Showing posts with label Butler For Hire Catering San Francisco Bay Area. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Butler For Hire Catering San Francisco Bay Area. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Easter Brunch Buffet

This sure took me a while to post! Here are some photos from an Easter Brunch that I did on Saturday, May 7th.  The server passed 2 appetizers and all the other delicious morsels were on the buffet.

Easter Brunch Menu

Passed Hor D’Ouevres

Coconut shrimp beignets with pepper jelly dipping sauce

Mini BLT on Brioche with Arugula, Tomato, Basil Aioli

Brunch Buffet

Ham w/Apricot Mustard Glaze and Biscuits

Hash Brown Casserole with Cheddar & Gruyere Cheese

Endive stuffed with goat cheese, mandarin orange, balsamic glaze, pistachios

Shrimp orzo salad w/mint, peas, asparagus, feta, lemon vinaigrette

Fresh fruit salad

Pigs in a blanket

For your sweet tooth!

Lemon blueberry bars

Butterscotch pot de crème w/caramel sauce, sea salt and whip cream









Monday, March 19, 2012

Tablescapes

Simple table-scapes are best...at this dinner, we used cut orchids in clear glass vases with taper candlesticks, simple but effective.  Never let flowers, candles or decorative accents take center stage on your table, good food and conversation takes the center stage! Don't forget that! Another hint from your caterer next door...shhhhh, the butler did it....www.butlerforhire.com

Roasted Salmon with Pumpkin Seed Cilantro Pesto

Roasted salmon with pumpkin seed cilantro pesto, paired with a melange of roasted seasonal squash with pomegranate seeds and wild mushroom risotto.....Always fresh and always relevent! Butler For Hire Catering is sure to please with mouth watering, innovative and delicious cuisine for today's sophisticated palette! YUM, YUM! contact us today for catering in the San Francisco Bay Area www.butlerforhire.com

Petite Chocolate Pot De Creme

Petite Chocolate Pot De Creme is always a crowd pleaser, I think it's ALWAYS necessary to feed your sweet tooth at any party! This thick, rich chocolate custard is baked slowly in a water bath to give it a rich, dense texture that will dance on your taste buds....Call Butler For Hire Catering @ www.butlerforhire.com and you too can tell your friends that "The Butler Did It"! Always creative, innovative and inspiring gourmet catering for anytime of the year.

Beef with Artichoke Pesto on Rye!

Beef Tenderloin and Artichoke Pesto on rye toasts...this was a big hit at a cocktail party that I catered on Saturday. For great catering in the San Francisco Bay area please contact Joseph @ Butler for Hire Catering www.butlerforhire.com

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Pumpkin Pecan Pie with Caramel Sauce


You have to try this amazing pie.  I worked at a restaurant many years ago that served this during the holidays and people went crazy over it.  I have served it at many events that I catered and people go insane after they eat it, well not completely crazy, you know what I mean.  Food so good, that you almost forget where you are or what you are doing!


Pecan Pumpkin Pie and Caramel Sauce

 (this recipe is for TWO pies)




1 29-ounce can pumpkin pie MIX

 (Read the label carefully; buy pumpkin pie MIX NOT packed pumpkin)

1 5-ounce can evaporated milk

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1      Cup sugar

½ teaspoon salt

2      Teaspoon cinnamon

1 box of “Pillsbury Plus” yellow cake mix with pudding in the mix

½ pound butter, melted and cooled slightly

1-1/2 cups chopped pecans



Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line two 9-inch pie pans (preferably glass) with parchment paper or waxed paper; just trace the pie dish onto the paper and cut out a circle to fit the bottom of the plate.  Mix together Pumpkin, milk, sugar, eggs, salt and cinnamon.  Spray pans with cooking spray and pour mixture into both pans.  Sprinkle cake mix over the top of each.  Distribute chopped pecans over cake mix and drizzle melted butter over all.  Bake one hour.  Chill-(preferably overnight).  Before serving, let it come to room temperature- Score the edges of each pie a bit with a knife and invert onto a plate and remove waxed paper and cut into wedges.  Top with a dollop of whipped cream, and warm caramel sauce drizzled over top.  This is a delicious alternative to pumpkin pie and extremely easy to make.  Do not be thrown off by the use of the packaged cake mix; it makes a delicious “crust” in this great version of the classic pumpkin pie.



Carmel Sauce




2      Sticks of sweet butter

3      Cups light brown sugar

1-cup heavy cream



Cut butter into pieces and melt it in a small heavy-bottomed pan.  Stir in the brown sugar and cream.  Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly, until all is melted and blended.  Whisking the sauce helps to bring it together.  Serve warm.  Refrigerate what is not used-reheat on low heat.



Whipped Cream




2 cups heavy whipping cream

3 Tablespoons-powdered sugar

1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla



Whip cream in a medium bowl add sugar and vanilla any time after you first start whipping.  Whip into soft peaks.  Refrigerate till ready to use.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Petite Lamb Sheppard's Pie

 Petite Lamb Sheppard's Pie...served these at a recent cocktail party, I love to make things petite like these, this way they can be served as an Hor D'Ouevres, don't they look delicious?
You can have these at your next party, just call me!  Catering in the San Francisco Bay Area www.butlerforhire.com  where Good Food is Always in Style!!!

Mini Butterscotch Pot De Creme with Maldon Sea Salt

Mini Butterscotch Pot De Creme sprinkled with Maldon Sea Salt with caramel sauce and whipped cream!  Yum, I served these at a recent cocktail party, they were a hit!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Autumn Outdoor Garden Party

Catered a wonderful outdoor garden party yesterday in Hillsborough, California.  The weather could not be more perfect, sunny and in the eighties.  The client was celebrating a newly remodeled front and back yard and it was beautiful, with a waterfall and various conversation areas.  Friends and family gathered to celebrate this in style with delicious finger foods made by me! http://www.butlerforhire.com/ fabulous catering in the San Francisco Bay Area!  My staff passed 3 wonderful appetizers and there were more finger foods on a buffet with two desserts.  Remember...Good Food is Always in Style!

 Fig and Raddichio Risotto...this turned out delicious and got rave reviews!!! I will make it again!
 Mini Guacamole and Shrimp Tostadas with Queso Fresca Cheese
 The ever popular Tuna Tartare with Edammame Wasabi Puree
 A beautiful fall themed buffet to temp any appetite!
 Paella Sliders, made with chicken, shrimp and chorizo with a sherry, pimento and carmelized onion spread with Saffron Aioli
 Chicken and Beef Empanadas
 Curry Coconut Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce
 Cranberry Chutney and Pistachio baked Brie!!! This was a new recipe and it was a hit!
 Dijon Rosemary Lamb Chops with Honey Mint Sauce
 Thai Peanut Crunch Salad with Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette...Good and Good for you!
 This looks scrumptious...Pork Lumpia with Sweet and Sour Sauce
 Petite Chocolate Bread Pudding with whipped cream
 Mini Blueberry Creme Brulee
 The bartenders busy at work
 The new waterfall...looks so refreshing
 seating area with fire pit

This lower level had a lifesize chess board...so cool!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Romantic Anniversary Dinner For Two

Shrimp Cocktail with Hearts of Palm, Oranges, Avocado and Brandy Remoulade Sauce
 Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton with Edammame Wasabi Puree
 Almond Stuffed Dates wrapped with Bacon
 Butternut Squash Soup with Creme Fraiche and Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
 Watermelon Salad with Mixed Greens, Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries & Champagne Vinaigrette
 Braised Short Ribs with Wild Mushrooms, Buttermilk Roasted Garlic Mashed Red Skinned Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze and sliced Almonds
 Warm Chocolate Molten Cake with Milk Chocolate Ganache, Raspberries & Vanilla Ice Cream

It's not that often that I get the privilege to cater a dinner party for two with a server no less!  I was happy to please my two new clients with a special 5 year anniversary dinner for two at their home.  What could be more romantic and cozy than to have your own party for two catered!  You could do the same by calling me and having me cater your next special event from two to two hundred!  Just go to my website at http://www.butlerforhire.com/ and see what wonderful catering that we can do for you!  You can be a guest at your own party.  Always fantastic food and service with catering in the San Franciso Bay Area.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Curry Corn and Crab Hushpuppies


Served these yummy morsels at numerous parties that I've catered, good way to use your summer fresh corn! Remember...Good Food is Always in Style!

Curry Corn and Crab Hushpuppies


With Curried Honey-Mustard Dip

Ingredients

· 1 cup yellow cornmeal (not too coarse)
· ½ cup all-purpose flour
· ½ tsp baking powder
· ½ tsp baking soda
· ½ cup buttermilk
· 1 egg
· 2 tbsp melted, unsalted butter
· ¼ cup thinly sliced scallion greens
· ½ cup lightly cooked corn kernels (or raw)
· 1 cup crab meat
· canola oil for frying
· kosher salt
· freshly ground black pepper
· 1 teaspoon curry powder

How-to

1. In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, baking soda and powder and curry powder

2. In a separate bowl mix the buttermilk, egg and melted butter. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet, being careful not to over mix

3. Gently fold the scallions, corn and crab into the batter, season with salt and pepper

4. Let the batter rest for 20 minutes before frying

5. Heat the canola oil in a pot or deep fryer to 350º. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil, cooking until golden brown & delicious, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt

6. Serve immediately with Curry Honey Mustard Sauce

Curry Honey Mustard Sauce

· ½ cup Creole mustard
· ½ cup of Mayonnaise
· ¼ cup of honey
· 1 teaspoon curry powder

· How-to
· Stir mustard, honey, mayonnaise and curry powder together



By Joseph Sciascia of Butler For Hire Catering…Good Food is Always in Style!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Fig and Goast Cheese Crostini


I have served my fig Crostini at numerous events that I’ve catered…. it’s fig season now and I’m so excited. My favorite fruit!


Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini

Makes 24 hors d’oeuvres

Ingredients

1 baguette, sliced into 24 –(1/2 inch-thick) diagonally cut pieces

12 oz soft mild goat cheese at room temperature

1 bottle of balsamic glaze, usually at most gourmet stores

½ cup of toasted Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

about 8 fresh ripe figs, cut into ¼ inch slices

¼ cup of Olive Oil

fresh salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:
arrange cut baguette slices on baking sheet and brush tops lightly with oil. Bake in preheated *350 oven until lightly toasted and golden brown, about 7 to 10 minutes.
Cool.

Assemble Crostini:
Spread each toast with goat cheese, top with 1 or 2 slices of fig, depending on how big the slices are, sprinkle with salt and pepper, drizzle a little balsamic glaze and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds on top and ENJOY!



Thursday, August 4, 2011

Roasted Chicken with Potatoes, Carrots, Onions and Bacon YUM!

looks like this bird is ready for the oven!

Roasted Chicken with Potatoes, Carrots, Onions and Bacon




Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 1 ½ to 2 hours



Ingredients

1 (5-6 pound) roasting chicken

6 small to medium russet potatoes or other potatoes you have on hand

1 large onion, cut into 1 inch slices and then cut into quarters

6 carrots, peeled and cut into thirds

1 lemon, halved

2 teaspoons chopped garlic

2 teaspoons of Herbs de Provence

Kosher Salt

Fresh ground pepper

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

½ cup dry white wine

2 teaspoons paprika

4 to 6 slices of bacon



Directions:

Begin with preparing your ingredients by cutting your potatoes in half and then in half again. Peel and slice your onion into 1 inch thick slices and then into thirds. Peel your carrots and cut them in into thirds if they are skinny, if thick, cut in half lengthwise and then into 2 inch pieces. Then cut your lemon in half. Add your potatoes, onions, peeled carrots and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a roasting pan. Season with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of the Herbs de Provence and 1 teaspoon of the paprika, toss together well and then add ½ cup of wine and the 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.



To prepare your chicken, remove the bag of giblets from the inside of your chicken. Thoroughly wash your chicken with water, inside and out. Then pat your chicken with a paper towel until completely dry. Generously season the inside of your chicken with salt and pepper. Season the outside with salt and pepper as well and sprinkle the remaining Herbs de Provence and Paprika on the outside of the chicken. Place the two lemon halves and the garlic inside the cavity of the chicken. Place chicken on top of the vegetables and wrap the bacon around each leg and two slices cross wise on top of the chicken, this will help baste the chicken as it cooks and add great flavor to the entire dish.



Bake at 425 degrees for 1 ½ hours to 2 hours or until an instant read thermometer reads 180* Fahrenheit. (Insert the thermometer in the inner thigh area near the breast of the bird, but not touching bone) Then remove from oven and cover with aluminum foil. Let your chicken sit for 15 minutes.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Watermelon Mint Feta Salad


 
Watermelon Mint Feta Salad


· 1/2 cup chopped red onion

· 1/2 cup lime juice (4-6 limes, depending on how big and juicy the limes are)

· A quarter of a medium sized watermelon, rind removed, black seeds removed (if there are any), chopped into 1-inch cube-ish pieces, about 8 cups

· 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

· 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

· 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

· ¼ cup chopped Kalamata Olives


Method

1 Soak the chopped red onion in the lime juice while you are prepping the other ingredients, about 15 minutes.

2 Gently combine all ingredients into a large serving bowl.

Serve immediately. Salad will get soggy if kept overnight.

Serves 6-8.

I serve this salad in Asian porcelain soup spoons as an appetizer; this serving suggestion would make approximately 24 spoons

Friday, July 22, 2011

Beefsteak Tomato Tart with Manchego Cheese & Basil



Beefsteak Tomato Tart with Manchego Cheese & Basil


Servings: Serves 6

Ingredients

· 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

· 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter , very cold, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

· 1/2 teaspoon salt

· 1 teaspoon sugar

· 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk , very cold

· 1 1/2 pounds beefsteak tomatoes , sliced 1/4 inch thick

· 2 tablespoons olive oil

· 1 small onion , peeled and sliced into thin rings

· 1/2 cup heavy cream

· 2 Tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped

· 2 cloves garlic , minced

· 1 teaspoon kosher salt

· 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

· 1 cup grated Manchego cheese (about 4 ounces)

Directions

To make crust: In a food processor with knife blade attached, combine flour, butter, salt and sugar. Pulse 6 to 8 times, just until mixture resembles coarse meal.

Add milk 1 Tbsp. at a time, pulsing as you go, until mixture forms a ball. Remove dough from processor and shape into a 5-inch disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or wrap again in foil and freeze up to 6 weeks).
Preheat oven to 400°. On a floured board, allow dough to sit, unwrapped, until just pliable, about 15 minutes. With a floured rolling pin, roll dough into a large circle, moving it a quarter turn with every roll to make sure it's not sticking underneath (dough should be 1/4- to 1/8-inch thick.
Ease dough round into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press tightly into the sides of the pan (dough should exceed the edge by 1/2 inch). Using the rolling pin, cut excess dough against the tart pan to create a perfectly even edge. Chill 30 minutes before cooking.
With the tines of a fork, poke holes throughout the bottom of the crust. Cover with foil; top with pie weights or uncooked beans or rice. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until edge of crust is light golden. Remove crust from oven and carefully remove weights and foil. Return to oven to bake 5 to 10 minutes more. Cool on rack. Keep oven on at 400°.
To make filling: Meanwhile, place tomato slices on a paper-towel-lined surface and let sit 5 minutes, flipping once. In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until golden brown, 7 to 12 minutes; transfer to a plate. Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to skillet and, in batches (careful not to crowd), sauté tomato slices until just golden, 2 to 3 minutes each side; transfer to plate with the onions. Add cream, basil, and garlic to the remaining juices; increase heat and cook until liquid is reduced by half. Season with salt and pepper; add 3/4 cup cheese. Stir to combine
Pour reduced liquid into prepared pie shell. Top with onions and tomatoes; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cook until tart is hot and cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Ladies Cocktail Birthday Party

 Ladies cocktail birthday party this past June.  How gorgeous this setting is...So chic!
Chilled pea and tarragon soup "Shots" with goat cheese crostini
 
 Chicken Pecan and Dried Cranberry Salad in crunch Phyllo cups
 Cheesecakes and cupcakes....oh my!
 Chilled Asian peanut noodle salad in mini chinese take out boxes with chopsticks
 Puff pastry bites with asparagus, brie and ham....how French!
Petite cheddar cheese burgers with rosemary onion jam and baby pickles....who could resist?
 
beautiful candlelit display....the food is too pretty to eat, but I'm sure you could manage it