360 Catering and Events Blog

Easy Recipe: How to Make Peanut Brittle

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 01:55:35 GMT

Peanut lovers, this is your week! After cooking up some beautiful peanut butter waffles a couple of days ago, Chef Cody is back with another classic recipe, this time for peanut brittle!

Brittle candies have been around for years and enjoyed by cultures all over the world. Here in the US, the most common variety is peanut brittle, but it's also commonly made with pecans and almonds in place of the peanuts.

In the Middle East, pistachios are the nut of choice, and in parts of Asia, sesame seeds are used.

Today, Chef Cody is cooking up a classic peanut brittle recipe that you're going to love. So grab the ingredients, hit play on the video, and we'll see you in the kitchen!

Peanut Brittle Recipe

Ingredients

Unsalted butter -- enough to grease baking pan

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup water

pinch of salt

1 1/2 cups salted peanuts (Approx 7 oz)

Vegetable oil to dip spatula in for spreading

Directions

Butter a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.

Stir together sugar, water, and salt in medium saucepan.

Cook over high heat (without stirring) for about 3 minutes, until sugar begins to melt and turn golden in color.

Continue to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugar has completely melted and mixture turns golden Amber.

Remove pan from heat and stir in peanuts.

Immediately pour onto buttered baking sheet.

Using an oiled metal spatula, quickly spread mixture to 1/2 inch thickness.

Let cool completely (about 15 minutes).

Break into pieces, and enjoy!

Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

How to Hire a Caterer for Your Wedding

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Here are some tips for choosing the best caterer for your wedding day.

These first few tips involve doing your homework before hand and clarifying your vision of how you want your day to go.

1. Know What Kind of Meal You Want

Before you approach a caterer, have a good idea of the exact service you want them to provide.

Some engaged couples want a buffet of finger foods that guests can enjoy until it's time for cake, while others want a dinner buffet. Still others want a formal plated dinner served at the reception. Having a good idea of what you want going in, will make it easier to sort out the caterers you want to work with from the ones you don't.

2. Know Your Theme

This goes hand in hand with the first tip, but know the style of food you want to serve your guests. Is the caterer a match for the style of food you want to serve.

Ask if your caterer's able to serve more than one style of cuisine. We see this become an issue when brides and grooms from different backgrounds or cultures decide to tie the knot.

If that's the case for you, be sure to verify that your caterer will be versatile enough to provide foods that suit the tastes of both families.

3. The Main Question

How close can they get to fulfilling your vision for the day?

This is the main question, of course, and everything else will revolve around this. Once your caterer has an idea of the type of service you want, they can then provide you with additional options if budget becomes an issue.

Here, though are some questions you might not think to ask, but should.

4. Can the Caterer Provide Meals for Guests with Special Dietary Needs

The chances are good that your wedding guests will have a variety of dietary concerns. This will especially come into play if you're serving a buffet meal or plated dinner.

Ask your caterer if they'll be flexible enough to meet those concerns, and how much extra they'll charge you for doing that.

It's important that you let your caterer know about these dietary requests as far in advance as possible to give them enough time to come up with viable options

5. What About Meals for Children?

If you anticipate having a lot of children at your reception, ask about kid-friendly food options. Also, ask if these meals will be provided at the same cost as the other meals or less.

6. Do They Provide Meals for Other Professionals Working the Wedding?

Most caterers include meals for these people, but there's usually a limit without actually adding more people to the headcount. For example, the catering company may usually will prepare a few extra meals for the DJ, wedding planner, etc.

7. What About the Wedding Cake?

Will your caterer provide the wedding cake for your wedding or will that be from a different company. Whatever the situation, find out in advance if your caterer includes cake cutting as part of their service or if you're going to have to call on family members and friends for help.

While we always include cake cutting service for free here at 360, some companies will charge an additional fee, so be sure to find out in advance. New Paragraph

8. What Kind of Staffing Do They Provide and What Exactly Do They Do?

Mostly, the catering staff is going to serve and clear food and dishes. They will not set up or decorate the tables or clean dishes at the end of the night. If you've rented serving dishes or China from a rental company, all of that will go back to them dirty so they can clean it in-house.

9. Are They Able to Provide Alcohol Service?

The State of Texas requires that bartenders and waitstaff who serve alcohol are TABC certified.

Most commonly, the catering company just supplies the staffing to run the bar. It's important to make sure they all have their certifications.

On certain occasions companies, for an additional fee, go through the process of setting up and stocking the bar, but the bride and groom are responsible for buying the liquor.

It's very important to communicate clearly with the caterer about your bar/bartending needs and make sure that all your bases are covered.

10. Are There Any Hidden Fees?

It's always good to find out if there are any additional fees that you might not be anticipating.

As we mentioned earlier, the cake cutting fee is one of those fees that many catering companies tack on to the end of the bill. Other ones might be unnecessary drop off or pick up fees.

11. Is Their Legal House in Order?

Make sure the caterer has their bases covered on the legal end. This includes verifying that they have the proper insurance, food handling, and alcohol server certifications. Also, you can request to see their health department inspections to verify that they maintain a safe and healthy cooking environment.

Wrapping Up...

Hopefully this brief guide will give you the direction you need to hire the best caterer possible for your party. Of course, should you ever need assistance with a wedding, social or business event, we're just a phone call away at 817-714-8996!

Easy Southwest Chicken Casserole Recipe

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

If you're looking for a go-to meal that you can add to your weekly rotation, check out this Southwest Chicken Casserole Recipe from Chef Cody.

January is national casserole month and Chef Cody is here with a Southwest Chicken Casserole recipe that's sure to become a family favorite around your house.

This is a hearty recipe that's like an entire Mexican food meal in one dish. With chicken breast, rice, and rotel tomatoes, this dish is bursting with flavor. The melted cheese and crumbled tortilla chips make this into a kid-friendly dish that younger eaters will enjoy, too.

Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

2 cups diced cooked chicken

1 cup cooked white rice

1 - 2 cans Rotel tomatoes

1 cup frozen corn (May also use corn fresh-cut from the cob.)

Green chilies????

2 tsp taco seasoning mix

1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup corn or tortilla chips, coarsely broken

Directions

preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Coat 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.

In large bowl, combine all ingredients except chips and 1/2 cup of cheese.

Mix well.

Spoon into prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle corn chips over the top.

Bake 8177418996 minutes.

Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake 5 more minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Enjoy!

Croissant Waffle Breakfast Sandwiches

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

These breakfast sandwiches are delicious, filling, and a fun way to spruce up breakfast! Kids and grown-ups both will love these

Looking for a way to change up breakfast? These Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches cooked on a waffle iron are sure to do the trick. They're quick, easy, and if you have some picky eaters in the house, they'll love this fun new way to do breakfast.

Besides that... they're delicious, too! With generous portions of bacon, eggs, and cheese, they make up a hearty breakfast meal that will get your day off to a great start.

So, get out that waffle iron and your breakfast fixins, and we'll meet you in the kitchen!

Waffle Croissant Breakfast Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

2 croissants, sliced in half

2 eggs, whisked

1/4 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup diced jalapenos

salt & pepper

non-stick cooking spray

Directions

Preheat waffle iron to medium and spray both sides with cooking spray.

In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, bacon, cheddar, and jalapenos.

Season with salt and pepper.

Pour 1/2 egg mixture into two squares of waffle iron, and place croissants on other two squares.

If you have a two-sided waffle iron, do what Chef Cody does in the video. Place the egg mixture on one side, and the croissants on the other.

Remove from waffle iron, form into sandwiches, and enjoy!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you should taste the food we make for our clients. The next time you have an event, be it a family reunion, company outing, tailgate party, or wedding, give us a call! When we do the cooking, you're free to sit back, relax, and enjoy the party!

Our number is 8177418996 or you can request a quote now!

Heavenly Flourless Dark Chocolate Cookies

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Chef Cody's cooking up a flourless dark chocolate cookie that gluten eaters and non-gluten eaters alike will love!

You know how dietary foods that leave out sugar, or butter, or flour never taste as good as the original recipes that have all the "bad" ingredients included?

Well, that's not the case with these guys! These flourless dark chocolate cookies are free of gluten, but full of flavor! They are wonderful!

So, if you know someone who loves a good cookie and can eat everything but the gluten, this is the recipe for them!

Heavenly Flourless Dark Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips

3 large egg whites (room temperature)

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tbsp cornstarch

1/4 tsp salt

non-stick cooking spray

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Spray large baking sheet with cooking spray, then line with parchment paper.

Melt 1 cup of the chocolate chips with a double boiler.

Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in large bowl until whites stiffen to form soft peaks.

Gradually beat in 1 cup of sugar.

Continue beating until mixture resembles marshmallow creme.

Whisk 1 cup sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl to blend.

On low, beat dry ingredients into meringue.

Stir in lukewarm chocolate and 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

Dough will become very stiff.

Roll (1) tbsp into ball and place on prepared baking sheet.

Repeat with remaining dough, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.

Bake about 8177418996 minutes until cookies become puffed and tops crack. Be careful not to overbake!

Cool on sheets on rack for 10 minutes.

Transfer cookies to rack and let them cool.

As always, this, like all of our recipes, is available on our catering menu. Give us a call to cater your next event. You can reach us at 817-714-8996.

Sweet BBQ Pork Rinds

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Want a yummy low carb snack to munch on while you watch the big game? Check out these sweet BBQ pork rinds Chef Cody's cooking up!

If you're having a game watching party or just a get together with friends and you want to take a break from all the high carb snacks, you really can't go wrong with this bbq pork rind recipe.

The low carb sweetener gives it a sweet flavor and beautifully complements the rest of the spices to create a sweet and savory snack you and your guest can enjoy without packing on the carbs.

Chef Cody walks you through the whole process step by step and shows you how easy it is to whip up a batch of these in no time flat!

Sweet And Savory BBQ Pork Rinds

Ingredients

3.75 oz bag of pork rinds

1 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dry mustard powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp low carb sweetener

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread pork rinds onto a baking tray and roast for 5 minutes.

Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl.

Place pork rinds into bowl and stir well until thoroughly coated.

Did you know we've catered everything from formal wedding dinners to tailgate parties? No matter how formal, casual, big, or small, we can help you create a menu that will be perfect for your occasion. Head on over to our Contact Us page and request a quote now. We're waiting to hear from you

Easy Irish Coffee Recipe

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

St Patricks Day is still a couple of months away, but that doesn't mean you can't invoke your inner Leprechaun and enjoy today's featured recipe... Happy National Irish Coffee Day!

When you've cooked enough in the kitchen, you know that some recipes are a little trickier than others -- especially in the area of baking. If you're off just a little with the ingredients, the oven temperature, or the cook times, you can end up with a far different dish than the one you set out to make.

Well, fortunately today we have one of those dishes that, let's be honest, if you're not quite exact with the ingredients, and maybe you put in a little more of one ingredient than others, nobody's going to complain that much.

Yes, we're talking about Irish Coffee! January 25 is National Irish Coffee Day and Chef Cody took to the kitchen mix together a welcome reward at the end of a long week. So flip on the coffee maker, grab your bottle of Irish Whiskey, and we'll meet you in the kitchen.

Irish Coffee Recipe

Ingredients

6 oz Hot Coffee

2 oz Baileys Irish Cream

1 oz Irish Whiskey

Whipped Cream

Directions

Combine coffee, whiskey, and Irish Cream in a glass. Stir.

Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Killer Molten Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Ever wonder how they make those molten lava chocolate cakes at your favorite restaurant? Well, Chef Cody has cracked the code and he shows you how in today's video!

One of the most popular jokes at restaurants today is chocolate molten lava cake. You know the ones... the mini chocolate cakes that are served warm and topped with vanilla ice cream, whip cream, and maybe even some hot fudge.

The ones that, when you cut into them, warm melted chocolate goodness oozes out onto the plate. THOSE chocolate cakes.

Well, if you've ever wanted to know how to make chocolate molten cakes, but didn't know where to start, today's video from Chef Cody will answer all your questions so you'll be able to dive in just like a pro, and WOW your friends and family with this delicious and impressive dessert!

Chocolate Molten Cake Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 pound unsalted butter (plus more for greasing pan)

1/2 pound bittersweet chocolate (at least 60% cocoa)

8 - 1 inch squares bittersweet chocolate

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

3 tablespoons all purpose flour

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter (4) 6 oz ramekins and set aside.

Melt butter and chocolate over a double boiler, whisking until smooth.

Whisk in sugar and transfer to a medium bowl.

Whisk in eggs and flour until smooth.

Pour batter into ramekins, filling until about 2/3 full.

Place 2 chocolate squares into middle of each cake, pressing down until they rest in the middle of the ramekin.

Bake cakes until slightly puffy and set around the edges 8177418996 minutes).

NOTE: Cake tester may come out wet as the center should still be loose.

Garnish with your favorite pairing: fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy!

Awesome Blueberry Pancakes Recipe -- With a Couple of Secret Ingredients

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

This is the Blueberry Pancake you're going to want to file away for the next time you make that special someone in your life breakfast in bed. It is GOOD!

After trying pancakes in this recipe, we think you'll agree that it IS fitting that Blueberry Pancakes have their own food holiday all to themselves. The blueberries are, of course, the stars of this recipe, but the performances by they supporting cast members of nutmeg and cinnamon provide the flavor blast that make this recipe a prize winner.

With the peanut butter banana waffles we cooked up just a few days ago, and now this one, you're going to have the skills and recipes to blow people's socks off with your breakfast skills.

We urge you to use your powers for good, and not evil!

Blueberry Pancake Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tbsp sugar

1 egg

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3/4 cup blueberries

Directions

Preheat griddle over medium heat.

Stir together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and sugar, then set aside.

In a medium bowl, stir together egg, yogurt, milk, and oil.

Gradually stir in flour mixture.

Fold in blueberries.

Pour batter onto hot greased griddle a couple of tablespoons at a time.

Cook over medium until bubbles form, pop, and stay open.

Then, turn and cook on other side until golden.

Serve with warm maple syrup and enjoy!

By the way, if you're in the Dallas Fort Worth area and have a special event coming up, let us do the cooking for you. Call us at 817-714-8996 or request a quote online!

How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Few things epitomize Southern Cooking like fried green tomatoes. They're a downright southern delicacy and, after today's video, you'll know how to cook them like a pro!

January 22 is National Southern Food and THAT is reason to celebrate. From porkchops and chicken fried steak to biscuits & gravy and collard greens, there's nothing quite as good as southern cooking!

With all the dishes to choose from, Chef Cody whipped up a mess of Fried Green Tomatoes that would make any food lover -- Southern or not -- cry a little tear of joy.

So grab your ingredients and your favorite fry pan and meet us in the kitchen!

Fried Green Tomato Recipe

4 Large Green Tomatoes

2 Eggs

1/2 Cup Milk

1 Cup All Purpose Flour

1/2 Cup Cornmeal

1/2 Cup Breadcrumbs

2 Tsp Kosher Salt

1/4 Tsp Ground Black Pepper

1 Qt Vegetable Oil

Slice tomatoes in slices 1/2 in thick, discarding the ends.

Whisk eggs and milk together in a medium sized bowl. Scoop flour onto a plate.

On a different plate, mix cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.

Dip tomatoes into flour, then into the milk/egg mixture, and finally into the breadcrumbs/cornmeal mixture to completely coat them.

In large skillet pour enough vegetable oil so there's at least 1/2 inch in the pan and heat over medium heat.

Place tomatoes in frying pan in small batches (4 or 5 at a time). They should not be touching. When top side of tomatoes becomes browned, flip and fry on the other side.

Remove from grease and drain on paper towels.

Enjoy!

For more great recipes, check out our full 360 Catering blog!

How to Make Rhubarb Pie -- Easy Pie Recipe

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Ever heard of rhubarb pie, but didn't know what it was or how to cook it? Well, today's cooking video from Chef Cody will answer all your questions and show you how to make this tasty pie for your friends and family.

January 23 is National Rhubarb Pie Day in the US and we're celebrating by doing... what else? Cooking up a beautiful rhubarb pie!

A lot of people don't know what rhubarb is, but it's actually a plant that looks kind of like a reddish version of celery. While the leaves are toxic due to high levels of oxalic acid, the stalks are edible.

The taste of rhubarb is very bitter, hence the old joke that any recipe involving rhubarb goes, "Pound of rhubarb, pound of sugar."

The proportions aren't quite that equal, but as you see from the recipe below. At the end of the day, though, follow the directions Chef Cody gives you, and you'll wind up with a pretty good little pie that you can enjoy on National Rhubarb Day for years to come!

Rhubarb Pie Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups chopped rhubarb

1 1/3 cups white sugar

6 tbsp all purpose flour

1 tbsp butter

9 inch pie crust

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Combine sugar and flour. Sprinkle 1/4 of flour onto pie crust and spread evenly.

Heap rhubarb into pie shell over the mixture. Spread out evenly.

Top with remaining sugar flour mixture.

Dot with small pieces of butter.

Place pie on lowest rack in oven.

Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce oven temp to 350 F and continute baking for another 8177418996 minutes.

Serve warm or cold. It's delicious either way!

Delicious Peanut Butter Waffle Recipe

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Peanut butter fans are going to LOVE these peanut butter waffles that Chef Cody's cooking up for National Peanut Butter Day!

Peanut butter lovers, rejoice! January 24 is National Peanut Butter Day and today's recipe shows you just how many ways there are to enjoy peanut butter.

Some people like their peanut butter in cookies, some on a sandwich of white bread and jelly, and some right out of the jar with a spoon. Well, today we're going to show you how to make some delicious peanut butter waffles. Top these guys with sliced bananas and real maple syrup and you'll be in breakast heaven!

Seriously, this is one of the stand out recipes for this month. These guys are really good!

NOTE: If for some reason you don't see the video at the top of this page, click on over to our YouTube Channel.

Peanut Butter Waffles

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

2 tbsp sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp coarse salt

1/2 stick, melted unsalted butter (1/4 cup)

6 tbsp creamy peanut butter

2 cups buttermilk

2 large eggs

3 bananas, sliced

3/4 cup pure maple syrup

Directions

In large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate bowl, mix together peanut butter and butter until smooth. (Can also be dont in a blender)

Add buttermilk and eggs. Whisk until all blended together.

Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture. Stir just until batter is combined.

Brush waffle iron with melted butter and pour in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of batter.

Leave 1/2 inch border on all sides.

Close waffle iron and cook until golden brown. (Approx 2 - 4 minutes.)

Remove from waffle iron. Top with bananas and warm maple syrup.

Enjoy!

If you'd like for us to do all the cooking for you at your next party or get together, request a free quote! We're waiting to hear from you and ready to make your next party a success!

How to Make the Hot Pastrami Sandwich of Your Dreams!

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

When you see the Hot Pastrami Sandwich Chef Cody cooked up, you're going to want to run to the deli and load up with all the fixin's so you can make your own. This one's a keeper!

Has it already been 131 years??? It seems just like yesterday that Sussman Volk first served up the first pastrami sandwich at his Delancey Street deli in NYC in 1888. (Thank you, Wikipedia!)

HA! Seriously, though, we don't really remember when this iconic sandwich made it's debut, but we do know that today is the day when it's recognized nationally and celebrated across the good ol' USA.

That's right... today is National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day! And just like every national food day this year, Chef Cody is on hand to show you how to make a hot pastrami sandwich that would surely make Mr Volk proud!

Hot Pastrami Sandwich Ingredients

2 Slices Rye Bread

6 oz Thinly Sliced Pastrami

3 Large Slices Havarti Cheese

Thinly Sliced Dill Pickles

Thinly Sliced Onion

Dijon or Brown Mustard (To taste)

1/2 Cup Beef Broth

2 Tbsp Melted Butter

Directions:

Heat beef broth in pot on stove over medium-low heat.

Place pastrami in pot to simmer.

Use a brush to spread melted butter onto bread.

Flip bread over and spread with mustard.

Layer cheese, pickles, and onions onto one slice of bread.

With tongs, remove beef from pot, shaking out the excess juice.

Place on sandwich half with onions, pickles, and cheese.

Top with another slice of cheese and the remaining piece of bread (butter side out).

Heat in a skillet over medium heat (as if cooking a grilled cheese).

When both pieces of bread are golden brown, the sandwich is ready.

Remove from skillet, slice and enjoy!

Awesome Bananas Foster Recipe!

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

How to you take National Hot Buttered Rum Day and turn it up a notch? Well, Chef Cody does it by making Bananas Foster -- and showing you how to do it, too!

Ohhh... today's going to be a good one here at our 360 Catering and Events YouTube channel.

You see, today is National Hot Buttered Rum Day and we are rising to the occasion to give you a knock-your-socks off cooking demonstration that turns things up a notch on the three main ingredients... Heat, butter, and rum.

That's right, to celebrate National Hot Buttered Rum Day, Chef Cody is cooking up some bananas foster!

This combustible dessert was debuted in 1951 at the legendary Brennan's Restaurant in New Orleans, and is a huge hit at our catering events where often set up a full bananas foster station. And in today's video, you're going to get a full demonstration of how to cook this in your own home.

Not only will he show you how to make the best bananas foster sauce you've ever tasted, but when you see how quickly this comes together, we're sure that this will become one of your go-to desserts.

WARNING!!!! This is a technique that uses an open flame to cook the bananas. DO NOT ATTEMPT if you have low ceilings or are unsure that you'll be able to pull this off. We are NOT liable should anything catch fire or should anyone become injured.

Kids, please don't even try to attempt this without the guidance and direction of a responsible adult.

We really can't stress this enough!

Bananas Foster Recipe

Directions:

Combine butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a skillet over low heat, and cook until the sugar dissolves.

Stir in banana liquer.

Add bananas to pan.

Once bananas begin to brown, CAREFULLY add the rum. Then, slightly tip the pan to ignite the rum.

Once flame subsides, remove skillet from heat, and plate the bananas.

Top with vanilla ice cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Enjoy!

Gluten Free Mini Banana Muffins

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Gluten free items have a reputation of not being as good as their gluten-filled counterparts. Not so with these muffins! These guys are super easy to make and easier to scarf down before you know it!

January 13 is National Gluten Free Day, and we have a mini-muffin recipe that everyone is sure to enjoy -- regardless of gluten preference!

These little muffins are made with gluten-free rolled oats, and sweetened using bananas and figs (or dates), so there's no refined sugar or flour. Best of all, they mix up easily in the blender and bake in just a few minutes! That means you can whip up a batch of these delicious, gluten-free treats any time you get a craving.

Here's the full Gluten Free Banana Mini Muffin Recipe:

2 Cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats

3 Bananas

2 Large Eggs

3/4 Cup Dried Dates (chopped)

1 Tsp Baking Soda

1 Pinch Kosher or Sea Salt

1.5 oz Vegetable Oil or Nonstick Cooking Spray

Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees.

Grease a 24 count mini-muffin tin.

Combine oats, bananas, eggs, dates, baking soda, and salt in a blender, and blend until smooth.

Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.

Bake for 8177418996 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let muffins cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

Let cool to room temperature.

Muffins can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3 - 4 days.

Easy-to-Make Fudge Recipe

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

We thought it'd be nice to celebrate bittersweet chocolate day with a nice pan of homemade fudge! If you've made fudge before, Chef Cody has some tips and tricks to take a lot of the messiness out of the process.

With national food days for cream puffs, whipped cream, and toffee, January has turned out to be quite the food month for dessert enthusiasts! (They sure don't make it easy for you to hit those New Year diet resolutions, do they?)

So if you're feeling bittersweet about all the good recipes tempting you away from your diet, then today just might be the day for you, as it's National "Bittersweet" Chocolate Day.

The ingredients and directions are listed below, so gather everything you need then click Play on the video at the top of the page. Even if you've made fudge before, Chef Cody has some great tricks and tips for you to help take the "mess" out of the fudge-making process.

Bittersweet Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients:

2 oz Butter

16 oz Bittersweet Chocolate

14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pinch Salt

4 oz Walnuts (Chopped)

Directions:

Grease 9x13 pan with butter. Cover pan with parchment or wax paper.

Bring a quart of water to a boil and place a metal mixing bowl on top to forma double boiler.

Place chocolate, condensed milk, and salt in the mixing bowl and stir continuously until smooth.

Pour into 9x13 pan with the parchment paper.

Top with chopped walnuts.

Let harden in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.

Slice and enjoy!

Delicious Apple Pie Hot Toddy Recipe

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Whether you use a hot toddy for a cold or cough, or just like to enjoy a warm drink on a cold winter's night, you're going to love today's video! Today is National Hot Toddy Day, and Chef Cody is sharing a Hot Toddy Recipe that we know you're going to love!

Everybody loves to have one, but nobody really seems to know how to make one.

What are we talking about?

Hot Toddies, of course! And, since today is National Hot Toddy Day, we thought we'd share a hot toddy recipe that you can enjoy on these cold winter nights until summer returns.

Whether you use a hot toddy for colds (as a natural remedy), or just like to enjoy one by the fire at the end of a long day, we're sure you're going to LOVE this recipe from Chef Cody Hickman that will warm you inside and out, and is as American as... well, Apple Pie. :)

Everything you need is below, so gather your ingredients and head on over to our YouTube Channel to follow along with the Chef!

Apple Pie Hot Toddy

Ingredients

1.5 oz Brandy

8 oz Water

2 Tbsp Honey

1 Pinch Anise

1 oz Apple Cider

1 Lemon Wedge

2 Cinnamon Sticks

1 Pinch Nutmeg

Directions

Stir together the brandy (or rum) and hot water in a mug.

Add a pinch of nutmeg. Drop a star anise into the mix along with a splash of apple cider.

Stir the honey into the mixture with your cinnamon sticks, and finish off with a quick squeeze of lemon.

Awesome Thai Chicken Curry Recipe

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Chicken curry is a great food to enjoy on a cold winter's night -- especially when you spice it up with serrano peppers the way Chef Cody does! Guaranteed to warm you from the inside out!

If you're like most people, you've probably enjoyed the exotic flavors of curry dishes at your favorite Thai or Indian restaurant, but maybe have been hesitant to try cooking it at home. Or, maybe you just haven't found the recipe that tastes as good as your local spot.

Well, maybe the whole reason the powers that be declared January 9 National Curried Chicken Day is so that great Chefs like Cody Hickman from 360 Catering and Events in Fort Worth, Texas could break it all down and show you, step-by-step how to make your own delicious Chicken Curry Dish from scratch.

Thai Chicken Curry Recipe

16 oz Chicken Breast

3 Tbsp Thai Yellow Curry Paste

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

8 oz Chicken Stock

1/2 Onion Chopped

3 Small Red Potatoes

3 Chile Peppers, chopped with seeds

Directions

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir curry paste into oil until smooth.

Add chicken; stir to coat each piece.

Pour 1 can coconut milk into skillet and stir until curry paste is completely dissolved and begins to bubble 3 - 5 minutes.

Pour remaining coconut milk, chicken stock, onion, potatoes, and chile peppers into curry paste mixture.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat.

Stir fish sauce into chicken curry mixture just before serving.

Delish Peking Duck Recipe -- Cook It Like a Pro!

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

The Peking Duck Recipe has been around for centuries, but because of all the steps involved, not many people know how to cook it. Today, Chef Cody cracks through the mystery and demonstrates each step for you in this YouTube video.

It's turning out to be quite the international week at the 360 Catering and Events Blog.

Yesterday, we cooked up some Bananas Foster, a delicious hot buttered rum dish that originated in Brennan's Restaurant at the French Quarter in New Orleans, and the day before that we celebrated International Hot and Spicy Day with a south-of-the-border inspired recipe for Avocado and Jalapeno Poppers.

Today's international recipe comes to us from the far East -- Beijing to be precise -- because it's National Peking Duck Day!

If you've never cooked up this Chinese specialty -- or even eaten it -- you're in for a treat! There are several steps to preparing this dish, and Chef Cody will walk you through each and every one of them.

So, grab your ingredients and get ready to hit PLAY on the video. This is going to be a good one!

Need a Kitchen to Cook In? Learn More About Our Kitchen Rentals.

Yummy Homemade English Toffee Recipe from Chef Cody

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Here's a Yummy English Toffee recipe you can make to enjoy National English Toffee Day to the fullest! You're going to love this one.

Today is National English Toffee Day and we want to make sure you have everything you need to make this day a success! In today's video, Chef Cody shares a wonderful English Toffee recipe with you and shows you how to make your own batch from scratch!

This recipe is such a favorite with many of our clients and customers that we just got finished making a special batch for an event we did over the weekend and it was a hit as usual! We hope your family and friends will enjoy this as much as ours do.

So, cue up the video, assemble your ingredients, and follow along with the Chef to make this delicious dish!

English Toffee

Toffee Ingredients

8 oz Butter

8 oz Sugar

2 oz Water

Pinch Salt

Toffee Directions

In a Saucepan under medium heat combine Butter, Sugar, Water and Salt. Cook until temperature reaches 300 degrees stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Toffee will be a light caramel color when ready.

Immediately pour into an un-greased 13 X 9 pan.

Chill in refrigerator until hard.

Chocolate Ingredients

2 oz Dark Chocolate Chips

1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

1 Tsp Ancho Chilli Powder

8 oz Glazed Pecans (Crushed)

Chocolate Directions

Bring a quart of water to boil and place metal mixing bowl on top to create a doubler boiler. This will help melt the chocolate without scorching it.

NOTE: The metal bowl will be VERY HOT! Use a hot pad or towel to hold it while you melt the chocolate chips.

Put the chocolate, cayenne, and vegetable oil in the mixing bowl and stir continuously until smooth.

Pour chocolate over the hardened toffee, then sprinkle chopped glazed pecans on top. Push pecans into chocolate and chill until hard.

As always, this and every dish you see us make is available to added to one of our catering menus. So, if you're planning a big event and would like us to take care of the cooking, request a quote or call us at 817-714-8996.

Easy Apricot and Goat Cheese Canapes

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

This simple recipe featuring dried apricots and goat cheese is super simple to make, but packs a huge taste punch! The only problem you're going to have is resisting the urge to eat these as fast as you make them.

January 9 is National Apricot Day, and we have a recipe that is sure to go into your arsenal for quick and easy recipes that will absolutely wow your family and guests!

Today, we're making Dried Apricot and Goat Cheese Canapes, and the only problem with these little beauties is that they're so delicious you'll have to resist the urge to eat them as fast as you make them! They are THAT good!

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

8 Dried Apricot Halves

1 Tbsp Goat Cheese

1 Tsp Maple Syrup

1/2 oz Crushed Almonds

2 Fresh Basil Leaves

In a Mixing Bowl, combine the goat cheese, maple syrup and almonds, and mix together.

Top goat cheese mixture onto apricot halves.

Chiffonade (finely cut) the basil leaves and sprinkle on top of goat cheese mixture.

Enjoy!

And yes... in case you were wondering, these little guys are definitely available to be added to any catering menu here at 360 Catering and Events.

Call us today or request a quote online! We're waiting to hear from you and ready to assist in any way we can.

Tempura Veggies from Scratch -- Homemade Tempura Batter and Sauce

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Do you love fried foods, but want to find a healthier alternative? Our Executive Chef Cody Hickman shows you how to make your own tempura batter using rice flour and cold club soda for a flour that produces light and crispy food every time!

If you grew up in Texas -- or anywhere in the South, for that matter -- you know how we love to fry up everything from chicken and steaks to vegetables and Twinkies. Not all of that fried food is particularly healthy, though.

Fortunately, the tempura style of frying food featuring rice flour and cold club soda (or even Topo Chico), gives us a little healthier alternative to the Southern Deep Fried way of doing things, and, since today is National Tempura Day, we figured we'd share a recipe that's sure to become a favorite way of cooking up your favorite veggies out of the garden when summer rolls around.

In today's video, Chef Cody will show you how to make a tempura batter and sauce from scratch and fry up some zucchini or squash.

Here's the exact recipe and directions, so grab your ingredients and follow along with the Chef. We know you're going to love this!

How to Make Tempura Veggies

Tempura Batter

1 Yellow Squash

1 Zucchini

1 1/4 Cups Rice Flour

1 1/2 Cups Club Soda

1 Egg Yolk

16 oz Safflower Oil

1/2 Tsp Kosher Salt

Directions:

In large-size bowl whisk together egg yolk, kosher salt, and cold club soda.Gently fold in rice flour.

Pour oil into high-sided skillet. Ideally, you want your oil to be about 1.5 inches deep in your skillet.

Dip vegetables in batter and fry in batches for 1 to 5 minutes until tender and crisp.

NOTE: The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your veggies. Thinner vegetables will cook MUCH more quickly, so keep an eye on them.

Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and enjoy!

Tempura Sauce

3 Tbsp Soy Sauce

2 Tbsp Lemon Juice

3 Tbsp Dry Sherry

1 Tbsp Sugar

Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until sugar is completely dissolve.

Pour into dipping bowl and enjoy!

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Easy to Make Chicken Pesto Spaghetti

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Chef Cody shows you how to make this hearty and delicious Chicken Pesto Spaghetti recipe that is sure to hit the spot on a warm winter night!

If you woke up this morning with a hankering for pasta, it could be because your biological clock is telling you it's that time of year again for... National Spaghetti Day! Woo Hoo!

As you may have observed by now, if it's a national food day, you can bet that Chef Cody Hickman from 360 Catering and Events in Fort Worth has commemorated the occasion by cooked up a special dish that you can make at home, and today's featured dish is... Chicken Pesto Spaghetti!

This dish is hearty and very filling. The perfect meal that you can cook up for dinner on a cold January night and then reheat and then reheat it and enjoy it all over again for lunch the next day.

So grab your ingredients and follow along with the video! You'll need...

1 Pound Spaghetti

12 oz Chicken Breast

2 Tbsp Italian Dressing

10 oz Pesto

Salt

Pepper

Enjoy!.

Quick and Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Here's Chef Cody Hickman's recipe for Quick and Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries.

If it's January 3, that must mean that its [Drumroooooll]... National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day!

There's a pretty good chance that some of y'all might have received some chocolate covered cherries for Christmas as they're very popular around the holidays, and if you have, now might be a good time to dig in and enjoy one or two in honor of this national food day.

For the rest of you, Chef Cody Hickman is here with a quick and simple recipe for making this yummy snack using dark chocolate and dried cherries.

Here's what you'll need...

Chocolate Covered Cherries

1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips

1 cup Dried Cherries

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 oz Amaretto

Sprinkle Powdered Sugar

In a medium sized bowl, melt the chocolate chips over a double boiler and whisk until smooth.

Whisk in the oil and the amaretto.

Remove bowl from heat and stir in cherries.

Using a spoon, remove the cherries from the bowl and set on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Chill in refrigerator until firm.

Enjoy!

Black Eyed Pea Hummus for National Black Eyed Pea Day

team@webxly.com (TEAM MEDIA) — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT

January 1 is National Black Eyed Pea Day and to celebrate the occasion, we're showing you how to make a very lucky black-eyed pea hummus recipe that you'll enjoy on New Year's Day and all year long.

Lucky Foods to Eat on New Years Day

Each culture across the globe has its own traditions and way of doing things when it comes to ringing in the new year. On December 31, most involve massive parties, copious amounts of alcohol and vows that the coming year will be better than the last.

Then, on January 1, all try to get the new year off on the right foot by eating at least one serving of a lucky food. What they can’t agree on, however, is which food is the go-to dish for good fortune, health, and prosperity.

People in Portugal, Cuba, and Spain, for example, believe eating 12 grapes is the key to kicking the new year off right, while in many cultures round fruits, in general, are enough to do the trick. Apples, oranges, figs, and pomegranates all feature prominently in these belief systems.

Beans, however, are probably the most widely consumed foods at the turning of the calendar. Rice and beans are popular in Puerto Rico and sweet black beans, called kuromame are a popular Japanese side dish.

If there’s one bean, however, that can lay the claim to the luckiest food to eat on New Year’s Day, it has to be the black-eyed pea. From Alabama to Egypt, and Texas to Portugal, people in cultures all across the world turn to this legume for luck.

A New Way to Eat Black Eyed Peas for Luck on January 1st

While Hoppin John is one of the most popular ways to serve black-eyed peas on New Years (especially in the South), we decided to mix things up this year with a fun Black Eyed Pea Hummus that you can enjoy on January 1, at your next football watching party, and all year long.

Check out the video and recipe below and subscribe to our YouTube page to see all the fun recipes we’ve got planned for you this year.