Pumpkin Pie Spice Explained Pumpkin pie spice is back in season, and we've created a guide explaining what it's made of, other fall spices that can substitute for it, and how to make your own pumpkin pie spice.

Happy Hobbit Day: A Meal Plan for Middle-Earth September 22nd is not only the autumn equinox, but it's also Bilbo's and Frodo's birthday. Celebrate the first day of fall with a feast worthy of the Shire.

Best Fall Beers of 2020 It's time to update your tap list with fall seasonal stouts, ciders, and fresh hop IPAs! Check out our reccommendations.

Citric Acid: Why It Makes Your Cooking Better Introducing citric acid powder! It's a secret ingredient you can use in your cooking, baking, and preserving. We'll explain how.

How to Make Hard Seltzer the Easy Way Learn how to make hard seltzer with the ingredients you already have in your restaurant bar. We’ll show you how you can easily make your own hard seltzer and turn a major profit!

Which Mobile Food Business Is Right for You? Want to get into the mobile food industry but not sure how? We compared food trucks, food trailers, and food carts so you can make the best decision for your business.

September 2020 WebstaurantStore Coupon Code The official home for WebstaurantStore® coupon codes! Stay up to date on our latest coupon codes so you can get great deals on some of our most popular items.

How to Make Shrunken Apple Heads Instead of decorating with carved pumpkins this fall season, try using up your surplus of seasonal fruit by making shrunken apple heads. These unique decorations are made from peeled apples that have been carved and dried to create wrinkled faces. This Halloween craft is a perfect way to use up extra apples and add some spooky atmosphere to your restaurant. If you're wondering how to make shrunken apple heads, follow along with our step-by-step video below: Shrunken Apple Heads Instructions Check out the instructions below to make your own dried apple faces. Make sure to choose apples with firm flesh because they are easier to carve. Shrunken Apple Head Ingredients Granny Smith apples, firm and unbruised

Paring knife

Medium mixing bowl

2 tbsp. salt

2 cups lemon juice Steps to Make Shrunken Apple Heads Mix the salt and lemon juice together in a bowl. Peel the apples. Soak the apples in salt and lemon juice mixture for 20 minutes. Use a paring knife to carve faces into the apples. Re-submerge the carved apples in the salt and lemon juice mixture.* Hang your apples to dry in a warm, dry spot using an open paper clip or a string. The apple will dry and shrink after a few days. If you need to dry your shrunken apple heads more quickly, place in a vegetable dehydrator, or heat your apples in an oven at the lowest setting (200 degrees or less) for 3-6 hours. To display your shrunken apple heads, place them directly on a table or flat surface. You can also insert a stick, branch, or skewer into the bottom of your shrunken apple heads and place them in vases. Another option is to use an open paper clip or tie a string around the stem or apple to hang your shrunken apple heads on tree branches or from the ceiling. *The lemon juice mixture preserves the apples and prevents the growth of mold. A well-made shrunken apple head can last several months… or even years! It will continue to shrink and develop wrinkles, becoming more wizened and unique-looking over time.

Pumpkins aren't the only star of the fall season. Step outside the box this year by highlighting other great fall flavors on your menu and trying out our tutorial for DIY shrunken apple heads. Share Pin it Tweet

Which Mobile Food Business Is Right for You? It’s no secret that food trucks are taking the nation by storm, serving nearly 2.5 billion people per day. Their popularity has grown so rapidly that several cities are known for their food truck scene. With the food truck market estimated to reach $996 million by the end of 2020, you may be interested in joining this thriving industry. Before you do, you may want to ask yourself if a food truck is right for you or if there is a better mobile food business model that would better suit your business. We set out to compare food trucks, food trailers, and food carts to help you determine which vehicle would be best for your mobile kitchen endeavors. Food Truck vs Food Trailer vs Food Cart Mobile food businesses come in various styles and sizes to serve a variety of purposes. It is important to consider their differentiating characteristics before choosing your primary food transport vehicle. These are the main characteristics to review when deciding between a food truck vs food trailer or a food cart vs food truck: 1. Mobile Kitchen Size The size of your mobile kitchen will determine where you can park and what types of events you can attend. Food Trailer - the largest in size, ranging from 8-53 feet long and 7-8 1/2 feet wide

the largest in size, ranging from 8-53 feet long and 7-8 1/2 feet wide Food Truck - usually ranges from 10-26 feet long and 7 feet wide

usually ranges from 10-26 feet long and 7 feet wide Food Cart - smallest in size, ranging 4-7 feet long and 2-6 feet wide 2. Kitchen Space and Storage Capacity The size of your interior kitchen space can have an impact on what you can bring with you and your staff size. Food Trailer - large enough for full-sized restaurant equipment, cleaning supplies, and full cooking staff

large enough for full-sized restaurant equipment, cleaning supplies, and full cooking staff Food Truck - reduced size may call for more dependence on countertop cooking equipment, space-saving storage solutions , and a staff of 1-3 cooks

reduced size may call for more dependence on , and a staff of 1-3 cooks Food Cart - limited space may call for very few small appliances and warmers and a staff of 1-2 employees 3. Mobile Kitchen Price Start to shape your budget by knowing what a mobile kitchen may cost you before you invest. Food Trailer - ~$30,000-$50,000

~$30,000-$50,000 Food Truck - ~$50,000 - $250,000

~$50,000 - $250,000 Food Cart - ~$5,000 - $20,000 4. Vehicle Mobility The way a mobile kitchen navigates can help determine which events and locations they best cater to. Food Trailer - Needs to be towed from place to place, may be too large for certain parking locations

Needs to be towed from place to place, may be too large for certain parking locations Food Truck - vehicle and kitchen in one, can be driven from place to place

vehicle and kitchen in one, can be driven from place to place Food Cart - Needs to be pushed by hand, attached to a bicycle, or towed from main kitchen to serving location 5. Mobile Kitchen Location and Event Type The type of locations and events a mobile kitchen is designed for can help you choose the right one for your business model. Food Trailer - large events, seasonal fairs, wedding and concert venues

large events, seasonal fairs, wedding and concert venues Food Truck - city street, fairs and carnivals, block parties, parks

city street, fairs and carnivals, block parties, parks Food Cart - city sidewalks, amusement parks, boardwalks 6. Mobile Kitchen Menu Capabilities The size and selections of your menu can be directly impacted by the size of your mobile kitchen Food Trailer - can have a full menu, multi-course menu

can have a full menu, multi-course menu Food Truck - narrowed to a few items that follow a similar theme or cuisine type

narrowed to a few items that follow a similar theme or cuisine type Food Cart - limited to one or two specialty items and some snacks 7. Purpose Choose a mobile kitchen that best helps you reach your target demographic. Food Trailer - long-term parking, multi-day events

long-term parking, multi-day events Food Truck - stop-and-go location hopping

stop-and-go location hopping Food Cart - foot traffic and walking distance coverage of a location The vehicle type you choose can ultimately impact your entire food truck business plan, so it is important to consider these factors early in the process. Ultimately, the best vehicle for your brand will come down to your goals and budget. Food Truck Food trucks are one of the most popular mobile food vehicles in the United States. If you’re considering starting a food truck, check out some of the pros and cons before your buy. What Is a Food Truck? A food truck is the combination of a motor vehicle and a kitchen. Food trucks are typically 16 feet long and 7 feet wide but can range in size from 10-26 feet long. This versatile vehicle is designed for street parking to serve pedestrians that may be passing by. Food is prepared and cooked in the vehicle and sold to individual customers from the window on the side of the truck. Pros Here are some benefits of choosing a food truck for your business over a food trailer or food cart: Kitchen does not need to be towed, making it extremely mobile and easy to take from one location to the next more lucrative location

Single unit means you don’t need a separate transport vehicle

Vehicle size easily fits down most city streets and in most parking spaces, providing a simple driving experience

Compact size means fewer appliances to clean than a standard kitchen

Mobility makes it perfect for stop-and-go services and provides access to spots all across town

Versatility of the space allows for a flexible menu and menu experimentation

Since food trucks are extremely popular, they have excellent resale value Cons Depending on your business model, there may be some downsides to choosing a food truck instead of a food trailer or food cart: Automotive troubles mean your whole business stops until the issue is fixed

Highest upfront cost compared to other mobile food vehicles, usually $100,000 to $200,000

Maintenance and upgrades can prove to be expensive if needed

A lot of paperwork, licensing, and permits are required, including zoning permits, health permits, signage permits, alarm permits, etc.

Limited kitchen space means a limited menu and staff

Only available in a limited number of size options

Built-in power generator can take up precious kitchen space

The more miles put on the truck, the more it depreciates in value To find out more information on purchasing a food truck, check out our how to buy a food truck buying guide. Food Trailer If you’re looking for more space, a food trailer may be the right option for you. Keep reading to learn about the specifications, pros, and cons of food trailers to determine which mobile food vehicle is the best for your business. What Is a Food Trailer? A food trailer is a mobile kitchen that you hitch onto a vehicle to tow from one location to the next. Kitchen trailers can vary greatly in size, ranging anywhere from 8-53 feet long and 7-8 1/2 feet wide. These ever-customizable vehicles are designed to cater to large crowds during multi-hour or even multi-day events like weddings and state fairs. Pros The following are some benefits of choosing a food trailer over a food truck or food cart: Kitchen can be towed by any vehicle, so business does not need to stop for vehicle maintenance

Since the kitchen trailer and transport vehicle are not connected, the trailer can be dropped off at an event and the vehicle can be used to run errands during the event

Generally less expensive than food trucks, and up to 1 1/2 feet wider for more space

Large size allows food business to cater large venues

Large internal blueprint provides ample space for full-sized equipment, ingredient storage, disposables, and cleaning supplies

Full kitchen means you can offer a multi-course menu, have a full staff, and serve several customers at once

Varying sizes allows you to find a food trailer in your budget and customized to your needs and specifications

Can be used as a secondary kitchen to expand on the space of an existing building or used as a primary kitchen during renovations/disaster relief

Mileage is not logged on the trailer, so you can continuously take it from location to location without worrying about depreciation in value caused by an increase in mileage Cons There are some downsides associated with concession trailers that are important to consider before making your purchase: An external vehicle with a hitch is required to move the trailer, the vehicle also needs to be powerful enough to tow the trailer

Large size can make it difficult or impossible to maneuver down certain streets and can limit the number of parking locations available

Before moving the food trailer, it will need to be packed up and hitched back up to the transport vehicle

An external generator may be needed depending on the specifications of your trailer If you’re looking to cater wedding venues with your mobile food business or establish a booth at your local state fair, a concession trailer may be the right choice to expand your business beyond a brick-and-mortar location. Food Cart If you’re just starting your food business or looking to target more foot traffic with your seasoned specialties, a food cart may be a great way to reach the most customers in your area. Learn more about the pros and cons of selecting a food cart for your business model by reading on. What Is a Food Cart? A food cart is a compact mobile kitchen that can either be pushed by hand or towed with a car or bicycle. Food carts range in size from 4-7 feet long and 2-6 feet wide. The food server will generally serve from behind the cart since they are typically not enclosed structures. Most food carts only have one piece of cooking equipment and a warmer to hold food at temperature. Food carts are designed to attract foot traffic from nearby walking paths to serve an individual customer at a time. Pros Explore the following benefits of a food cart to help you make your mobile food vehicle decision: Highly affordable option for new business owners to get into the mobile food scene

Compact size is perfect for busy sidewalks to target specific walking paths during lunch rushes in major cities

Mobility allows you to bring food options to locations where large brick-and-mortar cannot go, such as parks, fairs, boardwalks

Does not need to be hitched to be transported, meaning that you can quickly readjust your location to target a more lucrative spot

Can help create a close relationship with locals because carts provide eye-level customer service

Space-saving size allows for simple and safe storage overnight and during off-seasons

Comes with a reputation of a niche menu, allowing your cart to be known for its signature selections in the neighborhood Cons The compact size of a food cart can also come with some drawbacks for your business. Lack of full-sized kitchen equipment limits the menu selections you are able to serve

Limited storage space does not allow for the storage of many ingredients, to-go containers, or cleaning supplies

Mobility of the carts is fully dependent on your own foot power, additional vehicle or bicycle may be needed to transport it further

Stigma associated with the lack of cleanliness of food carts can keep potential customers away A food cart can be a great vehicle to help you start a farmers market stand or serve refreshing summer treats on your local boardwalk. Mobile food vehicles have continued to dominate foodservice trends from year to year, and we’re expecting to see their popularity continue to rise as customers reduce their dine-in options due to the coronavirus. Whether you're deciding between a food truck vs food cart, you can use the pros and cons above to find the perfect mobile food business for your menu. Share Pin it Tweet

How to Make Hard Seltzer the Easy Way Gone are the boring barroom days of customers ordering simple bottles of beer and glasses of red wine. Now, you’ll see a range of craft beers with artistic labels and designer cocktails. Perhaps the most popular drinks showing up in modern bars are sleek, lean cans of hard seltzer. Stocking cans of hard seltzer has become essential, but why only supply canned hard seltzer brands when you can produce your own with ingredients you already have on hand? Hard seltzer is one of 2020's top bar trends. Restaurants, taprooms, and pubs can increase their profits by tapping into hard seltzer's popularity and making their own hard seltzer. We’ve created a guide explaining what hard seltzer is, why it’s so profitable, and how you can easily make it yourself. Click the link below to jump ahead and learn how to make hard seltzer the easy way. Easy Hard Seltzer Recipe What Is Hard Seltzer? By definition, the only requirement for a beverage to be a hard seltzer is that it contains seltzer water and alcohol. However, specialty brewing markets have popped up to develop the most popular brands and forms of hard seltzer you find in stores. With seltzer water being an essential hard seltzer ingredient, it’s helpful to understand what the various forms of sparkling water are and how they are developed. Sparkling/Carbonated Water: These are generic terms used to describe any bubbling water.

These are generic terms used to describe any bubbling water. Seltzer: Seltzer is artificially carbonated, plain water made by dissolving carbon dioxide. This process raises the pH balance.

Seltzer is artificially carbonated, plain water made by dissolving carbon dioxide. This process raises the pH balance. Club Soda: Like seltzer, club soda is an artificially carbonated water made by dissolving carbon dioxide. Club soda also contains potassium and/or sodium salts to combat the carbon dioxide's acidic taste.

Like seltzer, club soda is an artificially carbonated water made by dissolving carbon dioxide. Club soda also contains potassium and/or sodium salts to combat the carbon dioxide's acidic taste. Soda Water: Commonly used to describe the water that comes from a bar's soda gun, soda water rarely contains added salts. However, soda water can be used to describe both club soda and seltzer water.

Commonly used to describe the water that comes from a bar's soda gun, soda water rarely contains added salts. However, soda water can be used to describe both club soda and seltzer water. Sparkling Mineral Water: Sparkling mineral water comes from natural springs filled with sulfur and minerals which organically carbonate it. Sparkling mineral water has both the most distinctive taste and the highest cost of all the sparkling waters, making it an undesirable choice for crafting housemade hard seltzer beverages. You can use any form of sparkling water in your housemade hard seltzer. What Kind of Alcohol Is in Hard Seltzer? Most popular hard seltzer brands do not contain liquor. Usually, the alcohol found in hard seltzer is produced by fermenting cane sugar. Unfermented varieties of hard seltzer require a 40 proof liquor. Vodka is a versatile option. White rum and tequila are alternative choices for enticing those who don’t favor vodka. Benefits of Making Your Own Hard Seltzer You can turn a major profit by making your own hard seltzer with the ingredients already stocked in your restaurant or bar. Here are the top benefits of making your own hard seltzer. Cost-Effective: Making your own hard seltzer with the ingredients you have on hand (ex. the soda water from your soda gun) is far more cost-effective than stocking up on cans of hard seltzer. Customizable Flavors: Offer customers a list of customizable hard seltzer flavor combinations. Not only will customers enjoy designing their own hard seltzer, but you can also upcharge for this experience. Simplify Inventory Management: Eliminate the guesswork of estimating how much hard seltzer you need to stock and avoid running out of supplies by making your own. How Hard Seltzer Is Made Most canned varieties of hard seltzer are produced by fermenting cane sugar and then adding carbonation and flavors. Unlike the simple vodka soda, brewing hard seltzer is as complex as creating craft beer with the additional challenges of filtering water to achieve clarity, carbonating, and aroma stripping to remove strong acid and sulfur flavors. On average, from scratch hard seltzers undergo five filtration steps and a flavoring process before they are ready to serve. However, you can update the classic vodka soda recipe to dupe brewed varieties of hard seltzer. Easy Hard Seltzer Recipe We’ve simplified the hard seltzer making process so your business can tap into the profitable hard seltzer market without expensive equipment or labor-intensive steps. Just adding liquor to soda water won’t yield the flavor hard seltzer fans seek. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you make your hard seltzer. The average hard seltzer ABV is 5%. Recognizable hard seltzer brands include citric acid in their recipes for a slight zing. The average hard seltzer is 100 calories. Patrons will choose your signature hard seltzer over familiar canned varieties if you create pretty presentations and personalized experiences with homemade cocktail bitters and fruit juices. Basic Housemade Hard Seltzer Ingredient Ratios: 12 oz. of soda water: While traditional hard seltzers use seltzer water, you can use the soda water from your bar’s soda gun without noticeably altering the hard seltzer flavor profile guests expect.

1.78 oz.of 40 proof liquor: Vodka is an easily adaptable choice.

Up to 1-2 drops of flavored extracts: Fruit flavors are popular.

.25 oz of fruit juice.

A tiny pinch of citric acid powder.

Add cocktail bitters to enhance your hard seltzer's flavor profile. Choose the appropriate quantity for achieving your desired flavor. Why People Drink Hard Seltzer Over the last few years, consumers have taken an interest in finding less sugar and calorie-laden alternatives to their favorite foods and beverages. Hard seltzer has emerged as an appealing alcoholic beverage choice for today's health-minded market. Offering a housemade hard seltzer allows you to accommodate gluten-sensitive patrons and add a calorically lighter item to your bar menu. Here are the top reasons why people drink hard seltzer. Calorie-Conscious: Most hard seltzers contain approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates, 100 calories, and 5% ABV in a 12 oz. serving.

Most hard seltzers contain approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates, 100 calories, and 5% ABV in a 12 oz. serving. Convenient: Most hard seltzer drinkers appreciate that it comes in convenient, ready-to-consume cans. Consider serving your signature hard seltzer in to-go cups and including it in your alcohol delivery and takeaway service.

Most hard seltzer drinkers appreciate that it comes in convenient, ready-to-consume cans. Consider serving your signature hard seltzer in to-go cups and including it in your Affordable Luxury: Thanks to the sleek designs and attractive branding most hard seltzer brands use, hard seltzer has gained a reputation as an affordable luxury for those who enjoy active and social lifestyles.

Thanks to the sleek designs and attractive branding most hard seltzer brands use, hard seltzer has gained a reputation as an affordable luxury for those who enjoy active and social lifestyles. Gluten-Free and Comparatively Hydrating: For gluten-sensitive patrons, hard seltzer is a low ABV, easy-to-drink alternative to beer. Additionally, hard seltzer trumps beer as an outdoor patio dining beverage option, because it is far more hydrating. Hard Seltzer vs Beer According to a 2020 Nielsen report, weekly hard seltzer sales have surpassed every other member of the pale ale beer category. 51% of people who identified as hard seltzer drinkers reported that they now actively choose hard seltzers over their previous alcoholic beverage of choice. Of those who used to order a beer at restaurants and bars, 52% now purchase hard seltzer. While market analyzers expected hard seltzer’s popularity to dive during colder months, it maintained a 5% hold on the retail beer sales category throughout the fall and winter in 2019. While hard seltzer and beer share enough commonalities to be looked at side by side in a research report, they aren’t synonymous. In this section, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between hard seltzer and beer. Hard Seltzer and Beer’s Similarities Undergo a fermentation process

Low ABV

Cheaper than cocktails/liquors

Carbonated Hard Seltzer and Beer’s Differences Hard Seltzer is lower in calories than beer.

While there are many unique types of beer , each possesses a strong flavor profile, whereas hard seltzers offer just a hint of flavor.

, each possesses a strong flavor profile, whereas hard seltzers offer just a hint of flavor. Beer contains gluten, and hard seltzer does not.

While both hard seltzer and beer are carbonated, carbonation is the defining feature of hard seltzer whereas beer is only slightly carbonated. What Is Seltzer Beer? Seltzer beer is a form of hard seltzer that uses malted barley rather than fermented cane sugar. Its appeal isn’t as universal as fermented cane sugar hard seltzer options because it is not gluten-free. Additionally, many seltzer beers contain more added sugars than their fermented cane sugar counterparts, increasing their calorie count and losing their target audience, which primarily chooses hard seltzer drinks as a calorie-conscious alternative. If they’re going to indulge in a higher calorie option, most customers would rather have a good craft brew than a seltzer beer. In-house hard seltzers can be customized and upcharged while remaining very inexpensive to produce. We've crafted a hard seltzer recipe that uses ingredients you already have on hand. Use our recipe as the baseline for your own signature hard seltzer and watch your profits soar. Share Pin it Tweet