Insider News from Chef Selwyn Richards

 

Hi Selwyn,


The leaves are changing and with that, out comes the jackets. We have been blessed with some fantastic weather so far this season. If our winter could only be so comforting...


Please don't procrastinate about booking your Christmas events, we still have a few good dates available. We are blessed to be able to continue to gather, celebrate, host and appreciate how wonderful it can be when we assemble for a common goal.

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BOOK YOUR EVENT NOW!

We continue to pray for all the families that have been impacted by the conflict happening in the Middle East right now. Civilizations have made so much progress in making our daily lives more comfortable. Our desire to live in abundance is unprecedented, yet we still have not mastered the plan of how to co-exist with each other in love, peace and harmony, having compassion for one another. We invest so many resources into Artificial Intelligence to predict, control and maybe to help eventually destroy us. Imagine if more of our efforts were dedicated to helping Human Beings resolve some of our basic issues!


Proverbs 24:14 - Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.


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,

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Chef Selwyn

President & Executive Chef

The Art of Catering Inc.

http://chefselwyn.com/

http://www.theartofcatering.com/

 
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~Feature Article~


Seasoning Soups and Stews!


Colder weather means you may be eating more soups and stews. Do you know what seasonings are best for these dishes and when it is best to add them? Take a look below to learn more about seasoning soups and stews.


When making soup, it is easy to fall into the habit of opening a can and heating it up. And while this might do in a pinch, there is nothing quite like homemade stock and fresh ingredients. Making soup or stew from scratch will definitely require more time but the results will be worth it. Your family will be able to taste the love that went into preparing this meal.


Start with the freshest ingredients possible. If you’re preparing a large pot of soup or stew, this means you will use fresh vegetables and herbs if at all possible. If you must use frozen or canned vegetables, be aware that they may contain salt so you will want to taste the base before adding salt.

If possible, make savory stew and soup a day or two prior to serving them. This will give the ingredients a chance to “marry” and the seasonings to meld together. Be sure to test the soup or stew prior to serving it to see if additional salt or other seasonings are needed.


What do you do if you’ve accidentally over-salted your soup? If it isn’t too salty, you can place a whole, peeled potato into the soup and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes. This will help remove the excess salt. When it is time to serve, remove the potato and set it aside for use later.


If you prefer a bold or intense flavor in your stew or soup, wait until nearer to the end of the cooking process to add them. Adding herbs too early in the cooking process will cause the flavor to be much milder.

The following list provides herbs that you may not use often but that can add wonderful flavor when seasoning soups and stews:


* Cardamom is great in Middle Eastern foods.

* Coriander is also used in Middle Eastern dishes but is also used in Chinese foods.

* Rosemary is a great seasoning to use.

* Basil is a terrific addition to stews as are oregano, paprika and garlic powder.


Remember that you can also use wine to add flavor to some stew and soup recipes. Wine would be added at a ratio of 1/4 cup of wine to each quart of soup stock. You will also want to remember to reduce the amount of salt you use in the stock as the wine will intensify the saltiness of the meal.




~Another Mouth Watering Recipe~


Ham & Zucchini Pie

Ingredients

1 8 ounce package refrigerated crescent rolls

2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise and quartered

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup butter, cubed

2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup cubed cooked ham

1 medium Roma tomato, thinly sliced

Method

1. Place the 8 crescent dough triangles in a 9-inch pie plate with the skinny ends towards the center.

2. Press the edges together to form a solid crust along the bottom and sides of the pie plate.

3. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 6 minutes or until lightly brown.

4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

5. Add the seasonings, zucchini and onion and cook until tender.

6. Pour this into cooked crust and add the cheese and ham. 

7. Quickly whisk the eggs & pour over the zucchini, cheese and ham mixture.

8. Top with tomato slices.

9. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

10. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.


~RECENT EVENTS~

 


Our sincere condolences to Toni Thomas, Caribbean Vibration!


Our prayers are with Toni's family

during this very difficult time.

 
 
 


Congratulations Dr. John Russell Rickford,

"Speaking My Soul: Race, Life,

and Language"!


 
 
 


Another beautiful day full of

God's richest blessings!


 
 
 


Afroglobal Excellence Awards was another fantastic event!


Congratulations to the recipients, Afroglobal team,

The Art of Catering Team and The Meridian Arts Centre, North York.

 
 
 


Another fantastic event with LLI

(Lifelong Leadership Institute)!


500 happy kids enjoyed eating our food!

 
 
 


Congratulations to Dr Jean Augustine, Pauline Christian, Courtney Betty and the other recipients who received Canada Summit and Nation Building Awards!


Happy Birthday and Congratulations to Alex Ihama

for hosting an awesome event!

 
 
 


Thanksgiving Luncheon at

Ledcor in Milton!


 
 
 

~UPCOMING EVENTS~

 


ByBlacks Restaurant Week Nov 2023!


ByBlacks National Restaurant Week 2023 Fall Edition kicks off in Vancouver!

For more information, please visit

https://byblacks.com/content/itemlist/tag/TORONTO

 
 
 

Another Raving Fan...


Hi Selwyn,


I would like to extend my personal thank you and appreciation to making Shayne and Shennel's wedding a success. Everyone is still talking about the food and how delicious it was. Without you, your vision and magical hands it wouldn't be possible. So we hold you dear to our hearts and we are truly grateful.


Much Blessings, Donna



BOOK YOUR EVENT NOW!

~Chef Selwyn's Cooking Tip~

 

Apples May Last Up To

Six Months If Stored Properly!

Apples may last up to six months, if stored properly. However, with some varieties, the skin may wrinkle a little in the later stages. As long as the apple is still firm, shows no discoloration and smells sweet, you can peel off the wrinkled skin. The texture may be slightly woody for eating – but they are perfect for cooking and reducing into compotes or baking in pies.

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The Art of Cooking: Soul of The Caribbean is available online!



CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW!




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

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