All-natural, gourmet appetizers feature a unique dipping sauce

Nov. 26, 2008

Preparing a meal for one or two or hosting a party for 10 during the busy holiday season can be a challenge, but with the help of Chef Wolfgang Puck it can be stress-free with the introduction of Wolfgang Puck All-Natural Appetizers. This line of all-natural, gourmet appetizers, each paired with unique dipping sauces, comes via a partnership between Wolfgang Puck Worldwide Inc., Santa Monica, Calif., and Minneapolis-based Schwan’s Consumer Brands North America Inc., a subsidiary of The Schwan Food Co.

“Food is the focus of many gatherings, but people don’t always have time to prepare a gourmet meal,” says Puck. “My new signature appetizers feature the finest ingredients and culinary inspirations straight from my restaurants and make it easy to quickly prepare quality appetizers at home to share with guests or savor alone.”

Featuring a range of global tastes, the line of four appetizers does not contain artificial ingredients or preservatives. Unique ingredients include shiitake mushrooms, panko breadcrumbs and artisan cheeses. Each appetizer variety is complemented with a distinctive, flavorful dipping sauce that enhances taste and provides a sophisticated presentation.

Inspired by Chef Puck’s well-known restaurants, including Spago and Chinois, varieties include: Mu Shu Pork Spring Rolls (nine spring rolls in a crunchy, paper-thin wrapper filled with a mixture of shredded pork, green onions, carrots and Chinese-style seasonings, complemented with a garlic chili Ponzu dipping sauce); Chicken Pot Stickers (12 natural Chinese-style chicken and vegetable dumplings paired with a garlic Ponzu dipping sauce); Arancini (eight Italian risotto balls blended with shiitake mushrooms, Mascarpone, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses with a fresh tomato-basil-garlic sauce); and six Classic Shrimp Cakes (a fusion of shrimp, panko bread crumbs, peppers, onions, herbs and spices is complemented by a creamy Dijon citrus sauce.

“Wolfgang Puck All-Natural Appetizers were created to meet consumer demands. High-quality, all-natural ingredients combined with worldly flavors and vegetarian options make these appetizers extremely versatile and appealing to many different palates,” says David Miller, director of new ventures at Schwan’s Consumer Brands. “As families eat and entertain at home more often, this restaurant-inspired line delivers the taste profile and gourmet quality consumers want, even when they are short on time.”

Suggested retail price for the spring rolls and potstickers is $5.99. Arancini and shrimp cakes retail for $6.99 and are available at Whole Foods.