When Things Don’t Go As Planned

So, I was all set to wake up this morning, head to the shops, and then get baking my cheesecakes.  Instead, I was awoken to a loud bang, followed by the realization that my ceiling fan was stopping — the power went out.  This was about 8:30 a.m.  A transformer down the street had blown.  I couldn’t shop, because I didn’t have a way to keep things cold.  I couldn’t bake – I really didn’t think cheesecake would work on the gas grill.

So on to Plan B.  I called a friend to see if I could use her kitchen if it came down to that.  I called Carmen to see how heartbroken she would be if there were no cheesecakes (she would live).  Then I went to Starbucks for breakfast.  (They now have a good gluten-free cake!) 

I got power back just before noon.  So yes, I could make the mini cheesecakes, but decided I’d only make one flavor, not two.   They are currently cooling.  And they smell yummy!  I’m trying a new recipe. 

Now on to making dips and homemade pita chips.  And I might try to manage to eat dinner in there at some point too.

So remember, no matter how well you plan, you never know what could go wrong.  You could randomly lose power!  Either have a backup plan or be able to think quickly on your feet.

– Karen

Party Planning

I just finished the menu and shopping list for this Sunday’s party.  My friend Carmen is having her second open house of the month.  Last party I catered for her was a 6 pm affair with heavy hors d’oeuvres.  This time, it’s at 2 pm with lighter munchies.  Because her family is mostly all Seventh Day Adventist, the entire menu is vegetarian.  (Also, no booze.)   She requested something in the range of chips and dip.

I did have a few specific requests from her and her daughter based on what I made last time.  Mainly, the mini-cheesecakes.  Both the chocolate and the ginger lemon. 

While the menu is strictly vegetarian, it is not strictly gluten-free.  The cheesecakes will be gluten-free (no one ever knows the difference), and all the dips are gluten-free.  Some of the dips are being served with pita chips or toast rounds, which will not be.  No one going to the party (other than me) is gluten-free.  I have no problem with this - at least I’m not actually having to cook or bake with anything gluten in my kitchen.

The menu goes something like this:

Guacamole and Roast Corn Salsa to be served with Tortilla Chips

Olive Tapenade (with Pita Chips)

Hot Artichoke and Parmesan Dip (with Pita Chips or Melba Toast)

Veggies with Herb Dip

Brie with a Roast Garlic and Onion Chutney

Mini Cheesecakes for dessert

 

I love menu planning.  I could spend hours browsing my cookbooks and the internet coming up with ideas.  I try to get about twice as many recipes as I plan to make, then narrow it down from there.  I try not to repeat too many flavors or textures.  I also make sure that I’m keeping the host’s tastes in mind (Carmen isn’t a fan of mushrooms or spinach). 

The hard part is writing out the shopping list so I don’t end up making 12 million trips to the store.  I try to keep that to just two or three trips. 

One great thing about all these various dips (with the exception of the guacamole), is that they tend to be better if they are made the day before.

I’ll post again after the party with pictures and a review.

Urban Niceties

As I start out this catering venture, my friend Victoria (Tori) is starting an event planning and interior design business, called Urban Niceties.   Her blog is only in the beginning stages, but check back soon for pictures and updates.

She and I have planned and catered two weddings together, and she just planned/coordinated another wedding this past weekend.  She has a great eye for detail, particularly flower arranging.  Once I get some photos uploaded, they will be on my “past event” page (found on my homepage).

Coming Soon!

Please check back later for more on this blog and catering company.  In the meantime, come visit me at www.glutenfreesoxfan.wordpress.com

 I’ll be working on a recipe index, as well as posting photos from some of my parties.

Thanks!