Prepared Food Tips
When it comes to Prepared Food, we've been there, done that, now serving 105 tips in 9 categories ranging from Appetizers & Easy Entertaining to Summer Cooking.
Cook Less, Weigh Less
If you've ever tried to lose weight by following a meal plan, you know how difficult it can be. Grocery shopping for ingredients that you'll never use again, taking time to prepare food from the meal plan, preparing your own meals after you've already prepared meals for your family - these are just a few of the inconveniences you've experienced. A few select dining services companies have found a way to make it easier to stick to healthy meal plans. They allow you to order prepared meals online and have them delivered to your door. The prepared meals are kept in the freezer and heated when you need them. Your prepared dinner includes the right number of calories in the right proportion so that you can stop worrying about food. Great prepared meal companies even include a dessert in prepared quantity so you won't feel deprived.
Gourmet Food Gifts
If you know someone who is going through a stressful time, consider sending a gift of gourmet foods. Newlyweds and new parents are busy with the big changes in their lives and seldom have the time or energy to devote to cooking well. Friends going through difficult times can also find relief in the thoughtful gift of gourmet meals.
If you aren't sure which gourmet meals would make the best gifts for your friends, look into gourmet meals gift certificates offered by many online gourmet food companies. These gift certificates allow your friends to choose the gourmet meal that is most appealing to them and have it delivered just when they need it most.
Easy Entertaining
You throw parties to celebrate friendships and special occasions, not to spend the whole evening in the kitchen. Free yourself up to enjoy your party by ordering gourmet meals online. Quantities are available to serve large parties or more intimate celebrations. You can order healthful gourmet dinners as well as more decadent gourmet food. Your gourmet foods can be kept in the freezer until the day you plan to use them and then thawed, cooked and served. Your guests will enjoy the gourmet food and also enjoy having you out of the kitchen.
Corporate Gifts: Gourmet Food
The best corporate gift ideas contribute to a good feeling about your company and let your clients or employees know that you value them. For that reason, it's important that your coporate gifts are high-quality, but show personal attention. For easily customizable corporate gifts, consider gourmet prepared foods. A delicious gourmet meal can be enjoyed by the entire family and can be ordered with personal tastes and family situations in mind. Some prepared gourmet foods companies allow you to include your company logo or other company materials with the gourmet food packaging. However, to ensure your corporate gifts don't seem like an advertisement, handwrite a thank-you note to be delivered with the meal.
Three Great Summer Sauces
Looking for a way to jazz up your meats, salads or pasta this summer? Create one (or all) of these three great summer sauces for your gathering and watch your guests delight in the taste.
1. Paloise sauce (a lot like a Hollandaise sauce but with a handful of chopped mint added at the end). This is perfect for
grilled meats, especially lamb.
2. Pesto sauce (pine nuts or walnuts, fresh basil or parsley leaves, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt and pepper, oil. Good on pasta, chicken or in salads.
3. Al Verde sauce (basil leaves, parsley, scallions, garlic, orange and lemon juice and zest, salad olives, capers, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oil). This is great with any type of pasta, or just spoon it on slices of toasted bread.
Summer Garden Party Food and Decor
Summer is a time to eat outside. Planning a garden party is a fun way to be outside with your family or friends. And you don't need an enormous back yard or "garden" to have one! A small patio, city backyard - or any outdoor space with room for chairs and a group of people can be transformed into the perfect garden party summer setting.
Here are some guidelines for what to serve and how to decorate for your summer gathering, courtesy of Oprah Winfrey.
Some tasty garden party recipes you can order from a gourmet prepared food company or create yourself include dandelion fritters, dandelion salad, cucumber Gazpacho, prosciutto and melon salad, potato and leek fritatta and creamed porobello mushrooms on toast.
To create the perfect garden party setting, follow these suggestions from Oprah:
1. Wrap old drapery or fabric around your table and tie them on the corners. This simple touch can give your entire presentation a dramatic flare.
2. Make simple napkins exotic by dressing them up. Thread ribbon through them for decoration — dress them up.
3. Place a unique setting, like a homemade tray, at each spot. Try using ribbon to cover inexpensive picture frames, like wrapping a present. Decorate each one differently so each guest feels special.
4. Set a paper fan at each place setting with the menu written on it. Guests will know exactly what you're serving and have a chance to cool themselves off!
5. Give your chairs a little flair. Take ordinary table runners and tie them to the back of each chair with a bow. You can even put flowers in each bow for fun.
6. Make a party favor they'll actually use. Take ordinary Epsom salt, mix it with aromatherapy and a few herbs, and put it in small bottles — they'll make your table smell great, and guests can take them home as party favors!
7. Make your own halo chandelier. Decorate Styrofoam wreaths with inexpensive greenery, flowers and ribbons. (Attach everything with spray adhesive or hot glue).
8. Cover a table with basic paving slates—you can write guests' names on them with chalk, or adorn them with rocks for a more "zen" feel!
9. Don't spend too much money on flowers. Fill vases with water, putting rocks at the bottom, and float tea light candles instead.
Remember, the idea is to stay simple and affordable. Pick and choose which ideas are right for you!
| Guru Spotlight |
| Carma Spence-Pothitt |
