Olympic Torch Relay in Guelph!

I was one of many supporters in our community that witnessed the Olympic Torch Relay through the City of Guelph on Monday, December 28th. 

Photo (top): Torch runner, Greg Buzbuzian & Ingrid von Cube
Photo (bottom): Torch runner, Robin Lee Norris & Ingrid von Cube


In preparation for the Winter 2010 Olympics, myself and two staff members will be heading to Vancouver on February 7th, 2010 to partner with Culinary Capers Catering at the Russia House.

Mardi Gras Magic - Feb 5, 2010!

 

Join us for Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build 2010 

"Mardi Gras Magic" Dinner and Dance Fundraiser

Dinner by Appetizingly Yours Events & Catering 


Date: Feb 5, 2010

Venue: Best Western (Guelph)

Tickets: $100 ea. 
(proceeds benefit Habitat - Women Build 2010)

Tickets are now available for purchase, please contact Ingrid at
ingrid@appyours.com or 519-821-6246 to purchase your tickets!

Upcoming Fundraising Hockey Event - Habitat for Humanity's Women Build 2010!

As a part of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build 2010 a fabulous fundraiser, which will turn dreams into realities, is a fun filled night out for the entire family! Join our community on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at Guelph’s very own Sleeman Centre for a Hockey event you will not forget!

Paul Henderson, Canada’s Hockey Legend and Ray Scapinello will be on ice and in arena! Autographed Hockey Jerseys and sticks up for auction.

Details:

Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010

Time: 7:00PM (Ceremonial Puck Drop)

Location: Sleeman Centre, Guelph

Cost: $8.00 (proceeds benefitting Habitat - 2010 Women Build)

Please consider purchasing tickets and sending a child or family that might not otherwise be able to attend! Tickets are available at the Rona Store on Dawson, the Re-Store on Speedvale and The Sleeman Centre in Guelph.

Hope to see you there.

A Festive Night at Nassagaweya with our Friends and Colleagues

Do you need a new venue to host an event? Host it at Nassagaweya The Retreat 

We provided beverages including our homemade warm apple cider, hors d’oeuvres and we served a delicious buffet meal from the harvest table in the main dining room. Our Chef carved AAA beef for all of our guests at the Retreat.

To add some fun to the evening, everyone was put into teams with a team leader and the challenge was to create the best dessert using ALL the items we provided: Meringues, Ginger Chocolate Truffle, Vanilla Bean Scented Whipped Cream, Melted Valrohnna Chocolate (dark and white), Raspberry Coulis, Cocoa, Powdered Icing Sugar, Caramel Sauce, Berries, Strawberries/Mandarines.

Each team was judged for uniqueness, clean lines and originality.

Check out some of the desserts designed by our guests:

Sweets, Service, Sing-a-longs and Jam

On Sunday, Dec 6th we provided sweets and service at the Sing-a-long Handel's Messiah with the St. John's Parish Choir at the Nassagaweya The Retreat. Conducted by Elora Fesitval and Singers Conductor Noel Edison, all proceeds raised will go to repair the beautiful stained glass windows in St. Johns Church in Elora. Local vendor contributions also included cheeses and breads from Chartelli's, fair trade coffee from Planet Bean and jam provided by From These Roots in Campbellville.

A Holiday Dessert Your Guests Will Enjoy!

White Chocolate Cheesecake Lollipops

By Chef Brian Schmeler

Ingredients:

• 20 ounces imported white chocolate (such as Lindt), chopped

• 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3/4 teaspoon grated lemon peel

• 2 large eggs

• 3 ounces imported dark chocolate (such as Lindt), chopped

• 5 dozen lollipop sticks

Method:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 8-inch spring form pan, set aside. Melt 4 oz white chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water until smooth, stirring often. Remove from over water. Using electric mixer beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and peel in large bowl until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined. Beat in white chocolate. Spoon batter into pan. Bake until edges of cake are set but center 3 inches still moves when cake is shaken, about 45 minutes. Chill overnight.

Scoop by teaspoon and form into balls on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place lollipop stick into each ball. Melt remaining white chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water until smooth, stirring often. Dip each lollipop into white chocolate to coat waiting for a few seconds before placing back onto parchment paper. Let cool for 30 minutes or until chocolate is set. Melt dark chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water until smooth, stirring often. Scoop chocolate into fine tip piping bag and drizzle over lollipops. Let cool for 30 minutes or until chocolate is set and serve!

Makes 5 Dozen Lollipops.

Entertaining tips

Hosting a party in your home this season? We have some entertaining tips to inspire you...

1. Appetizer amount

How many appetizers do you need per person for your party? Count on 5-7 per guest before a meal or 10-14 per guest if no meal is planned. Serve a cheese and fruit platter and other savoury items such as, tapas or spreads. Don’t forget something sweet, for example, white or chocolate dipped cheesecake lollipops or hand rolled chocolate truffles.

2. Enhance your cheese platter

• Add spiced or candied nuts
• Add a unique marmalade or jelly
• Label your cheeses
• Instead of crackers, use crostini and flatbreads

3. Invite all the senses

• Serve warm apple cider
• Play soft music in the background
• Dim the lights
• Use textured linens in a variety of ways

4. Create an atmosphere

Have 1-2 focal points of decor. Choose one to three colours that will add a sparkle or shimmer to your table. Something as simple as an arrangement of glass ornaments in a clear vase will make a big impact.

Habitat for Humanity

For 2 years, I have been a proud member of the Habitat for Humanity Wellington County, a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing throughout the world. In June 2010 I will be participating in my first Women’s Build in Guelph, a fantastic program that promotes the involvement of women in the construction of a Habitat home. The Women Build is about women who build or who have always wanted to build. It is about spirit, fun, learning, and a whole lot of pride in working with a family to build a place they can call home.

On Thurs, Nov 6^th I attended the Habitat for Humanity Inaugural Celebration Dinner and Auction “Building a Dream”, hosted by Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Centre. See pictures below featuring, volunteers, donors and HGTV’s Income Property host Scott McGillivray.

Learn more about how you can help Habitat for Humanity: www.habitat.ca

Stay tuned for more information on an upcoming Habitat For Humanity Fundraising Event being held on Friday, February 5^th in Guelph.

Chef At Your Chalet

Had a long day skiing? Too tired to cook for your family or friends?


Let us come to your chalet and cook for you! We have put together a few Chalet Cocktail Reception options that are easily customized to your needs, including hors d’oeurves, chef attended cooking stations and delicious desserts.


Chef At Your Chalet!

Come visit Appetizingly Yours at the Royal Winter Fair!

In partnership with the City of Guelph, we will be attending the Royal Winter Fair on Wednesday, November 11^th. Visit us at the Grow Guelph booth and enjoy some delicious AY desserts and beverages.

We will be serving Maple Tarts, Dutch Apple Tarts, Pumpkin Pie Squares and Orange Cranberry Scones. Your choice of apple cider, fair trade coffee and a selection of teas will be available.

For more information on the Royal Winter Fair, www.royalfair.org!

“Our Compliments” to the Guelph General Hospital Foundation Donor Event.

On Wednesday, October 21, 2009 Guelph General Hospital Foundation gave thanks to supporting past and present donors at an invitation only event held at the hospital. We generously donated food, beverages and services to make this evening as memorable as possible. Our compliments included a mouth-watering menu:

• Chili Lime Shrimp on Japanese Sticky Rice with Mango Chutney & Horseradish Cream
• Truffled Mushroom Ravioli with Asiago and Sage Brown Butter
• Blackened Beef Tenderloin on a Chili Corn Cake Garnished with Mango Chipotle
• Jerk Chicken Spoons with Sweet Potato Mash Garnished with Plaintain Chip
• Sparkling Beverage
• White Cranberry & Soda
• Warm Apple Cider
• AY Housemade Chocolate Truffles
• White Chocolate Cheesecake Lollipops

Nourish Your Diet with Local & Fresh Foods

In today’s food industry, buying local foods is a vastly growing and beneficial trend. Together we can enjoy the taste of seasonal freshness, improve our health and nutrition and increase support for local farms and rural areas to nourish and grow our agricultural industry. Buying local also encourages environmental awareness by reducing the distance food travels around the world, decreasing our carbon foot print and supporting local farmers.

Maintaining a healthy, local food diet will build a positive relationship with local growers or farmers in our community, which help connect us to rural landscapes and great seasonal fresh foods. A great way to participate is to grow your own garden or visit area farms and farmers markets to buy seasonal foods and learn where certain foods are raised or how they are grown to ensure you know the facts about what you are eating.

Showcasing the best ingredients of each season, at Appetizingly Yours Events & Catering we design our menus with the finest produce and meats Ontario has to offer. We support our community’s local growers and farmers, such as Deerfield Nursery (Hillsburgh, ON) and “Alberto” our local garden where possible and encourage everyone to do the same. Share your experiences, what’s your favorite local organic recipe? Where do you pick up those ingredients that give your dish that extra dash of local?

Appetizingly Yours Celebrates A Milestone!

Appetizingly Yours Events and Catering is proudly celebrating 20 years of business in the Guelph and surrounding areas. On October 14^th, 2009 we welcome our clients by invitation to join us for an evening of tantalizing foods, beverages, great music, exciting entertainment, giveaways and event ideas with friends and colleagues.

Beginning as a small home based caterer, we have developed a unique and successful client focused organization that offers social, corporate and wedding event planning and catering, including a branch of customized décor rentals called The Décor Studio. We reside in a 7000 sq. foot building that includes commercial kitchens and office space. We maintain our own organic gardens where we grow a variety of edible flowers, herbs and vegetables seasonally. Our menus showcase the best ingredients of the season, and our network of suppliers provide us with daily deliveries of the freshest ingredients, from organic produce to naturally raised meats.

We look forward to many more milestones ahead, and we extend great thanks to our clients because we could not have done it without you!