Catering How To | Tips for Catering

March 29, 2011 | Author: | Posted in Receptions

Have you ever attended an event with a gorgeous buffet display — buffetscape? Learning some catering how to and applying tips for catering will better prepare you to dazzle your guests with your creativity as well as keeping food at safe temperatures for your next wedding or event.

Do you know the safe temperature for holding cold foods? What about hot foods? What temperature should they be held to be on the safe side? According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 out of 6 Americans contract a food-borne illness every year. Most cases are mild but over 128,000 people are hospitalized and 3,000 cases are fatal.

Knowing a few facts will arm you with the knowledge to keep your guests safe from food-borne illness at your next party, picnic, get together or event. Your buffets can still be beautiful and safe.

For cold foods, especially dairy and mayonnaise based items such as dips, salads and sandwich spreads, you need to hold the foods at 40 degrees F (4 degrees C) or lower. This is pretty simple to do using ice.

Hot foods should always be held to at least 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). If you are re-heating foods to serve, the internal temperatures should reach 165 degrees (74 degrees C) first and then held at the 140 degrees mentioned above.

Today’s market has lots of products available to help you stick to these food safe serving temperatures. For cold foods, portable salad bars, insulated catering dishes and good old ice will do the trick and be very attractive. For hot foods, catering dishes such as chafers and slow cookers are very affordable and come in many eye-catching designs. Utilitarian meets beauty — it is possible with a little forethought.

As a host, you should ensure your guests’ fun as well as safety. Keep these safe serving temperatures in mind when you set-up your next buffet. You’ll have peace of mind and your guests will be protected.

Share

Author:

With 20+ years in the event industry and being an avid memoir writer, Mandee is now sharing suggestions, her accumulated knowledge and just plain fun with the online community. Visit her at her Life Story Writing Blog, Wedding and Event Decorating Blog or visit one of her many articles about decorating for themed events.

This author has published 8 articles so far.

Comments are closed.

Additional Articles From ‘Receptions’