I DID IT!!!!!

So Friday I accomplished something HUGE for me. I catered a wedding with a very extensive menu on my own! Now I don't mean that I was the only worker, just that I was the person in charge and I didn't have a partner to help me out. Usually when I cater an event I have my good friend and colleague Courtney right there with me helping along the way. Since she lives in Utah (and is 8 months pregnant) this wasn't going to possible this time. I have been slightly stressed and yet pretty calm about the whole thing and still I sit here and write this and I can't believe it is over!

There were several elements to this party that made it the most difficult one to do.

FIRST: The menu consisted of 13 DIFFERENT food items PLUS an extensive fruit table.

SECOND: I had never made any of the recipes before because they were the bride's favorite family recipes ( they are pretty involved)
THIRD: I had no staff that I have ever worked with before. So I wasn't sure if they would be able to plate items as well as I would.

FOURTH: I have never done a wedding like this period and I was on my own.

I didn't realize at the time how much it would mean to me to be able to pull something off like this until it was all over. I am so proud of myself for what I was able to do and how well I did it. I know this may sound weird to some of you because you may think that since I went to school for this and it is my passion that it wouldn't be a big deal, but it was to me. It has been years since I have been challenged to the point where I needed to go back to my school days and remind myself how to do something. It has been a long time since I have actually gone by a recipe when it comes to food, and by that I mean not baking. It has been a while since I have felt like I am good cook and can figure out how to do anything. I have gotten to the point where I feel like I lost my touch. I just haven't challenged myself in such a long time that I feel like my talent has been going to waste. I also feel I haven't accomplished many things recently, and more importantly anything that I feel that I can be proud of. I really am not one who looks for people to compliment me on things I have done. It makes me uncomfortable at times, so don't think that that is what I am looking for. So for me to put this out there for all of you is a huge deal to me. I am very surprised at the all the emotions I am having right now. I feel as though I have found myself again. I know that sounds cheesy but it's the only way I can describe it. I feel so good about myself right now and for once I don't feel bad about feeling that way. I just keep thinking "YOU DID IT AND IT WAS AWESOME!" Of course I look back now and think "That mango salsa needed more cilantro, or I wish I had roasted the tomatoes instead of them being raw in the mousse or I wish I had added a little more salt here or there " but to have your client say that you made their family recipes just as well if not better is nothing to be upset about. It just feels good to have complete satisfaction. I hope everyone can find that something in their life that makes them feel whole again. We all need to spread our wings at times and get back to who we are as a person. Not just as a wife or a mother but you.

Who would have thought that a girl getting married would have a life changing effect on the caterer!

My Staff

Me, Christine, Emily, Allyson and Dave (not shown)

I just want to thank my staff once again for an AMAZING job!

Emily I can't reiterate to you enough how much I appreciated how on top of the spoon tree you were. You were awesome all night. you were exactly the person I needed for that job.

Allyson thank you for all the beautifully chopped tomatoes! You were right there when I needed you and you did a fantastic job! You kept everything stocked and going through out the night.

Christine thank you for bandaging my almost chopped off fingertip and sacrificing your thumbs for a couple hundred cucumber flowers. Thanks for all your hard work!

Dave (my husband) I want to thank you for supporting me through all of this. For going to Tom Thumb 5 times in 3 hours. Thank you for knowing how important this was for me and always being there to encourage me along the way. I love you and am grateful for all that you do for me.

The Food

Carrot Cilantro Cream Soup garnished with Crab

Salmon with Creme Fraiche in a Savory Cone topped w/ a Chive

Spoon Tree

1- Deviled Quail Eggs

2- Goat Cheese Mousse w/ Parmesan Tuille

3- Shrimp and Avocado Salsa

4- Cucumber Flower filled w/ Tomato Mousse topped w/ Smoked Salmon

5- Mango Salsa

Fruit Table

The meal items I didn't get a picture of but I will list them

1- Roasted Pork Loin w/ Veal demi glace sauce

2- Whiskey Peppercorn Beef

3- Caramelized Salmon

4- Pork Won tons w/ Cilantro Cream Sauce

5- Creamy Smashed Potatoes

6- Yellow Rice

There were a lot of items and all were yummy! I can't wait to do it again!