Archives for September 2014

Christmas & New Year Events

Now, we are aware that we don’t want to be those people who remind you of Christmas when you are busy packing your suitcase to the brim of suncream for your Summer holiday. So, this is why we have waited until the end of September, Autumn time to let you know. However, the Fall is upon us and the weather is starting to get slightly wetter and colder, and the nights are getting longer. But, get ready because we are about to do it… Christmas is on its way!

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We are sorry for the reminder that many people don’t like hearing. Now, this isn’t due to people being Grinch-like but because Christmas can be a very busy and stressful time for many – including us! This is why we are reminding you of this wonderful time of the year as we want to cater for your event. we really don’t like having to turn down catering for you as we love providing a high quality service and don’t want people to miss out!

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So, if you would like us to cater for your needs over the Christmas and New Year period then do not think that contacting us now is too early. After all, next week we will be in October – the months roll by so quickly! We are more than happy to chat a talk with you and create a bespoke menu for your wants and needs or if you would like to select one of our menus we would be happy to oblige either way.

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We look forward to hearing from you!

What’s in Season This September? Part II

It is not just fruit & vegetables that are at their best during the Autumn months, fish is also particularly appetising around this time of year.

However, this isn’t just fish in regards of cod or haddock (which we love!) But much more delectable flavours. September is particularly one of our favourite months of the year as oysters are at their best – along with mussels and scallops.

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This makes for fantastic canapés which we love to serve at many dinner parties in and around the North West area. Mussels are wonderful when simply paired with a nice bread as a starter. Or add them to a fish broth along with prawns for a gorgeous warming taste.

Scallops are one of our favourite starters to serve and they do not take long to prepare. They are fabulous served as a starter perhaps very simply with salad leaves, don’t forget to add cucumber to your salad – that’s in season right now too!

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Crab is another seafood which is at its best in September. Crab cakes are a classic dish which are relatively simple to make and give a lovely taste! Or, if you would like to create a taste of the deep south then you could cook up a gumbo! Crab is such a versatile meat which can be cooked so fabulously in all manner of dishes to give you a wonderful taste sensation.

So why not out together a mixed seafood broth with a large combination of tastes to really impress guests at your Autumn dinner party?

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A tip from us: Oysters are beautiful when paired with parsley fennel and thyme.

What’s In Season This September?

It’s very important for us to keep up with the seasons and make the best of certain foods when they are at their best. Now, the Summer has passed (although we are enjoying the odd September sunshine) which was brimming with sweet fruits. But, September and Autumn are full of many more tasty treats than you would initially think!

Many people assume that fruit is no longer longer at its tastiest once we get into September but they are mistaken! Yes, the classic summer fruits such as strawberries are no longer in season (this doesn’t mean they aren’t good anymore of course) but, there are more fruits available which work wonderfully in many baked desserts… mmm. That’s right, you guessed it! Apples are at their prime right now so get picking and bake yourself a gorgeous home-made apple pie!

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Not only that but pears are also in season at the moment so to add an extra flavour to your pie you could add pears for a little sweet surprise to your pie! Other fruits which are beautifully ripe are plums, figs and the pumpkin! So don’t forget to use the fruit of your pumpkin at Halloween – you could make a scary soup!

But, it is not only fruit which is ripe and ready for recipes this September but fantastic vegetables are at their best too!

Here is one of our dishes which utilises the french bean aka the green bean which is oh so tasty at this time of the year!

This is our roasted chicken breast finished with soft herbs, served on crushed new potatoes, with peppered french beans and a wild mushroom fricasse.

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Keep up with us here for more tips on the foods you should be cooking with throughout Autumn, and of course, the year!

Why Open Evenings Are Brilliant!

Open evenings are not only a great way for businesses such as ourselves to network with others, but they are also beneficial for anyone and everyone!

Fantastic inspiration can be gained from these events and it’s not only venues which hold such parties. at the event expect staff members on hand to answer questions, and help to guide you around the area whilst talking you through anything that you would need to know. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions!

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Also it is a great opportunity to meet people, whether they are representing a business or not. Who knows, you could even make some friends! It’s a great chance to spend with family, friends and loved ones. You can also attend fabulous venues and experience them for a small time, for a little taster of what they could arrange for you.

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We love such events and make sure that we are in regular appearance and many of them stretching across the Cheshire and wider Manchester area. Open evenings that we have been to previously have been at many local venues around the area such as, Styal Lodge and Capesthorne Hall.

But the next one that we are getting excited about is being held at the fabulous venue that is of course the stunnig, Capesthorne Hall!

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For more information and to confirm your attendance please go to this page on their website here.

So keep your eyes open for such events as they occur more often than you would think!

So from us here at Vanilla In Allseasons, we look forward to seeing you at the next one!

Images courtesy of Capesthrone Hall.

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