Tom Kai Gai - Thai-style Coconut Chicken Soup

This soup I made was by request, and I must say it is now one of my all time favorite soups.

Tom Kai Gai has many ingredients that are in the soup base that have the secret to the balance of this dish - Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime, Garlic, Chili & Chicken Stock. It also has Shiitake Mushrooms and I added fresh Carrots and Parsley for color.


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Sweetheart Dinner Buffet
Chicken Marsala
Green Beans sauteed with Butter & Onions
Pasta Primavera
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Garden Salad tossed with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Sliced Breads & Rolls and Butter


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Beef & USDA Grading

USDA Grades of Beef; Prime, Choice & Select Grade are the most popular – even though there is another grade often used in foodservice named “No Roll” – which means that the seller did not think that their beef would make the lowest stamp roll (Select Grade) so they did not pay to have it graded. Beef that is “No Roll” may contain Select Grade as well some Choice, but never Prime – if the beef contained Prime, sellers would pay for the USDA grading in order to fetch a more premium price tag.

“No Roll” is available and you should ask what grade you are in the market for, whether you are shopping in your local supermarket, ordering in a restaurant or ordering from a licensed caterer.
Some selections of beef wouldn’t be appropriate for all uses, for example, you wouldn’t want to use USDA Prime Beef for hamburgers, unless you wanted to pay the most premium price for that burger.

Grading of beef is based on maturity and quality of the bone structure and the amount of marbling and color in the muscle of the animal. All beef is inspected by the USDA and is inspected on a pass/fail system.

Select grade is considered “good”, while Choice is “better” and Prime is considered “premium”. If you are considering a dinner for a large amount of guests and would like to provide a “Beef Tenderloin” entrée, Select grade would be a logical choice if you are considering budget constraints. You may also use other cuts of beef that may also fit into budgets for “Roast Beef” selections that may be of higher grade.

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Tom Yum Gung Soup

A recent soup request has been a soup I’ve wanted to make for awhile, but has been pushed to the back burner of tasks to do. This upcoming week, I will try my hand at it. What had intrigued me before this request was the research that has been recently done on Tom Yum Gung soup for immune system benefits, as well as cancer inhibiting qualities. http://articles.smashits.com/articles/food/94702/health-benefits-of-thai-soup-under-study.html

Here are the ingredients I’ll use for one gallon:
• 16 Cups Chicken stock
• 3 stalks Lemongrass
• 12 Kaffir lime leaves
• 2 Tbsp. Garlic
• 2 tsp. Red chili flakes
• ¼ Cup. Fish sauce
• Nam prig pow (Red curry paste)
• Shiitake mushrooms
• medium Shrimp
• 3 Tbsp. Lime juice
• Cilantro
• Sugar to taste

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Free PC Firewall and Anti-Virus

I was using PC Tools' free Firewall and Anti-Virus software. I kept having issues with my system locking up with the firewall with everyday programs to the point where I would have to turn off the firewall in order to have the programs work - ineffective if not active! Then the Anti-Virus program just errored out (error 104) and kapoot wouldn't startup.

So I googled and gave Comodo's free Firewall and Anti-Virus a chance. I haven't had one error and upon first system scan, the Anti-Virus found and quarantined areas where PC Tools had found no problems. It's very easy to use and I'd recommend it, especially if you have no other firewall than Window's.


Free Firewall - Download the Best Firewall Protection and Anti-Virus Scan Software from Comodo


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Do you own something that runs on gasoline?

When gas shot up to over $4 a gallon here in central Florida, most folks were relieved by the time it got down to $2.70ish a gallon.

Somewhere between that time-frame, our local gas was infused with ethanol. The signs on the pump state that it is not over 10% of the formula. It is however enough to cause some major engine problems for my gas engines, including my lawnmower!

A few signs of struggle with ethanol include; rough idling, hard starts, sputtering, backfiring and white smoke in exhaust.

I found Gasoline/Marine Medic and now use it regularly to every fuel fill-up. It not only cleans the ethanol related problems, it stabilizes the fuel to reduce moisture in the fuel line. It works for all gas engines and can be found at any marine store or automotive stores have similar fuel cleaners.

- 32 ounces treats 375 gallons
- Stabilizer removes water from fuel
- Prevents phase separation corrosion Inhibitor cleans and lubricates entire fuel system

It makes me wonder why this additive was not included in the formula for our "new" gas, but after considering the advantages to the economy by not including it - I understand why it was probably left out:
More engine troubles helps local repair shops, used and new auto dealers & sellers of small engine wares...

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Ants & Insecticidal

Living in Florida for the last six years or so, has been an introduction to many of insects - some have been non-problematic, some have been super challenging like the dreaded lubber bug which if not treated with a potent insecticidal during their nymph stage can only be controlled in the garden by use of a brick.

For ants and more, I've found this recipe to work best:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boric_acid
"Boric acid was first registered in the US as an insecticide in 1948 for
control of cockroaches, termites, fire ants, fleas, silverfish, and
many other insects. It acts as a stomach poison affecting the
insects' metabolism, and the dry powder is abrasive to the insects'
exoskeleton.

Boric acid is generally considered to be safe to use in household
kitchens to control cockroaches and ants.

Homemade ant bait can be made
by dissolving:
1 teaspoon (5 mL) powdered boric acid and
10 teaspoons (50 mL) sugar into
2 cups (500 mL) of water;
this mixture can then be absorbed into cotton balls which are left near
ant trails. This reportedly will be carried back into the ants' nest,
decimating or even completely wiping out the colony."

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Notice to Industry via FDA Food Safety

I received a "Notice to the Industry" letter from the FDA regarding food safety and their implementing a food safety handbook program for the industry for employee training purposes.

I went to their website listed on the letter and true to governmental practices - the program is "...coming soon."

Not so surprising that they mailed out letters to quickly inform all retail operations of this new program that is on it's way....I'm not sure what time frame soon is for the FDA?
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/RetailFoodProtection/IndustryandRegulatoryAssistanceandTrainingResources/ucm113827.htm

There are many links within the fda.gov site that has information for consumers and retailers alike, not only for food safety, but recalls, drug administration and more.

Here is a link for consumer food preparation safety for the holidays, complete with video instructions.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm188807.htm

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Have you backed up your hard drive lately?

Our hard drive for the shop at Cater Express warned us with "Hard drive failure imminent, press F1 to save any data"...of course F1 did not work, because the hard drive was DOA.

The affordable HP Compaq Presario I opted for was manufactured with Vista. Which did not work with any peripherals at all - zip, nadda, not-a-one. So I put sturdy Windows XP over the Vista operating system so as to have a funtional computer. Alas, the folks at HP decided to make this a feat of hoops not to be surpassed by any other install.

We opt to run our files off of Google Documents, for this reason alone. The access issues from any computer for word, pdf and excel files is priceless.

Here is a quick run down of what an XP install over a Vista machine is...and it doesn't ever work on the first or second try:

COMPAQ PRESARIO F700 AND G6000 SERIES WITH A AMD PROCESSOR (ONLY) XP DRIVERS
Please follow farther down the thread to select your exact seriesCHIPSET:http://www.nvidia.com/object/nforce_...nxp_16.08.htmlDO NOT RUN THE SOFTWARE (SETUP EXE FILE). Instead, download the file and extract the files to a folder. Manually install the SM BUS controller (SM Bus Folder) and the Coprocessor (SMU Folder) through the device manager. DO NOT install the LAN driver. Results will be a BSOD.Download and install, then REBOOT.VIDEO:http://drivers.softpedia.com/get/GRA...Go-15655.shtmlDownload and install, then REBOOT.LAN:http://www.nvidia.com/object/nforce_...p2k_14.10.htmlDO NOT RUN THE SOFTWARE (SETUP EXE FILE). Instead, download the file and extract the files to a folder. Manually install the LAN Driver through the device manager.You should beable to get ON-LINEvia your LAN connection. DO a full MS Update. You will need XP SP2. DO NOTinstall SP3 until ALL your drivers are installed and running correctly.You will also need:Net. Framework 2.0. This can be downloaded here:http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=enInstall and REBOOT.Once this is done you may proceed:ATHEROS WLAN:http://www.atheros.cz/download.php?a...007EG&system=1Download and run SETUP EXE., then REBOOT.orBROADCOM WLAN:http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/g...s&lc=en&dlc=enDownload and run SETUP EXE., then REBOOT.The Broadcom Wlan is untested as most of these laptops have the Atheros Wlan.MS UAA:http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...3180330&dlc=enDownload and run SETUP EXE., then REBOOT.AUDIO:http://www.mediafire.com/?dg0cmmkm4y4Extract Files to a folder. Run the installer. If it errors upon installation use device Manager.From Device Manager, right click "Audio Device on HD".Choose Update driver.Check no to connect.Install from a list or specific location.Don't search I will choose the driver to install.In the list of common hardware types, scroll down and select Sound, Video, and Game controllers.Remove the check from "Show Compatible Hardware" and click on "Have Disk".Next...browse to the unzipped folder and choose the "WiSVHe5.inf".Ignore XP when it complains.REBOOT.MODEM:http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...3180330&dlc=enExtract Files to a folder. Manually install the modem driver through the device manager (Similar to the AUDIO Driver)and REBOOTThe following drivers maybe installed in any order:CARD READER:http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/g...reg_R1002_USENDownload and run SETUP EXE., then REBOOT.QUICK LAUNCH BUTTONS:http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/g...reg_R1002_USENDownload and run SETUP EXE., then REBOOT.


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Our recent drop off catering

Menu: Chicken Poppers, Fried, BBQ, Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings, Artichoke Pops, Petite Shrimp Cakes, Filet Mignon Bites, Beef Satay's, Caprese Salad Skewers, Colossal Shrimp Cocktail, Mini Quiche Florentine, Sea Scallops wrapped with Bacon, Crudite Platter with Ranch Dip, Cheese platter & Spinach, Parmesan and Artichoke Dip.


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November 21st Wedding

Passed Hors d' Oeuvres
Krab Rangoon, classic Surimi, Scallion, Cream Cheese with a Sweet & Sour Drizzle
Petite Crab Cakes with Red Pepper Coulis
Canapé Style Puff Bites, Vegetarian with Herbed Cream Cheese and sweet Bell Peppers
Salami Coronets

Dinner Buffet
Beef Tenderloin with Herbs d' Provence, served medium rare
Alaskan Pollock poached in a light Wine Sauce
Asian Salad
Rolls and Butter

Appetizer Table
Buffalo Chicken Bites & Cucumber Ranch
Celery, Carrot and grape Tomatoes to accompany Buffalo Chicken Bites
Chicken Pate with Apple Slaw
Brie en Croute, served with Crackers

Dessert Table:
Fresh cut Fruit Display
Amaretto and Dark Belgian Chocolate Fruit Dip

Coffee Service & Herbal Iced Tea

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Apples

While shopping, I noticed an apple I wasn’t familiar with – “Pink Lady”. With a little research, I found the Pink Lady ® to be a cross between Golden Delicious and Lady Williams. Originally from Australia 1973, they are relatively new to the U.S. apple scene. They have a magenta blushed with pink highlights. Pink Lady’s are a very nice snacking apple and are a nice addition to any baking item.
Checking for more info on apples, I found this comprehensive list of apple varieties – more than I’ve ever imagined: http://www.allaboutapples.com/varieties/
From this website, I learned apples were patented and registered trademarks and that it is illegal to propagate patented varieties without permission from the patent holder. Also, I had no idea there were this many variety of apples to choose from!

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Why we no longer sell Pepsi products

Why we no longer
sell Pepsi products

Ever wonder why soda’s or bottled water cost more at a restaurant or service location than at a big box store, like Sam’s club? $1.49 for Aquafina you may question, “Well I can buy a 24 pack of bottled water at Sam’s club for $4.99, which is .21 cents each!”
Here’s why: to have any product delivered to a business is a convenience service (you didn’t have to use your vehicle, pay for employee to shop, pay for product, transport, and then unload). At the store, it is sold warm, so then you need refrigeration service or else when you ice down your beverages, it will take twice as much ice to bring down the temperature to serve – at $2.25 on average – a bag of ice adds up.
Here’s the unexpected padded expense that many people may not be aware of: Pepsi Rewards Program. Many companies institute these programs for purchasing employees to reap rewards that essentially trickle down costs to the employer, and ultimately the customer.

After a year or so, I looked at our Pepsi Rewards to find out what it is they were offering that I didn’t really want: I turned in $16,000ish points for a “Body Rider Dual Trainer.” Once I put it together, I could see why this product was offered as part of a “freebie point scheme.” It actually didn’t work at all until I made some modifications to the pedals so that it didn’t grind against the back wheel while pedaling. It also had been a previously opened package. Ever wonder what happens to all those products that get returned due to defects? I have an idea…Ever wonder why Pepsi is in the business of offering Rewards to Business Merchant accounts instead of offering a competitively priced product? – I do.
Add in two more major cost contributing factors: 1. Pepsi has a minimum that must be purchased to keep account active –cases of bottles/cans and bag in the box syrups – amounts depend on account negotiations, but can be steep. 2. Everything except water not only expires, within a few months if you’re lucky, but becomes unpleasant to drink due to deterioration of the syrup mixture.
Typical call from Pepsi service to Cater Express:
Pepsi: “Hi, calling to take your Pepsi order.”
Me: “We don’t have an order this month, we couldn’t sell any product.”
Pepsi: “If you don’t order, we may need to cancel your account.”
Me: “Ok.”
Pepsi: “We don’t want to cancel, but I see on your account that you are required to buy xxx of Aquafina.”
Me: “That’s not part of my contract.”
Pepsi: “Oh, ok, my mistake. We’ll call you next month.”
Me: “Ok.”

False Advertisement

It is more than disappointing to receive a food item that was not what was advertised. Here, in Florida, popular substitution items include various fish for Grouper and Krab for Crab. It is not only unethical; it is also against Florida’s Food Code - 509.292(1) FS with a $500 fine. Very good to know should you ever come across this, as I have recently while dining out. Here is a list of over 900 violator’s from 2006 – September 2009 from the State of Florida.
http://ping.fm/FN4qD

October 17th Wedding with Action Stations

Pasta Station: Sauces: Marinara, Alfredo & my favorite - Vodka Sauce
Cavattapi & Linguini
Italian seasoned Grilled Chicken, Shrimp & fresh Vegetable Medley

Taco Station: Beef & shredded Chicken
Flour & Corn Taco shells
Taco Garden: shredded Lettuce, Jalapenos, fresh Pico de Gallo Salsa, Sour Cream, fine shredded Mexican Cheeses, fresh Guacamole

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Outdoor Wedding October 4th

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Time for a cool change...

I just got my invitation for Google Voice - Google Voice! Google Voice gives you a single phone number that rings all your phones, saves your voicemail online, and transcribes your voicemail to text...it's the last phone number you'll ever want! Yea:)

UHT Shelf Stable

While shopping I saw "shelf stable" milk. I read the packaging and thought that it might be a replacement for canned milk.

I then read an article that Unilever is trying to perfect a recipe for shelf stable ice cream...whoa.

That's right, the money involved with manufacturing, transporting and storage for ice cream, makes it a very expensive to process item. So scientists are hard at work trying to remove the expense of refrigerated transport and storage of ice cream for UHT shelf stable ice cream – sounds delicious, huh?
UHT seems as if it might be a new fangled way of processing dairy products. But, after a quick Internet search, the shelf stable coffee creamers have been around for quite awhile – Land O’Lakes’ mini moo’s and Coffee Mates’ individual UHT Processed Creamers.

Now is the time to learn to make ice cream the true old fashioned way, so that once it is gone from the grocery stores, you will have more options than reaching for a box on a shelf to put in your shopping cart to lug back to your own freezer, that will most likely boast, “Tastes as good as the frozen brands!”

Or push the easy button and prepare yourself with a gadget to help:

Google shopping search for ice cream machines: http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&rlz=1T4PCTA_enUS341US341&q=ice%20cream%20makers&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wf

Warm ice cream article:
Warm ice cream

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A good side effect of a bad economy is that I have been to Lowe's 4 times in the last few weeks and every sales person has been extremely helpful. When the houses were flipping like crazy, I couldn't even find a sales person - now they greet me at the door and ask if I need help! Yea for me!

Food for thought ~ Salmon

There are five species of wild-caught Pacific Salmon:

Pink Salmon $
Pink salmon has a high and healthy amount of omega-3 oil content, small flake size, is tender & affordable. Smallest sized salmon means that this fish has the least amount of exposure of toxins that affect larger fish.

Chum aka Keta $$
Chum’s have a low omega-3 content and large flake size. Chum salmon is a larger fish that is usually is dried. Chum is the leanest and has the palest coloring, but it also has a delicate salmon flavor.

Sockeye $$$
Sockeye’s are also known as “Red Salmon” because of its deep reddish coloring. It is the most popular Pacific Salmon choice and largest commercial harvest. Sockeye’s have the second highest amount of omega-3 oils for salmon and a medium flake size.

Coho aka Silver $$$ Coho’s omega-3 content is moderate and the size of fish is medium in relative sizing. Coho’s sport fishing is currently under conservation to rebuild commercial stock. It resembles King salmon in color and texture, though less flavorful.

Chinook aka Red King or White King $$$$
King Salmon are the largest and the richest with highest omega-3 oils and largest flake size. Their size also makes them more prone to toxins that affect wild fish. White King’s are the same in all characteristics as reds, without the red pigmentation.

*Atlantic salmon is farmed due to over fishing. Farmed salmon usually contain coloring agents and is less flavorful than wild-caught.

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Movie Watched: "The Gleaners and I" ...ummm, "read subtitles" -- recommend reading movie when not hungry..very interesting movie.

BBQ Fun with friends

Jaime and DJ rocked the Rainbow Rib cook off with their beautifully Fresh Organic Corn Salsa & Blue Corn Chips and their winning delicious Baby Back Ribs...at the first ever Rainbow Rib cook off - though, the winners are all the eaters!


For some great competitive fun, gather some friends around for a challenge and enjoy the rewards. Cheers ~Kat




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A service we like to use to help us manage our computers and security is - Logmein free.

We maintain and manage our website http://www.cater-express.com/ and monitor our camera security at Cater Express.

Being able to login to Cater Express remotely is extremely convenient.

Catering has lots of other aspects; website building, computer security, shop security, financial record keeping, state sales tax collection, licensure maintenance for liability insurance, fire suppression hood system and extinguishers, food service and alcohol sales.

We take pride in knowing that we are current in all aspects of safety and the legality of providing the best service we can!

Here at Cater Express we can provide white full skirted linens for your full service buffets; all inclusive with our service staff - http://ping.fm/MQ0eS

Fresh, local Grouper direct from the dayboat fishing boats, here in Indian Rocks Beach at the edge of Largo, Fl.

And here is my favorite preparation for fresh fish; Pan seared with Tomato Concasse and Kaffir Lime ~Kat

http://www.cater-express.com/

New Knife Skills Classes

Our chefs here at Cater Express will teach correct Knife Sharpening and Knife Skills for Vegetable preparation and how to cut a Roasted Chicken for Platter presentation.

Class includes to take home:

7" Santoku Knife constructed of a high carbon German steel
Vegetable Prep for Soups and Stocks
One whole Roasted Chicken

September 5th, 2009

09/05/2009 Knife Skills Class Online sign-up

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

cater-express.com

Our Sushi Rolling Class is available online. We have kept the price at $10 - if you would like to learn how to Roll-Your-Own Sushi...sign up and we'll teach you how. We will be offering more cooking classes per requests.

Sushi Rolling Class includes: Take your Sushi rolling Mat home and basic prep for Sushi Rolls to eat or take with. Premium ingredients; Tuna, Krab, etc. $2. Beer, Wine and Soft drinks $2... Be sure to sign up online to guarantee your reserved Sushi Spot or we may be fully booked! Hope to see you soon at Cater Express.

California Roll
· Avocado
· Krab
· Cucumber

Vegetable Roll
· Zucchini
· Carrots
· Cucumber
· Chives
· Snap peas
· Sprouts

Smoked Salmon (Bagel Roll)
· Salmon
· Cream Cheese
· Chives
Ahi Tuna Roll
· Ahi
· Japanese Mayo
· Siracha Sauce

Mexican Roll
· Tempura Shrimp
· Carrots
· Japanese Mayo

http://www.cater-express.com/

At our first Sushi Rolling class at Cater Express, all 20 guests created beautiful rolls and some great tasting ones too. We had Thai Basil on the table to add to rolls and Cilantro for our Mexican Roll (Tempura Shrimp, Carrots and Japanese Mayo). The Cilantro was my favorite added ingredient...Some people love Cilantro, while others do not. So one roller added the Cilantro to "top" his Sushi bite, instead of rolling it inside so he could share his with his wife.
Call us for our next Sushi Rolling class!

We provide the basic prep and have Beer, Wine and soft drinks available. Premium ingredients are available at nominal pricing.



on Facebook

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Willow LaMonte has organic gardening events throughout the year. Her event on July 26th had a great turnout. Scheduled talks and exhibits were available throughout the day by expert gardeners.
I met local author Monica Brandies and purchased her HERBS AND SPICES FOR FLORIDA GARDENS book - available signed from here: http://gardensflorida.com/books.html
She has many other books available as well, and if you plan to garden, even a small herb garden - her books are a must have!
This trip, I bought Organic Lemon Verbana, English Lavender plants and seeds; Cilantro, Sage and Habenero's...for my modest little garden.

on Facebook


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Corporate Catering Clearwater Florida

Cater Express offers full service catering for Corporate meetings and events. For our event with Bausch and Lomb, we provided with coffee service our Viennese Dessert Table:

Cream Puffs
Lemon Bars
Raspberry Crisp
Dark Bavarian Chocolate Blueberry Clusters
Brownie Bites
Assorted filled mini Cupcakes
Petit Fours
Mini Cheesecake assortment:
Cherry, Blueberry, Pineapple, Lemon Coconut, Peanut Butter
Chocolate Mints


www.Cater-Express.com

Our Staff

Our Staff - Dennis is quick on his feet clearing tables for our 150 guests.

on Facebook




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Willow Herbal Delight Gardens

Willow LaMonte shared her garden and her wisdom with Mary Jo and I today.

We bought several organic herbs from her; Culantro, Thai Hisbiscus and Mexican Oregano (which we learned isn't in the Oregano family)! Also, tall Lemongrass, Cardamom, Za'atar (Middle Eastern Oregano), Vietamese Mint, Japanese Mint and Prickly Pear Cactus. We tasted such an abundance of fresh delights that comprised the 27 ingredients that Willow cut fresh for a salad for our Luncheon in the Garden under her grand old oak canopy.

We brought from our garden Rosemary, Greek Oregano, African Basil, German Thyme and Thai Basil infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil to accompany our bread loaf. Kat also brought her Couscous Market Fresh Salad which complimented the Herb Salad and Lemongrass Tea Willow had made.
Willow is hosting a Tropical Delight Plant Faire on Sunday, July 26 from 10 am to 5 pm (rain date is August 2nd) located in her 1 acre Garden. You may contact her at 813-643-7285 for more information. She will be featuring many local Organic Vendors from prepared Teas and Foods to Cotton fabrics as well as lectures from expert Florida Gardener and author of multiple Gardening Books, Monica Moran Brandies. She will also have many varieties of Plants and Herbs for sale.

For more information about Willow LaMonte and her Garden:
http://brandonnews2.tbo.com/content/2009/jul/01/br-visitors-welcome-at-garden-of-herbal-delights/

http://snap.tbo.com/photos/index.php?id=2344463

~Kat
cater-express.com

Pate Choux Puff bites

Mini canape puffs are made from our Pate Choux and piped onto sheetpans. Baked Golden Brown.

Then topped or filled with filling of choice; from sweet to savory.





cater-express.com

Sushi Rolling Party

Sign up online - everyone is welcome. Limited to 20 guests.
Friday evening: August 7th, 2009
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=95480899078#


Learn to roll Sushi; bring home your rolls. $10 prep for Nori, Rice and Veggies. Protiens - market pricing for Tempura Shrimp, Smoked Salmon, Ahi Tuna. Cater Express has enough room for the first 20 people who sign up. Beer and Wine available for purchase. Free beer or wine ticket for the first 10 sign ups.
Menu:
California Roll
• Avocado
• Krab
• Cucumber

Vegetable Roll
• Zucchini
• Carrots
• Cucumber
• Chives
• Avocado
• Snap peas
• Sprouts

Smoked Salmon (Bagel Roll)
• Salmon
• Cream Cheese
• Chives
• Avocado

Ahi Tuna Roll
• Ahi
• Japanese Mayo
• Siracha Sauce

Mexican Roll
• Tempura Shrimp
• Carrots
• Avocado
• Japanese Mayo

• Flying Fish Roe

cater-express.com

Clearwater Beach Venue

Clearwater Beach Recreation Complex: Social hall with scenic view of intercoastal.

For more information call (727) 462-6138

We catered a party for fifty guests and the banquet room had lots of room for more guests and plenty of space for dancing too.

The intracoastal view is amazing and there is plenty of parking also.

This is a very affordable beach venue.

Mushrooms

Many people recommend not washing mushrooms, but rather wiping them clean. I like to rinse them though, under cold water in a colander and then place a few paper towels in the colander and toss them about a bit to dry before stuffing and baking them.

Off to the races!

Last weekend's party theme for this event was centered on car racing - Jeff Gordon was the car of choice which Cakes of Paradise put on the sheet cake too.

Here's their menu:
Petite Filet Mignon Bites
Petite Crab Cakes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Chicken Bites, Teriyaki
Chicken Bites, BBQ
Colossal Cocktail Shrimp with Horseradish Cocktail sauce and Lemon Wedges
Vegetable Skewers
Fresh Fruit Platter
Yogurt and Honey Fruit Dip with Mango
Crudites with Ranch Dip
Mini Cupcakes, variety
Fresh baked Cookies
Double Chocolate Brownie Bites
Fresh brewed Iced Tea
Lemonade
Coffee Service

Hand rolled Meatballs

We make all our food fresh and to order - here, Mary Jo, is making our hand rolled meatballs for a catering event for 120 guests this last weekend.

mmm....Sweet 'n Sour Meatballs

WCR - Women Chefs and Restaurateurs

Q. What is WCR?
A. WCR members stay connected via participation at the Local Exchange events, where members nurture professional development by having mini workshops, cooking demos, cookbook signing, or fund raising/awareness events; sometimes featuring the founding members or other seasoned professionals like Alice Waters (CA), Ann Cooper (CA), Anita Lo (NY), Bonnie Moore (DC), Deanne Bayless (IL), Eve Felder (NY), Gale Gand (IL), Helene Kennan (CA), Maureen Pothier (RI), Nora Pouillon (DC), Sherry Yard (CA), Susan Spicer (LA).

Once a year, members converge at the National Conference to network with other members across the country, learn a trick or two from the various workshops, eat a lot of delicious food, learn about and brainstorm how to address/solve current culinary issues, and recognized the achievement of women food professionals at the Women Who Inspire Awards ceremony.

Other member benefits include discounts at various events, scholarships opportunities (see below), exclusive discounts on certain brand (All Clad, ChefWear, etc.), and exclusive (recipe) contests. To become a WCR member, visit our website.

Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera - "Primavera meaning the season" - Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots, Mushrooms, Onions, Red Pepper & Green Beans + fresh Asiago Parmesan served over our Tomato Cream with Pasta of Choice


Our Primavera with Fettuccine

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Q. What's Cooking at Cater Express?

A. Pasta Primavera - "'Primavera' meaning the season"

Fresh vegetables for today's:
Broccoli, caul, carrots, mushrooms, onions, red pepper & green beans

• + fresh Asiago Parmesan and our Tomato Cream

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Recipes

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Lemon - Basil Sea Scallops & Spinach Linguine

Serves 4

Lemon - Basil Marinade:
12 large Sea Scallops - 3 per serving (Defrost Sea Scallops if purchased frozen) Remove foot - small connective muscle on side of scallop and pat dry
1/2 Cup of Olive Oil – to marinate scallops 1 Lemon – zest only (Juice from lemon is used for the White Wine Sauce below)
6 large Fresh Basil leaves – leave whole

White Wine Sauce:
1 Cup Sauvignon Blanc or dry white wine
1 - 12 oz can Chicken Stock or Vegetable broth
Juice of zested lemon used in marinade
3 Tbsp Cornstarch – mixed with just enough cold water to form a slightly thick slurry
3 Tomatoes, seeds removed, small diced
1 10 oz. bag fresh Spinach – rinsed and dried
Kosher or Sea Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste


White Wine Sauce:
Remove Sea Scallops from marinade (reserving the basil and marinade) into a medium-hot large skillet. Sear Sea Scallops both sides 3 - 4 minutes. Remove Sea Scallops from skillet and set aside in a bowl to retain juices.
Reduce heat and add basil from marinade and then the white wine, stirring to remove any remnants from the bottom of skillet for sauce.
Add chicken stock, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
Thicken sauce with the cornstarch slurry and simmer 5 minutes.
Add reserved Sea Scallops with their juices, the fresh tomatoes and spinach, letting the spinach wilt into sauce before serving over Linguine.

Recipes

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This recipe was one of my entries into the Women Chef's & Restauratuers competition for Olivado Avocado Oil

Coconut Milk Chicken
Serves 4

Chicken ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast (slice each slantwise creating 2 cutlets per serving for a total of 8)
1/3 Cup of Olivado Avocado Oil – to sear chicken
1 Cup cornstarch
1 Tbsp dry mustard
1 Tbsp paprika
Kosher or Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2/3 Cups Dry Vermouth or dry white wine
1 - 12 oz can of Coconut milk * see note below
Cilantro, sliced finely, to taste

Cucumber-Tomato Salsa ingredients: (Optional)
1 Cucumber, peeled, seeds removed, small diced
2 Tomatoes, seeds removed, small diced
2 Scallions, sliced
1 Tbsp Lemon juice
Cilantro, sliced finely, to taste
Pinch of sugar
Pinch of paprika
Freshly ground black pepper to taste – salt has not been added to salsa to prevent cucumbers from weeping
Olivado Avocado Oil – lightly combine all salsa ingredients

*Coconut milk needs to be cold; either refrigerate overnight or place in an ice bath until it reaches a thick consistency before using, and then skim heavy coconut cream from top, discarding the lighter coconut milk underneath.

Coconut milk Chicken:
Mix cornstarch, dry mustard, paprika, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Completely coat chicken cutlets in dry mixture.
Sear chicken cutlets in moderately heated large skillet of Olivado Avocado Oil until chicken starts to brown (about 5 minutes), turning once, then remove from skillet and reserve on plate once browned on both sides.

Reduce heat to medium-low, and then add dry vermouth, stirring to remove any remnants from bottom of skillet for sauce. Add cold coconut milk (skim from top to retain only the cold cream), then return chicken cutlets to sauce. Simmer until chicken is heated through, stir in cilantro to sauce just before serving.
Cucumber - Tomato Salsa:
1. Toss cucumbers and tomatoes adding lemon, cilantro, sugar, paprika and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add Olivado Avocado Oil to combine.

Unique Menu Selections

Cater Express has hors d' hoeuvres and entree's available that are not always listed on our website; www.Cater-Express.com that can bring an exciting element to your special event. Looking for something that is not on every menu?

Let us provide you with a customized menu based on your food preferences and budget. We recently created a dish of wild-caught Northwest Pacific Red Snapper with Tomato Concasse (peeled, deseeded and diced fresh tomatoes) and Kaffir Lime (an aromatic leaf that has a wonderful citrus flavor) Broth. Red Snapper has the texture and a close taste to our locally caught Grouper, but is environmentally friendly when from the Pacific.

We make our Potatoes Au Gratin from peeled Russet Potatoes, Cheddar Cheese, grated Sweet Onion and whole milk and then top with Buttered Bread Crumbs for a crunchy topping.

Our Chicken Cacciatore has tri-colored peppers and all breast meat chicken that is simmered in our Cacciatore Sauce to infuse the sauce into each bite.

Our Wedding Menu's feature unique selections such as Tuxedo Orzo Pasta, that is a black and white Orzo, for a memorable accompanying dish. We also provide highly requested items such as Morrocan Couscous and have a variety of Quinoa products to enhance any menu.

We provide as little or as much for your event as you would like; from pick up platters to full service events.

Florida Beach Weddings

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Beach weddings are more popular than ever and we can help you with referral services for finding the right venue, DJ, bartenders, photographer, officiants and more. Whether your ceremony or reception is in Largo, Clearwater, Indian Rocks Beach, Seminole or at any scenic beach or park we will make your special day memorable. We are an approved local caterer for the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners which includes all parks and recreational facilities located within Pinellas County.

Mary Jo, our Catering Manager is available to assist with your with menu planning and budget planning. Our private restaurant and catering kitchen is open by appointment only.