THE STORY: Minnesota Wild Rice Griddle Cakes
Minnesota Wild Rice Griddle Cakes
In October of 2013, Chef Franco Lania happily found himself in Marshall, Minnesota headlining their annual Fall and Holiday Cooking Show co-sponsored by Hy-Vee of Marshall and Marshall Radio. Showing true Minnesota hospitality, Franco’s hosts invited him to an afternoon of Midwest fun.
They visited, among other things, a nearby Bison farm and even a local shooting club. The only stipulation was that the men wanted a meal prepared by this Master Chef at the club’s lodge.
Franco worked his magic in the kitchen using locally available pumpkins, squashes, kale, bison steaks and Minnesota wild rice.
As a classically trained chef, Franco often made an Arborio (risotto) rice pancake. Franco substituted wild rice for the Arborio and added some secret ingredients to his new recipe.
Chef Franco Lania finds his Minnesota Wild Rice inspiration
Voila! Chef Franco’s Minnesota Wild Rice Griddle Cakes were born.
Within minutes of hitting the table, the griddle cakes were gone and all were asking for more. One wise soul suggested they should be available for everyone. Franco was told that if he were to box these griddle cakes, they would sell like “hot cakes”, especially in Minnesota.
Now, you, too, can enjoy these delicious griddle cakes and all the healthful benefits of wild rice. Purchase your very own box and help support a very time-honored American product: Wild Rice from Minnesota.
CHEF FRANCO’S SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
Minnesota Wild Rice Griddle Cakes are the perfect accompaniment for chicken, beef, fish, pork, vegetarian dishes, as well as a healthy breakfast choice.
They are also a perfect substitute for potatoes, pasta, and bread. Wild rice is a great source of iron, protein, fiber and antioxidants making it very appealing for those that are health conscience. These griddle cakes can be served family style or plated elegantly as an intricate part of a gourmet meal.
GINGER SCALLION VERSION: Franco’s favorite!
Ingredients:
• 1 1⁄2-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
• 2-4 scallions (green part), thinly sliced
Procedure:
Prepare Griddle Cake Mix batter as per the instructions on the box. Stir ginger and scallions into the batter with the rice. Proceed to frying the griddle cakes.
RECIPES USING MINNESOTA WILD RICE GRIDDLE CAKES:
This fabulous new product makes much more than just a traditional griddle cake. Your creativity can be endless. They make excellent waffles, muffins, canapés, holiday stuffing and hors d’oeuvres. The best thing about my new product is that you can create your very own delicious versions and be the chef.
One man told me that he added curry powder to the scallion and ginger version and served the griddle cakes with salmon. Another person added some lump crab meat to the traditional mix, cooked them up as mini crab cakes and served them as canapés. As a vegetarian option, one lady told me she made a delicious Tuscan kale salad and served it over the wild rice griddle cake to make a really nutritious and healthy dish.
As you cook with this product, you’ll create a signature style of your own. And that’s why it’s such a fun and wildly versatile new product! Give them a try and you’ll see why people are going wild over them. I personally invite you to cook, create and enjoy this wild new product with your family and friends.
Watch this quick two minute video on how to make and create with: Minnesota Wild Rice Griddle Cakes
WHERE CAN YOU BUY MINNESOTA WILD RICE GRIDDLE CAKES?
Currently, Chef Franco Lania’s Minnesota Wild Rice Griddle Cakes can be found at select Hy-Vee Supermarkets in the Midwest and at Chef Central, New Jersey’s number one cooking store. Check back soon for additional retailers who will carry Chef Franco Lania’s products.
I am pleased to announce that my Minnesota Wild Rice Griddle Cakes have new partners in Pennsylvania. The Stauffers of Kissel Hill stores and Shady Maple will now be carrying carrying this wildly diverse and delicious new product. To learn more please read Minnesota Wild Rice Griddle Cakes | Partners in Pennsylvania
Coming soon! Sign up for Chef Franco Lania’s mailing list to receive new recipes and news.
WHOLESALE OPPORTUNITIES:
Chef Franco Lania branded products are all-natural, Kosher-certified products, focusing on fresh ingredients and easy-to-prepare recipes. If you would like to learn more about how to become a wholesale partner, please contact Chef Franco Lania and the I-Chef team here.
I hope to see you soon at one of my Minnesota Wild Rice Griddle Cakes demonstrations at a supermarket near you.
Minnesota Wild Rice Griddle Cakes