Staying on top of your professional development? If you're looking for convenient ways to earn CEUs in the comfort of your own office or home, MSNA's new webinar series can help. Our webinars are available to members and non-members and is available via the Zoom Webinar or Zoom Meeting software.

A maximum of 1 CEU hour can be obtained per webinar. Your CEU certificate will be available to you following your attendance at the webinar and submission of the the post-webinar evaluation..

Learn more and register for our upcoming webinar below!

Spice Up School Meals: A Two-Part Series

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 & APRIL 22 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM (1 CEU) | VIRTUAL

KEY AREA: 2130 CULINARY SKILLS
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Holly Kolkman, Customer Service, Karlsburger

Flavor is one of the most powerful tools school nutrition professionals have to increase student acceptance of meals, but building bold flavor while managing sodium, cost and consistency can be challenging. This two-part virtual workshop series is designed to help K-12 foodservice teams confidently use spices to create satisfying flavor in school meals using ingredients already in the kitchen.

To help bring these ideas to life, spice kits, including three (3) 18-oz. spice blends are available to purchase and ship directly to your district or home. These blends are ready-to-use alternatives to the in-house blends discussed in Workshop 2. If you would like to receive your kit before Workshop 2, please purchase by April 8. Registration will close April 22.

You’ll walk away with practical guides, recipe cards and tools designed specifically for school kitchens so you can immediately apply what they learn with their teams.

Read about each workshop below and get registered today!

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MEMBER PRICING: FREE for members | $40.00 for Spice Kit
NON-MEMBER PRICING: $10.00 for non-members | $50.00 for Spice Kit

 

Workshop Descriptions

Workshop 1: Flavor with Purpose – Using Straight Spices to Build Big Taste in K-12 Meals

April 8, 2:00 - 3:00 PM (Virtual)

Workshop 2: From Shelf to Signature – Building Salt-Free Spice Blends for K-12 Menus

April 22, 2:00 - 3:00 PM (Virtual)

Discover how to create bold, satisfying flavors in school meals without relying on salt. In this workshop, foodservice professionals will explore how everyday spices can transform familiar menu items while staying within sodium guidelines. Attendees will learn practical techniques for layering flavor, using spices safely and effectively, and stretching ingredients already on the shelf. This session focuses on building confidence with straight spices, improving consistency across kitchens and turning simple ingredients into flavorful meals students enjoy. Additional resources will be available to download including a menu language guide and hands-on tasting demo.

Take flavor development one step further by learning how to create simple, salt-free spice blends that work across multiple school menu items. This workshop shows how common spices can be combined into versatile blends that season proteins, veggies, grains, sauces and more. Attendees will explore ways to simplify production, maintain flavor consistency, and expand menu appeal while supporting school nutrition goals. Additional resources will be available to download including practical blend ideas and strategies for turning basic pantry spices into signature flavors for your kitchens.

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About the Presenter:

Holly Kolkman is passionate about helping kitchens succeed and bring flavor to every meal. At Karlsburger Foods, she combines her knowledge of spices and flavor solutions to support customers in creating meals that are both delicious and memorable. She takes pride in understanding each kitchen’s unique needs and providing practical, creative solutions that make a real difference every day.

Holly’s love for food goes beyond her professional work. She enjoys cooking, baking, and experimenting with spices, always exploring new flavor combinations and techniques to bring excitement to the table. She believes that great meals come from both skill and curiosity, and she delights in sharing that passion with others.

When she’s not in the kitchen, Holly loves exploring Minnesota with her husband—discovering hidden gems, sampling local flavors, and embracing all the seasonal adventures the state has to offer. Holly’s dedication to supporting others, curiosity about flavors, and enthusiasm for life make her a trusted partner for kitchens and a relatable, engaging presence for anyone she works with.