Canape Specialty Chef Services LLC

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There is something about the Fall season that just screams “food!”, and there are so many great seasonal items that are available this time of year.

Root vegetables like parsnips are particularly tasty after the first frost. The sugar rushes from the green, leafy stalk to the root making them exceptionally sweet.

I also like to braise meats in the Fall. Braising is a combination cooking method of dry and moist heat, First you sear the meat until browned on both sides, then it is placed in a liquid, usually stock, and covered to cook in the oven for an extended period of time until tender.

Smoking fish in the Fall provides a great way to still get outside to do the cooking. The sweetness of the brine and the smoke from the dried wood (I like to use hickory) fills the neighborhood with delicious aromas, and offers a delicious alternative.

All in all the harvest season is definately one of my favorite times of year to cook and, of course, eat.

“We were very excited when we received a gift certificate for Canape Specialty Chef Services. We worked with Jay through email to get the perfect date set up, as well as the perfect menu. He told us that each meal is customized for every occasion, so we gave him some ideas as to what we liked and he came up with a wonderful 5-course dinner.

All the preparation for the meal was done at the house so we were able to watch Jay in action. Each course was ready as we finished the previous one. Everything was beautifully presented, and most importantly, tasted amazing. He also talked to us about what we were eating at each course and we were able to see the true passion he has for cooking. We really appreciated that Jay tried to prepare the meal as healthy as possible — well, until we had the maple creme brulee, which was totally worth it! It was really an enjoyable evening - a date out, at home.”

- Michelle & Tom Nugent

Presented by Canape Specialty Chef Services & The Vineyard Table
fee includes food, wine & cooking demo

Join us as Chef Jay DeLong demonstrates the preparation of a 4-course meal using the freshest fall ingredients. Each course will be complimented by a wine tasting courtesy of The Vineyard Table. Tours of the winery will also be available. Space is limited, so register early to secure your space.

View The Menu & Wine Selections >

A rich chocolate icing made of semisweet chocolate and whipping cream that are heated and stirred together until the chocolate has melted. The mixture is cooled to lukewarm and poured over a cake or torte.

Courtesy of The New Food Lover’s Companion, second edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.

Here’s a tip for dealing with the burning sensation you have on your fingers after dicing or handling hot peppers. Soak your fingers in some milk for about 30 seconds after handling the hot peppers, then wash them in warm water with soap. The lactic acid in the milk neutralizes the pungency of the peppers.

Always remember, never touch your eyes after preparing hot peppers. For more information about the hotness of peppers, consult the Scoville Scale to determine how hot the peppers are.

This is the time of year that I like to eat a lot of sweet corn. Growing up in rural Upstate New York, I remember going to the sweet corn stands on the side of the Highway. I have a fondness for the flavor that really accentuates the beauty that is Summer.

There are many ways to cook your sweet corn, grilling in the husk, roasting in foil, or just boiling it in salted water. But there is also a way to preserve that flavor for later in the year when corn is no longer in season.

If you can take advantage of the low price on ears of corn this time of year, I would suggest purchasing a large quantity to process. If you shuck all of the corn, boil it so it is cooked and remove it from the cob, you can package it in freezer bags, or Foodsaver bags and place it in your freezer. This is a great way to continue having wonderful local corn all year round.

Once in awhile, this is a statement I hear when I ask clients if they would like me to suggest wine pairings for their custom menus. I am always happy to oblige them in making beer pairings instead. There are many different varieties of beer and a really good one can truly enhance your dining experience.

As an aperitif, a dry and slightly bitter flavored beer is a perfect way to begin your meal. You palate will begin to become curious about what is next. A pale ale, or Belgian style ale are great beers to accomplish this result.

To accompany cheese, porters and stouts, especially chocolate stouts, are great compliments. The sweetness helps to counteract the saltiness and strong flavors of the cheese.

If you’re having a soup course, a good pilsner is a lovely accompaniment to lighter soups. The hoppiness, and dryness of the beer enhances the flavors of the soup. For heartier soups and stews, a malty Scotch ale is the way to go.

If it’s meats and game your dining on, go with a porter, stout, pale ale or Dopplebock; a strong but smooth all malt lager.

Fear not vegetarians, I have you covered. Go with lighter, crisp ales. This prevents the beer from overwhelming the flavors of your vegetables and salads. I recommend an IPA.

And finally to accompany desserts or as a digestif, an Imperial stout, lambic, or barley wine is a great way to finish. The sweetness of these varieties is a natural compliment to that rich indulgence.

Squeezing fresh lemon juice can be hard work if you don’t have a juicer. The best way to get the maximum amount of juice from a fresh lemon is to allow the lemon to reach room temperature, then while pressing down, roll it between your palm and the counter a few times. Then you can slice it in half, and squeeze it.

Canapé Specialty Chef Services has partnered with New Born You Massage to bring you the ultimate at-home experience. Chef Jay DeLong will arrive on your doorstep to prepare and serve you a delicious multi-course meal while both you, your spouse, and/or friends gets pampered with an in-home massage or spa party package. For an additional fee New Born You will even provide child care. All this without leaving your home!

When you book your dinner & New Born You massage or spa party with Canape Specialty Chef Services, these special offers will apply >