Dear God that weather is cold. Up in Newcastle upon Tyne we’ve already seen snow flurries.  Winter is well untruly here.

This is great weather to be snuggled up on the sofa with a hot drink with loved ones. Of course it’s also the season of family and office parties, with that in mind why not combine the two together! I’ve put together a cheeky drink that will warm you through and keep the season merry!

Hot Irish Chocolate

Ingredients

•        200ml Milk
•        50g Dark Chocolate (add more for a richer drink)
•       30ml Caster Sugar (or normal if you don’t have any)
•       1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
•      60ml Bailey’s Irish Cream

Optional Extra’s

•         Cocoa Powder (for dusting)
•         Squirty Cream (topping)
•         Marshmallows (for those with a sweet tooth)

Equipment Needed

•    1 Pan
•    1 Grater
•    1 Teaspoon
•    Measuring Spoon and Jug
•     Irish Coffee Glasses

How to

1.       Put milk into a pan and slowly bring to a simmer (Don’t allow to bubble as it can cause the milk to burn) Stir Continuously.

2.       With the pan on a gentle heat, grate the chocolate and add to the milk, along with the Cinnamon. Continue to stir.

3.       When all the chocolate has melted and the milk has turned a rich chocolate colour add the 60ml of Irish Cream.

4.       Remove from heat and pour into Irish Coffee Glasses.

5.       Top with Squirty Cream.

6.       Quickly dust with Cocoa Powder (add marshmallows now too if wanted)

7.       Serve!

Did you like this recipe? If so leave a comment, we'd love to hear from you.

Pasta has come a long way in the 2000 years it has been around for. What once started off as a ‘poor man’s’ food has evolved into a culinary medium for a multitude of dishes.

Pasta was originally made with wheat flour and the juice of crushed lettuce, it was the food of peasants who could not afford a stable meal.

Today pasta comes in various shapes and sizes, but unfortunately it’s lost its homely specialness which made it so famous.

Dried pasta from supermarkets can be bland and puts many people off, particularly children. The texture of pasta has changed too.

Pasta doesn’t have to go the way of the Dodo, and with winter setting in, why not spend a little time in the warmth of the kitchen making your own?

Pasta machines are affordable, easy and safe to operate.  

At BuyCatering we currently stock a fantastic stainless steel pasta maker.

This pasta maker features an adjustable roller system with thickness gauge. This will help you roll out pasta to the correct thickness you require. (It’s also great for making sheets of Lasagne!)

Now to try yourself:

Simple recipe for fresh egg pasta.

White “00” flour - 600g

(“00” flour is a finely milled flour that gives superior results, a lighter less tough pasta will be made with this)

Large Eggs – 12 Yolks

(To separate Egg Yolk from the Whites, crack the shell and tip the egg into your hand, slightly open your fingers and let the white fall through)

1.     Beat the eggs in a small bowl till smooth.

2.     Tip the 600g of flour into your bowl and make a small well (crater)

3.     Tip the eggs in and start covering the eggs over with flour

4.     Keep folding the flour into the mixture till a ball forms.

5.     Remove the ball from the bowl and on a floured surface start to knead the ball

(Kneading isn’t as bad as it sounds, you just need to flatten then fold the end back into the opposing side.)

6.     You’ll be able to tell when to stop, when the pasta ball is smooth in appearance and to the touch.

7.     Wrap in cling film and rest in a fridge for 30 minutes or so.

          8.     Your Dough is ready to be used with the dough machine!

                For added warmth, try adding mild chilli or Paprika to an accompanying                                     tomato sauce.

We want to hear from you,   

What’s your favourite homemade pasta dish?

Whether you need to cook soups, Chilli’s, Curry’s, or Stews, an electric soup warmer is a great help in the kitchen. With a built-in temperature control system, it makes it easier to control the soup temperature at the drinkable temperature. Most of the models can be used both as a cooker and as a warmer. It is also protected against overheating by a safety thermostat which cuts out at 118°C. This keeps the soup warm and ready to eat.

Another great feature of the electric soup warmer is the steel hinged lid. There is high durability of the warmer as the shell is made from black powder coated steel. The food insert or the inner pot is made from stainless steel, while the outer pot is made from aluminium. Stainless steel allows even heating and is also easier to clean. The electric soup warmer is also equipped with a heating element indicator light.

Ideal for serving chowder, chicken noodle, or chilli, electric soup kettle keeps it nice and hot! This warmer is designed specifically to meet the requirements of caterers and comes with the ladle for easy serving. You can make use of such soup kettles for any kind of catering events, salad bars and buffets.

Electric soup kettles are available in different sizes and at market leading prices. You can choose the right size and specifications according to your particular catering requirements. These are also available in a generous 12-quart capacity so there less requirement for refills. The larger the kettle the more economical it is in cost and energy use.

Manufactured with high quality raw material, these soup kettles are gaining popularity with many catering businesses. Unlike the traditional cast iron alternatives, modern soup kettles provide the convenience of plug-and-go that is beneficial to any commercial kitchen.

Countertop pizza ovens take about half the time required by a conventional oven to make quality pizza. There is no need to pre-heat the oven. The moment you plug it in, it starts to rotate and bake. This product comes with independently controlled top and bottom heating elements. This is suitable for all types of frozen or fresh pizzas, and can also cater to various sizes.

There is a revolving tray that turns the pizza while it is being cooked so that there is perfect baking. Adjustments can be made for crisper crusts. The commercial pizza oven also has an adjustable timer with audible alarm to make things easier and more manageable in a busy kitchen.

A commercial pizza oven is specifically designed to enhance the cooking process of pizzas, save cooking time, and retain the delicious flavour. There is guaranteed better taste of pizzas when cooked in a commercial grade oven. There are different models available that vary in size, shape, features and structure. The size and features of your commercial pizza oven will depend on the specific requirements and frequency of use. Before making a purchase, it is a good idea to research the market and choose the most appropriate option. It is not recommended to compromise on quality and go for the cheaper option, especially if you are planning to make use of the oven for several years.

To make the best use of a pizza oven, it is important to be familiar with its different settings and features. For example, with a rising-crust pizza, the lower heating element should be run for 10-12 minutes before the top element is turned on. To make the crust crispier, however, both heating elements can be turned on and last few minutes can be for bottom-only heating. The pizza oven comes with a cooking-time guide for various pizza types, making the use of the machine more efficient. There is also a safety feature added in the commercial pizza oven. The appliance shuts off automatically if it overheats. Most models also have a two-year warranty against defects.

High quality 3 tier stainless steel trolleys are designed for multiple uses in the catering trade. Manufactured with premium quality stainless steel, these trolleys are very functional for everyday industrial use in the catering industry.

The entire construction of the 3 tier trolley is done with chrome stainless steel ensuring that it stands the test of time. Stainless steel used in the manufacturing of 3 tier stainless steel trolleys is completely resistant to corrosion and many other food processing environments. This means that the life expectancy of products made out of stainless steel is usually long. Cleaning of stainless steel is very simple and can be done very quickly. This makes it an obvious choice for food and beverage manufacturing industries, as well as catering equipment. Normal use of stainless steel products, such as trolleys, poses no health risk for individuals. Three tier stainless steel trolleys are widely used by most catering businesses because they are considered durable, hygienic, and long lasting.

This product is practical for commercial use and also features sound insulation underneath each tray. This limits the noise made when products are placed on the shelf. The load capacity of each tray is about 75kg.

Some of the most attractive features of our 3 tier stainless steel trolley are as follows:

·         made of high quality material

·         good surface treatment

·         easy to assemble

·         durable, lightweight and flexible

·         supported with wheels for easier movement

·         labour and parts warranty

These trolleys are highly reliable and are extensively used by all types of restaurants, hotels, clubs, pubs, commercial kitchens, and general caterers. Ideal for use in harsh commercial environments, three tier trolleys are very versatile. These are great for places where high standards of hygiene are an essential requirement.

A dishwasher cleaner is the right choice if you want to keep your dishwasher clean, shiny, and sparkling with lemon fresh fragrance. There are a number of dishwashing cleaners available, but you need to choose the right one so that you get the best results quickly. Some of the best ones are those that contain natural food acids. These acids are extracted from real lemon juice and are quite efficient in cleaning all dirt and grime from dish wares. So, your chefs and staff will be more productive while they work with lemon fresh, clean and sparkling utensils.

It can be embarrassing and to have bad odours in your kitchen, especially if you are planning for a big party. High quality dishwasher cleaner eliminates bad odour that is often caused when the food trapped in your dishwasher begins to rot. Cleaning of dish racks is done very well with the right cleaning agent as no traces of food crumbs are left behind. In addition to destroying bad smells, dishwasher cleaner also works fast to clean food stains and discoloration that often occurs due to impure water.

The method of using dishwasher cleaner is very simple. Pour the cleaner elements on the stained surface of the dishwasher and spread a little more of it into its bottom. Use a spa foam to rub the surface and rinse thoroughly with water. To get a natural cleanliness, it is better to carry out a water wash cycle.

To remove heavy food stains, repeat the entire washing process twice. You would also have to wipe it with a wet clean cloth after spreading the dishwasher powder on it. As this cleaning agent is made from natural acids, it does not carry any hazardous chemicals.

Choosing the right dishwashing soap or detergent is not always easy as you need to take into consideration the nature of the material it is being applied to. Also, some might not be as efficient, while others might have a harmful chemical composition. It is better to read the instructions carefully before using a cleaning agent for your dishwasher. You can also get more information from the dealer regarding a particular type or brand.

Glass and ceramic cookware appeals to many caterers as these are attractive and easy to use. However, to give your glass and ceramic cookware the look it needs requires extra care and maintenance. There are different varieties of glass and ceramic cookware that can be used by caterers and most of these are heat-resistant. Some are designed for oven use only, while others can also be used on stovetops. All glass and ceramic-glass cookware is dishwasher-safe.

The first thing to do before handling your glass and ceramic cookware, is to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and make sure these are followed appropriately.

There are certain things that cause problems while cleaning glass and ceramic cooking surfaces. One, not cleaning the surface before use. Two, not cleaning and drying pan bottoms before use. Three, cleaning not done regularly. It becomes difficult to remove the spills if they burn on. Four, the use of incorrect cleaning products. Abrasive cleaners, such as cleansing powders and scouring pads are not appropriate for glass and ceramic cookware as these can scratch the surface. Five, use of chemical based cleaning products. Chlorine bleach, ammonia or caustic soda can discolor the surface.

For general and light cleaning, a clean dishcloth can be used with some soap and water or any non-abrasive cleaning powder. Use a dry cloth to buff later. Cleaning the cookware after each use is very important to avoid build ups of burned food. This will protect the cookware from getting damaged even if used extensively.

When glass cookware is allowed to boil dry, there is a likely possibility that it shatters. If a glass pot boils dry, you should turn the heat off and leave the pot to cool off. To remove any mineral deposits from your glass coffee pots and teapots, boil a mixture of cider vinegar in the container for about 15 minutes. Rinse dry.

One tip that is given by almost every coffee guru you will ever ask, is “keep your machine clean”. The oils in coffee beans tend to cling to everything, while the water leaves residues resulting in build-ups of lime and mineral deposits. These will not only taint the coffee flavor, but will also clog the machine and might eventually destroy it. Depending on the frequency of use, caterers need to schedule cleaning and maintenance of their espresso machines to ensure that their coffee always tastes best, and the machine stays in great condition.

A general rule is to remove the filter basket and knock out all the muck every time you use it. The basket should be rinsed with water and wiped using a damp cloth. Once that is done, the empty filter basket can be replaced on the group head. To clear away any remaining coffee in the spouts, run water through it.

An important part of the daily cleaning routine should be backflushing the group head. If there is a pressure-release valve in your machine, it needs to be backflushed regularly as it tends to suck some of the coffee back every time you divert the steam pressure.

There are a number of cleaning solutions available for commercial espresso machines. These can be great as they are formulated to be powerful without being toxic. To use this, insert a bind filter into the handle and put some cleaning powder into the blind. Backflush three to four times with a gap of about 30 seconds between flushes so that cleaning powder has enough time to dissolve. Remove the filter and rinse thoroughly until all traces of the cleaning solution are removed. Place the blind filter back and backflush using plain water. Use the cleaning solution and a nylon brush to scrub the filter handle and basket and rinse. To clean the steam wand, use a pipe brush.

Kitchen sink faucets get exposed to water stains, mineral deposits and soap scum, and it can be a challenge to remove these. What is worse is that if these are left on the faucet, it results in a build up that eventually causes rust to form. A rusty kitchen is both unattractive and requires high repair and replacement costs. The key to a more functional kitchen is to have it cleaned on a regular basis with cleaners that are non-abrasive and do not leave a soapy film.

Keeping the faucets and sinks clean and sparkling is important because there are high chances of bacteria and germs breeding in wet areas, such as the faucet head. Another problem is the lime scale deposits that build up from hard water. When water evaporates on the surface of the faucet, ugly white deposits are left behind that mar the look of the fixture.

Wiping is the key to maintaining stainless steel sinks and faucets. After every use, make sure you wipe the place with a dry piece of soft cloth. There are a number of cleaning tools and techniques to keep the faucets and sinks germ-free and sparkling new.

To prepare the right mixture for cleaning stainless steel sinks, mix two cups of warm water and two cups of white vinegar in a pot. While you are doing this, make sure you wear latex gloves in order to keep your hands dry. Stir this mixture with a non-abrasive, soft cloth and wring out any excess mixture. Scrub the deposits on your kitchen sink and faucet with the cloth soaked in this mixture. Rinse the sink completely after using the solution. Once all deposits are removed, dry the faucet with a dry, non-abrasive cloth or rag. This process should be repeated once every week or more, depending on the frequency of use.

Two of the essential features of a good kitchen are a large sink that allows hot running water and a commercial chest freezer that offers a hygienic and practical food storage solution.

For any catering business, the ability to freeze food is always an added advantage. Frozen food lasts much longer than the fresh produce and ensures minimum wastage when there are fewer customers. The business can also benefit by purchasing supplies in bulk and store these in the chest freezers for later use. A commercial chest freezer is a great option when there is limited space within the kitchen area and the resources are less.

To store food in a commercial chest freezer requires a number of hygiene aspects to be taken into account. If you have purchased food that is already frozen, it is important that it is placed directly into the freezer. In case it is left out for a while and starts to defrost, there is a risk of bacterial growth.

When you want to store fresh food, make sure you do it as quickly as possible. Before putting hot, cooked food in the chest freezer, it is necessary to have it completely cooled down first. If the food is left at room temperature for a longer duration, there is a high risk of it becoming contaminated.

Another important consideration is to store the food while it is still fresh. The fresher it is at the time of storing, the fresher it will be when it is defrosted. Also, the food will taste better to your customers.

For storing food in a commercial chest freezer, the best way is to divide the food into smaller proportions and place them in separate containers before putting them into the freezer. As a result of this, the defrosting time will be shorter and, thus, reduced risk of bacteria.