Trend alert: Tricked-Out Pretzels + 5 more on-the-rise foods

RachaelRaymag.com

Bye-bye, fancy popcorn. Last year many movie theaters left the traditional buttered kernels behind and added tricked-out popcorn to their snack bar menus (think shake-your-own toppings, or pre-made choices on offer). But now we're seeing a new trend in the snack category: Pretzel-only shops are opening up, with one-of-a-kind flavors like Tuscan three-cheese, truffle and more.



How to make your own:
Giant Bavarian Pretzels »

5 fun ways to trick 'em out:

  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, melt under the broiler and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

  • Dip one half of pretzel in melted chocolate and let set on wax paper for a "black and tan pretzel."

  • Halve crosswise, spread 1/2 with cream cheese, the other with strawberry jam and sandwich for a strawberry-cream-cheese-filled pretzel.

  • Brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

  • Brown on both sides in a skillet with butter (fried dough-style), sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Other food trends we're spotting right now:

Out: Pizza For Only Lunch and Dinner


In: Pizza For Breakfast
Pizza is now being served with not-so-traditional toppings like eggs, making them easy additions to breakfast menus. Even undressed, pizza is becoming so universally accepted that anytime is pizza time.
Try: Scrambled Egg Pizza »

Out: Cupcakes


In: Pies
Yep, pies are still having a moment. From sweet to savory, to pie Happy Hours, to pie-only restaurants and secret clubs from coast to coast, they're definitely the next big thing in desserts. Our secret? You can make a great pie with no sweat.
Try: No-Bake, Chilled Raspberry Cream Pie »

Out: Coconut Water


In: Cherry Juice
We love "superfruit" drinks (think: pomegranate) and coconut water exploded with popularity last year. But we're seeing cherry juice-based drinks surge in the marketplace right now. Bonus: They help with sore muscles, sleepless nights and wrinkles.
Try: Winter Sangria with Cherry Juice »

Out: Artisanal Pizza


In: Artisanal Hot Dogs
Putting everything but the kitchen sink on pizzas? So last year. We've noticed hot dogs starting to get a toppings overload right now, with an anything-goes attitude.
Try: Rachael Ray's Reuben Dogs »


Out: Nostalgic American Comfort food


In: Nostalgic Ethnic Comfort Food
In 2010 we saw everyone tucking into regional comfort foods like fried chicken and burgers. But now we're starting to spot a new wave of ethnic comfort food growing in popularity. And not just signature dishes-entire comfort menus based on non-American cuisines will be trending at restaurants through the year.
Try: Spicy Hot Pot with Noodles »


By Every Day with Rachael Ray staff | Pretzel recipe by Katie Barreira

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