LAKEVILLE & MIDDLEBORO, Mass. — On Friday, Sept. 23, four foodservice professionals will put their cranberry creations to the test during the final round of Ocean Spray’s “Ultimate Cranberry Recipe” Contest. From original concoctions and creative cocktails to inventive entrees and delicious desserts, Ocean Spray and its panel of expert judges will select one $10,000 grand-prize winner.
The finalists, Brent Rhoda of West Palm Beach, Fla.; Michael Sabella of San Francisco, Cali.; Shawn Bucher of Ogden, Utah; and Shonna Ebert of Kerrville, Texas, will prepare their innovative creations for a panel of judges including Paul King, executive chef for Davio’s; Andrew Wilkinson, executive chef and partner for SkipJack’s; and Jason Ward, executive chef of Renaissance Boston Hotel & Spa at Patriot Place, for a chance at the coveted cranberry crown during the cook-off showdown. The winner will be announced at Patriot Place in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday, Sept. 24, during Ocean Spray’s Fall Harvest Festival.
“The creativity and versatility of the foodservice recipes submitted this year were a true tour of taste,” said Keith Benoit, Ocean Spray’s director of food service and special markets. “From fresh cranberries and juice to sauce and Craisins®, the recipes submitted showcased the diverse flavor profile of this classic, North American berry – proving once again that cranberries make the ordinary extraordinary.”
The Finalists
Recipes were tested by Venture Sales Group; judging criteria included creativity, use of product, taste, overall appearance and ease of preparation. Finalist recipes are below and available at www.oceanspray.com as well as www.oceansprayfoodservice.com/recipes/.
The finalists’ recipes include Rhoda’s “Deep Fried Craisins;” Sabella’s “Cranberry Puebla Cocktail;” Bucher’s “Holiday Caprese Salad;” and Ebert’s “Kickin’ Chicken Soup with Zesty Cranberry Crème Fresh.”
“Each of the talented finalists celebrate the flavors of the cranberry with the recipes they’ve created, offering new and unique ways to incorporate this versatile fruit into their dishes,” said King. “We have a tough decision ahead, but we’re all looking forward to seeing how these professionals choose to elevate everyday dishes using the cranberry.”
Fall Harvest Celebration
During Ocean Spray’s Fall Harvest Celebration, consumers have the opportunity to speak with third- and fourth-generation cranberry growers and explore the working cranberry bog behind Bass Pro Shops. Patriot Place restaurants will also feature a Taste of Patriot Place, offering free samples highlighting New England’s favorite fall fruit, the cranberry.
For more information and cranberry inspiration visit www.oceanspray.com, www.facebook.com/oceanspray or www.twitter.com/oceansprayinc.
About Ocean Spray
Ocean Spray is an agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry growers in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and other parts of Canada as well as more than 50 Florida grapefruit growers. Ocean Spray was formed 80 years ago by three cranberry growers from Massachusetts and New Jersey. Florida grapefruit growers joined the Cooperative in 1976. Ocean Spray is North America’s leading producer of canned and bottled juices and juice drinks, and has been the best-selling brand name in the canned and bottled juice category since 1981. Ocean Spray posted fiscal 2010 gross sales of $2.05 billion and net proceeds of $340 million.
Source: Ocean Spray