Total Party Planner: Winter Catering Menu Combinations

As the seasons change, so do our tastes and preferences when it comes to food. While some people can't get enough of pumpkin everything in the fall and winter, others may find themselves stuck in a rut, serving up the same old seasonal favorites year after year. But fear not, dear party planners! We've got just the thing to spice things up: new twists on traditional winter catering menu combinations.

First up, let's talk about the foundation of any good recipe: apples. Cooked with cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter, then wrapped in pastry dough and sprinkled with more brown sugar, apple pie rolls are a delicious treat that can be experimented with to create unique flavor profiles. And if you're looking for something a little different from the usual sweet and spicy fall recipes, why not try a curried sweet potato soup? By using curry spices instead of traditional American flavors like cloves and cinnamon, this dish adds a new level of complexity to the usual sweet potato fare.

Of course, no winter catering menu would be complete without some delicious side dishes. Serve up Yukon Gold potatoes with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, celery salt, and roasted garlic for a flavorful twist on the classic mashed potato. And don't forget about seasonal staples like winter squash (butternut and acorn are great options). Simple as that.

But what's behind the association of certain ingredients and spices with winter? It all comes down to what's seasonally available this time of year. In the old days, people didn't have access to the same level of food preservation and transportation that we do today, so they relied on local ingredients and spices to make their meals work. And while some spices like cinnamon and cloves were used to help preserve meats and veggies (or at least mask any less-than-fresh flavors), others became associated with winter simply because they were available during this time of year.

So, whether you're a locavore or just looking for some new ideas to spice up your winter catering menu, we've got you covered. From apple pie rolls to curried sweet potato soup, and from Yukon Gold potatoes to winter squash, these seasonal staples are familiar and comforting to guests, and almost always a sure win.

And if you're feeling adventurous, don't be afraid to try some new twists on these old favorites. With the right combination of flavors and ingredients, you can create a menu that's both familiar and exciting for your guests. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.

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