| Author |
Message |
    
rosie
Citizen
Username: Rosie
Post Number: 56
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 1:39 pm: |     |
I'm having a party this fall and expect about 50 adults. I'm planning on making the food myself (with help from some friends). I'd like to have a theme to the menu. Any ideas? Right now I'm kind of leaning towards a Southern menu but am open to all sorts of ideas!!! It'll be an afternoon party/buffet style. |
Eats Shoots & Leaves
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 2326
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 2:08 pm: | |
I find Tex-Mex inspired barbeque to work well for large crowds--easy to make appetizers and dips ahead of time, can prepare grilled meats ahead of time, lots of flavors. Quesadillas, guacamole, enchiladas, tacos, spicy grilled chicken and salmon and shrimp and vegetables--mmmmm. Make some good homemade salsas, including salsa fresca with chopped veggies, and fruit salsas. Homemade sangria is also a lot of fun to make, and quaff, and stretches the wine out a bit so you can drink all afternoon. Margaritas are easy also, especially if you buy a good mix.
Hey, I think I need to throw a party again--after I sell the house! |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1200
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 2:34 pm: | |
My advice is to stay simple - one large casserole type main course, a starch (potatoes, rice etc), a really good salad and bread.
Suggestions for the main dish:
chicken pot pie
meatloaf
meatballs
short ribs
pot roast |
mim
Citizen
Username: Mim
Post Number: 516
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 4:14 pm: | |
Even the simplest dishes for 50 can be a lot of work! (I made chicken pot pie for about 20 once and was prepping vegetables and poultry for quite some time...) Could you buy a few hams/smoked turkey breasts/etc.? Then you can focus on the sides and desserts. |
Hank Zona
Supporter
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 4316
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 4:25 pm: | |
rosie,
We just had a family party for 70 this past weekend. Including rentals of tables and chairs, party supplies, alcohol and food costs, we figured it came to around $20 a head and that was with alot of food and beverages and supplies leftover (wont need to be buying plastic forks or large garbage bags and some other food related stuff or beer any time soon). Everything was buffet style...we put out a crudite with a sundried tomato dip and a corn salsa for starters...Carolina styled pulled pork with a vinegar sauce, herb crusted filet mignon with a mustard horseradish sauce, marinated grilled chicken; a green salad, barley salad and curried couscous salad, rolls; brownies, cookies, cake, fruit platter. The only thing that really was pricey was the filet. The pork shoulders are .99 a pound. We had plenty leftover even after giving alot of folks bags of food to go home with...just finished up the prepared food leftovers last night from Saturday. As mim suggested, go with 2-3 large meat items, and then be creative with the side dishes and dessert. Also consider food that can be served at room temperature and/or food that people can eat easily if there isnt table space for everyone. |
rosie
Citizen
Username: Rosie
Post Number: 57
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 5:02 pm: | |
Thanks everyone. I think the idea of having 2 large meat items is a good idea and creative sides and appetizers. Tex/Mex sounds like a good idea...
Hank, I was originally thinking of a southern menu with pulled pork. Do you have a good recipe? Side dishes would be easy....corn bread, green salad, apple sauce...I''m still thinking!
|
Hank Zona
Supporter
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 4319
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 5:57 pm: | |
If you dont own it, or cant get your hands on it, The Barbecue Bible, written by Steven Raichlin, is in the Maplewood Library. It has a number of excellent recipes for all sorts of grilled and barbecued items, including rubs, marinades, sides. The pulled pork recipe in there is excellent, along with the appropriate accompanying Carolina vinegar and mustard sauces. Also has beer can chicken and many others. Ive not made one thing in the book I wouldnt make again. I smoked four shoulders on my grill (yes, it gives instructions on how to use a gas or charcoal grill). That was almost 40 lbs of pork shoulders for under $40. I could have done three shoulders and still had leftovers I think (since there were two other meat dishes). The sauces are easy to make and store. You can also make an easy coleslaw and buy some rolls to go along with it. |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 3876
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 10:16 am: | |
lasagnes -- one veggie, one meat, maybe one funky seafood. Big salads and yummy garlic bread. For dessert -- brownie sundaes. |
Beans
Citizen
Username: Nalini
Post Number: 110
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 1:38 pm: | |
Can't go wrong with a cheese plate and serve it with fresh pears, apples, crusty breads, and crackers. |
lah
Citizen
Username: Lah
Post Number: 366
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 8:09 pm: | |
If you go Tex-Mex, I have an easy Pulled Pork (or chicken) crock pot recipe that you can use. Let me know if you want it. |
rosie
Citizen
Username: Rosie
Post Number: 58
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 8:08 am: | |
lah,
I think we are going to go with the pulled pork. I have a crock pot and I like using it b/c it's no hassel. When you get a chance, I'd love the recipe. Thank you! |
lah
Citizen
Username: Lah
Post Number: 369
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 1:37 pm: | |
The recipe is located here http://recipes.chef2chef.net/recipe-archive/55/291505.shtml
Two things to note: your choice of BBQ sauce matters (I like Sweet Baby Ray's; just choose one you know and like). You may want some help on the shredding at the end. That step is what takes the most time. It's easy, but tedious.
I've also cut & pasted the recipe, in case the link doesn't work.
Title: Tex-Mex Pulled Pork
Yield: 8 Servings
Ingredients
1 C Tomato Sauce
1 C Barbecue Sauce
1 Med Onion; sliced
2 4.5 Oz.cans Green Chiles;
-diced
1/4 C Chili Powder
1 Tsp Cumin,and Oregano
1/4 Tsp Cinnamon
1 2 1/2 Lb. Boneless Pork Loin
- Roast; trimmed
1/2 C Cilantro; chopped
Instructions
Mix sauce ingredients in a 3-qt.or larger slow-cooker.Add pork, then spoon
sauce over pork just to cover.
Cover cooker and cook on high 3 1/2 hours or on low 8 to 10 hours, or until
pork is fork tender. Remove pork to a cutting board and using 2 forks, pull
meat into shreds.
Pour sauce into serving bowl;stir in cilantro and shredded pork.
I've doubled the recipe to feed about 20 people. Rice and cornbread can probably stretch it even further.
Good luck!
|
bill671
Citizen
Username: Bill671
Post Number: 132
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 2:30 pm: | |
Go with a real NJ theme -
Dirty Water Dogs
Chafing dish with all the dogs (Sabrett's of course), and then all the fixings - Chili, chopped onions, onions in sauce, few fancy mustards, sauerkraut. Of course most adults will deny that as appropriate food to serve as a main course, but I went through 10 lbs of dogs at last year's Superbowl Party.
I paired the dogs up with a full knosh fest of finger food and hors' duerves (sp?). We got all the heat and serve stuff from Costco,particularly the Tyson Buffalo wings, and some good bleu cheese dressing. Also the brschetta and garlic toast, and the spinach dip with Breton style crackers. By time you add in cheese pepperoni and veggie platters and some dips and chips, everyone's leaving your party 5 pounds heavier than they arrived.
Best part - Easy, easy prep, and you actually get to spend some time with your guests. How many times have any of us hosted a large gathering and don't even remember who was able to be there, or didn't show up? It's your party, too! |
User58
Citizen
Username: User58
Post Number: 303
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - 3:47 pm: | |
go to costco they sell everything in bulk for a party including food |
|
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page