Over 40 Cities Feature Oso Sweet Onion Cooking Segments
When one thinks of foods for romance, oysters or chocolate usually come to mind, not onions. But at a recent fundraiser in Philadelphia, Oso Sweet onions proved they could be a wonderful addition to the most decadent of desserts.
The occasion, the First Annual "Oso Sweet Onion Confection Challenge," held just before Valentine’s Day at the Ronald McDonald House. Top pastry chefs from the Philadelphia area were challenged to flex their culinary muscles and conjure up luscious Oso Sweet onion desserts good enough to woo the opposite sex.
"We wanted to show that Oso Sweets were so unique, sweet and flavorful, they could even be used in desserts," says Rodger Helwig, marketing communications director for the Chilean-grown onion. "It was a wonderful way for us to raise awareness of the special nature of Oso Sweets and also contribute to a good cause."
Award-winning cookbook author Aliza Green, Philadelphia Magazine Managing Editor April White and Jimmy Murray, former Philadelphia Eagles General Manager and one of the founders of the Ronald McDonald House, judged creations from six outstanding area restaurants, awarding prizes in categories such as "Most Heart Stopping," "Most Decadent," "Most Mouth Watering" and "Most Erotic."
Copies of the original recipes were sent to those who made a contribution to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House provides food and a place to stay for thousands of families from around the world when their sick children are being treated in area hospitals. Proceeds from the event will help complete a new playroom at the facility.
Miel Patisserie’s Robert Bennett, who served his chocolates at the recent Presidential inauguration, created the only known Oso Sweet Onion Chocolate Truffle. The delicacy, two to a box, will be available at his Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, shops through mid-March, with all proceeds donated to the charity.
"Media coverage was outstanding," according to Helwig. "In addition to print coverage in the Philadelphia Inquirer, New Jersey Courier Post and Philadelphia Magazine, features aired on local NBC, ABC and FOX television stations. Best of all, as a result of this unique event, we were asked to demonstrate some of the winning Oso Sweet desserts on the nationally televised "FOX and Friends" show, which aired February 19."
Oso Sweet onions, in season from January through March, are imported to the U.S. and Europe by Saven Corporation, Waterford, Mich
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