Catering By Fran

Catering By Fran started catering services in 2008. In addition to Catering By Fran's standard menu options, We offer flexibility in customizing any event. Catering By Fran has provided catering services for corporate events, graduations, birthdays, and small intimate dinners. Our client’s satisfaction is always our first priority. Catering By Fran is committed to providing the freshest quality foods, a beautiful presentation at reasonable prices.

 

Fran's Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze

1 cup diced tomatoes (about 4 Roma tomatoes)
¼ cup diced red onion
2 cloves of garlic minced
5 fresh basil leaves chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ loaf French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch slices
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder


Tomato Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, olive oil and salt and pepper.  Store in the refrigerator for one hour (you don't have to wait this long, but it will be more flavorful).

Balsamic Glaze:
In a small sauce pan, heat the balsamic vinegar over medium heat until it boils. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce is reduced by half.
Pour the glaze into a small bowl and set aside. The glaze will continue to thicken when removed from heat.

Assemble Bruschetta:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and garlic powder.
Brush the top side of each baguette slice with the olive oil mixture.
Place slices onto a lined baking tray and bake for about 10 minutes, until light golden brown.
Top each slice with a spoonful of the tomato mixture.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze onto each bruschetta and serve.

Serves approx. 4

Fran's Classic Italian Meatballs

Fran's Classic Italian Meatballs

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated yellow onion
1/4 cup finely diced fresh garlic
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in large bowl.  Roll meatballs about the size of a golf ball and place on baking sheet. Place into preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, turning meatballs over at halfway time.  Add to cooked sauce or serve plain as an appetizer. 

Makes approx. 24 meatballs