Gourmet Prepared Foods Tips

Gourmet Coupons

There are coupons offered on the Internet for money off gourmet foods or the shipping and handling of gourmet foods. So before you pay full price, do some research on the company you are looking to order from. And save money on that gourmet order. It will make the food taste even better!

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What Guests Should Bring to Gourmet Gatherings

You're invited to an event in which you know gourmet food will be served and you need to bring something as a sign of good gesture. Even if you have not been asked to bring anything it is a good idea to bring a gift of food or drink. These gifts are universally appreciated, no matter what the food type. Experts say don't worry that your food gift isn't gourmet or doesn't match well with the theme or flavors of the menu. It really is true that it's the thought that counts. And your token will not go unappreciated even if the food or drink is saved by the host for another gathering.

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Be a Gracious Host

If you've ordered gourmet prepared foods, perhaps you are hosting an elegant night in your home. If you really want to turn on the charm and be a gracious host, follow these pointers on dining etiquette, courtesy of www.oldfashionedliving.com.

1. Greet your guests as they come to the door. Have a place for their personal items. Introduce people. Accept hostess gifts graciously. If you are the guest, please try to bring a hostess gift that is small and one which the hostess will not feel the need to use that night (a dessert or flowers). A well prepared hostess will already have the table decorated and dessert planned, so it would be difficult and awkward for her to try and work in a gift like this.

2. Offer guests beverages and appetizers immediately.

3. During appetizers, slip out to the kitchen quickly to get the first course on the table before the guests are asked to take their seats. Unless that first course is hot, then you would wait until the guests are seated.

4. Call guests to the table and direct them to where you want them to sit, even with placards there can be some uncomfortable moments.

5. Follow an etiquette book as far as setting the table. Many things have changed in recent years and all the pieces that were used before aren't necessary, and some utensils are placed in different locations. A guest should never have to move a utensil to get to his/her napkin.

6. Untensils should be used from the outside in. A used utensil should never be placed back onto the table cloth--rest it against or on the side of the plate. Napkins should remain on guests' laps and never placed upon the table again until the meal is over. If you must excuse yourself, place it on your seat and then back on your lap when you return.

7. After each course, remove the plate and utensils used.

8. After the main entree, remove all plates, used utensils, salt and pepper, butter, dressing, and so on. The dessert fork and spoon are usually placed at the top of the plate. They remain on the table until dessert is served.

9. Serve dessert and coffee cups. Place sugar and creamer on the table.

10. After dessert, you do not need to remove the dessert dishes, unless they will be seen from the living room or family room for the rest of the evening.

11. Appetizers and cocktail glasses should have been cleared already.

12. Games and conversation are both acceptable after dessert

13. When guests leave, walk them to the door, say a brief good-bye and return to the other guests. If you are the guest, do not engage the host in a long conversation at the door.

14. What do we do with the children?
a. You can feed your children early and let them greet guests and serve appetizers; then quietly slip off to watch some TV and go to sleep (you may wish to have a baby sitter help facilitate this.)
b. You can order pizza and cokes for teenagers and then let them eat and watch a parent-approved movie in a family room away from the dining area.
c. You can give them jobs and let them participate in the entire evening by adding a "children's table."

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Eating Gourmet Soup

Your gourmet soup has arrived. As with any gourmet food, make sure you know how to properly eat it!
Always move the soup spoon away from your body and fill it up two-thirds of its capacity. Then, sip the liquid sideways without inserting the whole bowl of the spoon in the mouth. No slurping! If you must tilt the bowl, tilt it away from the body to get those last spoonfuls.

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Planning An Elegant Dinner Party

There's much more to hosting an elegant dinner party than ordering gourmet prepared food. Here are some tips for planning an elegant dinner party, courtesy of www.finedinings.com:

1. Invitations. Send out invitations a month in advance including the basic information of what, when and where, the RSVP, directions, if there's a dress code and an inquiry about any food allergies. If you want your guests to bring something, include that in your invitation, such as wine for a certain course, or if you want them to bring a certain course. Be specific.

2) Menu. Make sure the menu is compatible with each course, keeping in mind different textures and colors. Do as much ahead of time as possible, do not leave many things to be done the day of the dinner party because you will be too exhausted. Plan a garnish for each course; this adds elegance to a dinner and makes a beautiful presentation. Determine the wine to accompany each course and how much you will need. If you are not sure, ask a wine steward or sommelier.

3. The Table. Use your best china, glass stemware, tableware, table linens and napkins. It is not advisable to use paper products. Set the mood for an elegant evening. Choose a centerpiece low enough that everyone can see over it. Use candles as the only light. Light them just before everyone is seated.

4. The Presentation. For something different, type your menu in the format of a fine dining menu, then translate it into French, Spanish, Italian or whatever theme your dinner may be. Print them out small enough so that you can place one beside each place setting. You may want to use placards. Use soft, mellow, pleasant background music that does not interfere with conversations. You may want to make take-home favors.

5. Seat Assignments. Seat yourself and your helper closest to the kitchen. Use random seating or specify seating by placards. Consider placing shy people next to talkative people.

6. Serving. Alternate your courses by serving a heavy course then a light course. For example, a cream soup (heavy), followed by a green salad (light), then a pasta course (heavy), etc. Once you determine the order of your courses, write it down and refer to it in the kitchen so you will know what course comes next. Do not "pass the dish." Plate up each course in the kitchen. This allows you to creatively decorate each plate with garnish.

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Well-balanced, Convenience, Variety

Parade magazine's annual "What America Eats" survey is, perhaps, a great indicator that more Americans will be looking to gourmet prepared foods companies to deliver meals to their homes.

That's because, according to the survey, Americans are demanding convenience and variety in their foods. It doesn't get much more convenient than having a well-balanced, gourmet meal delivered to your front door.
In the survey, Americans said they wanted well-balanced meals but too often convenience wins out and they wind up grabbing foods that are unhealthy. Eighty four percent of Americans try hard to eat well-balanced meals, but ultimately fail, according to the research.

Add to this the survey's findings that Americans are increasingly looking to be more adventurous with their food, and gourmet prepared food seems like an even better choice. Americans want bolder flavors. The most popular ethnic cuisins among Americans include Chinese, Italian and Mexican. However, Americans expressed interest in branching out and eating Greek, French, Thai and Indian foods.

So why not do a little research and find a gourmet prepared food company that can deliver salmon or baklava to your front door? It's easier than you think to order healthy and exotic foods to satisfy your mind and cravings.

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The Excitement of Duck

If you are researching gourmet foods to order and want something different than chicken or beef, consider ordering duck. Duck is creating excitement in the gourmet food market right now. Whole and cut up pieces of duck meat is finding its way into many gourmet dishes - as glazed breasts with all different kinds of sauces, in salads, pizzas, quesadillas and stews. Well-prepared duck is tasty and not fatty. It's had universal appeal as of late in many a chef's kitchen and will likely delight your guests.

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Presentation is Key

You've ordered gourmet prepared food for that special day. Once the delicious feast arrives in your kitchen, give it the presentation gourmet food deserves.
Gourmet food experts remind customers to offer the food on luxurious dishes such as the family china. After all, you've gone through the trouble and expense of ordering fine food. Don't forget to serve it in a fine manner. Then your event will truly feel elegant!

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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.

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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.

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