Christmas in July!

Picobello has been cooking and baking away for some catering functions lately- and while we can't put up pictures of the food- we can give some great ideas for you to hold your own event. And what better way than a Christmas in July?! Sometimes we just need a reason to call up all our friends and family and have a great time together, so this is the perfect excuse.

Now I know what you are thinking- I don't have the time (or the energy) to host and event- all that cooking and decorating and cleaning, and then there is the expense. Don't stress- to make thing easier for every one- give each family/ couple/ guest a food item they must bring for the day.It's kinda like the sophisticated version of a bring and share! You can even plan the menu and hand out the recipes to each person. And decor comes out of your already large collection of Christmas items or discounted Christmas items still available at the shops. As long as there is lots or red and cheer to go around, everyone will have a great time!

Now for some menu ideas:

Starters

Butternut soup served with crunchy croutons and swirled cream

Exotic mushroom risotto

Blue cheese and walnut salad

Beef tortellini served with cream truffle sauce

Mains

Honey glazed gammon

Stuffed turkey

Mustard roast beef

Sweet roast pork leg

Greek lamb (lemon and garlic)

Crispy roast baby potatoes

Butter sage rice

Moroccan couscous

Glazed carrots

Brown sugar roasted butternut

Seasonal roast vegetables

Pumpkin pie

Stuffed peppers

Bacon brussel sprouts

Garlic string beans

Delicious gravy

Desserts

Chocolate brownie Christmas hats

Fruit cake served with custard

Brandy pudding with whipped cream

Caramel cheesecakes

Trifle cups

Christmas ice cream sundae's

Now that you head is swimming in delicious ideas- go forth and plan!

Wedding Cake Toppers

There is something about the grand wedding cake at any wedding- the excitement of biting into a delicious slice or cupcake, the flavour chosen,  the fancy decor, the colours used and the personality of the couple shining through it all. For this reason, the cake topper can be just as important as the cake! It's a great way of portraying the "personality" of the newly weds and to top off a grand cake with an even grander element.

So for this reason, I thought I would explore some of the new ideas out there. Long gone are the days of the plastic bride and groom stuck at the top out of tradition, the little faces a dime a dozen. We live in an age of art and freedom of expression- no need for your cake to not share the same!

All of the pic's in this blog are from wedding companies oversee's- they are always on the front footing when it comes to events. But if you think you can't get something similar here in sunny South Africa- you are seriously undermining the artist we have in this country. Especially sugar artists!!

So have a look at all the pic's and know that what ever you may like or want for your big day- CAN be done. You just need to know the right people... and thank goodness you saw them on Picobello's blog because we ARE just those people!

Enjoy!

xxx