It seems hard to believe that just a week ago I was surrounded by fresh produce. There were fruits and vegetables as far as the eye could see, and then some. I had the privilege of working with Mucci Farms leading up to and during The Produce Marketing Association’s Convention and Expo, Fresh Summit. (PSA: This post is a sponsored recap of my partnership with them.) If you haven’t had a chance to see what I made in with their products, check out Stuffed Sapori Tomatoes and Spicy Sausage Sandwiches with Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce.
It was great to get to meet with the people on the other side of my computer, from the marketing team to the chefs to the Mucci family themselves. I was able to work at their booth for 2 hours on Sunday and it is so great to be able to say I worked doing something I love. I talked food, I shared food, I partied food for 2 hours straight. But not only was it any food, it was all in celebration of fresh quality produce.
Chef Alex and Chef Daniele were fantastic to work with, making sure I got my food shots and answering my questions, all the while plating appetizers as fast as they could. So who is ready to party fresh produce style? The decoration? Rows of beautiful Mucci Farms Produce, raised in 400 acres of family owned greenhouses in Kingsville, Ontario.
Party Menu
Caprese Skewers – These perfect little bites can be an easy star of your next party. Turning a classic Caprese Salad into a single bite and adding a special touch with Sun Drop Tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil, then dipped in California Olive Oil infused with Meyer Lemon, these were a hit many people eyed for their next dinner party.
Quinoa and Black Bean Salsa – I know, I know. Quinoa is a trendy product right now but wow, that was some awesome salsa and the extra pack of protein doesn’t hurt.
Vegetarian Sushi – Usually I’m not a fan of pink tomatoes since that is a sign they aren’t well ripened, but in this case, Tango Pinks are suppose to be pink and make a perfect vegetarian sushi. These were the appetizer that brought people back for seconds and yes, I saw you, thirds. Chef Daniele pointed out that the hands in that picture are manly hands.
Tomato, Watermelon, and Black Sesame Skewers – Look at that play on the watermelon seed! But no, it isn’t just for looks. The black sesame seeds perfectly complete this sweet little bite. You can totally make this at home – watermelon, Sun Bite tomatoes, fresh basil, and black sesame seeds.
Strawberry Balsamic Crackers – Mucci Farms has a brand new product, Smuccies. Smuccies are perfectly ripened strawberries and they belong on my favorite appetizer of the weekend. These crackers were a beautiful masterpiece with herbed goat’s cheese, Smuccies strawberries, and finished with a chocolate balsamic.
PMA Fresh Summit Awards and Recognition
Mucci Farms was chosen as a PMA Impact Award Winner for their new pint series. Don’t you just love posing with a winner?
They also debuted their VEGGIES-to-Go, which are designed to make packing kids’ lunches with fresh produce easier.
They were also a finalist in the Sensory Experience Contest. This contest was designed to make produce heavy recipes that kids love. Mucci Farms made delicious “Cutecumber” Watermelon Pops. An error was made and they were served as smoothies but oh the flavor was lovely, even for this girl who isn’t a fan of cucumbers in her smoothies. Watermelon and cucumber were a beautiful pairing.
Looks like a fun time! All the food looks delicious and I love that photo of you.
Such great pictures, Heather! I love the sushi making in action!
Thank you.