U graduation party

I have a fond memory of graduation. I've always enjoyed the pageantry associated with the occasion as well as the significance of the accomplishment itself. As someone who was in school for a really long time, I've gone through many a graduation for myself as well as for others - and it's a time of year that I really appreciate. It's a great time to get people together to celebrate over some good food. My family always had huge graduation parties whether it be for grade school, high school, or college - so I was excited when Foodmode was asked to cater a graduation party for a few friends who were all graduating from the University of Utah. The graduates had become great friends throughout their years at the U and wanted to co-host a party for all of their friends and family. The gathering was informal; in addition to the food we provided, the family and some friends of the graduates also brought in some home-made treats as well. It was a true communal event - giving the party a warm, family feel. This is also a great option for people who think they can't afford a fully catered event. Have key parts of your event catered but supplement the party with some of your own food.

Of the dishes we provided, two treats got particular notice. I asked my friend Annalise if she could bake up a batch of custom made sugar cookies, decorated with a characteristic "U" symbol (for the University of Utah). I met Annalise in culinary school. She was a baking and pastry major (I was a culinary arts major - savory food focus) and she ran her own baking blog site completelydelicious.com. I had been thinking about bringing Annalise on at Foodmode as our dessert specialist, so I thought this would be a good segue into our group for her. One of the graduates was also going to provide cupcakes as dessert so I thought these "U" cookies would add a personalized touch to the occasion as an additional treat. People absolutely went crazy for these cookies. They thought the "U" was very cute and when I told them that Annalise drew and frosted each and every "U" free-hand, they were even more impressed. We've asked Annalise to join Foodmode as our Pastry Chef and she's provided us with a new special dessert menu that we've added to our normal list of offerings. Be sure to check it out!

The other treat that generated a lot of buzz was the sweet and spicy cocktail nuts we put out with the beverages. People were amazed at their flavor and everyone asked how we made them. It's a simple mix of ingredients actually, so I don't mind sharing. Roasting and seasoning your own nuts is something that no one ever thinks of doing but is actually really easy and can be done ahead of time. It also allows you to change the flavor profile of an ordinary nut into something with a little more pizazz for that special occasion.


Sweet and spicy cocktail nuts

3 cups of raw mixed nuts
1 cup brown sugar
1 stick of butter
3 sprigs of rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon kosher salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spread nuts onto baking sheet in a single layer.
3. When oven reaches temperature, bake nuts about 20-30 minutes or until nuts become aromatic. Be careful that some of the nuts do not burn.
4. While the nuts are roasting, melt butter over heat. Mix in the rest of the ingredients and dissolve in hot butter.
5. Add nuts (right out of the oven) into the melted butter mixture and mix to coat.
6. Place nuts back onto baking sheet and bake 15 mintues longer.
7. Take nuts out and allow to cool at room temperature.
8. Stir nuts up to break apart, serve.