When culinary innovation meets local goodness, magic happens in the kitchen. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting Heather Kerner, the mastermind behind The Good Crust, in our test kitchen. Heather’s visit was nothing short of a gastronomic journey, blending creative pizza dough ideas with the goodness of locally sourced Maine Grains.

Exploring the Highlights

During her visit, Heather showcased a range of delectable creations that left our taste buds tingling with excitement. Here are just a few highlights from her inspiring session.

1. Fougasse: Heather’s take on this classic French bread was nothing short of sensational. She transformed the humble bread into an artisanal masterpiece with locally-sourced Maine Grains.
2. Rustic Tomato Galette: A rustic and savory delight that celebrates the flavors of local ingredients. The flaky, golden crust paired perfectly with Maine Grains’ wholesome goodness.
3. Breakfast Pizza: Who said pizza is just for lunch and dinner? Heather’s breakfast pizza was a revelation, featuring a perfect blend of flavors to kickstart your day.
4. Breakfast Roll: A delightful twist on traditional breakfast rolls, Heather’s creation incorporated Maine Grains’ nutritious touch, making it a breakfast worth savoring.

Maine Grains – The Heart of It All

What makes Heather’s creations truly exceptional is her commitment to using locally sourced Maine Grains. These grains add a unique, wholesome flavor to her dishes and support our local community.

Maine Grains has been a vital part of our culinary journey, ensuring that each dish crafted in our test kitchen carries the essence of our region. From artisan bread to pizza dough, these grains have become the heart and soul of our culinary creations.

From Chobani®, we added Non-Fat Greek Yogurt, Peach. Plump, juicy peaches beneath a blanket of delicious Chobani Greek Yogurt. Chobani yogurt is made from high-quality, non-fat Greek yogurt, known for its creamy texture and rich taste. Each case contains twelve individual cups, each weighing 4 ounces, conveniently portioned for grab-and-go consumption or meal customization. This yogurt can be served as a standalone snack, incorporated into breakfast parfaits, used as a topping for desserts, or blended into smoothies. The individually portioned cups eliminate the need for measuring and portioning, saving time in food preparation.

From Carando®, we added Genoa Classic Salami. Genoa Salami is known for its rich and savory flavor, made using a combination of pork, fat, and various spices. This salami is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. It can be sliced and added to sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and pasta dishes, or simply as an appetizer with cheese and crackers. Each case comes with four half-sticks averaging 3.2 lbs.

Just in time for Back-to-School, we added two new K12 items from Bake Crafters. Just when you thought pancakes couldn’t get any better, Bake Crafters brings you delicious pancake bites! These gourmet, bite-sized pancakes are whole grain and perfect any time of the day. Serve them with syrup, powdered sugar, or just as they are! Made from a delicious pancake batter these bites are designed to be easily heated and served, providing a quick and convenient breakfast or snack option.  The second item from Bake Crafters is Whole Grain, White Garlic Pizza. You think you know pizza? Wait until you try this new Sal’s White Garlic Pizza! It’s made with a 50 percent whole grain crust, no artificial additives or preservatives, and only fresh ingredients.

And finally, from Smithfield®, we added fully cooked bacon slices. These ready-to-eat bacon comes in convenient bundles, with each slice of bacon being fully cooked saving time and effort in the food preparation process. Suitable for quick and efficient meal preparation, these bacon slices are perfect for busy kitchens, cafes, hotels, catering services, and similar establishments. Use as a topping for sandwiches, salads, and burgers, or as a component in various dishes to enhance flavor.

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Dennis Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727

From Culinary Lites®, we added black-hinged containers. These containers offer increased value and affordable alternatives to foam and paper clamshell containers. These microwavable safe containers will withstand temperatures to 230˚F under heat lamps or in warming units. The clear, anti-fog lid is vented to allow steam to dissipate, keeping food looking fresh and appealing while eliminating order errors. Stacking will not block the vents to preserve the texture of the food, and the positive stack maintains the food presentation during transport. The secure snap closure ensures freshness and eliminates messy spills. Offset tabs make it easy to open and reclose. The durable, cut-resistant polypropylene allows your customers to eat right out of the container. Each container has a capacity of 47.5 oz.

From Oringer, we added Pineapple Dessert Topping. Add the perfect finishing touch to your dessert offerings with this Oringer Pineapple dessert and sundae topping. Crafted from fresh pineapples with a soft texture and tropical sweetness, this topping offers all the sweet flavor your customers crave. The pineapples are coarsely cut, making them easy to scoop up in every sweet bite. The cut pineapples are packed in a thick, sweet sugar syrup that will impart your desserts with extra pineapple flavor. Each pack comes with three 3/4 gallon resealable containers that will keep your establishment well-stocked with this delicious topping. The built-in handle makes holding and moving this large container easy. To maintain this product’s freshness, it’s recommended to refrigerate after opening.

From local Maine Company, The Good Crust, we’ve added three Whole Grain Pizza Dough Balls. Each of these small-batch Artisan Pizza Dough Balls is made with 100% “Maine Grains”. Maine Grains’ flour is unadulterated, perfectly fresh, and full of flavor. Great for head chefs, school cafeterias, and everyone in between. These doughs are relaxed and easily stretched. Light and structurally sound for your favorite toppings. The crust that stands out from the rest. And not just for pizza. The Good Crust is ideal for bialys, focaccia, knots, and stromboli.

And finally, from N’joy, we’ve added disposable Salt and Pepper Shakers. N’joy salt shakers offer your operation a convenient, disposable option for tabletops. Each case contains 48 – 4oz shakers with an aperture that delivers the perfect amount of salt. Certified and natural, these shakers provide the ideal salt seasoning for sandwiches, fried foods, salads, soups, and more. Customers appreciate having access to add flavor to their meals. Perfect for operations that enjoy convenience, portability, and restaurant readiness.

Dennis Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727.

From Columbus Craft Meats, we’ve added a Charcuterie Sampler. Containing 4 different types of meats, including Calabrese, Genoa, Italian Dry, and Sopressata salami for a flavorful foundation for any charcuterie board. Simply pair this salami sampler with popular cheeses, crackers, fruits, and other accouterments. This pre-sliced, ready-to-serve Charcuterie Sampler includes the perfect combination of salami for any occasion. Charcuterie board building has never been easier with this convenient variety pack.

From Eggo, we’ve added Eggoji Homestyle Waffles. Kids will be having a blast with these classic Eggo® Homestyle waffles. Six waffle characters with different faces and unique personalities encourage kids to express themselves with excitement and positivity. Combined with the delicious taste kids crave and 16g of whole grain goodness per serving-your school is sure to be filled with smiles.

From Flowers Bakeries, we’ve added a 6″ whole grain sub roll. The mild flavor and hearty texture of these sub rolls make them a blank canvas for flavor exploration. Perfect for your signature sandwiches or pair with pasta, soups, and more.

And finally, from Ardent Mills, we’ve added premium-quality bakers’ flour milled from the center of the wheat kernel resulting in high protein and low ash.  This high-quality straight-grade flour is ideal for bread making, and thanks to its absorption, fermentation and mixing tolerance, King Midas Special flour can also be used for broaded applications such as cinnamon rolls, pretzels, tortillas, thin and thick crust pizza, and more.

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Dennis Paper & Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727.

From Zee Zees®, we’ve added two whole-grain breakfast bars.  The Blueberry Lemon Soft Baked Bar has a tantalizing taste of blueberries with an exquisite hint of lemon, combined with wholesome oats. The Cocoa Cherry Soft Baked Bar will take your taste buds on an adventure with delicious cocoa, sweet cherries, and tasty oats. These great-tasting, healthy alternatives to the conventional breakfast, dessert, or snack are great for breakfast in the classroom and can even be warmed in a warmer prior to serving, not recommended in the microwave. Keep students smiling with a delectable snack that tastes good, with good-for-you ingredients.

From Kellogg’s, we’ve added Rice Krispies Treats made with whole grain confetti. A sweet and crispy treat with a generous amount of colorful confetti-sprinkled goodness, marshmallow flavor, and toasted whole grain in every bite. Perfect for any time, anywhere dessert snacking.

And from General Mills, we’ve added Honey Nut Cheerios Cereal Bowls. A sweetened twist on the classic cereal, Honey Nut Cheerios^TM is a whole-grain, gluten-free cereal with real honey and natural almond flavoring. Each case comes with 96-1 oz ready-to-eat bowls for convenient, single-serve portion control and room for milk. Great for breakfast, or as a grab ‘n go snack.

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Dennis Paper & Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727.

From Posada®, we’ve added Cruncheros Nashville Hot Style Chicken Rolled Tacos. These 2 oz. battered rolled tacos are ready-to-eat and stuffed with seasoned chicken, tomato paste, habanero, jalapeño, cayenne, paprika, and cilantro and wrapped in a cayenne-flavored flour tortilla. Cruncheros are perfect to add to your appetizer menu.

From Super Bakery®, we’ve added Super Stiks® Dunkin Stiks. These 30 twin-pack wrapped whole grain glazed super stiks are great for breakfast, grab ‘n’ go snacks, school cafeterias, and convenience stores. And from Bake Crafters, we’ve added a whole grain cinnamon crumb mini loaf. This mini loaf is moist, delicious, individually wrapped, packed with 16 grams of whole grains, and the perfect size for anyone on the go.

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Dennis Paper & Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727.

From Hormel®, we’ve added pit-smoked beef brisket burnt ends. Fully cooked using 100% real hardwood logs, starting with a unique blend of hickory and oak sourced from Texas. Beef brisket burnt ends start with a trimmed brisket, rubbed generously with seasoning and smoked for up to 16 hours, bringing a whole new level of true Texas BBQ. These premium, pit-smoked beef brisket burnt ends will distinguish your dishes with rich, smoky flavors and perfect tenderness. Add to your menu items for true Texas-style BBQ, sandwiches, wraps, salads, pizzas, and flatbreads, as well as appetizers.

From Anchor®, we’ve added breaded hot pepper cheese cubes. Smooth jack cheese with spicy jalapeño pieces covered in fine bread crumbs. Each six, 3-pound package comes frozen, ready-to-cook which makes it perfect for restaurants, cafeterias, and food trucks.

It’s soup season and from Blount® we’ve added garden vegetable soup. Packed full of flavorful vegetables and herbs, simmered to perfection with tomatoes in a savory vegetable stock, your customers will think you crafted it right from your garden.

From the Smithfield brand, Patrick Cudahy, we’ve added frozen, natural smoked bacon rounds. Great tasting fully cooked bacon not only saves time and labor but also gives you more opportunities to serve bacon on more menu items, all day long. Serve bacon rounds for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Great along or use a topper for sandwiches, salads, and burgers.

And finally from Bake Crafters®, we’ve added whole grain dinner rolls. What’s a meal without the bread? Serve these crowd-pleasing, split-top rolls with dinner or top with delicious meats and cheeses for an appetizer. Each case comes with 9 bags, containing 12 pieces per bag. Perfect for restaurants

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Dennis Paper & Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727.

From Zee Zees, we’ve added roasted sunflower kernels. A great snack and convenient shelf-stable protein. These allergen-friendly snacks are great for on-the-go adventures and are a terrific source of vitamins and minerals. There’s not a seed of doubt that Zee Zees Roasted Sunflower Kernels won’t become the next favorite school menu snack item.

From Holten Meats, we’ve added a 7 oz Pork Loin Fritter. Made from top quality, whole-muscle, boneless pork loins, these fritters are lightly seasoned, and coated with a crunchy homestyle breading.  These naturally shaped pork cutlets are shaped, sliced, cubed, lightly floured, then individually quick frozen to guarantee freshness and flavor. Whether served as a breakfast country biscuit, sandwich, or entree item, these delicious pork loin fritters are sure to enhance every menu!

And from Super Bakery, we’ve added a Pumpkin Bread Slice. A tasty breakfast or snack option, suitable for all age groups. A thick slice of moist, whole grain, pumpkin bread made with pumpkin puree, your customers will think it’s homemade! Our case of 70 is ideal for school cafeterias, convenience stores, and bakeries.

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Dennis Paper & Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727.

From Gator Pears, we’ve added Avocado Slices. Coming in 2 pound-12 per case, individually quick frozen packages to preserve natural flavors and taste, these delicious and healthy avocados are ready for use whenever you need them. Pre-cut for ease of use, reducing labor, avocado slices are ideal for salads, toppings, smoothies, or any application requiring avocados.

From Tyson^®, we’ve added Whole Grain, Breaded, Traditional Drumsticks. Add some kid-friendly excitement to your menu! These all-dark meat drumsticks have the classic breading profile that kids love and go great with a variety of dishes. Made with No Artificial Colors or Flavors & No Preservatives and chickens raised with no antibiotics ever, this commodity-eligible product will extend your dollars further and provide you with a delicious lunch menu option.

And from the Maine Company, Veggie Life, we’ve added two new vegan products. A Quinoa Burger that is a versatile plant-based patty, made with natural and nutritious ingredients that you can see and identify. Gluten-free, nut-free, and full of flavor that celebrates vegetables rather than imitating the flavors of meat. Fall is right around the corner, and we’ve also added Veggie Life’s Jackfruit Chili. Medium-spicy & very satisfying for even the most skeptical of chili lovers. Jackfruit, a superfood meat-alternative, adds filling high fiber & a healthy source of Vitamin C combined with the high-protein, fiber & iron-rich content of red quinoa!

New Item Details:

Dennis Paper & Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727.

Try the new breaded chicken tender fritters we added from Koch Foods. This popular, delicious chicken menu item is perfect for carryout applications, and helps ensure portion and cost control for your operations. We also added fresh carrots offered in cello packs. From Lou Ana, we added Pop-All popcorn oil. Lou Ana’s has been the Oil Pro in the popcorn game for over 50 years, providing consistent quality in flavor and performance.

Next, the classic corn dog goes breakfast with the whole grain sausage pancakes on a stick from Foster Farms. It comes frozen and features a nutritious, fully-cooked turkey link wrapped in fluffy whole grain maple pancake batter – a great breakfast choice for schools. Lastly, we added frozen clams from Ipswich. These clams are sliced, sold by the gallon and arrive frozen, making a great labor-saving seafood item for your business.

Take a look at our full list below:

Dennis Paper & Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727.