Taco Bar Manual Hard Tacos Soft Tacos Taco Salads Burritos Enchiladas Quesadillas Nachos Taco Burgers
Deli Taco Bar Table of Contents Introduction. 2 Helpful Hints 3 Hard Shell Tacos 4 Soft Shell Tacos.. 5 Taco Salads 6 Burritos 7 Enchiladas.. 8 Quesadillas. 9 Beef Nachos.. 10 Taco Burgers 11 Cold Condiments. 12 Gloves, Washing, Sanitizers 13,14
Introduction Brookstone Foods is pleased to introduce our Fiesta Taco Bar Program. It s easy, profitable, but more importantly, it s delicious! Today, as the ethnic market is growing in double digits each year, we, at Brookstone Foods, have perfected the Tex-Mex flavor in our fully cooked and pre-seasoned Premium Ground Beef, Mild Chicken and Chipotle Chicken Taco Meat. We use only the best ingredients to produce our South of the Border unique flavor. Our chicken, both Mild and Chipotle, are made with a White Breast Meat and our secret ingredients. Our Mild Chicken has 50 calories per serving, our Chipotle chicken has only 45 calories per serving and our Premium Ground Beef is made from an 81/19 fine double ground blend, all are Gluten Free too! Kids, Mom s and Dad s and even Grandparents, Love Taco s! We have just made it easier, faster, better and more profitable than anyone else! Just simply place our pre-seasoned, fully cooked, five pound bags in boiling water, bring it up to exceed 160 degrees for 20 minutes, cut the top portion of the bags open across the width and pour into a warming dish and serve. The contents of this manual are designed to suggest portions, serving suggestions, and ingredients that allow most deli s, hospital s, daycares, restaurant s, camps and many other food service customers and retail stores to not only offer a great product but to increase their profit margins while serving some of the best Mexican foods available. These instructions suggest a standard of operations and preparation which maximizes profits for most programs. Each item in the table of contents outlines suggested preparation procedures, cooking instructions and serving sizes. We encourage each entity to evaluate and adjust each retail selling price within the guidelines of each operation. Our recommendations are simple standards set within our company guidelines. We welcome any suggestions and comments from our customers. Please feel free to contact us at www.brookstonefoods.com. Stuart Parnell President 2
Helpful Hints To insure your customer receives the best possible meal, we suggest you use the freshest produce and ingredients available. Proper portioning can be obtained by weighing product for specific portions. The following list are essential ingredients for the best Taco Bar experience: a. Shredded Cheese b. Crisp Shredded Lettuce c. Sour Cream d. Fresh Chopped Tomatoes e. Fresh Guacamole f. Mild or Hot Taco Sauce Brookstone s fully cooked meats should be properly heated to a temperature of 160 degrees. Our products may be placed in boiling water for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or it may be steamed. Storage of unused meats should be placed directly into refrigeration as soon as possible. All condiments should also be placed into refrigeration as soon as possible so they can be used another day. All taco shells (hard shell and soft shell) should be served fresh. Flour tortillas should be warmed in separate containers and kept moist as much as possible. Use only fresh chips. Make sure your area is clean at all times. Any utensils must be cleaned and properly sanitized before beginning preparing any meals. A brisker (electric crisper) should be used to store chips and hard shells. Refrigerate as needed for fresh condiments. 3
Hard Shell Tacos 1. Lay wrapping paper on preparation surface face down 2. Place Hard Shell Corn Tortilla on paper 3. Spread a 1 1/2 ounce scoop of Brookstone Foods Beef, Mild Chicken or Chipotle Chicken Taco Meat in Hard Shell Tortilla. Spread equally across the bottom portion of the hard shell tortilla. (A flat surface serving utensils is recommended) 4. Place a generous portion of shredded lettuce over Brookstone s fully cooked beef or chicken layer. It is recommended that a portion of approximately ½ inch thickness and spread lettuce equally. 5. Place another generous layer of shredded cheese over layer of previously laid lettuce. It is recommended that a thickness of ¼ inch of shredded cheese be spread equally across the entire layer of lettuce. 6. Place chopped tomato s over the shredded cheese. Approximately one ounce total depending on the size of the chopped tomato s size. The server should take notice that ample quantity of tomatoes are used in case of various sizes tomatoes. 7. Equally pour your favorite salsa or taco sauce over tomatoes. Approximately 1 to 1 ½ table spoon is recommended. 8. Wrap finished taco by placing the hard shell in the center of the paper and equally cover the entire shell then serve. Note: Sour cream and guacamole may be added at anytime however, it is suggested that these condiments should be added after the Brookstone Beef, Mild Chicken or Chipotle Taco Meat has been added. Approximately 1 /8 to ¼ inch topping for each item. 4
Soft Shell Tacos 1. Lay wrapping paper on preparation surface face down 2. Place soft flour tortilla (6 tortilla) on paper 3. Hold flour tortilla in the palm of your hand or place the flour tortilla in a taco holder and spread it open approximately 1 inch. 4. Spread a 1 1/2 ounce scoop of Brookstone Foods Beef, Mild Chicken or Chipotle Chicken in the center of the flour tortilla. 5. Place a generous amount of shredded lettuce equally across the beef or chicken (approximately ½ inch in thickness). 6. Spread another generous amount of shredded cheese equally across the shredded lettuce (approximately ¼ inch thickness). 7. Top with diced or chopped tomatoes (approximately 1 ounce) 8. Equally pour your favorite salsa or taco sauce over tomato s. Approximately 1 to 1 ½ table spoon is recommended. 9. Wrap finished taco by placing the soft shell flour tortilla in the center of the paper and equally cover the entire taco and serve. Note: Sour cream and guacamole may be added at anytime however, it is suggested that these condiments should be added after the Brookstone Beef, Mild Chicken or Chipotle Taco Meat has been added. Approximately 1 /8 to ¼ inch topping for each item. 5
Taco Salads 1. Start with a large clamshell container to hold contents. 2. Place a large baked flour tortilla salad shell or a generous amount of nacho chips inside the clamshell container. 3. Place a 3 to 4 ounce scoop of Brookstone Foods Beef, Mild Chicken or Chipotle Chicken on top of nacho chips or salad shell. 4. Place a cup of shredded lettuce on top of the beef or chicken 5. Place a ½ cup of shredded cheese on top of the lettuce 6. Place a ¼ cup of diced tomatoes directly on top of the shredded cheese. 7. Additional condiments are often requested. Black olives, sour cream, guacamole and salsa are the most popular. 8. Close lid and serve. 6
Burritos 1. Lay wrapping paper on preparation surface face down 2. Place soft flour tortilla (10 tortilla) on paper 3. Spread a 2 to 3 ounce scoop of Brookstone Foods Beef, Mild Chicken or Chipotle Chicken approximately 1 inch from the outer edge of flour tortilla. Spread equally. Leave approximately 1 ½ inch on either side of the flour tortilla for folding flour tortilla during the rolling of the tortilla (see diagram). 4. Spread shredded cheese equally and generously across the Brookstone Beef, Mild Chicken or Chipotle Chicken meat. 5. Wrap the edge of the flour tortilla over the beef or chicken and roll 1 complete wrap. Fold each side of the flour tortilla over the rolled section (approximately 1 ½ ) and continue to roll the flour tortilla until rolling is completed. 6. To make sure the shredded cheese has melted, we recommend that the entire finished burrito is heated in a microwave for 30 seconds. Note: Additional condiments can be used in a variety of ways. Adding sour cream, guacamole, salsa, tomatoes and jalapeños are always a favorite! 7
Enchiladas 1. Place flour tortilla (10 tortilla) on non stick surface. 2. Spread a 2 to 3 ounce scoop of Brookstone Foods Beef, Mild Chicken or Chipotle Chicken approximately 1 inch from the outer edge of flour tortilla. Spread equally. Leave approximately 1 ½ inch on either side of the flour tortilla for folding flour tortilla during the rolling of the tortilla (see diagram). 3. Spread shredded cheese equally and generously across the Brookstone Beef, Mild Chicken or Chipotle Chicken Meat. 4. Wrap the edge of the flour tortilla over the beef or chicken and roll 1 complete wrap. Fold each side of the flour tortilla over the rolled section (approximately 1 ½ ) and continue to roll the flour tortilla until rolling is completed. 5. Place finished flour tortilla in a small clamshell microwavable container. 6. Pour a generous amount of mild Cheddar Cheese sauce over the top of the flour tortilla. (approximately ¼ cup) 7. Pour a small amount of salsa or taco sauce over the Cheddar Cheese (approximately 2 tablespoons) 8. Close container 9. Place container in microwave for 30 seconds and serve. 8
Quesadillas 1. Quesadillas can be made on numerous cooking surfaces. They can be made in large frying pans, flat griddles and even quesadilla makers. 2. Spray cooking surface with original Pam 3. Bring cooking surface to medium heat 4. Place flour tortilla on the center of the cooking surface 5. Spread a 2 to 3 ounce scoop of Brookstone Beef, Mild Chicken or Chipotle Chicken over the entire tortilla. 6. Sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheese over the entire beef or chicken taco meat. 7. Place another flour tortilla on top of the shredded cheese. 8. Heat for approximately 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. 9. Remove quesadilla and cut with pizza cutter into individual pieces and serve. Note: Quesadillas are served with numerous condiments. Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, a cup of Mexican rice and refried beans are the most preferred. 9
Nachos 1. Nachos are normally served on microwavable plates approximately 10 in diameter. There are a number of ways to prepare nachos. They may be heated in the microwave or served warm with shredded cheese or a cheese sauce. 2. For Deli purposes, we suggest a clam shell container. 3. Fill the container nacho chips. 4. Place a 3 to 4 ounce scoop of Brookstone Beef, Mild Chicken or Chipotle Chicken Taco Meat on top of nacho chips. 5. Pour approximately 1/3 cup of melted Cheddar Cheese sauce over top of beef or chicken and serve. Note: Nachos in restaurants are commonly served on plates that are heated in the ovens and served with shredded cheese, a side of sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños and salsa. If this equipment is available in your Deli, your options are even more creative. 10
Taco Burgers 1. Lay wrapping paper on preparation surface face down 2. Separate hamburger bun 3. Place bottom of bun on wrapping paper 4. Spread a 2 to 3 ounce scoop of Brookstone Foods Beef, Mild Chicken or Chipotle Chicken equally on bottom bun. 5. Spread a generous amount of shredded lettuce over the beef or chicken ( approximately ½ of lettuce) 6. Spread the shredded cheese over the lettuce (approximately ¼ ) 7. Place approximately 1 table spoon of salsa or taco sauce over the shredded cheese. 8. Place top portion of bun on top of sandwich 9. Fold wrapping paper over the entire taco burger and serve. Note: Additional condiments can be used in a variety of ways. Adding sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes and jalapeños are always a favorite! 11
Cold Condiments It is important to have the freshest condiments available. Each should be chilled and covered before and after serving your customers. They should also be kept refrigerated for future use as well. The most popular condiments are listed below. We suggest that these items should be purchased in large containers to reduce your cost per serving. Condiment and Side Suggestions: Sour Cream Guacamole Shredded Lettuce Shredded Cheese Tomato Salsa Jalapeños Black Olives Cheddar Cheese Sauce Refried Beans Mexican Rice 12
Cleaning and Sanitizing WASH YOUR HANDS Before you start your work in the deli After going to the bathroom After returning to work from a break or meal After handling dirty utensils After using a handkerchief or sneezing After touching your hair, eyes, face or mouth Before and after handling raw foods to avoid cross-contamination with cooked and ready-to-eat products After smoking, eating or drinking After emptying the garbage As often as is necessary to keep them clean as you work PROPER HAND WASHING Use soap or a designated hand sanitizing solution, and warm water. Any time you use sanitizers for hand washing, be sure they are approved for hand washing. Lather, scrub, and rinse for at least 20 seconds Dry hands with a clean disposable cloth Employees should also keep their fingernails trimmed and clean Hand Sanitizers Hand sanitizing stations are now available that require no running water. They are cost effective, easy to use, and very effective in helping employees maintain proper hand sanitation. USDEC-USAPEEC-USMEF 13
Cleaning and Sanitizing Remove Jewelry Most jewelry should be removed prior to going on shift. Jewelry worn on the hands, ears and around the neck can be another potential source of food contamination. Jewelry is not only difficult to keep clean, but pieces of it could fall off and contaminate food. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits food employees from wearing jewelry on their arms and hands while preparing food. Plain wedding bands are exempt. Food employees should also keep their fingernails trimmed, filed and maintained so the edges and surfaces are cleanable and not rough. Unless wearing intact gloves in good repair, a food employee should not wear fingernail polish or artificial fingernails when working with exposed food. If you have any questions, check with your manager. Wear Gloves If gloves are used appropriately, they can help minimize food contamination. Whenever you are preparing or serving food, you should wear gloves. But remember, wearing gloves is NOT a substitute for hand washing. Your frequency and circumstances for washing hands should not change just because you are wearing gloves. Gloves are just another way to positively fight the spreading of germs! Below are some guidelines: USDEC-USAPEEC-USMEF GUIDELINES FOR WEARING GLOVES Always wear gloves during all food preparation and food handling Always change gloves when you change from one type of food preparation to another (it is imperative to change gloves between handling raw and ready to eat foods) Always wear gloves when you serve a customer and change them before you serve another Always wear clean gloves to cover up an open cut on the hand or when wearing a bandage Always change gloves if you have been working with any chemicals 14