Food Design and Food Content Marketing: The Perfect Combination for Success
For the past five years, Skillet Creative has perfected the art of storytelling through both design and content in the specialty food and beverage industries. As a passionate company ourselves, we understand that behind every brand is a story that deserves to be told. We’re big believers in not just telling your story, but creating effective branding, graphics and content to tell your story right.
What We Do
From branding and identity design to print, packaging, catalog, video, blogs, web, and social media, we craft consistent and compelling creative across all channels so that your story speaks to the right consumer. We want our clients to gain a strong foothold in their marketplace and make their own, positive impact within the food and beverage industries. Let’s talk about how we can help you do that.
Services:
- Branding & Positioning
- Identity Design
- Print & Packaging
- Content & Marketing Strategy
- Blog Writing
- Social Media Support, Campaigns & Graphics
- Website Design & Programming
- Trade Show Spaces & Displays
- Video Production
Whether you’re building a specialty food brand in the kitchen or looking to increase the loyalty of your beverage consumer, Skillet is your creative partner. Through award-winning design, engaging content marketing strategies and social media campaigns, we help fan the flames so that your story spreads like wildfire. Let us help you tell your brand’s story today.
Creative Juices Will Flow with these Dark-Chocolate-Covered Clementine Bites
We all know the feeling. It’s 2 P.M., your workload is at a standstill (or maybe that’s your brain?), your usually chipper disposition is questionable at best and worst of all: you’re hungry. Not starving, but clearly not satisfied either. You’re craving a sweet pick-me-up but that New Years Resolution of ‘eating better’ (…specific) isn’t going to accomplish itself.
Luckily for you, our team at Skillet has whipped up a number of scrumptious, healthy treats that make for the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up! The first? This yummy batch of Dark Chocolate-Covered Clementine Bites brought to you by our Senior Graphic Designer, Rachael!
Recipe
- Peel 1-3 clementines (depending on the amount you’re planning to serve)
- Remove pith and separate into segments
- Melt dark chocolate in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until smooth
- Dip each clementine segment halfway into your chocolate and set aside on wax paper
- Sprinkle with sea salt
- Let harden (DO NOT freeze)
- Enjoy!
Serve these fruity, bite-sized ‘faux’ desserts at your next work function or keep them all to yourself. We promise,no one will blame you…
Skillet Content Marketing Team’s Top Holiday Gift Picks
If we have a passion for anything here at Skillet, it’s good food, wine and the great outdoors! In this year’s gift guide, our Marketing Team has compiled a list of their holiday must-haves for the foodie or adventurer in your life (even if they’re four-legged…).
~ Psst…Click on the GIFT (in orange) for a quick link to the product site ~
Nicole (Owner & Marketing Director)
I have loved collecting these books over the years and sharing them as gifts. They are a wonderful collection of some of the best food articles written each year. The stories can be short while others are longer and more in-depth pieces; it’s the perfect combination in a book for when you have a few minutes to spare or an hour.
Chocolate Bars from Mayana Chocolate
These bars are honestly to die for. The Heavens to Bacon Bar is out of this world. The description always makes me chuckle, “this bar may induce unicorn sightings…” Or try the Kitchen Sink Bar, you’ll get a little bit of everything (hence the name) to indulge your sweet tooth.
Vintage Blue Mason Jar Soap Dispenser
When working in the kitchen, it seems like I wash my hands about 100 times. So why not have the soap dispenser be something to admire? I love these blue mason jars! I would definitely add a second one for lotion too.
Deniz (Social Media Manager + Videographer)
Ben & Jerry’s Euphori-lock Ice Cream Pint Combination Lock Protector
Growing up in Vermont, Ben & Jerry’s is religion: and I, a devoted disciple. For years now I’ve maintained a strong faith in the power of delicious, non-GMO sourced ice-cream to heal any wounds and celebrate all victories. The problem is, many others agree. Too many. This pint lock protector will keep your favorite Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream (Candy Bar Pie, thank you very much) safe from craving crooks and sticky-fingers.
33 days in Europe, 13 cities walked, 6 countries explored, countless hostels/futons/sleepless nights and one backpack. This pack quite literally stored everything I held dear (pillowcases + trinkets included) for five weeks, as three amigas took the advice of every cliche post-grad-to-do article and travelled Europe. It’s spacious, well-compartmentalized and dare I say, stylish? Ok, ok… for a young backpacker, it was.
Boyden Valley Big Barn Red
After one too many bottles of wine at a family New Years “party” in 2012, I’ve been hesitant to dive head first into another glass of Bordeaux. That is, until I discovered Boyden Valley’s Big Barn Red. Many recommendations lead me to this well-known blend, and it did not disappoint. The Green Mountain state may be famous for it’s brews, but it’s wines like this that truly delight.
Max (Official Skillet Mascot & Cheerleader)
Andy’s Dandys Gourmet Pet Treats
Woof! I may be Skillet’s “official” mascot, but I’m also Andy’s Dandys biggest fan on four legs! Seriously, I am completely obsessed with their home-made, locally-sourced and utterly drool-worthy ingredients. Not only does Andy’s work hard to share their love of wholesome pet desserts, but their mission is just as sweet! Their goal is to provide jobs and real-work based skills to adults with special needs – many who work at the bakery to whip up these delicious goodies! Personally, my favorite flavor is the Cinnamon Peanut treat, but I may be biased…
The Eureka! Apex 2XT Tent Eureka!
If you asked my mom, Nicole, about my favorite hobbies – she’d probably give you this list: long strolls along the waterfront, stealing empty yogurt containers from the recycling and (drumroll, please…) exploring the great outdoors! I’m a lucky dog to live in Vermont, where I can adventure to my heart’s content. I’m crossing my paws that this super-awesome tent will be sitting under the Christmas tree this year, so I can finally join in on all the fun! I sure wouldn’t mind being in the dog-house then…
Skillet Design Team’s Top Holiday Picks for Creative Gifts
If we have a passion for anything here at Skillet, it’s good food and the great outdoors! In this year’s gift guide, our incredible Design Team has compiled a list of their holiday must-haves for the foodie or adventurer in your life.
~ Psst…Click on the GIFT (in orange) for a quick link to the product site ~
Maddie (Graphic Designer & Project Manager)
KitchenAid Stand Mixer
I absolutely love this mixer. I use it for baking cakes and cookies, whipping up icing or homemade whipped cream, or even mixing up homemade burgers. It’s so versatile! And, it’s beautiful too; it has a permanent place on my countertop.
Ever since working in a Coffee Shop when I was in high school; I’ve been obsessed with Oregon Chai. During the cold, chilly days of winter, I make myself a hot Chai Latte with either Almond or Soy milk. It warms me right up. And just in time for the holidays – they released a peppermint flavor!
Classic Recipe:
- 1 part Chai : 1 Part Milk
- Enjoy either iced or hot!
I live in these flannels all year round, but especially in winter. I have one that I wear out and about, and one that I only wear at home. Buffalo Plaid is my favorite pattern, but I love these flannels the most because of how soft they are. You can’t beat it! Hiking, biking, camping, or just being cozy; they are perfect.
Kevin (Art Director)
JK Adams Mettowee Collection (specifically the MET-TRIO)
This is the time of year for dipping… cheese dip, salsa, guacamole, french onion dip, roast beef au jus dip, buffalo chicken dip, spinach artichoke dip, pico de gallo, hummus, etc. The MET-TRIO allows everyone at the table to pull their favorite dips or side dish closer to them for maximum consumability
Because bacon is awesome. The bacon of the month club is especially awesome because you get 2lbs of specialty bacon, 2 different varieties each month, allowing you to try everything from Citrus-Infused bacon to Jalapeño bacon to Bloody Mary bacon – need I say more?
Good To-Go (meals for adventurous)
These meals are a great gift for any friend/family member who are loves to go hiking/camping. The company was created by Jennifer Scism, Iron Chef winner, who wanted to make quick meals on the trails that actually taste good. Currently they come in 3 varieties: Classic Marinara with Penne, Thai Curry, and Smoked Three Bean Chili.
Rachael (Senior Graphic Designer)
Chemistry Set
My grandmother used to say that cooking is 60 percent science and 40 percent art. These chemistry themed measuring cups just make the science better to look at.
Aged for six months and made from a particularly delicious Rose, this vinegar has a complex and bright flavor that adds a special touch to salad dressings, barbecue sauces and my persona favorite, raisin pie.
Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie
- 2 Cups Raisins
- 2 Cups Water
- 1/2 Cup Packed brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. Cornstarch
- 1/2 Tsp. Cinnamon
- 1/4 Tsp. Salt
- 1 Tbsp. Rose vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. Butter or margarine
- Pastry for double 9-inch crust
Combine raisins and water; boil 5 minutes. Blend sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and salt. Add to raisins and cook, stirring until clear. Remove from heat. Stir in vinegar and butter. Cool slightly. Turn into pastry-lined pan. Cover with top pastry or lattice strips. Bake at 425ºF about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Yield: 1 9-inch pie
Fennel Liquor
Lightly sweet and perfect for holiday cocktails that need that extra twist.
- 2 oz Fennel Liquor
- 1 oz vermouth
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fennel bulb/stem coarsely chopped. try not to get the frond in it.
- 3 orange slices + 1 for garnish
- 1 oz simple syrup. (we use the 50/50 sugar/water recipe. just mix them in a jar and shake until dissolved)
**should you desire an alcohol free drink, omit the booze and add 3 oz soda water
Combine gin, vermouth, fennel and orange slices in cocktail shaker. Muddle ingredients. Add lemon juice and simple syrup, shake and strain into glass with fresh ice. Garnish with fennel stem (make sure the fronds do not hang into cocktail) and 1/2 an orange slice. Enjoy!
Content Marketing Generates Top Results for Tonewood Maple
Holiday Gift Guides can provide your brand a much needed boost in the 4th quarter and gain new customers during the busy holiday season. However, it takes several months of preparation to create a newsworthy and relevant pitch to media in order for your products to be considered as part of their guide. Graphics to support the pitch are also key to supporting a good product story. We’ve enjoyed working with one of Vermont’s premiere artisan food brands, Tonewood Maple.
Here are a few of the media hits featuring Tonewood Maple this holiday season.
Food blogger Tracy Memoli of SuiteSavory.com included the Maple Cube in her list of 5 Holiday Gifts for the Foodie in Your Life.
That’s just the start. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more holiday gift guide coverage for Tonewood Maple.