Kellee Douglas

Oldies but Goldies feature image - shutterstock_26426623

As we roll into another new year I find myself thinking about things I can add to the Chairman of the Breadboard repertoire. ‘New’ dishes are all very well and good – they help zhoosh-up a menu and get the creative juices flowing – but I sometimes think that ‘new’ and ‘innovative’ are overrated. This happens when, as each new year come and then goes, I see some old favourites remaining as popular as ever.

As it happens, I glean a great deal of pleasure from preparing and serving these ‘oldies but goldies’ for reasons that are very close to my heart. And what could be closer to a girl’s heart than her mother, right?

It’ll be no surprise to hear that my mum was an entertainer and homestyle cook of some repute. She left me with volumes of recipe books that I dip into all the time for Chairman of the Breadboard catering. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree because Mum was also a chronic over-caterer, a habit I just cannot seem to shake! Some of her best recipes are also the ones I get asked to include on menus for returning customers, such as:

Chicken Cannelloni, a creamy elegant main meal dish that’s a joy for me to make and a staple in my repertoire year in and year out. It’s a great way to use leftover BBQ chicken meat and combined with a luscious French mustard, cream & parmesan laced sauce (weight watchers of course!) it is super easy to make and universally enjoyed.

Spicy Tomato Relish is always a smash-hit particularly when served with the Arancini balls. It’s uses can be varied, from the best salsa for Nachos you have ever tasted, to a sensational base for a chicken pasta – just ask my adult nephews who have independently created this dish! Their grandmother would be proud.

A very Queensland Salad with prawns, mango, macadamias and snow peas. One of my Sydney-based clients (who’s a Brisbane girl) has served this salad at her Christmas functions three years running. Must remind her of home. It certainly reminds me of my dear mum.

Yours in good food and great events,

Kellee

A mate of mine who’s worked in PR for years always says ‘perception is reality’ and when it comes to how an event looks she’s so right! Theming an event – even if it’s simply choosing a colour scheme – can really set the tone, formal or relaxed, festive or sedate. Beautifully dressed tables and decorated spaces speak volumes about the reason you’ve gathered everyone together and the thought that’s gone into ensuring everyone enjoys themselves.

Here’s a few tips to help you achieve the look you’re going for:

1. Fresh flower arrangements on each table are always a good idea – just make sure they don’t get in the way of cross-table conversation.

2. Novelty place cards work well too, like these green apples we used at a Tasmanian-themed birthday party recently.

3. If you’re going for an intimate romantic look, small votive or eternal candles at every place setting can achieve this very easily.

4. Go the extra mile by decorating the backs of the chairs in your chosen colour scheme or choosing a fancy style of chair for your event. It’s a great way of pulling the whole look together.

5. Make sure there aren’t too many tables and there is plenty of room for your guests to push their chairs back and stand up. There’s nothing worse than guests feeling trapped at their table!

And if you’re planning to have speeches or presentations, schedule them for early in the event and try not to have them drag on too long. That way the speakers can enjoy themselves without having to worry about getting up to present. Your guests will thank you too – they can enjoy the food and conversation – and any after dinner entertainment, like dancing, can take place in a timely fashion.

Yours in good food and great events,

Kellee