Today I would like to share with you a specialty drink, the Ispahan Martini.  This drink was taken from the famous Pierre Hermes macaron and is a wonderful summer libation!  Refreshing and beautiful, who could ask for more?

For more specialty drink ideas, visit www.culinarycrafts.com!

Photo credit ZumaPhoto.

I just wanted to write a little post and spotlight two of our great chefs.  They definitely deserve it, as not a day goes by that we don’t get an email or phone call with client’s praise for the great food we served at their event!

Adam is our Executive Chef and has been with our company for over 10years now.  Adam graduated from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute.  Adam’s ability to create new recipes by knowing the perfect seasoning combination for any dish is amazing. Adam is bar-none one of the most talented off-premise catering chefs in the nation.  His ability with numbers, times and quantities ensure that every event is on-time with plenty of delicious food!  And the best part of having Adam here is when he makes us lunches that are to die for.

Sam is the newest member of our team.  He has been with us for 6 months and has really found a niche with us.  Sam was the valedictorian of the pastry program at the Culinary Institute of America.  His attention to detail and ability in the pastry arts allows Culinary Crafts to produce some of the most amazing and tasty desserts in the state.  Sam also handles our in-house bakery and produces all of our Artisan Breads and desserts from scratch daily.

Here at Culinary Crafts we have the most loving and caring staff.  I know like many people I have sat on my couch and wondered what I can do to help the people of Haiti.  Stacie, one of our wonderful staff was thinking the same thing and decided, along with her roommates to have a bake sale.  Once the day and time had been decided what better way to spread the word then on Facebook.  Stacie and I are friends on Facebook and so I received and e-mail letting me know of the upcoming event.  I quickly sent a reply and asked when and how she was going to be baking all of the treats for the bake sale.  I asked her if I could help and had the idea to bake everything at our kitchen at work.  Many hands make light work, the same could be said for many mixers and ovens.  The day came and after going through our recipe book to decided what was to be made it was time to hit the store to buy the necessary items.  It is always amazing to me that when one of us has a great idea and is ready to get their hands dirty to serve how fast the rest of us all jump in to help.  In addition to baking a few treats, 150 chocolate chip cookies, 150 peanut butter cookies, 100 rice crispy treats and 200 lemon bars, Adam and Kaleb decided they wanted to do our homemade gelato as well.  Adam, our executive chef, came in to put an order together for the next day but when he saw what what happening he didn’t waste any time help get the finished product packaged up and ready to go.

The night of the event came and the place looked fantastic! The goal for the night was to raise $1500 and with the  buffet loaded with anything you could ask for, it was definitely attainable. A bounty of fresh home made rolls- if you were trying to avoid sweets,  gooey chocolate cupcakes with sprinkles, cookies, and the most popular Caramel gelato filled the room, along with about 600 people.  All in all these  college students ended up raising $2,300.

We are grateful to Stacie for her idea and letting us be a part of this wonderful opportunity to help Haiti. It just goes to show that no idea is to small.

Culinary Crafts is again setting the trends for “What’s Hot” in the wedding market!  This years offerings include our amazing French Macaroon Topiaries…bite-size gems of soft meringue with explosive filling in exotic flavor and colors to match your custom wedding theme.  Try.. PIstacchio with Pistacchio Buttercream; or Cassis with Black Current Ganache; or Passion Fruit with Chocolate Mousse….yummm!

People often wonder how new trends develop in creative fields like culinary arts.  Culinary artists look to many different places for inspiration, and one sure place to find it is the classics.   A prime example of a classic that has caught on in the United States is the french macaroon.

Black Currant and Pistachio Macaroon

Don’t let their unassuming appearance fool you.  These jewel-like cookies are a perfect storm of complex textures, clean flavors, and brilliant colors.  The macaroon has gained favor with food enthusisasts due to the combination of a crisp, smooth – bordering on ceramic - finish on the outside and a chewy, sweet center.   Culinary Crafts is excited to offer this delicate treat in every color and flavor imaginable, adding a subtle delicacy to any event. 

Culinary Crafts Dessert Library Display at 2010 Bridal Showcase at the Salt Palace highlighting our French macaroons