Recipe of the Month: March

Our March Recipe of the Month is just in time for the Irish Holiday!  Enjoy.

Irish Brown Bread

¨ 2 1/4 Cups Whole Wheat Flour

¨ 1 3/4 Cups All-Purpose Four, More for Dusting

¨ 1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Soda

¨ 1 Teaspoon Fine Salt

¨ 2 Cups Well-Shaken Buttermilk

¨ 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Melted

Photograph from kristaandmichele.com

¨ Heat the oven to 400°F, and arrange a rack in the middle. Lightly dust a baking sheet with all-purpose flour; set aside.

¨ Place both flours, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine, breaking up any lumps. Add buttermilk and melted butter.  Mix with your hands until almost all of the flour is moistened and the dough holds together, about 1 minute.

¨ Lightly flour a clean work surface, and turn out the dough. Knead until it forms a fairly smooth ball with no visible pockets of flour, about 1 minute. Work the dough into a flat round about 7 inches in diameter and 2 inches thick. Place on the prepared baking sheet and, using a sharp knife, slice an “X” across the top, edge to edge and about 1/2 inch deep.

¨ Bake until the internal temperature registers 190°F to 200°F on an instant-read thermometer, and the bread makes a hollow sound when tapped, about 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing, about 2 hours. (If you slice the bread before it has completely cooled, it will be crumbly or fall apart.)

Oh, you fancy huh?

As a catering company it is important to feel confident about a product that you put out. We take pride in using local organic and sustainable food to match our client's specific tastes and style. You can taste the difference in the product we present.

Seated dinners our some of our favorite meals to prepare and display. The colors, flavors, textures and presentation are all beautiful to behold in a seated option. Which is perfect because we have tons of options to meet your specific needs.

We also can fully customize a seated option if you wish to create a menu from scratch. If you have a certain theme or style you wish to represent, no problem! We love to get creative and think outside the box...

Seated dinners not only look wonderful, but at Crushed Ice Events we always try to add a little flair.

Check out our seated dinner options on our website.

The Things We Do, But You Don't Realize We Do, But We Do Them Anyway

It's 2014!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.... wait, what?! 2-0-1-4. There's a 4 in that number... are we dreaming?  Is this real life?! Somebody pinch us.

Being in events is a whirlwind, and we forget what day, week, month, and obviously, what year it is (cheesy? you know it). But, some of the things we will never forget are the moments during your event that are either gross, adorable or downright not right. Below is a list of some of our roles we have played with our clients... but don't worry, no names will be released, we promise!

1. Middleman Between Disgruntled... Anyone

    First, we realize that not everyone is going to get along on the "big day." We're all human and sometimes, the stress of everything becomes too much for people to bear, and, well, they just snap.  We have sat in a room with a bride and her mother as they hash things out, we have kept feuding families on opposite sides of the venue when the wedding didn't actually happen even though the reception did, and we have looked angry parents in the eyes as they have major meltdowns regarding their child's wedding as we are in the process of getting someone else's very important day together.  These things happen, we get it, and it's ok... sorta. Before spouting off at your coordinator of any kind, make sure you're actually upset for the right reasons, and know what's going on before blowing off the handle and feeling like an... ignoramus.

2. Wedgie Watchers

    That's right... just because it's your big day doesn't mean little things don't creep in there.  We've got our eye out for you, and even as we hold your dress up and you pick your seat in our face, it's ok, just doing our jobs.

3. Dress Bustlers/Holders

    Bustles.  They're great, right?  They really do transform a dress from this long, elegant, getting-in-the-way-train dress to the perfect getting-down-and-boogieing dress, but, they must be put together.  From bustles that have gorgeous buttons, to the ones that you spend twenty minutes trying to locate under all of the tool, we've been there, done that.
    Gotta pee? We've been there too. The last thing you want is toilet water all over your dress... or worse, pee itself.  Beauty comes at a price, which means brides have to depend on others to help them do all things the day of their wedding... including the little things you don't think about until they happen, like having to pee. It's ok, brides, we've got you! We are experts in holding dresses... because when you gotta go, you gotta GO.

4. Crowd Controllers

    Whether you know it or not, your guests can get rowdy.  They can do stupid things and you have no control over it... and boy, have we had some experiences with some guests.  Like the time our security guard had to take down a lady at a concert because she kept punching and kicking him.... or the time we found panties on the dance floor once the lights came on after a reception (yes... a wedding reception, and panties... gross, guys)... or the time we found out a boy had locked himself in one of our restrooms because he'd had too much to drink... or when we found a couple doing a little bit more than they should on the rooftop... and when a few kids were congregating on the Ice House's balcony area throwing silverware at the ceiling...  Those are just a few instances though. Doesn't even really scratch the surface of our guest experiences.

5. Groom Shovers

    Yes, it's true, sometimes grooms just can't get down the aisle... not necessarily because they don't want to, but because they just. can't. stop. talking. So, pushing, or shoving, grooms down the aisle is just another part of the job description.  At least the bride will never see... usually.

6. Secret Keepers

    Life happens, and we totally understand that.  Unexpected little miracles pop up and they're absolutely wonderful, but sometimes you'd like to just get through your wedding without anyone knowing.  We've definitely had a few "I'm pregnant but I need you to keep my non-alcoholic beverages and over-stuffing my face a secret... please." Hey, we grow to really love our clients and this is a no-brainer. Of COURSE we will keep your secret and pour you white grape juice to look like wine alllll night. Gotchu-gurr... gotchu.

7. Daycare Directors

    So, this isn't something we love doing, but we will do anyway. We have caught grooms smoking pot, and then had brides puking in the bathroom.  This does not make us love you any less, but, it doesn't make us love you more.  We also make sure that you are EATING.  Brides, everyone wants to look perfect on their big day, so you starve yourself leading up to your wedding... and during your wedding... and it never ends well.  So we are there, ensuring you eat at least something so you don't end up like the bride we had last weekend... that we found puking in the bathroom.

8. Family/Bridal Party Members

    We have had a ton of clients that we connect with... it's a perk of the job.  We love it and a lot of times we become part of your reception. We walk little ring-bearers and flower-girls down the aisle, we send our servers to dance with you when your guests leave and you just want one more song, and we even join in on the bubble blowing exit for you. We become part of your night if you need us to, and if not, we'll fade back into the shadows and look on like proud parents ;-)

9. We Cover for Vendors

    Look, if you think that our industry is perfect, to be blunt, you're wrong.  We mess up because we're human, and even though we try super duper hard, sometimes things happen.  There have been cakes that have needed fixing with just a few more flowers or icing that needed just a bit more smoothing. There have been DJ's we have had to take over for, and even centerpieces that have needed some tweaking.  Whatever it is, we aren't above putting in our own expertise.  We change nothing unless it's absolutely necessary... and you probably haven't even noticed it :)

10. Pyrotechnic Engineers and Exit Makers

    Sparklers: they're so hot right now. But literally. Lots of people are loving the effect that they give off for an exit, and the photographs are magical looking.  If you are ok with the minor dangers they propose, then have at it.  We have had a few sparklers to the face, however, and are very well prepared to throw anything and everything into buckets of sand/water.  There's also been edible sprinkles thrown... which is all very adorable, but man, what a mess, and from what I understand, they hurt when you're pelted with them! We will blow bubbles for you and gather all of your guests so that you have the best exit ever, but you have to exit and leave the premises... that's the point!

11. EMS

    From teenagers passed out in the bathroom (proms nowadays...) to men falling from cages, we are very well prepared to do anything and everything necessary to revive all of our guests.  Even our servers when they happen to slice their fingers and need immediate medical assistance. Blood? No problem! Ok, don't call Nikki for this one, or at least cover it up beforehand.

12. Weather Girls

    Mother Nature can be a b*tch and she doesn't really care what you have going on.  This being said, we are constantly checking the weather the day of your event.  We have had only one major storm threaten tornadoes during a reception, but we have had a couple of rather boisterous thunderstorms during events.  If we tell you that you shouldn't sit under a very large chandelier hanging from a tent outside with 40 mph winds, you might want to listen to us... we really are only looking out for you, after all.

13. Dumpster Divers

    Yes, you read that right.  We have dived into dumpsters for clients.  Special Note: hang onto that marriage license and don't let little kiddos get their little hands on it.  I can't say we were particularly thrilled to get into the dumpster, either.

14. Snowstorm Caterers

    We are dedicated caterers. DEDICATED. So while the whole world shuts down because of those little white flakes, WE WON'T. We might arrive two hours later than expected... but... we promise we will be there... in snow shoes, snow jackets and huge smiles :) Just give us some eggnog and we'll be happy campers.

15. LOTS AND LOTS OF THINGS

    We have sped down 64 back to downtown to get bacon for a party, we have moved ceremonies at the last minute, we definitely utilize your photobooth rental (because they're awesome), we are pack mules, janitors, bill collectors, and therapists (it's ok, every body needs one)... we make beer runs for your cocktail party, we are adopted into your families, and after it's all said and done, you can usually find us at the bar running into your wedding party for a little midnight release.  And we love it! We love our jobs. Who else gets to be all of these things??

Final Farewell

It's me again! The lovely intern from your very own Ice House & Crushed Ice Events!

I am writing this blog with a deep and aching sadness because it will be my last and final day here with these lovely ladies come today, August 9 at 5pm! =( 

These beautiful people here have taught me so much and have boosted my confidence in hopefully becoming a future event planner! I started from filing papers, to answering phone calls, to talking to clients and managing events on my own! Although there were times where I wanted to hide in a corner by myself and run, I say that I did a pretty good job handling my escalating responsibilities over the past few three months *pats self on back*. 

When it first came time for me to answer the phones, I would try to avoid it at all costs! The phone would ring, my eyes would widen, I'd stare at the phone, and by the time I talked myself into answering it someone else would pick it up and I would secretly wipe my brow with relief! Now I'm a phone-answering PRO (well almost). As if answering the phone was bad enough, when I had to speak with a client on my own...I suddenly discovered a stuttering problem that decided to show up that very day -_- yeah, embarrassing. But I survived and shortly after that I was talking to clients like I owned the place!!! 

Then came time for me to act as an Ice House manager. Now that was stressful but also very fun! I felt pretty darn official, not going to lie! The first event I worked as an Ice House manager was Allie Masterson's wedding reception.  Thankfully this was a pretty easy one and the crowd was great! I absolutely loved her and the groom's sweetheart table...

 I also loved their entrance table with their guest book accompanied by a grand flower arrangement. And their creamy, blush wedding cake that was to die for!

 

The set up and colors of her reception were one of the prettiest I've seen! Very simple and very elegant. Luckily for me the DJ made it clear to us he had it under control and by all means, with it being my first event as manager, I gladly handed it over to him!  Nobody passed out or died and the bride walked out with a smiling face and that's all that matters =).

I also got to hold the reigns in this past Saturday's wedding reception for Kristen Dugan. I really, really enjoyed this event minus the crazy set-up chaos.  First off the wind was ferocious and we couldn't get the mother of the bride's homemade airplane table decor to stay up on our terrace! Not to mention her fiance's pilot hat was on the display, so once that blew over we hoisted that thing right back inside! Luckily we found a way to fill the space. What better way than with food?!

After everyone started to show up 30 minutes early and our crew was running like their heads were cut off, we finally got everything situated and peace came over the venue! Whew!

Her stations included a mixture of our Bluegrass Station and our Comfort Bar which were decorated and plated in a homey, old-style fashion.

This was probably my favorite wedding I have worked.  Everyone there was full of energy and they danced the night away.  At the end the bride, her groom, and the family were all very pleased with everything. The mother even gave me hug! *tear* I felt like a real life manager for a second and had so much fun working with the Dugans.  I'm so happy that my last event was the best event! 

All in all, my experience here at the Ice House and Crushed Ice Events has been an amazing one. They definitely exceeded expectations I had of an internship.  Everyday I have felt like apart of the family here and I am truly saddened that the summer has to come to an end with them. I'm going to miss being in the office with everyone and especially...the DELICIOUS Crushed Ice Events leftovers!! Duh! I'm going to take everything I've learned here and use it in all my future endeavors! So long and farewell and like they say...

Eat, drink, & be merry!!!

Pinterest: A Love-Hate Relationship

Pinterest: (n) a tool for collecting and organizing the things that inspire you

It was created in San Francisco, California, and stresses to its users the community of Pinterest, and the idea that you can use it for all areas of your life.  I have to agree -- from children's parties, to inspirational quotes, to tangible clothing items you never knew existed, Pinterest pretty much has it all.  It's definitely been a paper saver for my life (go green!).

But

I have to ask the question... has Pinterest made life easier or more difficult?  Let me explain before avid Pinterestians eat me...

This past weekend I helped throw an engagement party for one of my very best friends.  My fellow bridesmaids and I made a private board, pinned recipes and decor ideas and games and everything we might possibly need for wedding festivities.  And I LOVED it.  It was so much easier to pin something, comment on what others did, have ONE conference call with everyone, send out an e-mail and voila!, we had planned a party.  I was loving it, and I thought these cookies would be moderately difficult but nothing I couldn't handle -- after all, I was born with a creative gene, so it would be no problem for me, right? 

So, I knocked the dirt off my shoulder and got down to business... quickly realizing I completely underestimated the complexity of said cookie and overestimated my cookie decorating/baking abilities.  

NAILED IT

I am the type of person that absolutely loves homemade items with pre-made materials... I am always going to buy the icing that is already mixed for me, the cookies that all I need to do is put them on the cookie sheet and in the oven, and this time was no different.  In my opinion, while they may not taste the same as that homemade goodness that your mom used to make, these things were made to make life easier, especially mine... I'm just using the resources I've been given, right? Right. Snaps to all of those that can make things from scratch... I know one day you will take over the world.

Back to the cookies at hand... they were a flop, in my opinion.  And while the heart cupcakes were simpler, a few of the strawberries I bought were too big to fit inside the cupcakes (rookie mistake?), and the pasta salad I put together looked fantastic... the night before.  Once put out at the party, I realized it needed a freshening of Italian dressing I had left at home (face-palm).  The only things I thought truly worked out that I had my hand in were 1. the color scheme because the light pink roses, peach gerber daisies and peach carnations went amazing with my friend's blue mason jar vases (score!) and 2. the "she said yes" banner (also matching the color scheme).

Maybe I should face it... I am not a baker, and I never will be, and that's OK, but when I get on Pinterest and see all of these amazing looking DIY items, I feel completely inadequate when they FAIL.  True, life is definitely trial and error, but it made me start to really think -- is Pinterest helping or hurting?

I asked several people that are future brides, past brides, dealing with brides, etc., all the same question: is Pinterest helpful or hurtful?

Almost everyone said helpful!!! Completely, because it's a great way to organize your thoughts and plan and get creative.  One of my friends said "it helps spark creativity and provides useful tips. I think it empowers brides," which I definitely agree with.  If Pinterest is used correctly, it IS empowering.  It inspires and sparks creativity and gets those thought wheels rolling that otherwise would stay stagnant, on the same path as others -- it's supposed to help bring uniqueness to your day.

Two of my friends made great points as well:

"Helpful because it gives you so many ideas, but hurtful because it could contribute to you going over budget... if you're smart about it, it is more helpful"

"...helpful if you keep things in perspective -- it's a collection of ideas from thousands of weddings from all over the world. Not every bride is doing all the amazing crafty things you see on her pin board. It's good for inspiration, but don't let it overwhelm you!"

It's true.  Almost all of the brides I speak to are either 100% Pinterest-brides, or are the complete opposite.  And you can see the difference in their eyes.  At the mention of Pinterest, one lights up with eagerness and hope, sitting up straighter with a smile, and the other tends to have a flash of fear and starts to laugh while shaking their head.  I am here to tell you... that is OKAY!  That's why there are professionals.  Maybe I should take my own advice (which I will the next time someone wants those cookies...).  

So many brides take an idea from the internet nowadays and refuse to think about the logistics of a purple rose, or they want flowers in April that you can only find in South America during July... it's unrealistic and they are unwilling to compromise.  I have heard from so many florists how hard it is to reign in that Pinterest-bride -- we love them for their decision-making and ideas, but it is also their downfall.  You have to be willing to compromise. Pinterest is for IDEAS, not PERMANENT DECISIONS.  You're supposed to be inspired by it, not recreate it to a T.  There's a reason it's there, but you have to be able to see the reality.  Maybe a yellow dress with a bouquet of wild flowers looks stunning in the pictures you've seen, but if any of my friends try to put yellow on me, they will quickly want to remove me from the pictures.  It's not going to work for everyone, and, yes, even though it's your big day and you should get what you want, being labeled a Bridezilla is not a compliment.

And yet, there are the brides that completely make it work.  Take these pictures from an actual Pinterest-wedding.  It was gorgeous!!

Lindsay and I were talking about the other aspect of Pinterest... how it makes you feel like less of a woman or mom or girlfriend when the things you see you can't recreate, or don't have the time it takes to really make it perfect.  There are women and men out there that have made this their lives, and we thank them for it! How else would I know how to make homemade cleaner or a candle holder out of safety pins?  But, that's them and you are you.  Today's world is CRAZY -- cray cray, serious cray cray -- and it is so hard to keep up with everything and run a household and plan your wedding and work full-time and have a social life... geesh, I'm already tired.  So something lacks.  But keep in mind... at least you're trying!! You are giving it your best shot and your child, while they may not understand why Susie's mom was able to make 48 cupcakes with miniature Cinderella castles on them and you barely made it to Kroger in time to grab the last 24 buttercream frosted, smiley-face ring cupcakes... they will one day, because I have a feeling life is just going to get faster and more complex.  And when they bring home a melted, store-bought cake for your birthday, you will smile and know that they know.

Pinterest is a great TOOL... but it is not the end-all, be-all.  Keep things in perspective.  Try and re-try.  Know that your day is going to be special because you are unique, one-of-a-kind.  Don't be so focused on being different that you lose what it's all about.  There are brides that become so overwhelmed that they change their colors/ideas for their wedding 3 or 4 times because they saw something else on Pinterest.  DON'T let it do that.  Go with your gut.  Use it as a TOOL.  

In the meantime, if you need a good laugh, check out this website: Pinterest Fail

or take another look at these cookies, and this banana pudding cake one of our girls attempted

"eat, drink & be merry!"