Hometown Catering

01/10/2025

Cornbread Poppers

Ingredients:
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup honey
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a mini muffin tin.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, buttermilk, and eggs.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

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01/04/2025

No Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies with Chocolate Chips

Ingredients:
1 cup light corn syrup
1 1/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Dash of sea salt
3 cups rice crispy cereal
1 cup coarsely chopped pretzels
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Dash of sea salt for topping

Instructions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Measure the rice crispy cereal and pretzels into a large measuring cup or bowl
In a large pan (about 5 quarts), combine peanut butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and creamy
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a dash of sea salt
Add the cereal and pretzels to the pan. Gently toss until coated
Let the mixture cool for 3–5 minutes to prevent the chocolate chips from melting completely. Work quickly before the mixture sets completely
Add the chocolate chips and gently toss to mix
Scoop the cookies onto the lined baking sheet
Allow the cookies to cool and firm up before serving

01/03/2025

Mushroom Stew
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced (e.g., cremini, shiitake, portobello)
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and sauté them until they're tender, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Now, mix in the diced carrots, celery, and cubed potatoes, sautéing everything together for another 5 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and stir in the soy sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and black pepper. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in the coconut milk for a touch of creaminess, adjusting any seasonings to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes Garnish your delicious stew with freshly chopped parsley.

12/28/2024

12/26/2024

Chicken & Dumplings Soup

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for one more minute Pour in the chicken broth, shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir, bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Dumplings
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix in the milk and melted butter, stirring until just blended.
Gently drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let those dumplings cook for about 12-15 minutes.
Lastly, once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, fish out the bay leaf. Taste the soup and tweak the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

12/12/2024

How can I decorate my Christmas table cheaply?
Budget Friendly Christmas Table Decoration Ideas
Use wrapping paper!
Use clippings from your yard or ask a Christmas tree lot for their clippings (often free).
Check the dollar store!
Repurpose old ornaments or decorations by laying them down the middle of your table.

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12/12/2024

12/05/2024

How about some Prime Rib or some whole Beef Tenderloins? (Fillet Migon)
Give Jeff a call at 309-944-7916

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12/05/2024

If you need some oysters give Jeff a call at 309-944-7916

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11/20/2024

If you have a late Thanksgiving we can possibly take care of that between catering events. Call Jeff at (309)944-7916 or email [email protected]

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11/20/2024

Hometown Catering wishes to thank everyone for their holiday orders. We have reached maximum capacity for Thanksgiving services.

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11/15/2024

Harvest Beef Brisket!
Ingredients:
◾1 corned beef brisket, about 4 pounds
◾4 cups apple juice
◾1 cup brown sugar
◾1 tablespoon prepared mustard
◾6 to 8 small to medium red potatoes, cut in half or quarters
◾2 to 3 medium carrots, pared and cut into chunks
◾1 large onion, peeled and cut into eighths
◾1/2 head cabbage, cut into chunks
Preparation:
Place all ingredients in a large slow cooker (cut meat in half if necessary). Stir gently to mix. Cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or on LOW for 8 to 10 hours. Remove meat and vegetables and some of the cooking liquid. Slice meat thinly across the grain. Serve with vegetables and some of the cooking liquid.