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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

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.



Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Vote for Brick City at Wenona AVenue Catering for Best Caterer

VOTE FOR BRICK CITY AT WENONA AVENUE CATERING FOR OCALA MAGAZINE BEST OF THE BEST QUESTION 41 BEST CATERER.

THANK YOU ,
CHEF AL
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OcalasBest2012

Friday, October 12, 2012

What our Clients and Peers have been saying about us




“Brick City at Wenona Avenue Catering is one of Marion County's best catering options! Ahmed is well known within the community for is excellent attention to detail & presentation combined with fantastic food. He cares about the community and often supports local non profit events. I'm really looking forward to seeing him at the March of Dimes Honoring Excellence & Signature Chefs Auction this Sunday!” October 12, 2012
1st Stephanie HarrisCommunity Director Marion County, March of Dimes
was with another company when working with Ahmed at Brick City At Wenona Avenue Catering
“Ahmed and Brick City at Wenona Avenue Catering have catered several events in which I have been in attendance. Excellent food and professional service! What else can you ask for? I highly recommend them any of your catering needs.” October 11, 2012
Top qualities: Great Results, Good Value, On Time
1st Roderick Leek 
hired Ahmed as a Catering in 2011, and hired Ahmed more than once
“Ahmed has created a catering company that is very professional and accommodates all of his clients needs going above and beyond their requests. His presentations are beautiful and the food is diverse and tastes fantastic. I highly recommend Brick City Catering for your next event.” October 11, 2012
1st Luis DeschampsVP Marketing, Diversified Event Productions
was with another company when working with Ahmed at Brick City At Wenona Avenue Catering
“Al Ellatter own a catering company called Brickcity at Wenona Ave.. Al's wife works with him as well as a well trained staff. When you hire Al to cater an Event for you, you are hiring a well-oiled machine, synchronized to the point of perfection. The food is superb, the staff is kind and courteous and you will find nothing lacking.

Al will be catering our Events at the Ocala / Marion County Business Alliance at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Ocala.

I highly recommend Al and his staff at Brick City Catering for all your Events, Wedding Receptions and any other type of gathering you may have. You will not be disappointed. Call him at (352) 304-6446.

Mel Schoonover” October 10, 2012
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
1st Mel Schoonover 
hired Ahmed as a Catering in 2012
“As an Ambasador of Ocala/Marion County Chamber I go to events throughout the year. Brick City has been the caterer at several events and has always layed out a professional display of good quality food.” October 10, 2012
1st Debra JenkinsAmbassador, Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce
was with another company when working with Ahmed at Brick City At Wenona Avenue Catering
“Ahmed "Al" is one of the best among all people I have ever met. He is a responsible and smart person with lots of knowledge in his field. Energetic, wise, hard working. Excellent family man. Excellent Business man. I highly recommend him for your catering requirements!!!” October 10, 2012
1st Ray RogersPartner, RKR & ASSOCIATES,LLC
was with another company when working with Ahmed at Brick City At Wenona Avenue Catering
“I have had the pleasure of eating their food on a number of occasions. I have always enjoyed every bite. I can not speak highly enough about the quality of their work and the amazing flavor of the food. Anyone wanting unbelievable food and tremendous service needs to call Ahmed Ellatter and his team.” October 10, 2012
Top qualities: Great Results, Good Value, Creative
1st Jim Wells 
hired Ahmed as a Catering in 2002
“I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. & Mrs. Ellatter on several occasions and over many years. I have utilized their services for small business meetings as well as large scale formal events. Always professional, they are hard working and dedicated to their clients. They can easily provide what you want and yet they are creative enough to help you add that "WOW" that your looking for. I highly recommend them with no hesitation.

Chriss Smith, CEO
Versatile Events, Inc.” October 10, 2012
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value
1st Chriss Smith 
hired Ahmed as a Catering in 2008, and hired Ahmed more than once
“We have used Brick City Catering on numerous occasions here at The Chamber and several of our members have also used Al's organization for their own events. Each time, the staff was prompt, professional, and the presentation of the food items was above and beyond what most caterers will do. The only thing that trumps Al's presentation is the quality of his food. Delicious!” October 10, 2012
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative
1st Felecia Prather 
hired Ahmed as a Catering in 2012, and hired Ahmed more than once
“I hired Brick City to cater my business' anniversary open house. The display and food were beautiful, and it tasted even better than it looked. I received many compliments on the food which really should have gone to Brick City. The creative displays were the hit of the event.” October 10, 2012
Top qualities: Great Results, Good Value, Creative
1st Mark Kovalsky 
hired Ahmed as a Catering in 2010

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Tis the season to get STUFFED !

Whats on the menu for this holiday ? Who will get the wishbone ? Or maybe you have a party to arrange and your feeling overwhelmed ? Let Brick City at Wenona Avenue Catering make it an event to remember ! Chef Al can prepare you a traditional Christmas dinner or you can spice things up like having



delicious pomegranate-glazed duck breast 

  • 1 teaspoon ground fennel
  • 3 tablespoons coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground lavender
  • Three 1- pound duck breast halves, trimmed of excess fat and scored
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pomegranate Glaze

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, mix together fennel, salt, lavender, and coriander. Place duck breasts, skin up, in a large dish. Sprinkle evenly with the spice mixture. Flip breasts over and place the zest, brandy, and thyme evenly on the flesh; let marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the duck breasts, skin side down, in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Cook until the fat is rendered and the skin is crisp and thin, about 15 minutes.
  3. Transfer breasts to oven and cook until pink in the center, about 4 minutes. Let duck rest for 2 minutes before slicing. Divide duck evenly among 4 serving plates and spoon over pomegranate glaze.


Edamame Dumplings

Bring a little Asian flavor to your winter menus with these simple edamame dumplings.













Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen shelled edamame, thawed
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 scallion, white part only, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice-wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce, (optional)
  • 48 dumpling wrappers, cut into 2 3/4-inch rounds
  • Cornstarch, for baking sheet
  • 2 to 3 napa cabbage leaves or parchment rounds
  • Ginger Dipping Sauce

Directions

  1. Place carrot, edamame, egg white, ginger, sesame oil, scallion, salt, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, and Sriracha sauce, if using, in the bowl of a food processor; process until smooth.
  2. Place 1 dumpling wrapper on work surface and top with 1 teaspoon filling. Brush edges with water and press to seal, forming a half moon shape. Keep wrappers covered with a damp towel to avoid drying out. Repeat process until all wrappers have been filled. Place dumplings on a baking sheet dusted with cornstarch until ready to steam.
  3. Fill a large saucepan or wok with 2 cups water; bring to a boil. Place cabbage leaves or parchment round in bottom of bamboo steamer. Place dumplings in steamer, working in batches if necessary, cover and steam until wrappers have softened and filling is cooked through, about 8 minutes.

Chestnuts in Soy Caramel

Everyone knows the song "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire." This year, change the ingredients to chestnuts in soy caramel and Japanese eggplant to make the prefect holiday appetizer.








Ingredients
  • 4 cups tightly packed dark-brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 cups cooking sake
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 20 chestnuts
  • Pinch of Maldon sea salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Place brown sugar and lemon juice in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, and cook, swirling occasionally, until darkened in color, about 10 minutes. Carefully add sake and soy sauce. Cook until thickened and syrupy, about 30 minutes.
  3. Slit the skin of each chestnut with a large "X" to allow steam to escape as they cook. Spread 5 nuts evenly on a small baking sheet. Transfer to over and roast 15 minutes. Peel chestnuts immediately after roasting; cut in half and set aside. Repeat process with remaining chestnuts.
  4. Line a nabe (a clay or cast iron Japanese pot) or a cast-iron skillet with an even layer of small, clean stones. Heat stones in oven until very hot, 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. In a medium skillet, combine chestnuts and 6 tablespoons soy mixture. Cook until heated through. Remaining soy caramel may be refrigerated in an airtight container for another use, up to 2 weeks. Remove nabe from oven and spoon glazed chestnuts over heated stones. Serve immediately.




It's Fall the season of comfort food.

Fall has finally arrived. It's comfort season , where everything and everyone slows the pace down and goes with the flow. We prepare food to fit the season, meals that stick to your bones. Heavy food with thick sauces, lots of carbs and if we are luck lots of cheese! Here are some options to keep in mind this fall.


Sausage-and-Vegetable Stew










Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large red onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 tablespoon paprika, plus more for garnish
  • Kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 6 ounces kielbasa, cut into small chunks
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 14 ounces small red-skinned or new potatoes (6 to 8), quartered
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • Crusty bread, for serving

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and glistening, about 6 minutes. Add the paprika and 1 teaspoon salt; cook until the oil turns deep red, about 1 minute. Add the flour and cook until just toasted, 30 more seconds. Immediately whisk in 4 cups water. Add the kielbasa, carrots, parsnips, potatoes and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer; cover and cook until the vegetables are tender and the broth has thickened, about 20 minutes. Add the vinegar and season with pepper.
Combine about half of the parsley with the sour cream in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. Ladle the stew into bowls; top with the remaining parsley, a dollop of herbed sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve with bread.
Photograph by Antonis Achilleos

Chicken and Herbed Dumplings









Ingredients

For the broth:

  • 1 large roasting chicken, about 5 pounds, back removed and cut into 8 pieces
  • 2 sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, coarsely chopped
  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

For the dumplings:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup minced fresh soft herbs, such as parsley, tarragon, andgreen onion tops
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons milk

For the sauce:

  • 7 tablespoons butter
  • 10 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 ribs celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces on the diagonal
  • 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces on the diagonal
  • 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Cut chicken backs, necks and wing tips into 1-inch pieces. In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces,onionschicken broth or water, bay leaves and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until the chicken is tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside. Discard the chicken backs, necks, and wing tips. When the chicken pieces have cooled, remove the meat from the bones in chunks and set aside. Discard the skin and bones. Strain the broth and discard solids. Using a spoon, skim the fat from the surface of the broth and discard fat. Set broth aside.
Prepare the dumplings: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, herbs, baking powder, and salt together. In a small saucepan over low heat, bring the butter and milk to a simmer. Add the butter and milk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring with a fork until the mixture just comes together. Drop batter by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to use.
In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring, until golden-brown, 3 to 4 minutes. When golden brown, whisk in the wine, reserved chicken broth, Essence, and thyme. Cook until sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes, then add the celerycarrots, and onion. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 15 minutes. Add the reserved chicken meat, heavy cream or milk, and peas. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Place the dumplings on top of the chicken mixture. Cover and simmer until the dumplings are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Serve in large soup bowls, garnished with the parsley.

Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Yield: 2/3 cup