Tag Archives: wedding catering

Tips for Your Wedding Invitation

Wedding is an important milestone in anyone’s life. Plenty of people plan this big event meticulously, making sure that everything – from wedding catering to the venue – is organized as soon and efficiently as possible. After all, every couple wants things to run smoothly during their big day.

However, in the midst of all the planning, couples should not forget small details such as preparing and sending the wedding invitations. Make sure to allocate enough time and effort in crafting invitations. After all, your wedding will be devoid of guests without one. To help you, here are four tips that you should consider: 

Your Invite’s Design and Output

It is vital for you to conceptualize how your invitations are going to look like before you even print them. These are the factors you need to consider:

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  • Colors – Your wedding invitation should incorporate and display your theme and colors. This is essential because it will give your guests an idea of how your wedding would look like.
  • Shapes and Sizes – The shape and size of your invitation should also be taken into account. If your wedding is traditional, then you should hand out rectangular cards that are 4.5 inch by 6.25 inch in size. Meanwhile, if the wedding is modern and playful, consider other shapes such as square, circular, and scalloped.
  • Legibility – While you are considering all the style and colors you would like to be displayed on your invite, don’t forget about the text and make sure it is legible. Remember to avoid using light colors for your text if your background is also light in color. Also, make sure that the font you choose can be easily understood by your guests.
  • Words and Spelling – Be wise with the words you use on your invitation. To be safe, use formal language as it is best when inviting someone to a wedding – even if you aren’t exactly holding a “formal” ceremony. Lastly, check and double check your grammar and spelling before printing out a copy. 

Extra Invites

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You may think that ordering the exact amount of invitation cards for your guest list is a good idea, particularly since it can help you save money. However, that’s not the case, especially when you consider all the mishaps that could happen during the printing process and while disseminating them. Order at least an extra 25 wedding invitations, just in case. It is better to be safe than sorry, after all. 

Use Glue Stick

Using wet sponges to seal off the envelopes to your invite is risky. This method might end up damaging your wedding invitations in the process. Opt to use glue stick instead to ensure the safety of your invites.

 Think Ahead of Time

Wedding invitations, as mentioned above, take time and care to prepare. Do yourself a favor and plan ahead of time. Moreover, it would do you well to send them out at least two to three months before your wedding day to properly inform your guests and to give them enough time to save the date.

Keep these tips in mind when preparing your wedding invitation. Surely, they will help you efficiently prepare and distribute your invitations.

Making Comfort Food Healthy

Various people deal with stress differently. While some love to hang out with friends to take their minds off their current problems, others prefer to spend a relaxing evening at home. There are also people who cope with stress by eating their comfort foods. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it can be that tasty main course from the catering in that wedding you just attended or a simple but delectable dessert from your favorite store. What matters most is how it automatically erases your problems, even if only for a moment, with just one bite.

Most of the time though, that food or cuisine you crave may be packed with calories that do more harm than good to your body. This doesn’t mean that you need to completely give up your comfort food though. Get the best of both worlds and enjoy the best comfort foods without worrying about health risks! Check their healthier versions below.

Oven Baked Chicken

The only thing better than a good old fried chicken is fried chicken smothered in gravy. With so many options for fried chicken around, it’s only a matter of time before you give in to that voice in your head and sink your teeth in a perfect mix of crunchy chicken skin and tender, juicy white meat.

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However, fried foods can be unhealthy, especially since they increase the risk of developing cancer or diabetes. If you want a healthier alternative, substitute that deep fryer for an oven and remove all those excess oils. Instead of using a regular breading mix where all the unnecessary calories come from, utilize a simple bread crumbs mix using whole wheat. The baking process will naturally draw out the juices from the chicken and perfectly crisp the outside, giving you the same sensation that you get when eating fried chicken. 

No Bread BLTs

BLT is the go-to sandwich for plenty of people. One can easily order it from fast food restaurants or make one at home since it’s pretty simple to make. This prominent sandwich mixes crispy bacon, zesty tomatoes, and refreshing lettuce. Topped with a helping of mayonnaise and your favorite bread, the BLT is simply delicious.

In spite of this, you should think of replacing the bacon, mayonnaise, and bread with healthier alternatives. For instance, instead of using regular white bread, use whole wheat bread or even Iceberg Lettuce to reduce your carbohydrate intake. In addition, instead of frying the bacon, use your oven to take out those nasty oils from your sandwich. You can also mix your own mayonnaise using yogurt and pepper to add more flavor. 

Light Mac N Cheese

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Nothing compares to the combination of melted cheese and fun macaroni pasta. This is the epitome of comfort food and it’s hard to think that there is any alternative for this dish. But the truth is, you can actually make your mac and cheese healthier just by changing some of the ingredients. Don’t worry because doing so will not entirely make your favorite comfort food taste differently.

There are many variations of this dish; you can create it with different kinds of cheeses and various toppings – the options and ideas are basically limitless. However, the main factor you can change in your macaroni and cheese recipe is the cheese mix. Look at alternative low-fat or skim cheeses and milk to replace the usual in order to cut your fat intake. Same with the butter and sour cream because changing these will give you a lighter version of this dish . If you want, you can also try using whole wheat macaroni as well.

With these healthier versions of your favorite comfort foods, you won’t have to sacrifice health for comfort anymore. You can truly have the best of both worlds now! Just learn to use the right ingredients as well as methods and you can enjoy your favorite foods on a regular basis.

Wedding Practices: Traditions or Clichés?

There is a plethora of decisions that couples must face before their big day, spanning from what flowers to use for decoration, all the way to the wedding catering. Also included in this list of decisions are different wedding traditions. Couples must choose whether to follow or to change some of the customary practices that usually take place during weddings. Unfortunately, while some of these traditions come across as either nostalgic and romantic, others are played out and clichéd. Here’s a list of some of the more common practices during weddings and the consensus of the mass. Do you agree or disagree?

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Groomsmen and Bridesmaids are basically the friends and family that have been supporting the bride and groom respectively throughout their lives. Traditionally these roles have been gender specific; groomsmen should be male and bridesmaids should be female. What about the groom who has a close female friend or vice versa? If this practice was followed their friend may not be able to participate the way they want to during the wedding. Phasing out this tradition allows the bride and groom the freedom to choose who they want to have by their side on their big day. 

Verdict: Cliché

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Asking Permission

Asking for the bride’s hand in marriage is done by the groom as a sign of respect towards the bride’s family. Permission is also asked from any elders that are important to the bride such as her grandparents or any of their aunt and uncles. A gesture of respect should never be lost in an important event such as this. Starting a marriage with respect is a good sign of things to come and shows the character of the groom to be. 

Verdict: Tradition

Giving Away of the Bride

There are many ways to view this custom. There was a notion that the bride belongs to her family and during the wedding, she will be passed on to her husband to start her own family. However, some view this custom as the bride’s parents honoring the groom by blessing him with their daughter while others see this as the transferring of the responsibility of protecting and caring for their daughter to her husband. Passing of a blessing is a beautiful practice since it views the bride as a blessing or a gift to be cared for and protected. This gesture also gives the groom a sense of peace that the bride’s family has faith in him to give him someone as precious as their daughter. 

Verdict: Tradition

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Using Traditional Vows

The exchange of wedding vows is the moment in the wedding where the bride and groom vocally commit to each other. There are common formats for these vows that have been used in most weddings throughout the years. In spite of this, it is actually not necessary for a couple to strictly follow these formats. Don’t you think that vows should be personal and come from the heart of the couple? Composing these vows themselves makes it more personal, making it mean more to the couple and truly reflecting the relationship they share. 

Verdict: Cliché

These are just some of the many customs that are present in weddings, some of which have been around for decades. Like every decision in a wedding, it comes down to the bride and the groom to include them or not. Just remember that each wedding is unique to the relationship of the couple and what could be clichés to others may be strict traditions to some. How about you? Do you think the mentioned wedding practices are traditions that should be followed or clichés that should be altered?

Pumpkin Spice Latte-Flavored Desserts

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!

4 Delicious Mocktails for Your Wedding

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. 

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  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! 

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  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.

Dining Manners 101: 8 Table Etiquette Myths

What are the 8 table etiquette myths that you need to know?

  1. Not putting your elbows on the table is actually done in order to avoid any glass from spilling.
  2. Pinkies are extended when drinking tea not as a sign of class, but to support the bottom of the cup.
  3. People don’t only observe your manner in a formal event, but in an informal one as well.
  4. You can’t just use any fork on the table; you must use the outermost first and work your way in.
  5. Small talk is good but don’t talk about the weather.
  6. The RSVP is not just a way of letting the host know that you are going, but it is also a guideline for the preparation of the dinner.
  7. Getting any glass, plate, or utensil is not okay; you must only use the one meant for you.
  8. Reaching out for food is not rude because of personal space, but because of hygiene.

Exhibiting proper behavior is expected to be second nature to mankind, especially during business events where one is served by corporate catering. Even if you do not realize it, people observe and notice the dining decorum you practice.

Not every rule regarding table manners is set in stone though. Check out these regulations you don’t necessarily have to follow.

No Elbows on the Table

Growing up, you may have had your mother or grandmother tell you more than once “no elbows on the table” each time you accidentally do it. You never questioned the purpose of this rule as you obeyed it to avoid being scolded. The reason for this was to avoid any possible mishaps caused by your arm accidentally knocking something down. It also allows more space on the table and stops you from tipping the table. If you are on a spacious table where you won’t be able to nudge anything, you can ignore this policy as you will not cause any harm to anyone or to anything.

Pinkies Up!

Little girls often find it funny to see their big fathers sipping “tea” (actually just water or juice) from tiny cups no bigger than the span of three fingers. As they matured, said little girls may have mistakenly believe that to drink tea, they must always lift their pinky lest they do a faux pas. In truth, the proper way to drink from a teacup is to put your index finger through the handle then have your middle finger underneath the handle, with your thumb supporting the cup. No need to lift your pinky. Instead, have the last two digits touch the outside of your cup.

Observe Proper Decorum Only Outside, Not Inside

How unfortunate that there are still numerous people who still believe and practice this rule. Once inside a restaurant, they become a different person as they eat civilly, making hardly any sounds as they eat their food. Meanwhile, their table manners at home are atrocious as they chew noisily with an open mouth, sloshing water everywhere and leaving carnage. Eat properly inside or outside your home. You will find it easier and you will be more comfortable as well.

Utensils - Corporate Catering

One Too Many Forks

You may have seen it on the television or on the big screen. It’s a scene that’s all too common where dinner is part of the scene– one of the main characters becomes confused on which fork to use and mistakenly uses the main course fork on the salad.

In reality, this scene isn’t something to be played out frequently as not all meals are set up with numerous forks. This is used only in formal settings and even that has limits. Your daily meal isn’t like that– all you need is a fork, knife and spoon for each meal. A spoon may be considered taboo in some western countries but in the Philippines, it is an absolute essential to one’s daily meal. If you are at a formal dinner and you can’t recall which utensil to use, remember: outside going in.

Whether Weather

There is an unspoken rule of forbidding discussing anything but the weather on the dinner table. Admittedly, it is one of the most boring topics one can ever discuss on the dining table (or anywhere) but what else is there to be talked about? Actually, there are numerous topics out there you can talk about. The rule was implemented so as to prevent any indigestion among the eaters. Talk about the latest Star Wars film, the traffic situation or the newest bistro in town. Just remember to choose a neutral topic which won’t churn any stomachs.

RSVP isn’t Required

The importance of responding to an RSVP is no longer common knowledge and people believe that not responding is okay. The truth is it is not. Especially when one is hosting a large dinner, the host needs to know exactly how many people will be attending so that he can plan the food that will be prepared and provide the necessary chairs and tables. It is better to tell a person that invited you to dinner that you cannot make it rather than not responding at all. Ever worse than that, is not responding to the RSVP but going to the event anyway. It will make the host look inconsiderate and unprepared to the other guests.

Take Any Glass, Any Bread

Dining Manners 101: 5 Table Etiquette Myths

The table is set properly at formal dinners with an array of utensils, glasses, and plates just for you. In the midst of socializing with your table mates along with the close proximity of each other’s space, it is a common mistake for one to accidentally take something that’s not meant for them. This could be you. While you may think that it’s an honest mistake and you can simply trade items in case it happens, it shows that you lack concentration and you may disgust some fellow guests that are particular about hygiene. To avoid this, remember that B comes before D in the alphabet and it is arranged left to right; the same way that your (B)read plate should be to your left and your (D)rinks should be to your right.

Walking Around the Table to Get Food

The common thinking nowadays is that you don’t reach over someone’s plate in order not to get in his personal space. This is wrong. The reason why you don’t want to do this is because of hygiene. By reaching over his plate, there is a chance that you will drop something foreign onto his food. This is why you ask people to hand you anything you want to grab; so that anything that falls into a person’s plate is his own fault. Thus, when you get up from your chair and make your way to grab something from the far end of the table, there is still a chance that you will drop a foreign object into people’s plates.

You may be avoiding having to ask people to hand you things on the table so you don’t bother them, but the act reaching out or walking to the other end of the table to get something is a bigger disturbance.

Key Takeaway

Rules are rules and as time goes by, rules change. For now, just remember to always say please and thank you when asking for a dish and don’t use your phone unless it is absolutely necessary.

10 Guilty Pleasure Food that are Actually Good For You

What are the guilty pleasure foods that are actually good for you?

  1. Dark Chocolate
  2. Popcorn
  3. Pork Rind
  4. Beef Jerky
  5. Cheese
  6. Chinese Food
  7. Ice Cream.
  8. Red Meat
  9. Waffles
  10. Red wine

Several celebrities tied the knot this year – through magazine and television coverage, we got to witness the union of our favorite public figures! Many people gushed over the wedding gown designs, beautiful ceremonies, and receptions. But a lot of people also salivated over the wedding catering. After all, there’s no better time to indulge in some guilty pleasure food than during weddings.

Surprisingly, there are some types of food that are thought of as unhealthy but, are actually good for you! The next time you are out celebrating a wedding or birthday of family or friend, remember that you don’t have to shy away from the following food:

Dark Chocolate

dark chocolate

Chocolate has a reputation for being bad for you, but dark chocolate actually isn’t!

Sure, dark chocolate can contain caffeine and tyramine – the latter being a natural chemical that is associated with migraines; but it actually has other healthy ingredients as well. For instance, it contains flavanols, which are antioxidant properties that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. It can also help reduce bad cholesterol, as well as lower your blood pressure! In fact, a study was published involving overweight individuals and how consuming dark chocolate has helped decrease their blood pressure while improving their blood vessel health.

This yummy dessert also has cocoa, which can help improve your circulation and reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

Popcorn

popcorn

Popcorn contains carbohydrates that might raise your blood sugar. But did you know that by changing a few things about its toppings, this can actually be healthy?

Forget the heavily flavored popcorn (extra cheese, anyone?) that you usually see in stands outside movie theaters. Popcorn without toppings is actually a snack that is high in fiber and low in cholesterol.

This snack contains phytonutrients, which allows for optimal cellular function and communication. Popcorn can also help you detoxify foreign substances in your body and build a strong immune system. Aside from that, it improves muscle function and helps create healthier tissues and organ systems.

Pork Rinds

pork rinds

People think that this snack is unhealthy because it is cut from the pigskin and then deep-fried. But, did you know that a 1 ounce serving of pork rinds is healthier than a pack of potato chips? Yes, an ounce of this delicious snack contains 17 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, and absolutely no carbohydrates at all. That’s 9 times the amount of protein (and less fat) that you’ll get in a pack of chips!

Most of pork rinds’ unsaturated fat is oleic acid. This is healthy and can also be found in olive oil. Also, of its fat content, 13% is stearic acid. This saturated fat is considered harmless and does not raise the cholesterol level of your body.

Beef Jerky

beef jerky

Beef jerky is believed to be unhealthy because it contains a lot of preservatives and is high in sodium. In truth though, this snack is not only high in protein, it also doesn’t raise your insulin level! Insulin is a hormone that signals your body to store fat. Which means that this is an ideal snack if you are trying to lose weight.

Some beef jerky brands contain MSG and sodium nitrate. But there are some that use all-natural ingredients for a reduced total sodium content. When shopping, just remember to check the packaging to see if you are buying a chemical-free beef jerky or not.

Cheese

4 Guilty Pleasure Food that are Actually Good For You

Cheese is actually a good course of calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals. These make them the perfect topping to start or end any meal.

Also, certain kinds of cheese have beneficial bacteria that promote the growth of a chain of good fatty acids in your body. These cheeses are gruyère, gouda, cheddar, and parmesan.

Chinese Food

4 Guilty Pleasure Food that are Actually Good For You

Although Chinese food has been stereotypically portrayed to be greasy, salty, and full of calories, there are actually guilt-free options to choose from. These include sweet and sour soup, chop suey, and even chicken and broccoli. Just avoid anything deep-fried or noodle dishes.

Ice Cream

4 Guilty Pleasure Food that are Actually Good For You

Compared to other desserts, ice cream is actually low in calories. A half-cup of vanilla ice cream only contains 140 calories, 14 grams of sugar, and 7 grams of fat. To add a healthy touch to it while making it even tastier, try adding some fruit. Good choices would be a bowl of berries, apples, and bananas.

Red Meat

4 Guilty Pleasure Food that are Actually Good For You

The World Health Organization (WHO) has labelled red meats as “probable carcinogens”, which has made people fear eating it. However, what people do not realize is red meats are actually good sources of protein, iron, and vitamin B12. It can also help boost one’s metabolism. The key is to eat it in moderation.

Steaks, in particular, are a healthy alternative to processed meats like hotdogs and sausages, which contain preservatives, sodium, and nitrates.

Waffles

4 Guilty Pleasure Food that are Actually Good For You

The tradition waffle is actually made of only eggs, milk, and flour which are not known to cause any nutritional harm. It is only when it is drowned in butter and syrup that it becomes unhealthy. Avoid adding these to your waffles and you have a snack that is low in fat and calories.

Red Wine

4 Guilty Pleasure Food that are Actually Good For You

This may get you intoxicated, but it will do so in a fun and healthy way. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines state that drinking red wine daily (1 glass per day for women; 2 glasses for men) can slow down aging, reduce the risk of getting breast cancer, and prevent dementia. Just make sure that it is sulfite-free.

Key Takeaway

It turns out that a lot of foods that we have always perceived to be unhealthy are actually healthy. Now, you can eat dark chocolate, popcorn, pork rinds, or beef jerky without feeling guilty!

The History of Ketchup

What is the history of ketchup?

  1. Asia has played a huge part in the history of ketchup, for it was in China where the first ketchup recipe began. It started as a blend of pickled fish and spices called kôe-chiap or kê-chiap during the 17th
  2. Believing that tomatoes are poisonous, the English men reinvented the ketchup recipe with the use of mushroom as their main ingredient lacking the flavor that ketchups are known for.
  3. The modern ketchup recipe began to take form not in the United Kingdom nor Malay nor China but in the new world of America, with Sandy Addison’s recipe back in the 19th
  4. With the over usage of preservatives, ketchups were feared to harm the health of its consumers hence Wiley and Heinz partnering to look for an alternative which is the use of ripe, red tomatoes and higher amount of vinegar. Another alternative found to solve the shortage in tomatoes were bananas, which was developed in the Philippines during World War II.

Nowadays, ketchup may be considered a necessity in any event where there’s food. This includes wedding catering, as plenty of guests seek for this condiment, no matter what the dish is. In fact, some may even mix it into the dessert — strange fact, but true.

What may be strange at one point in the history of ketchup was that its raw ingredient was once considered poisonous in Europe. For more than two hundred years, Europeans feared that this plump, red fruit was the cause of their illnesses. Fast forward to today, it’s almost impossible to find a household unarmed with this delicious condiment. To know more about it, let’s discover its history and origins.

Oriental Beginnings

chinese ketchup

You may think the ketchup had western beginnings, but in truth, it was the exact opposite. Deep in the culture rich oriental country of China, the first earliest ketchp recipe dates back to 544 A.D., and lists shark and fish intestine, stomach and bladder as ingredients. A blend of pickled fish and spices called kôe-chiap or kê-chiap was created in the 17th century. But it wasn’t until the early 18th century did the table condiment spread to other countries like Malaysia and Indonesia as kechap and ketjap. It was a brown, dark fluid more similar to a fish or soy sauce rather than the tomato sauce we enjoy today. English explorers found the condiment and adapted its Indo-Malay name of Kecap into their own, Anglicizing it to “Ketchup”.

An English View

poisonous tomatoes

Back in Britain, the Tomato was not quite popular yet due to the mistaken belief of it being poisonous. John Gerard, a barber surgeon, published his views regarding the fruit in his book, saying the fruit was indeed inedible. Later on, his statement was proven false, but by the mid-18th century, the fruit was seen widely used all over England.

At this point, you may think the tomato was immediately used as the primary ingredient for ketchup but actually, mushroom was initially used for it. Recipes for mushroom ketchup date back to 18th century, with a London cookbook publishing a variant of Kecap in 1742. This particular ketchup was said to be dark and thin, lacking thickness that today’s ketchup is mostly known for. For over a hundred years the fungus was used, spreading to the newly discovered America. Today, a variant of this recipe can still be seen in Britain, although it isn’t as popular as it once was.

Red American Beginnings

history of ketchup

The modern ketchup recipe began to take form not in the United Kingdom, Malaysia, or China, but in the new world of America.

A tomato ketchup recipe was written by Sandy Addison, which was published later in the book called the “Sugar House Book.” The said recipe went as below:

  1. Get ripe tomatoes on a dry day, squeeze them to a pulp with your hands, then put a half pound of fine salt to a hundred tomatoes and boil them for two hours.
  2. Stir them to avoid burning the mixture.
  3. While hot, press them through a strainer with a spoon until there’s nothing left but the skin, then add some mace, allspice, cloves, pepper, ginger and three nutmegs to taste.
  4. Boil over slow fire until it’s a bit thick then stir all the time.
  5. When the mixture’s cold, bottle it.
  6. A hundred tomatoes can make four to five bottles and can be preserved to two or three years.

It was discovered later on that Americans who still held on to the belief of the tomato being a poisonous fruits were much comfortable consuming it in its processed form of Ketchup.

Not long after, another tomato-based ketchup recipe was published in the 1812. James Mease, an American scientist, physician and horticulturist from Philadelphia, innovated the recipe and included spices, brandy and tomatoes, or “love apples” as it was then called, however lacked vinegar and sugar.

From there, a lot more recipes have been into prints and the success of the tomato-based ketchup was kept up for years.

Hence, in 1837, the first commercial form of Ketchup was sold nationwide by Jonas Yerkes, who was the first American to bottle the condiment. Numerous companies followed but none were as popular as the company founded by Henry John Heinz, his brother John and, cousin Frederick, who launched their own ketchup in 1876 – which is now the famous Heinz company.

Universal Condiment

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In the 20th century, sodium benzoate was used in ketchup during 1906. Unfortunately, it played a major role in preserving Ketchup. It was during that time that the supply of tomatoes fell short which led to makers finding other ways to produce ketchup, and poorly store them hence leading to containing contaminants such as spores, bacteria, mold and yeast. This was then called out by a French cookbook author as “filthy, decomposed, and putrid” way back in 1866.

To solve the problem, Dr. Harvey Washington Wiley, a noted American chemist, waged war against the unsafe level of preservatives used in ketchups, emphasizing the proper usage of high quality ingredients to avoid further use of harmful preservatives. He partnered with Henry Heinz and his fellow entrepreneurs to search for an alternative, which would be an alternative that changed the way people consume ketchup forever. The solution was a developed recipe which included ripe, red tomatoes containing a natural preservative called pectin, and higher amount of vinegar to reduce the risk of spoilage.

Thanks to their innovation, we’ll still be dipping our fries into watery ketchup for it was they who made it the thick condiment we all know and love today.

Meanwhile in the Philippines, a popular variant of ketchup is Banana Ketchup, which is a blend of spices, vinegar, sugar and banana. It is colored red due to the red food coloring added by manufacturers. It was created to answer the demand of ketchup due to a tomato shortage during World War II.

 

These days Ketchup can now be found in bottles and sachets in homes, restaurants and diners worldwide. Heinz’s “Dip and Squeeze” package created in 2011 is proof of ketchup innovating. In fact, scientists have even brought this condiment into outer space to study its strange liquid properties. Who knows, in the future we might even have ketchup grown from moon soil.

How Cheese is Made

cheese catering

How is cheese made?

  1. The first step in preparing cheese is pasteurizing the milk.
  2. Good bacteria is added in that would help it coalesce.
  3. Coagulant is included in the mix to help the milk fuse.
  4. The “clumps of cheese will be cut, and be cooked at specific temperatures to separate the liquid whey from the milk solids.
  5. Salt is added to enhance the taste and inhibit bacteria growth.
  6. Finally, the cheese is aged for it to finally develop its texture and flavor.

 

Cheese has a strange history in that it – well – sort of doesn’t have a definite one. It’s a food so old that its origins predate recorded history; many European and Middle-Eastern texts mention it but other parts of the world do not. Also, while not particularly well-known as their European counterparts, Asia also has their own selection of cheeses for people to choose from. Though history may not have mentioned them in this aspect, Asia’s oldest known cheese was only recently discovered when an archaeological site was being excavated in 2003. Several tombs were found with bits of curd strewn about, which upon analysis was found to be filled with fat and protein.

Anyway, only in the latter half of the 1800s when wholesale cheese production boomed did its popularity spread beyond Europe and America. That’s in stark contrast to modern times wherein cheese is readily accessible, and although it’s rarely a part of ethnic cuisines outside of Europe, the Middle East, and America, it remains a popular food worldwide. Here in the Philippines there is a local variation – the keso.

In fact, cheese can be served in a variety of ways, ranging from being used as an ingredient for many dishes to simply being used as a dip for various foods on the table. As long as it’s at the right temperature, who cares what occasion it may be?

No Filipino meal would be complete without it as it’s commonly used as a topping for numerous dishes and desserts, in addition to being a staple part of a classic local breakfast. Have you ever had pandesal in the morning with a cheese filling? Or even a creamy cheese-flavored ice cream for dessert? There’s also the local favorite known as ‘kesong puti’, a rich and creamy cheese made from carabao’s milk that is sure to guarantee Filipino-style enjoyment. Now that’s the Filipino palate right there!

As Filipinos, they have a knack of being adventurous when it comes to cooking. Using local produce and different techniques and recipes, each dish is a different experience from the other. Given the Philippines’ history with their abundance of spices and other ingredients, it’s no surprise that many of their dishes last multiple generations. And with their collection of classic dishes, it is of no surprise that their dishes have been given a magical touch. In this case, cheese can be added for a unique, creamy experience.

cheese manila catering

Also, Filipinos also have a knack in adding the ingredient into some of the most unorthodox dishes there is. So don’t be surprised to see cheese infused in your adobo or caldereta. It may seem a bit weird upon first glance, but it works nonetheless.

Whether one is preparing a meal for wedding catering services, cooking up some food for a local fiesta, or getting ready for Noche Buena, it’s always a good idea to slip some keso into the menu. After all, satisfying your guests with your food is the best way into their hearts…and stomachs.

But as mentioned before, keso is only the Philippine version of cheese. Other countries have their own kinds – the French alone have about 400 distinct types. This is matched by Italy, who have about the same, but are outnumbered by Britain with approximately 700 cheeses to their name. Usually, you see these cheeses being paired with some fruit, crackers, and the best wine there is. With that much variety on the table, you can’t go wrong with your sense of taste.

How Cheese is Made

Each type of cheese is made with a specific method, but the overall procedure remains the same.

  • It all begins with quality milk, which is treated or pasteurized to ensure cleanliness and uniformity. (Fun fact: it takes about 10 pounds of milk to make one pound of cheese.)
  • Starter cultures (also known as good bacteria) are added in. The milk is then brought up to temperature, somewhere between 77 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit to simulate an animal’s body temperature. This activates the starter culture that lowers the milk pH enough that it will be able to coalesce.
  • The coagulant is introduced to the mix, usually rennet. The milk will then fuse, forming into a custard-like mass.
  • The “clump” is cut to size – large cuts that are cooked at lower temperatures yield soft cheeses (like Ricotta) while small cuts cooked at higher temperatures yield the harder types (like Romano). This is done to separate the liquid whey from the milk solids – the curds. Depending on how the curd is handled and how much whey is drained from it, different cheeses will form.
  • Salt is added – this enhances the cheese’s taste, keeps unwanted organisms away, and inhibits bacteria growth. This step is also a factor in determining the cheese that will be made as different handling techniques and salting will affect the cheese type.
  • It is then pressed – this finalizes the shape and helps in completing the curd formation.
  • Lastly, the cheese is aged. It is during this stage when the cheese can fully develop its final texture and flavor; for some cheeses this is when the rind starts to come about. This should only be done in an environment with a controlled temperature and humidity.

Key Takeaway

Cheese is the one food that everyone can never get sick of. Its texture, appearance, and taste are enough to drive anyone crazy with excitement. No matter how it’s made or served, be sure to always keep your tastebuds open and savor every bite you take from it.

Who knew that cheese-making can be so difficult? As a common household ingredient that’s now perpetually taken for granted, take a second to appreciate all the effort and thought placed into creating such a diverse and rich food. After all, diversification in cuisine is what makes food the marvel it is today.

In different parts of the world, there is bound to be different servings on each plate. And with a little cheese on it, you are sure to enjoy no matter what.