CHEF'S COLUMN                                         

June 2008

Consumers demand healthy options when eating out.

Low-fat foods are more than a lifestyle choice – they are one of today’s most significant dining trends. Your customers want to eat healthy, but don’t want to compromise. This leaves operators with the challenge of providing meals that satisfy their desire for indulgence, as well as healthy food.

That’s where LAND O LAKES® Alpine Lace® Reduced-Fat and Sodium Cheese can help. These low-fat, low sodium slices feature full-flavor, authentic profiles. So unlike other low-fat cheeses with low-impact flavor, you don’t need to adjust the intensity of other ingredients to avoid overpowering Alpine Lace®. Just prepare your recipes as usual.

Alpine Lace® Cheeses also perform just like full-fat cheeses. They melt just as quickly, with the same creamy consistency. So they won’t affect prep time or presentation. Alpine Lace® Cheeses can be substituted seamlessly into your favorite full-fat meals, with no change in menuing. Or use them as the inspiration for low-fat dishes designed to deliver full-flavor taste.

Think of the ways you can expand your menu offerings – and appeal – with low-fat dishes featuring Alpine Lace® Cheese. For example, combine it with ingredients such as low-fat meats and fresh vegetables, to create a healthy signature sandwich. Don’t limit your thinking to small portions – but rather a big, hearty sandwich that just happens to be low in fat?

If you make a commitment to offering low-fat menu items, make them easy for your customers to find. Scatter them throughout your menu, and highlight them with an eye-catching “low fat” symbol. Also, talk to your LAND O LAKES® representative about allowances for displaying the Alpine Lace® logo on your menu. It’s a great way to let your customers know that you offer a low-fat ingredient with full flavor they’ll enjoy. Which is just what they expect from this high-quality brand.