Graduation Party 2021

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Graduation 2021 ?

 

Graduation Party

 

What is more exciting than a graduation party? As we head into the summer, there is nothing better than celebrating all the dedication and hard work of the ones we love! How can you use ShortStaf to make your graduation celebration one to remember? Make your 2021 Graduation Party unforgettable!

Here are 5-different ways you can use ShortStaf to make your graduation party easy and enjoyable!

 

  1. Find a bartender on ShortStaf!

 

Thinking about serving cocktails to your guests? Instead of shaking up drinks all night, hire a bartender on ShortStaf! What does a ShortStaf bartender do? From shaking up drinks, keeping drinks replenished, monitoring drink stations, or helping your guests, they can basically do it all! A ShortStaf bartender can perform any of the duties you need them to throughout the night.  Even if you are not serving cocktails at your party, think about hiring a bartender on ShortStaf. They will be there to ensure all of your drink stations are replenished and your guests never have to worry about finding something to drink (and neither do you!).

 

  1. Don’t do set up alone. Find set up help!

 

Before any party, there is always so much preparation. Between food, drinks, and decorations, you most likely have your hands full. Don’t rush to get it all done. Find set up help on ShortStaf to make setting up for your party easier than ever. The set-up help position on ShortStaf can put up decorations, set up food and drink stations, move around tables and chairs, and basically tie up all those last minute loose-ends before the party starts! Have an extra pair of hands available to help you so YOU can enjoy!

 

  1. What about the food? Find a server!

 

By hiring a server on ShortStaf, you can have help with all things food! From passing appetizers to setting up and serving platters, they can do it all. If you are going for a more relaxed buffet style, ShortStaf servers can ensure that the buffet area stays clean and replenished for the entirety of the event. ShortStaf servers can help you clean as you go, so there isn’t a big mess to clean at the end of the night. Have help with the little things so you can focus on your graduate.

 

  1. Thinking about grilling? We can help with that too!

 

If you are a person who would like to mingle with your guests instead of being stuck at the grill all night, try hiring a grill cook for the evening! They can tend to the grill, keeping you and your guests fed. They can help you prepare all the food you have planned for the night.

 

  1. Cleaning up has never been so easy…

 

Saying goodbye to your guests at the end of the night means saying hello to all the party clean up. With ShortStaf, you don’t have to do it all alone! You can choose the clean-up position on ShortStaf to help take down decorations, break down food and drink stations, clean plates, pans, and dishes, move tables and chairs, and SO much more. With help from ShortStaf, cleaning up your party is fast and efficient.

 

 

Use ShortStaf for your graduation party to have all the help you need. Celebrate your graduate and enjoy time spent together! Download the free ShortStaf App today and post for on-demand party staff to make your party a breeze! Congratulations to all the graduates of 2021! 

 

For more information, recipes, and ideas… visit our blog or check out our Pinterest page!

irish coffee

Irish Coffee with a Twist

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Irish Coffee with a Twist ?☕️

irish coffee

To celebrate St.Patrick’s Day this year, we are switching up it up and swapping out our traditional Baileys with Almande for a delicious Irish Coffee [with a twist]. We’re using Baileys Almande, which is an almond milk liqueur. Baileys Almande is gluten free and dairy free, too!

 

Here are the ingredients:

-Irish Coffee with a Twist- ??

2oz Baileys Almond milk liqueur

1oz Jameson Irish Whiskey

Unflavored coffee of choice

Whipped cream

(to stay dairy free, opt for dairy free whipped cream)

 

First, pour the Jameson into the mug. Next, fill with coffee (don’t forget to leave room for Baileys and whipped cream). Then, add your Baileys on top. Finally, top with your whipped cream of choice!

 

Cheers to a safe and fun St.Patrick’s Day! For more recipes or ideas, check out our blog or visit our Pinterest page!

Opting out of the coffee? Try our other St. Patty’s Drinks: Try our Jameson Green Tea Cocktail or our Key Lime Pie Martini!

 

Peach Champagne Spritz

Peach Champagne Spritz

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Peach Champagne Spritz ?

Peach Champagne Spritz

After a year like 2020, we’re more than eager to usher in a New Year.  Although this New Year’s Eve might be celebrating a bit differently than in years past – we’re not taking any excuses for boring! Looking for a way to make your New Year’s Champagne more exciting? Well look no further!  Here we have the recipe for a divine Peach Champagne Spritz.

This delicious champagne cocktail is crafted with wine, peach schnapps, grapefruit juice, and of course – champagne. Not only is it delicious- it is SO easy to make!

Ingredients:

3oz Pinot Grigio

½ oz Peach Schnapps

1oz [Fresh-Squeezed] Grapefruit Juice

2oz Champagne (or Brut Sparkling Wine)

First, fill your glass with ice. Next, pour 3oz of your favorite Pinot Grigio over the ice. Then add ½ oz of Peach Schnapps. Add 1oz of Grapefruit Juice (we used freshly squeezed for the freshest flavor). Next, mix the contents of the glass – this can be done by adding the contents of the glass into a tin and mixing.

Finally, return the mixture back into the glass and top with 2oz of your favorite bubbly Champagne.

This recipe has a mix of different ingredients, so we’re not getting too particular… Rather, here are some suggestions of some of our favorites:

Kris Pinot Grigio, Prophecy Pinot Grigio, Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut, or Graham Beck Brut

 

 

For more delicious recipes and ideas – check out our Pinterest page or visit our blog.

 

Cheers to a happy, healthy, bountiful 2021. 

 

Cappuccino Martini

Cappuccino Martini

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Cappuccino Martini : ShortStaf’s 2020 Holiday Cocktail ☕️

Cappuccino Martini

This year, we were looking to make a decadent, smooth, and satisfying Christmas cocktail (and we think we’ve nailed it). We have all heard of an espresso martini, but have you tried our Cappuccino Martini? Made with Vodka, Kahlúa, and Bailey’s – this cocktail is our perfect end to 2020.

We finished off this cocktail with a Turbinado Sugar garnish and a dusting of cinnamon – just like we like our cappuccinos.

Cappuccino Martini Ingredients:

1.5 oz Tito’s Vodka

1 oz Kahlúa

1 oz Bailey’s Irish cream

1.5 oz frothy milk

Turbinado Sugar [for rim]

Sprinkle of cinnamon

 

First, prepare the Turbinado sugar rim by pouring some sugar onto a plate to rim your glass. Prepare your glass by rimming the glass with water, then twist the rim of the glass in the Turbinado sugar until the entire edge is covered.

 

Now, prepare the mixing tin. Fill the tin ¾ of the way with ice. First, add the vodka.

**Hint: Try substituting a flavored vanilla or caramel vodka for bonus points!**

Add the Bailey’s and Kahlúa. Shake vigorously.

 

Next, froth your milk. We do this by shaking the jug vigorously before pouring. Otherwise, you could use a whisk.

Add the frothed milk into the martini glass first. Then, slowly strain the cocktail from the tin into the martini glass.

Dust the top of your drink with cinnamon.

Cheers!

 Enjoy your new after [or before ?] -dinner drink

Happy holidays from ShortStaf!

 

For more recipes and ideas, visit our Pinterest page or our blog!  Be sure to let us know if you tried our cocktail!

Tag us on Facebook and Instagram @shortstafapp to let us know how much you liked it!

Best wishes for a joyous holiday and a Happy New Year ?

Smoke Your Turkey

Smoked Turkey: Thanksgiving

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Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey: Done Right

How to SMOKE your Thanksgiving Turkey (1)

 

Our smoked turkey recipe is complete with ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and turkey day smoking tips. Don’t miss out on the best recipe around, perfected by ShortStaf CEO – Brenden Curcio.

Thanksgiving is almost here, and it is time to start thinking about how you are going to cook your Thanksgiving turkey! Instead of baking or deep frying, we are smoking our bird this year. Smoking the turkey gives it rich flavor and a beautiful, crisp skin. With this technique, the whole family is sure to enjoy (and be impressed). Read below for how to smoke your very own Thanksgiving Day feast.

 

INGREDIENTS:

(1) 14-16-pound turkey, fresh or thawed

(½) cup salted butter

(1 ½) teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

(1 ½) teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

(2) oranges with zest, quartered

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Butcher twine

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

 

  1. Soften the butter to room temperature and mix with the chopped rosemary and thyme.

 

  1. With a pair of poultry shears or knife, cut off the wing tips (or they’ll just burn)

 

  1. Dry the turkey with paper towels. For crispy skin, leave the turkey uncovered in the refrigerator overnight. This is our favorite way to prep.

 

  1. Starting at the bottom cavity, use your fingers to separate the turkey’s skin from the breast meat, be gentle and go slowly. Work slowly up towards the neck being careful not to split or tear the skin. Take the butter, chopped rosemary, and thyme mixture and spread underneath the skin you just separated.

 

  1. Rub olive oil all over the turkey. Now, season the outside of the turkey with salt, pepper, and the orange zest. Also, salt and pepper the inside of the turkey cavity and stuff with the quartered oranges and some additional rosemary and thyme. They deliver an amazing amount of additional flavor and help keep your turkey moist and juicy. You can also rub the butter mixture on the outside of the turkey, and cover with a cheesecloth.

Prepped Turkey

PREP YOUR SMOKER

Smoker

  1. Prep your fire ring or fire box with briquettes and your favorite wood.  You will roughly cover with ¾ of a bag.

 

  1. Fill a charcoal Chimney Starter half full with briquettes (We love Weber briquettes) and light with Lighter Cubes.

 

  1. Since this is a hot cook, there is no need for water in the water pan if you use one, although feel free to use just a little in there with some chicken stock – and cover the bottom with foil to make the clean up a little easier.

 

  1. Once the coals in the chimney have turned grey and ashed over, dump them over the unlit coals in the base of the smoker or firebox and let sit for about 10-15 minutes.

 

  1. If you plan on making DELICIOUS pan gravy, be sure to place a disposable foil tray on the lower grate of your smoker, which will allow for it to gather some very valuable juices.

Smoking the Turkey

  1. Smoke the turkey over medium low heat, 300-350 F. As the smoker climbs towards 300 F, place the turkey on the grate. We recommend using an electronic or Bluetooth temperature probe to monitor the internal temperature. We always use the iGrill mini for smoked meats and love it. Place that probe in the deepest part of the turkey’s thigh, trying not to touch any bone.

 

  1. Close the lid and try not to peak too much. This will keep the heat in. The temperature probe will tell you all you need to know. You are looking to pull the turkey when that thigh reading hits 165 F. A safe estimate is about 15-20 minutes of cook time per pound, but experience tells us that every turkey seems to be a little different.

 

  1. We use between 4-6 medium chunks of wood on the hot coals. A sweet wood is delicious – like applewood! Feel free to use hickory or mesquite!

 

  1. If your fire burns too hot, you may have to close some of your vents halfway. If you are battling cold weather and need to keep the temperature up, add 8-10 unlit briquettes every hour. (15-18 minutes of cook time per pound).
Smoked Turkey

Smoked Turkey ?: Brenden Curcio

  1. Before you carve into that beautiful bird  – take a picture of your smoked masterpiece. Don’t forget to tag ShortStaf!

 

TIPS:

 

Don’t forget to remove the giblets and the neck from the turkey cavity before prepping! 

 

If you don’t want a really dark skin color, you can lightly cover your turkey with a cheese cloth that was soaked in some meted butter or chicken broth.

 

Don’t skimp on the butter, rosemary, and thyme mixture. The butter under the skin gives your turkey an amazing flavor and keeps it juicy and moist! You can add additional butter to the outside of the turkey and cover with a cheesecloth.

 

Keep the lid closed! Trust the temperature probe and just monitor your grate or dome temperature, adjusting vents accordingly.

 

 

Thank you for reading and we hope your smoked turkey comes out amazing!

 

As always, ShortStaf is here if you need extra help this year.

Just download the app and post for servers, bartenders, set up, clean up, and so much more.

Enjoy time with friends and family, and don’t get stuck doing all the cleaning and cooking!

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving from ShortStaf!

Happy Thanksgiving

 

 

Post your smoked turkey on our Facebook page or tag us @shortstafapp. For more recipes, ideas and information: check out our blog or Pinterest page. 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving: 2020

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The holidays are looking a little bit different this year. Many people are skipping the travel and opting to stay home for Thanksgiving. While it is sad to miss friends and family on a holiday like Thanksgiving, we can still make it fun and enjoyable. Here we have 3 ways to make your small Thanksgiving one to remember.

Try cooking something new!

Every year we have to make a mental list of what people do and do not like. Aunt Kathy doesn’t like raisins, Tom doesn’t eat dairy, and Trish won’t eat turkey. This year, you can focus on what YOU like. Cooking for an entire extended family takes time and preparation. Since your Thanksgiving is going to be smaller, take the time to cook one of your favorites.  Why not try something new? Find a new recipe and switch it up this Thanksgiving, you will be happy you did – and you might make a new tradition.

 

Enjoy

Thanksgiving is a day filled with hustle and bustling- cooking, cleaning, decorating, and making sure everything runs smoothly. If you are used to multitasking while ensuring a smooth and fun day for everyone, you can use this time to…relax. Take a much-needed break. Forget the hustle and bustle and enjoy the small things. Make your favorite foods. Take your time and enjoy the day. Try a new recipe. Thanksgiving is a day centered around giving thanks and being grateful. Instill those values in your holiday by appreciating the small things.

 

Take advantage of virtual hangouts

Instead of missing out on seeing family, make it a point to connect with them virtually. Whether your tradition is happy hour before dinner, or game night after, you can still make it happen from a far. FaceTime or Skype with loved ones to keep tradition alive and spend quality time together. Just because we aren’t physically close, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy each other’s company.

Happy Thanksgiving

 

This Thanksgiving, make it a point to celebrate your way. Enjoy your favorite foods and try cooking something new. Indulge your way by taking the day slow, relaxing, and appreciating the small things. And finally, don’t forget your friends and family! You can still connect and enjoy their company, virtually. So, this year, let’s give thanks and be grateful (that 2020 is almost over). Have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy!

For more information, recipes, or ideas: check out our blog or visit our Pinterest Page! 

Celebration Inspiration

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Missing out on your time with family and friends? Here’s some celebration inspiration to get you back in the swing…

When we are ready to party again, ?? make sure you Staf your party with ShortStaf

Are you rescheduling a celebration you had planned? Now is the time to start thinking about how you will staff your upcoming event!

Celebration Inspiration

ShortStaf can provide Staf for any occasion. Need an example? ShortStaf can help with your…

 

Birthday party

Engagement party

Bridal shower

Baby shower

Gender reveal party

Anniversary party

Retirement party

Holiday party

House warming party

… And more!

Even if you haven’t postponed a special event, here’s some celebration inspiration to get you together with those you care about –  as soon as possible.

Since we have missed precious time together, you may want to have a get together just for the fun of it!

We don’t need a reason to celebrate… some fun ideas for an any time, no special occasion party can be…

 

Movie night

Theme party

Game night

Wine tasting

Potluck dinner

Dinner party

Brunch

Luncheon

or a “just because” party!

 

ShortStaf will be here to help make your next party memorable, enjoyable, and an all-around great time. Your ShortStaf Staf can set up, serve, bartend, clean up, and more! Now, it is important to be present in the moment, spending time with those who mean most. Use ShortStaf to free your time for what is important- making memories-not cleaning up.

 

Have questions about how to use the ShortStaf App? Email us at info@shortstaf.com

For more ideas, recipes, and celebration inspiration visit our blog or check out our Pinterest Page!

 

Don’t forget to take precautions when celebrating together, when permitted, to keep each other healthy and safe!

Memorial Day at Home

Memorial Day Activities : At Home

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Fun activities to celebrate Memorial Day, at home!??

Looking for Memorial Day activities that can be done at home? Here we have two fun and creative ways to express yourself for Memorial Day! 

1- Patriotic Baking

Memorial Day Cakes

This is a fun and easy way to get the kids involved. You can opt for cakes or cupcakes, or both (like we did)! This provides a creative outlet for everyone. We skipped the food dye in the frosting this year and went with sprinkles and fruit instead. Sticking with the red, white, and blue theme – we used strawberries, blueberries, and vanilla icing. Decorate however you want! Smiley faces and flags are both encouraged. 

2-Red White and Blue Tie Dye

Memorial Day Tie-Dye

Tie dye never goes out of style. In honor of this holiday, we are using red and blue dye to create a patriotic masterpiece. Watch the video below for the coloring technique we used. Now, you have a patriotic shirt for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and every day. 

Check out this Tie-Dye DIY to make a beautiful Red, White, and Blue creation of your own!

 

Happy Memorial Day from ShortStaf!

This year, join us in remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedoms. ??

 

For more information, recipes, and tips – visit our blog or check out our Pinterest page!

 

5 Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo

Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo: Fiesta YOUR Way!

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Social distancing and quarantine don’t have to stop your fiesta! Check out these recipes for our 5 Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo! We shook things up and made a different Margarita every day going into May and leading up to our favorite celebration!

 

Watch the video for the how-to’s and recipes for our Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo.

 

Uno de Mayo

We started things off with our Grapefruit Basil Margarita on the rocks.  This unique cocktail puts a sweet and tart spin on the classic Margarita!

 

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Silver Tequila  – (We used Milagro… Feel free to use Patron or whatever YOU like!)

0.5 oz Triple Sec

0.5 oz Agave

3 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice

1/2 Fresh Lime Juiced 

5 Fresh Basil Leaves 

Recipe:

Start by filling up your tin with ice. Next, pour 1.5oz of [Milagro] Silver Tequila inside. Add 0.5oz of Triple Sec. Pour 3oz of Fresh Grapefruit Juice. Add 0.5oz of Agave (to taste). Next, take your fresh basil leaves in your hand and SLAP them! It warms them up, wakes up the essential oils in the herb, and adds herbaceous aroma and flavor to your cocktail!  Put the basil leaves inside the tin. Now you shake, shake, shake! Strain the mixture over ice. Garnish with a lime slice and a basil sprig.

 

Dos de Mayo

After day 1 of Margaritas, and day ?? of quarantine – -things started to get fuzzy.  It was the perfect time to throw in something sweet! This delicious drink is sure to be a hit! Our ‘Peach Fuzz Margarita’:

 

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Silver Tequila 

0.5 oz Peach Schnapps 

1 oz Sour Mix

2 oz Orange Juice (fresh is best!)

Recipe:

Start by filling up your tin with ice. Next, pour 1.5oz of [Milagro] Silver Tequila inside. Add 0.5oz of Peach Schnapps. Add 1oz of Sour Mix and 2oz of OJ to the tin. Now you shake it up! Dump your tin into your salted [or unsalted] cocktail glass – and enjoy!

 

Tres de Mayo

We don’t know about you… but we feel like we’ve replaced spending time with our friends and going out to the parks with…eating.  This next Margarita is for the calorie-conscious, and is a refreshing spin on the traditionally sweeter cocktail. Our ‘Cucumber Skinny Marg’…don’t let the name fool you: this drink has some strength!

 

Ingredients:

2 oz Silver Tequila 

0.5 oz Agave Nectar (to taste)

3 Slices Cucumber, plus 1 for garnish [4 total]

Juice of 1 Fresh Lime

San Pellegrino [or Club Soda]

Recipe:

This drink relies heavily on your ability to SHAKE to release the refreshing cucumber essence. Start by filling up your tin with ice. Next, pour 2 oz of [Milagro] Silver Tequila inside. Add 0.5oz of Agave Nectar [to taste]. Add 3 of your cucumber slices and juice your lime! Now you shake it til you make it! Strain over your salted [or unsalted] ice filled glass, and top with San Pellegrino.  You could use club soda instead – for an even bigger sparkle – but we prefer the smaller bubbles.

 

Cuatro de Mayo

Okay, okay. We get it. You’re not a fan of tequila! Well, worry not! This drink is for YOU! The jury is still out on whether or not this is officially a ‘Margarita’, since it’s missing its signature ingredient…but we’re gonna let it slide! Cheers to the Vodka-Rita!

 

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Vodka

0.75 oz Triple Sec

3 oz Sour Mix

 

Recipe:

This drink is a classic…almost. We’ve made one minor [major] change.  We’re swapping the tequila for vodka. Start by filling up your tin with ice. Next, pour in 1.5 oz of Vodka. Add 0.75 oz of Triple Sec.  Add 3 oz of your favorite sour mix – and shake it up! Pour shaken drink into your salted [or unsalted]…we did half salt – to get the best of both worlds – ice filled glass, and indulge. 

 

Cinco de Mayo

We’re kicking it up a notch for the best day of May! This Margarita will leave you wanting more. It’s sweet, spicy, and our personal favorite. Our Pineapple-Jalapeno Margarita!

 

Ingredients:

1.75 oz Silver Tequila

0.5 oz Triple Sec

1 oz Sour Mix

2 oz Pineapple Juice

4 Jalapeno Slices 

[Caution when cutting… PS you’re not supposed to be touching your face anyway]

Recipe:

Here’s our last recipe. Our sweet, spicy, and delicious finale.  We’re throwing in some spice, balancing it with some sweet – and definitely having some tacos. Start by filling up your tin with ice. Next, pour 1.75 oz of [Milagro] Silver Tequila inside. Add 0.5oz of Triple Sec.  Add 1oz of your favorite sour mix and 2oz of pineapple juice – and shake it up! Pour shaken drink into your salted [or unsalted],  ice filled glass, and enjoy.  

 

FYI: This one is not for slow drinking: the longer it sits with those Jalapeño slices and seeds – the SPICIER it gets.  You might want to keep an extra splash of Pineapple Juice nearby, in case it gets out of hand. 

 

Enjoy, or Disfruta, as they say in Mexico! And don’t forget to let us know which of the 5 Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo is YOUR favorite!

 

For more tips, recipes and information; check out our blog or visit our Pinterest Page!

Grapefruit Basil Margarita

Grapefruit Basil Margarita for Cinco de Mayo!

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Grapefruit Basil Margarita for Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is almost here! What better way to celebrate than with a margarita? This year, switch up your margarita game. Try our Grapefruit Basil Margarita for Cinco de Mayo and put a sweet and tart spin on a Cinco cocktail staple! 

Grapefruit Basil Margarita

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Silver Tequila  – (We used Milagro… Feel free to use Patron or whatever YOU like!)

0.5 oz Triple Sec

0.5 oz Agave

3 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice

1/2 Fresh Lime Juiced 

5 Fresh Basil Leaves ?

Recipe:

Start by filling up your tin with ice. Next, pour 1.5oz of [Milagro] Silver Tequila inside. Add 0.5oz of Triple Sec. Pour 3oz of Fresh Grapefruit Juice. Add 0.5oz of Agave (to taste). Next, take your fresh basil leaves in your hand and SLAP them! It warms them up, wakes up the essential oils in the herb, and adds herbaceous aroma and flavor to your cocktail!  Put the basil leaves inside the tin. Now you shake, shake, shake! Strain the mixture over ice. Garnish with a lime slice and a basil sprig.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

¡Salud! 

View our Grapefruit Basil Margarita recipe video below, and check out our blog for more recipes and inspiration!

Looking for more information and recipes? Visit our YouTube channel to stay up to date with our latest video content!