Catering

You are currently browsing articles tagged Catering.

FMC Catering on Mediterranean Diet Cooking

June 28, 2009 in Catering by WebAdmin | No comments

From FMC Catering to our valued customers and readers:

Mediterranean Diet Cookbook
Mediterranean Diet Cookbook

Some people read up on it but it is still hard to understand much less define it. Fully getting the whole point of the Mediterranean Diet and its Nutrition isn’t an easy task because of the geography. There are a lot of countries bordering the Mediterranean Basin. That being said, the diets from these peoples traditions continue to hold true to this day. Countries such as Southern Italy and Greece have been extensively studied because of their diet for years.

This is because there is a high expectancy of long life and a low incidence of chronic diseases connected with the popular eating of traditional Mediterranean foods. This Mediterranean diet is deemed to be healthy because of its 40% total calories, as opposed to fat. However the incidence of cardiovascular diseases decreased in the region.

Olive oil is a source of antioxidants. Because they eat fish only a couple of times each week, the amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet of the Mediterranean people is an advantage to their healthy lifestyle. This is something that developed societies don’t have.

They also sparingly eat read meat so this boosts their energy levels. Consensus has shown that the Mediterranean Diet is deemed to be healthier than any of the American or North European diets out there simply because the former includes grains in their diet. These are fruits, vegetables, pasta, nuts, legumes and olive oil. All these are consumed on a regular basis.

The key elements of a Mediterranean diet are:
1. Olive oil because it is a necessary source of monounsaturated fat.
2. Dairy products like poultry and fish are consumed in moderate amounts.
3. Little red meat is allowed.
4. Eggs are eaten up to four times in a week.
5. Wine is taken in moderate amounts.

Most Americans wonder whether the Mediterranean diet is in accordance with the dietary recommendations of the American Heart Association. Well, this diet is similar to the dietary recommendations but not all guidelines are followed. Generally, the Mediterranean diet contains a high percentage of calories compared to fat and since the United States is concerned with the growing occurrence of obesity with Americans, then this seems to be the best option.

It is important to note that those who do follow the Mediterranean diets consume less saturated fat than the average American diet.

Tags: , ,

FMC Catering on Low Fat Cooking Tips and Recipes

June 28, 2009 in Catering by WebAdmin | No comments

From FMC Catering to our valued customers and readers:

If you have to eat healthy but don’t have the time to prepare what you must eat, then you have to maximize, right? You need to meet the required dietary amount of fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains and proteins despite your busy schedule in order to maintain your health.

Stovetop Smoker
Stovetop Smoker

Therefore, you should try low-fat cooking regimens to spice up your eating lifestyle and to keep you motivated in eating healthy. Here are some of them.

1. Salmon has Omega 3
Salmon may not be the leanest fish but it does give you the required amount of Omega 3 that you need. It has garlic and olive oil; which are two of the powerhouses of nutrition.

2. Making the most out of chicken breast
If you’re getting sick and tired of always having to eat chicken breasts (because it has the lowest fat content), you can cook it in different ways for variety. You can cook it with pasta and broccoli, with pineapple or make chicken soup.

3. Your vegetables as a work of art
If you’re not craving microwaved broccoli or sautéd vegetables with chicken broth. You can also microwave sweet potatoes instead of broccoli. If you want additional flavor, you can drizzle it with honey.

4. Spicing up the fruits
You can mix blueberries and strawberries with low-fat cottage cheese for a snack. It may be light but it’s filling because of the healthy nutrients you’re getting. You can sauté sliced nectarines or peaches and drop a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla on them. You can also broil baked bananas and flavor them with some cinnamon.

5. Lowering the fat content
In place of oil, use cooking sprays. A light mist is enough to keep the food from sticking. Get the brands that have canola oil or olive oil. There are some brands offering flavors for the food.

6. Remove the skin from poultry and trim the fat from the meat. Do this before refrigerating them so you won’t forget. It also saves you time when you want to cook.

7. It helps to have a bottle of water near you. A giant sports bottle will do the trick. Fill it up every morning and toss some ice cubes in it and you’re good for the day. Water will help your digestion and will also keep your skin clear. Drinking the required 8 to 10 glasses of water is the best thing you can do for your body.

Tags: , ,

FMC Catering on Teaching Kids Safety Cooking Tips

June 28, 2009 in Catering by WebAdmin | No comments

From FMC Catering to our valued customers and readers:

No man is an island but a child must learn how to cook eventually. Some parents are already teaching their children how to cook. As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure your children’s safety while cooking.

The most dangerous things in the kitchen are fires and knives. Both have to be double checked time and time again.

Rosle Safety Can Opener
Rosle Safety Can Opener

When children are cooking, there will be accidents. There must be a first aid kit in the kitchen. It would be helpful to take classes from the American Red Cross. They will teach you and your children the valuable things you need to know.

1. Tell your kids to keep their eyes on the electrical outlets in the kitchen. Holding these can electrocute them. It could also burn your house down if the loose wirings spark and catch fire.

2. Be wary of all the electrical cords. Always check for cuts or breaks. Repair the damages you find.

3. Don’t use multiple plugs because this could overload the circuits. Extension cords mustn’t be overloaded as well. It is always a good idea to have a professional check your wiring.

4. Tell your children not to use electric appliances near the sink or other water utilities. If the appliances fall in, they could electrocute them. If you must have a wall socket in the sink area, then make sure that it has a grounded socket.

5. Glass utensils near the fire can go off like they were grenades. Take for example, a casserole dish near a burner left turned on could explode. You’d be lucky if no one was standing near it when it happened.

6. When cooking, you should advise your children of the possible hazards specifically involving the spread of boiling liquids. Don’t put hot glass dishes on wet or cold surfaces.

7. Regarding knives, when chopping or peeling, make sure that the child holds the knife properly. Advise him to take his time because if he does it haphazardly, he might end up scraping the skin off his fingers instead.

Cooking is fun. The child just has to know the safety tips especially those involving fire and knives. Soon enough, he will be the master of his own kitchen.

Tags: ,

FMC Catering on the Main Features of Italian Cooking

June 28, 2009 in Catering by WebAdmin | No comments

From FMC Catering to our valued customers and readers:

What is Italian cooking? Is it more of the food, the preparation, or is it simply a trademark? Generally speaking, Italian cooking is associated with spaghetti and pizzas. And many people even think that Italian cooking is the same all throughout. While that maybe true, Italian cooking can also be diverse and wide-ranging.
Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking
Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking

The Italian cuisine is referred to as a simple and natural way of cooking. And it just so happens that Italians have a penchant for pastas and cooking them. The result is a multiplicity of pasta recipes served for all occasions. But pastas aren’t all Italian cooking is all about, although their love of sauces, cheeses, and noodles can’t be overlooked.

Italian cooking is the basis of the popular Mediterranean diet. Studies show that the people residing in the Mediterranean area live longer and healthier than others. And so what these people eat on a daily basis was researched. It was found that Italians, and the rest of the Mediterranean people for that matter, eat great quantities of fruits and vegetables. They also use olive oil in their cooking. All these are the backbone of a Mediterranean diet.

Here are the most celebrated Italian cooking delights that everyone loves:

1. Tomato Pizza. Whoever said that pizzas need tons of ingredients in the form of meat, vegetables, and spices for it to taste good? Italians have a way of making the plainest of pizzas look and taste better than you could have ever imagined. Tomato pizzas consist of nothing more than fresh plum tomatoes topped with mozzarella cheese.

2. Macaroni and Cheese. This is yet another simple recipe that has been a household favorite since time memorial. Every American home must have a pack of macaroni and cheese lying somewhere in the cabinet. The main ingredients of this Italian meal are boiled macaroni, cheese, and cream. Meat is optional. But it’s tasty just the same. Kids love it too.

3. Lasagna. If you love spaghetti and macaroni, lasagna can easily be another favorite. There are different variations of lasagna and all of them taste wonderful. Basically, lasagna is distinguished from one recipe to another merely by its main ingredients. There are bologna lasagna, beef lasagna, and chicken lasagna, among many others. Remember Garfield, the lazy cartoon cat on TV? Well, this is his favorite meal.

If you haven’t tasted real Italian cooking, you are missing out. Grab a plate today and realize how succulent it is to eat Italian meals!

Tags: , ,

FMC Catering on How to Modify Cooking Recipes to Match Your Taste

June 28, 2009 in Catering by WebAdmin | No comments

From FMC Catering to our valued customers and readers:

How would you feel when you’ve finally found the recipe you’ve been look for, only to find out that the ingredients listed in aren’t easily available to you? You’ll get frustrated. Or mad even. But don’t feel that way. There are many things that you can do to modify a certain recipe to match your taste and what’s available to you.

Allrecipes 30-Minutes to Cook Cookbook
Allrecipes 30-Minutes to Cook Cookbook

You can also make some changes to it so that you get to enjoy its taste despite the present health condition you are in. And so if you can’t eat something sweet, fatty, or salty, try to change the recipe in such a way so it becomes more nutritious and healthy. Here’s how:

1. Know which ingredients are necessary and which aren’t. Read the recipe over. Is the particular ingredient you can’t get ahold of or can’t eat a main ingredient? If it is you might need to look for the next best alternative. But if it is merely there for seasoning or garnishing purposes, then you can just skip those. The recipe will do without them.

2. Reduce a certain ingredients amount. Can’t have much sweets because you are diabetic? Then why not reduce the sweetener in the ingredients list in proportion with all the others? This way, you won’t be consuming more than the necessary dose your doctor told you not to exceed.

3. Substitute. Know which ingredient can be substituted for another. Kale, for example, can be substituted by cabbage. Or if the recipe calls for whole milk, try non-fat milk. More often than not, either of the two will work, and with minimal difference in taste or appearance.

4. Modify the cooking techniques used. If you don’t like fatty food but the recipe wants you to deep fry the meat, why not stir-fry it using a non-stick pan instead? This way, you’ll get close to the recipe without an overload in your cholesterol level. Grilling and roasting are almost the same. You may interchange the one for the other depending upon which resources are available to you.

Modifying a recipe requires a little of your cooking ability to come out of the surface. And doing so is rather adventurous, because you get to experiment which type of preparation or ingredient tastes better. You are also adding a personal touch to the food you prepare as you modify. Who knows, you might just create a variation of your favorite recipe which tastes better than the original one!

Tags: , ,

FMC Catering on How to Cook Beef

June 28, 2009 in Catering by WebAdmin | No comments

From FMC Catering to our valued customers and readers:

Beef is an extremely interesting subject in the arena of food preparation. If cooking were compared to an art gallery, beef may be the medium with which art works were being done. There are just so many ways to prepare beef, but if you are still clueless as to what preparation tactic to incorporate, here are a few tips to help get you started.

Allrecipes Tried and True Cookbook – All Season Grilling and BBQ
Allrecipes Tried and True Cookbook - All Season Grilling and BBQ

1. Know thy beef. It isn’t just about following Greek philosophers in knowing thyself, but if you really want to be able to cook beef, you must know your beef: where it is from, what type is it, and if possible, what age range it belongs to. This way, you will be able to know your plan of attack for the beef, whether it’ll be Beef Jerky or classy French beef stew.
2. Learn about the cuts of your beef. Different body parts of the beef make up for different beef specialties. Make sure you know which parts you intend to use in your cooking.


3. Cooking beef requires that you soften the meat to make it edible and chewable for your guests and family. If you aren’t able to broil the beef, it would be better off grazing on the farm than dead.
4. Mind the temperature of your beef. You must be able to maintain the temperature that will keep bacteria from overpowering the meat.
5. Easily divide the beef into parts for easy storage and preparation.
6. Define whether you will go for wet or dry cooking techniques.
7. Thaw your beef before cooking. Don’t let your beef be cooked without it being thawed first. This will avoid your overdoing of the cooking on the beef.
8. When you are in doubt of its roasting capability, marinate it.
9. Keep it tender and juicy.
10. Buy beef only from trusted retailers.
11. Covering also helps when you are cooking beef. It helps thoroughly distribute the juices and preserve the needed temperature to make it tender.
12. Never trim fat before cooking. Trim it after to preserve the juicy quality.
13. When browning the beef, make sure you apply a pinch of salt. It draws off excessive moisture.
14. Choose the right equipment for the job. Make sure your pans are thick and large enough.

Tags: , ,

FMC Catering on Home Cooking Tips and Tactics

June 28, 2009 in Catering by WebAdmin | No comments

From FMC Catering to our valued customers and readers:

Home cooking has its various advantages and disadvantages. Still, it deserves to be tried by every budding chef. For one thing, home cooking is highly economical. Also, you might find this to be one of the most rewarding endeavors you can try. Here are some things you can try as you venture into home cooking.

1. Have room for variety. If you are able to make your menu as varied and diverse as possible, you will be able to make more discoveries, try all possible techniques, and even develop your own cooking style.
2. Don’t be afraid of experimentation. Always try to get your creative juices flowing. Never allow yourself to get stuck in traditional techniques.
3. Employ other family members’ preferences and be open to feedback. Nothing beats the improvement you can get from honest evaluations of your cooking skills.
4. Always find time to cook. You use it or you’ll lose it. Regular practice will help you perfect your own style.
5. Be the master of your kitchen. Familiarize yourself with your environment, ingredients and the positioning of your refrigerator, utensil box and dish washing area. Make it as efficient as possible so that you’ll save on time and energy.
6. Unleash your creativity. Don’t be afraid of changing the way you do things or adding new ingredients to a traditionally prepared meals.
7. Involve other people in your home cooking. Link up with people of the same interest. Also, foster the desire to cook within your family.
8. Plan your meals.
9. Clean as you work within your kitchen. This way you will be able to save on time.
10. Organize your cookbooks in a manner most accessible to you.
11. Have a list of items you need to buy. Keep a note pad or notebook handy in case you need something to add to the list.
12. Work according to the season. Take the opportunity to make use of ingredients that are in season.
13. Have a system of cooking.
14. Learn to deal with leftovers. Know how to recycle them.
15. Read the manuals of the appliances you use in the kitchen.
16. Check the ingredients for expiration dates and take note of them.

Home cooking can be very profitable and rewarding in both monetary and non-monetary ways. If you are able to master home cooking, you’ll be ready for almost anything.

Tags: , ,

FMC Food Catering on Learning Great Culinary Techniques through Cooking Videos

June 28, 2009 in Catering by WebAdmin | No comments

From FMC Food Catering to our valued customers and readers:

Get Your DVD Cooking Course
dvd cooking course

Cooking isn’t really a complicated activity but for many people it is hard to learn to cook. There are gazillions of cookbooks out there, but most of those just end up stacked in the kitchen cabinet and not being used. A lot of people have just resolved to the fact that it is hard for them to cook. Fortunately, these people may still find hope in discovering the wonderful world of culinary arts by watching cooking videos.

Cookbooks are undoubtedly great treasure troves of recipes and cooking methods. However, not all people can cook by just looking at the directions of a recipe book. A lot of people need demonstrations of how things are done for them to really absorb the mechanics of good cooking. Many people need visual demonstrations in order to really get what is happening during cooking.

Some people who recognize this need enroll in cooking classes and cooking lessons. Here they get to experience cooking up close. Not only do they see the recipes come to life, they also get instructions from knowledgeable cooks and chefs. However not all people can attend cooking classes and culinary lessons. Such sessions are really expensive especially those that involve extensive training in cooking.

For those who can’t afford to enlist in cooking classes but still need to see cooking in order to learn, the solution may come in the form of cooking videos. Cooking videos can bring the cooking class to the home without having to spend so much. Recipes come to life on the TV screen with a video from which great cooking can be learned. No more need to go to cooking school and spend large amounts of money to learn how to cook.

There are many cooking videos available today. In the past, you could only watch cooking videos through cooking shows that were featured on TV or those sold on video. But now, you can watch cooking videos on the internet and gain a wide array of lessons in the culinary arts. Not only do these videos teach recipes, they also show the proper techniques that make cooking easier and more efficient.

Cooking videos are great for those who want to learn to cook but need more than just a recipe or guide. With cooking videos learning to cook is made really easy.

Tags: , ,

FMC Food Catering on Soup for the Cooks Soul

June 28, 2009 in Catering by WebAdmin | No comments

From FMC Food Catering to our regular customers and readers:

Most would just grab a pinch of salt and voila. They feel that this move is enough to complete the taste of the soup. But there are better ways for a chef to make the soup taste better. It doesn’t require too much sodium.

First and foremost, reflect on the ingredients of the soup. Most of the time, veggies, herbs and bones are starting base for a good soup.

If you want to reduce or increase the flavor of the soup, you have to taste it between stirring. Its up to you really. You can reduce the soup by half if you feel that there is a lot more kick to it than you expected, but be ready to double the flavor if there comes a point that its bland.

If you’re done cooking the soup but it tastes like it still needs something, reach for wine, lime juice or lemon. You can also spike it with vinegar.

If you want more flavor to the meat, make sure that you sauté it in the pot. You can add more oil or butter to the pot. You can also toss in chopped garlic and onion. Take the time to sauté all the ingredients and let them seep in with one another.

If you are cooking stew and it tastes slightly burnt, you can remedy it by pouring a bit of milk to balance the taste out. Ice cubes can also eliminate the fat portion from the soup as well as the stew. All you need are just a few into the pot and continue stirring. The fat will attach to the ice cubes. Make sure to discard them before they completely melt. Have a paper towel nearby so you can reach for it as you skim your way across the top.

Finally, when you are reheating your soup, you must always use a double boiler. In that way, the soup doesn’t lose its flavor because the hot water is responsible for securing all the ingredients.

There was this story about a traveler who asked a man and wife if he could stay in their house for the night. He said he could make the best stew they ever tasted with only a rock. Now it was a normal rock. The stew he ended up cooking for the man and the wife ended up to be tasty because the homeowners provided him with the ingredients he needed to come up with the stew.

Tags: , ,

FMC Catering on Enroll in a Cooking School

June 28, 2009 in Catering by WebAdmin | No comments

From FMC Catering to our regular customers and readers:

You have been interested in cooking for as long as you can remember. You know you’re good at it because people say whatever you make is so tasty and scrumptious. If you want to jump start your cooking career, you can invest in a cooking school.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the number of cooking schools out there. First of all, it only goes to show that cooking is a lucrative career because no matter what happens there will always be a demand for chefs.

Cooking schools train students to become the best chefs they can be. If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own restaurant or better yet of being a restaurant manager then choosing the right cooking school will need your time and attention.

Go to the site Cooking Schools 101 because it provides you with complete access as well as a comprehensive guide to most of the cooking schools in the United States. If you need tips in evaluating the school or you wish to learn as much as you can about its reputation and accreditation, you can check the testimonials written by those who’ve studied there.
There are also application processes as well as the expected costs you will incur which includes tuition fees and other fees. You don’t have to worry financially because most cooking schools have scholarship and financial aid programs.

There are some cooking schools that are known in other countries because they have a comprehensive and top-notch education. You can review the top cooking schools in the country as well as those that are associated with the New England Culinary Institute as well as the French Culinary Institute.

The number of culinary schools in the country only goes to show that there are tons of cooking opportunities for those interested in the industry. Their options range from restaurants, hospitality, travel and recreation. You can access the information about the prospective careers of the industry at the cooking school of your choice.

If you want to be the next Wolfgang Puck, Giada Laurentis or Rachael Ray, then it pays to invest in a cooking school and learn more about your craft with those who share the same interests as you. For food lovers, you can also check the vocations as well as the conferences and workshops that are available for you once you’ve selected the cooking school of your choice.

Find dinnette sets below; click to view site.
Maple 3 Piece Kitchen Dinette Set

Tags: , ,

« Older entries § Newer entries »