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Food Theory Thursday

February 14, 2013

Rustic Ranch Wedding Part 3 | Food Theory Thursday

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Happy Valentine's Day everyone!  Today, we have Part 3 of our Rustic Ranch beauty of a wedding and I just know you are going to love it!  Today, we are focusing on the food and drink, which I must say, is ALWAYS my favorite part of the day!  I warn you, viewing these images might leave you hungry!  Check it out! This canoe of vintage style soda bottles was one of my favorite details of the year.  Whimsical and functional, guests DEFINITELY loved this special touch. We also appreciated their nod to Utah's very own High West Distillery!  The couple chose to make their signature High West Lemonade their signature cocktail - which is DELCIOUS, I must say! The couple chose so many appetizers to really get their guests appetites going!  Sweet Potato Fries with Utah Fry Sauce, Mini Cordon Bleus, Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Corn Salsa, Utah Smoked Trout Crostini, and Chipotle Shrimp with Cumin Spiced Cream were some of the offerings.  So delicious! The bride chose to create a family style menu for her guests which is always a great idea with these long tables which allow people to pass and share the dishes easily!  Definitely one of our favorite dining style for sure! Candy buffets are always a fun addition, especially when the couple picks their favorites to share! Not only did the couple create a fun candy station, but they had a s'mores station, and bundt cakes instead of traditional wedding cake for their guests to enjoy!

This event was so much fun and we just LOVED all of the BEAUTIFUL details, the GORGEOUS venue, and FANTASTIC food that came together to make this wedding one of a kind - definitely not one to be forgotten any time soon!  Thank you so much to Nikki and Mike for letting us share in this extraordinary day!  Happy planning everyone!

Check out more on Park City, Salt Lake City, and Utah County catering at www.culinarycrafts.com! Photos by Logan Walker, A Pepper Nix Photographer

February 7, 2013

Chic Eats | Food Theory Thursday

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We were lucky to be able to create some BEAUTIFUL dishes for Utah Valley Bride's article on the latest and greatest catering trends.  These dishes are truly indicative of today's bride.  Whether you are hosting a rustic ranch wedding, a small backyard celebration, or a glam Great Gatsby style affair, people want their food to not only taste good, but be spectacular to look at.  These varying dishes are all geared toward different types of events, but, nonetheless, all are striking in presentation and will be sure to impress your guests!  We love adding special touches like artfully brushing the sauces atop the plate (as seen on the far right photo in the Caramelized Salmon with Fresh Mango Salsa, Fried Rice Noodles, and Balsamic Reduction), or serving drink in mason jars with burlap tied drink signage (as seen on the top middle photo in the Mason Jar Lemonade Trio of Fresh Mint and Lime, Strawberry and Vanilla, and Lavender and Ginger), and lastly the fun misting spray bottle for the appetizers (as seen in the far left photo in the Cumin and Tomato Dusted Shrimp with Grilled Lime and Poblano Mister).  Even adding paper straws and vintage style soda bottles (like in our Old Fashioned Style Creamsicle Ice Cream Soda) or building a dish vertically (like the Basil Encrusted Sea Scallop) can really take a dish up a notch.  We love that brides are looking for more from their catering than just a way to feed their guests.  They want scrumptious food, lots of variety, and creative presentation - and we LOVE it!  Thank you to Utah Valley Bride for letting us come up with some beautiful dishes for the magazine!  We loved being a part of it!  Happy planning everyone! Check out more stunning dishes and catering on www.culinarycrafts.com!

January 17, 2013

Salt Lake/Park City Bride & Groom – Food Forward Feature | Food Theory Thursday

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Today, we are taking a little detour from the fantastic weddings we are thrilled to share from our local bridal magazines to showcase a food trend article featuring many leaders of Utah's culinary scene - including our very own Mary Crafts-Homer!  This beautiful layout from Salt Lake/Park City Bride & Groom is more than just a pretty face - its full of food for thought.  Many brides are looking for ways to wow their guests while satiating their appetites, which is exactly what this article aims to do.  From side dishes to hors d'oeuvres - and everything in between - we get the new and upcoming deliciousness that is sure to delight wedding guests in the year ahead!  Definitely check out the newest issue of Salt Lake/Park City Bride & Groom, for this and SO many other AWESOME articles!  (Plus for all of you digiphiles - they have an e-issue available too!)  Thank you for allowing us to share these new an exciting food trend with your readers, SLPC Bride & Groom, you are AMAZING!  Remember to stay tuned for more DELICIOUS weddings from this and the other BEAUTIFUL local magazines coming up soon! Check out more Salt Lake City, Park City, and Utah County catering at www.culinarycrafts.com! Magazine Photographer by Lara Ferroni

January 10, 2013

Tasting Room Featured! | Food Theory Thursday

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We are thrilled that The Tasting Room was featured on CEO Access today!  You can check out the post here.  We are so excited to share this with you and loved all of the yummy events (and food) that they showcased!  Check it out and a HUGE thanks to CEO Access!  You guys rock! Check out more on The Tasting Room at www.culinarycrafts.com!  

December 27, 2012

80s Party Extravaganza! | Food Theory Thursday

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It's almost time to hit the fantastic New Year's Eve parties that are bound to be about in this coming week, and with that in mind, I thought this over-the-top 80s party was a PERFECT inspiration for any of you still looking for party ideas!  We at Culinary Crafts love any excuse to have a party and if you are going to throw one at all, why not do it to the nines?  Well, this party TOTALLY did just that.  A DeLorean, Mr. T (yes, the REAL Mr. T), an 80s dance party, and massive amounts of DELICIOUS food?  Well, that, my friends, is how you throw the ultimate 80s bash!  Check it out! Not only did the band keep everyone dancin' on the ceiling, but a comedy routine from Mr. T was the ultimate 80s surprise.  I pity the fool who wasn't at this party!  (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) Two of the eight (yes, eight!) action stations for the hungry dudes and dudettes - featuring the Asian Short Ribs Station and the Southwest Grill Station!  Yum! Love that the guests went all out!  It really takes the party to the next level when everyone gets into the spirit of the theme. Another one of our fantastic action stations - this one, the Chinese Sizzling Wok Station - was a DEFINITE crowd favorite. Love that the butler-passed popcorn and treats were in the radical 80s colors seen throughout the space!  So fun! We also brought in 2 ring of fire stations with our signature Flaming Donuts topped off with house made Eggnog gelato!  Seriously, my favorite station EVER. As you can tell, this party was completely rad!  But, you don't have to go this over the top to have a fun and festive party of your own!  Remember to mix food stations throughout your space to keep people mingling and play upbeat music that will put everyone in a party mood.  Also, if you are working with a themed party, its all in the details!  Little things like keeping treats in a color palette or creating signage that harkens back to the theme will have a big impact - but above all, remember to have fun!  It's a party after all!  Happy celebrating, everyone! Check out more Salt Lake  City, Park City, and Utah County catering at www.culinarycrafts.com!  

November 29, 2012

Christmas Goodie Basket | Food Theory Thursday

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It is now officially the holiday season and gift giving ideas are a hot commodity!  Many of us want to give something new and different (or at least something that will delight), which may not always be the easiest thing to find.  Well, we here at Culinary Crafts are BIG believers in handcrafted, thoughtfully collected gifts of some of the yummiest food and treats anywhere.  Lucky for us, we know where you can get some (our staff is super talented at creating some yummy stuff, you may say!) and we know the very best artisans in Utah to really incorporate the delicious flavors of this great state! This year, we created this gourmet picnic basket with some casual, comfort food classics, sure to please anyone!  Handcrafted, artisan cheeses made by Mary, Ryan, and Kaleb at Beehive Cheese Co., Culinary Crafts' signature Bacon Bourbon Popcorn, and Mason Jar Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes were just a few of the delectable offerings!  Many of these items are also AWESOME ideas for the at-home DIY gift giver.  Simple mason jars with the cupcake baked inside and a cute disposable spoon tied to it is a creative way to give a traditional cupcake.  Little paint can buckets are a fabulous DIY way to dress up any snack-type gift whether it be popcorn, candied almonds, handwrapped caramels - well you get the idea!  And lastly, making your own chocolate bark is always festive and simply presenting it in a glassine or plastic bag with a pretty sticker or beautiful ribbon is a great way to make your treat look as good as it tastes.  There are so many DIY ideas for the holidays, but I have to say the gift of food is always a welcome treat, especially when you take the time to select or make the best - and dress it up in your own way!  Happy gifting everyone! Check out more Salt Lake City, Park City, and Utah County catering on www.culinarycrafts.com! Photos by Logan Walker, A Pepper Nix Photographer

November 8, 2012

Mary Crafts in Special Events Magazine | Food Theory Thursday

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As we approach the holiday season, visions of sugared plums are definitely dancing in our dream menus and, apparently, this holiday season is gearing up to be a fabulous one - according to Special Events Magazine.  Our very own Mary Crafts-Homer was asked to add her expertise to the catering trends and holiday planning of the upcoming months and we couldn't resist sharing it with you!  Check it out here.  Have you started planning your holiday party yet?  We at Culinary Crafts would LOVE to help you make it a memorable one!  Happy planning! Check out more on Salt Lake City, Park City, and Utah County catering at www.culinarycrafts.com!

August 9, 2012

Popcorn Trends! | Food Theory Thursday

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Today, I am pleased to talk with you about one of my favorite snacks - POPCORN!  We here at Culinary Crafts are thrilled that this snack food is taking off and so excited at all of the creativity and invention going on with this super versatile treat.  From desserts to hors d'oeuvres to savory dishes, everything is fair game!  I know Mary and her team are hard at work in the kitchens thinking of ways to incorporate popcorn into new and inventive dishes, from caramel corn garnish on our signature chocolate mousse cups (as shown above), to caramel corn tossed with black salt, and more! I love the ideas and inspiration that I'm seeing in the culinary world and the love they are showing to this wonderful food. Stay tuned to see the fun and DELICIOUS dishes we come up with!  Happy experimenting, everyone! Check out our website at www.culinarycrafts.com! Photo Credits Top Board: Logan Walker of Pepper Nix Photography Second Board, From Left to Right, Top Row: Popcorn Sundae with Semolina Custard Cake, Fresh Sweet Corn Ice Cream, Caramel Popcorn, Salted Butterscotch, Whipped Butter Mousse, and Aleppo Pepper Garnish, Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup with Popcorn Garnish, and Popcorn Shrimp Bottom Row: Salted Caramel Popcorn Macarons, Chocolate layered with salted popcorn and garnished with ice cream, and Linear Foie Gras, with Black Fig Ice Wine Vinegar, Caramelized Popcorn Tuile, Popcorn Shoots, and Figs.

July 26, 2012

The Art of Catering Food Conference | Food Theory Thursday

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Today, I'd like to give a shout out to our staff at Catersource's The Art of Catering Food Conference being held in Denver, Colorado!  Yesterday was the last day of the conference and I couldn't wait to show you some of the fantastic presentations Culinary Crafts put together.  Today, I'll be showing a sneak peek from our "Action Station: How To" presentation we did this week!  As you know, we at Culinary Crafts are huge fans of the dramatic and interactive presentations we've created with our action stations.  The guests at our events rave about the presentation - as well as the taste - of these gourmet offerings, and who can blame them?  With the debut of our Ring of Fire and our Make Your Own S'mores Stations, guests have even more to wonder at.  Take a look at some of the slides from our "How To"! Yum!  We are so thrilled to have been asked to participate in the Art of Catering Food Conference.  It was truly a wonderful and thought provoking event filled with so many industry peers we love.  Stay tuned for more coverage on this event to come!  Happy Thursday, everyone! Check out our website at www.culinarycrafts.com! Photos by Logan Walker, A Pepper Nix Photographer and Keith Westerberg

July 12, 2012

How To Make An Italian Soda | Food Theory Thursday

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One of Culinary Crafts's favorite summer beverages is an Italian Soda!  While many people may be thinking, hey, how to you 'make' an Italian soda?  Don't you just go buy one from a fancy import store?  Well, no, I'm talking about a TRUE Italian Soda made with delicious Italian flavored syrup, a splash of cream, and soda - creating a fabulous and refreshing summer treat!  It really is so easy to make one of these beautiful drinks.  As you can see above, you simply fill any tall glass about 2/3 of the way with ice (we prefer our frosted zombie glass if we really want to go all out), then you add the flavored syrup.  Not too much because it will be too sweet, so fill about 1/4 of the glass with the syrup or 1/3 if you'd like a little more flavoring.  Next, you fill the glass with cream (like Half and Half) til the glass is about 2/3 full, then finish by filling the glass the rest of the way with club soda (or sprite, if you'd like it sweeter).  Voila!  An Italian Soda is made - and how tasty they are!  Hopefully you love these sodas as much as we do!  Happy creating everyone! Check out our website at www.culinarycrafts.com! Photos via Keith Westerberg

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