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Watch What You Drink: 4 Low-Calorie Cocktails

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Long week working in the city and all you want is a night out to unwind or enjoy a party at home especially since catering in Manila is extremely convenient these days. You deserve a treat, a nice dinner either with someone special or a few of your closest friends, paired with the cuisine you have been craving all week long. This is then followed with a few drinks in your favorite bar or back at your place for a more comfortable vibe. However, you wouldn’t want to indulge too much and feel guilty the next day about all those calories you drank. So put down that beer, vodka, or whiskey. Instead, make these cocktails that will ease your mind and let you drink freely:

Peach Mint Mojito

Let’s start with something refreshing, full of flavor, and as simple as can be. It starts with ¼ cubed peach, 10 mint leaves, half a lime that is sliced in wedges, all mixed in 1oz of Bacardi Rum. Top it off with some ice and 6oz Clementine Izze. With that much flavor can you believe that this mojito is just under 150 calories?

(Source: http://www.glowkitchen.com/2012/09/peach-mojito/)

(Source: http://www.glowkitchen.com/2012/09/peach-mojito/)

Strawberry Sparkler

This is a drink that can substitute your usual vodka cranberry just to keep things fresh. To make this, slice two large strawberries and put them in a glass along with about 3-4 Basil leaves. Add some ice and 2 ¼ oz. of Vodka to the mixture. Finish it off with some soda water and you have a drink that isn’t even 100 calories!

Skinny Margarita

For margarita lovers out there, here’s a classic without all the guilt that comes with it. Begin making some skinny margarita with a shot of tequila, 1 ½ oz of lime juice, ½ oz of fresh orange juice, ½ oz of water, and 2 teaspoons of agave nectar or honey. Take a cocktail shaker and combine all these ingredients with a good 15 second shake. Strain the mixture over a glass of ice and serve this drink that is just under 120 calories.

(Source: http://fedandfit.com/2012/02/21/the-fed-and-fit-skinny-margarita/)

(Source: http://fedandfit.com/2012/02/21/the-fed-and-fit-skinny-margarita/)

Slim Screwdriver   

If it’s hot outside and you need a nice cool drink, then try making a slim screwdriver cocktail! Take a glass of ice and add a shot of vodka of your choice. Then, fill quarter of the glass with orange juice and the rest with diet soda of your choice. Finish it off with a slice of orange on the glass. This is how you beat a hot day in less than 90 calories.

These are the many options of cocktails that you can have, covering the most common types such as tequila, rum, and vodka. None of these cocktails even come close to 200 calories so you can relax and drink them without worrying about how they might affect your body and weight. Now enjoy what could be the start of your weekend in town or a simple party at home and free your mind of the worries of indulging in your favorite cocktail, of course, in moderation.

This entry was posted in Catering in Manila and tagged , , , on by .

Pumpkin Spice Latte-Flavored Desserts

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Wedding catering is one of the most important aspects that you need to plan in preparation of your big day. After all, what’s a celebration without delectable food and drinks? In your wedding day, keep the festivity going by serving the most scrumptious meals at the reception!

When preparing the menu, you need to remember that your appetizers and main course are essential. However, it is safe to assume that most of your guests are also looking forward to the desserts you have concocted as well. Why not serve them something trendy and in season like pumpkin spice latte-flavored desserts?

Here are some ideas and recipes that you can follow. 

Pumpkin Spice Latte Brownies

For this recipe, you will need to bake brownies and make some frosting. Below are the ingredients for these two:

Mocha Brownies

  • Your favorite brownie box mix
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbs. instant espresso powder
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting

  • 4 tbs. room temperature butter
  • ½ cup 100% pumpkin puree
  • ½ tsp. vanilla
  • ½ tsp. cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp. nutmeg
  • 5 cups powdered sugar

After preparing the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start making pumpkin spice latte brownies. Just follow these steps:

Mocha Brownies

  • Preheat your oven to 163 degree C. Then, get an 8×8 pan and grease it.
  • Afterwards, whisk the espresso powder with your brownie mix in a large bowl.
  • Add egg, vanilla extract, oil, as well as water and whisk the mixture until they combine evenly.
  • Pour the mixture into the baking pan and bake it for about 40-45 minutes.
  • After it is done, set it aside to cool it off.

Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting

  • Beat the butter ‘till it becomes fluffy using an electric mixer.
  • Add the pumpkin puree; beat them together until they have been fully incorporated with each other.
  • Afterwards, put some nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla in the mixture. Whisk the combined ingredients.
  • Then, you need to add one cup of sugar periodically until you get the perfect consistency.
  • Make a square-shaped brownie by cutting them all evenly, then put the pumpkin buttercream on top of each brownie.
  • Finish it by drizzling some caramel on top. 
(Source: http://www.jusbyjulie.com/index.php/blog/10-vegan-and-gluten-free-chocolate-cakes/)

(Source: http://www.jusbyjulie.com/index.php/blog/10-vegan-and-gluten-free-chocolate-cakes/)

Pumpkin Spice Latte Chocolate Pudding

If the brownies are too much work, make pumpkin spice latte chocolate pudding instead! To start, prepare the following ingredients:

  • 1 flax egg (1 tbsp. ground flax mixed with 3 tbsp. water)
  • 5 cups rolled oats, ground into flour
  • ¾ cup coconut sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped non-dairy dark chocolate
  • ¾ tsp. fine grain sea salt
  • ½ tsp. baking powder
  • ½ cup and 2 tsp. almond milk
  • ½ cup and 2 tsp. unsweetened pumpkin puree
  • ½ tbsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup coconut sugar
  • 1 and ¼ cup hot coffee
  • Vegan vanilla ice cream
  • Toasted chopped pecans

Do you have all the ingredients already? Begin making this dessert by following the steps below:

  • Preheat your oven to 190 degree C. Get an 8-inch square glass baking dish and put oil on it to lightly grease it.
  • In a small bowl, whisk water and flax together. Then, set it aside for about 5 minutes so it could gel up.
  • Stir the baking powder, salt, chocolate, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, ¾ cup sugar, and oat flour together.
  • Afterwards, whisk the vanilla, pumpkin, milk, and flax mixture together in a separate bowl.
  • Thoroughly combine both wet and dry ingredients together.
  • Scoop the mixture into the glass dish and use a spoon to smooth the surface evenly.
  • Mix ¼ cup of sugar with what is left of the cocoa powder in a mug or a small bowl. Then, sprinkle it all over the batter evenly.
  • Next, pour the hot coffee slowly over the sugar and cocoa powder mixture. Make sure that the coffee covers the sugar and powder completely.
  • Place the uncovered dish into the oven carefully and bake it at 190 degree C for about 25 to 30 minutes. Wait until the cake is semi-firm on top but gooey and bubbly around the edges.
  • Finally, cool the cake for about 10 minutes and then serve it with toasted pecans and vanilla ice cream. 
(Source: http://flouronmyface.com/pumpkin-spice-oreo-truffles/)

(Source: http://flouronmyface.com/pumpkin-spice-oreo-truffles/)

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookie Balls

This one’s an easier recipe. Begin by gathering the following ingredients:

  • 8 oz. softened brick cream cheese
  • 36 finely crushed Oreo cookies
  • 4 oz. melted semi-sweet baking chocolate

Once you have all the ingredients, start making your pumpkin spice latte cookie balls by following these directions:

  • Blend the cookie crumbs and the cream cheese altogether.
  • Afterwards, make at least 48 1-inch balls using the mixture.
  • Then, freeze them for about 10 minutes.
  • To make them more delectable, cover the balls with melted chocolate by dipping them.
  • Place them all in a pan covered with a shallow waxed paper.
  • Finally, refrigerate them until they are firm.

Serve these pumpkin spice latte-flavored desserts at your wedding reception, especially if you have an autumn-themed wedding. They will surely be a hit!

This entry was posted in Wedding Catering and tagged , , , on by .

3 Cute Halloween-Themed Sweets

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What are 3 cute Halloween-themed Sweets you can serve at a party?

  1. Jack Skellington Oreo Pops
  2. Sweet Teeth
  3. Graveyard Cake

 

Halloween is heavily anticipated by many people. Friends and family alike gather every year in order to celebrate this occasion. They even have fun dressing up using colorful costumes. What’s really great about Halloween, however, is that it is both for children and adults, which means that you can have parties for all ages!

Are you getting excited? Good, because Halloween is just around the corner!

If you’re planning to host a dynamic party, but can’t decide where to hold it or where to get so much food in so little time, don’t worry! In Manila, catering services are abundant, and plenty of them offer excellent services for an affordable price. Even if you really want to prepare something for your guests, you should consider hiring a caterer. This will help make the planning process easier, since it allows you to focus your attention on other essentials like decorations, invitations, and of course, preparing for that costume that will blow everyone’s mind off. On the other hand, if you prefer to do everything on your own, then you are free to do so. You can even add a personal touch to the food you will be serving to your guests.

If you need help getting some ideas, here is a list of easy-to-make Halloween-themed sweets that you can distribute during your get-together: 

Jack Skellington Oreo Pops

To do this, you’ll need plenty of Oreos, white chocolates, lollipop sticks, and some ribbon. In a bowl, put some of the white chocolates and microwave them for about a minute. This may or may not totally melt the chocolate, so what you need to do is grab a spoon, and mix it until the texture is smooth and creamy. Afterwards, let the bowl’s warmth melt it. Once you’re done with the previous process, pour the melted chocolate into a glass and set it aside for a little while. Then, go ahead and take some lollipop sticks, dab some of your white chocolate on the tip, and stick it into the cream filling of the Oreo. Pop them in the freezer for a minute to help keep the cookies on the stick.

After the cookies have been secured on the stick, dip the Oreos into your white chocolate mixture and set them on a tray that is lined with non-stick baking paper or any alternative. Do this with the rest of the cookies, and then put them back in the freezer for about five minutes to let the chocolate harden. With a black edible marker, draw the face of Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare before Christmas,” or – if you’re an experienced baker – melt some more of that white chocolate, color it with black food coloring and use it to create something more creative. If you decide to stick to decorating Jack’s face, you may also tie a black ribbon on the stick to make it seem like it is wearing a bow tie. 

Overall, this is a fun activity that is not only for adults. You can also ask the kids to participate in decorating the Oreo pops. For sure, they would love every bit of it. It might even excite them to go Trick or Treating!

Halloween Treats

(SOURCE: http://www.bigbearswife.com/jack-skellington-oreo-pops-sundaysupper/)

Sweet Teeth

This dessert is a little healthier than your usual dose of dessert; a lot simpler too! All you will need are apple slices, some peanut butter (you may choose your preferred brand), and a package of small marshmallows.

To start the healthy goodie preparation, carefully slice your apples into a quarter of an inch-thick wedge. Afterwards, group the apple wedges into two. Put some creamy peanut butter on one of the apples, then place some marshmallows on top of the fruits. Next, put the other apple slice on top of the first slice you prepared to make it look like a mouth with the marshmallows as teeth. If you want, you can also use colorful marshmallows to make them freakier, or cuter, depends on how you look at it, actually. Now, if only you could get these teeth to chatter. Or maybe not, but your guests probably will! Perfect for the season’s event.

healthy treats

(SOURCE” http://www.eonline.com/news/472612/healthy-halloween-treats-to-satisfy-your-sweet-tooth-without-wrecking-your-diet)

Graveyard Cake

Okay, so the first thing you’ll need is a cake. You can either bake one, if you’re up for it, or buy some readily available cake/s in your local grocer/bakery. Chocolate would work wonderfully since you want it to look like a graveyard, and chocolate has a color that reminds us all of the soil.

If you plan to take it the long method, be sure to have all your cake’s ingredients at the ready. There are a lot of cake recipes that you can follow online. But if you are a seasoned baker, then, creating this dessert should be no problem at all. Once you have your cake, get some butter cookies next (again, you can either bake them yourself or get them somewhere else).Then, use some chocolate frosting to draw on the butter cookies. It is best to write “RIP” to achieve the whole “graveyard” look.

After you are done with that, crush some Oreos in a food processor; if you want, you can also add some cream on it. However, if you set aside another cake, you can just use that instead. Crumble the other cake into a bowl. Stick the butter cookies into the frosted cake to mark some graves, and then decorate it with the crumbled chocolate cake. If you want more decorations or you are feeling a bit more creative and artsy, you can also place chocolate covered cookie sticks on the side of the cake to create a scary fence or gate.

Key Takeaway

Halloween-themed treats don’t have to be too difficult or expensive. You only need to have a bit of an imagination, an ounce of effort, and some tasty ingredients in your cupboards. For sure, with a bit of practice and a lot of patience (creating these treats could take a lot of time), you will end up making the most delicious and scariest desserts this Halloween – impressing both your friends and family!

This entry was posted in Catering in Manila and tagged , , on by .

4 Delicious Mocktails for Your Wedding

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Wine and other alcoholic beverages are the standard drinks when it comes to big events such as weddings. However, one has to consider that not everyone drinks or can legally drink liquor. This is why you should add mocktails in the list of beverages that your wedding catering company should prepare.

Virgin cocktails, or mocktails as other people call them, are made by mixing fruit juices, soda, and iced tea. Actually, this is how cocktails are also made except that alcohol is usually added for a stronger kick. Mocktails, on the other hand, do not include any kind of alcoholic beverage. This means that they can be safely consumed by children, pregnant women, recovering alcoholics, as well as individuals whose religion or principles prevent them from taking liquor. Here are some mocktails that you and your guests will surely love. 

  1. Cranberry-Apple Cider

We may not have a fall season here in the Philippines but this drink will let you experience autumn with every sip! This mocktail is best served cold in a pretty tall glass with frozen fruit as garnish. To make this delicious beverage, combine the following in a container: 4 cups of chilled apple cider, 2 cups of chilled cranberry juice cocktail, and 1 can of frozen orange juice concentrate. Mix them together and refrigerate until it is time to serve it. Pour it into a punch bowl and add 2 cups of chilled ginger ale. Garnish the finished product with apple and orange slices on top, then serve. 

pexels-photo-109275

  1. Mother Mocktail

Its perfect fruity blend of apple, cranberries, and orange made this the mother of all mocktails. This drink is easy to make and does not require a lot of ingredients. To start, grab a punch bowl or large pitcher then pour 4 cups of apple juice, cranberry juice, and orange juice in it. Feel free to add more if your pitcher is big or if you want one juice’s flavor to stand among the rest. Add crushed ice instead of cubed to make the experience better. Afterwards, garnish with sliced apple or oranges or frozen cranberries. 

  1. Strawberry Cucumber Limeade

This refreshing drink is perfect when you just want to relax with your family and closest friends or if you want to create a relaxed atmosphere in your event. To make this drink, first, you have to make a simple syrup. It needs two ingredients: sugar and water. Use equal amounts of these two; this means that if you use one cup of sugar, you should add one cup of water as well. Pour them in a sauce pan over medium heat then stir until the edges start to simmer and the liquid is clear. Remove the pan from the stove and let it cool before storing it in an airtight container. Next, cut some fresh limes into half then squeeze them until all of the juices are out. Pour your simple syrup and ice into the juice and then stir the mixture. Top with club soda before adding cucumber and strawberry slices. Garnish with a mint leaf and enjoy! 

pexels-photo-102736

  1. Summer Nights Mocktail

The Summer Nights Mocktail is perfect if your reception will be held in a resort; it is refreshing and can be taken while relaxing near the water. To make this mocktail, combine pineapple juice, fresh cucumber juice, mint leaves, and club soda (which will replace the rum in the original recipe). Mix the ingredients then pour over ice. Serve it and watch as your guests are immediately refreshed by this drink!

These drinks are also perfect for other events such as baby showers, birthday celebrations, and a simple get-together with your friends. You can also make them if simply want a delicious drink without alcohol in them.

This entry was posted in Wedding Catering and tagged , , , on by .

Get to Know the Different Alcoholic Drinks

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What are the different alcoholic drinks for one to enjoy?

  1. Vodka
  2. Rum
  3. Whiskey
  4. Brandy
  5. Gin
  6. Tequila
  7. Beer
  8. Sake
  9. Basi
  10. Wine
  11. Soju
  12. Liqueur
  13. Gin
  14. Cider

There are plenty of lovely locations in the Metro which are perfect for memorable gatherings such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. Fortunately, catering in Manila is abundant in this area as well. This ensures that you can easily organize parties in Metro Manila to celebrate different milestones in your life.

Aside from the location and food, you should also carefully consider the type of beverage you plan to serve for your party, especially the alcoholic kind. After all, what is a celebration without drinks, right? Drinking alcohol is not all bad as long as you do it moderately. As a matter of fact, it alleviates stress and tension, enabling people to enjoy the moment and indulge in numerous things. However, before you even think of the latter, it’s best to get to know your alcoholic drinks well enough first! You’d be amazed on how much variety you can get.

Vodka

When it comes to a party, don’t be surprised to see this drink on the menu. Vodka is known as a distilled spirit and is created through distilling fermented grain such as corn or wheat. This beverage usually has an alcohol content of about 40% and it is often mixed with other alcoholic drinks to create cocktails. However, some people also prefer to drink vodka straight.

Rum

When you ferment sugar cane juice or molasses, you create rum. It is strongly popular in numerous regions in Latin America and in the Caribbean region. Rum is best paired with Coca-Cola to enhance its flavor. You can also combine it with other ingredients to create a mojito. 

whisky-644372_1280

Whiskey

This alcoholic drink is another distilled beverage which is created by fermenting grain mash along with other ingredients such as barley, rye, corn, or wheat. Whiskeys are stored in charred barrels for a long time to boost its flavor.

Brandy

Brandy is sometimes interrelated with whiskey. What’s the difference? This one is created by distilling grapes or other fruit juices. The alcohol content may range between 35% and 60%.

Gin

Gin is made by distilling Juniper Berries. There are a hundred types of this alcoholic beverage in the world. Gin and tonic is one of the best combinations out there; this is also usually one of the ingredients used to create cocktails.

Tequila

Mexico brought numerous food and drinks to different parts of the world. One of their contributions is tequila. It is made out of Blue Agave plant; this drink derived its name from a city in Mexico. When drinking tequila shots, most people use salt plus lemon or lime as the chaser.

summer-sunshine-alcohol-drink

Beer

Known as one of the oldest fermented alcoholic beverage, beer has numerous sub-types. These sub-types are ale, fruit beer, lager, sahti, and wheat beer. Ale is a type of beer which is brewed from malted barley with a minimal amount of yeast in it to give the drink a fruity flavor. Regardless of sub types, it’s best to drink beer as it is and while it’s chilled or iced. In fact, you can even pair with numerous snacks, or pulutan, to make your beer experience even more worthwhile!

Sake

Sake is a popular drink from Japan which is created through fermenting rice at a certain temperature. Pair it up with Japanese food to contrast its harsh alcoholic taste; it is guaranteed to make your meal more enjoyable.

Basi

The Philippines also has a famous alcoholic drink and it is called basi. It is made by fermenting sugarcane, which can be found in many provinces in the country.

Wine

If fermentation is the game in the world of alcohol, then this alcoholic drink is playing it right! Wine is the kind of drink that can exude class and luxury with every sip, as well as showcase the rich history it’s known for. You can pair it with cheese, crackers, and even the finest steaks around. Truly, this drink is something worth marveling at, in both visual and flavorful terms. Also, it can be made from any fruit, whether it be grapes, strawberries, kiwis, and even coconuts.

Soju

This colorless drink is something you definitely should not underestimate. With an alcohol content as high as 53%, careful moderation should be practiced and observed. In fact, the best way to drink this is the occasional shot. Not only will you be able to enjoy this drink in one go, but you’ll also be able to feel its intense flavor.

Liqueur

This is a type of drink that can be enjoyed in many ways, either mixed with cream, fruit, herbs, spices, and other ingredients of the sort. Also, it’s a great way to explore other flavor options for alcohol as it makes a great mixing agent for a lot of drinks.

Cider

This is more like the alcoholic version of apple juice as it’s fermented from none other than, you guessed it, apples. Not only is this a tasty beverage, but it also provides numerous benefits to the human body and mind such as lowering the risk of heart disease, mental decline, and other ailments.

Key Takeaway

The world of alcohol is a vast and diverse one. Learning the different types of alcoholic beverages will not only allow you to know which drink to order when you’re out with friends, it will also give you the chance to plan which beverage will go best with the meals you intend to serve if ever you host a part. Just remember to drink alcohol moderately. Otherwise, it might affect your health negatively.

All in all, it’s important to know your limits with either drink you choose to enjoy. Besides, when you’re nice and sober throughout the night, it’s a definite guarantee that you will marry the night ‘til the sun rises.

This entry was posted in Catering in Manila and tagged , , on by .

5 Do-It-Yourself Wedding Invitation Ideas

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What are the best ideas/themes for DIY wedding invitations?

  1. Classical and Traditional
  2. Vintage
  3. Happy Ending
  4. Rustic
  5. Monogram

Special occasions – like weddings, for instance – are often celebrated in a grand manner in the Philippines. Wedding catering, music and entertainment, as well as the venue are all hired, planned, and reserved months before the big celebration. Truly, a lot of thought and preparation are involved when organizing a wedding.

Another thing that has to be prepared months before the celebration are the wedding invitations. Although it seems simple, this can cost actually cost much more than one would think. To save money for your wedding, try creating your own invitation instead of hiring someone to design and print them for you. Here are some do-it-yourself wedding invitation ideas that you can choose from!

Classical and Traditional

Some brides like a more contemporary wedding, but there are others who opt to stick with traditional. If you want a classical wedding, you should craft an invitation that complements your theme.

pexels-photo-70291

Here’s how:

  1. On a plain paper, print out your invitation text with the preferred font. Remember to put just enough space on the left side – about 75mm –  for the ribbon and paper. Then, trim it to a 140mmx140mm square.
  2. If you have flocked paper with a horizontal design, then trim it to a length of about 140mm. Use either a paper trimmer or a pair of scissors to do this. Afterwards, attach it carefully to the top of your invitation. To avoid ruining the paper, use adhesive tape instead of glue.
  3. Get a white ribbon that is 150mm long and attach it to the invitation with the use of adhesive tape rollers. Tuck the excess ribbon around the back and fasten it neatly.
  4. With another piece of ribbon – this time a 120mm in size – to create a buckle bow. You can also experiment on different kinds of bow to give your invitation a unique and exciting look. Attach this anywhere you see fit.

Vintage, Baby!

Most millennials today adore everything vintage, from photography to fashion, cars to artworks. If you are of the individuals who adore vintage items, then you will love the next invitation idea.

Here’s how:

  1. Using A7 envelops and “paperbag” cards, make a simple backdrop for graphic text and detailing.
  2. Add a border on top of your invitation by using a white card stock and paper puncher.
  3. Put some lace on the card and sew it on by using a sewing machine. You can use a standard needle for this task, but you can also try out different kinds of tactics that you can view online.
  4. Add some graphic elements to your invite like hand drawn wreaths and ribbons on digital software programs like Photoshop.
  5. Print out all these details and arrange them all together.

Tip: You can ask some of your friends and family members if you are having troubles with some of the methods like Photoshop and sewing patterns.

pexels-photo-131193

A Happy Beginning 

Couples often liken their love stories to that of a fairy tale, so why not try to make an invitation that is inspired by one? After all, every bride and groom deserves to have their own happy ending.

Here’s how:

  1. Gather all the materials: 6×6 pocket folds, pocket inserts, mat paper, white card stock, sticker paper, stick-on crystal gems, ribbons, and your home printer.
  2. Print out all the wedding details that you wish to share on the invitation, along with the appropriate design that you want. Arrange them in an 8.5”x11” page layout to easily print them out.
  3. Cut out all the parts and dimensions after printing them out. If you have a Circuit Mini, you can use that to make your job easier.
  4. After everything has been cut out including the mat paper, add the crystals to the main monogram and invitation. Use glue to place the gems on the invitation. Let them dry overnight.
  5. Glue each of the printed pieces to the mat papers. Also, paste the pocket fold to the main piece and wait for them to dry out.
  6. Attach the monogram to one side of the ribbon using a tape.
  7. Put all the inserts inside the pocket. Cut the ribbon that it is long enough to wrap around the pocket fold. Attach the other end of the ribbon to the monogram with tape.
  8. Put the whole thing inside an envelope.

Go Rustic!

One of the most popular wedding themes over recent years is the rustic wedding. Like the country-style wedding, rustic weddings offer a more natural and down-to-earth feel. To be consistent with the theme, these rustic pocketed wedding invitations would definitely give guests an idea of what to expect.

Here’s how:

  1. Fold up some carboard to create the base for the pocketfolds.
  2. Apply your desired stamp designs on it.
  3. Attach text inserts to your invites.
  4. Apply borders to your envelope to enhance the look.
  5. Create a pocket by folding the bottom flap and attaching it to the rest of the envelope with double sided tape.
  6. Place the main invitation card on the top of the pocketfoold; use double sided tape again.
  7. Place the rest of the inserts into the pocket and you are finished!

Monogram

If you want a more formal invitation for your guests while still having a good degree of style, then you can create monogram invitations. This combination of stamps and envelopes would ensure that you have quality invitations for your big day.

Here’s how:

  1. Get a set of clean stock cards. Use rubber invitation stamps to place your message on these. Make sure to press moderately to prevent it from smudging.
  2. Get another set of stock cards for your reply card. Stamp your reply message along with the reply address.
  3. Create an email and phone card using a smaller set of stock cards. Stamp these messages on as well. This would be helpful for guests who would not be able to reply in a traditional manner.
  4. Once you have finished stamping, apply the monogram stamps on the edges of the cards.
  5. To complete the formal and old-fashioned look, use kraft sacks and bags to place your invitations in. Add an even more authentic look, stamp them with design stamps.

Key Takeaway

These wedding invitation ideas will not only help you save some cash, but also make your wedding a lot more personalized.

This entry was posted in Wedding Catering Philippines and tagged , , on by .

The Different Kinds of Frosting

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Weather is one of the things that one should consider when it comes to cake. There is no doubt that with the hot temperature in Manila, catering services will not be able to use frosting that might easily melt, no matter how delicious that vanilla buttercream frosting on a wedding cake might be.

There are different kinds of frosting and it depends on the baker what kind they want to put on their pastries. Some can even double as filling! Here are some of the different types of frosting to help you decide which one you think is best for your baking.

Buttercream

This type of frosting is made by creaming together butter and icing sugar. There are different kinds of buttercream and here are some of them:

  • One is the American buttercream, where you beat butter and confectioner’s sugar in a bowl until combined, light yellow, and fluffy. It can also be colored using food coloring.
  • Another is the crusting buttercream, which is made with shortening, butter, and a whole lot of icing sugar. This makes it set and a little firm, making it the best frosting if you want to create piping designs on cakes.
  • The next one is called flour buttercream; here, flour, sugar, and milk are boiled until the mixture thickens. Then, it is cooled and mixed with butter to give it a taste and texture that is similar to that of American buttercream.
  • Meringue buttercream icings have egg whites. There are also various kinds of meringue buttercream: Swiss, where egg whites and sugar are cooked together and mixed with butter later; Italian, where boiled sugar or syrup is carefully incorporated into beaten meringue before adding butter later on; and French, where raw egg whites are beaten with sugar and cream of tartar. 

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Ganache

The wonderful thing about ganache is that it can be frosting, topping, filling, glaze, and decoration; so when you make a bowl of this amazing chocolate mixture, you’re sure to use every drop. This type of frosting is made by warming milk until it simmers, then pouring it into a bowl of chopped chocolate. The chocolate then melts and mixes with the warm milk. Continue mixing until the texture turns smooth. Once you pour it on the pastry, it sets and becomes somewhat firm. You can use this to cover entire cakes. 

Glaze

The glaze is probably the easiest frosting to make. All you need to do is mix confectioner’s sugar with some milk or water. The consistency of the frosting will depend on how much milk or water you add to the sugar. This can be used as a topping or to cover an entire pastry such as glazed doughnuts. 

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Fondant

This list wouldn’t be complete without the fondant. Fondant is used usually on white wedding cakes but it can also be used on any cake that needs decorating. It is a kind of icing that is somewhat firm and needs to be rolled out like dough before being utilized as decoration or to cover cakes. The fondant can be store bought or made, and usually it starts out white. However, you can change its color with the use of food coloring.

Try making any of the mentioned frostings in this list. After all, the holidays are fast approaching, and your relatives might be eager to try out what you have in mind.

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5 Must-Have Mini Foods for Your Wedding

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Foods in their mini form seem more appetizing, especially compared to their normal sized counterparts. It’s probably because of the cuteness factor; but regardless of the reason, it couldn’t be denied that the mini food trend is rapidly growing. As a matter of fact, there is a huge chance that you will see cute little delicacies being served in baby showers, debut parties, and even wedding caterings in Manila.

Serving mini food is a good way to let your guests enjoy a variety of food. You can feature many different options of bite-size goodness in the buffet table or on the menu. The appetizer, main course, and even the dessert can come in mini versions! Listed below are some mini food ideas for your wedding reception:

  1.  Mini Fruit Cups

What is not to love about fruit cups? They are delicious, healthy, and easy to make! Simply combine chopped fresh fruits in plastic cups or shot glasses and top them with a good drizzle of honey or maple syrup. You are free to mix and match whatever fruit combinations you like. Serve these as a light dessert or appetizer to make your event more exciting. 

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  1. Mini Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are great but mini baked potatoes? Even better. These are great as a side dish for your main course. Grab some baby potatoes and scrub them before tossing them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake them in a 400ºF oven for 20-25 minutes. Let them cool then cut the top 1/4 part of each potato. Using a small spoon, carefully scoop out the insides of the potato. Try to keep the skin intact because you will still use them later. Put all of the potato mash in a bowl then add bacon, sour cream, green onions, and cheese. Mix the ingredients until everything is well incorporated then scoop the mixture into a piping bag or plastic bag. Cut off the end then pipe the potato mixture into the potato skins. Bake at 400ºF for 15-20 minutes and you have yourself a delicious side dish that will definitely please your guests. 

  1. Mini Shrimp Cocktails

Want a fancy appetizer? Go for shrimp cocktails! It is easy to make and it looks elegant as well. You can buy cocktail sauce in the supermarket but if you want to make your own, simply combine tomato ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Tabasco sauce. Spoon the sauce in mini champagne glasses then carefully arrange two poached shrimps in the glass before serving. 

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  1. Mini Burgers

The American classic – only in small, bite-size form. With mini burgers, you don’t have to feel guilty about your calorie intake because these provide nothing but the most satisfying pleasures throughout your meal. Prepare them how you would normally do with a normal sized burger. Partner these mini burgers with a mini-serving of fries and a small glass filled with ketchup dip. 

  1. Mini Cupcakes

Serve cute mini cupcakes as dessert in your event. Bake a big batch of mini cupcakes then top them off with different frosting and toppings. Experiment with various flavors and you might discover great combinations that will turn into a hit among your guests!

If you want to serve any of these mini foods in your party, make sure to make plenty. Surely, they won’t last long and will leave your guests wanting for more.

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Know the 4 Most Common Types of Wine

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What are the 4 most common types of wine?

  1. Red Wine
  2. White Wine
  3. Rose
  4. Sparkling Wine

Alcohol is one of the best things to come into mankind’s world of indulgence. It promotes all kinds of enjoyment and it also serves as a complement to pretty much any dish available; and with it being a staple in every wedding catering in the Philippines, there’s no doubt that alcohol is here to stay, especially wine.

Calling all wine lovers, this post is especially for you! Wine is somewhat considered as a popular drink in various functions, including weddings. In this regard, you will find that this drink is almost always served in any and every grand occasion all over the world. Certainly, wines can help make this important celebration more memorable through their delightful taste and large numbers for availability, all with the importance of moderation when drinking.

If you are planning a wedding or any other important occasion, you should get to know the common types of wine. Having the know-how in this concept will help you figure out which is best to serve in your event and which will go perfectly with the food you intend to serve.

Wine is made through long hours of effort and numerous varieties of fruits such as grapes. Europe, Australia, New Zealand, America, and some parts of Africa are the main distributors of this succulent drink. There are numerous flavors of wine, but below are its four main kinds.

Red

When it comes to enjoying a nice glass of wine after a long, hard day’s work, you can never go wrong with your classic glass of red wine. Perfect for any food for any occasion, this beverage can definitely heighten your dining experience.

Black grapes are used to create delectable red wines out there. The flavors include fruity dry, herbal dry, and sweet flavors. It’s best to pair red wine with red meat, lamb, chicken, salmon, vegetables, and Japanese dishes.

  • Cabernet Sauvignon – made from mixed cabernet franc and merlot with an oak treatment. This is popularly considered as the best variety of red wine worldwide. Although it might taste tannic and strong, it is still amazing.
  • Pinot noir – known as the most decent red wine because its grapes are hard to grow, smooth, and rarely mixed. Think of this as the opposite of cabernet sauvignon because its flavor is certainly delicate, which plenty of people find very pleasant.
  • Merlot- one of the most common red wines out there, this is also usually seen as the first wine-of-choice for any first-time wine drinkers. Its luscious flavor and texture is enough to entice anyone to grab a bottle, pour a glass, and have a couple of sips. Also, it goes well with pretty much, anything edible.

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White

When it comes to perfect food pairings, white wine is definitely one of the best ones to choose from. White wine is typically made from green grapes and, sometimes, with black grapes. The tastes of white wines vary from smooth to rich, light to zesty, with dry and sweet flavors. White wines are best paired with salad, seafood, meat, pasta, and poultry.

  • Chardonnay – this is the most famous varietal drink under this category. Chardonnay is velvety, citrusy, and buttery. It is best paired with fish and chicken dishes.
  • Sauvignon blanc – Sauvignon blanc is lighter than chardonnay, giving an herbal feeling with bits of apple, melon, and mango flavors.
  • Moscato- wines are often paired with delicacies and other savory dishes, especially with white wine; but with Moscato in your arsenal, you can give your sugary-sweet treat a tremendous upgrade.

Rose

Rosé is made from black grapes which skins are removed, thus, its light color. Aside from black grapes, this type of wine can also be created through a combination of red and white wines, causing it to have dry, sweet, herbal, and fruity floral flavors.

  • Provence – the top pick when it comes to this type of wine is Provence. It tastes crisp and fresh, making it a perfect drink for almost any kind of food. 
  • Tavel – it is believed Tavel is Ernest Hemingway’s favorite rosé varietal. This one might be similar to a classic red wine because of its nutty and strong fruity taste. 
  • Syrah- this rose wine is most known for its sweet and fruity flavor, with a sort of spicy and peppery aftertaste. Made from blackberries, blueberries, and boysenberries, flavor is its topmost priority in every drinker’s satisfaction.

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Sparkling

When it comes to wine, it’s not just about the flavor that makes it the well-known kind of beverage it is today; it’s also about the consistency one feels when drinking it. While the usual flat consistency is famous with wine drinkers everywhere, the sparkling variants are also a great bet for indulgence.

Sparkling wine is another type of wine. This is made through a series of secondary fermentation which causes bubbles. It can be red, white, or rosé wine with a strong and sweet flavor.

  • Champagne – This is the most popular sparkling wine and it is made through a mixture of chardonnay, pinot meaner, and pinot noir. Its exquisite taste makes it one of the most remarkable sparkling wines. 
  • Asti – muscat grapes from Italy are used to make asti. This type of sparkling wine tastes sweet. 
  • Demi-sec- another wine that’s suited for desserts, drinking this sparkling beverage will make you feel like an adult enjoying their dessert with a fizzy drink, the adult way.

Key Takeaway

Wine has been proven to provide numerous health benefits, especially for the heart. This alcoholic beverage is certainly a great alternative to the usual liquors served in important events and is certainly a great match for anything edible.

With that said, feel free to try any of the wines stated above to see which suits your preference the best and which will go perfectly with the food that you want to prepare on your event. Just remember two things: to budget well because wine can be quite expensive; and to practice moderation with drinking wine. One sip too much and before you know it, you’re suffering from one of the worst hangovers ever!

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