YaDa Chef Private and Personal Chefs

Croissants to me are the most decadent of morning pastries.  In my mind I drift back to walking in the 5th arrondisiment on the rue Mouffetard and discovering L'essentiel Mouffetard and their most delectable croissants au beurre (butter croissants).  This recipe is a reworked version of Julia Childs and others I have worked with over the years.   Croissants are a labor of love. I've listed a recipe for 24—do yourself a favour, take half and freeze it for a later date. Makes about 12- make the full recipe and freeze the second half 1 ounce/3 tablespoons/30g SAF brand instant yeast (I prefer fresh yeast) 1/2 cup/125ml warm water 17.6 ounces/4 cups/500g all purpose flour  ( I prefer a mixture of 1 part unbleached AP to 2 parts unbleached Pastry flour for a less glutenous dough) 2-4 tablespoons neutral flavoured oil (optional) 1.3 ounces/3 tablespoons/36g granulated sugar, divided 2 teaspoons/10ml salt 1 cup/250ml milk for the butter 2 sticks/277g unsalte

Step-by-Step Tips and Planning Strategies For Your Next Cocktail Party Have you ever wanted to throw a successful cocktail party like the one you see in the movies, but are not quite sure how to do it?  Do you think you do not have the time or the money for one of those fabulous events and do not want something reminiscent of your college day parties?  They are easy to plan and can be relatively inexpensive. Plan to have a theme, and I am not talking about a "costume" like the roaring 20's.  Choose one or two signature drinks, build a menu around the drinks and then go with colors for plates, candles etc that will reflect the feeling.  ie mojito inspired night can have everything served on green plates and platters.  Remember you are supposed to have as much fun as your guests.  Follow the step by step instructions and you will have a stress free and successful cocktail party. Choose the theme A theme can be as simple as a color or be inspired by a drink.

Setting the Mood Lighting Keep the lighting low, not so low you cannot see, unless you are looking for that "nightclub" feel.  Everyone wants to be able to see what they are eating and drinking. Cleaning Before and After   Relax, this is a fun thing!  Before : Unless you are throwing a black tie affair, then hire the cleaners.  Otherwise tidy up and make sure you cannot write your name in the dust.  It is only going to get dirty anyway.  My one exception is the place everyone snoops...the bathroom.  Make sure it is spotless.  Put out disposable guest towels (they look like high end napkins). After:   Enlist the help of a dear friend to pick the big stuff up and then leave the rest until the next day. Putting it all together Three weeks before : Send out the invitations Start planning the menu, theme and music  Two weeks before : If you have the freezer space make and freeze your hors d'oeuvres Inventory your serving platters and utensils.  If y

(Cabbage Stuffed with Barley and Split Peas) Be sure your barley and split peas are cooked prior to beginning this recipe. To save time, you can cook your barley in a pressure cooker or use ‘quick barley’. Ingredients: 1 large head of cabbage 1/2 cup barley/118 ml/78g, cooked (other grains can be used such as farro) 1/2 tablespoon/30ml olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 carrots diced 1 1/2 cups/343 ml/300g cooked split peas, drained 4 cloves of garlic, sliced 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika (or other paprika if you have on hand) 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste 1 egg, beaten salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1/2-1 cup/125-250ml  tomato sauce or juice Cabbage... In a large pot, large enough to submerge the whole cabbage, fill with water and bring to a boil. When boiling, add salt. Discard large outer leaves of the cabb