Graduation Party Planning

You may want to give your graduate a party that will be the highlight of his/her achievement, and a life time memory. Whether it’s a small or a large party, its success is in the planning. Here is what you will want to do to make your graduation party memorable.

Are you planning a large graduation party or a small dinner? What would your graduate want to do? It is important to have a budget in mind, but be prepared to make some changes as you do your planning something’s may cost more /less than you anticipated.

Location, Location Location- You need to decide if you are going to do it at home or if you are going to have a venue. I find that by doing it at home you may have more planning to do. You may need tent, tables, chairs, lighting-- just a few necessities. You may find it easier to book a venue, park lodge or even a hall that supplies all the tables, chairs and other items you may need to have a successful graduation party. I have seen families with graduates that have been close through school, share the expense and do graduation parties together since most of the guest would be the same.

Menu – You have all kinds of catering options. You may higher a full service cater like Bialystok & Bloom to take care of your entire event or you may want to do something as simple as picking up trays at your local grocer or deli.

Get some help for party day-If you can not hire a full service caterer like Bialystok & Bloom you may want to ask some friends or family to help you with the preparation and picking up of items you have ordered. It is important that you enjoy the day along with your graduate and not feel like you missed the graduation party because you where to busy in the kitchen and with clean up. Another way to enjoy your event would be to hire some staff to help with the event. You can even buy a few items from the caterer that the staff person could bring along with them. This way you have someone helping with bringing food items you have ordered and a professional person helping you with your event.

Cocktails and Pastries: A Good Combination

With the rise of the mixologist and speak-easy era, the more inventive "sweet" cocktails – the ones with chocolate raspberry liquors and a dreadful chocolate swirl along the inside or over the rim of the glass – are quickly disappearing. Cocktail lists designed as flip books with bright pictures showcasing colorful daiquiri or - my personal favorite - Pina Coladas with an umbrella and cherry on top are becoming outdated. Replacing these throw-back thrills is a variety of cocktails mixed with a more organic and thoughtful approach, mindful of the food that is being eaten with these drinks.

Some of my favorite sweet cocktails include:

the cosmic: stoli raspberry/cointreau/rose water/cranberry/brut rose/pop rocks
falling leaves: cinnamon rum/velvet falernum/dupont cider/fig ginger puree
the punsch: batavia arrack/allspice dram/chaucers cup/caramel syrup/lemon/orange
sarsparrilla: infused cocoa vodka/avernaangostura bitters/shatto root beer milk

While many people will opt for a traditional cocktail before or after dinner, such as a gin and tonic, few pause to consider pairing a drink with dessert.

Here are a few of my favorite liquor and dessert pairings:

Galliano – works well with creamy custards and in particular my fresh mint ice cream
Crème de Violette – a beautiful purple liquor blends with vanilla and angel food
Apple & Pear Brandy, Ciders, and All-Spice Dram - fall fruits and winter desserts
Van Gough's Espresso Vodka – chocolate
Punches with fresh fruit infused syrups – light spring or citrus desserts
Bärenjäger & Bourbon – honey and caramel, beignets
Lillet White or Red with Champagne – summer peaches and nectarines
Canton Ginger Liquor – carrot cake, cheese cake
10-Cane Rum – tropical desserts, vanilla
Pomegranate Liquor – strawberries & raspberries
Brachetto d' Acqui – chocolate
St. Germain Elder flower liquor – herb infused pastries, meringue
Zirbenz Stone Pine Liquor, Sherry, Scotch - gingerbread
Camapri & Aperol – grapefruit and other citrus

Cheers!!

IRISH COLCANNON

CREAMY POTATO, BACON AND CABBAGE SOUP

4 slices thick bacon, diced
1 cup white onion, diced
1 leek, washed and diced
1 pound white potatoes, peeled and diced
½ head green cabbage, cored and sliced
6 cups vegetable stock
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter, cut into cubes
1 tablespoon chives, snipped

Directions:
Cook bacon in a heavy pot over medium heat until evenly browned.
Add the onions, leeks, potatoes and cabbage. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring often, for 5-10 minutes.
Add stock and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper.
Lower the heat and continue to simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Add the heavy cream and stir until heated through and soup is creamy.
To finish, whip the butter cubes into the soup.
Serve with a garnish of fresh snipped chives.