Insider News from Chef Selwyn Richards

Let's recognize the defining moments when opportunities present themselves for us to grow and stretch the boundaries to a new level of WOW. Passion will move us to experience fulfillment and gratitude while we continue to raise our level of performance to meet our expectations; doing what is necessary to accomplish our goals. Distractions are just that - distractions - let's not give them more power than they deserve. Let's embrace the challenges in front of us to be better for ourselves and others.

Psalm 139:14 - I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well.

Wishing you God's richest blessings, I encourage you to pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. May the good Lord keep and prosper you in good health and wealth. 

Stay Blessed,



Chef Selwyn

President & Executive Chef

The Art of Catering Inc.

http://chefselwyn.com/

http://www.theartofcatering.com/

Hearty Party Appetizers!

Holiday parties are just around the corner. Try some of these hearty party appetizers to keep your guests happy. If you want, you can make many of these types of appetizers ahead of time to make the day of the event easier for you to enjoy yourself.

• Buffalo Wings are almost a staple at holiday parties across the country. They are relatively easy to make and can be adjusted to varying tastes. Sour cream or blue cheese dressing is normally served with Buffalo Wings.

• Stuffed Mushrooms are also hearty enough to serve to people expecting more than mere chips and dips. Sauté the caps and then stuff them with any variety of fillings. Sausage, crumpled bacon, cheese and walnuts are common fillings but you can also use shredded crabmeat, diced prosciutto and shredded mozzarella.

• Bruschetta is another hearty appetizer you may want to serve. Bruschetta is made using crusty Italian bread which has been sliced and brushed with olive oil and roasted garlic. Tomato, shrimp and mozzarella are common ingredients but you can add anything on the top that you would like.

• Mini Quiches can be made with a variety of ingredients to meet the tastes of nearly everyone. They can be made with green chilies, chicken and Monterey cheese for a Tex-Mex type taste or with pepperoni, black olives and mozzarella cheese for an Italian flavor. You can even make them with sweet ingredients and serve them as a dessert-type appetizer.

• Spiced Cereal Trail Mix is a hit as a hearty appetizer. Add multi-grain cereal squares, oats and honey granola, pretzel twists, dried fruit of your choosing, pumpkin pie spice and honey. Mix this all together and then bake for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Meatballs can also be used as an appetizer if they are served with toothpicks. Make a smaller version of your favorite Italian meatball. You can also make barbecue or Swedish meatballs. Remember, however, that if you serve meatballs, to make sure you have plenty of napkins nearby for anyone who drops theirs.

You’ll want to prepare some of these hearty party appetizers for your guests. It is often said the food makes the party so you want your guests to be satisfied. These hearty appetizer ideas are delicious and will definitely satisfy even the pickiest party-goer.



Apricot Fruitcake

This is another great fruitcake for the holidays. Pecans can be substituted for walnuts.

Ingredients

1 cup dried apricots

1 cup water

3/4 cup butter

1 cup white sugar

4 eggs

1 cup golden raisins

1 pound red and green candied cherries

6 candied pineapple slices

1 pound dried mixed fruit

2 cups all-purpose flour, divided

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup apricot nectar

1 cup chopped walnuts

Method

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Grease two 9 inch tube pans.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat cook apricots in the water until they are mushy. Press them through a sieve and let them cool.

3. Separate the eggs. Beat the egg yolks until lemony colored. Then beat the egg whites until stiff peaks are formed. Set aside.

4. Cream the butter or margarine and sugar together. Add the beaten egg yolks and the apricots, and mix thoroughly.

5. Combine the raisins, candied cherries, candied pineapple, and mixed dried fruits in a bowl coated with one cup of the flour.

6. Combine the remaining flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this flour mixture alternately to the creamed mixture with the apricot juice. Blend this

batter into the mixed fruits. Add the chopped pecans or walnuts and fold in the beaten egg whites. Turn the batter into the prepared pans.

7. Bake at 275 degrees F for 2 hours. Garnish cakes with candied pineapples and cherries. Makes about 24 servings.

I had the pleasure of presenting The Art of Catering Excellence of Service Award to Brianna and Angela at Extendicare Oshawa with Mark Proctor

A big Thank You to The Art of Catering Team!

Always happy to provide healthier choices!

Congratulations Dr Jean Augustine

on her Lifetime Achievement Award and

to all the other phenomenal recipients.

The Federal Government announced 1.5 million dollars towards The Jean Augustine Chair.

Never Buy Pre-stuffed Birds!

Never buy pre-stuffed birds – the stuffing is just too susceptible to bacteria.

Also available in stores!

Now in Toronto at Guardian Pharmacy, owned by Dr. Remi Ojo, 

7-78 Corporate Drive, Scarborough Ontario

Now in Jamaica at Garmack Car Rentals,

Norwood Ave, New Kingston; York Pharmacy,

Half Way Tree, Mystic Mountain, Ocho Rios; 

and Sangster's Book Stores  

Email general inquiries to theartofcatering@gmail.com

Email Selwyn directly at selwyn@theartofcatering.com

Phone us at 905-619-1059