By Eve Victory
Oh, those New Year’s resolutions! We all make ‘em, but few of us can keep ‘em. Here’s an easy one for 2020: partake in the new food trends of the year.
Try a “Blended” Burger – You may have already heard about Burger Impossible, but you need to actually try the newest trend in hamburgers. Meat proteins are being combined with vegetable proteins to pack a healthier punch for our grilling indulgences. These are NOT your black bean burger or veggie burgers. These actually TASTE LIKE MEAT. Even the fast food chains are getting in on it, including Sonic. Try their “Signature Slinger” that is made with 30% mushroom protein.
Love your sweet potatoes – You will notice a whole lot more of these nutritious tubers in frozen convenience foods. They are even replacing cauliflower, which we all know makes pretty darn good “faux mashed potatoes.” They are even making sauces out of sweet potato that taste cheesy!
No Soy Soy Sauce – Soy is one of the most prevalent food allergens so manufacturers are responding with multiple alternatives. Pumpkin, avocado, watermelon and vegetable protein powders are subbing in to provide amazing textures and flavors in everything from crackers to chocolate and yes, soy sauce.
Mocktails and 0-Proof Is all the Rage – Classic cocktail flavors are being made non-alcoholic by using distilling and brewing methods typically reserved for alcohol, but creating alternatives to liquor. I personally thought this trend could never catch on until I tried Whole Foods Ginger Beer. Wow.
Here’s wishing you excited palates and new flavor experiences in 2020. Happy New Year!
A native New Yorker, Eve Victory has called Hot Springs home since 2003. Working for years as an event and tradeshow planner and personal chef, Eve is currently the Hospitality and Tourism Instructor at National Park College. For information on how to turn your education into a career in the second largest industry in Hot Springs, contact Eve at evictory@np.edu.
