Behind the Scenes of Food Network's Thanksgiving Product Guides
Thanksgiving is around the corner and menu planning is in full swing, but let's not neglect the hunt for serve-able snacks, table decor, time-saving gadgets and hostess gifts. For the second year, Food Network has put together three Thanksgiving Product Guides to help readers prepare for the holiday. Whether you're looking for an addition to your cheese platter or an easier way to mash potatoes, this year's guides have it covered. We have searched the Web — high and low — for new products that will make your Thanksgiving entertaining complete.
The quest for the products began, believe it or not, back in May. We contacted around 100 companies to get the scoop about their upcoming products and to order samples. The mailroom was flooded with packages and desks were stacked high with options of edible treats to taste. One afternoon, the team of editors gathered to sample over 50 possibilities. Flavors, packaging and pricing were compared and opinions and ideas were shared. Word spread quickly through the digital department about the leftover treats and everyone maintained a steady sugar high all afternoon.
Although it was difficult to narrow down, the final contenders were chosen and the guides were assembled. Popcorn seemed to be the hot item this year, with several companies reinventing the classic snack with unique flavor twists. Sweet-and-savory chocolates were popular, teasing taste buds with hints of salt amid the sugar. Pumpkin flavors of classic items like crackers and cake impressed the staff. All the edible items will make crowd-pleasing additions to your Thanksgiving entertaining.
