Foodie Lovers Wishlist

Everyone has that one or two hard to by for person in your life, and the Holidays can really test your patience....and sanity when shopping for them!  One thing that seems to be universal though is everyone's love of food.  I've put together a list of fun and affordable gifting options for even the pickiest person on your list.

DIY Butter Kit

Nibble Coaster

Can substitute any glass you'd like!

So simple and sleek in the design-this is sure to be a crowd pleaser! Free up one hand and combine your drink and food all into one. Incredibly affordable at just under $13, you can afford to buy a few and make it a set.  The Nibble Coaster is available through loads of websites, but we found this particular style on Amazon.



Banana Slicer

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/chefn-banana-slicer/

In my searching, the William Sonoma brand of Banana Slicer seemed to be the most user friendly and not messy at all.  Great gift for parents with little ones or anyone that regularly makes smoothies. Amazing find too at only $9.95!

Herb Keeper

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/glass-herb-keeper/s519219

A must in the kitchens of bakers or avid grilling afficionados, and it's gorgeous to look at!  A great deal at only $19.95 from Crate & Barrel, it helps prolong freshness for 2 weeks.  It also advertises that it's a great option for asparagus as well.



Strawberry Huller

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/chefn-strawberry-huller/s607943

Alright-I'm hitting you with another Crate & Barrel find BUT I can say from personal experience, this little magic device makes enjoying fresh strawberries a lot quicker!  At the low price of only $7.95, it also leaves your wallet a little fuller to buy more gifts.



Himalayan Salt Board

http://www.kitchenandcompany.com

So versatile in the ways you can use it and adds so much flavor to your food!  This salt board can be used cold to flavor veggies or fish.  It also just as easily can be thrown onto the grill with your favorite steak or chicken.  Very affordable for only $24.99 and makes for a beautiful presentation.



Lemon Squeezer

http://www.modernfurnituredecor.com

Genius! This is what I literally yelled out loud when I found this gem-and for only $14!  Beautiful in design, but so smart in the function that it helps take out most of the mess associated with fresh squeezed juices.



Corkcicle

http://www.wineenthusiast.com

This invention should be in every wine lovers arsenal-and at only $15.99 a piece, you can afford to get a few!  Wonderful to have on hand when unexpected guests stop by and no wine is already chilled, there is a version for beer too call the Chillsner Beer Chiller!


I hope you discovered a few new favorites and wish you luck as the Holiday shopping season kicks off!  What are some of your favorite food related gifts that you've given or received?  I'd love to hear all about it, so email me at christina@mattyscatering.com

Taking Corporate Outings To The Next Level

You find yourself tasked with the seemingly boring and difficult task of planning your companies next outing.  What do you do now?!  First off-do not panic!  You may not realize it, but there are some great, out-of-the-box ideas and options waiting for you and Matty's Catering is here to help!

Get creative and throw a painting party for your staff!

A group enjoying a class in our own Four Seasons Room at Matty's Bar

Businesses that offer group and private classes are popping up everywhere!  Many will give group discounts and provide a casual and fun outlet for employees to get a little creative, but also cut loose and get to know each other better.  Matty's Catering has hosted several of these events, taking it a step further with delicious small plate appetizers and wine sampling's & pairings.



Root, root root for the home team!

One of the many corporate tailgate outings that we have catered

Make a Saturday or Sunday outing a whole lot more fun and take the show on the road!  With Baseball season winding down....Football season is heating up. A great team building day where everyone feels relaxed will reap amazing rewards as far as employee performance.



Flip around the traditional Happy Hour, and opt for Bloody Mary Bar!

Gorgeous custom set up we recently did for a client

Spice up the regular morning meeting of doughnuts and coffee, and treat them to their very own Bloody Mary Bar!  The options for customizing toppings is endless whether you want to stick traditional with celery and a pickle or go for the gold and go with shrimp or sausage!



Test everyone's knowledge with a few rounds of trivia!

An afternoon of trivia that we hosted in our gorgeous Tented Terrace

Turn up the traditional outing a notch, a get people into the competitive spirit! Form teams and play for an ultimate prize.  If your company is involved in a charity, use the trivia as an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for it!



Bond over beer or wine with a tasting!

A customized beer tasting we held for a client

This type of an event seems like a no brainer for most groups! It can be done with as little as 10 people, all the way up 100 and works great with either wine, beer or both!  Food pairings are another great feature to include and help enhance the experience.


These are just a small sampling of the endless ideas and possibilities you can do with our professional Catering and Event Management Team.  Do you have a company get together to plan for the Holidays or to reward your team for a job well done?  Email events@mattyscatering.com and let's start planning!

Say Cheers With Holiday Cider!

Nothing says the Holidays like family, a warm fire and......a drink that warms you up!  Follow this quick and easy recipe to put a little kick (adults only please) into your traditional Hot Apple Cider.

Spiked Hot Apple Cider (Makes 10 Cups)

Ingredients:

• 7 Cups of Apple Cider (My favorite comes from a local Apple Orchard)
• 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
• 5-6 Cinnamon Sticks
• 1 Teaspoon Allspice
• 1 Teaspoon Cloves
• 1 1/2 Cups Dark Rum (I suggest Myers)
• 1 1/2 Cups Butterscotch Schnapps

1. Combine the Apple Cider and Brown Sugar in a large saucepan.  Using a cheese cloth, bundle together the cinnamon sticks, Allspice and Cloves-drop into the Apple Cider mixture. Bring the pan to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Remove the spice bundle and then slowly stir in the Rum and Schnapps.  Best served warm and garnished with a Cinnamon Stick!

Easy & Quick Holiday Entertaining Ideas

I know what you're thinking-it's September and WAY too early to even begin thinking about Holiday parties and planning out big family events.  Before you know it the leaves have started change, Halloween will have come and gone and then your stuck the morning of Thanksgiving scrambling to find a grocery store that's open or carries the special cranberries your Aunt Beth requested! The same type of stress goes for Christmas.....times 10.

You don't need to spend hours in the kitchen or a fortune at the store to really impress your guests! Read on to get some quick and easy recipes to make this year's parties a huge success!

Let's get started!

Cherry Tomato & Pesto Bites

This first one is a great example of a finger food that not only looks gorgeous, but is so delicious.  Be sure to use Cherry Tomatoes though, and avoid Grape Tomatoes as they may tip over.

Sweet & Spicy Mango Tartlets

A huge hit with our customers, our own Sweet & Spicy Mango Tartlets! So delicious and colorful in presentation, you can save a lot of time and buy your phyllo cups pre-formed.  Then it's just a matter of filling with cream cheese and topping off with the salsa.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus & Balsamic Drizzle

Well, who doesn't love bacon?!  This savory treat would also work well as a side dish and is as simple as wrapping the asparagus and baking off till it's cooked.  For the balsamic drizzle, I suggest a good quality to ensure good flavor.

http://www.the-baker-chick.com/2012/10/mini-baked-mac-cheese-bites/

These one bite wonders are the ultimate comfort food, made in easy handling form! The Mac & Cheese can be made ahead of time and you can pop them in the oven right before guests start to arrive.  Check out this version of the recipe here.

Veggie Shooters

Ditch the old boring vegetable platter and opt for this fun, hand held option!  The cups can be filled ahead of time with your favorite dip or dressing, and filled with a variety of veggies right as your guests begin to arrive!

Crockpot Meatballs

These are a main stay in our household for the Holidays!  Could not be easier than making small meatballs (or saving time and energy and going with store bought) placing them in a crock pot along with your favorite sauce, and setting it on High for the next few hours!  Flavor options are endless with BBQ, Marinara, Bourbon, Teriyaki.....the list keeps on going!



What are some of your favorite dips or snacks to whip up around the Holiday's?  Does you family have a tradition of any certain foods?  We want to here about your recipes!  Comment here or email me at christina@mattyscatering.com...I'm all ears!

To completely take out the stress of menu planning, give Matty's Catering a call and hear about our selections and options for your party of 15 or 150-we can do it all! Call us at 414.427.3838 Ext.1 or email us at events@mattyscatering.com and let's start planning!