Look what’s new and popping up everywhere…

---

---

First it was cupcakes, then cake pops and now look what is coming back from our childhood favorites!

 

Marshmallows!

 

They have come out from under gooey s’mores and taken center stage with these reincarnations:

With infinite adaptations, set your  imagination on fire and include these in your next menu!

2012 Tabletop Design winners....

---

---

Nature themes abounded at the recent Catersource tradeshow.

The rustic place setting design below from Exclamations!  in North Carolina used repurposed elements and moss for their award winning entry.

Best of show – and a David Tutera pick -went to the jungle theme setting  from Common Plea Catering in Pittsburgh.

Most creative design went to Exclamations! in North Carolina  for a clever, “under construction” theme  ( bottom center photo).

 

Spring trends in catering..

---

---

 

 

I always know spring has arrived when I see the first blooms of calla lilies in my garden!   It’s that time of year to start planning more outdoor events and here are some new twists on the usual favorites to include in any outdoor party:

Forget the usual sub sandwiches and try this Chicago’s caterer version of panini sandwiches – a spicy capicola and aged provolone on pressed sour dough makes a fun and different addition to any menu.  You can easily adapt this to a children’s party with animal shaped cookie cutters or andy other shape to fit a theme.

For dessert, how about a grilled fruit bar:  Fruit kebabs with a chambored spiked white chocolate sauce or grilled peaches served with spicy pork tenderloin.  Shown here is a grilled peach creme fraiche and dark chocolate.

 

 

What’s new…

---

---

Every year I look forward to attending the Special Event Convention to mingle, learn and see what’s new and fun in the industry.

 

A few of my favorites from this year:

A variation on the cake pop, cake shooters were featured in different flavors – hard to try just one!

 

 

 

Everyone always looks forward to the table  top displays  I think these were  the most interesting: