http://www.articledatabase.info/ Articles at Article Database en-us http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/indian-recipes-a%80-provides-taste-of-indian-food-from-every-region.html http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/indian-recipes-a%80-provides-taste-of-indian-food-from-every-region.html Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:50:44 -0500 A variety of spices are used in Indian recipes to make them taste & smell nice. These spices give them an attractive color & flavor that food lovers can hardly resist. Even the hard core non vegetarians who have never opted for vegetables in their lives are seen praising these delicious veg Indian recipes prepared without any use of meat or chicken in them. The diversified Indian culture has arisen out of a whopping combination of more than hundreds of cultures, fifty languages & twenty eight states. Their different recipes as well as culture has influenced & broadened the Indian culture. Each Indian state has its own specialties in culture, tradition & the food. Some of the popular Indian recipes are found to be the hot properties of a particular state. Since the cooking style used to vary a lot from one state to another the same Indian recipe will taste different in each case. So food lovers should opt for their favorite Indian recipes in its origin place so that they have the taste for which it is famous.
These days, the web world is bringing people an opportunity to instantly find whatever information they want on Indian recipes with a simple mouse click. There are certain websites which are serving as reliable source of information for the Indian food lovers. A simple online search will display a good list of Indian food sites but the quality of information provided through them is not same. So go for a deep analysis & compare every aspect to pick up the best one among them. ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/indian-recipes-a%2580-provides-taste-of-indian-food-from-every-region.html http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/indian-recipes-a%2580-provides-taste-of-indian-food-from-every-region.html Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:50:44 -0500 A variety of spices are used in Indian recipes to make them taste & smell nice. These spices give them an attractive color & flavor that food lovers can hardly resist. Even the hard core non vegetarians who have never opted for vegetables in their lives are seen praising these delicious veg Indian recipes prepared without any use of meat or chicken in them. The diversified Indian culture has arisen out of a whopping combination of more than hundreds of cultures, fifty languages & twenty eight states. Their different recipes as well as culture has influenced & broadened the Indian culture. Each Indian state has its own specialties in culture, tradition & the food. Some of the popular Indian recipes are found to be the hot properties of a particular state. Since the cooking style used to vary a lot from one state to another the same Indian recipe will taste different in each case. So food lovers should opt for their favorite Indian recipes in its origin place so that they have the taste for which it is famous.
These days, the web world is bringing people an opportunity to instantly find whatever information they want on Indian recipes with a simple mouse click. There are certain websites which are serving as reliable source of information for the Indian food lovers. A simple online search will display a good list of Indian food sites but the quality of information provided through them is not same. So go for a deep analysis & compare every aspect to pick up the best one among them. ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/wedding-caterers-the-best-there-is-for-the-most-important-day-of-your-life.html http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/wedding-caterers-the-best-there-is-for-the-most-important-day-of-your-life.html Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:44:54 -0500
There are a huge number of wedding caterers in the UK – companies who perhaps do corporate and private parties too, but who, overall, make wedding business their business.

Most couples are faced with a dizzying choice. They may be looking for a relaxed hog roast or wedding barbecue, rather than a sit down dinner. Perhaps they want traditional Indian food? Or a Chinese banquet? And whatever the style and theme, they will certainly be looking for a cake! Whether the day is going to be formal and elegant, or relaxed and low key, you can be sure there are wedding caterers out there who fit the bill.

The wedding meal is the part of the day where all the guests, young and old, and from both families - bride's and groom's - will sit down, relax and eat together. Of course, by choosing the right wedding caterers at the very outset, a couple can be sure that a team with relevant skills and experience will be responsible for getting the food and drink right on the day, so that all they have to do is worry about the vows!

Wedding caterers can vary hugely in price and in product. Low key, casual and less formal weddings may benefit from smaller, more relaxed wedding caterers. But if budget is no issue, then nothing is impossible, and you can find companies who will provide ice bars laden with the finest caviar and the most superb vintage pink champagne.

As far as finding wedding caterers is concerned, it pays to do some research - ask for recommendations, speak to brides, or to the staff at a venue. Alternatively, ask a photographer, florist or any other wedding supplier whether they can recommend a really good wedding caterer.

Some of the larger more luxurious wedding caterers such as Alison Price, "rhubarb" or The Admirable Crichton can work in pretty much any space and even in any country, so don’t just assume you can’t have exactly what you want!

Often the best wedding caterers also work in conjunction with wedding planners - companies that specialise in planning every last detail of the big day. These planners may hire the caterer for you, but only after you have had huge input and maybe even visited two or three caterers to get a feel for their individual style and service. Linda Cooper weddings for example work with a number of high end wedding caterers.

The main thing about wedding caterers is getting them to work well for you - they should be able to produce exactly the kind of menu you want, offer you a tasting, work within budget, staff the event properly, and even sort the bar out.

As far as food is concerned, if the produce is excellently sourced and superbly cooked, even sausages and mash can be perfect for a wedding meal. As a rule, try to stick with what is seasonal. Popular choices still tend to be chicken, lamb, beef and salmon. They're generally well-liked and, if the wedding caterers are any good, they don't have to be boring either.

Good wedding caterers should be able to suggest great ideas and clever ways of doing things within budget. If you want to save money, a caterer might ask you to consider serving substantial canapés or bowl food instead of a starter, or a very luxurious chocolate wedding cake as your pudding. What about a tower of initialled fairy cakes - not only are they a stunning wedding centerpiece, but they solve the problem of wedding favours for guests too!

It is also the wedding caterers job to make sure that everyone is looked after - vegetarian, food allergy sufferer, and of course the designated drivers should have some yummy soft drinks as well.

The wedding caterers should also be able to take into consideration a client's wishes for décor and theming. Thinking about the colour and theme of the room or venue is one thing, and of course the wedding flowers, but what about the plates, the glasses, the linen and cutlery?

And of course the staff are crucial. Smiling, happy and helpful waitresses are so much better on a glorious wedding day than grumpy serving staff who just wish they were somewhere else! And the better catering companies will even encourage staff to get into the spirit of things - dressing up waitresses for a Bollywood themed wedding for example.

Overall, the best wedding caterers are those who specialise in making a dream day a total reality. Find one of those, and you’re almost there... ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/wedding-caterers-the-best-there-is-for-the-most-important-day-of-your-life.html http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/wedding-caterers-the-best-there-is-for-the-most-important-day-of-your-life.html Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:44:54 -0500
There are a huge number of wedding caterers in the UK – companies who perhaps do corporate and private parties too, but who, overall, make wedding business their business.

Most couples are faced with a dizzying choice. They may be looking for a relaxed hog roast or wedding barbecue, rather than a sit down dinner. Perhaps they want traditional Indian food? Or a Chinese banquet? And whatever the style and theme, they will certainly be looking for a cake! Whether the day is going to be formal and elegant, or relaxed and low key, you can be sure there are wedding caterers out there who fit the bill.

The wedding meal is the part of the day where all the guests, young and old, and from both families - bride's and groom's - will sit down, relax and eat together. Of course, by choosing the right wedding caterers at the very outset, a couple can be sure that a team with relevant skills and experience will be responsible for getting the food and drink right on the day, so that all they have to do is worry about the vows!

Wedding caterers can vary hugely in price and in product. Low key, casual and less formal weddings may benefit from smaller, more relaxed wedding caterers. But if budget is no issue, then nothing is impossible, and you can find companies who will provide ice bars laden with the finest caviar and the most superb vintage pink champagne.

As far as finding wedding caterers is concerned, it pays to do some research - ask for recommendations, speak to brides, or to the staff at a venue. Alternatively, ask a photographer, florist or any other wedding supplier whether they can recommend a really good wedding caterer.

Some of the larger more luxurious wedding caterers such as Alison Price, "rhubarb" or The Admirable Crichton can work in pretty much any space and even in any country, so don’t just assume you can’t have exactly what you want!

Often the best wedding caterers also work in conjunction with wedding planners - companies that specialise in planning every last detail of the big day. These planners may hire the caterer for you, but only after you have had huge input and maybe even visited two or three caterers to get a feel for their individual style and service. Linda Cooper weddings for example work with a number of high end wedding caterers.

The main thing about wedding caterers is getting them to work well for you - they should be able to produce exactly the kind of menu you want, offer you a tasting, work within budget, staff the event properly, and even sort the bar out.

As far as food is concerned, if the produce is excellently sourced and superbly cooked, even sausages and mash can be perfect for a wedding meal. As a rule, try to stick with what is seasonal. Popular choices still tend to be chicken, lamb, beef and salmon. They're generally well-liked and, if the wedding caterers are any good, they don't have to be boring either.

Good wedding caterers should be able to suggest great ideas and clever ways of doing things within budget. If you want to save money, a caterer might ask you to consider serving substantial canapés or bowl food instead of a starter, or a very luxurious chocolate wedding cake as your pudding. What about a tower of initialled fairy cakes - not only are they a stunning wedding centerpiece, but they solve the problem of wedding favours for guests too!

It is also the wedding caterers job to make sure that everyone is looked after - vegetarian, food allergy sufferer, and of course the designated drivers should have some yummy soft drinks as well.

The wedding caterers should also be able to take into consideration a client's wishes for décor and theming. Thinking about the colour and theme of the room or venue is one thing, and of course the wedding flowers, but what about the plates, the glasses, the linen and cutlery?

And of course the staff are crucial. Smiling, happy and helpful waitresses are so much better on a glorious wedding day than grumpy serving staff who just wish they were somewhere else! And the better catering companies will even encourage staff to get into the spirit of things - dressing up waitresses for a Bollywood themed wedding for example.

Overall, the best wedding caterers are those who specialise in making a dream day a total reality. Find one of those, and you’re almost there... ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/london-caterers-the-city-that-has-the-cream-of-the-catering-crop.html http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/london-caterers-the-city-that-has-the-cream-of-the-catering-crop.html Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:42:07 -0500
Whether its waiting staffing in branded and colour co-ordinated uniforms, the finest vintage wines and the most expensive champagnes, trained mixologists and cocktail barmen, sushi chefs, towering wedding cakes, or even showgirls and circus performers, the best London caterers need to be able to provide it all.

Of course there are hundreds of smaller, more budget and more family run catering companies in the city too - companies that are ideal for catering at a small family christening or birthday bash, costing a few hundred pounds - but there is no doubt that it is in the high end business and corporate event market that London caterers really have to up the ante. At a charity and celebrity gala for thousands of people the catering alone can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, so the variety and scope within the industry is enormous.

Often with the larger events and bespoke bashes, London caterers work very closely with some of the country’s leading event organisers and party planners too, such as Banana Split or Bentleys Entertainment. These companies excel in providing real wow factor – and work with every supplier going – want to project a picture on to the houses of parliament? Book Beyonce to perform after dinner? Or have your swimming pool turned into a glass dance floor for the evening? These companies have the contacts and address books that can turn every dream into reality.

The most well known London caterers, such as Alison Price, "rhubarb" food design, The Admirable Crichton or Urban Caprice work in the top end celebrity market, but even that side of the industry is extensive, with almost 20 high end catering companies in London alone.

Some London caterers have relationships with celebrity chefs now too – Gordon Ramsay works closely with Absolute Taste to provide that extra chef presence – but of course the best London catering company ensure they have the best chefs anyway. Many of the "rhubarb" chefs for example have won awards or have run their own prizewinning restaurants, and all – from canapé right through to pastry – are at the top of their game. It is these chefs and often a team of menu designers too, whose responsibility it is to make sure that menus are changed seasonally and regularly to reflect food trends, and that, overall, the catering industry reflects how important food is to the discerning people of London.

After that comes the style of London caterers – food stylists, decoration and design managers, in house florists, in fact some of the catering companies based in London have made their food an absolute art form. Towering ice laden piles of seafood may greet guests when they enter a room, miniature versions of British classics constructed into tiny mouthfuls are served from petal strewn perspex platters, oriental china bowls of delicately scented curry garnished with glittered orchids, cakes and pastries served with tiny ice cream cones in a rainbow of colours, again, nothing is impossible.

Most good catering companies can work in varying venues, and of course London can provide the perfect choice of those too - museums and galleries, courts and castles, parks, palaces and public spaces. A sit down dinner in a marquee in one of London’s oldest squares, a champagne reception on board a super yacht, or a gala for thousands in Waterloo station – London caterers are adept at setting up, cooking and serving in any space, anywhere.

Whatever kind of catering you are looking for, there is no doubt that you can find it in the UK somewhere, but if you are looking for the high end luxury caterer, adept at feeding royal families, film stars and the business world’s highest flyers, then London is where you need to be looking… ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/london-caterers-the-city-that-has-the-cream-of-the-catering-crop.html http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/london-caterers-the-city-that-has-the-cream-of-the-catering-crop.html Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:42:07 -0500
Whether its waiting staffing in branded and colour co-ordinated uniforms, the finest vintage wines and the most expensive champagnes, trained mixologists and cocktail barmen, sushi chefs, towering wedding cakes, or even showgirls and circus performers, the best London caterers need to be able to provide it all.

Of course there are hundreds of smaller, more budget and more family run catering companies in the city too - companies that are ideal for catering at a small family christening or birthday bash, costing a few hundred pounds - but there is no doubt that it is in the high end business and corporate event market that London caterers really have to up the ante. At a charity and celebrity gala for thousands of people the catering alone can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, so the variety and scope within the industry is enormous.

Often with the larger events and bespoke bashes, London caterers work very closely with some of the country’s leading event organisers and party planners too, such as Banana Split or Bentleys Entertainment. These companies excel in providing real wow factor – and work with every supplier going – want to project a picture on to the houses of parliament? Book Beyonce to perform after dinner? Or have your swimming pool turned into a glass dance floor for the evening? These companies have the contacts and address books that can turn every dream into reality.

The most well known London caterers, such as Alison Price, "rhubarb" food design, The Admirable Crichton or Urban Caprice work in the top end celebrity market, but even that side of the industry is extensive, with almost 20 high end catering companies in London alone.

Some London caterers have relationships with celebrity chefs now too – Gordon Ramsay works closely with Absolute Taste to provide that extra chef presence – but of course the best London catering company ensure they have the best chefs anyway. Many of the "rhubarb" chefs for example have won awards or have run their own prizewinning restaurants, and all – from canapé right through to pastry – are at the top of their game. It is these chefs and often a team of menu designers too, whose responsibility it is to make sure that menus are changed seasonally and regularly to reflect food trends, and that, overall, the catering industry reflects how important food is to the discerning people of London.

After that comes the style of London caterers – food stylists, decoration and design managers, in house florists, in fact some of the catering companies based in London have made their food an absolute art form. Towering ice laden piles of seafood may greet guests when they enter a room, miniature versions of British classics constructed into tiny mouthfuls are served from petal strewn perspex platters, oriental china bowls of delicately scented curry garnished with glittered orchids, cakes and pastries served with tiny ice cream cones in a rainbow of colours, again, nothing is impossible.

Most good catering companies can work in varying venues, and of course London can provide the perfect choice of those too - museums and galleries, courts and castles, parks, palaces and public spaces. A sit down dinner in a marquee in one of London’s oldest squares, a champagne reception on board a super yacht, or a gala for thousands in Waterloo station – London caterers are adept at setting up, cooking and serving in any space, anywhere.

Whatever kind of catering you are looking for, there is no doubt that you can find it in the UK somewhere, but if you are looking for the high end luxury caterer, adept at feeding royal families, film stars and the business world’s highest flyers, then London is where you need to be looking… ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/wedding-caterers-and-wedding-catering.html http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/wedding-caterers-and-wedding-catering.html Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:57:22 -0600
Whilst there are a thousand ways to do the food at a wedding - from fish and chip van to Indian buffet to sit down five course banquet - great food means happy guests, and an even more memorable day. So it’s important to get it absolutely right.

Paying a wedding caterer is the answer for many couples. And there are a huge number of companies specializing in wedding catering in the UK - companies who perhaps do corporate and private parties too, but who, overall, make wedding business their business.

Much of your decision making process about your wedding caterer should be dictated by the type of wedding you want. Are you looking for an urban city affair with a minimalist reception venue and a modern European menu? Or will it be a rustic day, with spring flowers in ribbon tied jam jars, hay bales to sit on and a hog roast by the barn? Perhaps you are thinking about a theme - do you have a seaside venue in mind, then serve local fish and seafood. Or lots of Caribbean family - how about a Caribbean style barbecue?

Wedding caterers can vary hugely in price and in product. Low key, casual and less formal weddings may benefit from smaller, more relaxed catering companies. But if budget is no issue, then the world is your oyster and you can find companies who will provide ice towers laden with the finest caviar and luges pouring the most superb vodka.

Choosing your wedding caterer is therefore crucial. Do your research - ask for recommendations, speak to other brides, or to the planning staff at your chosen venue (venues often provide a list of professionals they prefer to work with). Ask your photographer, florist and other wedding suppliers whether they can recommend a great caterer. Look for testimonials that might give you a steer on whether a wedding catering company really knows what they are doing. If a number of brides have recently written glowing letters of recommendation after their big days, then you can be pretty sure a caterer is able to do the same for you.

The lovely thing about paying a proper wedding caterer is that you can really relax on the big day, safe in the knowledge that a whole team with all the relevant skills and experience will be responsible for getting it right, so that you can concentrate on the vows, the speeches and first dance!

At the outset, it is very important to focus on the menu - and you can talk to your potential wedding caterers about this very early on. Get them to suggest ideas. Talk about what suits you as a couple, and get advice on what is right for the venue, the overall occasion and for your guests. If the produce is excellently sourced and excellently cooked, even sausages and mash can be perfect for a wedding meal. Ask your caterer about what is seasonal, and what they think of as their signature wedding dishes. If you want canapés before the meal, when people arrive and drink their first glass of icy champagne, then ask to see a canape list - getting these right really makes an important first impression and is a great way of wowing your guests before they have even sat down!

Don't forget your wedding cake - most wedding caterers will look after that too – ask to see photos of past cakes and you will soon get an idea for what you do or don’t want. Traditional white tiered fruitcake? Or gorgeous fun and frivolous cupcakes with your initials on?

Some of the larger wedding caterers such as "The Admirable Crichton" and "rhubarb" will also look after the decorative side of things for you. Lighting, linen, staff uniform, candles and table centerpieces can all fall under the remit of the wedding caterer, so make sure you get yours right! ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/wedding-caterers-and-wedding-catering.html http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/wedding-caterers-and-wedding-catering.html Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:57:22 -0600
Whilst there are a thousand ways to do the food at a wedding - from fish and chip van to Indian buffet to sit down five course banquet - great food means happy guests, and an even more memorable day. So it’s important to get it absolutely right.

Paying a wedding caterer is the answer for many couples. And there are a huge number of companies specializing in wedding catering in the UK - companies who perhaps do corporate and private parties too, but who, overall, make wedding business their business.

Much of your decision making process about your wedding caterer should be dictated by the type of wedding you want. Are you looking for an urban city affair with a minimalist reception venue and a modern European menu? Or will it be a rustic day, with spring flowers in ribbon tied jam jars, hay bales to sit on and a hog roast by the barn? Perhaps you are thinking about a theme - do you have a seaside venue in mind, then serve local fish and seafood. Or lots of Caribbean family - how about a Caribbean style barbecue?

Wedding caterers can vary hugely in price and in product. Low key, casual and less formal weddings may benefit from smaller, more relaxed catering companies. But if budget is no issue, then the world is your oyster and you can find companies who will provide ice towers laden with the finest caviar and luges pouring the most superb vodka.

Choosing your wedding caterer is therefore crucial. Do your research - ask for recommendations, speak to other brides, or to the planning staff at your chosen venue (venues often provide a list of professionals they prefer to work with). Ask your photographer, florist and other wedding suppliers whether they can recommend a great caterer. Look for testimonials that might give you a steer on whether a wedding catering company really knows what they are doing. If a number of brides have recently written glowing letters of recommendation after their big days, then you can be pretty sure a caterer is able to do the same for you.

The lovely thing about paying a proper wedding caterer is that you can really relax on the big day, safe in the knowledge that a whole team with all the relevant skills and experience will be responsible for getting it right, so that you can concentrate on the vows, the speeches and first dance!

At the outset, it is very important to focus on the menu - and you can talk to your potential wedding caterers about this very early on. Get them to suggest ideas. Talk about what suits you as a couple, and get advice on what is right for the venue, the overall occasion and for your guests. If the produce is excellently sourced and excellently cooked, even sausages and mash can be perfect for a wedding meal. Ask your caterer about what is seasonal, and what they think of as their signature wedding dishes. If you want canapés before the meal, when people arrive and drink their first glass of icy champagne, then ask to see a canape list - getting these right really makes an important first impression and is a great way of wowing your guests before they have even sat down!

Don't forget your wedding cake - most wedding caterers will look after that too – ask to see photos of past cakes and you will soon get an idea for what you do or don’t want. Traditional white tiered fruitcake? Or gorgeous fun and frivolous cupcakes with your initials on?

Some of the larger wedding caterers such as "The Admirable Crichton" and "rhubarb" will also look after the decorative side of things for you. Lighting, linen, staff uniform, candles and table centerpieces can all fall under the remit of the wedding caterer, so make sure you get yours right! ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/canape-catering.html http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/canape-catering.html Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:52:38 -0600
Canapes are also often the showcase for a really good caterer. High end celebrity and corporate caterers such as "rhubarb", Alison Price or The Admirable Crichton ensure that every item on their extensive canape lists is a real work of art. Presentation is always absolutely key in canapé catering, as of course are the highest quality ingredients and the freshest, most seasonal, produce.

These catering wizards often have their very own canape chefs, whose sole responsibility is to create the perfect miniature marvels. They often specialise in breathtakingly clever serving ideas – vintage style usherette trays laden with mini pies, or multi coloured glass and perspex carousels filled with tiny seafood cocktails, or silver chargers piled with mini quails eggs and dipping salts, fish and chip canapés in branded paper or wrapped in photos of the happy couple, pink lamb fillet speared on rosemary skewers, caviar served on mother of pear spoons. In fact, with the right canape catering, any dish at all can be made into an absolutely stunning canape.

Just because the canapes are small though, doesn't mean the job itself is! Most canape caterers work on a rule of allowing six to eight canapés per person, with perhaps ten to twelve varieties, some fish, some meat, some game, some hot, some cold, some vegetarian, and so of course the numbers of perfect little parcels soon add up!


And don't forget sweet canapes too – they are such a fun party feature. Think of piles of mini brownies dusted with glitter or gold leaf, mini ice cream cones with multi coloured ices, fruit garnishes or chocolate sprinkles, marvellous mini pavlovas oozing cream, or just trays of shot glasses filled with little trifles, mousses and brulees.

Of course the best caterers make an art of making the best canapes, but canapes can also be fairly easy to manage at home - think about prosciutto wrapped pear and dolcellate, mini fishcakes with a sweet chill dipping sauces, or just traditional roasted and honey glazed sausages. Even simpler - large prawns or crevettes with flavoured mayonnaise, bruschetta, or even just a baked vacherin or camembert.

A hugely sociable way of eating and experiencing fabulous food style too, the art of canape catering is certainly one worth looking in to for any and every event. Combined with champagne, canapes make the perfect drinks reception for a business event, the perfect start to a wedding breakfast or big birthday party, and of course at some parties, they just make for a perfect few hours grazing and chatting. ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/ten-top-tips-for-creating-canapes.html http://www.articledatabase.info/food-and-beverage/recipes/ten-top-tips-for-creating-canapes.html Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:31:27 -0600
If you are making canapés for a party at home, then keep it fairly simple but still stunning by following these five tips:

1. If you stick to seasonal produce, then the most basic food can speak for itself - consider delicious seamed new season's asparagus drizzled with melted butter and lashings of salt and pepper, and with homemade hollandaise to dip.

2. Think creatively with your serving vessels - use little spoons or shot glasses to serve, or try rosemary skewers for lamb.

3. Remember that pretty much every favourite dish can be made in to a tiny mouthful with a bit of thought. Shrink down the classic roast beef into a mini Yorkshire, with a sliver of rare beef, and some horseradish cream.

4. If you don't want the trouble of making a main course bite sized, then think about using food that is already bite sized - cherry tomatoes filled with delicious creamy buffalo mozzarella, or king prawns tossed in chilli and lime skins, served with big bowls of homemade mayonnaise.

5. And don't forget your pudding canapés - they are the easiest to make! Any tray baked biscuit or cake can be cut up into bite sized mouthfuls – try chocolate brownie dusted with edible glitter for that party feel, and don’t forget fruit skewers with bowls of melted chocolate on the side.

If you are lucky enough to be using a caterer to create your canapés, then these ideas from "rhubarb" food design's Menu Consultant Phil Owens, might help you make some crucial canapé decisions for your parties in 2010.

6. Think about cool cocktail canapé sorbets on elegant spoons - try strawberry margarita sorbet with fresh strawberries and edible flowers. Delicious and refreshing.

7. Try creamy seasonal risotti in crisp cornets - in fresh and rich flavours such as asparagus with taleggio, or heirloom tomato with mascarpone and basil.

8. Make things pretty as a picture with melt in the mouth savoury beetroot macaroons with creamed goat's cheese and pain d'épice.

9. For really incredible taste sensations, "rhubarb" like to work with intense vegetable and fruit powders - try crayfish brandade scented with tomato powder on a lemon purée.

10. And finally, don't forget more substantial canapés or bowl food. They still feel special, but you get a lot more from your caterer for your money and they are great for guest's favourites too - mini bowls of bangers and mash everyone? ]]>