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