Lynn Allen – Page 3 – Simple Happy Holidays

It happens to most of us at some time. We need to feed 20 to 50 people for a party, celebration, or event. It can seem overwhelming, but when you think about it, other people do it all the time. What is a good meal to feed a crowd? First, think of how food service businesses do it. There are many foods that can be made ahead and chilled or reheated. Large buffets serve crowds of people with these types of foods. Meals based on pasta or rice with a protein and some sides are a great way to feed a crowd. Whether this is your first time to plan a large meal, or if you have done it before but would like a simple and easy plan, anyone can create a great meal for a crowd. Planning Meals to Feed a Large Group If you've ever been to a wedding reception, a large buffet, or even a school lunchroom, you have probably noticed that they have some things in common. Most of the foods do not involve much or any last minute fussing and prep. Many things are made ahead and kept warm in steam pans. Some convenience items are often used. Things to Know The simplest way to serve a large group is buffet style. Plan where to put your serving tables, or maximize counter space.Avoid foods that are soft and runny on the plate.Plan a menu that is easy for guests to serve themselves.Place condiments near the foods they will accompany.Keep cold foods on ice and keep hot foods warm in crockpots or something similar.Local grocery stores can often provide you with cooked meats, breads, fruit and vegetable plates, and desserts. A single line buffet table Suggested Menu Items to Feed a Large Group Entrees ( serve 2 choices if possible): Pot RoastMeatballs with pastaPasta with Chicken in Alfredo SaucePulled PorkChicken in Curry Sauce over RiceBaked Potato BarChef Salad Bar or Taco Salad BarLasagneSliced HamRoasted Turkey BreastBaked SalmonA selection of Sliders (mini sandwiches) Sides and Salads (choose sides with food safety in mind) PastaFlavored rice such as Spanish, Cilantro Lime, CheesyBaked or mashed potatoesCreamed cornBaked beansBroccoli in cheese sauceCole slawGreen saladGelatin saladMarinated vegetablesPasta salad with Italian type dressingMelon wedgesWedge salads Desserts Sheet cakesBar cookiesCupcakesHot fudge sundaesIce cream sandwiches topped with whipped cream and a cherryBerry shortcakeBrowniesRice krispie squares with sprinkles Sample Menus 2 or 3 Kinds of Sliders (ground beef, ham and cheese, bbq chicken) Pasta Salad with Italian dressing Melon Wedges Marinated vegetables Chocolate Sheet Cake Pasta Marinara Sauce Chicken Alfredo Sauce Green salad Gelatin Salad French Bread Brownies Baked Potatoes topped with: Pulled Pork Cheese, Butter, Sour cream and French Fried Onions BBQ sauce Cole slaw Creamed corn Cupcakes Choose foods that are generally known to be liked by most people. Take into account foods that might be an allergy problem for some. Set a budget. The drinks you serve can have a large effect on how much the meal will cost, so if money is a concern, consider serving something like sparkling water with lemons, limes, or other fruit floated in the serving container. How to Know the Quantity of Food You Will Need One way to calculate quantities is per meal. Then multiply these amounts by the people to be served. A 1.25 Pound (20.5 ounce) “Meal” per person is: A serving of protein (6 ounces) A vegetable side (3.5 ounces) A starch side (3.5 ounces) A salad (2 ounces – equals one cup of shredded lettuce) Bread or rolls (2 oz) A dessert (3.5 ounces) Another way is to calculate total (uncooked) amounts: FOODSERVES 25SERVES 50chicken or turkey breast10 lbs20 lbsham or roast beef10 lbs20 lbspork9 lbs18 lbshamburgers9 lbs18 lbsbread (loaves)35rolls50 100baked beans5 quarts2 1/2 gallonscabbage for cole slaw5 lbs10 lbslettuce for salads5 heads10 headspotatoes2550salad dressing3 cups1 1/2 quartscakestwo 9 x 13four 9 x 13ice cream1 1/2 gallon2 1/2 gallonspastathree 16 oz. pkgs.six 16 oz. pkgs.rice, uncooked2-3 lbs3-4 lbs Try this neat food calculator The Guest_Imator The Guest Imator Food Calculator Some Helpful Things You Might Need A good roasting pan for cooking large cuts of meat, pork, or turkey. A big pan can also be used for serving large amounts of things like pulled pork, or a pile of baked potatoes. this one is from Amazon An instant read meat thermometer. These are not just for meat, they can be used for candy making and deep frying, and also to make sure your foods are at safe temperatures. Thermopro from Amazon A large (20 qt.) stock pot for cooking pasta or rice. Related Questions Can pasta be cooked ahead? Yes, this is how restaurants make large amounts of pasta. The pasta is cooked until not quite done, then drained and chilled. When it's time to serve it, reheat the pasta by adding it to boiling water just long enough for it to heat through and finish cooking, then serve. What is the cheapest meal to feed a crowd? Generally, meals that contain less meat, or cheaper kinds of meat, will be the least expensive. For example, a hot dog bar with toppings, a Chef's salad bar, a nacho bar, etc. Use inexpensive but filling side dishes such as macaroni and cheese and roasted potatoes. Examples of Recipes Scaled for a Crowd Fudge Brownies for 48 People Makes enough for two 13 x 18 sheet cake pans. 1 lb baking chocolate1.25 lb shortening10 oz cake flour10 oz all purpose flour5 1/2 tsp baking powder2 1/2 tsp salt15 eggs3 lb sugar1 T vanilla Melt chocolate and shortening together.Combine eggs, sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Beat well. Blend chocolate mixture into egg-sugar mixture.Add dry ingredients, beating only until blended. Do not over mix.Pour half of batter into one 13 x 18 sheet pan, and the other half of batter into a second sheet pan.Bake at 325°F for 20-25 minutes until edges shrink slightly from edge of pan. Cool. Cut each pan into 24 pieces. Cooking Rice for a Crowd Oven Method 3 qt long grain white rice5 qt water3 T salt Preheat oven to 350°Place the uncooked rice in a large roasting pan (lightly sprayed with cooking spray), spread evenly. Set aside.In a large stock-pot, combine water and salt. Bring to a rolling boil.CAREFULLY pour boiling water over rice and stir so rice is even along the bottom.Immediately cover tightly with aluminum foil. Make sure you have a tight seal around ALL the edges. Place roasting pan in oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until rice is tender.Fluff with a large spoon & serve.Note: If you want to wait to serve, just keep in the oven at 150 degrees or so. Add a little water if necessary to keep from drying out.