Vegetarian and Gluten Free Easter

Here at Grand Volute Ballrooms, we strive to meet the needs of our customers-- whatever they may need! We often have individuals with special dietary needs; we are dedicated to create quality meals despite the dietary restrictions of anyone! The most common dietary requests that we have are related to vegetarian and gluten-free meals. Are you planning an Easter meal, wanting to meet the dietary needs of your loved ones? 

Consider eggplant parmesan, or a pasta dish (with vegetarian sauce, and of course, no meat) for your vegetarian guests. For sides, vegetables and fruits are, of course, fair game, as well as vegetarian rice (be sure that there is no chicken stock added).

Gluten-free individuals can consume meat, as long as it is not stuffed, or marinated in a soy based marinade. Most sides, as long as there are no wheat or soy products are fine for gluten-free guests. 

You may consider simply asking your guests what they would choose if they were planning the meal-- go with their ideas! Try something new. They will be honored that you are willing to try their own foods!

Cooking for individuals with special dietary needs does not need to be overwhelming. Try to enjoy it; use it as an opportunity to create a more unique meal than what your family is used to. Chances are, your vegetarian and gluten-free family and friends will be honored by this decision, and the rest of your guests will enjoy a change in your traditional meal!

Easter Brunch

At our house Easter is synonymous with brunch. It is probably my favorite meal to serve guests. With a little planning most things can be prepared the night before. I have included one of my previous brunch menus. I hope you enjoy and please let me know how everything turned out.

 SPRINGTIME QUICHE
6 asparagus spears, blanched
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup onion, chopped
6 slices bacon, crumbled
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
2 tablespoons flour
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, grated
1 9 inch pie shell

Preheat oven 400 degree.
Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
Saute onion 5 min. or until tender.
Transfer onion and next 3 ingredients to a bowl.
combine eggs, milk and nutmeg in another bowl. Season with salt to taste and stir in onion mixture.
Pour into pie shell and bake 25-35 min. or until center is set.

BERRY CREPES WITH ORANGE SAUCE
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh sliced strawberries
1 tablespoon sugar
9 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup honey
3/4 cup orange juice
8 pre-made crepes

Combine berries and sugar in a small bowl; set aside
To prepare sauce, beat cream cheese and honey until light; slowly beat in orange juice.
Spoon about 1/2 cup of berry filling in center of 1 crepe. spoon about 1 tablespoon sauce over berries.
Roll up; place on warmed serving plate and repeat with remaining crepes. Drizzle any remaining sauce over crepes.

Don't forget to pour yourself a nice mimosa. Try my favorite Zardetto Prosecco with either orange juice or if you really want to do it Mary Ellen's way try adding a splash of St. Germain liqueur to your favorite Champagne.

Royal Wedding Cake!

Looking for the next big thing in terms of the wedding cake for your special day? The Royal Wedding will be leading the way this year as far as wedding trends go, and you can count on us, as far as being sure that you're well informed! 

The Prince has chosen a Chocolate Biscuit Cake for the special day. What is a Chocolate Biscuit Cake? In England, biscuits are, of course, cookies. The cake consists of pieces of vanilla cookies in thick chocolate. 

This cake will be served in addition to the traditional fruit cake. Both will be prepared by McVities Bakery, which has been responsible for creating the royal cakes for quite some time-- since 1893, with the marriage of George V. 

Want to try it? A recipe is below. This recipe is very similar-- but not exact-- to the recipe that Prince William has requested. 

Chocolate Biscuit Cake

Start to finish: 3½ hours (30 minutes active). Servings: 12.
The royal family prefers McVitie’s brand Rich Tea Biscuits for their chocolate biscuit cakes, but any firm butter cookie can be used in this intensely rich and chocolatey no-bake treat. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers; the cake gets better with time. Recipe by Alison Ladman.
For the cake:
7-ounce package
butter tea biscuits
(sold in the cookie aisle)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons
(½ stick) butter
16 ounces (about 2½ cups) bittersweet chocolate
bits
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup heavy cream
6 ounces (about 1 cup) bittersweet chocolate

Coat a 7- or 8-inch round springform pan with cooking spray.
To make the cake, break up the biscuits into ¼- to ½-inch pieces with your hands; you want chunks, not crumbs.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream, honey and butter. Microwave on high for 1½ minutes, or until bubbling. Add the chocolate, and stir until melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla, then the crumbled biscuits. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, using the back of the spoon to smooth the top. Gently tap the pan on the counter to eliminate any air pockets.
Refrigerate for 3 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
Once the cake is chilled, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and cream. When the mixture reaches a boil, remove it from the heat and add the chocolate, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
Carefully remove the sides from the springform pan (you may need to slide a paring knife around the inside upper edge to ensure the sides come away cleanly from the cake). Invert the cake onto a wire rack, then remove the bottom of the pan from the cake. Set the rack over parchment paper to catch drips.
Pour the glaze evenly over the cake, allowing it to drip down and completely cover the top and sides. Allow to firm up, then transfer to a serving plate. Refrigerate leftovers.

 

Herbal Wedding Bouquet

Believe it or not, herbs are actually quite beautiful, and can make a wonderful addition to any bridal bouquet. You may be surprised at how easily your florist can incorporate fresh herbs into your bouquet, adding a natural, fresh smell to your wedding. Surely, you'd be reminded of your wedding day each time you stumble across a pinch of thyme or rosemary, lavender or mint. Consider it-- it would be so unique and memorable.


Picture via: http://www.creatingawedding.com

Royal Wedding Goodies

The Royal wedding is fast approaching-- can't make it to England to properly celebrate? Stuck behind your desk on the big day? Order one of these fun tins of Royal Wedding Goodies to celebrate in your own way! This tin contains 16 different treats, all Royal Wedding themed. Very fun! 

Consider doing something similar to this for your own wedding-- buy small tins, and fill them with assorted decorated cookies to match the theme or colors of your wedding. So cool. 

Photo via: http://thebijoubrideblog.blogspot.com/

Tin by: http://www.biscuiteers.com/ -- Check them out! They have amazing products.

Guest Book Ideas

Many couples want a way to remember all of the individuals who spent their special day with them, so they purchase a frilly guest book that simply gets tucked away and looked at once every five or ten years... what's the point in that?! For the couple that is looking for a more useful guest book, that is a piece of art, rather than a closet-space killer, check out the ideas below!

One idea, is to purchase, or ask a woodworker friend to create a blank puzzle for you. Have each guest sign the puzzle, assemble it, and have it framed or preserved in one way or another.


Another idea, is to purchase something that the two of you love-- have the guests sign this, instead. This couple chose to purchase a guitar, and have guests sign it.



Another idea, would be to have a poster made-- anyone with a few skills in photoshop would be able to help. Ask your engagement photographer if he or she may be able to help. This couple chose to have a concert flyer-like poster created, and had their guests sign it. This would be so great hanging on a wall anywhere in the house!


Many people opt for the fingerprint idea-- usually with a tree. Have your guests each stamp their finger on a picture of a blank tree, and sign their name. A more unique version of this, is to have guests stamp their finger as balloons! This couple chose to have their balloons carrying away the bridal vehicle. We think a cool idea would be to have the balloons lift the house from "Up!."

Regardless of what you choose to do, be sure that it is something that reflects you as a couple! After all, it is your day, isn't it?

Photos and ideas via: http://www.bowtiesandbliss.com

Button Candies for Candy Buffets

http://www.emmalinebride.com

These candy buttons are super cute, and easy to make! These are customizable to weddings-- simply dye the candy to match your wedding colors! Find a mold for candy buttons, available at craft stores, or specialty baking outlets online, and press your filling into the mold! Easy! Consider these for baby showers too! Very Cute! The recipe for the candy filling is available below.

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 drops peppermint oil
• any color food coloring paste (optional)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and confectioner's sugar. Mix in peppermint oil. Color as desired with food coloring paste, or leave white.
2. Roll mixture into small balls, and place on waxed paper. Flatten with a fork dipped in confectioners' sugar. Let dry for about 2 hours on waxed paper, then freeze or refrigerate.