Todd’s Holiday Tips
Start your planning early. Get the ball moving, because time waits for no one. Seek out help, whether that means hiring a server for that night or someone to help with the dishes. You can never have enough support. This will keep you out of the kitchen and eliminate any need for guests to chip in to help too. Keep your décor and menu easy and familiar. Aim for classic with a modern twist, whether adding microgreens to a dish or setting an elegant table with pops of color.
Laura Todd Laura Todd’s passion for catering and events is palpable. The West Palm Beach native prides herself on her personal connection with her clients while delivering seamless events. Todd launched Laura Ashley Catering & Events nine years ago to provide clients Palm Beach elegance with a modern twist. “I love being a part of people’s special events,” she says.“I feel like I get to follow my clients through life’s milestones. It becomes like family. I love my job because it’s so personal. They know exactly who I am. They can trust me and know that I am going to be there. Catering is more personal. It’s really people-to-people, and I
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like that a lot.” Over the years, Todd learns about each home, where the spoons are kept and when a loved one has an allergy. With her full-service catering company, Todd not only takes care of every party detail but also her clients, so they can enjoy the party with the rest of their guests. A pillar in the community, Todd is a member of Impact 100 Palm Beach County, a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society fundraiser, and she’s launching her personal nonprofit, The Giving Kitchen, next year to help local charities underwrite their event catering needs. lacaterspalmbeach.com. @ la_caters_palmbeach
POMEGRANATE LAMB MEATBALLS & TURMERIC TZATZIKI SAUCE
These low-carb treats pack a flavorful punch without the guilt. MEATBALLS: 2 pounds ground lamb 2 eggs (beaten) ½ cup chopped red onion ½ cup crumbled feta cheese ¼ cup almond flour 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 ½ teaspoons dried rosemary 1 teaspoon ground oregano Salt and pepper to taste Pomegranate molasses (sold in Whole Foods) Pomegranate kernels Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine lamb, egg, onion, feta, almond flour, garlic, rosemary and oregano in large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Form mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs.
Arrange meatballs in single layer on prepared baking sheet, and spray with oil of choice (I use avocado). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. TZATZIKI SAUCE: 2 English cucumbers 1 ¼ cups full fat Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced ¼ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon ground turmeric Black pepper, to taste Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to scrape out the seeds. Coarsely grate the cucumber using a box grater, then wrap it in paper towels or cheesecloth and squeeze to remove excess liquid. Place cucumber in bowl. Add remaining ingredients, then mix to combine. Set aside for at least 20 minutes for flavors to marry. Spread tzatziki onto serving platter. Evenly arrange meatballs on top, and drizzle with pomegranate molasses. Sprinkle pomegranate kernels over dish and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve with skewers or toothpicks and enjoy!
EVERYTHING BAGEL TARTLET & SMOKED SALMON MOUSSE
The puff pastry tartlets make for an easy canapé that you can pair with various ingredients, including this dollop of smoked salmon mousse. Get creative! 1 package puff pastry Everything Bagel seasoning 6 ounces smoked salmon 4 ounces cream cheese Salt and pepper, to taste Fresh dill Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
bocamag.com • • • • November/December 2023
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