25 days till Christmas, are you ready ?

With Christmas fast approaching you may have alot still to take care of. Making rooms for the In-laws to stay, checking allergy list for the cousin that can't have pecan pie and see who is still pretending to be on a diet this year and so on.The holidays can be stressful, but good Christmas planning can help you avoid the anxiety altogether.

1. The Food


CHRISTMAS DINNER: Call us ! Brick City at Wenona Avenue is the go to Caterer this Christmas. You have enough on your plate. Allow us to make it an event to remember with our professional staff, and and unrivaled food your guest will be talking about for years !

Contact Chef Al for your Christmas discount !

34 S.E Wenona Ave

Ocala, Fl 34471

Email: brickcitycatering@gmail.com

Phone: (352) 304-6446

website: http://www.brickcitycatering.net

Like us on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/BrickCityAtWenonaCatering

Christmas Mornings

Texas Toast; (cubed with crusts on)

1 8-oz packagecream cheese; cubed

8 EGGS

2 1/2 cupsHalf-and-half cream

6 tablespoonsbutter; melted

1/4 cupMulled Maple syup

Preparation
Grease a 13"x9" baking dish.

Place half the bread cubes on the bottom, then the cubed cream cheese and the remaining bread cubes.Beat together -- eggs, milk, melted butter, syrupPour egg mixture over all.Press down bread so all is covered with egg mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2-24 hours. Bake at 325F. for 35-40 minutes (will stay warm in oven for a few hours)Serve with warm mulled maple syrup (strained).Mull the syrup by adding 2 heaping tablespoons of mulling spices to a cup of syrup and steep until the desired spicyness.

Notes

Mull the syrup by adding 2 heaping tablespoons of mulling spices to a cup of syrup and steep until the desired spicyness.

Pre-Meal

Black Pepper Biscuits

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 1/2 cups cold buttermilk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse twice to distribute the ingredients evenly. Scatter the butter over the top of the flour mixture and pulse 4 or 5 times or until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the buttermilk and pulse until the mixture just begins to come together.

Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured counter. Pat the dough into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle about 3/4-inch thick. Use a 3-inch round cutter to make 8 biscuits then place them on the prepared baking sheet. Press together the scraps of dough, and repeat process. Place the biscuits on 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper; brush the tops with cream and sprinkle with black pepper. Bake the biscuits for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush the tops with melted butter.

2. Christmas Budget

Coming up with a list of people to buy things for and a clear breakdown of your intended spending for each person is the best way to keep cost under control. It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in the holiday sale excitement and end up overspending. A good way to plan ahead is to have a holiday saving fund. It does not require you putting $5,000 in an account , if you start small at the beginning of the year by putting away $15 a week by the time Christmas comes around that's a cool $750-$795 available for your shopping !

3. Compare Prices

Don't wait till the last minute to find good prices. Some people are under the impression the closer they wait to shop the better the deals will be. But the truth is the best deals are available AFTER Christmas. So what can you do to find good prices ? Compare and shop, do the research, it can be done from the comfort of your home. Alot of site offer free shipping and delivery before Christmas. 

4. Stocking Stuffer's

Think outside the sock ! there are so many little gadgets out there that if you play it right a stocking stuffer can make a great gift ! Gift shopping for the extended family can be a chore when you don't know what they like, have, or want. Here are some great trinkets to make everyone happy:

Kids:
Ear-buds
Portable phone/mp3/iPod chargers
Music Gift cards
Anything Disney

Adults:
Winery Gift card
Certificate for free babysitting(Fav)
Show tickets
Cooking classes

5. Plan for Next Year

Marion County 31st Chili Cook off Pictures

Lisa Crigar/Correspondent
Go Gators was the theme at Brick City's booth this year as they dished out some of their delicious chili on Saturday during the Marion County Chili Cook-off at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala. Folks lined up to taste several different recipes and enjoy food, live music and lots of fun. .

http://www.ocala.com/article/20121103/ARTICLES/121109882/1455?p=1&tc=pg

Celebrating Ocala's Favorite Chef Birthday !

Join me in Celebrating Ocala's Favorite Chef Birthday !

November in Ocala, Florida (9 photos)

Join me in celebrating Ocala's favorite Chefs birthday Chef AL ! If you have had the pleasure of meeting Chef Al then you know he is a man of honesty and integrity. I would like to take a moment to honor the man that puts his heart in all that he does. So we would like to wish Chef Al a very blessed and happy birthday on November 9th, 2012!

ENJOY THANKSGIVING WITH CATERING SERVICES BY BRICK CITY CATERING COMPANY IN OCALA FLORIDA

Enjoy a catered Thanksgiving Dinner from Brick City Catering

The Thanksgiving Holiday is a joyous time designed for friends and family to get together and celebrate the history of America and the joys living. The best way to show appreciation and give thanks to your employees, friends and family this year is with delicious Thanksgiving catering from Brick City Catering.

Brick City is your trusted corporate Thanksgiving caterer in Ocala and what better way to celebrate with your employees than a Thanksgiving meal before Thanksgiving or even on Thanksgiving day. Brick City catering makes a catered Thanksgiving dinner affordable with our Turkey & Glazed Ham Buffet which includes sliced turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and homemade cranberry sauce.

Brick City Catering can also cater Thanksgiving at your home. Are you tired of all the time spent preparing the meal and then cooking all day long? What about the clean up at home for Thanksgiving? How does a delicious and juicy sliced Turkey with all the fixin’s delivered hot to your door this year sound? If you are planning a large home party with family this year, Brick City Catering is a great way to serve a delicious Thanksgiving dinner without the hassle and aggravation of cooking it yourself. Our catered dinner includes a traditional turkey meal with stuffing and mashed potatoes, vegetables or corn, and our homemade cranberry sauce. With service for 4 or more people this makes for the perfect family dinner without the wasted time spent on preparing the meal yourself. Enjoy the holiday with people you care for and let Brick City Catering take care of the food!

We have over 10 years experience as one of the premier caterers in Ocala Florida and our award winning staff are prepared to serve you and your guests for groups of 12 or more so contact us at (352) 304-6446 today or fill put our contact us form and we’ll get back to you right away!

Marion County's 31st Annual Chili Cook-Off November 3, 2012

Marion County's 31st Annual Chili Cook-Off November 3, 2012

when

Nov 3, 2012 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(1 day event)

 

where

Marion County's 31st Annual Chili Cook-Off
2232 NE Jacksonville Rd
Ocala, FL 34470  (map)

 

cost

$1-$5 children under 3yr are free!

 

website

http://https://www.facebook.com/events/420651634651101/

 

Make sure your in the place to taste our award winning Brick City at Wenona Avenue Catering Chili !! This year will mark Marion County's 31st Annual Chili Cook Off!! Thousands of event goers will come out to taste chili, check out the decorated booths and support the "locals". Chili teams must follow guidelines but the recipe is up to each individual. Attendees get to cast their votes for "people's choice" while a panel of community leaders and professionals serve as judges in search of the BEST chili.

Lets talk Stuffing.

What stuffing will be on your Thanksgiving table?

Everyone knows Thanksgiving is all about the Turkey. The turkey gets the glory and the pain as it were, when it comes to Thanks giving. But what about the Stuffing, lets talk about stuffing for a minute. Did you know the way you stuff your turkey changes how you will cook it ? Me personally I prefer my stuffing on the side. I like a lot of stuffing and a little turkey. Their is so many varieties of stuffing to please the most discriminating pallet.

Southern Cornbread Stuffing

Ingredients

• Cornbread, recipe follows
• 7 slices oven-dried white bread
• 1 sleeve saltine crackers
• 8 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 7 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sage (optional)
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (optional)
• 5 eggs, beaten

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, dried white bread slices, and saltines; set aside.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and cook until transparent, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Pour the vegetable mixture over cornbread mixture. Add the stock, mix well, taste, and add salt, pepper to taste, sage, and poultry seasoning. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Reserve 2 heaping tablespoons of this mixture for the giblet gravy. Pour mixture into a greased pan and bake until dressing is cooked through, about 45 minutes. Serve with turkey as a side dish.

Cornbread:

• 1 cup self-rising cornmeal
• 1/2 cup self-rising flour
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into a greased shallow baking dish. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

To serve, cut into desired squares and serve with butter.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Cornbread Stuffing with Apples and Sausage

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 medium onions, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped coarsely
• 1 teaspoon freshly minced thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon freshly chopped sage leaves
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1 1/4 pounds cubed and dried cornbread stuffing, store-bought
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 2 cups turkey or low-sodium chicken stock
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in 12-inch skillet.

Cook sausage for 5 to 7 minutes until browned. Add onions and celery and saute until softened. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Mix in apples, thyme and sage and saute for another 2 minutes. Add bourbon. *Cook's Note: When adding alcohol take pan off flame. Allow to simmer until bourbon is almost evaporated; 1 to 2 minutes.

In a large bowl, add cornbread stuffing, parsley, chicken stock, eggs and pecans. Mix well. Mix in vegetable mixture to bowl. Combine and stir well together. Add to a large casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes.

Cornbread Stuffing With Shrimp and Ham

Ingredients

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
• 1 pound ham (in 1 piece), chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 cups low-sodium turkey or chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 6 cups stale cornbread cubes
• 8 cups stale white bread cubes
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 3-quart baking dish. Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add the ham and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper, tarragon, thyme and Old Bay and season with salt and pepper; cook, stirring, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a simmer.

Whisk the eggs and parsley in a large bowl. Add the cornbread, white bread and shrimp, then pour in the vegetable-broth mixture and gently toss to combine.

Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden, about 30 more minutes.

Tortilla Chip-Chorizo Stuffing

Ingredients

• 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
• 12 ounces dried chorizo, chopped
• 4 bunches scallions, chopped
• 4 4-ounce cans chopped green chiles, drained
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3 cups low-sodium turkey or chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 13-ounce bag corn tortilla chips, coarsely crushed
• 8 cups stale white bread cubes
• 2 cups cubed queso fresco cheese
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 3-quart baking dish. Melt 8 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add the chorizo, scallions, chiles and cumin and cook, stirring, until the chorizo is slightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a simmer.

Whisk the eggs and cilantro in a large bowl. Add the tortilla chips, bread and cheese and season with salt and pepper. Slowly pour in the chorizo-broth mixture and toss to combine.

Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish; dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden, about 30 more minutes.

Chef's Note: If you're using fresh bread, dry the cubes in a 300 degrees F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

With so many options to choose from, their is no excuse why the stuffing can't get any love this Thanksgiving.

Brick City catering.

VOTE FOR BRICK CITY AT WENONA AVENUE CATERING FOR OCALA MAGAZINE BEST OF THE BEST

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VOTE FOR BRICK CITY AT WENONA AVENUE CATERING FOR OCALA MAGAZINE BEST OF THE BEST

Wednesday, October 31 at 5:00pm athttps://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OcalasBest2012

Voting will close on Oct 31st @ 5pm. You are able to vote more then once ! We appreciate all of our friends for taking the time out of your schedule to do this for us, Thank you All !!