Here we are deep in the midst of the holidays, and in our industry, this time of year is the most challenging. We work long hours to bring holiday magic to our clients, but it is that feeling which keeps us going.
After all, how many can say their profession gives them the joy of making all the food of the holidays?! The kitchen is in a constant frenzy as we make cookies, turkeys, desserts, hot chocolate, spiced apple and cranberry cider and all things that scream Christmas. Throughout the month of December, we are surrounded by a perpetual menagerie of aromas and flavors invoking the holiday season.
So, yes, we’re working hard, but the magical Christmas energy fuels us.
When our work is done in the kitchen and we make our deliveries to the various parties, it is so delightful to see all the smiles, laughter and excitement. We are incredibly grateful to help bring the joy of the holidays to our clients.
To help you bring the joy at your own home, I’m sharing a few ideas, all types of bars, that will create fun gatherings around the table for family and friends to share.
Hot Chocolate Bar
The Hot Chocolate Bar is accented with all the indulgences one might need when consuming that comforting cup: the essentials like house-made marshmallows, cinnamon and cocoa powder and also the luxuries such as chocolate shavings, candied oranges, pistachios, chunks of toffee and malted chocolate balls and fluffy Chantilly cream. And just to make sure we have the complete hot chocolate experience, we finish the bar with candy canes, candied swizzle shortbread sticks and chocolate-dipped salted pretzel rods.
Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 4 cups Whole Milk
- 1/2 cup Semisweet Chocolate
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Directions:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder. Add milk, chocolate chips and vanilla and whisk together. Place over medium heat and bring it to a light boil while stirring constantly. Be sure the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated.
Sweet and Savory Popcorn Bar
We always pop corn that is rich with butter and sprinkled with sea salt. Your guests can then treat themselves to extra flavors that takes their fancy.
- Truffle Salt or Old Bay Seasoning
- Parmesan
- Red Velvet Cake
- Cinnamon Roll
Hearty Soup Bar
This is super popular and always enjoyed among our clients. We cook up these deliciously hearty winter soups with crusty breads, crostinis, seeded lavosh, traditional hand-torn croutons and breadsticks and serve them in mugs.
- Classic Butternut Squash Soup
- Smoked Paprika White Bean Turkey Chili
- Green Lentil Wild Mushroom Herb Soup
Fruit Crumble and Custard Bar
This is a fun build starting with cooked fruits of choice, combining with a signature house crumble topping and finishing with a heavenly creamy custard.
- Spiced Cinnamon Green Apple
- Mixed Berries
- Nutmeg and Allspice Pear with Persimmon
- Rhubarb and Strawberries
