Articles by Douglas J. Peckenpaugh

New Jersey is home to a fantastic array of sandwich diversity. The state’s definitive ham sandwich, the pork roll, dates back to the 1850s (make it with an egg and a slice of American cheese and it’s known as “Jersey breakfast”). Its sloppy Joe, originating in the 1930s and named after a bar in Cuba, is more of a Dagwood-Cuban hybrid than what folks outside of Jersey would typically expect. Rippers star deep-fried hot dogs that get their name from the split typically formed from the frying process.

La Brea Bakery has announced its new La Brea Bakery Reserve, a line of artisan breads made from single-origin heirloom grains and the first nationally available farm-to-table artisan bread.

In the world of snacks today, good ideas are sprouting up all over. Snacking is the new normal, and in order to remain competitive and relevant in a culture that increasingly leans toward better-for-you options, manufacturers are exploring formulation tactics that build more positive nutritional messaging into their products. Clean label is also top-of-mind, and if a snack can swing a gluten-free claim, its appeal instantly broadens.

Talerico-Martin Bakery serves the Chicagoland market with a wide range of wholesale baked goods, but also operates a retail bakery storefront.

The fast-growing segment focused on baking with marijuana has some hurdles to face, including regulatory challenges.

As bakers add gluten-free lines or develop dedicated gluten-free facilities, specialized considerations must factor into operational features.

Submissions are open for the 2016 IBIE B.E.S.T. in Baking Program, highlighting sustainability advancements in bakery ingredients, equipment, packaging and logistics, as well as small and large bakeries.

The recent “simplicity initiative” put forth by The Schwan Food Co. encompasses both its retail and foodservice business.