A Little Taste of Heaven!

If you read my blogs often, you'll notice many of my menus include something "mini". As I continue to plan menus and adjust recipes, I've found most of my events are casual- not the formal sit-down type. So, hosts/hostesses like finger foods and small portions. These work for young children, teens, women's groups, corporate meetings, seniors clubs and everyone in between. I've gotten quite the list of "mini's". It includes cheesecakes, quiches, breads, muffins, tortes, pies, potatoes, cookies, meatloafs...and the list goes on. I find that a cheesecake, a quiche, and a loaf of bread look lonely on a table. But, plate out numerous platters of mini delights and it not only feeds more people, they tend to eat less! Aaahhh, less IS more!

Tis the Season!

Just like anyone else, this is the craziest time for working, shopping, wrapping, and partying. But, for a caterer, this can be the best time financially, and the worst time for personal organization. I have the hardest time getting my own Christmas festivities to occur without staying up until midnight. My busiest orders weren't for events...but for truffles!! I was shocked. What does a good caterer do...roll with the punches (or truffles as it was). I was dipping truffles by the hundreds. I'm actually looking forward to working on actual food recipes and leaving the truffles alone for a few weeks. Some day, I hope to have the time to enjoy shopping, wrapping and baking for family and friends- all while getting to bed by 10:00pm (A girl's face needs 8 hours of sleep to look good)! Some day...

Keeping warm in the frozen winter.

Unfortunately, where I live has been horribly cold this past week- like 6 degrees during the day. Nasty, because it's usually 30-40 degrees. I had scheduled an office party with an open menu--LOVE THOSE!! Makes my world much easier to cook what I'm in the mood for; which happened to be warm food. The people in the office all eat at different times, so it was requested that I make some crockpot food. I made a fabulous green chili, some mini sour cream muffins, crockpot dumpling soup, crockpot peach cobbler, and a crock full of hot chocolate. I know what you're thinking...yes, I do have 4 crockpots!!

Macadamia Nut Fever...

Yes, that's what happens when you spend a little time in Hawaii. I spent the last 10 days in Kauai sleeping in, roaming the island by day and eating with a sunset by night. What caught me was the many ways to cook with macadamia nuts. Whethter they were whole or crushed, we ate them in salads, potatoes, as breading for mahi mahi or mixed in with rice. Amazing texture and crunch for a variety of menus. Of course, our favorite...toffee and chocolate covered nuts! Can't beat those; we ate one bag and stashed one in the luggage for home savoring. I now have a few new recipes to experiment with...my first is the grilled mahi mahi sandwich with a rub of crushed macadamias mixed with butter, pepper and parsley, covered with sliced tomato, avacado, and lettuce. I can only hope to find that fabulous flavor that my tastebuds remember!

All Ready for Thanksgiving?

I'm heading off on another trip- I know, again? -- but, this is special. Taking my Mom to Hawaii...it was the one thing she requested before she dies. So, life has been busy getting ready to go and prepping for some parties I have coming up for the holidays. Tomorrow is simple, my sister's cooking!! Yeah, now that's what I'm talkin'about! I'm doing a slight amount of support as in steamed green beans with crumbled bacon, pepper, garlic and butter. Then, I've been hunting for something different with sweet potatoes...I came up with a mixture of several recipes. I wanted to make a sweet potato pie, but mini-pies. I found a recipe on food network and made it my own by using puff pastry shells and cooking the sweet potatoes with butter, spices, and a little cream cheese. Let's hope the family likes it! I'll be checking back in soon, and we'll be having holiday party fever!!

Pumpkin Anything??

A very easy catering request...pumpkin anything. Ok, I need a little more detail. A client asks for a couple of desserts for a dinner she's having. She cooks, but doesn't bake. So, I come up with a few ideas for her: pumpkin sour cream coffee cake, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin pie bars, or my favorite these days- pumpkin truffles. She chose the pumpkin pie bars and the truffles. No problem, no carving needed!

Falling Back Into Action

I took a little break as catering calmed down and I played a little. Now, I'm back in action with an office party. Requested: pasta and sweets! Well, that leaves me with an open menu. I made angel hair pasta mixed with sauteed fajita chicken, green onions, mushrooms, garlic and a little melted butter...light, flavorful and filling. A layered salad of 3 lettuce types, chopped onion, celery, water chestnuts, tomato, and green pepper; each layer drizzled with a mayo/honey mustard dressing and topped with finely shredded parmesan; callypso baked beans- what? never heard of them? 4 types of beans slow cooked with BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, onions, bacon and pepper; sour cream mini-muffins; banana-chocolate chip mini-loafs; and warm apple crisp with vanilla bean ice cream. You should be hungry! Did I make extra for me???

Fried (actually baked) Pickels

Here's something I haven't tried before...fried pickels. I know some people will fry anything. Well, I'm not one for frying, you know, healthy living and all that...so, I was out with some friends and along came the order of fried pickels. Here's the trick, use very fresh pickels and a breading that protects the food inside. The goal is to have the pickel crunch when you take a bite. I'm working on my own breading and dipping sauce. I couldn't get the exact recipe for the dip, so it's still a work in progress. It goes something like this: pesto mixed with honey mustard dressing and some cilantro. I know...but, WOW! terrific flavor! The breading is also a trial and error to find the right, light, fully covering batter. It'll happen...thankfully, pickels don't go out of season.

Fall into Soup!

As fall descends upon us, I begin to work on new tasty recipes for my menus. I came upon a wonderful potato/leek soup that stunned me with it's brillance! Not too salty, simply creamy and delicious. Ahhh, a warm bowl of soup with some oyster crackers was just the perfect, light dinner I needed. Note to self: file this in winter soups as "a must-have for cold, snowy nights".

Re-creating a Zinger Cake

I'd do just about anything for my sister...until now. My sister finds this recipe that is a re-creation of the chocolate Zinger from the 70's. Even though she has great baking skills, she realizes the time this is going to take, sooooo, a little begging later and no deadline; I decide (of course) to take on this challenge. I spent 4 1/2 hours today making what is basically a cake with filling. Granted, the cake is absolutely one of the best I've ever tasted. But the filling and frosting are crazy time-consuming. The end product is very yummy- filled with calories and not something you want to eat every day (it has shortening in the filling). But...I think I like having my sister indebted to me for at least a month!!! As for a new catering product- not so much. I'll keep this as a special family/friend recipe.

Dessert Truffle Research

So, the cake balls I've been mentioning, are now called dessert truffles for my catering business. For some reason, the word "balls" didn't go over real well for some people when it came to eating...
My plan for the holidays is to research and develop various flavors for the Thanksgiving and Christmas party plans. I've come up with Thanksgiving flavors of carrot/spice, butter pecan, pumpkin, orange. For Christmas, mint chocolate, peppermint, red velvet, and chocolate covered cherry. I've made the mint chocolate and, ooooohh baby!!! Fabulous! I used a triple chocolate cake with mint flavoring and mint chocolate chip frosting. The pumpkin is still a work in progress and the cherry may have brandy included for better flavor enhancement. So far, these babies are a huge hit...I just hope I don't get carpel tunnel from all the wrist action!

A Caterer's Dream- Two Similar Recipes

Could it get any better? I love having options. Don't have the exact ingredients for one recipe, but, yippee!, I've got the items for a similar one. Another experiment proves yummy. Here's the details: I have a recipe for a spinach pie- the indiviual type. Make a filling of spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, onions, pine nuts and spices. Fill phyllo dough, cut and wrap similar to egg rolls. No problem, right? Well, no pine nuts and mozzarella comes up short. I found a similar family recipe that I adjusted to using the phyllo dough rather than pie crust, skipped the pine nuts, and added cream cheese instead of mozzarella. Wow!! They were to die for! And the next day...magnificent!

Throw It Together and Delish!

So, that's exactly what I did for dinner tonight. Home for 1 1/2 hours between work and appointments. I had to come up with dinner with some leftovers. Searching the fridge and freezer came up with a "throw it together" meal that was outstanding! I started with sauteing mild Annaheim peppers in olive oil, adding frozen, grilled onions and mushrooms, a little black pepper, frozen hash browns, and fajita chicken strips. This was a one-dish wonder! The smell...fabulous! I ate on the back patio and the neighbors called over the fence for invitations for dinner. Thankfully, they were kidding, because I wanted this for tomorrow's lunch!!

Back to the Basics with Meatloaf...

Yes, meatloaf. The old standby to throw something together and have it taste great. I've gotten a request to cater a family dinner for 12. The Mom and hostess wants to spend time with family and not hang in the kitchen, (a room she secretly hates). So, as we talked, she states her family is very picky and don't like any new-fangled (her word) flavors. She wants 2 meatloafs, one no onions, mashed potatoes, buttered corn, side salad, cheese biscuits, and apple pie. Wow, that's right out of middle America! I grew up on that meal! Easy as the apple pie!!! So, instead of looking through my bank of recipes, I grabbed my family cookbook and pulled out the recipes Mom used to make. I hope they love it as much as I did!

Lasagna Heaven

One of my favorite catering events is a party wanting lasagna. There are so many ways to make lasagna that you can please every person attending with a few different variations. I was asked to cater a reception for a company board meeting. There were 20 people and all I had to do was drop off the food and pick up the pans the next day. They had the dinnerware and drinks. Could it get any easier?? The request: 4 lasagnas; meat, vegetarian, chicken, and gluten-free; salad with vinaigrette; garlic bread; and some red velvet cake balls. What a great dinner! Thankfully, they did not ask for one to be cheese-less...that would have been a challenge. All went well and not one board member went home hungry- my assumption since the lasagna pans were picked clean!

Garden Fresh Hodge Podge Catering

And what is that you wonder??? A friend of mine has an awsome one acre size garden and asked if she gave me ingredients, would I cook various foods for her? It took me about 30 seconds to say "of course!" She grows it, but hates to cook it. So, each day she would bring me a bag of supplies and I can take however much time I need to bang out a few meals. I guess I use the word "meals" loosely, because she just wanted lots of different foods, not necessarily grouped for eating together. I made zucchini bread and cake; fresh salsa and pesto; a heavenly strawberry glaze for the chicken she bought, not raised; a meatless shepherd's pie; stuffed peppers; luscious cucmber salad; and her favorite: a big lettuce salad with tons of leftovers thrown in (like raspberries, carrots, red onions, shallots, cucumbers, green and red peppers, tomatoes, green beans, pea pods, and strawberries.) I threw in bunches of sauteed veggies that she can freeze. What a great ending to a fabulous growing season!

Non-Labor Day Weekend

I've been trying to have a weekend devoid of work- in the true sense. I watched some movies, read a book, worked out in the gym, enjoyed the outdoors, went to a play, walked my dogs and chatted with friends. All in all, very relaxing. I have one more day left in which to do little to nothing productive. I normally cook for the coming week on Sunday, so tomorrow I plan to make a few meals to cover my lunches Tuesday through Friday. Because I don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen, I'm planning a couple of crockpot meals. One of my favorites is beef roast with potatoes, carrots and onions. I'm also making a crockpot with chicken and mushrooms bathed in buttery rice. My last one is taco meat and beans for burritos. Good thing I have a few crockpots! This frees me up during the week to prepare some French Vanilla and Red Velvet Cake Balls for an office party. Time to continue my relaxation.

Gluten Free Dinner

One of my clients requested gluten free products for her grandson's birthday party. Depending on the menu, these items are fairly easy to come by, although the price is slightly higher. Her grandson is 12 and this was a family party, so she requested dinner food with dessert being my cake balls. I went for foods he would eat and figured adults would like as well. Gluten free pasta can be tasty with the right sauce and spices to flavor it up. He loves chicken and zucchini, as well as strawberries, raspberries, and bananas. So, this is what I came up with: baked chicken covered in pepper/garlic/basil marinara sauce, gluten free pasta with the marinara sauce and shredded parmesan cheese, sauteed zucchini and onions, the berries and bananas with a dollop of cream cheese fruit dip, and my gluten free yellow cake balls with party sprinkles. Nothing too crazy that a 12 year old would spit out and all gluten free and delicious!

Making Crepes in Paris- Video

Crepe Catering

This weekend brings me a new challenge: crepes. A friend has family visiting and requested a Saturday brunch of crepes. Hmmm, how to make these interesting and tasty. I have a recipe from a family friend that I'm going to use. Crepes can be made ahead and refrigerated with wax paper in between. When I learned to make crepes, the recipe called for jams, jellies, and powdered sugar. I've branched out since then and have made crepes with scrambled eggs, ham, sausage, vegetables, and cheese. I might as well have all of these options available. Sounds crepe-licious!

Minimal Carbs

Tonight I felt like I needed to cut out all of the sugar I've been gobbling up the last couple of weeks and I looked for some fresh food for dinner. Grilling has been wonderful the last week, but I'm not in the mood for the grill tonight...so it's Italian meatballs with a lemon/pepper glaze in a green salad with green and red peppers, and sauteed onions and mushrooms. Then throw a few baked asparagus with pepper, olive oil and parmesan to the side. Very fresh, flavorful and filling. No sugar required.

Picnic Day

So, today is Picnic Day for my healthcare job. One of the things I do is to teach exercise classes to patients with lung diseases. We have a picnic every year and this year is at a patient's home. We're having BBQ ribs, fried chicken, grilling hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, and corn-on-the-cob. I'm bringing the fixings for s'mores and my now-famous cake balls. I'm also picking up tables, chairs, all the paper products and table cloths. Oh, of course, ice for the bottled water. Should be a great time had by all 50!

The twins have arrived and Mom is hungry!

So, my friend has had her twin boys! All three are healthy and Mom has her wish list I told her to think about. She has requested giant ricotta/mozzarella stuffed shells, banana bread, and "some of those cake balls"- in strawberry....oh, and a fun messenger bag to carry extra things in.
Ooooook, she has been thinking on this, hasn't she? Well, the shells are no problem, the banana bread recipe was my Mom's and I've made it for her before. The cake balls have been an experiment of flavors and colors-this will be a 1st for the strawberry flavor. As for the messenger bag, hmmm, she's a fashionable girl, can't just get a canvas bag...this is what I found and it's perfect for her!
www.snakemessengerbag.totalwarehouse.com

Fresh Eating!!

I love summer and all the fresh produce. Of course, if I lived in a mild climate, I could eat like this all year 'round. Alas, since I love the mountains and we have 4 seasons, I enjoy the fruits and veggies when they abound. Today, I'm making salmon (fresh caught and frozen) with dill butter, sauted zucchini/onions/peppers, and a big salad with strawberries, black raspberries, walnuts and shredded smoked gouda. Yum, yum, yum!! Dessert- I had extra strawberries- so, it's a frozen strawberry log "frosted" with cool whip. Can't wait!

Wedding day coordinator

My latest role is that of wedding day coordinator. What is that, you ask? Simply meant- set-up tables, organize appetizers, control buffet table, manage gift and guest signing table, cake dissemination, clearing of tables, recycling trash, and finally cleaning up. Simple, hmmmm, maybe not. I thank my lucky stars that the bride is well organized and has directives she wants me to follow. When you don't have to contact any of the vendors or fix problems, this can be a very clear-cut, satisfying job. This is a job position that many brides are looking for these days. When the economy can't afford an event planner, but the bride needs to focus on enjoying the day visiting with family/friends and taking pictures; knowing that all the little items will be handled so that the special day is remembered the way it should be...as fabulous memories!

Another great recipe!

Yes, that's right, another great recipe hits the books! During my extended girls weekend, just recently ended, one of the girls gave me a recipe for cake balls...definitely needs a new name...but, oh, they are fabulous! We made two different flavors and WOW!!! YUM! Everyone that has tried them is in love! She wants me to market them in this area. I need to think serious on this one. I'm on the lookout for a marketing magician.

Always Learning...

So, I caught some shows on the food network and it just keeps me thinking. Or actually, reminds me NOT to try to re-invent the wheel. If a client has a theme, ask if they want to purchase the table scape items or have me buy them. Then, do they want the items purchased or have me keep them. Definitely something to keep in mind when doing a child's theme party...doubtful the parent will do another show for another child with the same theme...but I might. I learned proper folding of linen for a 6 foot table, how to arrange glasses for bartending, how many glasses to order, and using very non-descript plates, platters, and bowls to allow the food to shine. Sometimes, TV is a very useful tool for your business!

Eating for 2!

Yesterday I had a baby shower to cater. She's having twin boys and wanted to bring that venue into the snacks. Hmmm, that made me think...how to have snacks for women, but the theme is boys...yeah, that was my dilemma. I decided to have mini sloppy joes, mini weiners in tiny crescent rolls, lettuce salad and fruit salad, and since she's picky with sweets (only brownies will do), some chocolate brownie bites and blonde brownie bites. What a feast for an afternoon party! At least she was able to relax...because relaxation will be a thing of the past in a month!!

All about BBQ...

It's July 4 and everybody's making BBQ. Sitting in the backyard, the grilling smells are wonderful! We all know there are tons of recipes for the grill, but, sometimes, you just want food that reminds you of good times. Occasionally, it's good to re-live old memories rather than make new ones. In my family, it was all about hamburgers, brats, potato salad, veggies/dip, and strawberry short cake. So, that's my plan for tonight...bettter get cooking!

Flower delivery anyone?

This past weekend I got to deliver flowers for a florist friend of mine who had 2 weddings on the same day. She's an artist with a phenomenal knack for flowers. My job: pick up the flowers at her shop and take them to the hotel for delivery at the wedding/reception. An elegant party for 100 had the most stunning colors of deep burgundy and red roses! Really WOW! I filled up 11 round disk-like vases with water and floated deep burgundy dahlias inside, sprinkled all the tables with rose petals and set up all the rest of the pre-made flowers. It was fun doing something different and mingling with the caterers, music guys, and event planner. Always networking without exposing my personal business...wouldn't want to offend the hotel caterer! You never know what you can learn watching others do their thing!
www.paintedprimrose.com

Company Coming!

I've got an old friend coming to visit for a few days and she'll be here for her birthday, so I've got to find something that she can take home on the plane. What do you buy for the girl who doesn't need anything? She owns an Indian restaurant, so I went shopping online and found a lantern that will look great in her lobby. I asked her what she wanted to eat when she was here and she tells me...my chicken enchiladas! You're kidding, that's easy! Nothing else specific? Well, she decides she wants my sticky buns stuffed with cinnamon cream cheese. Ok, that's something I can have ready. Her last request- a mountain hike with homemade granola and beef jerky. This girl is not gourmet, gotta love her!
http://amberlacelantern.totalwarehouse.com

I'm invited to a party and don't have to cook!

So, one of my friends had a birthday party for her 3 year old. She wanted me to just relax and enjoy myself...like I would question that offer! The girl knows how to cook for a group! She made shredded chicken and beef BBQ, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, salsa/chips/refried beans and a veggie tray with a corn/cheese dip. Perfect for a day in the back yard, not too exotic for the little ones and threw in an alcoholic beverage for the adults. After opening all those gifts, that little one was exhausted...for 10 minutes!

45 and proud of it!

I'm catering a friend's 45th birthday party for her girlfiends. A Saturday afternoon affair brings to mind fun food and decorations in a black and white color scheme. Here's the plan... she wants to start out with a light repast of tea, finger sandwiches and fruit; then move into the alcohol and sweets. I've got a great black and white teapot, some zebra print placemats and the best salt and pepper shakers ever! I'm decorating with crystal and black rocks and some black silk flowers in a white vase. Sandwiches and fruit are a little harder to fit into the color scheme...still working on those. The drinks are going in black flute glasses. She wants a white chocolate pie in an oreo cookie crust, chocolate crackle cookies, and angel food cake drizzled with melted dark chocolate and a dollop of strawberry sauce for color. This is going to be FUN!!!
http://blackandwhiteteapot.totalwarehouse.com
http://zebraplacemats.totalwarehouse.com
http://ladyslippersandpshakers.totalwarehouse.com

Catering is entertaining!

As a caterer, I'm always on the lookout for new recipes and presentation items. But, what about at home? That's where all this started. Having company over to my place and loving the entertaining aspect. I started going through all my table linens and centerpiece items that I haven't used in ages because I've been busy elsewhere. Well, summer is here and it's time to start having company. It's a perfect time to get all my guinea pigs here for new taste tests and fun had by all. I have some salmon that needs to be cooked and a wonderful peach dessert that's part cake, part custard and peaches in between, oh baby, smell the cinnamon now!

Rice Pudding

So, I haven't made rice pudding in years, but my memory was not about the great pudding (which it was); the memory I had was having a horrible time cleaning the pan. I let it soak, and soak, and soak...scrubbing in between, almost like burnt milk, but I was stirring constantly!! So, this time, I went for the stainless steel pot. Cleaned up like a breeze and OHHHH, was that pudding yummy! Much better memories! Sometimes you have to learn the hard way, but I'm hoping to share with people--get the stainless steel pots and pans--don't think about non-stick coating. I've found any non-stick pan I get loses flecks of the coating within a year. I never use metal utensils in a non-stick pan and there's still noticeable missing spots (and all I can think of... "I ate that!") If I'm going to spend the money, those pans have to last. Look around and price out the one's you like. These are mine: http://stainlessteelcookware.totalwarehouse.com

Fast dinner- Shrimp

Ok, so I'm tired and don't feel like spending 30 minutes cooking dinner. The best plan is shrimp! I get out my 5 minute rice and boil it, then dump it in the fry pan with a little olive oil, green onions, soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, frozen corn and peas, pepper, scramble an egg, and throw in frozen cooked shrimp. 10 minutes- that's it, let it simmer and thaw stuff out. Yum! a complete meal, nothing else required.

BBQ Shrimp Video

Pizza Party Made Easy

So, a 15 year old girl's birthday party with 4 pizzas and snacks for 18 people. Number 1, wear ear plugs and hope boys are invited to keep the squealing down!!! Next, find out exactly what kinds of pizza they want, kids don't go for the exotic stuff. I threw together some chips and dip, and some kibbles N bits (chocolate and peanut butter covered Chex cereal and sprinkled with powdered sugar-yum), and some baked breaded cheese curds, breaded stuffed peppers and breaded mushrooms. Kids like anything if they think it's fried-(even if it's not). More boys in the group, the food disappears...when it's gone, it's gone, kids understand that. No worries if there's no leftovers, that means "Great food"! http://superpizzastone.totalwarehouse.com

pizza

Wine and Cheese

My latest event was a wine and cheese party. Not much to cook but the presentation was everything. My best friend for this event was my complete knife set. It's a whole set of gourmet knives which come in a carrying case. I cut the cheese, fruit, tiny muffins, and mini brownies on site. Never could I have carried these knives without a case...brilliant plan. I figure I can use the knife set for camping this summer and perfect for cooking at a friend's condo in the mountains. Amazing little tools I never would have thought to make such a difference. The party was smooth and clean-up a breeze. I need more of these easy ones. Take a look at the complete knife set... http://completeknifeset.totalwarehouse.com

Working on Recipes

I'm working on another recipe. This one is a cheese dip sold commercially out of state. I know the ingredients but not the amounts. It's sooooo good! Since I can't be ordering it to be shipped in summer, I've got to figure it out or starve...well maybe not that drastic. The ingredients are cream cheese, french dressing, thousand island dressing, onion and garlic powder. This can be done, hopefully easily, or I may get sick of it by the 4th time.

Catering is more than just food...

Just like a wedding planner, a personal assistant, or a job head hunter, people frequently look for others to help them out, take care of tasks, organize. A caterer can be that and more. Sometimes making the food is just trivial next to finding the place to eat it, or hiring assisting staff. Networking is essential to any business that works with the community. Never miss an opportunity to network with people who might help you out with future events.

Season that food...

Some of my catering requests have been popular recipes that are not low calorie, and then the hostess asks for some healthier items. The most common request is for low fat, low salt. I'm always experimenting with seasonings and herbs. You can get wonderful flavor by adding in a new seasoning and omitting the salt. Remember, caterers need thick skins, put salt on the table for those who crave salt, but the recipe will be "healthy" for those who crave flavor.

Just home from vacation...

Gotta love that time off!! I was visiting a friend in the midwest - my favorite place for cheese and sausage, yum!!- anyway... they had to work one day during the week, so I decided to cook a little. I made their requests; meatloaf, mashed potatoes, beef stroganoff, steamed veggies, cheesy mashed cauliflower, salted nut roll, and poppyseed almond cake. That'll last them a few days.

Chicken Salad Recipe

I just had some chicken salad at a conference that I've never seen before. Wow! It was fantastic! Of course I couldn't get the recipe, so that's my challenge...reproduce that chicken salad. It had shredded chicken, red onion, dried cranberries. When I went back for more, the caterer said "sorry, that went over better than expected, it's gone!" Oh, bummer, I was planning to pick it apart to figure out the ingredients. That's a goal for this week.

Here's my Plan for Sunday Brunch

I'm catering a Sunday Brunch and I have a professional conference I am coordinating for my real job on Friday and Saturday. By Saturday night, I'll be exhausted. So, on Sunday morning, I'll be whipping up some fabulous finger foods for a jewelry party finger food brunch. My plan...mini quiches, mini cinnamon rolls, mini (2-inch) pumpkin and bluberry breads, mini peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (using tiny biscuit cutters) for the kids, palm sized omelets, and a lovely bowl of cut fruit and dip. Ok, I'm getting hungry!

Contracting with Another Caterer

I've found that I just don't have the time to do a dessert party this Thursday, due to my full time job schedule. So, what I did was contract with a friend of mine who only makes desserts and she'll cater the party. The client was fine with the substitution because the same menu will be followed and no change in pricing. I gave her a piece of the dessert caterers chocolate torte and she was hooked. I'll get a $50.00 kick back from my friend and that might take me shopping...no not for food or kitchen gadgets...shoes!

Oh boy, another request for wedding catering

OMG! This is 2 requests for weddings in one week. But this second wedding isn't until 2010. I can handle that!! She has offered me an option, cater the rehearsal dinner or the wedding reception. She wants to keep the spending to a minimum- nothing fancy. For the dinner, it will be in the parents backyard. The reception is in a hall and will have a kitchen. I'm thinking it over because the dinner is for 50 and the wedding is for 150. Much easier to cook for 50. But, for the wedding, she wants pans of lasagna (easy to make ahead), salad, and bread. Also, very do-able. We'll see...

Trying out some BBQ ribs and butter beans

Thought I'd make a crockpot full of BBQ ribs and a side dish of butter beans for dinner. Oh man, it smells wonderful in here. I found a new recipe to try with boneless pork ribs in the slow cooker. I've been thinking of a side dish that uses beans, but not baked beans. I came up with a recipe I modified because I didn't have all the ingredients. I chose butter beans, garlic, red onion and spinach. The recipe called for cheese and other veggies which I skipped. Oh, these are divine! WOW! I'm shocking myself! A fabulous Sunday dinner!

Wedding options

Today I got an option to cater a wedding celebration (the wedding happened on New Year's Day). His parents wish to have a backyard party in June. I was asked to do finger foods that don't need to be hot or cold and they are going to do some grilling. Aahhh, a new challenge. Defintely a day for salsas, veggies, fruits, pastries and NO chocolate...

New Catering Recipes

Today was the last day of my vacation. A perfect time to practice some new recipes. I'm trying to come up with a whole variety of finger foods that can be room temperature for 2 hours. That limits the time I have to be present and finger foods are the most popular. We're all trying to save on paper products and the need to wash dishes is never an option anyone chooses. I love my cream dishes as I use them to make the food colors jump off the plate! Today was a black bean salsa and a corn salsa in tortilla scoop cups...fabulous!

Great Items for Cooking and Catering

Stainless Steel Cookware:

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o Brushed stainless steel interior finish
o Hi Tempered Glass Lids with steam vent
o Encapsulated Base
o 18/10 stainless steel non-reactive with foods, meaning flavors remain true
o Oven safe to 500 degrees

Complete Set Includes:
o 6QT Dutch oven w/glass lid
o 4QT Sauce pan w/glass lid
o 3QT Sauce pan w/glass lid
o 2QT Sauce pan w/glass lid
o 10" Skillet (fry pan) w/glass lid

http://www.stainlessteelcookware.totalwarehouse.com/

Serving Utensil Set:

Everything you need for a new kitchen, this high quality 41-piece utensil set makes a great housewarming gift for any house— including yours! This is the best group of serving utensils for taking on the road. When catering, you'll always know your own serving pieces for quick cleaning and packing. Cutting board: 5 1/2" x 9" high.

http://www.completeutensilset.totalwarehouse.com/

Four Bowl Fountain:

Four granite-finished tiers cycle sparkling water from bowl to bowl, creating an enthralling tabletop piece. What a great centerpiece this makes when catering a party! Talk about gossiping at the water cooler...everyone hangs out in the kitchen next to the food. With 120v pump. For indoor use only. UL recognized cord. Polyresin. 9 1/2" diameter x 10" high.


http://www.fourbowlfountain.totalwarehouse.com/

Cream Dinnerware Set:

Spun ridges lend a touch of pleasing texture to a dinnerware collection that's loaded with casual finesse! The look of hand-thrown pottery is given a luscious bath of creamy off-white glaze; the perfect place setting to spot-light any meal. Off-white complements any food by showing off the bright veggie colors with no competition. Any time you want your food to make an entrance- put it on a quiet, elegant creamy plate and your menu will POP with presentation!

Comes complete with full place settings for four include: 11 oz. mugs, bowls, dinner plates and salad plates. Ceramic. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Large plate (each) : 10" diameter; Small plate (each): 7" diameter; Bowl (each): 7" diameter x 1 1/2" high; Mug (each): 4 1/2" x 3 1/8" x 3 3/4" high.

http://www.creamdinnerwareset.totalwarehouse.com/

Complete Knife Set:

This 19-piece knife set features handsome stainless steel blades and riveted, heat resistant handles providing durable, long-lasting utility. How perfect is this to take on catering jobs!! It couldn't any more compact or complete. And, once again, you'll know your pieces in anyone's kitchen. No mix-ups, no lost knives! With knives being one of the harest items to tranport...problem solved! Includes 6 steak knives and forks, large chef's knife, sharpener and much more! Hand wash only. 14" x 12" x 2" high.


http://www.completeknifeset.totalwarehouse.com/

Starting out...

Here I am, writing about what I love...why? I think there are others out there just like me and I want to share some the helpful hints I have learned during my journey as a home-based caterer.

First of all, I only choose the events that I know I can handle. Most of my work is from word-of-mouth marketing; which suits my needs right now. I currently work full time for the health and retirement benefits, but I'd love to cut back or quit some day and focus on my catering business.

Last week I catered a Bunko party for 12. I always ask a theme when deciding on a menu; then I bring something related to the theme, like a vase, platter, water fountain or such. This is always a huge hit and I get more business simply for the presentation (and of course the great food).