 |
|
12-26-2006, 12:12 PM
|
#1
|
Assistant Cook
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 23
|
25th Birthday Party
HELP!! DH is turning 25 next month and I was just going to cater something simple but spent most of our money on Christmas presents instead, so now I'm cooking a buffet style meal for his whole family and some of his friends instead. (Most of which I have never fed before.) I need help on the menu.
I just want to do simple foods like that...I don't need to wow anyone just feed them.
Any and all ideas are appreciated!
Thanks bunches
~Angel
__________________
__________________
|
|
|
12-26-2006, 01:00 PM
|
#2
|
Chef Extraordinaire
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: california
Posts: 21,372
|
Anglebear,
give us an idea of how many people will be attending, what sort of foods his family prefer, do you want mainly hot foods,finger foods like sanwiches, soups, salads..We can work from there..
kadesma
__________________
__________________
HEAVEN is Cade, Ethan,Carson, and Olivia,Alyssa,Gianna
|
|
|
12-27-2006, 09:34 AM
|
#3
|
Assistant Cook
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 23
|
I will be cooking for 20-25 (7 of them kids) so I want to be basic foods (preferably not messy as our house is decorated with light colors).
Hot foods for sure, maybe an easy salad, i definately want some sort of broccoli side dish (DH's favorite). The party will be at about 5 PM so I will have all day to cook.
I was thinking along the lines of one beef or pork entree and one poultry, but beyond that I need a muse.
I am thinking of baking some cookies to go along with the cake for desert (to be done the day before). I will be ordering the cake because while I can bake a lovely cake the decoration would probably make the children cry as I am not an artist. :-)
If you have any other questions I will be happy to answer them.
Thanks again
-Angel
__________________
|
|
|
12-27-2006, 09:55 AM
|
#4
|
Executive Chef
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,927
|
Serve a mixed grill and empty the freezer.
hotdogs
hamburgers
kielbasa
chicken
pork chops
maybe a few steaks cut into 4oz portions
buns/mustard/mayo/bbq sauce
chips
baked beans
potato salad
and broccoli casserole
|
|
|
12-27-2006, 10:17 AM
|
#5
|
Head Chef
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Farmington, Minnesota
Posts: 1,007
|
If impressing isn't a requirement, make casserole type dishes. Baked pasta (ziti, penne, etc.) is beyond simple, and you can interchange the pasta used. All that is needed is pasta, ground meat (beef, sausage, or whatever), marinara and cheese. If you have everything pre-made and mixed, just not baked, you can have a couple baking while already having a couple out for service.
HB has a good call too, with the grill bit. Maybe a bit chilly in Chicago unless you are a die hard, but even still, all of that can be cooked on an indoor grill.
__________________
Integrity & Honesty have been sacrificed on the combined altars of Control, Political Correctness, and Convenience
|
|
|
12-27-2006, 10:25 AM
|
#6
|
Executive Chef
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,927
|
We grilled in PA by shoveling the 2' snow off the grill and patio. We're hard core grillers so I don't think about people not doing it all year long.
|
|
|
12-27-2006, 10:42 AM
|
#7
|
Head Chef
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,418
|
How about an Italian theme?
Anipasto platters are quick to make, can add meats, cheeses, artichoke hearts, olives (all kinds), gosh just walk around your supermarket (or better yet Italian grocery) and people love it. (Can always get some ideas on line.)
Can also serve a frittata, cut into slices.
Both easy to do and can easily be make in advance.
Salads, a broccoli salad maybe with roasted red peppers (cut into strips). Can make with a sexy looking pasta, maybe some Parmesan on top, and a nice dressing. Many other ingredients you could put in that would be great.
Then a regular green type salad, sparked up as you feel fit.
A white lasagna (keeping the carpets in mind).
And serve with a pork loin. Here maybe would go with a bit of a tomato base sauce, if you are willing.
Some nice bread, and I think it would work.
You have the dessert covered, but if you know an Italian bakery for the cake it would make the theme complete.
Just one idea. Sure it will all work out wonderfully.
__________________
|
|
|
12-27-2006, 10:52 AM
|
#8
|
Head Chef
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Farmington, Minnesota
Posts: 1,007
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Half Baked
We grilled in PA by shoveling the 2' snow off the grill and patio. We're hard core grillers so I don't think about people not doing it all year long. 
|
For sure. I've grilled here in MN with a sub zero wind chill. Forget the snow, it'll melt once the fire gets hot. Took a bit longer to get hot, but still was great!
__________________
Integrity & Honesty have been sacrificed on the combined altars of Control, Political Correctness, and Convenience
|
|
|
12-27-2006, 12:35 PM
|
#9
|
Head Chef
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,418
|
Angelbear to serve cooked, warm food for a group of 25, at least for me, is a bit tough without the buffet trays to warm the food in.
Or unless you are doing things in slow cookers.
At least my experience.
So would probably go with a mixture of room temperature dishes and add one or two dishes you could heat and bring out hot at the last minute.
Just my take on things.
And you want to enjoy this party so I would plan and make ahead.
__________________
|
|
|
12-27-2006, 12:37 PM
|
#10
|
Assistant Cook
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 23
|
auntdot that is exactly what I am thinking. I can do some things in the oven. I have 2 slow cookers (one new for Christmas YAY!) and am not against making something(s) ahead and re-warming it come dinner time.
__________________
__________________
|
|
|
 |
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Latest Forum Topics |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
» Discuss Cooking on Facebook |
|
» Recent Recipe Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|