November 2, 2009

CUT-OUT COOKIES!!!!

Posted by Chef Victoria under Caffè Victoria, Catering by Victoria, Chef Notes, Recipes, breakfast | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Valentine Sugar Cookies

Soft, slightly sweet and super cute.

You can personalize your cookies with your own unique style and flare.  Create your own shapes, with a template and a sharp knife, or purchase them from the ever growing inventory of metal and plastic cutters.   This holiday season, cut-out some precious time with your favorite children.  If might be the most special memory you make.Halloween 09 016

Creating sugar cookie cut-outs with children is a wonderful time for them to find their creative side.  Depending on the age of the children you are working with, you may want to have them help with cutting out and baking the cookies, or perhaps just the decorating portion of the process.  You can assist them by icing the cookies, and allowing them to finish them with sprinkles, nuts or sugar crystals.  For older kids, help them learn a new technique with piping bags.  co's bmw susan g komen 2008 001

We have used sugar cookies to personalize catered events and tie them to a clients theme.  They make great favors and table decorations for weddings, client appreciations and special life milestone events.  We have created cookies with company logos, color schemes and special “cause” emblems to commemorate certain events.

With the Christmas holiday rapidly approaching, schedule a time to create some fun memories in your kitchen.  Below you’ll find some easy, delicious recipes to make everything at home.  For tinting your icing, we suggest color gel, but Lawry’s food dye works also.  Additional confectioner’s sugar will need to be added  when using a water-based dye.Wilton Food Color Gel

ROYAL ICING

6 oz. egg whites

2 tsp. vanilla

8 cups powdered sugar

Beat with an electric mixer until smooth, adding  powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.  For “RUN-OUT” technique, you will need a slightly viscous consistency.  Piping requires a stiffer consistency. Piping a “dam” around the edge of the cookie first will help keep the run-out icing contained.  Allow your run-out to dry completely before piping additional icing over it.

Chef Note:  Royal Icing takes flavoring well.  Add 1/4 tsp. of peppermint, cinnamon, coconut or almond extract if you desire a flavored icing.

GINGERBREAD CUT OUTS

Classic Gingerbread Cutouts

2 stick butter, soft

½ cup brown sugar

2/3 cup molasses

2 eggs

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. ground allspice

½ tsp. ground cloves

¾ tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. vanilla

4 cups flourHalloween 09 004

Combine all ingredients.  Tightly wrap dough and chill  for 1 hour before rolling out.  Chill cookies (freezer) 10 minutes on cookie sheet before baking.  This will help them to keep their cut-out shapes more precisely.  Bake 8-10 minutes 350º.  Avoid over baking if you like to enjoy soft finished cookies.  Once cooled,  wrap cookies in stacks of 5 with plastic wrap, until ready to ice.  Finished cookies should be stored in an air-tight container.

Chef Note:  These cookies on their own have very little sugar in them.  Icing them with Royal Icing, or even a Vanilla Buttercream lends a sweetness that is just delightful, and a great accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or even tea.

ROYAL ICING

6 oz. egg whites

2 tsp. vanilla

8 cups powdered sugar

 

October 9, 2009

Hmmmm…..what to do for the Holiday Party?

Posted by Chef Victoria under Catering by Victoria, Food + Wine = Art | Tags: , , , |
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This past summer we catered countless “life celebration” events.  I attribute this to the desire of people to cut back and make the most of what they have.  Our clients were celebrating special birthdays, special anniversaries and new beginnings.  Attendance at these parties and weddings were well above the normal RSVP’s.  Perhaps this is because guests were grouping their travels with social commitments.  Rather than take a vacation and go to their cousin’s wedding, people grouped them and made the destination of the wedding also their vacation.  In any case, it was a great summer for these events, for all concerned. We had the distinct pleasure of helping our clients make the most of their budget while make their guests so glad they attended.    holiday party pic

As we head into the holiday season, (and they will be here before you know it!) we begin thinking of ways to celebrate them.   Holiday celebrations may be humble this year, but they do not need to be ho-hum.   Catering by Victoria offers a full range of services, cuisines and options to help you fulfill a joyous and delicious event.  We are familiar working within budgets of all sizes, and adept at sensationalizing special events to make them memorable.

Catering by Victoria offers traditional menus for office parties, or your family get togethers.  They can be pre-ordered and they will take the worry and hassle out of entertaining.  Our holiday pies are a fine way to finish the home meal.  We also offer trays of dedcadent desserts for the corporate parties.  Consider holding a private Food+Wine=Art event at our caffe with a menu completely tailored to your wishes and wine expertly paired with the gourmet fare.  To take your event to the next level, call us to schedule a personal consultation.  You’ll receive specific information, tailored menus and supreme ideas to make it a wonderful time, at no additional cost or obligation.  vic_pairing_0005

 

September 9, 2009

We Celebrate Life!

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Life’s special moments, the memories we hold on to, they are found in the heart of our celebrations.

The menu was chosen.  A site visit occurred.  The details were discussed and decided upon.  A very special party was going to take place in two weeks.  Oh, and shhhhhhhhhh, it’s going to be a surprise!

We arrived on time with our gear and finely prepared foods. Tonight we delivered and set up a wonderful spread of appetizers and a personalized two tiered, immediately stacked, specialty cake.  As we unloaded and set up, I checked with the hostess.  Checking about the arrival time of her husband and his best friend, and  inquiring if we should move the delivery vehicle from the driveway, we were told not too worry about it.  They weren’t exactly sure on the precise arrival time, but all the guests would venture out into the driveway to greet them as they drove up.

Meanwhile, the band in the backyard was tuning up.  The cake was in place on the dining room table, with plates, forks and napkins.  A two-tiered cake that was a blissful carrot cake with cream cheese icing, and dark buttermilk chocolate cake with fudgey buttercream. Two wonderful tastes, because it was too tought to decide on just one flavor.  A sentimental inscription had been piped on the outside of the cake in burgundy and forest green icing,  favorite colors of the man of the night.

Meanwhile…it the kitchen we completed plating the crispy potato cakes with creme fraiche and smoked salmon, and the house was rather quiet.   A few people came in from the backyard and commented on how “yummy” it smelled “in here.”   Thanking them, they were told that everyone else had made their way out to the front drive to await their arrival.  They moved-it-on-out, not wanting to miss the arrival.  All the food was now in place.  The marinated lamb chops with cherry port reduction sauce, the Alsatian onion tarts, the creamy chicken marsala with rustic bread, black olive and sweet tomato bruschetta,  and Italian sausage stuffed mushrooms, all had been served and awaited the hungry guests.

A few minutes later, we heard a thump, thump, thumping overhead.  Was that a helicopter?  It sounded like it was flying rather low….was it getting closer?  Was it going to land in the backyard? It sounded like it might.  What a surprise! Yes,  in fact, the helicopter was landing adjacent to the rented vinyl tent where the band made their final sound checks.  The crowd that had gathered in the driveway had witnessed the arrival of the helicopter and made their way toward it to greet the birthday man.  Everyone was surprised, everyone, except for this man’s best buddy who had orchestrated the cleverly sly helicopter ride.  A surprise for everyone, everyone, including this man’s wife who had planned and prepared for this party.

These are the times of our lives, the special life memories that we recall.  Those days and nights that define us and hold special places in our hearts.  Catering by Victoria has assisted and participated in many, many of these types of special events, all summer long.  It’s what we do.  We help people celebrate their lives.  If you haven’t had the opportunity lately, find an occasion, call us, and let the party begin!

 

February 16, 2009

Valentine’s After-Wedding Party

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On Valentine’s Day, we catered a special event for a couple hoping to honor and celebrate the marriage of one of their three sons.  There were about 75 guests in attendance.  It was a very loving gesture.

For the menu we chose crowd pleasing, hearty appetizers, such as scalloped artichoke hearts, tender meatballs in marinara, beautiful fresh fruit, varietal cheese tray, and crispy potato cakes with crème fraîche and smoked salmon.  The dessert buffet was stunning.  Mini mousse, in four luscious flavors, mini cheesecakes with raspberry coulis, dark, rich chocolate torte with soft whipped cream, dark and white chocolate~dipped strawberries, and heart~shaped pink sugar cookies.

Both the appetizer buffet and the dessert buffet were decorated in red satin,  pink sequinzed hearts and red votives. Beautiful clusters of red rose bouquets were placed around the kitchen, dining and living areas of the home.  Guests really seemed to have a wonderful time, enjoy the food, dessert and beverages.  Love was definitely in-the-air!

 

December 27, 2008

Planning and Hosting a Customer Appreciation Event

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Hosting a client appreciation event is one of the most rewarding and fun ways to make your customers feel valued. It is also a great opportunity to meet your clients’ friends and business associates.

Personal contact is sorely missing in today’s business. You want to feel valued and appreciated, and so do your customers. Hosting an appreciation event is a great way to accomplish this, and meet some new potential customers in a very positive light. Good will is a by-product that is built from your appreciation event. A natural progression from this contact is business deals. People want to work with people they like and trust.

Planning is Key

If you are considering having an event, build in some planning time. By thoroughly planning, you will help to ensure hosting a successful event. These events don’t have to be huge or elaborate, but you do want to make sure they project you in the most favorable light. Here are some things to consider when you are planning:

WHEN — What is the best month or season for you to host your event? Will you be having it outside? Consider the weather and other annual events calendars when you choose your date.

WHAT — First and foremost, consider your budget. Cost will be a factor across the board when planning your event. Set a budget. This will help rein in ideas and expenses.

Secondly, size matters. If you are planning a grand scale event, consider partnering with a related business that will benefit from working with your work associates. For example, a real estate agent might want to co-host their event with a favorite lender. Sharing the cost may give you more money to work with to make the event extra special.

Thirdly — What kind of entertainment will you have? Will you be unveiling your latest product or service? Do you want a DJ or some form of entertainer there to add atmosphere? Take into consideration the “feel” you want your event to have. What do you want this event to say about you and your business? Are you interested in “wowing” your clients, or do you want to host a warm, relaxed party? What you desire the event to say about you will dovetail into your budget. The “What” part of your event really can be wrapped around the theme of your event.

WHO — Who is invited? Create your invitation list. Do you want all of your customers included or perhaps key accounts? Do you plan on inviting hopeful customers that you want to win over?

Once you have determined the guest list, this will help you fine tune your budget. Budget divided by guest number will dictate a “per person” price. This is a valid figure to work with when it comes to the catered food, the entertainment, the incidentals (party necessities) and any gift items or door prizes you might choose to give.

WHERE — Choose your location based on your guest number, the date of the event and venue availability. Where you have the event might also be considered if this is a themed event.

Here are a few event ideas:
  • Picnic in the park
  • Lunch or brunch
  • Cluster of seats at a sporting event
  • Masquerade
  • Try a dance theme party complete with lessons
  • Block party with neighbors
  • Wine tasting

Planning Points:

· Create your invitation list.

· Send out “Save the Date” cards.

· Select location.

· Contract with a caterer.

· Plan for some “fun” at the event, such as door prizes or mini contests to get the guests involved

· Hire a photographer for publicity shots to be used in your newsletter, blog or website.

· Send invitations so they arrive 30 days before the event with an RSVP by date two weeks before the event date.

· Include good directions in the invitation

· Use E-vites for easy RSVP’s. Guests will be able to view who else is coming.

· Expect one-third to one-half of those invited to attend.

· Two weeks before, finalize details with hired professionals. Request 5% more food than guest RSVPs.

· Be at the entrance to greet each guest upon their arrival

· Have name tags for guests

· Have hired staff there so that you and your employees can mingle with guests.

· Avoid discussing business at the event. If a guest is interested in discussing business with you, suggest scheduling an appointment with them.

Take the time to plan your appreciation event. Hire quality professionals to assist you. This is a win-win idea. You feel good and your customers feel appreciated. Remember, the ramifications of this event will pay you dividends. You are promoting your business in a highly effective way. This will help your customers remember you, to think of you, and to call you when they need your product or service. Repeat your appreciation event each year and watch your business grow.

 

December 27, 2008

Customer Appreciation!

Posted by Chef Victoria under Catering by Victoria | Tags: , |
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Hang on to Your Valued Clients

Business owners who have been in their field for a few years know it costs more money to go out an find new customers than it does to keep their current customers happy.  During these challenging economic times, it’s a good idea to express appreciation to your customers for their business.  How might you do this?

Outshine your competition by doing something a little extraordinary – consider hosting a client-appreciation event.  It is true that clients who feel appreciated show more loyalty than those who do not.

Hosting a client-appreciation event will give you an opportunity to connect with your clients in a new way.  While letters and gift baskets have their place, a hosted event is more personable.  You can see your client face-to-face, shake their hand and express your gratitude.  You can take time to talk with them and find out more about their business, what’s in their future plans – you might even recognize potential problems before they get to a “problem” stage.

The quality of a client-appreciation event can definitely affect the message that the clients take away.  Food trays from the neighborhood grocery store convey to the client that they are only of “average” value rather than the kind of value that warrants an investment in quality on your part.  Obviously we at Catering by Victoria feel that providing high-quality catered food conveys a “you are worth this” message to the client and we’re pretty confident that this is the message you’d want to convey.

Catering by Victoria has many ideas to help you create a memorable, quality event that will express your appreciation to your clients and their value to you.  Victoria will be happy to meet with you to discuss some of these ideas.  We can tailor an even to meet your needs and budget.  You could also “double load” the event by sharing some of your future plans.  For example, you might want to let your clients know about an upcoming service you will be offering – we can design an event in which you can both express your appreciation and bring attention to your coming service.

Give it some thought – while the current economic conditions will cause some businesses to circle the wagons, most successful business managers cite these times as those in which to invest in the future of one’s business – and maintenance of current clients certainly is an investment in your future.

 

December 17, 2008

5 Tips for Throwing a Great Party

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We’re having a party!!!   Through our experiences in planning and preparing for many social and corporate events, we have consolidated five helpful tips to assist you with your next event.  

Use quality ingredients.

Consider what is ingredients are in season and.  Seasonal ingredients are often foods that are traditionally served at the holidays.  Finding a twist on the serving method of traditional ingredients brings interest to the offering.  Try serving spiced Pumpkin Soufflés instead of Pumpkin Pie.  Serve them warm. They are so light and delicious, no one will be missing the pie.

 

Keep a well-stocked kitchen.

A successful cook has planned ahead and keeps good quality staple ingredients ready in their pantry.  Staple ingredients include milk, cream, butter and eggs. In your pantry, have good quality extra-virgin olive oil, vinegar, flour, sugars and spices.  Kitchen equipment should be accessible and in good working condition. A standing mixer is the most used appliance in my kitchen, used for preparing dough and batches to be baked, fresh whipped cream and meringues.  It simply makes life easier by allowing hands free. 

 

Keep it simple.

Choose recipes that you are familiar with or ones that are simple in their steps.  While entertaining may seem like a good time to show your stuff, you will have much less stress if you select simple, familiar and delicious recipes. 

 

To be dramatic or striking, your decorations do not need to be expensive or elaborate.  I like to choose simple elegant or classic.  What is your focal piece?  Perhaps it is the Christmas tree, the lights or the food!  Often, I will choose a specific color, and run that color scheme all though out.  Silver candles, silver trimmed serving dishes, silver embellishments in the wreaths, on the tree, hanging in the hall.  Tie your decorations into the focal point or color theme.  Choose colors that compliment the focal point, or choose an off-setting color, such as a satin red overlay for the table top.  For a festive tablescape, don’t forget the BLING!  Sparkly, shimmery and shiny are all musts for a holiday party. 

 

Use “make ahead” recipes.

When selecting menus, choose some that are ok to make a day or two before.  Inevitably, something seems to come up at the last minute, or unexpectedly.   Don’t let that rattle you.  You will be much more flexible on the day of your party if you have managed to make most of your food items ahead. 

Alternatively, recipes that utilize your oven versus your stove top give you “hands free.”  Try baked dishes, such as roasts, casseroles, and sauces.  When people seek my advise on menus when they are entertaining, I like to suggests Meatballs in Marinara sauce.  I recommend this for three simple reasons. 

 

1.        The dish is recognizable and familiar to guests. They will eat and enjoy it because they don’t have to guess what it is.

2.       The dish is delicious and satisfying.  My father has often told me, “You can put Marinara on an old leather shoe,  and it will make it fantastic!”

3.       The dish is ultra easy and can be prepared with minimal or no stove top activity and finished in the oven.

 

Finish with a memorable dessert.

Enjoying dessert is likely one of the last things your guests will experience at your party.  By making the dessert special, and memorable, you will send your guests off with thoughts of a good time at your place. 

Quite often, when I am creating menus for events, I plan the dessert first.  The rest of the menu should be delicious…but I want the dessert to be spectacular.  It is the nightcap.  It is the crown of the evening.  I want the dessert to do something wonderful in the mouth.  It is simply the course that must stand above all the others.  It is the course that should receive its due in accolades.  A wonderful dessert leaves the guests murmuring between the m-m-m’s and giving that expression of pure bliss on their faces.  An appetizer or an entrée has potential to do this, but it is the purpose and duty of a dessert.

 

Best wishes to you for a successful party!

 

November 23, 2008

New Blog for Catering by Victoria!

Posted by Chef Victoria under Caffè Victoria, Catering by Victoria, Wine Pairing | Tags: , , , , , , |
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So many people have asked us for recipes and cooking hints and wine hints (especially at our Food + Wine = Art events) that we decided this was a good way to share such things.

Who are “us” and “we”, you ask?  We are Catering by Victoria, an off-premises catering business located in the Fort Collins Colorado area.  We do all sorts of off-premises catering (off-premises: off of our premises and on yours) including weddings, private parties, wine-focused events as well as corporate events.  Our website has current news and images that we are quite proud of…. check it out at http://www.caffevictoria.com.

We have special expertise in food-and-wine pairing and have established a spin-off club that allows us to explore and share that expertise and passion. The club is here Food + Wine = Art but I expect to migrate that information to this site.

Lastly, we also serve breakfast on the weekends from our restaurant, Caffè Victoria.  Come have a tasty breakfast and great coffee!