Author Archives: nikki

10 Warning Signs of a Bridezilla

Getting married soon? As a bride-to-be, it is inevitable that you want your wedding day to be perfect, or close to perfect as it can be. You’ve set up wedding catering in Manila for the reception (because we know that food is important for the guests), haved asked your friends as the bridesmaids, and reserved the church of your dreams as the venue where you will exchange vows with your significant other.

It’s stressful, yes, especially when there are obstacles in your way while you’re planning. Stress combined with control issues, overwhelming emotions, and temper tantrums can turn almost any bride into a bridezilla, which can lead to complications. Here are 10 signs that say you have crossed the bridezilla territory:

1. You are going way over your allotted wedding budget.

2. You give a one-hour long monologue each time someone asks “How are the wedding plans going?”

3. The tiniest difference in details can send you over the edge.

4. Your conversations with other people turn into a shouting match especially when they suggest something that contradicts with your ideas.

5. You fired one of the bridesmaids because she is pregnant and her large tummy will ‘ruin’ the pictures on your wedding day.

6. You begin to go on a crash diet and the gym is your new best friend.

7. You don’t have time for anyone or anything else, even your work.

8. You stick too much to your vision to the point that you don’t even bother pretending to care about practicality and the sake of others.

9. Your wedding planner, caterer, bridesmaids, the cake designer and basically everyone who is helping you with your wedding are not answering your calls and e-mails anymore.

10. You are starting to neglect your fiancé.

Of course, not every bride becomes like this. However, if some of these signs hit too close to home, take a step (make it steps, if it’s worse) back and breathe. Lay off the pre-nuptial preparations for a moment then assess your attitude recently. Go for a nice, long walk so you can calm your inner monster down, because that monster only has the right to appear at most only once a month and absolutely not on your wedding day. Weddings may only last a few hours but that event will live on in photos, in your memories, and on your new life as the wife of your beloved.

If you feel like you have entered bridezilla mode already, ask someone like your mother or your sister or even your fiancé. Their honest opinions will make you realize if you may have gone too far with things already. When the day of the wedding comes, avoid imagining how’s everything is going to be and embrace the possibility that some things may not go according to plan. Besides, you already planned and prepared to the best of your abilities so it’s up to the others to carry out the rest. What’s important is your and your betrothed’s friends and family have gathered together to celebrate a very special day. Be remembered as the beautiful, radiant bride on that day, and not as bridezilla.

11 Ways to Enjoy Potatoes

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What are the best potato dishes that can easily be made at home?

Boiled Potatoes
Cream of Potato Soup
Potato Salad
Baked Potato
Potato Chips
Hashed Browns
Potato Skins
Potato Au Gratin
Hasselback Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes
French Fries

When it comes to food and versatility, many people will agree that the potato is one of the most flexible foods that can be prepared in almost any shape or form. The potato is so versatile that it can be served in casual gatherings as well as elegant events such as a wedding catering in the Philippines.

As stated above, there are a lot of ways to prepare potatoes for consumption and in this article, we are going to be covering the most common ways to enjoy potatoes.

Boiled Potatoes

Boiled potatoes are good for people who are having trouble with chewing. The most common way to enjoy boiled potatoes is by sprinkling some salt over them and then slicing them to manageable pieces. Mashed potatoes are also prepared by boiling them but that will come later.

Cream of Potato Soup

Because of its milk or cream base, cream of potato soup is a type of soup that is a flavorful and hearty. Though it may be bland on its own, adding a variety of ingredients to it will quickly solve this problem. That is the case for many potato soup recipes. Often, the dish has added celery, onions, and corn. Sometimes, even bacon and chicken broth are added to enhance the flavors further. Despite these, the distinct potato flavor will still always shine through and provide a filling feeling to any one that has a bowl of it.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a filling snack that is usually served pre-main course. It is served usually with vinegar, mustard, parsley, chive and cheese and it serves as a means to prepare the palate for the main course.

Baked Potato

Baked potato is the epitome of snacking, at least second-best when compared to French fries. It is filling and tasty and it there are a dozen ways to prepare a baked potato. People will usually top their baked potatoes with whatever topping that suits their tastes; the most common toppings include cheese, butter, bacon and sour cream.

Potato Chips

While the baked potato and the French fries are the best snacks on this list, potato chips are considered a third runner up. However, it is only because it is usually manufactured in a factory, lacking the homely appeal that comes with preparing the potato at home. Not to mention it is more unhealthy, yet still so delicious. Potato chips come in many shapes, sizes and flavor and people will generally have their own brand preference.

Hashed Browns

Hashed browns are the potato equivalent of breakfast. They are usually creamy in texture and is prepared with salt and pepper. Some people prefer to add their own twist to the classic breakfast meal by sprinkling in some flavored powder or even grated cheese. Hashed browns are best served warm with a side of sausages or ham.

Potato Skins

Potato skins are among the most sinful ways to prepare potatoes. They are crispy on the outside but tremendously soft on the inside – especially when it is filled with bacon bits and lots of melted cheese. Some people would even prepare their potato skins with literally just the potato skin but filled with lots of meaty and cheesy toppings.

Potato Au Gratin

Gratin is a well-known technique in the culinary industry. Basically, it’s when you top off an ingredient with a browned crust. Most of the time this is done with breadcrumbs, grated cheese, egg and/or butter. No matter the curst, it is cooked or baked in an either an overhead grill or broiler. This turns it into a golden, brown crust.

The most common ingredient to use gratin on is potatoes. Slices of boiled potatoes are places on a butter dish (this must be fire proof). Then the top crust is formed with cheese then baked or cooked with the mention technique above.

Hasselback Potatoes

While it may be considered a side dish, it is one of the most impressive potato dishes out there. Having this is like a dream come true for all potato lovers. It’s like a combination of French fries and mashed potatoes; it has crispy edgy that house a creamy middle. The best part is it is really just a baked potato in disguise. Because of this they take just as much time and effort to prepare. Not bad for a side dish that is served in many high-tier restaurants.

Mashed Potatoes

The classic holiday (and sometimes, even breakfast) meal. Mashed potatoes are usually prepared by boiling the potatoes after skinning them and then mashing them with a spoon or a masher. It is usually prepared with some light seasoning, butter, cream and cheese. Mashed potatoes are usually consumed as a substitute to rice in some Asian countries or as filler when served with holiday food such as stuffed turkey or holiday ham.

Mashed potatoes may also be served as a breakfast meal as they contain lots of essential nutrients and minerals that are required to give the average person the energy boost that they need in the morning.

French Fries

While technically not really French, French Fries are the most commonly consumed form of potato in the world. It can be prepared any number of ways and topped with any toppings people can think of. People usually top their French fries with melted cheese, ground beef and some cream, akin to a serving of Nachos with cheese.

French fries is quite possibly the most common junk food eaten in the world today and while it is a delectable snack, some restraint is of course recommended when snacking on French fries.

Key Takeaway

While there are a probably a dozen more methods to enjoy preparing and eating Potatoes, the ones listed here are among the most common. Additionally, these are very easy to prepare at home. From simple snacks to classy side dishes, you can enjoy potatoes in any way you want right in the comfort of your home.

Hail to the Chef – Former Presidents’ Favorite Foods

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Food is one of the best parts of life and everyone, regardless of race or culture, will have their own favorite food. From wedding catering cakes to meat stew, people are bound to have one specific food that they particularly fond of and certainly, former (and current) American Presidents are no exception.

North America is a large land mass split into cities and states. Each area has their own traditions and specialties and these proud American sons brought with them to the White House their respective families’ special meals.

A person’s preference for food may actually say more about their character than one would expect. Politicians, especially Presidents are complex characters. While they are subject to scrutiny due to their massive public presence, insight into their minds is actually a privilege that only a few, if ever, will truly appreciate.

So without further ado, here are a few United States Presidents along with their favorite foods.

George Washington

Known as the first recognized President of the United States, President George Washington was a career soldier as well as a prolific plantation owner. He enjoyed many aristocratic hobbies such as hunting and attending balls but at the end of the day, George Washington was someone who enjoyed simple meals such as mashed potatoes and cherry pies.

George Washington was also fond of muttons which are also known as adult sheep meat. He enjoyed eating them as steaks paired with red wine. The former president strictly adhered to a somewhat simplistic life at home while presenting himself with dignity knowing that his every action was subject to scrutiny and could very well set a precedent in the following years to come.

Thomas Jefferson

The third president of the United States as well as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson is what some people would refer to as a renaissance man. He is a gifted writer, a respected correspondent, a well-versed conversationalist learned in Latin, Greek, French, Italian and Spanish.

While having the reputation of a “light eater”, Thomas Jefferson developed a taste for the finer things in life. He preferred French Cuisine especially cream-based desserts but as a true-born Virginian man, he never did forget his roots. The founding father was especially fond of figs and Virginian Ham to the degree that while living in France, he would import produces native to Virginia just to satisfy his gourmet palette.

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was born and raised in a simple household. He was a simple man with simple hobbies and interests; this is reflected in the fact that his favorite snacks from childhood to presidency were his mother’s gingerbread cookies. He especially valued his treats because he was known to be doted upon by his mother and enjoyment of these cookies became a sentimental act rather than a gourmet one in his later life.

Theodore Roosevelt

Another career military man, Theodore Roosevelt is a man of many talents. He was a politician, author, naturalist, explorer and soldier. Generally portrayed as an adventurous and brave man, Theodore Roosevelt’s favorite meal is fried chicken. He especially liked showering his favorite meal with white gravy sauce.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt’s cousin, Franklin was an American statesman and political leader. He attained his law degree from Columbia Law School. During his third term of office, the eruption of World War II plunged the world into darkness and one of the few things that lifted him up when he needed it most was his favorite meal, Hotdogs. He was a true American man and he enjoyed what people consider American meals, such as hotdogs and donuts.

Barack Obama

President Barack Obama, the incumbent President of the United States is a well-known family man outside the world of politics. He deeply values his family and this is demonstrated in his prideful love of the “Obama Family’s Famous Chili Recipe” that he proudly proclaims can “clear [your] sinuses” if prepared correctly.

It is true that these politicians handle pressure beyond the scope of what normal people can even imagine but at the end of the day, these past and present presidents are people too. As is clearly shown in their love of food!

Refined Tastes – All About Cheese

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Sophistication comes in many shapes and sizes, and one of its forms is the art of eating. One noticeable thing about Catering in Manila is that, unless specifically instructed not to, cheese will definitely make its way into the menu.

Brief History of Cheese

Cheese is a by-product of milk; in the past, farmers would usually consume cheese in favor of meat. During that period of time, cheese was considered a “farmer’s meal” so aristocrats and nobles looked down on its consumption. Widespread consumption of cheese in the past started during the peak of the Roman Empire when the army started to conquer ancient Europe and its neighbors.

Farmers and peasants would eventually migrate to Rome bringing with them their own cheese making recipes and this formed the crux of the beginning of what some gourmands would jokingly refer to as the “cheese revolution”.

While the consumption of cheese was widespread in ancient Europe, its consumption was practically unknown in most parts of Asia, then considered the biggest Empire on the planet. Some historians would argue that the production of cheese was a late bloomer in Asia because of the humidity.

It wasn’t until the establishment of the unified Eastern trade route that the Silk Road, an ancient network of Chinese trade routes joined in and started a free trade with the western countries that Cheese and other western products were made available in the Asian market for public consumption.

Cheese as a Food

Considered a super food by some nutritionists, cheese is a nutritious food that contains nutrients like Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, phosphorous, protein, calcium and zinc. The high quality of the nutrients found in cheese delivers to the human body indispensable building blocks for stronger and healthier muscles.

Cheese is also a source of “healthy” cholesterol and while that’s a good thing, calories are still a factor so moderation in cheese consumption is highly recommended.

According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it is recommended for people aged 9 above consume at least 3 servings of yogurt, cheese or milk every day. A serving of cheese is equivalent to one and a half ounces of hard cheese, one third cup of grated cheese and two ounces for processed Cheese.

Difference between Processed Cheese and ‘Real’ Cheese

‘Real’ cheeses are made with traditional recipes dating back to the Middle Ages, some even go beyond that scope. Some recipes are so important that they are actually protected by laws and regulations, especially in some European countries such as England, France and Italy.

Processed cheese, on the other hand, is usually made using cheaper materials and the entire process is mostly automated, lacking the human touch that makes cheese such as Camembert and Brie delicious and memorable.

Naturally made cheese is also considered healthier compared to processed cheese. While processed cheese conforms to various international regulations, it is still made with chemicals that make it a tad less healthier than natural cheese.

A major difference between processed cheese and ‘real’ cheese is their price. While natural cheese is more delicious and healthier, it is also more expensive due to its brand name, labor and materials used in its creation. However, the price is more than worth it and while there are many variety of cheeses available in the market, one thing is for sure, each and every one of them is a superior and unique experience as compared to consuming market ready processed cheese.

Cheese is Versatile

One of the many benefits of cheese is that it is a very versatile kind of food. It is primarily used as an ingredient in many dishes throughout the world. It can also be eaten by itself as finger food and it can also be paired with wine, breads or biscuits. There are many ways to eat cheese and there are no right ways and there are no wrong ways. Each and every cheese consumed is an experience enjoyed.

Interested in enjoying cheese and its many ways of consumption? Give Juan Carlo’s catering a try.

Coffee: Revitalizer or Bone destructor?

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Photo by Nolan Issac

What are the pros and cons of drinking coffee regularly?

Pro: It decreases the risk of type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
Pro: It increases productivity and antioxidant levels.
Con: It’s highly addictive with sever withdrawal symptoms.
Con: The usual condiments in coffee lead to weight gain.
Con: It increases cholesterol levels and risk of dehydration and osteoporosis.

What keeps majority of employees buzzing like busy bees? The answer is fairly obvious – coffee. It is the most basic pick-me-up for people in the workforce and even students. Whether it be at the pantry or at an event with corporate catering, coffee is the one beverage that people are sure to look for.

How Popular is Coffee?

Coffee, as we all know by now, is a caffeinated beverage that is, essentially, an energy booster. People enjoy drinking because it gives them the energy they need to get motivated at the start of a day. At the same time, it’s soothing and relaxing, which makes it a great drink for afternoon bonding with a friend. People enjoy chilled, piping hot, or what have you. Truly, it has become a staple in everyday life.

According to ScienceDirect.com, at least 85% of the population of the United States of America consume one glass of caffeine a day. (Mitchell, Knight, Hockenberry, Teplansky, & Hartman, 2013). Based on this, a huge number of people drink coffee United States alone. Bet you didn’t know that! It makes you wonder what the statistic is worldwide.

Based on the above statistics, a lot of people drink coffee in the United States alone. The question now is this: how good, or bad, is coffee for you?

The Good

Reduced Risk of Diabetes

According to the journal of the American Medical Association, people who consume more than 3 servings of coffee daily decreases their risk of type-2 diabetes by a significantly (van Dam & Hu, 2005). In fact, this risk is shown to reduce by 7% with every cup of coffee added daily. Research also shows that people’s preferences with coffee, whether caffeinated or not, did not affect the chances of decreasing their risk of type-2 diabetes.

Reduced Parkinson’s Risk

Another benefit of drinking two to three cups of coffee daily is added protection from Parkinson’s disease. Such daily consumption of coffee can decrease the risk of the said disease by as much as 25%.

An Effective Antioxidant

Another positive aspect of coffee is that it is scientifically proven to be an effective antioxidant, kind of like tea. Coffee beans contain a significant amount of phytochemicals which are proven be effective antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances or elements similar to vitamin E or vitamin C that eliminates potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a biological organism.

Reduced Alzheimer’s Risk

Although it has yet to be identified, there is a mystery ingredient in coffee that is currently being studied. The current research shows that this ingredient X, when combined with coffee, can increase G-CFS levels. For those that don’t know, G-CFS means Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor. When this has high levels in the human body, it gains an increased ability to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. This relation between ingredient X and G-FCS has, so far, been tested with positive results on laboratory mice. In humans, so far, G-FCS level can be seen rising when one consumes four to five cups of coffee daily.

Increased Productivity

Research has also shown that people who drink coffee in the morning manage to retain more information as well as learn new concepts faster throughout the day, as opposed to those who do not. In other words, coffee allows its drinkers to improve their cognitive functions in terms of working memory and continuous attention.

Photo by Cathryn Lavery

The Bad

Increased Cholesterol Levels

Unfiltered coffee, such as espressos and lattes, have been shown to increase cholesterol levels. Luckily, filtered coffee doesn’t do this. This is because when you use a filter for brewing your coffee, you only you remove two substances the increase cholesterol: kahweol and cafestol. Thus, doing so is healthier for you.

However, some evidence points toward decaffeinated coffee as another cause for rising cholesterol levels. More research needs to be conducted when

Weight Gain

Coffee itself isn’t associated with weight gain, but the usual condiments added to it are. These usual suspects are sugar, milk, and cream, which make any coffee drink delicious. If you are looking to lose weight, but still have coffee in your diet, then you should either significantly lessen these condiments or not use them at all (e.g. black coffee). This is strongly recommended for those who have weight loss diets that their life depends on.

Addiction

Caffeine is highly addictive, especially when consumed every day. When one has coffee daily and stops this routine all of a sudden, he can experience severe withdrawals. These can be any of the following:

Fatigue
Irritability
Headaches
Jitters
Insomnia
Mood swings

Decaffeinated coffee drinkers aren’t safe from this as well. Even if their coffee of choice only has small amounts of caffeine, they can still get addicted to it.

A big factor as to why it is so addictive is because it triggers the brains to release large amounts of dopamine. This is an organic chemical that makes people feel pleasure and it causes the “buzz” that coffee drinkers always crave for.

Increased Osteoporosis Risk

Coffee, however, has also been proven to increase the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture. This is due to the fact that it causes the human body to excrete calcium along with waste while urinating. The loss of calcium in the body can lead to the bones deteriorating to the point of developing osteoporosis.

Dehydration

In addition, coffee has also been proven to dehydrate people who regularly drink it, leading to wrinkles and other dermatological imperfections. Therefore, coffee drinkers are advised to drink a glass of water per cup of coffee that they consume at any given time to compensate.

Key Takeaway

All in all, those who regularly drink coffee may keep doing so if you take into account the cons. Like all good things, coffee must be taken in moderation and coupled with plain water, and to consume non-dairy food that are high in calcium. This is the best way to ensure that you can reap the benefits without putting yourself at too much risk for the disadvantages.

Fruits and Vegetables in The Work Place

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Ideally, the office should be a place full of productivity. It is a place where ideas are bounced off one employee to another and plans are made. However, maintaining this level of functionality has been proven to be a difficult task. Catering in Manila offices can often be challenging because one must know how to incorporate food that helps with productivity, as well as balance both the quality of taste and nutritional value. One of the best alternatives to having a healthier and livelier workplace is by encouraging the consumption of fruits and vegetables in the workplace.

Fruits and Vegetables are low in calories

Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories. While regular diet and exercise is recommended, a way to promote healthy eating is by consuming fruits and vegetables instead of candy bars. Fruits and vegetables are recommended by nutritionists and dieticians because while they are filling, they are also light in calories. It is recommended to fill half of one’s plate with fruits and vegetables every meal.

Fiber is good for the body

Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, also known as “roughage”, which is recommended by nutritionists and doctors. It is split into two types: soluble and insoluble. Both types are good for lowering cholesterol levels. The main difference between the types of fibers is that soluble fiber dissolves in water, while insoluble fiber does not dissolve as it passes through the digestive tract.

Fiber is good for the body, especially regular caffeine consumers, because it helps control acidity levels in the body as well as promotes healthy bowel movements. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your employees will use the restroom more often, but that the quality and regularity of their bowel movement will vastly improve as time goes by.

Fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins and minerals

Fruits and vegetables are filled with all sorts of vitamins and good minerals. Daily consumption of greens and fruits not only promotes a low calorie high fiber diet, it also promotes the consumption of a lot of essentials vitamins and minerals which help keep the body healthy, glowing and alert. One of the many issues plaguing the average work day is the loss of productivity due to tiredness or feelings of weakness. This can easily be resolved by a change in routine and a healthier diet which can be received from fruits and vegetables.

Fruits and Vegetables make for a great snack

It sure is tempting to eat a candy bar or two at work but a healthier alternative are vegetables and fruits. Oranges, papayas, bananas, peaches, and cherries are among those that provide a more natural energy boost.

And above all…

Fruits and vegetables are nutritious and delicious. The road to a more productive work place starts with healthier and happier employees. Are you ready to start promoting a healthier work place, or at least for your corporate events? Give Juan Carlo’s quality catering a try, we aim to not only please with our food, we also ensure their freshness and their nutrition.

Throwback: The Royal Wedding Catering

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What food was served during the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Princess Kate?

For the first course, seafood is served as the fish entree
For the second course, lamb is served as the meat entrée
For dessert, a trio of Berkshire honey ice cream, sherry trifle and chocolate parfait is served.

2011 was the year when Prince William and Princess Kate tied the knot in one of the most momentous events in recent history: The Royal Wedding. It’s one thing when two people get married, but it’s another thing when one of those two people is in line for the country’s esteemed throne! Nothing spells ‘fairytale wedding’ more than this momentous occasion.

The menu at the Royal Wedding certainly took its cue from the best catering in Manila and it was evident in how extensively it was prepared. Everything was perfect: the catering set-up, the drinks-of-choice, and most especially, the quantity of how much food that was served. Needless to say, their guests were surely entertained in one of the grandest occasions known throughout history.

Questions that were surely raised at the time of planning the event include what dishes were to be served, as well as their appropriateness for royalty and their esteemed guests. So what kind of food was served during the Royal Wedding?

First Course: Salmon, Crab, and Lobster

Starting with a zesty twist, the first meal that was served was a Marinated South Uist Salmon with Lyme Bay crab and Wild Hebridean Langoustines with fresh herb salad on the side. It was a delicious seafood course that oozed with a zest that complimented the salmon, crab, and lobster medley. Paired with the course was a delicious bottle of 2009 Meursault, Domaine Guyot-Havilier wine.

What’s great about this particular course is that they stuck with everything that has to do with seafood. Not only that, they also served in the most elegant way possible. So if there you’re out there looking to serve seafood in a grand fashion to your guests, you may want to look at this course for some ‘royal’ inspiration.

Second Course: Lamb, Potatoes, and Vegetables

The second course was a vibrant array of colors and taste. This came in the form of a Saddle of North Highland Mey Select organic lamb, Highgrove spring vegetables, English asparagus, Jersey Royal potatoes and sauce Windsor. The dish is an intricate mixture of the flavors of the earth mixed with the juiciness of the lamb that is buffed by the soft and supple texture of the deliciously grown Jersey Royal potatoes. Aptly paired with this dish is a 2004 L’Hospitalet de Gazin, Pomerol Wine.

Lamb is seen by many as one of those meats that are fit to be served in the elite. Its flavor is known for its succulence and being a perfect pair with the best wine available. For a truly spectacular occasion, this is the meat for you.

Of course, there are also other meats of your choosing. You can never go wrong with the classical ‘steak’ as your entrée. It’s entirely up to you how you want it to be served; whether medium-rare, medium-well, or well-done. Just be sure to know which bottle of wine is the perfect complement to the meat.

Dessert

The night was finished off with a bang because of the third and final course. This featured a trio of Berkshire honey ice cream, sherry trifle, and chocolate parfait. Along with the elegant dessert was a bottle of Larent Perrier Rose Champagne.

Their choice of dessert was spot on as it exuded simplicity with just the right amount of luxury. Then again, if your spouse is in line for the throne, then why wouldn’t you go all out with your dessert choice?

So, if you’re looking for a great option for your own wedding dessert or just something to do on your own when you’re feeling a bit fancy, then this course should help give you the right amount of inspiration to think of a creative and crafty option.

An Ingenious Mix

The choices for the three-course meal were considered to be ingenious because they were worlds apart from one another in terms of taste and texture yet united to create the perfect menu. Though the courses may be different, they were chosen because of the different themes they represented.

The first course was highlighted by the flavors of the sea while the second course was accentuated by the flavors of the Earth; the differences paralleled the initial difference in social standing between the now husband and wife. This is what made the Royal Wedding a modern romantic fairy tale.

The Royal Wedding’s dinner was modest in scale and it was attended by 300 of the closest friends and families of Prince William and Princess Kate. This was preceded by the actual wedding ceremony in Westminster Abbey, which was attended by 1,900 people. Also, Queen Elizabeth hosted 600 people for an after-wedding breakfast of canapés and champagne at the Buckingham Palace. Finally, the ceremonies were concluded with Prince Charles’ dinner for 300 people.

Auction of the Menu

Four years after the Royal Wedding, the menu for the dinner affair was auctioned online and it was eventually sold for over $1000. The dinner menu for The Royal Wedding was printed on thick ivory cardstock and is adorned with an ornate green ivy border. A couple of years after The Royal Wedding, the Royal Couple is still happily married with two healthy kids, perhaps their happily ever after did come after all.

Key Takeaway

Truly, this occasion can be considered as every bride-to-be’s dream come true. So, with that said, why not make it happen? With the right choices and careful planning, your wedding can be a dream coming true.

There are numerous factors in a wedding to take into consideration. No matter what you choose, always remember the love you and your spouse-to-be share.

For a royal experience of your own, why not give Juan Carlo’s catering services a try?

Woks vs. Pans

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When should I use a pan and a wok?

Frying pans are better in general for cooking most dishes and in a home kitchen setting where you wouldn’t want excessive amounts of heat.
Woks are used for traditional Chinese dishes and must only be used by trained professionals.

Throughout the world exists varying methods of cooking and preparing food; that which is considered the norm here may not necessarily be common in another country. In the same way, wedding catering in Manila may be entirely different from wedding food traditions in other parts of the world.

Dividing the world is an invisible line called culture and, through culture, one can catch a glimpse of how another country lives. A good example of this is how some countries specialize in cooking with a wok while other countries would prefer cooking with a pan.

FRYING PANS

Cooking with a frying pan has become the norm in most Filipino households. Whether you are cooking pancakes for breakfast or even steaks for dinner, the frying pan is the “be-all and end-all” with regards to Filipino cooking.

Frying Pans are portable

Frying pans are designed to be portable. They are small, easily accessible, and using them is a cinch. You can bring your frying pan anywhere, especially if they are non-stick pans. They are also convenient to use because of their lack of weight, which makes them even more convenient to bring around.

Frying Pans are easy to clean

While frying pans are portable, they are also easy to clean, which is why they are good to bring around even when on a trip. While non-stick pans cannot be scrubbed because of their special surface, they can be easily washed.

You can cook anything on a Frying Pan

While frying pans are small, it is possible however to cook big meals with them. From searing steaks to stir-frying vegetables, a lot of dishes are made easier to cook because of the many advantages brought on by the frying pan.

You can create great Stir-Fry Dishes

While cooking some stir-fry dishes in a frying pan will not yield the same results as you would get when using a wok, it can still help you cook delicious and authentic dishes. Dishes such as a black pepper steak or a fish fragrant eggplant are perfect examples.

You won’t need a lot of oil

When using a pan to cook dishes, you only need to use a third or a half of the oil usually needed when cooking with a wok. This is especially useful because not all stir fry dishes need to be cooked in oil of high temperature. You will be surprised on how much more oil is needed when cooking a familiar dish in a wok.

Frying Pans are Best for Beginners

As mentioned above, pans don’t need to be heated to high levels to be able to cook. Also, pans are relatively slow cookers as compared to woks. Thus, a beginner can take their time in a safe environment when learning how to cook using a pan.

Frying Pans work well with most home setups

The bottom of a pan is flat, which means it will work for most home set ups where the burner isn’t too deep. It can even be used on an electric stove, which is a popular choice for those who want to lessen fire hazards in their home. A wok will not be able to hold steady in such a device and it won’t heat up as well since only the bottom of the bowl will be in contact with it.

WOKS

Woks are bulky bowl-shaped frying pans and are usually associated with Chinese cuisine. This is appropriate because the popularity of their usage is largely attributed to Chinese culinary arts. A lot of Chinese food is stir-fried and their distinct taste can only be achieved with the mighty wok.

Unique Taste

Because of the phenomena that can only be achieved with a wok called “wok hei” which literally means “wok air”, the food fried with a wok will have a distinct smoky taste that is usually tasted in food prepared by professional chefs in Chinese restaurants. Wok hei is generated by gradually heating the wok and then adding oil and the food to be cooked after. Apparently, the quality of wok hei is determined by the quality of the oil and the quantity placed in the wok as it heats up.

An example meal that can only be cooked to perfection by using wok hei is the famous black pepper rib-eye beef with merlot, which is known to have a smoky taste.

Curvature

Because the heat is concentrated towards the bottom of the pan and the food naturally falls toward the bottom, a wok allows one to cook at high speeds. This becomes extremely useful for professional chefs specializing in Chinese cuisine, especially when the food is tossed and since cooking oil also concentrates at the bottom.

When the food is tossed, the oil gets distributed evenly and all the parts of the dish can get in contact with the bottom of the pan. A wok was really made for this purpose and the upper parts of the pan – the walls – were made so that the food won’t fall off easily when it is tossed.

Tradition

As stated above, traditional Chinese cooking is reliant on frying food with the wok and majority of the Chinese food that can be consumed are prepared and cooked with a wok. However, woks aren’t exclusive for Chinese meals because any food that can be fried or if it requires a smoky taste may be prepared with a wok.

Deep Fry

Because it is essentially a deep pan, you can also use it as a deep fryer. You can do the same with a sauce pan but it will take much more oil. Using a wok is a cheaper way to get some delicious deep-fried meals at a fraction of the price.

Professional-use only

Precisely, because woks have an actual method of use, professional training or supervision is required for using this cooking tool correctly. While this may not be an advantage per se, this simply means that most of the people who use woks are either professionals or well-trained.

Key Takeaway

While there are pros and cons for both the wok and the frying pan, it is universally agreed upon that food prepared with love tastes the best. For a catering experience filled with love, why not give Juan Carlo a shot? For more information, kindly go to www.juancarlo.innovnational.com to book your next unforgettable memory, today.

Traditional Wedding Food Served in 12 Countries

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What are traditional wedding food served in countries?

France: A cake used for special occasion called Croquembouche
England: The wedding cakes are usually fruitcakes to represent fertility and prosperirty.
Brazil: Cookies called ‘bem casados”, which means “happily married”, are served
Norway: The Kransekake is a cake that shows the love between husband and wife.
Morocca: Tagine are common cakes used in these weddings.
China: To ensure a smooth and sweet marriage, couple eat tangyuan
Italy: Bowties, fried dough covered in powdered sugar, represent good tiding for the couple.
Korea: Kak and Yak Shik are eaten to represent long life for the couple and a big family.
Germany: Hochzeitssuppe is served to wedding guests and they must sya “I do!”
Japan: The San-san-kudo is a Japanese tradition that involves drinking sake to seal a marriage.
India: The bride and groom must feed each other honey and yogurt during their celebrations.
Bermuda: Saplings are placed on top of wedding cakes for couples to take home and plant in their home to represent their union.

Weddings are considered a joyous occasion because it is the proclamation of eternal love between two people. Weddings around the world have always differed with regards to culture and tradition; what is served at a wedding catering in Manila is not exactly going to be the same as those served in other parts of the world.

France

The French are renowned for their talents in the culinary arts. With regards to traditional wedding food, the French combine tradition, art and great taste in one tower sized cake-like French dessert called a “croquembouche”, which means “that which crunches in the mouth”.

This dessert is essentially a tower of cream puffs held together by threads of caramel. Aside from weddings, croquembouche is also served at baptisms and first communions.

England

The English customs call for serving fruitcake at weddings. The top of the cake is adorned with fruit and nuts to symbolize fertility and prosperity. The top tier would be kept and reserved for the christening of the wedded couple’s firstborn.

Brazil

In Brazil, they serve traditional Brazilian cookies called “bem casados”, which means “happily married”. Two mini-sponge cakes are held together with dulce de leche or caramel sauce, egg curd, or jam. The cookies are offered as edible wedding giveaways to the guests at the end of the ceremony.

Wrapped Bem Casados

Norway

While there is a lot of food that the Norwegians may enjoy, nothing beats the “Kransekake” with regards to tradition. Kransekake, or simply “Ring Cake” is made up of egg whites, sugar and almonds and is formed by stacking them together to form a tower resembling a cone. Not only is Kransekake sweet in taste, it is also sweet in the sense that it represents eternal love between Husband and Wife.

Morocco

Moroccan Weddings are often likened to festivals because they would often last for several days. The more extreme celebrations would even persist to be a weeklong event.

Traditional Moroccan wedding food is seen and served with a “homely” atmosphere, which in this case, the dish “Tagine” takes the cake. Tagine is a casserole that is made up of vegetables and meat, and fruit is sometimes mixed into the dish. Tagine is unique in a sense that it doesn’t have a fixed recipe to follow, as many families have their own traditions and versions when it comes to this unique dish.

China

In China, many important events serve tangyuan, or sweet rice ball soup for dessert. The bride and groom must each eat sweet rice ball soup either on their wedding day or the night before as this act will ensure a sweet and smooth marriage. However, the couple should refrain from chewing the rice ball so as not to ruin the smooth shape. They must instead swallow the rice balls whole to receive good luck in their marriage.

Italy

In Italy, it is not a matter of which food to get to uphold tradition, but of how much food you can get. In traditional Italian wedding receptions, there is usually as many as 14 courses, which contain mushrooms, olives, salami, pickled peppers, calamari, prosciutto, and other antipasti. This is served along with pasta, salad, and soup.

Certain sweets are also given as symbolism. Bowties, which is fried dough covered in powdered sugar, represent good tidings. Also, guests are given boxes of candied almonds, which represent the bitter and sweet aspects of life.

Bermuda

On the cake of the couple to be wed in Bermuda, cedar sapling must be put on top of it. This is because they are meant to take these samplings home, where they plant it in their garden and watch them grow. This acts as a symbol of their union.

Korea

There are 2 specific Korean wedding foods that both hold a symbolic meaning in their culture. These are the following:

Kuk
- These are long noodles.
- Represents long life for the couple.
Yak Shik
- A stick rice ball dessert
- Brown sugar is used to sweeten it.
- Pine nuts, raisins, and chestnuts are added to represent the children that the couple will bear.

The alternative of Korean weddings to rice throwing is chestnut and dates throwing. When this happens, the bride will try to catch as many of it in her dress. The number of chestnuts and dates that she manages catch represent how big a family she and her partner will have.

Germany

There is a dish in Germany called Hochzeitssuppe. This literally translates to “wedding soup” and it is named so because eating it comes with a simple tradition. When a guest is served this at a wedding he or she must say “I do”.

It is a broth-y kind of soup that is served with vegetables and small meatballs. Though it is a simple dish, the preparation of it can take up to 5 hours. This is why it is only reserved for special occasions.

Japan

In a Japanese wedding, there is a tradition called the San-san-kudo. This is what seals a marriage and locks the couple in an unbreakable bond. During this tradition, the bride and the groom will take turns drinking sake from three different cups that vary in size. The first three sips are called the san, which represents three couples: the bride and the groom, the parents of the bride, and the parents of the groom. Ku simply means “9”, which is considered a lucky number in Japan.

India

A Hindu wedding can last up to a week and such a celebration means that the eating will be a marathon of sorts. During this, food such as naan, curries, and roasted potatoes are staples. After the wedding proper, the meals start to have more non-vegetarian items and even alcohol. While there is no wedding cake, tradition states that the bride and groom must feed each other sweet food such as honey and yogurt.

In Sikh and Punjabi weddings, sweets also played a big role; at engagement parties, brides would usually receive something called methiyai. During the wedding itself, the bride’s mother would feed couple ladoo.

Key Takeaway

There are a lot of traditions in the world that shows your partner that you love them but if you would like to enjoy a unique catering experience that is tailored just for you, give Juan Carlo a try.