METRO Inspirations Spring '13

METRO.pk

A pleasure

spring affair A guide to the leanest selections

cuts of beef Sweet enjoyment in one bite

red velvet cake

Learn How Red Foods can up-lift you

THE RED THERAPY

S P R I N G 2 0 13

T H E

REUDE ISS

the red issue

INSPIRATIONS

spring 2013

Falling in love is as common as tea, especially in the case of food. If I ask you or you ask your friends and they ask their peers, the answer will remain as it is; that we all love food! What we don’t do and is in fact something you and we here at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan will work towards establishing is, let food love us back.

Times have changed, things have picked pace and we’ve all come to run busy lives. The only way to get a satiating bite that dwells in the glory of your inner peace is by having a cook somewhere fancy, redefine what satiating is and make you want it. Not because you can’t cook, but because you don’t have the hours to spare to think what will do the magic for you. We, at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan, will suggest for you foods and tricks that will let food keep up with you and therefore be there in times of fanatical cravings. We’re not just talking fast here, we’re talking letting you pick for yourself what your favourites are and reason them in. Whatever you eat after that will, most definitely, satisfy your appetite in the manner it deserves. For that, you’ve got to love us back.

Before you flip the page, you would want to know why we went red for this edition. It may come across as an implied celebratory firework performance towards the cause of love and we respect your line of interpretation but red stands for another significant chord that may be playing you right now; REVITALIZATION. This is our official goodbye to winters and a hearty hello to spring, vigour and the gusto that follows!

Your INSPIRATIONS Team

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INSPIRATIONS SPRI N G 2013

contents ketchup creations

METRO AT ARIZONA GRILL

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TOMATO SOUP

cuts of beef

glassware chart

spring affair

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the red therapy

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red velvet cake

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BREAKFAST ON A SUNDAY

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sTRAWBERRIES A pleasure; fresh and dried.

METRecommended HORECA RECTANGULAR DINNER PLATES METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan provides you with the professional high-quality ceramic tableware. From dining hall to kitchen, we offer various kinds of solutions so that customers can really enjoy one-stop shopping at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan. The special rectangular HoReCa dinner plates are perfect for fine dining and fast food.

N NOW I N SEASO

BEEF AT METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan

Beautiful small shaped fruits

METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan is very proud to offer the best quality beef. All sorts of beef is renowned for its quality, tenderness and incomparable flavour…and it is only available at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan.

that are dressed in scarlet red colour, attired with little seeds and caped with green

peoples’ say

hats, strawberries are those fresh and juicy fruits that are packed with multiple benefits.

Related to roses, strawberries come in different sizes and are found seasonally. This flavorful fruit is packed with nutrients.

A single cup of these red berries every day can entertain your body with 150 percent of Vitamin C. They also act as a good source of minerals, fibre, folic acid and manganese.

Also known to be the symbol of Venus -- the Goddess of Love, they have low fat content and calories. Enjoy this scrumptious fruit of love every spring. If your taste buds miss out the juicy taste of strawberries in season, then worry not as METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan brings you the opportunity to feast upon frozen strawberries all around the year.

Through our imports all around the year, you can never miss out on the benefits of strawberries.

“I love the fact that METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan’s bakery always provides fresh and healthy items. Whenever I pass by, the aroma of the bakery attracts me so much that I end up buying something from it, may it be just a loaf of their Fine Food bread! But what I just can’t miss having are the croissants, rusks and cakes of METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan’s bakery. Love them. ” Talha Waseem

“METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan’s fruit and vegetable section is the perfect place where one can find fresh fruits and veggies -- Citrus fruits and green vegetables are recognized as those functional foods which act as antioxidants and anti-cancer constituents. Whenever I go there, I always find fresh juicy fruits and vegetables in stock.”

Muhammad Hashim “The first time I came to METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan, I was totally thrilled to see how they have displayed their spices that came fresh from the core. If you can’t find your desired spice there, they also have the grocery section where local branded spices are kept…leaving no chance of going to any other store. I was never comfortable with branded Garam Masala, but I have to say that METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan’s Garam Masala is the best I’ve used by far.”

Mrs. Naila Wajahat

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INSPIRATIONSS M A RCH 2013 INSPIRATIONS SPR I N G 2013

METRO Cash & Carry AT ARIZONA GRILL Here’s a sneak peak interview with your favourite steak house Arizona Grill’s Purchase Manager: Mohammad Qasim.

With 15 years of experience in the same field, Qasim regards METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan as the best bulk buying store.

“The amount of convenience it gives is unimaginable and we cannot think of any other store except METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan” says Qasim. He further emphasized on the guaranteed freshness, unbeatable quality and compatible prices.

“Their comprehensive supplies of products enrich the quality of our experience”.

METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan remains the steak house’s preferred supplier, according to the team at Arizona. “Even an emergency call at 2A.M. in the night is attended and catered to. They have the best service in town. We are proud of our working relationship with METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan. From fries to chilli sauce and mustard jars, the store helps us deliver tantalizing and sizzling ingredients”.

Purchase Manager: Mohammad Qasim

COFFEE...ANYONE? Don’t hold back on coffee, for this stimulant does, indeed, grow on trees! What you’ll be surprised to find out is that coffee is actually just a seed inside a bright RED berry. History says Ethiopian shepherds came to notice how their goats became hyper ‘shindig’ after having coffee berries and thus discovered what caffeine was meant to do to the world. Coffee is now the world’s second most traded commodity. Here are some popular ways you can get a kick out of coffee:

MILK FOAM

WHIPPED CREAM

MILKED FOAM STEAMED MILK

Espresso ESPRESSO

ESPRESSO

ESPRESSO

ESPRESSO

Espresso

Espresso Mochiato

Espresso Con Panna

MILKED FOAM STEAMED 1/2 & 1/2

MILKED FOAM STEAMED MILK

STEAMED MILK

ESPRESSO

ESPRESSO

ESPRESSO

Caffe Latte

Flat White

Caffe Breve

Coffee

Coffee Whitener

Cappucino

ESPRESSO STEAMED MILK

Latte Macchiato

Coffee Maker

WHIPPED CREAM STEAMED MILK

HOT WATER

ESPRESSO

Espresso ESPRESSO

CHOCOLATE SYRUP

Caffe Mocha

COFFEE

Americano

MILK

Espresso ESPRESSO

Espresso COFFEE

Red Eye

Café au Lait

Coffee Mugs

Available at all METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan outlets

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BREAKFAST ON A SUNDAY SPRING Tomato–Parmesan Bruschetta Sunday is no normal day and spending it like one will be criminal on your part. It is the sort of day when you can sit facing a chicken; stare deep with intent into its eyes and end up laying an egg. How? It’s your day. Whatever you think or say goes.

With so much power to yourself, how would you want to make use of it? We propose you pat your belly and let it know that it’s not alone in the quest towards happiness. Because on this particular day, you can afford for it what working day circumstances cannot afford for you; culinary euphoria!

Too complicated a word to operate on a Sunday? Let’s call it bliss.

What better way to tell yourself you love yourself Spring Tomato-Parmesan Bruscetta.

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INGREDIENTS:

1 loaf unsliced french bread 2 tbsp. olive oil 2 tbsp. minced garlic 1 1/2 cups diced fresh tomatoes 1/4 cup grated parmesan Chopped fresh basil leaves

DIRECTIONS: Preheat broiler to high. Cut bread into slices 1-inch thick. Place on a baking sheet; drizzle with oil.

Get the fresh out-of-the-oven French bread from METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan live bakery.

Use freshly ground spices to give your bruscetta a wholesome scent. If you have trouble finding those, you can always walk over to METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan’s spices and herbs section to pick your favourites.

INSPIRATIONS SPR I N G 2013

In a bowl combine garlic, tomatoes and cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top each slice evenly with tomato mixture. Broil 2 minutes or until bread is toasted. Remove from oven; sprinkle with basil. Serve warm.

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soup

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t is a vegetable, though it is often mistaken for a fruit. It is luscious, succulent and scrumptious. It can be served cold, warm, and raw or cooked to perfection. Some use it as a core ingredient, many just use to make their dish taste divine. Tomatoes come in every colour except blue! You can find them in red, orange, yellow, green and even purple! They appeal to all senses of taste. They are soft and tender.

They can be prepared in more ways than any vegetable around the globe. A few examples can be; baked, stuffed, raw, breaded, pureed, sliced, diced, or mashed.

Tomato soup can be prepared in many styles. It may be smooth in texture and creamy. It can also be prepared using chunks of tomatoes or small pieces. The most popular recipe for tomato soup includes Gazpacho and sour cream.

Tomato soup is known to be prepared within minutes as the recipe isn’t that complex, all because of the succulent taste of tomatoes.

The simplest of form can be just made out of chicken/vegetable stock, some herbs and just tomatoes. Add a little cream and you’ll end up making delicious creamy tomato soup. It is that simple.

They also come in all shapes and sizes. The question stands, which ones are the best? Best for what you may ask. Tomato soup of course!

If the tomato soup sits in the pan too long, a heavy film will form over the top. Breaking it up will just make chunks, so the best way to avoid this problem is to serve your soup immediately. Don’t stop stirring until you are ready to dish it out. And of course, no one wants to eat food made by an angry cook, so don’t forget to serve with a smile!

METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan brings you the highest quality tomatoes at it’s stores to choose from.

Turbo Mixer

Tomatoes

Soup Bowls

Soup Spoons

Available at all METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan outlets

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DRY HERBS & SPICES METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan houses the top quality herbs and spices used in preparing various local as well as continental dishes.

Herbs are used to enhance the natural flavour of food. They are used with a proclivity to add freshness, balance and exquisite taste to every dish. They may also be used for presentations; as they make a dish look livelier. The aroma of METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan’s fresh herbs such as coriander is just going to lift you up and make you come back for more. There are some herbs that are definitely better fresh than dried such as rosemary. Dried herbs available at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan are able to better preserve the essential oils and are infinitely fresher than the dried herbs you’ll find on other market shelves.

Many people use the term broadly to mean all seasonings. In fact, spices are really the seeds, fruit, roots, buds or bark of aromatic plants that usually grow in tropical countries.

Cinnamon

Rosemary

Chili pepper

Dry Coriander

In the past, spices were used to mask the taste of foods that had spoiled. Nowadays, we use spices to titillate our taste buds and try something new. Spices can transform an everyday dish into a signature dish that gets its flavour from the cook’s secret blend. In concocting such blends, cooks must of course take into account their guests’ tolerance for hot foods.

Spices are sold whole, ground, powdered, as flakes or in bags. For maximum fragrance and flavour, buy spices whole and crush them just before using them. The aroma of ground and powdered spices fade more quickly. Keep spices in airtight bottles or jars, away from heat and light. Never store spices close to the stove. Smell spices periodically and discard any that have lost their aroma.

Cardamom

Cloves

Turmeric Powder

Cumin

Available at all METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan outlets

TRY OU R BREADS SPECIAL TIC TOMATO K WITH SOUP

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INSPIRATIONS SPR I N G 2013

CUTS OF BEEF

A guide to the leanest selections

We’ve all had health magazines toss fat content ratings for beef at our appetites and we’ve all had them demoralize our love for good food. But is that reason enough to avoid oven roasts and juicy steaks? No, right? Follow this simple index of the leanest cuts of meat and simply request any when shopping at the meat section at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan.

Eyes round roast

Top round steak

95% Lean ground

Since this constitutes the outer hip portion, which is well exercised, the rough texture requires marinating. The bright side is, it has less than 1.4g of fat per oz.

It is a round primal cut of beef. More flavourful and tender than other cuts from the round with only 2.17g of total fat per oz.

Relatively cheaper and quick cooking option. Contains only 0.6g of saturated fat per oz.

Shank crosscuts

T bone steak

Flat half of a brisket beef

Cut from the hind shank or fore shank perpendicular to the bone, it dwells in rich and complex flavour and contains only 1.8g of fat per oz.

T bone steak is cut closer to the front of the short loin and contains a small section of the tenderloin. It is one of the most in demand steaks and contains 2.53g fat per oz.

Comes from the breast section and is cut from the rear portion of lean meat and fat closest to the plate layers. The breast and rib bones are removed. Contains only 4.96g of fat per oz.

Available at all METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan outlets

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for body Tomatoes

THE RED THERAPY Are your bones cracking?

Are you feeling low? Then hit the fridge rather than the medicine box and indulge in Red food therapy!!

Now here’s an everyday vegetable that is filled with more than 25 vital nutrients. For various years, lycopene present in tomatoes has been acting as a cancer-preventing agent. They act against the growth of various cancers. Through chromium and Vitamin B2 present in this vegetable, migraine attacks are reduced and sugar levels are controlled.

Apples Want to lose your weight? Or want to lower the risk of digestive conditions? One medium crisp and fresh apple everyday can help you! Filled with fibres and vitamin C, apples protect the cells in the body from damage. You can allow your taste buds to feast on various types of apples served at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan all around the year. So isn’t it better that you pop an apple rather than popping a pill? Follow the red food therapy and enjoy a healthy life!

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he red food therapy is lately emerging as the best prevention against various lifestyle related day-to-day diseases. But why should you go for red coloured food items only?

The red colour in vegetable and fruits contains phytonutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, hesperidin and lycopene – components that prevent various ailments causing problems in our daily routine. They regulate blood pressure levels, lower down the cholesterol levels, reduce tumour growth and also limit risks of cancer.

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INSPIRATIONS SPR I N G 2013

Red Apples are more efficient than caffeine in keeping people awake in the morning.

for MIND Red Bell Pepper Packed with two powerful antioxidants – Vitamin C and A, red bell pepper acts as a powerful vegetable in terms of normal brain function and development. Also, they make norepinephrine and serotonin hormones that influence mood and regulate the body clock.

Regardless of the fact that red bell pepper is a veggie of March, you can get it all around the year at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan through our imports.

for SOUL Watermelons Apart from their cancer-fighting lycopene, watermelons act as a powerful source of vitamin B1, vitamin B6 and folic acid. The B vitamins present in this fruit reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer and also act as an ultra-low calorie fruit having amino acid that affects the blood vessels. At METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan, you can enjoy fresh and juicy watermelons and make your heart healthy.

DID YOU KNOW ?

Peppers are actually fruits because they are produced from a flowering plant and contain seeds.

Red bell peppers are sweeter and have more than twice the Vitamin C than green ones.

Cherries Tangy and redelicious; cherries are packed with minerals and vitamins. They are low in fat and calories and are those luscious fruits that have antioxidants which regulate natural sleeping pattern, make memory strong and aid with jet lag. At METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan, you can get fresh cherries that are extracted from the core. You can also get them in frozen packs and tin packing if fresh cherries are not in season.

Did you know…?

Raspberries Lately, medical research has shown that regular consumption of raspberries is beneficial for age-related macular degeneration, allergies, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and pains. In case of antioxidants, these fruits rank the highest. At METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan, you can feast upon the benefits and juicy taste of Raspberries off and on the season.

Don’t worry if the season doesn’t bring raspberries for you; METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan will provide you with frozen raspberries all around the year!

Did you know…?

In Italy the various antipasti are Raspberries contain a very strong fat-burning substance (ketone), which melts human fat 3 times often presented in a glass showmore than fat burning ingredient of peppers (capsaicin). case or counter. Here the guest can select his favourites and put together his own starter plate.

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KETCHUP CREATIONS

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re you tired of driving your food into the same old sauce in the quest to give it flavour? Does that very flavour now come across as no flavour at all? Does this article sound more like roadside banners for weight loss pills concocted under the surveillance of blaringly creepy old men?

Basic Barbecue Sauce Ketchup makes a good base for a sweet and savoury barbecue sauce that you can use on everything from tempuras to steaks.

Ingredients:

The solution we have to offer actually works and that makes all the difference!

This is to ketchup and to its astounding powers to change spirit and retain interest!

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3/4 cup ketchup 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish 1 large hard-boiled egg, peeled and finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 tablespoon Italian parsley, finely chopped 1 tablespoon green olives, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: Whisk all the ingredients in a bowl till properly mixed. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Did you know…?

The best place to tap to have ketchup pour out more quickly from the bottle is right where it begins to narrow into a neck.

Or try putting a drinking straw down to the bottom of the bottle. The airflow to the bottom from the straw allows the ketchup to pour out easily. If this significantly goes against your mature self perception, have your kids do it for you and it will go by unnoticed.

If the Philippines can create a hit out of banana ketchup, there are definitely no do-nots for this sauce.

Cocktail Sauce Ketchup doesn’t work well at all with sea food but this does and excellently so.

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1 cup ketchup 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (such as tabasco) Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: Whisk all the ingredients in a bowl till properly mixed. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

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INSPIRATIONS SPR I N G 2013

Thousand Island dressing This is not just a salad dressing. In fact, you can use it on all types of sandwiches as well.

Ingredients: ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››

3/4 cup ketchup 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish 1 large hard-boiled egg, peeled and finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 tablespoon Italian parsley, finely chopped 1 tablespoon green olives, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: Whisk all the ingredients in a bowl till properly mixed. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Sweet & Sour Sauce Ingredients: ›› 1/2 cup ketchup ›› 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar ›› 1/3 cup packed brown sugar ›› 1 teaspoon soy sauce ›› 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger ›› 1 cup water ›› 3 tablespoons cornstarch Preparation: Whisk first five ingredients and 3/4 cup of water in a small saucepan.

Bring to a boil while whisking. Reduce heat to low, and let mixture simmer for a few minutes. Dissolve cornstarch in the remaining water and whisk until smooth. Add dissolved cornstarch to saucepan and whisk. Continue whisking and cooking sauce for three minutes, over low heat until it’s thickened. Store covered in the refrigerator. Refine with a little olive oil and chopped parsley and serve.

Horeca Select Tomato Ketchup 100% natural no artificial preservatives

METRO’s exclusive Own Brands available all METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan outlets

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glassware chart

PIN-UP

A good drink is best enjoyed in a glass that complements its taste, smell, and appearance. METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan provides you with an exquisite variety of glassware.

From “Tumblers” to “Stemwares”, we have it all up for grabs.

Cooler glass

Flat bottom drinking glasses are known as “Tumblers”. They include glasses such as ‘Collins glass’ and ‘High ball glass’ both best used for mixed drinks.

Goblet glass

“Stemware” is drinkware that stands on stems above a base. They include glasses best served for cocktails and tropical drinks. Stemware glasses are best used to serve fruit punches; they are decorated by rimming flavoured sugar around it. A paper umbrella or a lime wedge are added accessories to make your drink more enticing.

Ice tea glass

Cocktail glass

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INSPIRATIONS SPR I N G 2013

Cordial glass

Snifter glass is a pear-shaped glass, narrowing at the top to intensify the aroma of a drink. It can be used to serve fresh fruit juices or even homemade ice cream with fruits.

Old fashioned glass

Rocks glass

Irish coffee glass, the name says it all. It is a one handed groove shaped glass. Not just coffee but tea can be served in it as well. Irish coffee in an Irish coffee glass is a mixture of coffee and a scoop of delicious ice cream on top.

Seidal

Pilsner glass, a tall glass that is tapered to a short stem at the bottom, used especially to serve delectable smoothies with a cherry on top to give it the freshness it procures.

A Pint glass is like a drinking ship. Its barmy appearance makes it perfect for fizzy drinks.

Old fashioned glass

Goblet glass also known as the Ice tea glass have medium or small stems with a round base.

These are what you find usually at restaurants and banquets.

Coffee glass

Highball glass

Wine glass (Stemware) Available at all METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan outlets

Naturally fresh

SPRING affair Chef Sarah plans to prepare an evening supper for her friends. She welcomes the blooming spring season by treating her special ones.

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 INSPIRATIONS SPR I N G 2013

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s the weather gets warmer on the eastern coast, people are drawn outdoors to enjoy the traditional warm weather cooking. Gone are the hot coffees and soups and are replaced by stews and cold fresh juices. Chili cooking? Steak grilling? Absolutely!!

The famous phrase “spring is in the air” refers to March showers – freshly mown grass and aromas of new blooms. Add aroma of food grilling in this season and there you go…summer is just around the corner! Enjoying the spring season to the most with some lovely ideas and suggestions by Chef Sarah, she shares her spring affair with us.

Sara Adnan has attained a Professional Certification in the field of Culinary Arts and Chef’s training and for the last three years she has been working in many esteemed hotel kitchens like Avari Lahore and Sunfort. Master in all sections of kitchen, she is also the winner of food competition held at Lahore Expo. She now runs her own Catering & Service business by the name of Chef on Board.

THE MENU •

Mix fruit punch.

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Strawberry date salad.

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Stuffed chicken breasts with feta, spinach and nuts served with white sauce.

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Mashed potatoes and side vegetables.

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Chocolate peanut butter pie parfait.

Sarah always selects METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan for the shopping of her ingredients. She believes that METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan offers fresh poultry, vegetables and fruits round the year.

Another reason why she chose METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan is because she believes that everything present here is fresh and is available under one roof.

Sarah made a menu keeping in mind the number of people invited. The menu complemented the season as she wanted to serve everything refreshing and fresh. A shopping list is a must!

Right after this, we step towards the aromatic spice section; Sarah bought canned almonds and fresh spices from this section. The unfathomable variety ensured that one can buy any type of spice.

The main course involved grilled chicken pieces. For this, she prefers a grilling pan easily available at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan. The grilling pan ensures a perfectly crisp chicken. Before filling, the chicken had to be stuffed with spinach and almonds. For this, she carefully removed all jewellery items from her hands.

Choosing the perfect side dishes to enhance the flavor and setting of the menu is a task. Sarah thoughtfully harmonized the level of taste, nutrition, colour and aroma spellbinding us with the nutty, warm flavor of buttered brown mashed potatoes accompanied with rich flavors of meat and baked veggies.

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hile the freshness and vibrancy of the fruits became a feast for our eyes, Sarah demonstrated a foremost rule while shopping for fruits and vegetables by covering her bare hand with a clean plastic bag. “This ensures hygiene” she said. METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan ensures the availability of fresh vegetables and fruits is abundant throughout the year. While we soak in sweat or wrap ourselves in layers of clothing, the veggies and the fruit glisten in their glory and remain unsullied round the year. Though, using seasonal fruits should remain a priority.

Tip If you plan on serving the guests salad, make it an hour earlier or more before serving. After you’ve made it, refrigerate it.

Make the dessert prior to a day before serving. Keep in the fridge for at least a day as it will remain fresh and steady.

The supper ends with a mouth watering dessert - Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Parfait. As she creates layers of rich chocolate and fluffy peanut butter slathered with cream, Sarah says, “Peanut Butter and Chocolate could create world peace.”

Use the warmth and beauty of spring to host an elegant dinner party in your own backyard.

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PICK A TIME

THE PERFECT SPOT

ELEGANT LIGHTING

SIMPLE DECORATIONS

THE MENU

BE PREPARED

INSPIRATIONS SPR I N G 2013

The wonderful light of the lengthening days is reflected in the fine variations of the springtime table decoration. Sarah proposed a selection of fine flat surfaced plates with curved edges to serve large portions of salad and starters. The white bowl doesn’t pitch in a hint of conventional boredom but the sleek mould graced with a fine printed plate does wonders for the setting.

A successful outdoor party doesn’t demand anything elaborate -- just simple food, good company, and a convivial setting.

To serve a wholesome composition, for you are not just serving hungry people but hungry eyes too, use long goblet glasses for the punch and tall wine glasses for dessert. You can switch, but here’s the trick to it, the wine glass will not be able to carry off the slice of orange complementing the punch, due to its narrow opening. Also, the dessert is a layered one and the earlier mentioned principle applies here just as well; you need depth capacitating crockery to give the dish its space to propagate flavour.

The candle stands will do your table good against the post sunset aura and will go on working for you till night falls.

MORE...

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Use thick, comfortable cushions on the chairs.

An umbrella not only has the obvious task of providing shade, it also helps define your outdoor dining room.

Keep food simple for e.g: salads, fresh fruit & veggies, cold drinks.

Set up tables in separate areas, say, drinks in one spot, dessert in another to encourage guests to roam.

At twilight, make sure you provide plenty of lighting. Paper lanterns draped from tree limbs are charmingly festive.

Chicken Breasts

Spinach

Available at all METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan outlets

Potatoes

Strawberries

Salad Bowl

HoReCa Plates

Dates

Oranges

Sweet enjoyment in one bite

red

velvet

cake

METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan sought after the chef behind “Rina’s Kitchenette” to find out what makes the “Red Velvet Cake” so red and romantic.

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hat is it about Red Velvet cake that makes it so desirable and majestic? It is a scrumptious romantic, chocolaty, smooth delicacy roofed with delectable cream cheese icing. Whether it is in the form of a voluptuous cake or the petite form of a cupcake, it ravishingly stands out like a dessert diva!

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INSPIRATIONS SPR I N G 2013

The recipe is the basic chocolate cake recipe also referred to as “Devil’s food cake” but its distinct element is the rich red colour & cream cheese icing. Besides that you can get as creative with the recipe as you want to. Traditionally “Red Velvet” is referred to as comfort food in Southern America, but since it accelerated its fame the urban chefs transformed it into some sort of a gourmet delicacy or “haute cousine”. Chef Rina suggests that the “Red Velvet” cake batter can be used more creatively to transform the dessert into a more delicate cuisine item as well as fun comfort food.

LAYERED CHEESE CAKE End your perfect evenings with a layered red velvet cheese cake in traditional style and savour the sweetness into glee!

“The lush red tint is achieved by adding generous amounts of food colour which blends in with the cocoa powder to create this romantic ecstasy. And with its traditional rich cream cheese icing, it becomes even more eye-catching, like a slash of glossy lipstick framed by platinum blond curls.”

RED VELVET TEA PARTY

Rina describes passionately, and then winks at me saying “Even the name has a vampy allure - Red Velvet”.

Go a bit fun with red velvet and incorporate the red magic in doughnuts, brownies, cookies and macaroons to bring a little twist in the traditional recipe.

Rina, Bakery Expert, resides in Lahore and serves a delectable sweet cuisine comprising of cakes and tarts.

RED VELVET WAFFLES FOR BREAKFAST! For a romantic breakfast, “Red Velvet Waffles” served with fresh strawberries and a dollop of cream can definitely do the trick.

The Red Velvet Cake is considered an urban myth and legend of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York, USA. Culinary historians believed that the redness of the cake appeared due to a chemical reaction between the two key ingredients “Cocoa powder & Vinegar”. The modern Cocoa production methods have made this “Red Magic” less prevalent, hence the addition of food colouring in the recipe.

‘But no matter how you bake it, layer it or slice it - red velvet cake is suddenly all the rage.

Every new bakery seems to sell a version.”

- says Rina

Baking Pan

Muffin & Cup Cake Pan

Available at all METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan outlets

Wear an apron and be careful with the food colouring as it stains readily on other utensils.

For a stiffer and thicker cream cheese icing add more castor sugar and use the electric mixer.

Or hot pancakes topped with berries and caramel syrup.

Waffle Maker

Electric Handmixer

All Purpose Flour

Cocoa

Strawberry slush A New York Times report says that people who drink icy concoctions before exercise are able to go longer before feeling the effects of the heat.

It’s hot and it will only get hotter. Our solution to the problem is this very invigorating strawberry slush, that will not only help you corner heat and beat the world out of it, but it will also keep you off fattening beverages.

INGREDIENTS: ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››

1 pint ripe fresh strawberries, washed & hulled 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 cup club soda 1/2-1 cup ice cubes

also if you like to.

Step 3 To spice things up a little you can start by pouring in some orange, peach, pear, or berry for a juicy fruitful combination to treat your taste buds with. Be careful because you just have to pour the additional juice to cover the ice and strawberries.

Step 4 Try not to fill up whole of the blender, be sure to leave some space from the top because the drink expands while blending.

PREPARATION: Firstly gather all the ingredients at one place before you begin because slushes have a tendency to melt. So you have to make it quickly to conquer its true taste.

Step 5 Run the blender until the ice is nicely chopped with the strawberry forming slush. Feel free to add more juice if the slush looks too thick or the blender gets stuck, or you can add more ice or fruit if the drink looks more liquefied.

Step 2 Put ice cubes or crushed ice into a blender and accompany them with strawberries. You can chop your fresh or frozen strawberries

Step 6 Now you can add sugar or honey to make it sweeter. Go for honey to mop away calories.

How to Store Strawberries Freeze the strawberries to use later. There is a technique to freezing strawberries without losing the flavour or getting mushy strawberries. To freeze strawberries without sugar, pick dark red, firm strawberries. Wash and drain the strawberries, but do not soak them in water. Place individual strawberry on a cookie sheet and freeze for 24 hours. Remove the strawberry and place in freezer containers or freezer bags.

For strawberries with added sugar, prepare the same way. After washing and draining the strawberries, half or slice them into a bowl.

Add one-half a cup of sugar for each quart of berries. Stir carefully. Pack the strawberries into freezer containers leaving a one-inch head space. When you’re ready to use the strawberries, simply place in the refrigerator to thaw or use them frozen.

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INSPIRATIONS SPR I N G 2013

taste of beirut Pomegranate drink with pine nuts and rose water Pour three tablespoons of grenadine syrup in a 12 ounces glass ( or substitute pomegranate juice); add water and a teaspoon of rose water. Stir. Add some pine nuts (previously soaked in water for one hour or longer). Serve.

NOTE: If using pomegranate juice, we recommend squeezing a couple of juicy pomegranates (the way you would an orange) and adding some sugar or sugar syrup to sweeten it well.

Pomegranates

Pine nuts

Scarlett Lady What can get you high after a scorching sunny day has drained you? Imagine a sparkly red pomegranate cocktail with the right kind of tangy citrus twist dressed up with crystalline ice! Add the right kind of zing to your pool side parties or a soothing fun filled sitting with friends with this exciting cocktail recipe!

INGREDIENTS: ›› 1 quart pomegranate juice ›› 2 cups pulp free orange juice ›› 2 cups chilled limeade ( 1 cup lime juice + 4 cups water + ½ cup sugar) ›› 1 bottle soda water (available at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan) ›› Lime and orange slices ›› Seeds from three fresh pomegranates Combine pomegranate juice, orange juice, limeade and soda water. Float lime and orange slices on top as garnish. When serving, sprinkle seeds and preferably serve in Highball glasses (available at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan). Serves 12.

Enjoy!

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BEETROOT RELISH What is sweet, earthy, tender and healthy to eat? *Drum roll please* “Beetroot!” Experience the pleasing hit of beetroot sweetness with the right jolt of seasoning as METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan teaches you how to spin beetroot into a gourmet delicacy.

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INSPIRATIONS MA R CH 2013 INSPIRATIONS SPR I N G 2013

Ingredients:

›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››

250g onions, peeled and quartered 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 500g beetroot, peeled and cut into eighths 200g sugar 100ml water 5 g grated horseradish 5 g brown mustard seeds 1 tsp salt 100ml red wine vinegar

preparation: Place onions into bowl and chop for 10 seconds on a medium speed. Add oil and sauté for 5 minutes at 100°C. Add beetroot to bowl and grate for 20 - 30 seconds, scrape down the sides every 10 seconds to incorporate all the beet and to check on size. The pieces should be similar in size to lentils. Add sugar, water, horseradish, mustard seeds and salt and cook for 30 - 40 minutes at 90°C. The beetroot should be cooked, but not soft and mushy.

Adding charm to your dinner tables Contemporary Candle Stands with Scented Candles Create a night to remember and light up your ambience making it romantic and serene with exquisitely crafted candle stands available in lustrous and delicately styled metal stand with glass candle casing at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan.

The sparkling and scented candles bring these elegant candle stands to life and enhance any environment with beautiful color and fragrance.

The Red Flower Vase This unbreakable red vase will uplift any simple table setting. Accompanied with fresh flowers or a dry arrangement – this piece will not leave you unhappy.

Available at all METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan outlets

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healthiest brunch!

MADE IN HORECA’S 100% EXTRA VIRGIN OIL METRO’s exclusive Own Brands available at all METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan outlets

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INSPIRATIONS SPR I N G 2013

Friendly Receptions

SPRINGLIKE DECORATIONS

TEAM AT METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan Qurat ul ain Shahid Senior Manager Public Relations Corporate & Public Affairs Rifah Qadri Sr Manager SCO-P Customer Management Division Ahmar Abbas Rizvi Senior Manager Advertising Customer Management Division Mehwish Khan Sr Manager SCO - Complementary Business Customer Management Division

DESIGN CREDITS: Agency BLACK & GOLD www.blackandgold.com.pk

It makes guests feel good at first sight: a table decorated in fresh, springlike colours creates the perfect atmosphere for culinary delights under the open sky.

Waseem Ahmed Khan Management Salman Uppal Creative Direction Sarah Adnan Chef & Food Styling

Tip Every outdoor decoration should be able to withstand a fresh breeze. Too light accessories and candles without a wind shield are therefore less suitable. Glass candles, and lanterns, on the other hand, are perfect and set bright accents.

Ashna Khan Photography Anam Raheel Content Management Eiesha Mubasher Khadeeja Nasir Soha Naveed Fatima Sagheer Creative Content Writing

Thokar Niaz Baig, Mulatn Road, Lahore 53700 Phone: +92 (0)42 37508001

www.metro.pk Member of

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red chillies at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan

Red chili powder at METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan has a propensity to set ears buzzing and tongues tingling. Apart from adding flavor and heat to ethnic dishes, our red chilies add a lovely red glow and sharp flavour to dishes without setting anything on fire.

For a tantalizing experience visit METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan’s Spice section...

BUY ED THIS R T FOR S U D STAR KITCHEN YOUR OW! N

METRO’s exclusive Own Brands available at all METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan outlets