by Tony Byrne | Dec 7, 2023 | Blog
As the festive season approaches, households across the United Kingdom eagerly prepare for one of the most anticipated events of the year – the tradition of Christmas dinner. This cherished tradition has evolved over centuries, blending historical influences, cultural practices, and a dash of culinary creativity. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history, traditions, trimmings, and the significance of the perfect Christmas dinner in the UK.
The Historical Feast: The roots of the British Christmas dinner can be traced back to medieval times when the Yule season was celebrated with grand feasts. However, it wasn’t until the Victorian era, under the reign of Queen Victoria, that the Christmas dinner as we know it today began to take shape. The royal family’s celebration, as depicted in the famous illustrations of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert around the Christmas tree, played a significant role in popularizing the festive meal.
Traditions That Bind: Christmas dinner in the UK is not just a culinary event; it’s a time-honoured ritual that brings families and friends together. The centrepiece of the meal is often a succulent roast, traditionally turkey but sometimes also goose or beef. The ritual of pulling Christmas crackers, wearing paper crowns, and sharing cheesy jokes has become an integral part of the festivities, adding a playful and communal spirit to the occasion.
Trimming the Table: No Christmas dinner is complete without a symphony of trimmings. Roast potatoes, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, form a crucial part of the feast. Accompanying them are honey-glazed carrots and parsnips, buttered Brussels sprouts, and, of course, the indispensable stuffing. Pigs in blankets, small sausages wrapped in streaky bacon, add a Savoury touch to the plate, creating a harmonious blend of Flavours.
Importance of the Feast: Christmas dinner is more than just a meal; it’s a reflection of shared joy, gratitude, and the spirit of giving. Families gather around the table to create lasting memories, sharing laughter, stories, and the warmth of togetherness. The meal symbolizes the culmination of a year, a time to appreciate the blessings, and an opportunity to express love and goodwill.
Crafting the Perfect Dinner: Achieving the perfect Christmas dinner is an art form that involves careful planning and culinary finesse. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the art of timing, each element contributes to the overall success of the feast. The key lies in balance – a well-cooked turkey, complemented by flavourful sides and a show-stopping dessert, all served with love and care.
And let’s not forget the Evening Buffet Tradition…
The Christmas evening buffet has become a beloved tradition in the UK, offering a delightful spread of finger foods and treats to be enjoyed later in the day. This informal feast provides a welcome opportunity for family and friends to continue the merriment without the formality of a full sit-down meal. It’s a time to relax, indulge, and savour the festive Flavours that extend the joy of Christmas throughout the evening.
Festive Finger Foods: The Christmas evening buffet is a kaleidoscope of Flavours, featuring an array of festive finger foods and delectable bites. Miniature versions of traditional favourites make an appearance, such as bite-sized Yorkshire puddings filled with roast beef and horseradish, or tiny turkey sliders with cranberry sauce. Festive-themed canapés, cheese platters, and smoked salmon on blinis add sophistication to the spread.
Sweet Indulgences: No Christmas buffet is complete without a selection of sweet indulgences. Mince pies, Christmas pudding bites, and gingerbread cookies are just a few of the tempting treats that grace the dessert table. A chocolate fountain with marshmallows and fruit for dipping adds an element of interactive fun, making the evening buffet a true feast for the senses.
Creating the Perfect Duo: While the Christmas dinner is a formal affair, the evening buffet is an opportunity to let creativity shine. Hosts can experiment with diverse Flavours, textures, and presentations, allowing guests to graze and nibble at their leisure. The key to a successful duo lies in the seamless transition from the grandeur of the Christmas dinner to the relaxed, yet equally enchanting, atmosphere of the evening buffet.
In the UK, Christmas is a celebration of traditions that span generations, and the tradition of Christmas dinner and the evening buffet are at the heart of this festive spirit. As households across the country prepare to gather around festive tables, the magic of Christmas is embodied not only in the grandeur of the traditional dinner but also in the informal and joyous moments of the evening buffet. Together, these two feasts create a culinary symphony that resonates with the warmth, love, and good food that define the spirit of Christmas in the UK. Don’t forget once the Christmas festivities are over our snack vans will be back on the road delivering lunches to local businesses, visit our website to find out more or give us a call on 01452 382690
by Tony Byrne | Nov 22, 2023 | Blog
Hey there, snack enthusiasts, have you ever wondered what the top 10 lunchtime snacks are in the UK! Well we have done e research for you! Whether you’re a Brit or just have a keen interest in what tickles the taste buds across the pond, we’re about to embark on a culinary journey through the top 10 lunchtime snacks that have won the hearts (and stomachs) of the United Kingdom. So, grab a cuppa and get ready for a scrumptious ride!
The top 10 lunchtime snacks revealed…
1. Ploughman’s Lunch Let’s kick things off with a classic – the Ploughman’s lunch. Picture this: a hearty combo of crusty bread, mature cheddar cheese, pickles, a bit of ham or roast beef, and a dollop of chutney. It’s a satisfying medley of flavours that has been a lunchtime favourite for generations.
2. Sausage Roll You can’t talk about British snacks without mentioning the humble sausage roll. This Savoury pastry filled with seasoned pork sausage is a go-to for a quick and tasty lunch. Whether you grab one from a bakery, our very own snack vans or make it at home, the crispy, flaky goodness is hard to resist.
3. Cornish Pasty Hailing from the southwest corner of England, the Cornish pasty is a handheld marvel. Stuffed with a mix of meat, potatoes, and veggies, this golden-brown pastry is a portable delight – perfect for a hearty lunch on the go.
4. Scotch Egg If you’re looking for a protein-packed snack, the Scotch egg has you covered. A hard-boiled egg encased in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and then fried or baked – it’s a crunchy, satisfying bite that’s a lunchtime favourite in pubs and picnics alike.
5. Fish and Chips While typically considered more of a dinner dish, fish and chips often make their way into the lunchtime scene. The crispy batter, flaky fish, and those chunky chips – doused in malt vinegar or smothered in mushy peas – create a meal that’s nothing short of a British institution.
6. Prawn Sandwich For a lighter lunch option, the prawn sandwich takes centre stage. Fresh prawns tucked between slices of soft bread with a generous smear of seafood sauce – it’s a simple yet elegant choice for those craving a taste of the sea during their midday break.
7. Ploughman’s Crisps If you’re a fan of ploughman’s lunch but want a more portable version, look no further than ploughman’s crisps. These potato chips are seasoned with a blend of cheese, onion, and chutney flavours, delivering the essence of the classic ploughman’s in a convenient, snackable form.
8. Bacon Butty The aroma of sizzling bacon is enough to make anyone’s stomach growl. The bacon butty, a quintessential British sandwich, features crispy bacon nestled between buttered slices of bread. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s a beloved choice for a quick lunch fix.
9. Cheese and Pickle Sandwich Cheese and pickle, a match made in lunchtime heaven. A thick layer of sharp cheddar cheese paired with tangy pickle (or Branston pickle, to be precise) between slices of bread – it’s a classic combination that never fails to hit the spot.
10. Jacket Potato with Beans and Cheese Last but certainly not least, the jacket potato with beans and cheese is a hearty and wholesome lunch option. A fluffy baked potato topped with a gooey layer of melted cheese and a generous helping of baked beans – it’s comfort food at its finest.
And there you have it – the top 10 lunchtime snacks that make the UK’s heart (and stomach) sing. Whether you’re a fan of pastry delights, sandwich sensations, or hearty hot meals, the British snack scene has something for every palate. So, the next time you’re pondering what to munch on during your lunch break, consider giving one of these UK favourites a try, many of these are stocked on our Jiffy snack vans and in our Waterwells shop, so why not give one of them a go!
For more information on the snacks and buffets available at Lauren’s Catering visit our website or Facebook page for more information.
by Tony Byrne | Jan 17, 2023 | Blog
Snack vans are a quick and easy way to grab a bite on the go, without sacrificing quality! This form of mobile catering is a fun way to keep your workforce happy and productive. Here at Lauren’s, we have a fleet of 6 refrigerated ‘jiffy vans’ ready to go, armed with hot ovens for added flavour and freshness. We’re ready to deliver in various locations in Gloucester and the surrounding areas. In this post, we’ll be looking beyond our borders, summing up the 5 big benefits of snack vans and what they can do for you!
There are 4 main branches of mobile catering vehicles;
- Airline catering.
- Cruise/Ship catering.
- Railway catering.
- Automobile catering.
We will be focusing on automobile catering, which is the most accessible to the average person.
Here are our top 5 benefits!
1. Freshness
Possibly most importantly, mobile catering services allow your food to be made fresh and brought right to you! Don’t overlook how feeding your workforce with some healthy and fresh options can raise spirits. At Lauren’s our snack vans, or ‘jiffy vans’, are equipped with fridges and hot ovens, meaning everything comes exactly as you expect it to. Straight out of the oven or cold from the fridge! This is important in making sure quality stays high.
2. Convenience
Using snack vans or trucks is incredibly convenient, the food comes straight to you! Customers or workers can get a quick bite on the go. Whether it’s a hot breakfast roll a the start of the day, or a delicious sandwich at lunch, snack vans make eating a doddle
3. Variety
Snack vans come equipped with so many different types of food, and a wide range of hot and cold snacks both sweet and savoury. Our vans come with
- Hot breakfast rolls
- Burgers
- Freshly prepared sandwiches, wraps & rolls
- Crisp salads
- Cakes
- Confectionery
- Cold drinks
There truly is something for everyone to enjoy. This is especially beneficial for workplaces where different people have different preferences. Dietary concerns are also taken into account, with a range to suit all needs.
4. Productivity
By providing your workers with a convenient and quick way to grab a snack, our vans can help increase productivity at the workplace. When you keep people fed and happy, they tend to be more focused!
5. Don’t forget it creates a memorable and fun experience!
It really helps break up the day when something interesting happens doesn’t it? Having a snack van come to your door is a fun way to get people out on their feet, a quick breath of fresh air, and a nice tasty treat to boot. A nice change of pace and a great boost to morale!
Final Thoughts
By having a snack van like ours visit your workplace, you can enjoy all of the benefits listed above! Be prepared for a happy, full, and revitalised workforce, with something fun to talk about for days afterward. If you’re interested in learning more, or meeting one of our ‘jiffy vans’ in person, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
by Tony Byrne | Dec 16, 2022 | Blog
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to ring in the new year, consider throwing a party. Not only is it a great excuse to get together with friends and family, but you’ll also get to show off your culinary skills with some delicious hors d’oeuvres! Whether you’re planning a small gathering or hosting an extravagant fete, these simple tips will make sure your New Year’s Eve party is everything you hoped it would be (and more).
Time-saving hacks
The New Year’s Eve party is a big day for all of us, but it can also be stressful. It’s easy to get stressed out by the thought of making everything from scratch, especially when you’re hosting a party. There are ways around this though! Here are a few time-saving hacks that will make your life much easier on this special occasion:
- Plan ahead and make sure you have enough time to cook. Try planning your menus earlier in the week so that you have prepared food ready for when guests arrive or if something needs cooking last minute, then simply pop it in the oven or slow cooker for hours at low temperature so that it cooks while everyone is having fun together.
- Make your own stocks and sauces – there are plenty of recipes online with step-by-step instructions on how to do this easily without buying anything extra at all! The benefits here include reduced costs (therefore more cash left over), healthier options because they don’t contain preservatives/additives etc., plus they taste better too!
Catering staples
- Salads
- Sides
- Desserts
- Snacks and appetizers
- Sauces
Party games
You’re going to need some party games. They won’t take up much room, they’re simple enough that anyone can play them, and they’ll keep your guests laughing and having fun all night long. Here are some of our favorites:
- The blindfold game: To play this one, get a big bowl of water and fill it about halfway with ice cubes. Blindfold one person and give them three pieces of paper in each hand—two cards and one slip of paper with “water” written on it (you can use any word that isn’t “ice”). Have everyone else stand back from the bowl so the blindfolded person can’t see who’s standing where. Then give the signal to start! Have everyone say their name as they walk toward the blindfolded player who only has 30 seconds to guess who’s behind each mask by touching their face or body with his/her hand without moving his/her eyes from under his/her blindfold or looking at their own reflection in the nearby mirror (if there is one). If he/she guesses right before time runs out then whoever it was gets wet; if not then whoever was guessed correctly stays dry! This game is great because even though there are multiple players involved at once—and therefore potential for chaos—the rules are really simple so no one gets confused about how things work when everyone starts running around laughing at each other’s silly attempts at guessing correctly without being able to see anything but darkness all around them
Cocktails
Cocktails are the perfect way to ring in the new year. They taste great, they’re easy to make ahead of time, and they’re sure to impress your guests.
You can make some of them in large batches and serve them individually or you can prepare them for several people at once. There are also cocktails that have no alcohol (or only a little bit) if that’s what you want! You can even serve yours in mason jars if you want it to look extra cute.
Finishing touches
- Decoration: A warm and welcoming atmosphere is key to a successful New Year’s Eve party. Your guests will feel much more comfortable if you have beautiful decorations such as floral displays, candles or even a simple string of lights to make the space feel magical.
- Music: Make sure you choose the music carefully so that it matches with what your guests like listening to. If you are catering for adults, then some upbeat tunes would be perfect; but if there are children invited as well then perhaps something more soothing would work better – maybe even some classical music!
- Games: Just like other parties, there must be games at this one too! What could be better than staying up until midnight with friends while playing games? You can try traditional games like ‘Guess Who?’ or ‘Password’ or go for something new like ‘Pictionary’.
- Food: The food is an important part of any party so don’t forget about it! Whether you want something fancy with champagne or just simple snacks served on plates, think about what would work best according to your budget and taste preferences before making any decisions regarding food choices because they’ll affect how much money gets spent overall during preparation stages.”
Make sure you’re prepared with a great menu and easy-to-make drinks
The night before your New Year’s party, make sure you’re prepared.
- Make sure you have a backup plan in case you run out of food.
- Make sure you have enough drinks to go around. There’s nothing worse than running out of alcohol and having thirsty guests roaming around your house looking for something else to drink.
- Make sure your guests are having fun! Be present and enjoy yourself! Remember that this is an important gathering for all involved—casual or formal—so make it count!
Conclusion
A New Year’s Eve party is a great way to celebrate the new year with friends and family, and by following our tips for a delicious menu, fun games, easy-to-make cocktails and festive decorations, your party is sure to be an event to remember!
by Tony Byrne | Nov 28, 2022 | Blog
For many people, Christmas is all about spending time with family and friends. If you work in an office, then chances are that you like to do the same. You might even be thinking about throwing a company Christmas party for your colleagues to celebrate the festive season and spend some quality time together outside of work. But how do you make sure that everyone has fun? The answer is simple—book workplace catering! Of course, you can do the catering for your christmas party yourself but finding the time to do so is not easy, especially around Christmas time. There is the time to go shopping for all the food, planning the options, making sandwiches and having the fridge space to store it all. Don’t worry Lauren’s Catering can solve this problem for you.
One of the biggest headaches when planning a buffet is what food to include, here are some of top choices…
Light finger food options
For a workplace party, there are certain rules to follow when choosing food that will go down well with your colleagues. Here are some ideas:
● Light finger food options, such as mini quiches and mini sandwiches.
● Food that can easily be eaten by hand without utensils or plates.
● Food that doesn’t require a lot of chewing, because some people may be nervous about speaking in front of their boss at this event and may not want to talk with their mouth full!
● Easy-to-digest snacks like crackers or fruit slices so no one feels too full after eating them
Delicious sandwiches
Sandwiches are a great option for Christmas parties as they can be served either hot or cold, and are perfect for serving both vegetarians and those with dietary requirements. Most sandwiches contain bread, but wraps and pitta bread are also popular alternatives. You could even serve a sandwich that uses tortillas instead of bread if you wanted! Sandwiches can be made using just about anything you can think of – meat, cheese, vegetables or fish – so there’s no limit to your creativity when creating these delicious treats. We can also provide Gluten free options if required
Savoury Snacks
● Pizza
● Kebabs
● Pasta
● Crisps
● Chicken Wings
● Salads (e.g.: potato, pasta, fish or chicken)
● Mini Indian treats
Sweet treats
Everyone loves a sweet treat at their buffet, this can include:
● cake
● cupcakes
● muffins
● pastry
● desserts
Set Menus
If you visit our website, you will find various set meus and their prices but if this doesn’t quite hit the spot for you don’t worry! We can tailor your buffet to suit your needs, including any dietary requirements you and your team may have.
Book your party catering today!
If you’re planning a Christmas party but haven’t reserved your catering yet, it may be worth considering booking this now. Christmas is a busy time of year for any catering company so to ensure we can meet your needs call us today to discuss your requirements. We wouldn’t want you to wait to late and we cannot meet your requirements!
To find out more about our catering services visit www.laurenscatering.co.uk or give us a call on 01452 382690
