bad blood, we just hope everyone has fun and eats some great food.

* Some featured items may not be available in all regions. Please contact your customer advocate for substitutions or new menu ideas.

How to Craft a Standout Charcuterie Board

By | Appetizers, Catering, Charcuterie, Cheese, Chef's Feed, Fruit, Gourmet, Gourmet Cheese, Holiday, Hors d'oeuvre, Meats, Snack Foods, What Chefs Want

The art of creating a charcuterie board goes beyond assembling an assortment of cured meats and cheeses. It is a culinary symphony that combines flavors, textures, and aesthetics to delight the senses. In this guide, we will explore the key elements of crafting the ultimate charcuterie board, from balancing flavors to adding artistic touches that can set the experience at your restaurant apart from all the others.

Balancing Flavors: Key Components

Variety of Cured Meats:

Start with a selection of high-quality cured meats. Include a mix of textures and flavors, such as prosciutto for its delicate saltiness, spicy chorizo for a kick, and genoa salami for a robust taste.

Some of our favorite suggestions:

Smoking Goose Wagyu Beef Bologna (item #33841) – This domestically raised Wagyu beef, from the same breeds as prized Japanese Kobe beef, is expertly spiced with white and black peppercorns, mustard, coriander, and paprika. Pork-free and hot-smoked for a fully cooked and flavorful experience, it boasts a honeycomb casing that ensures beautifully petal-shaped slices, perfect for serving on charcuterie boards.

North Country #1 Salami (item #03921 / 95058 / 95059) – North Country’s richest and creamiest salami, featuring bold flavors infused with cheese from Blue Jacket Dairy in Bellefontaine, OH, Chardonnay from Debonnne Vineyards in Madison, OH, along with the zesty addition of chopped garlic and fresh sage.

Tempesta Brandy & Sage Paté (item #32191 / 32238) – This is Tempesta’s chicken liver paté, seasoned with a savory blend of sage and aged brandy.

Cheese Selection:

Choose a diverse array of cheeses, ranging from soft and creamy brie to sharp cheddar. Include different milk types like cow, goat, and sheep to offer a variety of textures and flavors.

One of our favorite rules of thumb, choose something hard, something soft and something blue.

Surprise your guests with unique cheeses. These unexpected flavors can be a memorable addition.

Some of our favorite suggestions:

Tulip Tree Trillium (item #25790 / 27177) – This cow’s milk triple cream, bloomy-rind cheese draws inspiration from French classics, Camembert and Brie. Boasting a soft, buttery texture with rich, smooth flavors and gentle lactic tones, it earned second place in the World Cheese Competition in 2020.

Sequatchie Cove Shakerag Blue (item #91934) – Shakerag is a crumbly yet dense blue-veined cheese cloaked in local fig leaves which have been soaked in Chattanooga Whiskey. Its sweet and fruity interior is reminiscent of root beer, and lends itself to more savory notes of bacon and dark chocolate towards the rind.

Kenny’s 10 year Reserve Cheddar (item #32172) – Get it while it lasts! Fans of Kenny’s Reserve Cheddar or extreme-aged cheddars will love this 10-year old offering. Surprisingly buttery for its age, it has taken on many of the characteristics of a heavily-aged Gouda with plenty of crystallization and a very strong caramel finish.

Capriole Mont St. Francis (item #91113) – Mont St. Francis, an intense, beefy, and earthy cheese, embodies a hearty and stinky character with its semi-hard texture and rich profile. Crafted by Capriole Farmstead, this award-winning goat cheese is meticulously handmade, using milk sourced from a local Indiana farm.

Accompaniments:

Add complementary accompaniments like honey, mustard, jams and chutney to enhance the flavors of both the meats and cheeses. These condiments provide a sweet, tangy, or spicy contrast.

Make sure to include something sweet and something spicy to accompany the varying flavors you’ve already picked with the meats and cheeses.

Some of our favorite suggestions:

Membrillo/quince jam (item #93605 / 96328) – Membrillo (quince paste) contains only three ingredients: quince, sugar, and lemon, cooked into a reddish paste. The naturally high pectin content in the Valencian quince gives the paste its firm and jelly like texture.

Orange blossom honey (item #93506) – This honey is brimming with bright, citrusy notes that are sure to captivate your palate, made from orange blossoms to impart a mild and citrus-scented flavor you’re bound to adore.

Whole grain mustard (item #95107 / 95106) – A pleasant and very sweet mustard that acquired its flavor as a result of the maceration of the whole mustard seeds in the cider vinegar.

Fresh, Dried and Pickled Produce:

Incorporate fresh and dried fruits, such as figs, grapes, or apple slices, to add a natural sweetness and refreshing element that balances the richness of the meats and cheeses.

To balance out the bread-based vessels to hold your bites, consider including bell peppers or celery to serve as your base as well.

Include pickled or briny vegetables like pickles, pickled onions, or olives. Their tangy and briny flavors cut through the richness of the meats and cheeses.

Some of our favorite suggestions:

Fig almond cake (item #94036 / 91179) – Handmade in Valencia, Spain, this wheat-free cake is crafted from Pajarero figs and Marcona almonds – a traditional combination with nothing else. Your gluten-sensitive friends will thank you for this flourless delight, where almonds are hand-pressed between layers of whole dried figs.

Gordal olives (item #98866 / 95556) – The name gordal means “the fat one” due to it’s round shape and large size (over 6gr). Due to its low oil content it is exclusively used for table olives. It has a fine delicate flavor, similar to manzanilla, and a firm, meaty texture. Losada uses a neutral brine which results in a balanced salt to bitterness ratio, so that you can really taste the flesh of the olive.

Pear Mostarda (item #90596 / 30086) – This traditional condiment from Mantova skillfully balances hand-cut candied pears with a hint of potent mustard extract.

Textured Crackers,  Bread, Nuts and Seeds:

Introduce a variety of textured crackers and breadsticks to add crunch and variety. Choose options with nuts or seeds for an extra layer of flavor and visual interest.

Incorporate a selection of nuts and seeds, such as candied pecans or roasted almonds. They add a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the board.

Some of our favorite suggestions:

Quicos corn nuts (item #17595) – GMO-free Quicos are giant corn kernels that have been soaked in water, then fried and salted. This delightfully cruncy snack pairs perfectly with beer and is a great addition to a cheese plate.

Le Tresor Crackers for cheese (item #92321) – These little bite sized waffle crackers might be the perfect cracker! Light enough to not overpower your topping, but just the right thickness to not fall apart while you dress it with your favorite spread.

Blanched Hazelnuts (item #95340 / 95313) – Blanched hazelnuts are hazelnuts, or filberts, have had their skins removed, revealing a smooth and creamy nutty interior. This enhances the hazelnuts’ flavor profile by eliminating any bitterness associated with the skin

Aesthetic Touches

Artful Arrangement:

  • Arrange the elements in a visually appealing manner. Place cheeses of different shapes and colors strategically, and layer cured meats in a cascading fashion. Creating symmetry or asymmetry can both be aesthetically pleasing so do whatever you feel works best for your ingredients.
  • Consider placing meats and cheeses that you want to encourage pairing next to each other.
  • Make the meat stand out, literally. Fold or roll salami and prosciutto to give it more shape and add volume on the board.
  • And keep in mind that placement is important. Hard cheeses should be on the outside of the board if they aren’t already sliced, and soft/spreadable cheeses toward the inside, to make accessing everything easier.

Microflowers and Herbs:

Bring on the color by garnishing with microflowers and fresh herbs. Edible flowers like pansies, purple pepper, or fire stix add an unexpected pop of color, while herbs like rosemary or thyme contribute fragrance and a hint of freshness.

Pansies – Edible Mix (item #40032) – Pansies are one of the most popular edible flowers, both because you can eat their sepals and because they come in such a wide array of colors.

Purple Pepper Micro (item #02377) – Beautiful dark purple colored 6-7 petaled gems. Mild, sweet bell pepper taste.

Firestix (item #40310) – Firestix are the brightly colored flowers of the amaranth plant. The blossoms have a delicate, plume-like appearance and can be purple, magenta, red, gold and green in color and a neutral flavor that is mildly reminiscent of corn silk.

Crafting the ultimate charcuterie board is an art that combines flavors, textures, and aesthetics. By balancing a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, and adding artistic touches like microflowers, you can create a visually stunning and palate-pleasing experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected ingredients, as they can elevate your charcuterie board to new heights, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.

Item of the Day: Beef Summer Sausage from Usinger’s

By | Beef, Charcuterie, Chef's Feed, Hors d'oeuvre, Item of the Day, Meats, Products, Retail Ready, Snack Foods, What Chefs Want

Beef Summer Sausage

This traditional, Old World summer sausage is only made with lean, choice, coarsely ground beef and seasoned “just right”. Slowly smoked over hardwood slabs in our old-fashioned brick smokehouses for two days to bring out the robust flavor and an irresistible tantalizing aroma. Just one bite tells the story of generations of sausage making “know how” in this exceptional semi-dried summer sausage.

Item 95099 – 1.5 lb avg.

Item of the Day: Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough from Christie’s Cookies

By | Chef's Feed, Holiday, Hors d'oeuvre, Item of the Day, Local and Specialty, Products, Retail Ready, Snack Foods, Southern Foods, What Chefs Want

Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough from Christie’s Cookies

For 30 years, Christie’s Cookies has been crafting cookies using only real butter and gourmet ingredients. No artificial substitutes, zero preservatives, all goodness.
All the gourmet semi-sweet chocolate chunks we could fit in a cookie, made perfect with a hint of brown sugar and pure Madagascar bourbon vanilla. 


Serve freshly baked gourmet cookies without the hassle of making them from scratch. 100% real butter provides a rich, moist taste that has 3-5 day bake life when baked properly. Already pre-portioned – just take out the freezer, place on the sheet pan, and bake.        

Learn more here

Item 02691 – 162/1.45 oz. case

Item of the Day: Tea Rose Goat Cheese from Capriole Farms

By | Charcuterie, Cheese, Chef's Feed, Holiday, Hors d'oeuvre, Item of the Day, Local and Specialty, Products, Retail Ready, Snack Foods, Southern Foods, What Chefs Want

Capriole Farms Tea Rose Goat Cheese

Tea Rose beckons the eye with an impressionist’s palette of spring and summer color. Fragrant herbs, flower petals, and a touch of fennel pollen subtly compliment the light, delicate paste of the fresh, bright chevre.
Learn more here.

Item 91921 – 6 oz. wheel

Item of the Day: Nacho Buddies Jalapeno Peppers

By | Charcuterie, Chef's Feed, Holiday, Item of the Day, Local and Specialty, Meats, Products, Retail Ready, Snack Foods, What Chefs Want

Nacho Buddies Sliced Jalapeno Peppers

Add some WOW to your Nachos!
Or for that matter, anything put your jalapeños on. Our red and green jalapeños give you the excitement of flavor as well as add color to your food preparations. Nacho Buddies™ are a great new way to be creative with all of your delicious spicy, and now colorful, culinary creations!

More info about Puckered Pickle Company here.

Item 95712 – 1 Gallon

Item 09975 – 4/1 Gallon case

New Items from Wixter Seafood – Tinned Seafood!

By | Chef's Feed, Gourmet, Products, Retail Ready, Seafood, Snack Foods, What Chefs Want

Conservas, or Tinned Fish, depending on who you ask is a whole category of its own, full of carefully crafted specialties with the potential to reinvigorate your home cooking — and snacking.

Cockle Clams

Item 24815 – 3.9 oz. can

Item 24736 – 15/3.9 oz. case


Small Mussels

Item 24816 – 3.9 oz. can

Item 24732 – 15/3.9 oz. case


Octopus

Item 24817 – 3.9 oz. can

Item 24737 – 15/3.9 oz. case


Sardines in Olive Oil

Item 24818 – 3.9 oz. can

Item 24733 – 15/3.9 oz. case


Sardines in Sauce

Item 24819 – 3.9 oz. can

Item 24734 – 15/3.9 oz. case


Squids in Ink

Item 24810 – 3.9 oz. can

Item 24735 – 15/3.9 oz. case


Tuna Belly

Item 24821 – 3.9 oz. can

Item 24731 – 15/3.9 oz. case


Tuna in Olive Oil

Item 24822 – 3.9 oz. can

Item 95031 – 15/3.9 oz. case