Featured Articles
Everything You Need to Know About the Rise in Chocolate Costs
If you’ve been feeling deflated due to the rising Chocolate prices recently, you’re not alone. At Sephra, we understand the impact these costs are having on both businesses and consumers. Naturally, with such a drastic increase, there are many questions! We want to help our customers understand the key reasons behind the surge in Chocolate costs and explain how we are addressing these challenges.
How To Fountain Cheese Fondue
Are you out of fresh, fun party ideas for the holiday season? Got a chocolate fountain? Then how about cheese fondue?
3 Easy Easter Desserts Guaranteed to Wow
With Easter around the corner, excitement builds as we look forward to getting together with loved ones and enjoying all the festive fun. And let's be real, who doesn't get giddy about the abundance of Chocolate and sweet treats that come with Easter?
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Introducing new vegan Topping Sauces that fountain!
Sephra USA is celebrating a sweet start to the year with the launch of its new plant-based topping sauces. Just in time for Veganuary, we have introduced an exciting range of new Vegan Topping Sauces which double up as fondue and will fountain! The team here at Sephra USA has been testing the products over the last six months to offer our customers a fun alternative to chocolate or cheese fondue.
10 romantic dipping ideas for Valentine's Day
Nothing beats fondue for two on Valentine’s Day! Remember, it's the thought that counts, so why not set the scene and think outside the box? Let Sephra help you create sweet Valentine's Day memories with our romantic dipping ideas. But remember: It's adults only – some of them are boozy!
Lotus Biscoff - will it fountain? Yes it will!
Lotus Biscoff... it's sweet and unique and really needs no introduction. No one can resist it, right? But there's one introduction we'd like to make – and that's to Sephra's new and improved range of topping sauces. Lotus Biscoff Topping Sauce is the latest addition to the range, which already includes more than 10 different flavors.
15 fun popcorn facts you didn't already know
We're talking fun popcorn facts – and the more outrageous the better! Because, when it comes to fun foods, it doesn’t get more fun than popcorn. But how much do you know about this traditional cinema favorite? From popcorn’s origins to its health benefits and quirky traits, there’s plenty of trivia to be had.
Here are a few fun popcorn facts you probably didn’t know:
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Can you think of anymore fun popcorn facts?[/caption] 1. Nebraska produces the most popped corn in America – a title it has held since 1977. The state produces more than 25% of the nation’s popcorn. 2. Popcorn can reach distances of up to 3ft when popping3. The USA ate three times more popped corn during WW2 at the height of the sugar shortage and subsequent rationing. 4. Then, in 1949, the snack was temporarily banned from movie theatres for being too loud and crunchy. 5. There’s a day for everything and popcorn is no exception! National Popcorn Day lands on January 19 every year – presenting a great excuse to pop your favorite corn to cosy up and share in front of a classic blockbuster movie. You can even join in the online celebrations by sharing your photos on social media using the hashtag #NationalPopcornDay. Popcorn facts in numbers
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Sephra Popcorn is available now to retail! [/caption] 6. Popcorn has been around since the start of civilization. In fact, it’s more than 5,000 years old. 7. However, the microwave variety didn’t come about until 1982.8. The ideal temperature for popping corn is around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.9. The first commercial popcorn machine was invented by Charles Cretors in Chicago in 1885. The business he founded still manufactures machines, popping supplies and other specialty equipment. 10. Today, many movie theaters make more profit from retail popcorn than they do from ticket sales. For every dollar spent on popped corn, around 90 cents is pure profit. It’s also thought the salty version makes moviegoers thirsty and therefore more likely to buy expensive sodas. More fun popcorn facts: Cool kernels
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There's more to these kernels than meets the eye[/caption] 11. Unpopped kernels are called "old maids" or "spinsters." 12. Popcorn, whose scientific name is zea mays everta, is the only type of corn that will pop – largely down to the amount of moisture (typically 4% water) contained in each kernel. Because its shell is watertight, the steam can’t escape so pressure builds up until the kernel finally explodes and turns inside out. 13. Some Native American tribes, which seasoned popcorn with dried herbs and spices (and even made popcorn into soup and beer), believed that spirits lived inside the kernels and became angry when exposed to heat, ultimately popping with fury. 14. Americans consume enough popped corn every year to fill the Empire State Building, which stands at 1,454 feet (443 meters) tall, 18 times. 15. Van Buren in Indiana; Marion in Ohio; Ridgway in Illinois; Schaller in Iowa, and North Loup in Nebraska all claim to be the Popcorn Capital of the World because of its importance to their local economies. A nation of record-breaking popcorn munchers?
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Sweet or salty? How do you prefer yours?[/caption] Warning: Please don’t try these popcorn feats at home!
When it comes to fun popcorn facts, the USA holds some of the world’s record-breaking popcorn titles: According to recordsetter.com, Johnny Bajnoczy from Taberg in New York holds the upside down speed-eating record after eating 40 pieces of popped corn while standing on his head in 2014. Meanwhile, also in 2014, Taylor Dodson from Waco in Texas is said to have broken the record for eating the most popcorn while twerking upside down. According to the website, she managed to eat 18 pieces of popped corn while attempting to defy gravity. But the far more impressive World Popcorn Eating crown is held by Las Vegas resident and speed-eating champion Matt Stonie, who ate more than 28 24-ounce boxes in one eight-minute sitting in 2021.* And when it comes to drama, it doesn’t get more theatrical than this Sephra Popcorn Staging Cabinet – developed in collaboration with Sephra’s very own managing director and inventor David Archer. Thanks to this invention, cinemas, kiosks and stores can keep their popcorn warm and crisp – and ready to serve up at a moment’s notice – thanks to its unique crisping technology, which retains taste and texture. Being able to see the tasty puffs inside also entices cinema and theater-goers to order more of the snack at point of sale. Clever huh? You can find more popcorn facts, including how air-popped popcorn can help maintain good health, here...7 surprising health benefits of air-popped popcorn
Air-popped popcorn can contribute to good health when eaten as part of a varied diet[/caption] Is popcorn good for you? Let’s find out!
Here are just a few of air-popped popcorn’s purported health benefits:
- Prevents constipation. Firstly, air-popped popcorn is high in fiber – around 3.6 grams per cup to be exact – which can help to relieve constipation and keep you regular. But it must be air-popped (eg DIY). Beware microwave popcorn, which often contains way more calories and saturated fat. The air-popped variety, on the other hand, typically has less than 100 calories per serving.
Popcorn the protector
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Air-popped popcorn has lots of protective and preventative health properties[/caption] 4. Lowers your diabetes risk. Air-popped popcorn is a whole grain, whose properties are hugely beneficial for human health. It’s thought that eating whole grains is one of the ways we can reduce our risk of developing type 2 diabetes – particularly in later life. Popcorn may also help to regulate blood sugar levels, thanks to its low glycemic index (GI). 5. Protects against free radicals. Popcorn is rich in phenolic acids, whose antioxidant properties can counteract free radicals, which damage healthy cells and DNA. 6. An excellent source of nutrition. Air-popped popcorn contains lots of different vitamins and minerals to support overall health and nutrition. These include vitamins A, B6, E and K, as well as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), thiamine, niacin, folate and riboflavin. Ultimately, these can help keep your bodily functions in tip-top condition! 7. Can support weight management. Finally, popcorn has often been dubbed the number one snack for weight loss thanks to its high fiber and low calorie count. There’s even an official Popcorn Diet. But while we wouldn’t advocate sticking to anything less than a healthy, balanced diet, popcorn may help weight management if you substitute higher calorie snacks such as nuts and crisps for the plain, air-popped variety. [caption id="attachment_2176" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]
Air-popped popcorn is an excellent snack if you are keeping an eye on your blood pressure[/caption] 5 pizza waffles recipes your family and customers will love
Waffles don't always need to be sweet, they can be savory too! And we're fully embracing the yummy, new pizza waffles trend here at Sephra!
Belgian vs Bubble Waffles - What's the difference?
[caption id="attachment_2071" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]Waffles have never been so popular this side of the continent![/caption]
Sephra chocolate - a brief history
[caption id="attachment_2337" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]All good chocolate starts with great cocoa beans![/caption]
Choosing the right Commercial Chocolate Fountain for your business
Years of research have gone into perfecting Sephra's Commercial Chocolate Fountains.
Sephra Melts - the perfect compound coating for confectionery
Sephra Melts might just be the most versatile 'chocolate' you can buy. If your fond of fondue (we couldn’t resist) and enjoy candy making and baking, we’ve got the perfect product for you! What Are Sephra Melts?
Sephra Chocolate Flavored Melts are made of similar ingredients as our other chocolates (Belgian and Premium), but are considered a ‘compound coating’ rather than chocolate. Compound coating contains greater than 5% vegetable fat substituted for the traditional cocoa butter found in chocolate. They are also are made with cocoa powder instead of chocolate liquor. Confectioners often prefer compound coating because it's very economical and doesn't need tempering or added oil. Sephra Melts stand head and shoulders above other compound coatings in one other very important area – taste! Our new and improved Melts actually taste GOOD! Many others have been likened to eating a tasteless waxy substance. Probably not what you're looking for. So versatile!
Melts can be used much the same as our chocolate products but with more versatility. They melt quickly, so are a favorite for candy making, confection dipping (such as chocolate dipped strawberries). Of course, they also flow through our chocolate fountains as fondue. Melts are available in three flavors: Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate and White Chocolate. All three flow beautifully through chocolate fountains and harden quickly with a smooth, glossy finish.Which is the right Home Chocolate Fountain for you?
Congratulations! You've decided to invest in a home chocolate fountain! You're going to have lots of fun. That's the easy part, however. Choosing the right fountain might seem slightly trickier – simply because there are three great options to choose from. Select, Classic or Elite – which is the best one for you?
How to clean a Sephra Home Chocolate Fountain
Before you invest in a Home Chocolate Fountain, you'll likely want to know: Is it hard to clean? The answer is "no". Sephra Home Chocolate Fountains are not hard to clean, with a little common sense. We want you to enjoy using your fondue fountain without dreading the clean-up. So, here are some tips and tricks to show you how easy it is to clean your Sephra fountain. The videos are a little dated, but the information is still the same. But, first of all, some of our top tips! Top tips for cleaning your home chocolate fountain
All our home chocolate fountains are stainless steel, with a plastic tier set. The auger, cylinder, tiers and crown are all dishwasher-safe. However, it's generally best to handwash them in hot, soapy water to maintain their pristine appearance and help them last longer. The parts will become more susceptible to cracking over time if they are frequently washed in the dishwasher. Try not to let the chocolate harden in the fountain before cleaning. It will be much easier if you just scoop and wipe out the molten chocolate. But please never pour chocolate down the sink! The basin should be wiped clean but never submerge in water. Don't get water inside the base unit, or it will damage the heating element. Allow the fountain to dry completely before storing it away in the box. Cleaning the Sephra Select
Cleaning the Sephra Classic
Cleaning the Sephra Elite
Check out our YouTube channel for more how-to videos.5 Belgian waffle recipes worth falling for this Autumn
Fall is all about comforting Maple, pumpkin and nutty flavors. That's why Maple & Pecan Belgian Waffles are one of our seasonal favorites! First of all, you need to toast your pecans in preparation. Then add roughly 1¼ cup of the pecans and 1½ – 2 tbsps of Maple extract to Sephra's Belgian Waffle batter. Bake in your Waffle Baker and top with a smear of soft butter and a drizzle of warm Maple Syrup.
Bubble Waffle Trend - New Twist on Yummy Dessert Waffles
The Bubble Waffle – a curious new food trend. I was intrigued by the name, so, of course, I Googled it. Impressive how many creative ways to serve a bubble waffle popped up. The Bubble Waffle is the #1 street food in Hong Kong, where they originated. New to the American market, the bubble waffle is quickly becoming one of the most popular new dessert waffles. Here's where you come in...
How to temper chocolate
Need to temper chocolate? Help is at hand! Believe it or not, the fear of tempering chocolate is quite common. But it can actually be fun. I always thought tempering chocolate would be a daunting task – and really tried to avoid it. Recently I saw a segment on the Food Network on how to temper chocolate. Now, I’m all in to tempering! It's actually fun! There are so many recipes which really rise to the next level, simply by using a good quality chocolate and tempering it. I’ve been a home cook and part time caterer for years, so I found many of The Food Network shows fun to watch and also got many good recipe ideas. Alton Brown has always been the most interesting, because he gave scientific facts about the food you cook and eat... and what actually happens, scientifically, to the food during preparation. Over the years, Alton has played many a roll on the Food Network, but his “Good Eats” show has remained popular and entertaining, as well as informative, to this day. Who knows how many years it’s been on, and yes, how many reruns we’ve endured, but, he’s given us many interesting and important scientific facts about the food we eat. Alton has several interesting “side-kicks” on his show. One he refers to as “W” is a well versed but impatient kitchen store employee who finds Alton totally exasperating because he searches for kitchen implements which are (as he put it) “multi-taskers”. In other words, he wants a pot or pan which will have more than one use in the kitchen! The other side-kick, known as “Shirley” is an actual food scientist who explains reasons for the action and re-action you get when you mix ingredients or substances. I happened to be watching a “Good Eats” show recently and the subject “WHY TEMPER CHOCOLATE?” came up. It was Shirley’s job to explain exactly what happens when you temper chocolate and why it has to be done a certain way and maintain an exact temperature to be successful. I thought it would be interesting to pass this along to you and hopefully you’ll find it both interesting and helpful the next time you're working with chocolate.
How to start your own gourmet dessert business
“Be your own boss”. Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Nobody to answer to, no time clock to punch, no co-workers to get on your nerves, you call the shots. Many good reasons to be your own boss. Just one big reason why most people can’t pull it off - and that reason is M O N E Y.
Catering Business Ideas - Waffles Are Trending
Waffles are an anytime food. We’ve enjoyed waffles for dinner; waffles for breakfast and of course, waffles for brunch is a ‘natural’. We’ve also had over-baked waffles, under-baked waffles and varying colors of the finished product…light, blond & gooey to dark, burned manhole covers. My husband’s first girl-friend made him waffles and his assessment was; “burned manhole covers”, very descriptive, right?
Making Waffles the Easy Way
Waffles are a very simple food and if made correctly, on a professional Belgian Waffle Maker, can be just sublime. Sephra is proud to introduce our newest products; the Commercial Belgian Waffle Maker and Sephra Belgian Waffle Batter. This Waffle Maker takes the guess work out of “when the steaming stops” or, “when the light goes off”. The Sephra Belgian Waffle Maker has an Automatic Timer and Thermostat with an Audible Alarm, which tells you when your waffle is baked to golden brown perfection. Two minutes, to be exact. So, it quick, easy and precise. No guess work here. Because it rotates, it spreads the batter evenly and bakes the waffle batter completely on both sides to create a crispy, delicate yet tender waffle. The treated Waffle Maker plates are non-stick, so the perfectly cooked waffle releases from the plates easily.Serve Waffles at Any Catering Event
The Sephra Waffle Maker is super simple to use. No training is needed, so you can introduce your Sephra Belgian Waffle Maker to any element of your existing business. Or, why not start a NEW business? Picture a cozy, little waffle shop that might be just the innovative boost your neighborhood needs to become the next “Cheers”…without the alcohol. “Everybody knows your name” and it becomes the place to “hang out”.