Monday, October 27, 2008

Food Freezing Tips


Today, most parents each hold down a full time job, and with so many hours in the day it becomes increasingly hard to cook healthy meals for their children. Take-out, and fast-food has its place, but with a little careful planning, you can put home-cooked meals on the table faster than you might of thought possible. When you have time to cook, double or even triple the recipe and freeze the leftovers for another time. Soups, stews, pasta sauce are all good candidates, and most of the time taste better, because their flavors have jelled. Your microwave is your friend. That great invention will have your healthy meal on the table faster than a Domino's Pizza car driven by Dale Earnhardt!

Foods That Freeze Well

* Cooked chicken or turkey in casseroles.
* Stews, ragouts, goulashes made with beef, lamb, pork, or veal. Most vegetables used in these combination dishes, such as peas, carrots, celery, or small quantities of onion also freeze well. However, potatoes may not be satisfactory.
* Baked meat loaf.
* Cooked dried beans, such as bean soup and baked beans. Because freezing softens beans somewhat, cook until barely tender for best quality. Limit storage time to two weeks if seasoned with ham or bacon.
* Cooked rice and pasta, plain or with tomato sauces.

Foods That Do Not Freeze Well

The flavor and texture of some foods become poor during freezing. Avoid using these foods.

* Cooked egg white toughens.
* Mature potatoes, which tend to disintegrate, become watery, or darken. New potatoes are better.
* Fried foods tend to have a warmed-over flavor when reheated.
* Avoid freezing cured meats; salt hastens rancidity.
* Fresh salad greens, raw tomatoes, raw apples and grapes become soft, soggy, and mushy. Mayonnaise separates. To make entree salads, freeze some ingredients separately; add fresh vegetables, fruits, and dressings to other thawed ingredients.

For more Party Tips, read my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

My “Five Steps for Creating the Energy for an Outrageously Successful Party,” will provide you with all the necessary ingredients to plan and host memorable events that you and your guests will rave about. Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, grand opening, holiday party or family celebration, let my 30+ years in the party planning and catering business be your guide to hosting an outrageously successful and stress-free event. Order your book today!

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Monday, October 20, 2008

Outdoor Party Tips

It’s October. The leaves are starting to turn, the weather will be getting colder and colder... but not here in beautiful La, La land! While people on the East Coast reluctantly bring their parties indoors, we can continue to enjoy outdoor events in Southern California for many, many months. And I’m always here to help you! If you need a professional, I'm only a phone call away.

Place citronella candles throughout the party area to keep the bugs away.

Simple or elaborate centerpieces are one of the best ways to illustrate your party's theme.

Tablecloth grips are the best way to secure plates and napkins on a windy day.

Stringing small white lights around a few trees will look magnificent when it gets dark.

A great idea for table lighting is to fill small metal pails with sand and use them to hold candles.

Illuminate steps and steep paths.

For more Party Tips, read my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

My “Five Steps for Creating the Energy for an Outrageously Successful Party,” will provide you with all the necessary ingredients to plan and host memorable events that you and your guests will rave about. Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, grand opening, holiday party or family celebration, let my 30+ years in the party planning and catering business be your guide to hosting an outrageously successful and stress-free event. Order your book today!

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Monday, October 13, 2008

Holiday Planning Tips

Summer is over, and it is now time to turn our thoughts to the HOLIDAYS!! You may think you've got plenty of time, but in my experience it is never too soon to plan for your, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, and New Year's Eve events. Whether you use a professional caterer, or do it yourself, proper planning is the key to any successful party...

1. Decide on the date, time, and place.

2. Plan the menu and the guest list.

3. Give careful thought to table settings and decorations.

4. Make a list of everything you need to rent or borrow.

5. A checklist for food and beverages.

6. Shop in advance for everything that is not perishable.

7. Plan a cooking timetable.

8. Or just sit back and relax, and let me cater your next affair. You'll be glad you did...

For more Party Tips, read my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

My “Five Steps for Creating the Energy for an Outrageously Successful Party,” will provide you with all the necessary ingredients to plan and host memorable events that you and your guests will rave about. Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, grand opening, holiday party or family celebration, let my 30+ years in the party planning and catering business be your guide to hosting an outrageously successful and stress-free event. Order your book today!

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Monday, October 6, 2008

Choosing The Best Time & Date For Your Party – Part Four

If you’re hosting an older crowd, as in a Golden Anniversary celebration, some of your guests might not want to stay up late. Consider havingthis kind of party early on a Saturday evening or on Sunday afternoon. Start it at 6:00 PM at the latest so that by 10:00 PM, your guests are out the
door.

A children’s party should last no more than three hours. Two and a half hours is optimum. Daylight Saving Time, whether you’re “falling back” or “springing ahead,” often causes confusion. But if you must have the party on a day when the time is changing, include a reminder of the time change in your invitation.


Finally, check your calendar for holidays and events that often prevent people from showing up at parties due to other obligations. Some events and religious holidays vary from year to year. (see book for details)


The preceding was a short excerpt from my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” This is just a tasty morsel to get your appetite going. To feel completely satisfied, go to Atlas Books, http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

My “Five Steps for Creating the Energy for an Outrageously Successful Party,” will provide you with all the necessary ingredients to plan and host memorable events that you and your guests will rave about. Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, grand opening, holiday party or family celebration, let my 30+ years in the party planning and catering business be your guide to hosting an outrageously successful and stress-free event. Order your book today!

Sign Up For My FREE Monthly Newsletter: http://www.charliescola.com/