The Caterist Files ~ "I will!" ...The Engagement Party!

The Engagement Party, traditionally, is a formal get together of both the families of the intended Bride and Groom, as well as close friends, to publicly proclaim the betrothal. It's a celebration of love, of family and new and old friendships!

In the old times, it was a time to bind alliances...now, it's a time for fun and food!

The meal plan for the Engagement Dinner is elegant, yet understated. The décor, as well, kept simple and to the colors of the bride and groom's selection, with a simple floral centerpiece.

For most Engagement Parties, we do a Bar Set up , for the Meet & Greet hour, before you actually sit down to dine. It may be a full bar, or possibly just a wine & beer bar, so that you may bring in your products as you wish. We're not permitted to tend the bar for you, as Kinsloe House employees, but you may hire your own bartender, or have a responsible family member do the tending. We can set up a small appetizer tray or pass hors d'oeuvres for you at this time. For your bar, you're welcome to bring in party mix, mixed nuts, or mints. And, you'll need to provide your cocktail napkins to go with your décor. We have your glassware and ice. It makes for a nice time for folks to just mingle and chat, catch up on the latest...

A tray of cheese bites and charcuterie bites is wonderful, passed or stationary on the bar. Or a tray of cheese bites and mini meatballs in individual little bites (so they're not messy).

You don't need a whole lot, just a little something to nibble on while the bar activity is high.

And, do bring some mixed nuts or Chex Party Mix to set on the bar. Good crunchies are always appreciated!

You might even go retro with some Stuffed Mushrooms...we've got several varieties from the Classic Sausage Stuffed Mushroom to the more avant garde Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms. Hey, it's all in a day's work! ;)

For our next course, we serve the Starter Course, which can be an Appetizer Salad or an Appetizer Soup. The most popular salad selection, for both the guys and ladies, is the crisp green salad...it's a blend of romaine and iceberg, with red cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, radish with croutons on the side, along with Ranch and Italian Vinaigrette.

Of course, you may select one of our other appetizer salads, if you wish! This is just our top suggestion.

On the Soups as a Starter end, I do offer several... Creamy Potato Leek Soup is a fantastic starter, as are French Onion Soup, House Cream of Roasted Mushroom & Leek Soup, Roasted Tomato & Red Bell Pepper Bisque or Country Chicken with White & Wild Rice Soup...all are pictured below.

French Onion Soup (pictured, below)

Cream of Roasted Tomato & Red Bell Pepper Bisque (above)

Country Chicken with White & Wild Rice Soup (below)

Creamy Potato Leek Soup (below, left) Cream of Roasted Mushroom & Leek Soup (below, right)

For the Entrée, we'll go upscale for the Engagement Dinner. We like the presentation of the Cornish Hen Half. And, of course, we can shingle the halves, if you want to have a full hen per guest. Here are some presentations...

The Herbed Cornish Hen with Cherry Sauce (above)...this would be served on a bed of White & Wild Rice Pilaf with garni portion of Glazed Baby Carrots and Whole Green Beans

Smoky Peach Cornish Hen enjoys a flavored brine, followed by a Smoked Paprika Brown Sugar Rub and a finishing Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce. Shown here on a bed of White & Wild Rice Pilaf, this would be equally good on Buttery Mashed Potatoes. Bacon Wrapped Fresh Green Beans round this plate out nicely.

Lemon Herb Marinated Roast Cornish Hen enjoys an overnight marinade in a savory brine of lemon, coarse Dijon, honey and fresh herbs, followed by our Lemon House Seasoning. A lemon kissed gravy may be served on the side, if you wish. These are delicious over Pilaf, Risotto, or Mashed Potatoes with a garni serving of Lemon Herb Green Beans.

All three of these are absolutely delicious! And, of course, Ms. Debra's Famous Kinsloe House Rolls will accompany any meal you select! You'll enjoy iced tea, water with dinner and coffee will be served with dessert...which brings us to our Final Course, Dessert!

The Mousse is a perfectly light, yet satisfying end to this spectacular meal! We're offering three to choose from.

First, the Classic Chocolate Mousse, shown garnished with whipped cream and raspberries.

Second, a delightful blend of flavors in Orange Chocolate Mousse, shown garnished with slivered almonds and orange zest.

Lastly, the Lemon Mousse, citrusy fresh! Shown garnished with fresh raspberries.

Wonderful memories will be made with this meal that your guests are sure to love! Pricing will depend on a few variables...your Appetizer Selections, your Starter Selections and whether you prefer the half hen, or want to go with the full hen. And, you know, this menu would make for an excellent Rehearsal Dinner, if you family decides to forego the Engagement Dinner!

Give us a call to book your party today! 903-874-5791 or email thekinsloehouse@gmail.com