Is your little one finally ready to start eating food? It can be an amazing experience for both parents and little ones to experience those first bites of food. We know you only want to give your baby the best tasting and most nutritious food available. That’s why we’re going to explain how to easily make your own baby food right in your own kitchen. Looking for affordable Raleigh caterers for your next summer or fall event? Call the professional team at Catering by Design today. You’ll love our amazing prices, exceptional customer service, and great tasting food.
Basic First Foods
Barley and rice cereal
Mashed bananas
Sweet potatoes
Peaches
Carrots
Squash
Apples
Pears
Peas
Kitchen Supplies
Pot and a steamer basket, or an electric steamer
Ice cube trays or small storage cups
Organic fruit or vegetables
Immersion blender
Freezer baggies
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Sharpie
Water
Vegetable and Fruit Purees
The best way to introduce the basic first foods is by pureeing. It’s a very simple process. Here are the directions:
Fill a pot fill 1/3 of the way up and place a steamer inside.
Add the fruit or vegetables and bring to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, turn heat down to low and simmer until fork tender.
Remove from heat and place in a glass bowl.
Once cool blend with immersion blender until you get the right consistency for your baby.
Add water to make it smooth if needed.
Once your fruits and vegetables are pureed spoon the mixture into ice cube trays and place into the freezer up to 24 hrs. Next, place your trays on the counter and let defrost just enough that you can easily pop them out. Remove all the cubes and place into a labeled freezer baggie and place back into the freezer. These can last up to 6 months. Each cube is a 1 ounce serving.
Be sure to come back to our blog for all sorts of helpful food related tips. If you need an amazing catering experience for your next event, keep reading to see how Catering by Design can help you.
Affordable Raleigh Caterers for 2019 Summer
If you are looking for reliable Raleigh caterers for your next event, please call Catering by Design right now. Our highly trained team of professionals is ready to take your call or schedule your service. We’re an award winning Raleigh catering company that can handle events of any size.
Having a wedding? Brides and grooms love our free menu tastings! This is a free service we offer that most of our competitors charge for. Please click here to check out our menus, or call us today with any questions or to ask about our specials!
When it comes to eating healthy, fruits and veggies are at the top of most lists. However, data from the USDA says that nearly 70% of the produce grown and sold here in the US was found to contain pesticide residue. This is even after they were thoroughly washed and/or peeled. The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce from the Environmental Working Group provides an annual list of which fruits and vegetables fall into the dirty dozen category along with the clean fifteen. Below we’ll list the produce that made this year’s dirty list as well as produce with the least amount of pesticide residues. For affordable Cary business catering, social catering, and wedding catering, please call Catering by Design. We’re standing by to take your call!
Dirty Dozen
Strawberries
Did you know that the average American eats about eight pounds of fresh strawberries a year? Did you also know that the USDA tests found that strawberries were the most likely fresh produce item to be contaminated with pesticide residues, even after they were rinsed in the field and washed before eating?
Spinach
Conventionally grown spinach has more pesticide residue by weight than all other produce tested. Three-fourths of the samples tested were contaminated with a neurotoxic bug killer banned from use on food crops in Europe.
Kale
More than 92% of kale tested contained two or more pesticide residues. A single sample of conventionally farmed kale could contain up to 18 different pesticides. Yummy!
Nectarines
Thirty-three pesticide residues were found by the USDA Pesticide Data Program.
Apples
On average Americans eat more than 10 pounds of raw apples every year. Apples also carry around an average of 4.4 pesticide residues as well.
Grapes
Grapes had up to 15 pesticides detected on a single sample. Grapes also had more types of pesticides than any other produce, with 64 different chemicals.
Peaches
The USDA Pesticide Data Program found 62 pesticide residues.
Cherries
Cherries had 42 pesticide residues found by the USDA Pesticide Data Program.
Pears
The amount of pesticide residues on pears has more than doubled since 2010, from 0.6 parts per million to 1.4 parts per million. Furthermore, 48% of the pears tested had five or more pesticide residues compared to three percent in 2010. Forty-nine overall pesticides were found on all pear samples tested. This is up from nine overall pesticides in 2010.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes had 35 pesticide residues found by the USDA Pesticide Data Program.
Celery
There were 64 pesticide residues found by the USDA Pesticide Data Program.
Potatoes
Thirty-five different pesticides have been found on conventional potatoes. The chemical that is found on 76% of all conventional potatoes is chlorpropham, an herbicide that is used to stop the growth of weeds and to inhibit potato sprouting.
Clean Fifteen
Avocados
Sweet corn
Pineapples
Frozen sweet peas
Onions
Papayas
Eggplants
Asparagus
Kiwi
Cabbages
Cauliflower
Cantaloupes
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Honeydew melons
Affordable Cary Business Catering and More
Catering by Design is the number one source for all of your Cary business catering or other event catering needs for 2019. We make feeding your guests at your next event easy since we do all the work. Call now and ask about our full catering or delivery service. We’ve got the best menus for any of your catering needs. From university dinners, corporate events, luncheons, and awards banquets to weddings, anniversary parties, social events, and other gatherings, Catering by Design will ensure your food and fun are top shelf quality. We’ve been serving up smiles to people all over North Carolina for decades. Please give us a call today to learn more about why we’re the number one choice for Cary business catering services!
Eating clean. We’ve all heard this buzzword on the news, on blogs, and on social media. But what is clean eating all about? If you’re unsure keep reading because we’ve got some answers for you in today’s post. If you need affordable Raleigh event catering this summer, call Catering by Design today to save time and money.
In essence, clean eating is your diet or way of eating. It’s also considered to be a lifestyle that aims to improve a person’s health and overall well-being. There are a few key principles of eating clean that you should know about and we will list them below.
More Real, Less Processed
Eating more whole foods is the first step to eating clean. This means eating foods that are basically in their natural state and have not been processed with added sugar, sodium, trans fats, synthetic preservatives or chemicals.
Eat for Nourishment
Don’t eat just to eat. Eat regularly and eat balanced meals that nourish the body. In between meals, eat healthy snacks and not junk food. When you’re cooking at home prepare your meals in healthy ways. When you have to eat out, choose the best options that provide the most nutrients.
Eat More Plants
You’ve been told to eat your veggies since you were little. As an adult, eating your vegetables is still very important. Instead of eating red meat for protein, try plant-based proteins instead. These include beans, lentils, and peas. High-protein whole grains like quinoa, barley, and buckwheat are also healthy alternatives to red meat.
Be sure to keep visiting back with our blog each week for more helpful tips on nutrition, great tasting recipes, wedding trends, and more. If you have an event coming up and need great tasting food at affordable prices, keep reading to learn how Catering by Design can save you time and money.
The Best Raleigh Event Catering for 2019
Searching for high quality and affordable Raleigh event catering this spring or summer? Call Catering by Design. We’re one of the top rated catering companies in the Triangle area. We can help you with any type of event with very affordable catering packages. Our team of highly trained pros is ready to answer questions or to schedule service for you.
Getting married this year? Brides and grooms love our free menu tastings. This is a free service we offer that many competitors charge for. Please click here to check out our wedding menus. Call us today to learn more.
Memorial Day is Monday, May 27th so enjoy that three day weekend and celebrate! If you plan on having a cookout for your friends and family, it might be wise to know what’s going to be in season and in stock at your local grocery store. In today’s post, we’re going to fill you in on all of the fresh fruits and vegetables you can expect to find. If you need affordable catering Raleigh NC services for your Memorial Day event, give us a call today. You’ll love our prices, food, and great customer service.
Fruits and Veggies for Memorial Day 2019
Fresh Berries – If you love fresh berries, then you’ll love the fact that most of them are in full production by the end of May and early June. Strawberries and blueberries will be abundant with raspberries and blackberries ramping up. Great for all of your dessert needs for your Memorial Day BBQ.
Corn – A big Memorial Day favorite is grilled corn on the cob. You’ll find better prices and more availability as it comes into season.
Mushrooms – For that earthy taste, enjoy the abundant amount of mushrooms that should be available. Mushrooms are great for throwing on the grill, using in pasta dishes, and pair well with meats and wines. With decent temperatures, there should be all sorts of mushrooms available by the end of May.
Memorial Day Melons – Just like with summer veggies, the summer melons will also be making the transition to full production mode. You’ll find all of your favorites like watermelon, honeydew melon, and cantaloupe.
Taters – By the time we get to Memorial Day, farmers everywhere in the US will be digging potatoes. Red, rose, white, yellow and russet potatoes will be at their peak with flavor and production.
We hope today’s post helps you get a better feel for all the fresh produce that’s in-season for the unofficial start to summer. Please keep in mind that this is just a partial list and there’s more out there and available.
Highly Rated Catering Raleigh NC Services
If you need the best catering Raleigh NC has to offer for your Memorial Day event, call Catering by Design. Our calendar is filling up quickly so don’t hesitate to make the decision to call. Get your date reserved now before it’s too late!
We’re an award winning Raleigh caterer and can guarantee that you’ll love our food, service, and especially our prices.
What if I told you that you were throwing away great tasting food without even knowing it? Would you believe me? It’s true. There are several really common food parts that get discarded when they should be used in the kitchen to level up recipes. Saving these foods for future use will help you reduce your food waste, save money, and add extra flavor layers to your dishes. If you’re looking for the most affordable social, casual, and Raleigh corporate catering, look no further than Catering by Design. You’ll love our friendly service and great prices.
Citrus Zest
The peels and rinds from lemons, limes, and oranges are some of the best parts of these fruits. However, most people throw them away. Citrus zest from these parts will help perk up your pasta dishes, salad dressings, yogurt, oatmeal, dips, sauces, herb blends, rubs, desserts, and more. You can even put citrus zest in your tea, smoothies, and adult beverages as well. Best of all, it’s free as long as you save it.
Chickpea Water
Yes, you heard me correctly. Chickpea water is reusable in ways you’d never dream of. The liquid that is drained from a can of chickpeas is called aquafaba. Aquafaba mimics eggs in baking. Anywhere a recipe calls for egg whites you can substitute with chickpea water. This is especially great for vegans. For some great chickpea water recipe ideas check out this link.
Herb Stems
For your leafy herbs, like basil and cilantro, keep the stems intact with your recipe. I think it adds more flavor to my dishes. Plus, it extends my yield from what I harvest from my plants and reduces waste.
Catering by Design is the number one source for all of your Raleigh corporate catering needs. We make your springtime event easy because we do all the work. Call us today and ask about our business specials and delivery service. We’ve got the best menus for any of your catering needs. From university dinners, corporate events and awards banquets, to weddings, anniversary parties and Easter gatherings, Catering by Design will ensure your food and fun is top shelf quality. We’ve been serving up smiles to people all over North Carolina for decades. Please give us a call today to learn more about why we’re the number one choice for Raleigh corporate catering services!
If you’re like me, you love to make home-cooked meals for your friends and family. Especially in the spring. That’s what makes April such a great month if you’re looking for fresh fruits and produce. As we break away from the colder weather, and the temps get warmer, having people over to enjoy a nice brunch or dinner just seems right. So in today’s post we’re covering the best produce that’s currently in season and available. Looking for affordable Raleigh caterers for your next 2019 spring or summer event? Call Catering by Design. You’ll love our prices and customer service.
April Fruits and Vegetables
Depending on what state you live in, some of these might not be available just right yet. For the most part, all of you should be able to find these at grocery stores or farmer’s markets. Here’s the list of seasonal spring produce:
Artichokes
Asparagus
Avocado
Beans
Beets
Broccoli
Chicory
Chives
Collards
Fava Beans
Fennel
Green Beans
Leeks
Limes
Morels
Mustard Greens
Oranges
Papaya
Peas
Radish
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Spinach
Sweet Onions
When it comes to recipe planning, try to move away from the hearty comfort foods. Instead, use these lighter, refreshing ingredients and flavors to make meals that represent the warmer weather. Try to incorporate crab, prawns, fish, chicken and other lighter proteins. These will work very well with the produce items we’ve listed above.
For your wine pairings, we suggest that you think on the lighter side unless you’re having steak or some lamb dishes. A Pinot Grigio will work well with most pasta and seafood dishes. Use a medium red like Malbec or Shiraz for beef and lamb, and Riesling for ham dishes.
We hope this post will help you plan the best meals for your friends and family. If you need more ideas, be sure to visit back with our blog soon for great recipes and other cooking tips.
Affordable Raleigh Caterers for 2019 Spring
If you are looking for reliable Raleigh caterers for your next event? Please call Catering by Design right now. Our highly trained team of professionals is ready to take your call or schedule your service. We’re an award winning Raleigh catering company that can handle events of any size.
Having a wedding? Brides and grooms love our free menu tastings! This is a free service we offer that most of competitors charge for. Please click here to check out our menus, or call us today with any questions or to ask about our specials!
We’ve entered into the month of December. The holiday season is now upon us! It’s a magical time of the year in the Triangle area. And from the mountains to the coast, the residents of North Carolina are putting up holiday lights and decorations, lighting the menorah, and trimming Christmas trees. During the holiday season most people eat a lot of good food while visiting with family and friends. That why today’s post will cover all everyone’s favorite fruits and vegetables that are currently in season for December in the Triangle area. Please remember that if you have a holiday event coming up and need affordable holiday catering in Raleigh NC, calling Catering by Design will save you time and money. We have the best holiday menu selections and delivery options in the Triangle!
Winter and Holiday Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
Below you will find the list of fruits and vegetables you can expect to find at your local grocery stores or farmer’s markets during the months of December and January in and around North Carolina. However, depending on where the produce is grown, all produce ripens differently. That means that some items might not yet be available if they have not yet hit their peak:
Fruits
Apples
Cranberries
Dates
Grapefruit
Pears
Persimmons
Pomegranate
Pecans
Oranges
Tangerines
Tangelos
Clementines
Lemons
Veggies
Kale
Swiss Chard
Cabbages
Rutabaga
Winter squash
Belgian Endive
Cauliflower
Radish
Fennel
Collard Greens
Brussels Sprouts
Sweet Potato
Bok Choy
There are also other winter vegetables available. These include carrots, broccoli, leeks, mushrooms, radish and radicchio, and lots more. We hope this post will help you plan the best meals for your friends and family this winter. Please visit back with our blog soon for great recipes, food and cooking tips, and more.
Affordable Holiday Catering in Raleigh for Winter Events
If you are looking for reliable holiday catering in Raleigh for your next event, please call Catering by Design today. Our team of highly trained professionals is ready to take your call to schedule your service today. We are an award winning catering company that can handle holiday, business, or social events of any size, and we have menus for all budgets.
Are you planning a wedding this winter? Brides and grooms will love our free menu tastings. This is a free service we offer that most of our competitors charge for. Please click here to check out our menus, or call us today with any questions or to ask about our specials!
Halloween fun can last for the entire month of October! That’s why we are back with more great recipes for you to try out with your friends and family. In our last post we highlighted sweet treats, side items, and entrees for your Halloween party or dinner planning. Today’s post will offer a few more great ideas to add to your Halloween menu. If you’re searching for affordable Raleigh catering for an upcoming fall or winter event, call Catering by Design. You’ll love our food, service, and incredible prices.
More Fun Halloween Recipes
Halloween Stuffed Peppers
This easy recipe comes from Citronlimette.com. Use bright orange, red, or yellow bell peppers to make little jack-o’-lanterns and stuff them with seasoned beef, rice, onion, and tomato based pasta sauce.
This scary cookie recipe will be a huge hit. After all, they look like severed witches’ fingers, which is perfect for Halloween. They also taste great! This recipes makes between 25 – 30 cookies and will take about 40 minutes of total time.
Caramel Apple Pie Shot
Here’s another adult only drink recipe. This Caramel Apple Pie Shot recipe will be a big hit with all the ladies at your Halloween party. The items used in this recipe are all about fall and winter flavors so you can use this one throughout the entire holiday season. These shots are super easy to make and do not have that strong alcohol taste.
If you’re looking for more ideas on what kind of fun Halloween recipes to try jump back to our last post. For the best catering in the Triangle at the best prices, keep reading to learn more about how Catering by Design can help you save time and money.
The Best Raleigh Catering for Fall and Winter
Catering by Design offers the best Raleigh catering services in the area. We have great menus that will fit any sized budget or type of event. We specialize in family, social, community, and corporate events as well as wedding receptions, birthdays, anniversaries, and more. You can also customize your catering menu, truly making your event “catering by your design.”
Halloween can be just as much fun for adults as it is for kids. Many companies allow their employees to dress up on the big day. You may have Halloween costume parties to attend as well. Don’t ruin the fun this year by wearing a costume that will come back to haunt you. Wearing a rude or distasteful costume could upset your friends, family, or employer. Below is a list of costumes you’ll want to avoid wearing. If you have a holiday event coming up and need affordable Raleigh NC holiday catering in 2018, please call Catering by Design. You’ll love our holiday menu selections. We offer the best prices and customer service in the Triangle!
Culturally Insensitive Costumes
Be mindful that dressing up like someone from another culture is racially insensitive. Avoid dressing up like an Arab, Native American, Eskimo, Hispanic, geisha, etc. While you might think it’s cute or funny, others might really be offended.
Sexy Version of Anything
This one is mainly for those that get to dress up at work. Keep in mind that you’re still at work and dressing up as a sexy police offer, a sexy firefighter, etc., might get you in trouble with human resources. Don’t get fired over Halloween.
Blackface
Do not alter your face to portray someone from another race. This is generally used to portray African Americans and it’s highly racially insensitive.
Homeless Person
It’s really not funny to dress up as a homeless person. Homelessness is a serious issue in the United States and shouldn’t be laughed at.
Body Shaming Costumes
Avoid wearing costumes that allude to body shaming. Any costume that means wearing a fat suit really isn’t acceptable.
In closing, just use common sense with your costumes when dressing up this year. We hope you have a wonderfully fun and safe Halloween in 2018!
Affordable Raleigh Holiday Catering for 2018
If you are looking for reliable Raleigh holiday catering for your next event, please call Catering by Design today. Our team of highly trained professionals is ready to take your call to schedule your service today. We are an award winning catering company that can handle holiday, business, or social events of any size, and we have menus for all budgets.
Planning a fall or winter wedding? Brides and grooms will love our free menu tastings. This is a free service we offer that most of our competitors charge for. Please click here to check out our menus, or call us today with any questions or to ask about our specials!
Halloween is an exciting time of the year for most kids and parents. Decorating the house, dressing up in costumes, and trick-or-treating are things we all look forward to each fall. This year, be sure to keep it safe and fun with these helpful tips. If you have an event coming up and need great tasting Raleigh holiday catering with affordable prices, Catering by Design can help! You’ll love our holiday menu selections, prices, and our unbeatable customer service.
Drive with Caution
If you are going to be driving through neighborhoods at peak trick-or-treating time you should slow down and pay extra attention to what’s going on around you. Be on the lookout for children wearing dark colored costumes that might be hard to see. Watch for adults and kids walking near the streets. Also be ready to react to kids darting out in front of you from the sidewalk areas.
Be Mindful of the Candy You Give Out
If you’re handing out candy to trick-or-treaters be aware of any dangers involved. Try not to give out anything that could become a choking hazard to younger children, like jawbreakers and Gobstoppers. Also avoid passing out candy with peanuts in it, like some candy bars and packs of peanut M & Ms, to reduce of the risk of triggering an allergic reaction.
Always Check Your Child’s Candy
At the end of the night you should check and sort your child’s candy. Trash any candy that’s opened, looks like it has been opened, or if the candy is not in its original wrapper. Be wary of any homemade treats and candies. Only let your child eat them if they came from someone you trust and know.
If you are looking for reliable Raleigh holiday catering for an upcoming event, please call Catering by Design today. Our team of highly trained professionals is ready to take your call and schedule your service today. We are an award winning catering company that can handle holiday, business, or social events of any size, and we have menus for all budgets. Don’t need full service catering? Ask about our delivery options. This is an amazing alternative when you do not need a full staff.
Planning a winter wedding and reception? Brides and grooms will love our free menu tastings. This is a free service we offer that most of our competitors charge for. Please click here to check out our menus, or call us today with any questions or to ask about our specials!
