Tag Archives: foodie

Delivering December & our 2017 Wedding Trend Predictions

Happy New Year you lovely lot! We hope you had a fantastic Christmas and New Year. 2017 has arrived and we are back at work and ready for all of the exciting events and weddings ahead of us. Our December was full of Christmas parties galore and lots of super fun events.

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In amongst the canape and drinks parties, we had some dinners mixed in and some festive lunches too. Christmas parties are all about the fun and the festive treats, think mulled wine, Christmas cocktails and a few hundred or so mince pies to boot! Turkey, trimmings, beef wellington and some seriously tasty sticky toffee pudding. We were lucky enough to be back at Windsor Guildhall for a Christmas Dinner and it really was a beautiful setting. We also got to provide some cute Christmas canapes for the lovely ladies at B.loved for their festive mingle.

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We were also invited to a few Christmas parties and gatherings ourselves where we got to catch up with fellow wedding industry pros and celebrate the year with some festive cheer. One of the highlights included a scrummy afternoon tea at The Bingham – such a beautiful hotel in Richmond, with a riverside setting that is ideal for weddings.

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December certainly flew past and we can’t believe it’s another year and January already! As event and wedding professionals, people always ask us what we think will be popular in the forthcoming year…well here is our top 5 predictions for weddings and catering.

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  1. Greenery – Pantone’s colour of the year is Greenery – quite a vibrant bold green which is quite the contrast to last year’s pastel hues. Whether used as a theming throughout your wedding or event, we think foliage will be used in abundance and in a loose, wild and natural way.
  2. Tropical – The tropical trend was popular last year, but mixed with the Greenery, we think this will really take off. Long reign the pinks, oranges, flamingos and pineapples!
  3. Industrial Luxe – Think copper, marble and warehouses with metal, stone and metallic elements, mixed with geodes and geometric contemporary designs and décor.
  4. Foodie Heaven – couples want to go BIG on food and splurge a little. Food after all is a big part of the day! Choosing their favourite food and going all out, matching wines and drinks too. P.S – keep any eye out for completely raw, vegan and gluten free menus too!
  5. Food stations and informal catering will be key – as will drinks stations. We have no doubt that artisan gins and craft beers will be big as will botanical drinks.

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Are you getting married in 2017? Will any of the above be featuring? We would love to know and find out more about your plans. We have a busy January ahead – focusing on some upcoming weddings and events and finalising plans, also prepping for a Valentine’s wedding too – how romantic!

Until next time…Emma. x

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September Shenanigans

Here we are, Autumn has arrived and with it the leaves start to fall, temperatures drop and we are getting cosy. That said, haven’t we seen some stunning weather in Sept – holding on to the last bits of summer but ready for the cooler months ahead, or maybe that’s just me ( I LOVE Autumn!) So, our September has been a truly wonderful month, filled to the brim of awesomeness in the form of some stunning weddings, one of which we planned and a couple of super fun corporate events. Mixed with a few tastings, some super exciting meetings and an interesting morning filming, this has been one busy but enjoyable month!

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Food and Events

We started off the month in wedding mode. One at Micklefield Hall and one at The Walled Garden at Wasing Park. A&S had their wedding at Micklefield, which we were also entrusted with our on the day management. Full of beautiful rustic and whimsical details that worked so well within the barn and luckily the weather held out for a pretty outdoors ceremony. We created a delicious menu for them where guests were treated to a yummy three course meal all followed by pasties galore – proving popular with the Cornish family members! N&B’s wedding at Wasing again had an outdoor ceremony and their wedding had quite the festival vibe with a fab tipi and cute details at the bar and on the dancefloor, with a rather unique drinking game – wheel of misfortune anyone? Their patisserie station was quite simply divine and not a pud was left in sight.

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Mid-month saw a flurry of corporate events. One being at Windsor Guildhall with a very royal theme. All British produce and theming for the menu and drinks and a thoroughly elegant and regal affair. We also hosted one of our regular clients re-branding soiree. Plenty of delicious canapes and copious amounts of champagne were flowing. They always know how to throw a good party!

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Ending the month nicely saw S&A’s wedding and us return to Micklefield Hall. Pretty pastels and purples filled the barn and a rather scrummy menu of fig and goats, cheese, lamb and choccy pud followed, to the tune of “best wedding food ever”…we’ll take that!

Weddings

In between catching up with some wedmin for weddings next year and a couple of styled shoots – keep those eyes peeled – mid month saw the floral fantasia wedding of H&A at Wickham House, within the walled garden. With a brief of natural beauty that exudes happiness, we set about creating a floral work of art within the most gorgeous of gardens I ever did see. Taking inspiration from the blooms around us, we created a space in the sunken lawn that merged into the space beautifully. Using a stretch tent to do so and create a dining space worked so well and allows the flexibility that was desired. Florals were key; bringing in a rich and slightly woodland and forest feel with some richer tones and mixed with the ethereal beauty of the pastels; all mixed with feathers, butterflies and mushrooms. Honestly, just wait until you see! We created a humanist ceremony space underneath a tree within the grounds and dreamcatchers flowed in the breeze before a butterfly release, which was just magical to watch.

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To end the month we also were treated to ‘Enamour’, Amie Bone’s absolutely magnificent and breath-taking display at The National Wedding Show – just look at the pics, need we say more!

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As we sign off, we are finalising plans for something rather exciting and 2 shoots in October – one foodie based, one wedding based…all shall be revealed soon!

Until next time…Emma. x

Goose & Berry are a Luxury Boutique Catering, Wedding, Event & Brand Experience Planning & Design company who specialise in Weddings, Social and Corporate Events.  We are based in Marlow & London and cover London, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and the Home Counties.

www.gooseandberry.co.uk

Did you know we also Plan and Design Weddings and Events!

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/weddings-goose-and-berry

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/events-gooseberry

Twitter: www.twitter.com/gooseandberry / www.twitter.com/gooseberrywed

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August Activities

Can you believe that summer is over (we’re hoping for an Indian Summer though as we have been loving this hot weather! Shame about the storms though!) and it’s September. August has continued in the same way as June and July started and it’s been another good and productive month for us. A mix of weddings and events, interspersed with tastings and meetings, we are settling into the swing of things and ready for what September is going to bring. That’s for next month however, so what has August provided…

Food and Events

August has given us two of our biggest events and two rather big weddings…which have been super fun! The first biggy was mid-way through with a glorious marquee wedding set in the most picturesque of gardens. It had a midsummers garden theme and the florals were so impressive! Guests were served from a rather salubrious gold bar –what else and sipping champagne and gin cocktails, it set the scene magnificently. A delicious feast of figs, beef fillet, a trio of puds and our delightful edible garden were served, along with a selection of cheese and a round of fish & chips to finish the evening. Our kind of meal!

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The second biggy was just at the end and set in a quintessentially English setting, was just truly scrumptious in every way! This wedding had a more relaxed and informal feel in the way of our gourmet BBQ’s, which on such a beautifully sunny day was just super and guests loved it!

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Amidst these two, we’ve had a few other smaller events and afternoon tea galore, which has proved popular this month. We do love afternoon tea and if you’re having a garden party, then this is the perfect fit!

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Weddings

After a rather busy July, our August is keeping up the momentum and we are still going strong through Wedding season. This month has mainly consisted of finalising plans for a beautiful intimate wedding in September and we’re really looking forward to this one. Set in a beautiful walled garden with the most glorious planting and florals, it’s going to be an absolute floral fantasia – that’s what we’re calling it anyway!

It’s going to be filled with some wonderful DIY detailing and an abundance of colour and a serious flower fest with some amazing food. We’re particularly looking forward to a bit of a vegan and health vibe which we can’t wait to try (perks of the job and all!).

Mid-month we were treated to a wedding breakfast at the seriously stunning Corinthia Hotel in London. Along with several other superstar planners, bloggers and editors we enjoyed a glass of fizz followed by a delicious breakfast and cake. We also got a tour of the spaces, restaurants and a penthouse. We’ve already decided that we are going to move in –it’s so us! Great Hire provided some fabulous ghost tables and chairs which looked amazing within the Ballroom setting and paired with some wonderful tableware from the amazing Duchess & Butler and some beautiful florals by By Appointment Only it created the perfect setting. It was lovely catching up with the gorgeous Abigail Bloom who provided the most amazing of cakes. We also got to chat about the super tasty cakes she provided for one of our couples in July – the chocolate cake was DIVINE!

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The remainder of the month has been filled with venue visiting at the glorious Stoke Park (where we are a preferred supplier and will also be at their Wedding Showcase in October)  and Wisley Gardens and  gaining an abundance of quotes for a wedding next year and we can already tell it’s going to be a good one!

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Until next time…Emma. x

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July Jaunts

How much have we loved this month – a whole lot, that’s how much! It has been our busiest and maybe best to date and has taken some serious hard work from our team but it has been so much fun! July has been jam packed full of so many wonderful weddings with a smattering of some fabulous birthdays in between and we can’t wait to tell you all about them…

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Food and Events

Well July really was the month for Weddings and we have catered for some rather wonderful ones and all in some seriously amazing locations. This month saw a mixture of marquees, gardens and stately homes, each providing their own merits and we have been lucky to work in some seriously fabulous venues.

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In the earlier part of the month, we catered for a wedding that we also planned (see more below). 150 guests were treated to some delicious canapes and one of our favourite desserts finished the meal; you really have to try our Lime Posset – yummy!

Trio of Pud

The rest the month saw a mixture of formal sit down meals, some fancy buffet’s and a couple of Gourmet BBQ’s with some seriously tasty treats on offer. If you have a more informal wedding and it happens to be a beautiful summer day, then our Gourmet BBQ’s are the best; they work so well in an informal setting and provides the taste and presentation without the formality of a plated service. Great for a festival or more boho affair and also amazing for Birthdays.

The Birthday’s we catered for opted for a relaxed BBQ too and we were thrilled to plan and style one of these too. The clients had a joint birthday and anniversary party with a customised bar (and champagne flowing until the wee small hours) and opted for a stylish Mediterranean feel to their décor. Banquet style tables were dressed in stunning foliage wreaths with herbs mixed in and foliage chandeliers hung upon the entrance, creating the most stunning welcome for guests. Thank you to Lily’s Flowers for these!

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We ended with a rather grand affair at the most picturesque of venues and can’t wait to work there again. Guests were treated to the most splendid of views whilst sitting for dinner and the ceremony space – serious WOW factor. A wonderful way to end the month!

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Weddings

What a month! This one has quite simply been wonderful! So so lovely. We had two weddings that we have fully planned and styled and although July has been our busiest month so far, it’s been really quite dreamy, with two of the loveliest couples that I hope will remain friends with us for many years to come.

We started the month with the wedding of C&R, a super stylish couple from the States who fell in love with England and particularly Windsor on a visit a few years back and once engaged, knew that this would be the place for their wedding. With this in mind, we opted for a slightly formal English garden party affair with a Gatsby edge; think Downton Abbey mixed with the Gatsby party vibe and style. Hosted at various locations at Windsor, all 70 guests were flown in from across the States to join in a weekend celebration of fun, food and partying. A proper English pub meal on the riverside was the order of the day on the Saturday evening, with the main event on the Sunday. Dressed in garden party lounge style dress, the glamorous couple and guests attended the ceremony at Windsor Guildhall before heading to the river and setting sail on board a beautiful launch from the French Brothers. Guests enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea whilst listening to Jazz and enjoying a lazy trip along the Thames, taking in the sights of the English countryside. After this little jaunt, guests made their way back to the Sir Christopher Wren hotel for cake, cocktails and canapes, all followed by a fabulous feast. The highlight of the evening was a 10 piece swing band (The Mini Big Band) who really got the party started, they were serious fun!

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We worked with some wonderful suppliers including Patrick Collins who is an ace Toastmaster, Abigail Bloom – just look at that cake, David Bostock – photographer extraordinaire, Classic Crockery (fab cutlery and charger plates which really highlighted that glam Gatsby feel) and Lavender Green who provided the most stunning of florals!

A couple of weeks later saw the wedding of M&L. They chose to celebrate in the bride’s family home which had the most stunning of gardens and prettiest church right next door – how picturesque! The style and feel of the day was a relaxed garden party, with a botanical and classic colour scheme of whites, greens and greys. A traditional church ceremony followed by canapes, champagne-a-plenty and garden games (which were an absolute hoot), with the beautiful sound of piano playing in the background that took place in the glorious gardens, all under the most stunning sunny day! The marquee was decorated in simple white florals from Lily’s Flowers, grey linens and place cards were leaves taken from the garden to bring all elements of the wedding together. Guests enjoyed a beautiful three course meal with the yummiest of puds and this then was followed by the cutting of a serious WOW factor cake – seriously, just wait until we have the pics and then dancing, with the band and DJ getting the party started and provided by the fab Eight Ray Music.  Cocktails were flowing in the bar tent, all done by the marvellous Box Seventy Seven and it’s fair to say these were super popular and with some fab personalised names, created a talking point amongst guests…as did the quiz (boy did I have fun marking that one!)

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We can’t wait to show you more pics from these weddings and particularly the video, which we already know will be A M A Z I N G!

There is so much to tell, but we shall keep it brief for now and once the images are back, we will share the love with you lovely lot. A huge thanks to all the fab suppliers involved, serious dream team’s right there!

In other news, aside from finalising some fab plans for a Sept wedding, which is going to be soo floral and fabulous, a couple of our wedding inspiration shoots have been featured and we could not be more thrilled! Check out the links for the full description and suppliers for this wonderful Rustic Botanical and Romantic look at Le Manoir featured on B.Loved and for the other, well you have to go and buy the most recent You & Your Wedding Magazine!

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Oh yes…and we just happen to be now be one of Stoke Park’s preferred wedding planners and stylists!

Phew! What a month and we are still buzzing from all of the excitement and activity! Until next time…

Emma. x

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April Adventures!

So it’s been a little while since the last Blog article and as well as detailing certain events and useful tips we thought it might be quite nice to give a monthly update about what is happening in the world of Goose & Berry.

This year has already been a busy one, probably our busiest yet and whilst we get a chance (and a kind of belated New Year’s resolution) we have given ourselves a little task of making sure we write a monthly blog, no matter how busy we may be. It’s never ending I’m sure! However luckily we love what we do at G&B and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

So, I hear you ask, what have you been up to! Well, read on…

What’s New?

The big news this month is our new premises! We have moved into bigger and better premises. It’s looking amazing and we are ready for the busy season ahead. What I personally am most excited about however is my desk. Yes, I am a full on desk accessories and stationery geek and rather proud of it. That added to my rather ridiculous obsession of all things copper and rose gold. Now I know these colours and metallic are everywhere now and seem to be a key trend but let me tell you…I have loved them for years. I love their warm and rich tone, whether it be in accessories, clothing or jewellery. I guess this love has stemmed from my background working in property and interior design. I’m fascinated by the way certain fabrics, colours and shapes all work together and have a different effect in different settings.

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Stationery

The joy about our new premises is that is a rather industrial warehouse chic appeal to it. Yes, it will have a working kitchen (like we don’t already struggle enough to try and resist eating ALL THE TIME!) but it will also feature our desks, a tasting space and meeting space. Multi functioning dream space right here! With this joyous space, which I might add is super light and airy, brings a natural lure to all things copper and metallic, to contrast against the white walls and hard industrial shell. Just you wait until I get started on the soft furnishings…I can’t wait to look at the various fabrics, chairs etc. and then the shelving units…basically we’ve all gone interiors crazy and it’s only just started with the desks.

Food and Events

Aside from moving into our new pad, we’ve been keeping busy on the catering front with many events and weddings already this year. We’ve had some lovely end of winter and Spring weddings and lots of fab dinner parties. April has been a busy month for tastings, confirming final choices and entertaining clients with our tasty treats. We love tastings and seeing what couples and clients choose and seeing the look on their face and hearing their feedback when finished. It also gives us a chance to learn lots about the couple, particular tastes, wants and needs, whilst also giving me a chance to understand and learn more about our menu…i.e. taste everything on our menu!

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Weddings

I get the fun job of heading up Goose & Berry Weddings. This month (and at the end of March) I have been quite the busy bee indeed. At the end of March I had one of the highlights of my year so far. Part of my job involves organising styled shoots with some other fab wedding lovelies and superstars. I had arranged for 2 shoots to take part in one day (mammoth task!) at the simply breath taking and world famous Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons (quite the privilege). Now I won’t spoil the fun and tell you too much about it until the shoots get published (fingers crossed!) but I met a serious all time hero of mine – the one and only Raymond Blanc. Fair to say I was a little star struck, but he was a true gentleman and had such charisma. He was genuinely interested in what we were doing, polite and just an all-round lovely man. For a serous foodie like myself, this was a huge highlight, not only of my year, but yes…my life.

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At the start of the month, we were invited to Quintessentially Atelier at The Dorchester Hotel. G&B adore this luxury wedding and bridal show; it has the perfect mix and selection of suppliers for the luxe market and you will always see a few fellow wedding suppliers and lovelies there, so it’s always nice to stop and have a catch up over a glass of fizz. It’s a wonderful showcase, not only showing off a stunning venue but also the crème de la crème of wedding suppliers, from photographers, bridal designers, florists, cake designers and entertainment. Several of our preferred suppliers were there and it was great to see our local neighbours Eight Ray Music who had several acts performing. Can’t wait until one of our summer weddings has one of their bands playing; it’s going to be super!

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This month has also involved quite a few final meetings for 2 weddings we are planning this summer. One couple few in from America to sort out all plans in a week, so we had a fun time meandering around Windsor, from one meeting to another, all amongst the backdrop of the Queen’s 90th Birthday. What an experience for them it was…although getting around Windsor was not so easy. Last week has also seen final plans taking place for another couple and involved my favourite discussions…no not food, but flowers. Aside from copper and rose gold, my big passion is all things floral. I have taken a wedding floristry course because I am so fascinated by the world of weddings and floristry. (Next on the agenda is calligraphy, excited much!). We went to visit Lily’s Flowers and boy do they have a dreamy workspace. Surrounded by horses, flowers and then the cutest office dog, I genuinely wanted to take up residence (I know…new premises, excited, etc.…but they lack horses!). That aside, flowers are all finalised, followed by wine tasting and then a good old run through and chat over a cuppa…and wine…of course!

Windsor

One of the most fun points of my month involved taking a couple of days and mixing work and pleasure, oh yes, it can be done! G&B Weddings went on a little Cotswolds tour…and in this case what happens on tour doesn’t stay on tour! The visit started at a favourite of mine and having a delicious lunch at Dormy House. After followed a tour and also a little jaunt to Foxhill Manor, one of the three hotels on the Farncombe Estate. This one is a serious WOW factor – 8 sumptuous bedrooms with the most magical views. Honestly, true escapism and bliss, ultimate luxury. If you want true exclusivity and a hidden away retreat, event or wedding, look no further than Foxhill Manor and look at taking all three hotels. They are all divine and the attention to detail is superb.

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Next up was Thyme, the most idyllic rural Cotswolds retreat. I had booked to stay in one of the Cottage Suites and wowsers, it did not disappoint. Beautiful furnishings, super cosy and comfy and just beautiful! Fun, herb infused cocktails (my fave) in the Baa…such fun! Followed by a super tasty dins in The Swan, which is a couple of minutes’ walk along the village. Imagine a true country pub and you have The Swan. Returning to my cottage, I was welcomed with a hot water bottle in bed and the cutest little nightcap. Little touches like this were so spot on and make Thyme a beautiful luxury country retreat. Breakfast was served in the Tythe Barn and served was some of the most delicious sausages and granola (not together I might add) I have tasted. The service was faultless – friendly, smooth and efficient. Heaven for a lazy morning! I was treated to a tour of the beautiful space where ceremonies can be held, Thyme House – an interiors dream– antiques and rustic but classy furniture. I also took a little wander past the lambs to the kitchen garden. Full of wonderful offerings and lots more to be grown and used at Thyme; clucking chickens, quails, some feisty pigs and then my new friend, Salty the family pig. Such a cutie, although I did feel guilty after eating those sausages!

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Thyme Breakfast

After a tough goodbye and a promise to visit again soon, I made my way to Barnsley House, stopping off at The Village Pub. It was definitely a foodie Cotswolds Tour as much as a venue one. Barnsley House is a true masterpiece. A stunning Cotswold village manor house, set amongst the most picturesque gardens and a blissful spa hidden in the grounds. The temple and gardens offer the most perfect ceremony spot, whilst you get the use of the restaurant and lounges for the wedding breakfast and reception, or a marquee at the bottom of the garden. Just so dreamy! These signs were the sweetest, so sweet and a great fun, talking point for guests. Fully in love with all venues, I then had a little jolly around Cirencester, Bibury and Daylesford Farm – I couldn’t resist and definitely bought my other love – gin. Always have to invest in gin wherever I go. Feeling rather tired after a relaxing, but rather fun packed couple of days I returned home longing to return and full of ideas for the dreamiest of weddings I could plan at the venues.

Feet Up Barnsley

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So there you have it….quite a fun packed month, full of excitement! Next up is May…which we will update you about in a few weeks’ time.

Emma. x

 

Goose & Berry are a Luxury Boutique Catering, Wedding, Event & Brand Experience Planning & Design company who specialise in Weddings, Social and Corporate Events.  We are based in Marlow & London and cover London, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and the Home Counties.

www.gooseandberry.co.uk

Did you know we also Plan and Design Weddings and Events!

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/weddings-goose-and-berry

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/events-gooseberry

Twitter: www.twitter.com/gooseandberry / www.twitter.com/gooseberrywed

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Terrifyingly tasty Pumpkin Recipes

If you’re carving out your pumpkins, ready for Halloween on Saturday, then make the most of the pumpkin flesh by making some of these terrifyingly tasty treats, no tricks involved!

Pumpkin Risotto

Perfect for these cold Autumn evenings.

Pumpkin Risotto

Ingredients:

  • Pumpkin – after peeling, scraping out the seeds and chopping into cubes, you need about 400g/14oz
  • 1 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle for the pumpkin
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 8 spring onions
  • 25g butter
  • 200g risotto rice
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1l hot vegetable stock, plus extra splash if needed
  • 50g grated parmesan (or vegetarian alternative)
  • small handful coriander, roughly chopped

Method:

  1. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4. Chop up the pumpkin or squash into 1.5cm cubes). Put it on a baking tray, drizzle over some oil, then roast for 30 mins.
  2. While the pumpkin is roasting, you can make the risotto. Crush the garlic first of all.
  3. Cut up the spring onions with scissors.
  4. Heat 1 tbsp oil with the butter in your pan over a medium heat. Add the spring onions and garlic. Once the onions are soft but not getting brown, add the rice and cumin. Stir well to coat in the buttery mix for about 1 min.
  5. Now add half a cup of the stock, and stir every now and then until it has all disappeared into the rice. Carry on adding and stirring in a large splash of stock at a time, until you have used up all the stock – this will take about 20 mins.
  6. Check the rice is cooked. If it isn’t, add a splash more stock, and carry on cooking for a bit. Once the rice is soft enough to eat, gently stir in the grated cheese, chopped coriander and roasted pumpkin.

Thai Pumpkin Soup

The most delicious lunch or starter!

Thai Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1½ kg pumpkin or squash, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 4 tsp sunflower oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 lemongrass, bashed a little
  • 3-4 tbsp Thai red curry paste
  • 400ml can coconut milk
  • 850ml vegetable stock
  • lime juice and sugar, for seasoning
  • 1 red chilli, sliced, to serve (optional)

Method:

  1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the pumpkin or squash in a roasting tin with half the oil and seasoning, then roast for 30 mins until golden and tender.
  2. Meanwhile, put the remaining oil in a pan with the onion, ginger and lemongrass. Gently cook for 8-10 mins until softened. Stir in the curry paste for 1 min, followed by the roasted pumpkin, all but 3 tbsp of the coconut milk and the stock. Bring to a simmer, cook for 5 mins, then remove the lemongrass. Cool for a few mins, whizz until smooth with a hand blender, or in a large blender in batches. Return to the pan to heat through, seasoning with salt, pepper, lime juice and sugar. Serve drizzled with the remaining coconut milk and scattered with chilli.

Pumpkin Cake

A great alternative to carrot cake and with spooky frosting makes delicious Halloween treats.

Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients:

For the cake

  • 300g self-raising flour
  • 300g light muscovado sugar
  • 3 tsp mixed spice
  • 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 175g sultanas
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 200g butter, melted
  • zest 1 orange
  • 1 tbsp orange juice
  • 500g (peeled weight) pumpkin flesh, grated
  • For drenching and frosting
  • 200g pack soft cheese
  • 85g butter, softened
  • 100g icing sugar, sifted
  • zest 1 orange and juice of half

Method:

  1. Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Butter and line a 30 x 20cm baking or small roasting tin with baking parchment. Put the flour, sugar, spice, bicarbonate of soda, sultanas and salt into a large bowl and stir to combine. Beat the eggs into the melted butter, stir in the orange zest and juice, then mix with the dry ingredients until combined. Stir in the pumpkin. Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 30 mins, or until golden and springy to the touch.
  2. To make the frosting, beat together the cheese, butter, icing sugar, orange zest and 1 tsp of the juice till smooth and creamy, then set aside in the fridge. When the cake is done, cool for 5 mins then turn it onto a cooling rack. Prick it all over with a skewer and drizzle with the rest of the orange juice while still warm. Leave to cool completely.
  3. If you like, trim the edges of the cake. Give the frosting a quick beat to loosen, then, using a palette knife, spread over the top of the cake in peaks and swirls. If you’re making the cake ahead, keep it in the fridge then take out as many pieces as you want 30 mins or so before serving. Will keep, covered, for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Recipes via BBC Good Food.

Goose & Berry are a Luxury Boutique Catering, Wedding, Event & Brand Experience Planning & Design company who specialise in Weddings, Social and Corporate Events.  We are based in Marlow & London and cover London, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and the Home Counties.

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