What’s trending in food service?

Well, Christmas is in fact coming. And this year, menus are taking a bold step beyond tradition, reimagining classic festive flavours with unexpected twists. Time-honoured dishes such as sage and onion stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mince pies are being reimagined with contemporary ingredients – think sage and fig stuffing or cranberry with a hint of jalapeño for a subtle, spicy kick. Our pick to recreate this? MasterFoods™ Professional Garlic & Herb Seasoning(open in new tab). It adds depth to the stuffing, enhancing savoury notes without overpowering things.

Savoury elements are also making their way into desserts, creating striking contrasts with traditional sweetness. Rosemary-infused shortbread, for instance, can be elevated with MasterFoods™ Professional Black Peppercorns(open in new tab) for a little bite and a piquant warmth. Miso caramel brownies with chocolate pretzel dragées find their enhancement in the miso and a touch of MasterFoods™ Professional Gluten Free Soy Sauce(open in new tab), which together add a touch of saltiness that beautifully complements the fudgy sweetness. These unexpected additions give a unique warmth and depth to these modern treats.

Other festive season dishes reflect a fusion of global flavours, with miso-glazed ham or pork roasts, spiced rum desserts, and caramelised vegetable sides enhanced with umami-rich ingredients such as mushrooms or seaweed. A finishing touch of a honey mustard glaze, crafted with our MasterFoods™ Professional Dijon Mustard(open in new tab), adds sticky, golden sweetness to roasted vegetables or meats that perfectly balances bold festive flavours. These are just some of the ways you can approach Christmas feasting a little differently this year. So give this festive season a twist of your own, and remember, it’s not wrong if the flavour’s right, Merry Christmas!