Tips on Throwing the Halloween Party of Your Nightmares

Posted on October 27, 2022 by cateringfft17

When it comes to throwing a Halloween party, there are a few key things to keep in mind in order to make sure your event is a success. First and foremost, you’ll want to choose a theme for your party and decorate accordingly. This will help set the tone for the evening and get your guests into the Halloween spirit. Next, you’ll need to come up with a menu of spooky snacks and drinks. And of course, no Halloween party is complete without some fun games and activities for your guests to enjoy.

If you keep these things in mind, you’re sure to throw a Halloween bash that everyone will remember for years to come! Scroll down for more details on these very Halloween party planning tips!

Find Halloween Party Catering in Peachtree City Georgia! — Halloween Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

Halloween Party Planning Tips for 2022

Halloween is the perfect time to throw a party! And what better way to celebrate than by throwing a Halloween bash? But before you start planning, there are some factors to consider before putting pen to paper. First, decide on a theme. Will your party be spooky or silly? Elegant or gory? The sky’s the limit! Once you’ve decided on a theme, you can start planning the rest of the party.

Next, you’ll need to choose a date and time. Halloween falls on a Monday this year, so that’s the perfect night to host a curfew-controlled party. Guests should be out the door by 10 pm! But if you’re not able to have your party then, don’t worry! Any night this weekend will work just fine!

Now it’s time to start planning the details! Decide on a menu, make a guest list, and start brainstorming some fun games and activities. And don’t forget the decorations! A few strategically placed spider webs and some Halloween-themed tableware can really set the mood for your party.

Halloween Party Games That Make Everyone Laugh

Halloween is a time for fun and games! So why not have a Halloween party with some spooky, scary, or just plain fun games? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

🍎 BOBBING FOR APPLES – A classic game that is sure to get everyone laughing as they try to catch apples in their mouths!

🧟 HAUNTED HOUSE – Set up a spooky haunted house for your guests to explore if they dare!

🎃 PUMPKIN CARVING – Get creative and see who can carve the best looking (or most terrifying!) jack-o-lantern.

🧛 COSTUME CONTEST – See who has the best costume at the party, and award prizes for the most creative, funniest, or scariest costumes.

🧙 WITCH’S HAT RING TOSS – A simple game that can be played with any number of people, and is sure to bring some laughter as everyone tries to land their rings on the pointy hat!

Whatever games you choose to play at your Halloween party, make sure to have some fun and enjoy the spooky season!

Choose Professional Halloween Event Catering Services

Planning a Halloween party can be a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. So, get started planning and make this the best Halloween ever. But when you have a big event to plan, the last thing you want to worry about is the food. That’s where professional catering services come in! Catering services can take care of all your food needs, so you can focus on enjoying your event.

There are many benefits to using professional Peachtree City catering services. For one, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your food will be taken care of by experienced professionals. Catering services can also help you save time and money by taking care of all the food planning and preparation. And, most importantly, expert catering service can help make your event a success!

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to plan your Halloween event, consider using professional caterers. With their help, you can take the stress and hassle out of your party planning responsibilities, plus add some extra pizazz every well-planned party needs!

Are you looking for last-minute help with Halloween party catering? 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.

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!

FAQS About Hiring a Wedding Caterer

Posted on September 28, 2022 by cateringfft17

Hiring a wedding caterer in Peachtree City, Georgia is not a responsibility that should be approached lightly. After all, the food-and-beverage service is one of the most anticipated features of a wedding celebration aside from witnessing the actual nuptials. For this reason, it is important that you are well-informed before making any final decisions on a catering plan. Get started on the right track by reviewing some of the top FAQS about wedding catering, including how to find

Wedding Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

Wedding Catering FAQS You Need to Know

What Does a Wedding Catering Company Do?

Wedding caterers have many jobs, but their top priority is to coordinate the food and beverage portion of your wedding to your expectations. This may include developing a menu, arranging table linens and plate ware, allocating bartenders and wait staff, and managing all aspects of delivery, setup, breakdown, and customer service. Basically, you tell them what you want, and they make it happen so that you can enjoy your special day!

How Much Will Wedding Catering Cost Me?

The total price to cater a wedding depends on numerous factors. Every bride, groom, and couple are different, which makes all weddings unique. Factors that influence the overall cost of catering a wedding are similar to the factors that contribute to the overall cost of your wedding altogether. Such factors include the guest count, number of staff required, type of catering service, type of food, bar service, add-on amenities (i.e. ice luge, chocolate fountains, breakdown service, table linens, china, etc.), and much more. On average, you can expect the cost to cater a traditional wedding to be between $25 and $45 per person. For a customized estimate, you would need to talk to your catering company of choice.

What are Some Catering Options For Weddings?

There are infinite types of wedding catering services available since they can be customized according to each client. However, there are four common styles that seem to be popular choices for traditional weddings. These include hors D’oueuvres buffet, dinner buffet, seated plated dinner, and food stations. As for beverages, open bars, closed bars, and even BYOB programs are often used for weddings. It all depends on your personal preference, guest count, and budget.

Can I Taste Test Food Before Hiring a Caterer?

If a catering company tells you that you cannot test the food before hiring them as your wedding cater, do not consider them as an option. This is not a good sign. Any reputable and professional catering company provides food testing services for any potential clients. After all, how else can you be sure the food will taste great? Just keep in mind that it is common for companies to charge a fee for this service, especially during the busy season.

How Much Food Will I Need For a Wedding Reception?

You can gauge how much food you will need for your wedding reception by asking yourself, How many people are attending my event?, What type of event is it?, and How long is my event? Use your answers to figure out how many people you are feeding, and how long you will need to feed them for. Then meet with your Peachtree City caterer for professional guidance on completing the final order.

Which Catering Company in Peachtree City Should I Hire?

A professional Georgia catering company has the resources necessary to accommodate a large gathering of people for dining. Preparing food for a large crowd requires extensive preparation, research, time, and concentration. In order to do this correctly, particular resources are necessary. A catering company has these resources. Be sure to hire a Peachtree City GA catering company that is capable of meeting your wedding event needs. Confirm that they can handle the expected number of guests, as well as the location, setting, timeline, and budget. Go with a caterer who can manage the size and scope of your event, especially if it is an especially large wedding. Furthermore, it is important that the staffs are experienced to handle the number of guests attending the party and can prepare and serve the food accordingly.

Are you looking for a professional and experienced wedding catering company near you? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality Peachtree City GA wedding catering. We also help with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a consultation, today.

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.

Top Trending Wedding Reception Food Stations of 2022

Posted on August 25, 2022 by cateringfft17

Wedding receptions are all about family, fun, and celebration. But when it comes to planning the reception, the element of food is usually a main focus. Brides and grooms want their wedding reception menus to be perfectly in sync with their newly combined character as a marital couple. Custom and thoughtful catering services can ensure wedding receptions deliver on food, no matter the theme, season, size, or scope. This year, food stations are topping the trend list for wedding reception catering. They offer all kinds of benefits and bonuses for both bridal parties and guests alike.

Continue below to learn some ideas for the most requested food stations of 2022, plus where to find premiere wedding catering services in Peachtree City, Georgia.

Wedding Reception Caterers Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

Food Station Concepts for Wedding Receptions

Grazing Board Station

Who doesn’t love a charcuterie? With a new twist on the classic charcuterie, grazing boards are making a bold impression on the wedding reception industry. Imagine an entire table covered in a selection of boards, bowls, platters, and more, all covered with various finger foods. From raw fruits and vegetables to vast selection of cheeses, jams, spreads, cured meats, pickles, and more, the versatility of a grazing board station is perhaps the most desirable attribute. However, they also look amazing!

Fresh Steamed Seafood Station

Most wedding guests expect beef or chicken at a wedding reception, so adding a fresh steamed seafood station will certainly impress and surprise them. These stations are trending with shrimp, crab legs, clams, mussels, oysters, crayfish, and all the accoutrements and condiments that pair with them. You can choose any theme or combination of steamed seafood for your wedding reception food station. For seafood boil station, you could add steamed corn on the deviled eggs, corn on the cob, French fries, steamed potatoes, butter, and bread.

Soup and Salad Station

With all the new and inventive ways to serve soup and salad, it is no surprise that soup and salad food stations are gaining popularity in the wedding reception catering world. The best part about these stations is that you can customize the selection down to the garnishes and dressings. And you don’t have to stop at leafy green salads; you can also incorporate pasta salads, macaroni salads, potato salads, and broccoli salads. As for soup, you can choose from your conventional soups or throw in some stews and different chilis as well.

Sliced Cake Station

Most wedding guests expect some version of cake at your wedding reception. A sliced cake station will certainly do the trick. Imagine a food station decorated with all of the glitzy cake decorating glamour you can imagine and covered in a wide selection of pre-cut beautifully presented cake slices. Your guests can choose from any array of cake flavors of your choice. These food stations are also being done as cupcake stations, mini pie stations, or cookie tray stations!

Candy Buffet Station

Another storming trend in the wedding reception catering industry is candy buffet stations. These food stations are set up and designed in a way to mimic those childhood fantasies we’d have of having full access to a candy store. Not only are these stations bright and colorful, but they are fun! Best of all, you can customize your candy buffet station with all of your favorite candies, from chocolatey and creamy treats to gummies, licorice, sour candies, gumballs, lollipops, and more.

Popcorn Station

Popcorn stations are fun at virtually any event you cater, but they are now becoming popular at wedding receptions. You can make your popcorn food station both salty and sweet by incorporating a variety of savory popcorn flavors, like movie theater butter, white cheddar, sharp cheddar, and ranch, or with a selection of sweeter popcorn flavors, like kettle corn, caramel, chocolate drizzle, or white chocolate. You don’t have to stop it popcorn with these stations either; you can also incorporate popcorn cakes, popcorn balls, popcorn sticks, and all different varieties of popcorn products.

Additional Food Station Ideas:

► Chips and Dip Station
► Donut Wall Station
► Drink Luge Station
► Giant Pretzel Station
► Cotton Candy Station

Are you looking for a trusted Georgia catering company that can customize a catering menu for your wedding reception? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with a friendly and experienced catering manager about wedding catering in Peachtree City, Georgia. We also serve the Newnan, Raymond, Sharpsburg, Woodsmoke, Wood Valley Estates, Arnco Mills, Fayetteville, Whitesburg, Chattahoochee Hills, and Palmetto areas.

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.

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

Alcohol Ordering Guide for Wedding Receptions

Posted on July 13, 2022 by cateringfft17

Fall and winter weddings are being planned right now, which means it is not too early to place your wedding reception catering orders. When it comes to ordering enough alcohol for your wedding reception, there are some factors to keep in mind. If you order too much, you are taking away from your overall wedding budget, but if you order too little, you risk disappointing your guests and taking away from the overall experience.

To avoid this problem on your upcoming special day, scroll down to view a simple alcohol ordering guide that will help you calculate how much alcohol you need per guest at your wedding reception.

Wedding Caterers Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

Wedding Reception Bar Planning

Planning the alcohol and bar element of a wedding reception can pose all sorts of challenges if you are not equipped with the right information. Preparation is key when it comes to organizing an efficient bar plan that falls within your budget while also meeting your celebratory expectations.

It is your aim to order just the right amount of alcohol, plus optimize the selections to best fit your wedding’s theme or agenda. You can achieve this objective with ease by using this basic guide to alcohol ordering:

How Much Alcohol is Enough for a Wedding?

Knowing how much is enough when it comes to bar planning is fiddly. Not everyone will drink alcohol, and those who do will have varying amounts in differing selections. Fortunately, there is a way around this chaos.

The general rule of thumb for wedding guest alcohol orders is decreed in a time-to-person ratio: For a 4 hour reception, plan for around 4 to 5 drinks per guest.

Using a base of 12 ounce beers, 5 ounce glasses of wine, and 1.5 ounces of liquor, this general rule of thumb should allow each guest to enjoy one drink per hour of your event. Not only is this sufficient for guest satisfaction, but it also abates over-drinking.

Just Serving Beer and Wine?

If you are planning to only serve beer and wine (including champagne) at your wedding reception, aim for a 60:40 ratio of 60% beer and 40% wine selections.

Serving All Selections?

If you wish to serve beer, wine, and mixed drinks at your wedding reception, use a 20:35:45 ratio of 20% beer, 35% wine and champagne, and 45% liquor.

Additional Tips for Planning Your Wedding Reception Bar Order

When it comes to beer, kegs are great options. Not only are they economical, but they are readily available and easy to use. The average metal beer keg can serve between 140 to 165 12-ounce beers. Be sure to rent an extra tap in case the one you are given breaks.

As for wine, take note that one 750 ML bottle of wine traditionally serves 5 glasses. Magnum bottles, which are the much larger wine bottles, serve 10 glasses on average. Be wise on your scope of wine selections too. Merlot and chardonnay are the most popular wedding guest wine orders, as well as prosecco champagne.

Liquor for shots and mixed drinks mainly consists of vodka, tequila, scotch, and bourbon. Unless your wedding has a particular theme that includes rum-based cocktails like mojitos or pina coladas, rum is not usually a common wedding guest drink order. The same goes for gin. As for mixers, aim for 3 bottles per bottle of liquor.

Are you looking for professional wedding catering service? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with an experienced catering manager about large group catering and weddings in Peachtree City, Georgia and its surrounding counties.

You Should Also Read:

How to Select Alcohol Service for a Catered Event
Do Not Make These 3 Wedding Reception Catering Blunders
Why Signature Drinks are a Big Hit at Any Wedding or Party

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.

Impress Your Guests With This Easy Greek Lemon and Feta Meatball Recipe

Posted on June 2, 2022 by cateringfft17

If you love a well-balanced, rich, and pastoral meat dish, lamb is a go-to entrée to add to your list of menu items. In fact, try this highly-rated recipe for Greek-inspired Lemon and Feta Meatballs, which are made with fresh mint, ground lamb, and a succulent tomato-based sauce. If lamb is not your thing, you can swap out lamb for ground turkey or ground chicken!

Greek Style Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

Greek-Style Lemon and Feta Meatballs Recipe

Traditional Greek meatballs are called Keftedes. These delicious Grecian crudites are compatible with many pairings. If you want to stick with Greek cuisine, serve your meatballs with sides like Mediterranean salad, lemon orzo, fusilli pasta, toasted pita, hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, tomato and cucumber salad, french fries, and tzatziki sauce.

This modern take on the classic keftedes recipe will yield around 36 two-inch meatballs. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

What You Will Need to Make the Meatballs:

❏ 2 Pounds Ground Lamb
❏ 3 Tablespoons of Water
❏ 1 Large Egg
❏ 1 1/4 Cup Breadcrumbs
❏ 1/2 Cup Crumbled Feta Cheese
❏ 3/4 Teaspoons of Table Salt
❏ 2 Garlic Cloves – Minced
❏ 3 Tablespoons of Chopped Parsley
❏ 2 Tablespoons of Tomato Paste
❏ 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
❏ Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
❏ 1/2 of a Lemon for Zest

What You’ll Need to Make the Sauce:

❏ 1 Medium Yellow Onion – Finely Chopped
❏ 1 Garlic Clove – Minced
❏ 1/2 cup of Red Wine or Dry Vermouth (optional)
❏ 1 Can of Crushed Tomatoes – 28 Oz.
❏ 1 Teaspoon of Dried Oregano
❏ 1 Teaspoon Table Salt
❏ 1/3 Cup of Kalamata Olives – Pitted and Chopped
❏ Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
❏ 1/2 of a Lemon for Zest
❏ Juice of 1 Lemon
❏ 1 Tablespoon Thinly Sliced Mint Leaves – Plus Additional for Garnish
❏ 2 Tablespoons Roughly Chopped Parsley – Plus Additional for Garnish
❏ 1/4 Cup Crumbled Feta for Garnish

Cooking Directions

Start by preparing the meatballs. With the exception of the oil, combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

Wet your hands and begin forming 2-inch meatballs. Place them on a flat surface covered in wax or parchment paper.

Preheat your skillet to medium heat. Add in olive oil and then place your meatballs in the pan. Brown each side for a couple of minutes. Do not worry about cooking them all the way through.

Note: It is normal for meatballs to stick to the pan. This is fine, and in fact, enhances the flavor of the sauce you will be preparing soon!

Once browned on all sides, drain your meatballs on a plate lined with paper towels.

Directions for Sauce

Drain the fat from the skillet, leaving in at least 1 teaspoon for further cooking. Then set your skillet to medium heat.

Once hot, add in your garlic and onion and allow them to cook down for a few minutes.

Note: Now is the time to add in your wine or vermouth if you like. Use this liquid to scrape up the bits of meat stuck to the pan.

Next, add in the tomatoes, salt, oregano, pepper flakes, olives, lemon zest, mint, and parsley. Bring everything to a simmer.

Once simmering, add the meatballs to your pan and cover it with a lid. Cook on a low simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.

Garnish with the juice of 1 full lemon, thinly sliced mint leaves, roughly chopped parsley, and crumbled feta.

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