Strawberry Stuffed French Toast

Recipe courtesy of carlsbadcravings.com

Ingredients 

Egg Mixture

  • Eggs: 4 large eggs are beaten with half and half to create the egg mixture that soaks and softens the bread.
  • Half and half: Is ideal for the egg mixture but you can also use whole milk.  Try to avoid skim milk if possible, it will deliver the least creamy French toast.
  • Cinnamon: Is a must or French toast!  It adds a fabulous depth of flavor.
  • Vanilla: Is used in both the egg mixture and the cream cheese filling. Use quality extract for the best flavor.
  • For frying:  Butter and a neutral oil such as vegetable oil are both used to fry the French toast to create the tantalizing buttery crust.  The butter adds the flavor and the oil prevents the butter from burning.

The Filling

  • Cream cheese: Is the “cream” in the creamy filling! You’ll need one 8-ounce block that’s very soft so it mixes up smoothly.
  • Powdered sugar:  Sweetens the filling. Don’t use granulated sugar or it will taste grainy.
  • Lemon juice:  Brightens up the filling and compliments the strawberries.
  • Strawberries:  8 ounces, or 1 heaping cup for the filling.  It doesn’t sound like a lot, but you’ll slice the strawberries thinly so the little becomes the perfect amount.
  • Granulated Sugar:  Is mixed with the strawberries so they soften and release some of the juices.

Directions

Macerate the strawberries.  We want to soften the sliced strawberries first so they become super sweet and juicy.  To do this, simply add a few tablespoons to the sliced strawberries and stir to evenly coat.  Set them aside to work their magic, preferably 10 minutes, while you make the cream cheese filling and egg mixture.

 

Make the cream cheese filling.   Add the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, powdered sugar and vanilla extract to a large bowl.  Beat with a hand-held mixer until smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed.

 

Step 3

Make egg mixture.  Add the eggs, half and half, cinnamon and vanilla to a shallow dish like an 8×8 pan or cake pan.  Whisk thoroughly until combined.

 

Step 4

Assemble:  Spread a thick layer of cream cheese filling on one side of sliced bread, leaving ¼-inch border all around. Arrange strawberries in an even layer on top of the cream cheese. Spread another layer of cream cheese on a new slice of bread and place it on top of the strawberries (cream cheese side down) to form a sandwich. Repeat to make 5-6 sandwiches total.

Batter:  Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat along with a drizzle of vegetable oil.  Dip one sandwich into the egg mixture and turn to evenly coat then transfer to the skillet. Repeat with a second sandwich.

 

Step 5

Pan fry: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on each side.  Repeat with remaining sandwiches.  Serve warm!

10 Of The Top Vegetables & Fruits Restaurants Use The Most

Vegetables and fruits are a great way to bring the season’s bounty into the kitchen and onto the plates of hungry customers. With so much variety available, there are plenty of avenues of culinary exploration. E. Armata Inc. is a wholesale food distributor at the Hunts Point Market that provides quality products to restaurant owners! Continue reading to discover the most popular vegetables and fruits restaurants use! 

Top 10 Fruits and Vegetables Used By Restaurants

Trends in the restaurant industry are constantly changing, so it’s essential to stay ahead of the competition and provide the best quality fruits and vegetables to your customers. Buying wholesale produce at the Hunts Point Market is a great way to ensure you get high-quality produce at a great price. Here are some of the top vegetables and fruits restaurants use:

  1. Leafy Greens – Kale, spinach, mesclun greens, and other greens are restaurant staples for salads and delicious sides. 
  2. Heirloom Fruits and Vegetables – Heirloom fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and rainbow carrots can freshen up your menu and stand out to guests looking for the latest culinary trends. 
  3. Herbs – Herbs can be a great addition to your food and cocktail menus. Refresh your menu by adding herbs like basil, mint, and parsley from the Hunts Point Market. 
  4. Tropical Fruits – Tropical fruits like pineapple and coconut have become popular and commonplace in the restaurant industry. You can add these fruits to your dishes and cocktails to provide a unique experience to your guests. 
  5. Superfruits – Superfruits like acai and goji berries are packed with healthy antioxidants that customers crave. 
  6. Hybrids – Many fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, melons, corn, and carrots are hybridized and have become quite popular. Consider spicing up your menu with innovative hybrid fruits and vegetables. 
  7. Avocados – Avocados have had a recent surge in popularity. From avocado toast to fresh guacamole, incorporating avocados into your menu will surely impress your customers. 
  8. Legumes – Beans and legumes like chickpeas and lentils are a healthy vegetarian source of protein that can be an excellent replacement for meat for plant-based customers! 
  9. Brussels Sprouts – Brussels sprouts may not have always been a fan favorite, but this cruciferous vegetable has grown in popularity among restaurants. Try roasting them with bacon, shallots, or pine nuts!
  10. Nuts – Nuts are used in various roles, including baking, as a snack, or as a flavoring. Nuts have seen a dramatic increase in use and popularity in restaurants all across the globe! 

Contact Us At The Hunts Point Market

Having a well-thought-out menu that includes popular vegetables and fruits can make a significant difference for your guests. E. Armata Inc. is one of the largest wholesale operations at the Hunts Point Market. Our vast selection of fruits and vegetables is sure to satisfy your customers and keep you on top of the latest restaurant trends. To learn more about our products and operation, be sure to contact us today!

Hunts Point Produce Market

Most Popular Fruits and Vegetables in the US for 2022

When it comes to nutrition and tastiness, you can’t go wrong with delicious fruits and vegetables from the Hunts Point Produce Market. Fresh fruits and vegetables make for delicious and healthy options that everyone should include in their daily diet, but some fruits and vegetables are more in demand than others. Our team at E. Armata Inc. would like to share some of the most popular fruits and vegetables in the United States! Continue reading to learn more! 

Most Popular Fruits

  1. Bananas – Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the U.S. for a good reason! Bananas contain high levels of potassium that can help prevent cardiovascular disease and help muscle fatigue after exercise. 
  2. Strawberries – Strawberries are loved by many as they are highly nutritious, convenient, and delicious. This berry is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. 
  3. Watermelon – Watermelon is an antioxidant-rich summer favorite that contains vitamins, beta carotene, and potassium. 
  4. Pineapple – Pineapple is a tropical fruit containing manganese, which supports metabolism and blood sugar regulation and acts as an antioxidant. 
  5. Grapes – Grapes are a healthy and convenient fruit available at the Hunts Point Produce Market. They are rich in potassium and vitamin K, which help support your cardiovascular health. 

Most Popular Vegetables

  1. Potatoes – Potatoes are a delicious and versatile pantry staple. Loaded with potassium and other nutrients, potatoes will help keep you full and healthy. 
  2. Sweet Corn – Sweet corn is a popular grain available at the Hunts Point Produce Market. Sweet corn is low in starch and can serve as a delicious side dish for several meals! 
  3. Garlic – Garlic is a staple vegetable that is incredibly healthy and delicious. The compounds found in garlic have powerful health effects and can help boost immune function. 
  4. Tomatoes – Tomatoes are a dietary staple and vital ingredient in countless cuisines. Tomatoes are low in calories and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 
  5. Green Beans – Green beans are an unripe variety of beans that is very popular in the U.S. They contain high protein levels and can add lots of flavor to your weeknight meals! 

Contact The Hunts Point Produce Market

There is no shortage of delicious fruits and vegetables available at the Hunts Point Produce Market. E. Armata Inc. is proud to distribute fresh produce to all of our customers to satisfy their business demands. To learn more about our produce offerings, be sure to contact us today!

Food Distributors in NYC

Why Buying Fruits & Vegetables Wholesale in NYC Can Save Time & Money

Whether you’re a small grocer or restaurant owner, purchasing produce locally from our food distributors in NYC can be a smart decision that saves you both time and money. At E. Armata Inc., we distribute high-quality produce to our customers to satisfy their business needs. Continue reading to discover why buying fruits and vegetables wholesale can benefit you!  

Wholesale Food Distributors in NYC

For business owners, choosing to buy wholesale fruits and vegetables is one of the smartest options. Buying produce wholesale has several benefits and is preferable to getting involved with expensive suppliers. The benefits of buying from our food distributors in NYC can include:

  • Lower prices – Buying your produce in bulk is easier on your budget. Regardless of your business needs, you can purchase produce that meets your needs at a reasonable price. You can also minimize your shipping costs, which allows you to efficiently save on your product costs! 
  • Greater variety – When working with E. Armata Inc., you can find a fantastic array of goods in one place! We distribute local and global produce varieties to suit your needs, so you don’t need to browse several places. Aside from saving money, you can save time and effort searching for goods across different suppliers. 
  • Work with familiar and established brands – When you purchase produce from E. Armata Inc., you have the opportunity to buy the most recognizable brands. We also offer products from our own label. 
  • Reliable quality – Our wholesalers not only offer affordable prices to our customers, but we also focus on providing high-quality produce as well. When you order from our food distributors in NYC, you can count on our quality product. 
  • Great coverage – Our wholesale network proudly serves the Northeast region! We deliver fresh fruits and vegetables daily to fulfill your replenishment needs and use the latest advancements to maximize our delivery schedules. 

Contact Us

Working with our wholesale food distributors in NYC allows you to save more time and profit more. At E. Armata Inc., we distribute quality fruits and vegetables that are sure to satisfy your needs and help your business grow and develop. To learn more about our wholesale distribution operation, be sure to contact us today!

cheesy cauliflower breadsticks

Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks

Recipe courtesy of tasteofhome.com

Ingredients 

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets (about 6 cups)
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Marinara sauce, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°. Process cauliflower in batches in a food processor until finely ground. Microwave, covered, in a microwave-safe bowl on high until tender, about 8 minutes. When cauliflower is cool enough to handle, wrap in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze dry. Return to bowl.

 

Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix cheeses together. Stir half cheese mixture into cauliflower; reserve remaining cheese mixture. Combine next 6 ingredients; stir into cauliflower.

 

Step 3

On a baking sheet lined with parchment, shape cauliflower mixture into an 11×9-in. rectangle. Bake until edges are golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Top with reserved cheese; bake until melted and bubbly, 10-12 minutes. Cut into 12 breadsticks. If desired, serve with marinara sauce.

Produce Companies in New York

Butternut Squash Recipes For Dinner (Vegan)

Are you looking for new and exciting ways to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet? Butternut squash can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your weeknight meals! As one of the best produce companies in New York, E. Armata Inc. is committed to providing fresh seasonal vegetables to our customers. Continue reading to discover some delicious vegan recipes using butternut squash! 

Health Benefits of Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a delicious vegetable distributed by our produce companies in New York that is packed with nutrients. Butternut squash is a fantastic source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and acts as an antioxidant. This can help improve your heart, eye, lung, and skin health. Butternut squash is also rich in vitamin C, which supports immunity. 

Butternut Squash Recipes For Dinner

Spice up your weeknight meals with some of these delicious, vegan-friendly recipes using butternut squash from our produce companies in New York:

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

  • Butternut squash.
  • Macaroni noodles.
  • Raw cashews.
  • Onion. 
  • Lemon juice. 
  • Mustard. 
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, turmeric, nutmeg. 

To make vegan butternut squash macaroni and cheese, start by cooking the macaroni according to the package directions. Save one cup of pasta water to add to the sauce later. Scoop out the squash seeds, peel the skin, and chop the squash into cubes. Thinly slice your onion, then add the squash, onion, and raw cashews to a pot and cover with water. Cook this mixture until the squash is tender, then add the vegetables and cashews to a blender along with the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth, stir the sauce into the cooked macaroni and enjoy!

Butternut Squash Spinach Curry

Ingredients:

  • Squash.
  • Coconut milk.
  • Onion.
  • Garlic.
  • Chilis.
  • Curry powder.
  • Cornflour.  
  • Spinach.
  • Lemon juice.
  • Rice (for serving).

To make the curry, saute onions, garlic, chili, and curry powder. Add in the cornflour, then gradually add water while stirring to incorporate and remove any lumps. Add your chopped butternut squash and coconut milk, then simmer until the squash is tender. Just before serving, add in the spinach and squeeze in lemon juice. Serve your butternut squash curry over rice and enjoy! 

Contact Our Produce Companies in New York

Consider using these butternut squash recipes next time you decide to cook a vegan-friendly dinner! Our produce companies in New York at E. Armata Inc. are committed to providing you with fresh produce all year round. To learn about more ways you can use squash or for general inquiries, be sure to contact us today!