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Archives for October 2012

Ultimate Hot Chocolate

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On chilly Autumn days like today, there’s nothing we like more than a spot of delicious, creamy and warming hot chocolate. But we don’t settle for any old powdered mix, oh no.

This recipe is fantastic, it takes a little time but I promise you it’s worth the wait! Why not make up a batch for a party? It’s ideal for cold fingered trick or treaters or as a tasty treat whilst watching the fireworks.

You will need –

–1.5 cups of heavy cream
–1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
–2 cups of dark chocolate chips
–6 cups of milk
–1 tsp vanilla extract

In a large pot over low heat, combine all of the above ingredients. Stir regularly for 30-40 minutes until chocolate is fully melted and incorporated with other ingredients.

If you’re making this for a party, you could add all of the above ingredients to a slow cooker a few hours before guests arrive. Provide a ladle and mugs and let them serve themselves.

Remember to have marshmallows and cocoa powder ready for the finishing touches.

The London Standard

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As you know, we love our work and take pride in providing the highest quality catering services.

Our aim is to offer the best catering service around, and when we say around, we don’t just mean our hometown of Macclesfield, or our home county of Cheshire.

We strive to deliver a level of quality that matches up to any catering service there is. Full stop. So we were very pleased to receive this fantastic feedback…

“Thanks so much for providing the food for my party, it was of a very high standard indeed and all the guests remarked how delicious and well prepared everything was. It definitely stood up to similar events that I’ve been to in London where I live so I was very pleased to offer London quality food at my party in the Peak District.

-Veronica ”

Many thanks Veronica, we were thrilled to be able to assist in creating a fantastic party.

Amazing Martha Payne Wins Observer Food Monthly Award

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Last night, nine-year-old Martha Payne who gained international attention through a blog that highlighted the poor quality of her school meals, became the youngest-ever winner of an Observer Food Monthly award.

Martha gained public attention when her local council tried to ban her from posting images of her school dinners on her blog, neverseconds.blogspot.co.uk

Since setting up her blog she has not only raised a very public awareness of the poor quality of the food served in our schools, but she has also documented the daily meals of children around the world and raised enough money to feed 10,000 children in Malawi.

She’s appeared on numerous television shows, met Jamie Oliver and traveled the globe to oversee her project. Not bad for a nine year old!

We think it is fantastic to see that the younger generation are raising awareness about the importance of good quality, fresh food. Her award is well deserved. Go Martha!

Read her blog here to get the full story. Very inspiring!

Bacon Wrapped Potatoes

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These delicious n and easy to make bacon wrapped potatoes make a perfect nibble for an Autumn party.

Alternatively, you can remove the securing cocktail stick after cooking and serve them as a side, great with roast chicken.

Ingredients

8 bacon slices, cut in half crosswise
16 small potatoes

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wrap each bacon piece around a potato and secure with a toothpick. Place in a baking dish and bake until bacon is crisp and potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, 40 to 50 minutes.

Recipe and image via www.marthastewart.com

Christmas Party 2012

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Did you know that it is just 77 days until Christmas?

Before you run off to start making shopping lists, it’s time to think about something a little less stressful and a little more fun, the Christmas party!

This year, on Saturday the 8th of December, we will be collaborating with the fantastic Heaton House Events team in the spectacular surroundings of Heaton House Farm to bring you a Christmas party to remember!

The theme is sparkle giving you all an excuse (if you needed one) to dress up in your finest and celebrate!

The Vanilla in Allseasons team will be providing a selection of delicious canapés and an indulgent 3 course dinner for each lucky guest.

There will be fantastic music, drinks and dancing and a few surprises along the way. Why not gather your friends, family or work mates and get yourselves booked in?

CLICK HERE for more information, to view the party menu and make your booking!

Warm Chicken Salad with Peppers, Pears & Toasted Pinenuts

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A warm chicken salad makes a wonderful Autumn weekend dish and is a great way to use up leftover roast chicken. This recipe calls for just that, but freshly roasted chicken breasts work just as well.

The combination of warm, salty chicken with crisp refreshing pear, peppery rocket and crunchy pine nuts is a real winner.

Ingredients

Leftover roast chicken, wrapped in foil and re-warmed at 350 (save juices and drippings)

1 bunch of Rocket, washed and torn

2 pears, sliced paper thin

4-6 small sweet peppers, slivered

1/4 c. pine nuts, toasted

2 Tbs. finely chopped rosemary

2 shallots, thinly sliced

Juice of 1/2 lemon

2 Tbs. sherry vinegar

1 Tbs. whole grain mustard

1/2 c. olive oil

Method –

Combine chicken, Rocket leaves, peppers, pears and pine nuts in a large bowl.

Place rosemary, lemon juice, sherry vinegar & mustard in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Continue whisking while slowly drizzling in olive oil until emulsified. Whisk in roast chicken juices/drippings.
Add dressing to salad and toss until well combined. Serve at once.

Recipe and images courtesy of farmhousedelivery.com

Ale and Cheddar Soup

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What could be better on a cold day? This scrumptious Ale and Chedder soup is warming, comforting and simply delicious!

Ingredients

1/2 pound bacon (double smoked is good), cut into 1 inch slices
1 onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2-4 jalapeno peppers, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
1 bottle ale
2 cups decent chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
cayenne to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat and set aside on paper towels to drain, reserving 1-2 tablespoons of the grease in the pan.
Add the onion, celery and jalapeno and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
Add the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
Add the butter and let it melt and get all bubbly then sprinkle on the flour and let it cook until it starts to turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the ale followed by the stock and bacon and let cook for 10 minutes.
Add the cream, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and cheese and cook until the cheese has melted but do not bring it back to a boil.
Season with cayenne, salt and pepper to taste and enjoy.

Peaks and Dales Autumn Wedding Fair

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This Sunday (7th October 2012) we will be at the Peaks and Dales Wedding Show held at the beautiful and prestigious Devonshire Dome in Buxton.

With fashion shows and lots of interesting stalls and demonstrations, it promises to be a fantastic day.

If you or one of your friends or family members are planning a wedding, it’s well worth a visit. Why not come along and find us, meet some of our team and see what we could do for you?

For more details click here.

Fantastic Feedback

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Recently we catered for a lovely wedding at Consall Hall & Gardens. The gorgeous bride Natalie got in touch to thank us. She gave us some fantastic feedback.

“Hi Adam & Simon,

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for catering our wedding and doing such an amazing job. Everyone couldn’t believe how delicious (and generous!) the food was and so many people said it was the best food they’ve ever had at a wedding.

The waiters and waitresses were all great too – so thanks again! Will highly recommend you!

Take care,
Natalie”

Thanks Natalie, we are thrilled to have been a part of your day.

Christmas Party

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