November 19, 2014

Although I have been rather negligent in posting on this blog, it remains for me an important catalog of our favorite recipes (as well as some special family pictures and stories).  As many of you know, I have worked occasionally as a personal chef for several years, eight to be exact.  My business has always been more of a hobby than a vocation, due to the fact that I don't own a commercial kitchen and because I have tried to prioritize family needs.

At this point, our kids are growing older, and I'm getting an itch to dip my toe into the world of a personal chef a little more seriously.  I have worked on small scale gatherings and large scale gatherings, but my passion has always been the family meal.  Although we only have the chance to gather around the dinner table a few times per week, it remains an integral part of our family dynamic.  We enjoy trying new foods and having the chance to 'catch up'.  I wish we had the chance to gather together more often, but I understand that this is a phase of our lives.

I truly believe that gathering together for a meal is crucial to a healthy family, in more ways than one.  We don't always have an elaborate meal - sometimes grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup will be the most popular meal of the week.

I am realizing that the struggle of our family is one that is reflected in many family units.

I value our time around the table and I wish for your family to be able to experience that as well.

I have recently secured a rental in a commercial kitchen as a way to serve other family's like ours.  I am hoping to grow my business into a meal preparation and delivery service, benefiting those in the York community.  I have thought about this for years, but I feel like I am finally ready to move forward.
My initial plan is to develop a weekly and seasonal menu from which families can purchase. As I start, I will be offering two meal choices - a meatless meal and a hearty "comfort food" meal.  All meals will serve approximately five, unless otherwise noted.  I can certainly downsize for a smaller family, or even a couple, if needed. 

All foods will be placed into disposable containers, with reheating/baking instructions included.  Meals will be delivered to your home or place of employment on Wednesday afternoon(s).  

So, without further ado: I present the menu for the week of November 17th.

-Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes (tender chunks of beef, simmered in a porter sauce and combined with carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips - served over creamy mashed potatoes) for reheat
-Kale Salad with cranberries, toasted pine nuts, shaved parmesan, tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette
-One Pint of Homemade Applesauce

Family Serving (approximately five hearty servings)
$75.00
**Delivered to your home or place of employment Wednesday afternoon November 19th**

The meatless entree for the week of November 19th will be:
-Cheesy Veggie Enchiladas (grilled peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini, layered with black beans, lime-cilantro rice, and combined with a zesty adobo sauce.  Homemade salsa, sour cream, pickled onions, and guacamole will be included.  for baking at home
- Kale Salad with cranberries, toasted pine nuts, shaved parmesan, tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette
- One pint of homemade applesauce

Family Serving (approximately five hearty servings)
$65.00
**Delivered to your home or place of employment Wednesday afternoon, November 19th**

My hope is that I can serve families in the York community by providing an easy way to gather around the dinner table. If you would like to order a meal for November 19, 2014, please contact me by Sunday, November 16th. I will work with you on delivery time and location, serving size, food allergy needs, etc. 

Personal email: kirsand4@hotmail.com 
Text number: 717.332.7104