FAQS About Lamb Meat

Posted on November 23, 2022 by cateringfft17

Are you tired of ordering the same, predictable turkey, chicken, and beef dishes for your Holiday parties every year? Well, this season, remind yourself that there’s another healthy and delicious option commonly overlook, and that’s lamb! You can easily change up a predictable menu or meal plan with some tasty lamb-based dishes for your celebration. But before you finalize your dinner or party menus, be sure to explore the possibilities of adding lamb as an appetizer or entrée option.

Continue below to review some frequently asked questions about lamb meat that can help you make a steadier decision on feeding your friends, staff, or loved ones.

Lamb Meat Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

FAQS About Lamb Meat

What is the Difference Between Lamb and Mutton?

A lamb is a baby sheep under one year of age. When the meat is processed early on, between 4 and 5 months, it is a tender lamb meat that is lighter in color and retains a true lamb meat flavor. When lambs are processed after that time, their meat takes on different characteristics. The meat of an adult sheep, age 2 years and older, is referred to as mutton. It is a darker meat, less tender than lamb, and retains a gamier flavor. In Southeast Asia, the term mutton is also used to describe goat’s meat.

Is Lamb a Good Substitute for Other Entrée Meats?

Not only is lamb readily available and easy to prepare, but it is also widely versatile! It can be marinated, seasoned, and cooked in an infinite number of ways, making it a convenient substitute for almost any chicken, pork, fish, or beef dish.

Is Lamb Meat Only Available Seasonally?

Many people wrongly assume that lamb meat is seasonal. Lamb meat is available all year long, in every season. You can purchase lamb meat from your neighborhood butcher, grocery store, or even a local lamb farm.

Why is Lamb More Expensive?

Lamb is priced similarly to beef and pork cuts but is still an economical dinner selection. The more inexpensive cuts of lamb tend to be shoulder chops, stew meat (kabobs), and ground lamb. These cuts usually retail below ten dollars.

How Many People Does One Lamb Leg Feed?

This depends on the type of leg roast. A standard, American bone-in lamb leg weighs an average of 8 to 10 pounds. This is a large amount and can easily feed a group of 16 or more. A standard, American boneless lamb leg weighs an average of 6 to 9 pounds. This is a large amount and can easily feed a family of 18 or more.

Is Lamb Meat High in Calories?

Lamb meat can be a part of a nutritious and sensible diet. Lamb is rich in nutrients and meets all the FDA requirements for lean meat. A 3 ounce portion contains an average of 175 calories or less and provides more than quadruple the amount of essential omega-3 fatty and alpha-linolenic acids compared to a similar portion of beef.

Are you looking for professional event and party caterers who can optimize your Holiday menu? If so, contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to learn how our Atlanta, GA caterers can deliver exceptional small or large group catering at the most competitive prices.

Best Catering Options for Business Lunches

Posted on November 8, 2022 by cateringfft17

Business lunches are a vital part of doing business in Peachtree City, Georgia. They provide an opportunity to build relationships with clients, suppliers, and colleagues. When it comes to catering, there are many options available that can make your business lunch a success.

Continue below to learn some of the top recommended options for business lunch catering, plus where to get started with a caterer consultation near Atlanta.

For Business Lunch Catering in Atlanta, Georgia, Call 678-340-0510 Today!

How to Choose a Catering Plan For a Corporate Lunch

Choosing the right catering plan for a corporate lunch can be tricky, but it’s important to take your time and consider all of your options. The first step is to decide what type of atmosphere you want to create. Do you want a formal sit-down lunch or a more casual buffet? Once you’ve decided on the tone, you can start to narrow down your catering options.

If you’re looking for a formal lunch option, there are many great caterers in Atlanta who can provide delicious food and impeccable service. If you have a specific menu in mind, be sure to ask if the caterer can accommodate your request. Many caterers are also able to provide special dietary requests, so be sure to let them know in advance if you or any of your guests have allergies or other dietary concerns.

For a more casual lunch, a buffet style catering service may be the best option. This type of catering allows your guests to mix and match their own lunch from a variety of options. It’s also a great way to accommodate special dietary requests, as there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Top-Recommended Business Catering Options to Consider:

When planning a business event, catering is a key element to consider. There are many types of corporate and office catering options available to suit your needs and budget. Below is a brief overview of some popular catering choices for business events in Peachtree City, GA:

1. Finger Food Catering – This type of catering is perfect for events where people will be mingling and networking. Think canapés, gourmet sandwiches and other bite-sized items that can be easily eaten while standing up.

2. Buffet Catering – A buffet is a great option if you want to offer your guests a variety of food choices. It’s also a budget-friendly option as you can usually get more food for your money with a buffet than with other catering choices.

3. Sit-Down Meal Catering – If you’re planning a more formal event, then sit-down meal catering may be the way to go. This option can be more expensive than others, but it will definitely impress your guests!

4. Food Truck Catering – Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular for catering business events. They offer a unique and fun catering experience, and they can usually be tailored to your specific event needs.

5. DIY Catering – If you’re on a tight budget, then DIY catering may be the way to go. This option allows you to choose exactly what food you want to serve, and you can often get it for a fraction of the cost of other catering choices.

When choosing a catering option for your business event, it’s important to consider your budget, the number of guests you’re expecting, and the type of event you’re planning. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the perfect catering option to make your event a victory!

Conclusion…

No matter what type of business lunch you’re planning to have professionally catered, be sure to choose a catering option that will make your event a solid success. With so many great options available in Georgia, you’re sure to find the perfect Peachtree City catering service for your needs.

There is no reason to search all over and around Atlanta for a reputable and delicious catering company. Just contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with an experienced Peachtree City catering manager about our corporate event catering services, today. We serve all of Atlanta and its surrounding districts.

The Average Cost of Catering a Large Group

Posted on October 19, 2022 by cateringfft17

Professional catering can be a great way to feed a large number of people at once. It can be a challenge to cook for a large group, but with the careful planning and execution of a professional catering company, it can be done successfully. There are a few things to keep in mind when catering for a large group, such as food safety, menu planning, and of course, budget. But how much does large group catering service cost?

Continue below to learn more about the average cost to cater for a large group of people, plus a bonus tip on where to get superior catering services near your Newnan Georgia venue.

Large Group Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

Benefits of Professional Catering Service

There are many benefits of hiring a professional catering company. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that you will have access to experienced and skilled professionals who can create a menu that your guests will love. In addition, a catering company can take care of all the logistics involved in setting up and serving food at your event, which means that you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Another benefit of hiring a professional Peachtree City catering company is that they can often provide you with discounts on food and drink if you book them in advance. This can help to reduce the overall cost of your event. Finally, a catering company can add a touch of class and sophistication to any event, making it more memorable for your guests.

All of these benefits are especially worthwhile when it comes to catering for a larger group or event.

Large Group Catering Costs

The average cost of catering services is $5 per person, which can add up to a significant savings if you are hosting a large event. But this price per head varies among catering companies in Peachtree City, plus you also have to consider additional expenses related to catering, such as tables, table settings, chairs, cutlery, and more. Although these are typically provided by the catering company, they tend to come with an additional charge. Overall, catering services can be a great way to save money on your food budget. When it comes to planning a budget for catering services, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.

First, you’ll need to decide how many people you’ll be catering for. This will help determine how much food you’ll need to order. Second, you’ll need to think about the type of food you want to serve. Will you be serving breakfast, lunch, or dinner? And finally, you’ll need to consider the price of the catering services. Once you have a budget in mind, you’ll be able to start looking for a catering company that can provide what you need within your budget.

Are you looking for a professional caterer in Georgia to use for large event catering? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with a friendly and experienced Peachtree City catering service manager, today. We offer boxed lunches, delivery service, buffets, plated meals, food service, and more!

Top 3 Pricing Systems Used by Professional Caterers

Posted on September 15, 2022 by cateringfft17

Catering services are everywhere, making it quite overwhelming when it comes time to hire a company for your event or occasion. However, learning some facts about how caterers calculate the prices of their services can help you narrow down the options, and also help you match the right service to your particular budget.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 pricing methods caterers use for their services, and how they differ from one another.

Event Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

Factors That Impact the Overall Cost of Your Catering Package

The type of pricing system a catering company uses will not necessarily make one company more affordable than the other. The overall cost of your catering will depend on several factors, primarily the size and scope of your event, and the additional services you choose to accommodate your catered foods. On the other hand, the type of pricing system can provide sets of benefits in terms of convenience, efficiency, and transparency.

Understanding where the costs of your services are coming from is a huge incentive for clients when it comes to hiring a catering company. So even though the pricing system does not make one company cheaper than another, certain pricing systems can make it more comfortable for clients who want to understand how their final invoice came to be.

3 Common Ways Catering Services are Priced:

Tiered

Tiered pricing is very popular because of its efficiency but can sometimes cause confusion on what’s included and what’s not. In this pricing model, clients choose a level of catering depending on the number of guests. It is somewhat like a preset package that includes the types of services and food they desire. For larger parties, a higher tier is likely used, which may include more food and more service. In contrast, smaller parties would likely use a smaller or first level tier.

Fixed

Like a menu at a sit down restaurant, many caterers use a fixed price menu selection. This is a simple and clear method of pricing, providing exact descriptions and portions with set prices that do not change according to size, scope, or personal preference. This pricing model is often used for restaurants that have catering divisions, as well as independently owned catering companies. Clients enjoy this model because it is easy to understand and feels honest.

Custom

Custom pricing is not as common since it tends to involve client/company negotiating, but it is used in the catering industry at times, particularly for weddings. With this estimating model, clients and coordinators sit down and design a custom catering menu in accordance to guest count, food preferences, and services required. During the meeting, both catering coordinator and client discuss the best prices for everything.

What to Take From This Information

Regardless of pricing model, a qualified Peachtree City catering company should be able to deliver outstanding results, delicious food, and professional service at a reasonable and honest price. To ensure you get the best price on your catered event, simply choose a company that has experience, integrity, and talent.

Are you ready to get in touch with a professional catering manager who can offer you the best pricing options for your upcoming event? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to request a free estimate for Peachtree City catering, today. We cater all events and occasions, no matter the size or scope.

Common Elements of a Catering Service Agreement

Posted on August 8, 2022 by cateringfft17

If you are planning to hire a professional catering company for your special event, you will have to sign a service agreement, which is essentially a contract with the caterers. Although these create a legally-binding relationship between caterer and client, there is nothing to be intimidated about, especially if you prepare yourself by researching what to expect in the terms and conditions of the contract.

Continue below to learn the most common elements of a catering contract, plus which Georgia caterers to trust for superior service that fits the budget.

Catering Company Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

General Information Included in a Catering Contract

Understanding what to expect from a catering contract will help you feel more confident in signing on that dotted line. Once you sign a catering service agreement, you are responsible for your part in the process from start to finish, and so are the caterers. A catering contract benefits both company and client by clearly detailing the role and responsibilities of each. The contract helps serve as a single source of accountability when something like a dispute or error arises.

In a standard catering service agreement, you should find detailed information regarding:

Menu and Services

The catering agreement should clearly specify all food, beverages, and services to be provided. This includes all menu items, substitutions and alternatives, type of service style, and additional materials and services to be provided, like linens, tables, cutlery, cleanup, and more. It should also describe procedures for leftover consumables, staffing affairs, and similar administrative matters.

Payment Arrangements and Fees

On top of any base prices, all other fees and payment arrangements should be detailed in a catering contract. Fees should include everything from food and beverage procurement to hourly staff wages, cleanup and breakdown fees, and even coverage for additional, unexpected guests that attend at the last minute. In addition to monetary obligations, payment methods and schedules should also be detailed in the contract.

Basic Terms and Conditions

Like all contracts, a catering service agreement will also cover the basic terms and conditions between both parties. This includes fundamental information like the names and contact information of the client and catering company, date and time of event, and venue location, as well as additional specifications on matters like insurance, health and safety regulations, cancellations, postponements, contract breaches, and deadlines for menu and service changes.

Are you interested in learning more about having your upcoming event catered? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with a friendly and experienced Peachtree City catering service manager, today. We also serve the Newnan, Raymond, Sharpsburg, Woodsmoke, Wood Valley Estates, Arnco Mills, Fayetteville, Whitesburg, Chattahoochee Hills, and Palmetto areas.

A Basic Catering Menu Guide for Diabetic Guests

Posted on July 21, 2022 by cateringfft17

Planning a meal for guests with type 2 diabetes can place a lot of pressure on your shoulders. After all, you take diabetic health seriously and would never want to accidentally put someone’s life in jeopardy. But catering an event or party with diabetic guests is not a challenging feat so long as you understand the fundamentals behind type two diabetes, including what type II diabetics should and should not eat.

Continue below for a basic catering guide for diabetic guests, plus where you can find professional caters in Georgia who specialize in custom menus.

Diabetic Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

Facts About Type II Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a health condition that inhibits the body’s natural ability to use and regulate sugar, or glucose. Many people with this disease do not naturally product enough insulin, a hormone your body needs to control the use of glucose. Others do not respond to insulin, making them sugar-deficient since the body needs sugar in order for cells to function the right way.

Because those with Type 2 diabetes fluctuate in blood sugar levels, they have to test their blood throughout the day. Having high blood sugar levels is dangerous and can lead to all sorts of serious health conditions if prolonged. For these reasons and more, it is critical for Type two diabetic individuals to maintain a healthy, blood sugar-approved nutrition plan.

When catering for guests with diabetes, all you need to do is learn what they should and should not eat. Use this knowledge as a basis when planning your catering menu.

Understanding the Glycemic Index

The glycemic index is an important blood sugar measurement for those with diabetes. Foods that have a high glycemic index will spike blood sugars, while foods with a lower glycemic index will impact the blood sugar levels much less.

Approved Foods for Diabetics

Although each person with diabetes is different and has their own individual and unique dietary needs, there are some main category foods that can help you plan a diabetes-friendly catering spread. Many diabetics can enjoy some forms of sugar in moderation, including complex carbohydrates like fruits and vegetables. Virtually all diabetics are encouraged to maintain a nutritious balance between healthy fats, proteins, and complex carbs to properly regulate blood sugars.

Here are some examples of foods recommended for Type II Diabetics:

□ High Fiber Food
□ Low-Fat Dairy Products
□ Whole Grains
□ Healthy Fats (Nuts, avocado, olive oil, etc.)
□ Legumes
□ Fruits
□ Vegetables
□ Fish
□ Chicken
□ Turkey

Here are some examples of foods that SHOULD NOT be served to guests with Type II Diabetes:

❌ Red Meat
❌ Processed Meat
❌ White Bread
❌ Refined Pasta
❌ Refined Rice
❌ Foods with Added Sugar
❌ Any Sugary Foods

Are you looking for high-quality diabetic-friendly catering options for your upcoming event or special occasion? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for customized catering in Peachtree City, Georgia for corporate events, social events, wedding events, and more. We deliver full-service catering for small and large gatherings.

You Should Also Enjoy:

Full Course Catering Menu Options for Vegetarians
Easy Guide to Catering a Vegan Meal Spread
Helpful Tips for Kosher Catering

How to Properly Store Your Catering Leftovers

Posted on June 21, 2022 by cateringfft17

Catering service is an excellent and reliable asset to use for your party planning needs, so long as you choose the right company, of course. The right caterers can customize your event menus, prepare all foods and meals, plus provide a wide range of vendor procurement, food delivery, waitstaff service, and cleanup options. Professional catering is the convenient and cost-effective approach to pulling off a memorable and successful event.

But when you cater a large group, you are bound to have all sorts of leftovers. From salads and hors d’oeuvres to breads, sides, main courses, desserts, and more, catering leftovers are a food-lover’s dream. But in order to take full advantage of them all, you must know how to properly store them. Not only does proper food storage extend the life of your leftovers, allowing you to enjoy them until they are done, but is also avoids the chances of food-borne illnesses.

Continue below to learn some tips on how to store catered leftovers so that you can safely and cost-effectively feed your crew for weeks to come!

Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

Your Leftovers Have Value

Although you have no option but to toss out old or expired foods, it still impacts your conscience knowing that you could have prevented them from spoiling so soon. Food waste wastes more than just foods, it also wastes money, and worse, makes you feel guilty. After taking home all of the leftover catered foods from your party or event, it is in your best interest to properly store them in a timely fashion so that you can safely serve and enjoy them for as long as possible. After all, catered food is so delicious, you wouldn’t want to miss out on a single bite!

Food Storage Tips for Leftovers

According to Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, and owner of Real Nutrition NYC, the biggest error of judgement you can make when it comes to leftovers is letting them sit out for too long. She urges people to “Leave leftovers out for no more than two hours at room temperature. Otherwise, bacteria grows, which is one of the biggest causes of foodborne Illness.”

According to another expert, Angela L. Murad, RDN, wellness dietitian at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, another common mistake made with leftovers is not marking their containers with labels and dates. Furthermore, try to assign a use for them, like using leftover French fries in a morning omelet or scramble. You can also place notes out to remind you when to reheat them or use them in a recipe.

The Best Way to Store Leftover Food

All leftovers should be broken down into smaller portions and allocated evenly into airtight containers. If you do not have airtight containers, plastic bags that are tightly sealed work well. After repackaging, it is encouraged to label and date the containers for optimal organization. So, where do you store them and how long will they last there? Depending on the type of food, you may need to separate your leftovers between your fridge and freezer, while some good might even be stored in the pantry or on the shelf.

RULE OF THUMB:

Basically, if it has been cooked or cooled, it needs to be refrigerated or frozen when it becomes a leftover. Be sure your fridge is set between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. If you cannot use these items within the suggested time limit, it is recommended to freeze them. However, it is not recommended to freeze cheese or hard-boiled eggs! Breads and pastries can be transferred to a breadbox or airtight container in the pantry.

Flash Guide for Leftover Food Storage:

◘ Leafy Salads – 1 Day
◘ Creamed Salads (Egg, Chicken, Tuna, Macaroni, etc.) – 3 to 5 Days
◘ Pasta Salad – 4 to 5 Days
◘ Hard-Boiled Eggs – 1 Week
◘ Hard Cheeses – 3 to 4 Weeks
◘ Soft Cheeses – 1 Week
◘ Casseroles – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Mashed Potatoes – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Cooked Pasta (No Sauce) – 2 to 3 Days
◘ Gravy & Sauces – 1 Week
◘ Pizza – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Cooked Seafood – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Vegetarian Rice and Pasta Dishes – 3 to 5 Days
◘ Steaks, Pork & Chicken – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Soups and Stews – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Cooked Vegetables – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Cookies, Pies & Cakes – 1 Week

Are you looking for a professional and experienced catering company to help make your upcoming event a success? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for trusted Peachtree City GA catering that delivers above and beyond your expectations. We also help with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a consultation, today.

10 Ingredients That Will Transform Your Deviled Eggs Recipe

Posted on May 19, 2022 by cateringfft17

Deviled eggs are one of the most classic and predictable go-to dishes for entertaining guests. Not only does everyone gravitate toward them at the buffet counter, but they are very easy to make and immensely reliable. But if your deviled eggs formula has gone unaltered for more years than you can count, it may be time to mix things up a bit! There are several ways to enhance a tired, outdated deviled eggs recipe, and we want to reveal some of the most exciting ones!

Continue below to learn 10 ingredients you can add to your traditional deviled eggs recipe that will instantly take them to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Local Caterers Peachtree City GA 678-340-0510

Impress Your Guests With These Unique and Delicious Deviled Egg Upgrades

Caviar

Caviar generously decrees indulgence and luxury, which is why this delicacy so thrilling to come by at a party. Astound and delight your guests by topping off your regular deviled eggs with a caviar garnish. In fact, add in some crème fraiche to compliment the saltiness of the caviar. If caviar is out of your budget, substitute salmon roe instead! It’s delicious both ways!

Smoked Salmon

In addition to salmon roe deviled eggs, you can go another way with salmon. Adding buttery smoked salmon garnishes to your classic deviled eggs recipe is an easy and elegant upgrade that won’t set you back in terms of budget. Rather than a garnish, consider chopping up the smoked salmon and folding it directly into your egg mixture. Or do both! Here’s a bonus hint: skip the egg mixture and fill your hard boiled egg halves with tuna salad or jumbo lump crab!

Truffle Oil

Who doesn’t love truffles and truffle oil? Truffle oil makes every better, from French fries and grilled steak to salad, roasted vegetables, and even vanilla ice cream! But when it comes to deviled eggs, truffle oil seems to really elevate the flavors. Top your eggs with a drizzle or mix in a few tablespoons into your egg mixture! Take it up a notch by garnishing your truffle oil deviled eggs with chopped black truffles or truffle salt.

Bacon

Bacon is similar to truffle oil in that it simply makes everything taste that much better. Savory or sweet, bacon is flat-out delicious. Upgrade your regular deviled egg recipe by incorporating your favorite kinds of bacon. Chop up bacon and add the bits into your egg mixture, top your eggs with bacon crumbles, or garnish each egg with a slice of candied bacon!

Jalapeños

This idea came about when someone forgot to buy relish for their classic deviled eggs recipe. She chopped up some jalapeños, muddled them just a bit to extract some juices, then tossed them straight into her egg mixture. The result was spicy and delicious! It is recommended to use pickled jalapeños for the egg mixture, then garnish the eggs individually with a fresh jalapeño slice. You can also make Sriracha deviled eggs. They are so good!

Wasabi

If spicy deviled eggs are what you are after, consider adding in some wasabi for a different kind of kick! Wasabi is easy to incorporate into deviled eggs because it can be used directly in the mixture or dollops on top as a garnish. Just be sure to warn your guests that these deviled eggs are extra spicy! Along with wasabi, garnish your deviled eggs with some dried seaweed or black sesame seeds.

Cheeses

Like many other delicious things in the world, cheese a trustworthy ingredient to use for an instant recipe upgrade. Fold in some sharp cheeses into your deviled egg mixture to bring your deviled eggs to the next level. Consider cheddar, blue cheese, Gorgonzola, and chopped Gouda.

Pesto

Pesto is another potent ingredient that can instantly update classic deviled eggs recipe by adding depth and richness. Mix 2 tablespoons of pesto directly into your egg mixture or top your eggs with a drizzle or dollop of pesto. You can even leave a side dish of pesto sauce for dipping. Take it to the next level by making your very own homemade pesto sauce!

Lemon Juice

You can use lemon juice to brighten up a tired and outdated deviled eggs recipe. You will be amazed at the difference! Just add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to your deviled eggs mixture, the finish by garnishing the deviled eggs with some brightly-colored lemon zest.

Food Coloring

Although it won’t necessarily change the taste of your classic deviled eggs recipe, adding a little bit of food coloring can be really fun for your guests! You can even use vegetable juices as food coloring, like beet juice, carrot juice, and turmeric. For instance, soak your hard-boiled eggs in beet juice to turn them red or purple! You can also use food coloring in just your egg mixture, turning your deviled eggs from white and yellow to white and blue or white and green, depending on your mood or theme of course!

Additional Toppings and Garnishes:

▸ Avocado
▸Curry Powder
▸Everything Bagel Seasoning
▸Sesame Seeds
▸Chives
▸Olives
▸Radishes
▸Cucumbers
▸Pickles
▸Dill

Are you looking for a Georgia caterer who can bring your party food visions to life? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality Peachtree City GA catering. We also help with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a consultation, today.

Enhance Your Event With These 3 Catering Tips

Posted on May 5, 2022 by cateringfft17

If you in charge of coordinating a special event for work, an organization, or your own family, take it to the next level with smart catering. Continue reading to learn 3 essential catering tips that will guarantee a successful outcome for your event or party.

Focus on Food Above All Else

Let’s face it the most anticipated part of any special event or party is the food. Everybody’s hungry and everybody wants to eat. If you are serving alcoholic beverages at your event, it is imperative that you provide a selection of foods to balance out the celebratory environments. Because food is the most important part of your event, do not be afraid to put most of your focus on catering. If you’re catering is smartly coordinated, the remaining elements of your event should naturally fall into place. After all, guests mostly remember the food and entertainment portions of an event.

The Top 3 Catering Tips You Should Know

❶ Avoid the Most Common Catering Mistakes

Many party planners to make the same kinds catering mistakes. Fortunately, this allows people like you to learn from their mistakes before making them yourself. By avoiding common catering mistakes, you can ensure that your event is streamlined and successful.

Do Not…

► Fall short on establishing a strict RSVP policy. By knowing how many guests you can expect to be in attendance, you can better calculate how much food and beverage is required.

► Skip planning your budget. Budget is everything when it comes to catering plans. If you want to be cost-efficient, it is important to know how much catering budget you have to work with.

► Failing to compare catering options. There is more than one catering company out there, so be sure to interview a few in order to get the best

► Forget to incorporate dietary restrictions. Think about dietary restrictions and preferences like gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian, vegan, peanut allergies, fish and shellfish allergies, and other common food allergies and intolerances.

❷ Curate a Tasty and Diverse Menu

There are endless items you can add to your catering spread, just be sure to choose a well-rounded assortment of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and sides that will meet the palate of the average guest. Try to avoid too many exotic or fancy foods when feeding large crowds. Instead, aim for popular and universally-liked foods and drinks. Basically, skip the escargot and stewed ostrich, and opt for more conventional trimmings like beef, chicken, potatoes, and pasta. Don’t forget about dessert and coffee selections. Work with a professional caterer to coordinate the perfect catering menu for your event.

❸ Hire the Right Professional Caterer

Caterers and catering companies are listed everywhere around you. So, how do you know which company is the right one? To find a trusted and qualified catering service, look for the key industry credentials: good reviews, experience, proof of culinary skill, and flexibility. Be sure to have consults and interviews with a few different companies before landing on a decision. Never be uncomfortable asking for references, estimates, and special services. Interviewing allows you to get to know the attitude and ambience of the company, learn the services they can provide, and even hear some creative ideas they have on the tops of their heads!

As for cost, many people do not realize that professional catering services are often more cost-effective compared to purchasing groceries, products, and similar provisions yourself. Think about it; you can have all the labor, service, food, and cleanup all taken care of by one team of catering experts! Do not be tempted by low prices; these prices speak directly to the type of food you’ll be getting. It there is anything to go over budget on; it would be the food every time. Do not take short cuts when catering a party or event!

Are you looking for a professional caterer in Georgia to use for event catering? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with a friendly and experienced Peachtree City catering service manager, today. We offer boxed lunches, delivery service, buffets, plated meals, food service, and more!

Full Course Catering Menu Options for Vegetarians

Posted on March 24, 2022 by cateringfft17

According to a recent poll taken by Gallup.com, more than 5% of Americans claim to be a vegetarian, while many more take on the resolution every single day. Additionally, many faiths and cultures maintain a diet that is free of meat and meat by-products. Now more than ever, vegetarianism is making its way into the mainstream culinary arts with fervor and success because it promotes healthier eating, mindful consumption, and farm-to-table practices. Many people eat a mostly-vegetarian diet and don’t even realize it! So, if you are planning a party or event for vegetarians, don’t feel limited or intimidated by the job. You can look forward to creating a custom vegetarian menu from an array of endless and delicious options!

For some instant inspiration or ideas, continue reading for a full course vegetarian catering menu, plus information on where to get trusted catering services near you.

Vegetarian Catering Peachtree City GA 678-340-0510

Vegetarian Catering Menu Options

Appetizers and Hors d’Oeuvres

There are several appetizers and Hors d’Oeuvres to choose from when custom creating a vegetarian catering menu. From finger foods and charcuterie to bread selections, hummus cups, canapés, tapenade, and more, the selection is more than generous. Here are some popular choices to consider:

▢ Bread Roll Platters
▢ Caprese Salad Skewers
▢ Bruschetta
▢ Stuffed Mushrooms
▢ Edamame
▢ Cucumber Cream Cheese Boats
▢ Stuffed Jalapeños
▢ Artichoke Hearts
▢ Flatbreads (Try Mushroom/Gruyere, Truffle Parmesan, or Fig and Goat Cheese)
▢ Vegetable Spring Rolls
▢ Macaroni and Cheese Cups
▢ Hummus Platter
▢ Cheese and Crackers
▢ Charcuterie
▢ Veggie and Ranch Dip Platter
▢ Chips and Salsa/Guacamole
▢ Falafel
▢ Hush Puppies
▢ Tapenade Platter

First Course Options

When it comes to the first course, it is important to provide foods that will satisfy and spark hunger, but not fill your guests up completely. After all, when serving a full course meal, the first course is always followed by the main course. So, think light, like salads and soups. Here are some functional and tasty first course options that meet vegetarian catering guidelines:

🥗 SALADS:
▢ Leafy Green Salad (Spinach, Caesar, Garden, etc.)
▢ Caprese Salad
▢ Watermelon Feta Salad
▢ Cucumber Onion Salad
▢ Mushroom Vinaigrette Salad
▢ Tabbouleh
▢ Baba Ghanoush
▢ Meatless Pasta Salad (Pesto, Italian, Creamy, etc.)
▢ Thai Papaya Salad
▢ Fruit Salad
▢ Cottage Cheese and Pineapple
▢ Waldorf Salad

🍵 SOUPS:
▢ Potato
▢ Broccoli Cheddar
▢ Mushroom
▢ Vegetarian Chili
▢ Gazpacho
▢ Tomato
▢ Cauliflower
▢ Butternut Squash
▢ Pumpkin
▢ Black Bean
▢ White Bean Chili
▢ Pea Soup

Main Course Options and Sides

For the main course, you are free to go big. Focus your meal selections on savory foods that fill up the belly and satisfy the palate. When choosing your main course items, consider seasonal foods too, like pumpkins and apples in the Fall and oranges in the summer. Here are some delicious and versatile main course options for vegetarian catering:

▢ Eggplant Parmesan
▢ Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers
▢ Ratatouille
▢ Fettuccine Alfredo
▢ Spaghetti w/Mushroom Ragù
▢ Vegetarian Pasta
▢ Cacio e Pepe
▢ Black Bean Cheese Burgers
▢ Grilled Tofu
▢ Mushroom Wellington
▢ Cheese Stromboli/Calzone
▢ Vegetarian Lasagna
▢ Mushroom Stroganoff

SIDES:
▢ Macaroni and Cheese
▢ Potatoes (Mashed, Baked, Scalloped, Sweet, Tots, Fries, etc.)
▢ All Vegetables (Steamed, Stewed, Grilled, Roasted, Fried, etc.)
▢ Mashed Cauliflower
▢ Rice
▢ Beans (Baked, Black, Refried, Lima, etc.)
▢ Onion Rings
▢ Coleslaw

Vegetarian Dessert is Easy!

Dessert should not be a problem for vegetarian catering planning. Not many desserts are made with meat. Steer clear of maple bacon options and bacon jams, and you should do well!

Are you looking for a qualified catering company to help plan your custom vegetarian or vegan catering menu? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for customized catering services in Peachtree City, GA and its surrounding counties.