Family * Travel * Food

6 Tips to Help You Start Your Owning Catering Business

Starting your own catering business can be a great choice that can help you be on your way to becoming a successful entrepreneur. On top of this, you get the opportunity to work from home and establish an outstanding work-life balance.

In this article, we are going to talk about six tips to help you get started! Sound interesting? Then keep on reading!


Choose a catering style
The very first step in starting a catering company is to choose a particular style. For example, you might think about focusing on business events, weddings, or funeral wakes. You also can decide what style of food you will be making. While some caterers offer both sweet and savory options, others offer grazing platters or desserts only.

Design a menu
Once you’ve got an idea of what type of catering services you will be offering, you can then move on to designing a menu. This is the tricky part, as you want to be able to serve great food, easily and quickly. You have to remember that you will be serving multiple guests, so you need to be able to do most of the preparation in advance. Check out these tips for planning a menu for more inspiration and advice.


Sort out the paperwork 
Just like any other business, there is always going to be paperwork to sort out before you can operate. Permits, licenses, and tax forms all need to be completed before you can start serving your clients. It may be irritating, but it’s better to get it sorted out first to avoid issues further on down the track.

Source your ingredients
Once you’ve got a menu established, you can also start sourcing your ingredients. In order to save money, try shopping at local markets. You might even look at finding a distributor. You can get chicken meat by poultryeu.eu and even find fresh fruit and veg wholesalers to make your overall ingredient costs much more affordable.


Purchase the necessary equipment 
Just like the ingredients, there is also going to be equipment that you need before starting your catering business. You will need to invest in catering delivery bags to transport food. From platters, cooking gadgets, and cutlery, there is certainly a lot to think about. Try searching for items that you can buy in bulk, and don’t forget to check out garage sales and thrift stores. You never know what you might find!

Advertise
Lastly, once all that is in order, you can now move on to advertising your business! Get creative with different methods, such as social media, print, and radio advertising. There are many different options, but make sure you stick to a budget so that you don’t go overboard. Check out these inexpensive ways to advertise your small business if you are a bit strapped for cash!

And that’s it! These were six different tips to start your own catering business. You’ll have everything ready in no time and be on your way to establishing a successful company out of your own home. Good luck!

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What To Know Before Opening a Brewery

The number of breweries in the United States has increased dramatically in the past ten years. People have steered away from the standard pilsners and are more interested in craft beers. If you've been experimenting with home brewing, you might find yourself looking to expand and open a brewery of your own. Here are some things you'll want to consider before you get started though.
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Choose a Location

It can be challenging to find the perfect location for your brewery. You need to find a place where people will feel comfortable and can relax and enjoy a beer together. However, your location also needs to be suitable to actually brewing the beer. The place you choose will set the tone for your brewery, so you want somewhere that gives off the right vibes for what you're going for. There are some really unique locations out there, such as an abandoned warehouse, an old high school, an empty factory, or you can always decide to build something more modern.

Know the Laws

Alcohol laws can get a little bit tricky, so it's important that you do your research in advance. Some places don't actually allow breweries to open in the county, so check before you make any big decisions. You'll want to look at whether you need a TABC permit or what other sorts of liquor license you might require. Some states allow people to buy cans from the breweries, while others only allow consumption on site. Check the laws in your area to find out more information.
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Find Your Focus

There are many different styles of beer out there. You'll need to figure out if you want to make a batch of each kind or whether you want to focus more on a particular style. For instance, some breweries are known for their sour beers, while others mostly put out India Pale Ales. While having a few different styles available is always a good idea, having a focus can help you master a particular style.

It may seem like a lot of work, but if beer is your passion, it can be well worth it to get to share your love of beer with others. Take your time and be sure you're doing everything the right way. Talk to other brewery owners and get help along the way. Once your brewery is open, you'll find that all of your hard work has paid off.

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Delicious Mashed Sweet Potatoes Side Dish Recipe

Are you a fan of sweet potatoes? They have been a family favorite in my home for decades. My husband and kids love the classic Southern style candied yams, while I prefer a them baked or as a mashed sweet potato side dish. One of our favorite steakhouses makes a delectable sweet potato casserole. While I do love it, the topping adds so much extra sugar that can be a bit too much.

I have experimented with sweet potatoes and finally came up with the winning combination that makes for a delicious side dish. I like serving mashed sweet potatoes with pretty much any protein and some steamed or sauteed veggies. I used to bake the sweet potatoes in the oven, but it takes way too long and heats my kitchen up a lot, especially during the warmer months. Now I use my electric pressure cooker which takes about one third of the time to bake them to perfection.

The first step is choosing sweet potatoes that are very close to the same size and thickness. This ensures that they will all cook through properly. Trust me, I've used different sizes before and it was a disaster! I recommend going with smaller, slimmer potatoes if they are available. It might all be in my head, but I find them to have a smoother texture and a sweeter taste.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Side Dish Recipe

Ingredients: 

4 small to medium size sweet potatoes
3 tbsp salted butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/8-1/4 cup maple syrup
pinch of salt

Preparation: 

Rinse off sweet potatoes with cold water and dry with paper towels. Pierce whole sweet potatoes with a fork in multiple places. Pour 1 1/4 cup water in the bottom of your pressure cooker. Place rack on the bottom. Place whole sweet potatoes on rack as evenly as you can. Set pressure cooker on low setting for 14 minutes. I use a Cuisinart 6-qt pressure cooker, so you might have to check your instruction manual for the brand you have. 

Let sweet potatoes sit for 5 minutes when the cooking process ends, then release the remaining pressure. Place potatoes on a plate and carefully remove the skin and place in a large bowl. Mash the sweet potatoes and add the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup and salt. Give it a taste to see if you need to add any additional brown sugar or syrup if needed. 

Transfer sweet potatoes to a oven-proof baking dish. Add several tiny pieces of butter on top of potatoes (optional) and microwave for 5 minutes or bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Serve with your favorite fish, chicken or beef dish. Enjoy! 


This sweet potato dish is so creamy and delicious! You can make it as sweet as you like. If you aren't a fan of maple syrup, you can omit it and add a little bit of cinnamon and some vanilla extract. 


Our favorite main dishes we enjoy pairing with these mashed sweet potatoes are meatloaf, salmon, air fried chicken thighs and ribeye steaks. We also love to serve it at holiday dinners along with this mac and cheese recipe
If you are a sweet potato lover, you will definitely enjoy this recipe. If you decide to give it a try, drop me a line and let me know what you thought of it. Thank you so much for stopping by today! 
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Give Dad A Tasty Gift From Gourmet Gift Baskets This Father's Day

Father's Day is rapidly approaching, and it's not too late to have the perfect gift delivered in time for the special men in our lives. For years we have used Gourmet Gift Baskets to send our beloved friends and family delicious treats and snacks as gifts for different occasions. Seriously, I think food gifts are the best thing to receive. Once you know what types of snacks the recipient likes, it's a breeze to pick out the perfect gift.


Most dads would agree that meat and cheese are their favorite food groups. The Gourmet Meat & Cheese Sampler Deluxe is definitely a winner. It comes with 2 types of Summer sausage, 4 different cheeses, 2 boxes of crackers/flatbread, and a jar of sun-dried tomatoes. This makes a perfect evening snack to have while Dad catches up on his favorite TV series on Netflix. 


The Summer sausage paired with any of the cheeses on top of a cracker is SO good! This is a gift that Dad might not be willing to share.


Another fantastic gift is for beer lovers. The Beer Expert Trio is sure to put a smile on Dad's face. It comes packed neatly complete with 3 large cans of beer, and tasty snacks that pair wonderfully. You can tell by the way each gourmet gift basket is packaged that it is done with care. Each package comes with its own card that is attached inside the outer shipping label. This makes gifting even easier since you don't have to worry about sending a card.


Again, crackers topped with Summer sausage and cheese is the ultimate dad snack. It's even better with a cold beer to wash it down. Father's Day weekend is going to be great!


Gourmet Gift Baskets offers so many choices that are sure to please any dad in your life. They have everything from savory bites, wine, beer, sweets of all kinds, fruit, and so much more. There's something for every taste and budget. Some gifts even have FREE shipping. If you sign up for their email list, you will receive 10% off your first purchase. 
We highly recommend Gourmet Gift Baskets as a gift for Father's Day, birthdays, thank yous, get well soon, anniversaries, and even just because! The person receiving it will feel extra special and loved.

Are you a fan of food gifts? 
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Alaskan Cod In A Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce (Recipe)

Do you feel like you are forever stuck in the rut of figuring out what to cook? It seems like many of us have the exact same menu that rotates week-to-week. I am always up for trying something different for dinner. I am happy to be partnered with Sitka Salmon Shares to show you what's been cookin' in my kitchen. 

A little background on Sitka Salmon Shares: 
  • Wild: Wild-caught from the pristine waters of Southeast Alaska and the North Pacific
  • Sustainable: Harvested using hook-and-line methods to minimize negative ecological impact
  • Traceable: Our relationships ensure that your fish is traceable to the boats of our fishermen-owners and trusted community partners
  • Fishermen-centered: Individually caught by one of our fisherman-owners or partner fishermen (who we hope are on their way to ownership!). Fishermen ownership makes us distinct from our competition and creates a more just system that values hard work, high-quality fish and low-impact harvesting methods.
  • Just: Our fishermen receive an average of 20-30% more for their harvest, which can equate to $10,000 extra income in a given season
  • Premium: Blast-frozen at the peak of freshness to ensure the highest quality, guaranteed
  • Convenient: Home delivered directly to your door, with recipes and a newsletter about the fishermen who caught that month’s share
  • Conscious: Carbon offsets purchased and 1% of revenue donated to efforts promoting small-scale fisheries and conservation in Alaska.  


The April share box was Wild Alaskan Pacific Cod. The box was completely full of blast-frozen cod just waiting to be cooked. This has been a life-saver since meats are harder to come by these days. Plus, fish is healthier overall anyway. Cod has always been a tricky fish for me, so I knew I had to find a way to cook it so it would not be dry and tough. 


I poked around on Pinterest looking for some inspiration. I decided on baking the cod in a creamy lemon butter sauce. I used this recipe as a guide, but made a few alterations to suit my family's taste. 

Alaskan Cod in a Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

2 lbs Cod filets cut into smaller portions
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cloves of finely minced garlic
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper
Creole or seafood seasoning (optional)
finely chopped red onion (optional)

How to cook the fish:

1. Heat oven 390°. Arrange the fish filets in a baking dish and season with salt, pepper, and Creole or seafood seasoning. Sprinkle red onion on top of fish. 
2. Melt butter and add mustard, garlic, lemon juice, cream, and a little salt and pepper. Pour over fish, and bake for 12-15 minutes (based on thickness of filets) until cooked through. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. 
3. Serve with desired sides such as rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, broccoli or asparagus. Enjoy!

Note: If sauce is too thin, you can transfer sauce into a small saucepan and simmer for a few minutes to thicken. 



This was one very delicious dish! Even my picky 12-year-old devoured it. The fish had such a nice firm texture. It flaked beautifully and was not dry at all. This entree has already been requested again. Good thing we received so much fish in this share! 



How does Sitka Salmon Shares work? 
Community Supported Fishery (CSF) members purchase their very own "shares" of their harvest. Similar to preorders or vegetable shares ordered through your favorite CSA, these purchases determine how much fish their fishermen catch! After that, CSF members receive a monthly home seafood delivery - their "share" - of their wild Alaskan catch, ranging 4.5-5lbs per month and ranging 3-9 months during the CSF season (April thru December). Prices range from $18 to $28 per pound, depending on the species you choose and the quantity you buy. Shipping is also FREE, which is a plus! 

Right now, Mom Files readers can get $25 off any share except for the Taste of Fall share, using our affiliate code: MomFiles. Your share will be well packaged to stay completely frozen for several hours after the delivery is made. Shares start as low as $109 per month. If that seems like a lot to you, I assure you that it's well worth it. What you get in your local grocery store can't compare to the quality you get from Sitka Salmon Shares. The salmon we had a few months back was the best we ever tasted hands down!  It's a great feeling knowing that your monthly shares helps keep small fisherman in business. Here is the delivery schedule for upcoming shares. Just enter your zip code.

We hope you will give Sitka Salmon Shares a try. Please stay safe and healthy, and thank you for stopping by today! 

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How To Cook Chicken Thighs In An Air Fryer

If you haven't already hopped on the air fryer bandwagon, you better get with it! I have had one for about 6 months now, and use it every day, sometimes even a few times a day. It really is a very versatile kitchen appliance that every home cook needs. I recently decided to try some boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer for the first time. Normally I grill them either on my cast iron grill pan or the outdoor gas grill. I didn't feel like dealing with the pollen outside so I wanted to see how the air fryer would work.


I started with one package of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, fresh lime, and an assortment of dried seasonings. I simply washed the chicken with the fresh lime, and then rinsed and patted dry. I seasoned to my liking with my go-to spices. I also recently discovered Trader Joe's chili lime seasoning, and it has become a new must-have. If you are located near Trader Joe's, you have to grab a bottle!

After my chicken is seasoned, I set it aside for a bit while I heat the air fryer to 400° for five minutes. You can lightly spritz your chicken with olive oil if you are worried about them sticking to the basket, but I didn't have any issues. Place chicken in fryer basket according to how many you can fit for them to lay flat. Cook for 7 minutes, and flip. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until nicely brown. They come out super juicy and perfectly cooked! This was so much easier than using the grill.


Chicken thighs are so versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes, or on top of a salad. We have been eating lower carb meals lately, so I threw together some delicious vegetable fried "rice" (riced cauliflower). What a tasty combination!


Don't forget to grab this chili lime seasoning from Trader Joe's. It's only $1.99 so I will be grabbing a few extra to stock up.

Be sure to check out these other recipes:


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Perfect Roasted Salmon From Sitka Salmon Shares

If you're anything like me, you might be very particular about the food you buy for your family. When it comes to fresh foods, we tend to buy mostly organic, and almost all non-GMO only products. My husband is the one who does his research and makes his suggestions of what he would like for me to buy or what to avoid. One thing he does not mess around with is fish and seafood. He tells me to never purchase farm-raised fish. We end up spending a good bit more, but stick to wild-caught or locally-caught fish.

We were so lucky to get a special shipment of wild-caught Alaskan Coho Salmon and Pacific Cod courtesy of Sitka Salmon Shares. It's pretty wild (pun intended) to receive fish that was caught by fisherman and blast-frozen to maintain the freshness.



Sitka Salmon Shares is:

  • Wild: Wild-caught from the pristine waters of Southeast Alaska and the North Pacific
  • Sustainable: Harvested using hook-and-line methods to minimize negative ecological impact
  • Traceable: Our relationships ensure that your fish is traceable to the boats of our fishermen-owners and trusted community partners
  • Fishermen-centered: Individually caught by one of our fisherman-owners or partner fishermen (who we hope are on their way to ownership!). Fishermen ownership makes us distinct from our competition and creates a more just system that values hard work, high-quality fish and low-impact harvesting methods.
  • Just: Our fishermen receive an average of 20-30% more for their harvest, which can equate to $10,000 extra income in a given season
  • Premium: Blast-frozen at the peak of freshness to ensure the highest quality, guaranteed
  • Convenient: Home delivered directly to your door, with recipes and a newsletter about the fishermen who caught that month’s share
  • Conscious: Carbon offsets purchased and 1% of revenue donated to efforts promoting small-scale fisheries and conservation in Alaska.  

How does Sitka Salmon Shares work? 

Community Supported Fishery (CSF) members purchase their very own "shares" of their harvest. Similar to preorders or vegetable shares ordered through your favorite CSA, these purchases determine how much fish their fishermen catch! After that, CSF members receive a monthly home seafood delivery - their "share" - of their wild Alaskan catch, ranging 4.5-5lbs per month and ranging 3-9 months during the CSF season (April thru December). Prices range from $18 to $28 per pound, depending on the species you choose and the quantity you buy. Shipping is also FREE, which is a plus! 

You're probably wondering if the fish is worth it or not. Let me tell you, it is beyond worth it. My husband and I both agree that it is the absolute best salmon we have ever eaten, period! Even better than what we have had from some swanky high-priced restaurants. I simple placed the sealed packs of coho salmon in the kitchen sink with enough water to submerge it. The salmon thawed quickly and I was completely in awe of the beautiful color. I did find some pin bones that I was able to pluck out. I always judge any fish by the smell. This salmon smelled clean and ocean-y, not overly fishy. If fish smells too fishy, I won't mess with it. 


The way I make my roasted salmon is quite simple. I start with rinsing the fish and patting it dry with paper towels. I place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. Next, I season with a blend of sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, creole seasoning, complete seasoning, and garlic powder. I then lightly rub the dry seasonings onto the fish filets, and top with fresh dill sprigs and lemon slices. The last step is to melt 4 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the top of the filets. I place the fish in the oven set on broil for 3 minutes, and then at 395° on the convection setting for 10 minutes. If you do not have the convection feature, you might need to add a few additional minutes of cooking time. 



I squeezed some fresh lemon over the top of the salmon when it came out of the oven. I had to sneak a little piece before I plated it and it made me close my eyes. The salmon completely melted in my mouth! SO GOOD! I served the roasted salmon with some simple maple brown sugar mashed sweet potatoes and sauteed asparagus. This was a high-end restaurant-quality meal without a doubt. 





Getting hungry? If you use this special discount code - SITKA25, it will take $25 off any 2020 Premium Sitka Seafood Share. Be sure to follow Sitka Seafood Shares on Facebook and Instagram for the latest product updates and recipes. I definitely plan to cook the cod in a couple weeks. I will browse some recipes and decide from there. My family will co-sign when I say that I highly recommend trying Sitka Salmon Shares. 

Many thanks to Sitka Salmon Shares for providing a seafood box for my family to try. All opinions are my own as always. Thank you for stopping by today. 
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Get Your Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Done With Ease At BI-LO

This is a sponsored post in partnership with BI-LO. All opinions are my own.

In case you haven't realized it, we are in the final days leading up to the winter holidays. It feels like it was December 1st yesterday. If you still haven't done any shopping or need to grab some last-minute items, be sure to stop by your local BI-LO for some great deals on everything you need. Whether it's a party tray for the office potluck, or gift wrapping supplies, BI-LO has you covered with their amazing sale prices. I was browsing around and found so many goodies! Check out some of my finds.


Flowers or plants are always a great last-minute gift for co-workers, neighbors, teachers, or for the hostess with the mostest!


Check out these BI-LO Holiday Deals: 

Stay Healthy + Receive a FREE Ham


The flu has been on the rise recently and no one wants to be sick during the holidays. From now until Dec. 24, all BI-LO pharmacy customers can receive a FREE Smithfield Butt or Shank Portion Ham when they receive a no-cost* flu shot at any in-store pharmacy. *With most insurance plans. See pharmacy for details.

Need a Quick Meal? Deli Meal Deals may be the Solution!





BI-LO has Great deals on convenient deli party platters, dips and spreads, grab-and-go entrees and sides, fresh salads and more!


Gift Cards & Last-Minute Gifts



Get the gift that keeps on giving with THREE TIMES the BI-LO Reward points when you by gift cards for your friends and loved ones…and maybe even yourself!
Exclusions:  All BI-LO gift cards, Visa cards, Mastercards, American Express cards, reloadable cards and prepaid debit cards.

BI-LO also has great deals on last-minute gifts including the Garth Brooks Legacy Collection that includes 7 Vinyl LPs & 7 CDs and was just reduced in price today to $39.99! This would be a great gift for your favorite country music fan.

BI-LO also has great stocking stuffers, holiday bouquets and much more for everyone on your holiday shopping list.








Giving Opportunity

Looking to give back and make a difference to those in need? Now through Dec. 24, BI-LO is inviting customers to “Give A Little, Feed A Lot” to fight hunger in our communities by purchasing a $5 prepared bag of non-perishable food items or by rounding up grocery totals at BI-LO store registers. Each donation and $5 holiday bag purchased will be distributed directly to member food banks in the Feeding America® network.

Holiday Hours for Last Minute Gifters

If you need a last minute gift or ingredient for your favorite dish, BI-LO will be open for modified hours on Christmas Eve!

  • Christmas Eve/Day: All BI-LO stores and liquor stores will open at their normal hours until 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Christmas Day. In-store pharmacies will close at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remain closed during the Christmas holiday. 
  • New Year’s Eve/Day: To celebrate the New Year, all BI-LO stores and liquor stores will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day at their normal hours and will close at 10 p.m. (or regular close of business, if earlier). In-store pharmacies will close at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and will reopen from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on New Year’s Day
I think many people sleep on the idea of last-minute holiday shopping at the grocery store. There are so many great grab-and-go options. Of course it doesn't hurt to rack up those BI-LO Reward points. Find a BI-LO near you. Thank you so much for stopping by today. Happy Holidays to you all!
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