The Holiday Season is a wonderful time of year when friends and family come together. We love that many of you invite us into your homes to make these gatherings special. In our 15 years of catering in Sun Valley, we have learned a thing or two about party planning. Here are our tips to help make your events flawless.
1. Call Rasberrys! Dial 208-726-0606. See what we can do for you, then you can plan from there!
2. Rasberrys always has take and bake cookies on hand! Think how good the house will smell and no one will even know you "cheated"...
3. Housemade chips, salsa and guacamole are readily available and always a fave.
4. Make ahead...A simple plate with brie and Rasberry's chutney or jam with crackers, spiced popcorn or nuts with Rasberry's spice seasonings (think "everything bagel"), jalapeno ranch, classic ranch or green goddess. Hummus and Rasberry's homemade pita, feta and mixed olives with olive oil, orange peel and z'aatar spice mix. --Remember it doesn't hurt to ask others to bring these items.
5. Set the table with candles and pine cones or branches from outside or cuttings from a local florist. Simple arrangements are easy and fun too--think single stems or just greens.
6. Ask others to bring their own wine/drinks
7. Do rent wine glasses and dishes if needed. They are cheap and it saves the environment from plastic and not so many dishes to do.
8. Use a cooler filled with snow and put outside as storage for cold drinks.
9. Set up a playlist for music on your phone. Keep it neutral.
10. Pre-arrange "DD" transportation to and from--think Uber, local shuttles or taxis...
Squash So Many Ways
It is no secret that we love squash! We think of it as a wonder food here at Rasberrys. You may notice we like to use it in many fall recipes! While you may not dry the “string” then grind it to a powder and make pumpkin spice mix for future use (like we do), there are so many other things to do with the pulp and meat. If you have an abundance, consider freezing in smaller portions for recipes later. These ideas can work for squash, pumpkin or sweet potatoes.
Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin Soup or Bisque
Pumpkin Hummus
Pumpkin Linguine
Squash Lasagne
Delicata Squash
Squash Salad Dressing
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pumpkin Thumbprints
Pumpkin Smoothie
Add to Pet Food
Hummus - 20 different ways
So it's officially mid-summer...when vegetables are fresh and fabulous. It's hot, so you don't want to cook, but need a little change on what you are dipping your veggie sticks into, taking to parties and slathering on your pita wedges. This summer, we are really loving carrot hummus and so are our clients. One big retailer down the highway is selling beet hummus that apparently make the kids go crazy! Whatever taste you are aiming for, here are some new ways to spice up a summer party classic. Thanks OneGreenPlanet.org
1. Sweet Pea Hummus
2. Roasted Kumquat with White Bean Hummus
3. Parsley Hummus
4. Roasted Balsamic Carrot Hummus
5. Maple-Glazed Roasted Parsnip Hummus
6. Lentil Hummus
7. Black Bean Jalapeno Hummus
8. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
9. Spinach & Garlic Hummus
10. Sweet Potato Hummus
11. Edamame Pistachio Hummus
12. Avocado Hummus
13. Smoky Chipotle Pumpkin Hummus
14. Black Hummus
15. Homemade Hummus with Red Pepper
16. Babagahummus
17. Sweet Pea Hummus
18. Oil-Free Kale Edamame Hummus
19. Smoky White Bean and Roasted Yellow Pepper Hummus
20. Low-Fat Sweet Potato Hummus