Feeding the masses... (party food)

x-no-archive: yes

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

Baked potato or yam fries
Popcorn
Buffalo wings
Spagetti
Pasta salad

just to start.......

If it's a large party and folks will be balancing plates in laps or
while standing, I think baked ziti is a better bet than spaghetti. Food
should be in bite sized pieces, easy to manipulate without cutting.
Buffalo wings are too messy with too much debris for my liking, though
they are cheap. If you don't make them too drippy, they can pass my
test. Caesar salad sprinkled with shredded parmesan is usually a hit
anywhere I go.

Crudite and dip are colorful, and not expensive, especially if you do
the cutting yourself. Likewise, buying some large flatbreads, layering
them with coldcuts, sun dried tomatoes and/or some greens, then rolling
them up and cutting slices that look like pinwheels are easy to make,
visually appealing, and there's little waste, if they're cut into half
inch rounds. Bruschetta is easy to make by having the bakery slice some
baguettes Or Italian bread for you into 1/4" slices, then top with store
bought or homemade bruschetta topping.

Or you can have a chili party; make cornbread to go with it, with a
salad and some tortilla chips. Serve with shredded cheddar, minced
onion or scallions, and sour cream for garnish.

Susan

In article <[email hidden]>,

Susan said:

x-no-archive: yes

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

Baked potato or yam fries
Popcorn
Buffalo wings
Spagetti
Pasta salad

just to start.......

If it's a large party and folks will be balancing plates in laps or
while standing, I think baked ziti is a better bet than spaghetti. Food
should be in bite sized pieces, easy to manipulate without cutting.

Agreed...
So a smaller, non-noodly pasta with a good marinara sauce and
mini-meatballs.

I think swedish meatballs also go over well as do "little smokies", but
the little smokie sausages are NOT cheap. Just easy.

I've seen them "stretched" by mixing them with baked beans.

Quoted message said:

Buffalo wings are too messy with too much debris for my liking, though
they are cheap. If you don't make them too drippy, they can pass my
test. Caesar salad sprinkled with shredded parmesan is usually a hit
anywhere I go.

But they seem to be good for football parties... Those guys don't care
about the mess! <G> Just place trashcans strategically for the bones.

Quoted message said:

Crudite and dip are colorful, and not expensive, especially if you do
the cutting yourself.

I do those for holidays. Cheese balls are also always a hit and just
arrange a variety of crackers around them. Wheat thins go over well and
one box goes a long way.

I agree with crudites, especially olives, brocolli, cauliflower, celery
sticks with a bowl of ranch dressing in the middle.

Quoted message said:

Likewise, buying some large flatbreads, layering
them with coldcuts, sun dried tomatoes and/or some greens, then rolling
them up and cutting slices that look like pinwheels are easy to make,
visually appealing, and there's little waste, if they're cut into half
inch rounds.

I like that idea!
Bagel chunks and cream cheese also go well and at new years, a container
of inexpensive lox trimmings work and canned caviar in another bowl.

Quoted message said:

Bruschetta is easy to make by having the bakery slice some
baguettes Or Italian bread for you into 1/4" slices, then top with store
bought or homemade bruschetta topping.

Or you can have a chili party; make cornbread to go with it, with a
salad and some tortilla chips. Serve with shredded cheddar, minced
onion or scallions, and sour cream for garnish.

Susan

Tortilla chips and salsa, and a small crockpot of chili con queso is
always at the parties at work! ;-d
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-[censored]." -Jack Nicholson

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

Baked potato or yam fries
Popcorn
Buffalo wings
Spagetti
Pasta salad

Here are some ot the thigns I like:
Zwiebelkuchen (aGerman classic: sauteed onions and sour cream baked on
top of bread dough)
a couscous a bulghur salad
drained antural yoghurt mixed with whiped cream and canned,
semi-belndered peaches
home made cole slaw
zaziki

In article <[email hidden]>,

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

Baked potato or yam fries
Popcorn
Buffalo wings
Spagetti
Pasta salad

This depends. Are you talking about a lunch, dinner, cocktail party?
Buffet or sit down service?

One thing to consider for a party is sticking to a theme such as
Italian, Portuguese, Mexican, Chinese, or French for the food.

In article <[email hidden]>,

jake said:

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

Baked potato or yam fries
Popcorn
Buffalo wings
Spagetti
Pasta salad

Here are some ot the thigns I like:
Zwiebelkuchen (aGerman classic: sauteed onions and sour cream baked on
top of bread dough)

German "pizza"? :-)

Quoted message said:

a couscous a bulghur salad
drained antural yoghurt mixed with whiped cream and canned,
semi-belndered peaches
home made cole slaw
zaziki

What is zaziki?
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-[censored]." -Jack Nicholson

In article <[email hidden]>,

Stan Horwitz said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

Baked potato or yam fries
Popcorn
Buffalo wings
Spagetti
Pasta salad

This depends. Are you talking about a lunch, dinner, cocktail party?
Buffet or sit down service?

Large party/gathering, or a small group of freinds.

I've been at events that were feeding 500 people where everyone brought
potluck to feed 20 people each.

SCA events often cater to 50 to 150 people.
Large pots of stew or spagetti are often served there.
I went to one that was making a beef stew for about 75
people. Commercial rolls on the side. I got bored and volunteered to
help make dinner.

They liked that. <G>

I've had private parties with 6 to 12 buddies to play RPG's.
The idea is cheap and yummy. :-)

Quoted message said:

One thing to consider for a party is sticking to a theme such as
Italian, Portuguese, Mexican, Chinese, or French for the food.

Why not mix it up?
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-[censored]." -Jack Nicholson

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

Don't know what you call it, but it's a large flour tortilla spread in
thin layers with refried beans, cheese, guacamole, salsa, and whatever
else seems to fit (like sliced black olives?). You roll it into a
tight cylinder then cut into bite-sized portions. Secure with
toothpicks if necessary. I've had it at many large parties and never
seen any left over. -aem

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

Baked potato or yam fries
Popcorn
Buffalo wings
Spagetti
Pasta salad

just to start.......

Are the guests sitting at a table or not? If the guests are not at a table I
never serve any food that requires more than one utensil, so only finger or
fork food, and nothing that needs to be cut to eat unless you can cut it
easily with a foork, like cake.

How large a crowd are you thinking about. I just did a party with about 40
guests and chicken wings would have been prohibitive to produce in mass
quantities like that, I'd have to do them in batches, and there would never be
enough wings out at any given time.

Stuffed crescent rolls and bruschetta were my lifesavers. Super easy to make
and I could production line them. I had 3 variations for each, so it looked
like a lot more variety than there was. Veggie sushi was also a hit, super
easy, incredibly cheap (if you have the basics on hand, which I always do).

at a separate table I had a giant cheese platter with 5 kinds of cheese,
bread, crackers, olives, jam, peppers, and spiced nuts.

I love love love party planning, I wish I could throw a party every weekend!

--
..:Heather:.
www.velvet-c.com

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

devilled eggs
breadsticks, rolls, biscuits
red beans and rice
quiche, frittata
pasta with olive oil or butter and garlic

Tara

On Fri 02 Dec 2005 07:07:19p, Thus Spake Zarathustra, or was it Tara?

Quoted message said:

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

devilled eggs
breadsticks, rolls, biscuits
red beans and rice
quiche, frittata
pasta with olive oil or butter and garlic

Depends on local pricing, but wings can be very inexpensive.

--
Wayne Boatwright *¿*
_____________________________________________

A chicken in every pot is a *LOT* of chicken!

In article <[email hidden]>,

aem said:

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

Don't know what you call it, but it's a large flour tortilla spread in
thin layers with refried beans, cheese, guacamole, salsa, and whatever
else seems to fit (like sliced black olives?). You roll it into a
tight cylinder then cut into bite-sized portions. Secure with
toothpicks if necessary. I've had it at many large parties and never
seen any left over. -aem

Burrito rolls?

Yummy!
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-[censored]." -Jack Nicholson

In article <[email hidden]>,

The Bubbo said:

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

Baked potato or yam fries
Popcorn
Buffalo wings
Spagetti
Pasta salad

just to start.......

Are the guests sitting at a table or not? If the guests are not at a table I
never serve any food that requires more than one utensil, so only finger or
fork food, and nothing that needs to be cut to eat unless you can cut it
easily with a foork, like cake.

How large a crowd are you thinking about. I just did a party with about 40
guests and chicken wings would have been prohibitive to produce in mass
quantities like that, I'd have to do them in batches, and there would never be
enough wings out at any given time.

Stuffed crescent rolls and bruschetta were my lifesavers. Super easy to make
and I could production line them. I had 3 variations for each, so it looked
like a lot more variety than there was. Veggie sushi was also a hit, super
easy, incredibly cheap (if you have the basics on hand, which I always do).

Now there is a novel idea! :-)
I've not made sushi rolls in ages...
I do have Nori and a mat, but I'd have to get the sticky rice.....

Quoted message said:

at a separate table I had a giant cheese platter with 5 kinds of cheese,
bread, crackers, olives, jam, peppers, and spiced nuts.

Cheese platters are always a good idea, especially if you add some fruit
like lemon treated apple slices (lemon keeps them from turning brown)
and chunks of canned pineapple. But THAT is not inexpensive! <lol>

Quoted message said:

I love love love party planning, I wish I could throw a party every weekend!

--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-[censored]." -Jack Nicholson

In article <[email hidden]>,

Tara said:

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

devilled eggs
breadsticks, rolls, biscuits
red beans and rice
quiche, frittata
pasta with olive oil or butter and garlic

Tara

Devilled eggs are always popular! :-)
They are just a lot of work tho'.
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-[censored]." -Jack Nicholson

In article <[email hidden]>,

Wayne Boatwright said:

On Fri 02 Dec 2005 07:07:19p, Thus Spake Zarathustra, or was it Tara?

Quoted message said:

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

devilled eggs
breadsticks, rolls, biscuits
red beans and rice
quiche, frittata
pasta with olive oil or butter and garlic

Depends on local pricing, but wings can be very inexpensive.

I get them in the 5 lb. frozen bags, then cook them in the electric
grill.

If I had a LARGE batch to do, I'd fire up the oven.
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-[censored]." -Jack Nicholson

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

Okay, I thought I'd see if anyone was interested in disussing party
foods. Foods to feed a large crowd that are simple, quick and, most
important, inexpensive.

Baked potato or yam fries
Popcorn
Buffalo wings
Spagetti
Pasta salad

just to start.......

Gumbo

modom

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

I think swedish meatballs also go over well as do "little smokies", but
the little smokie sausages are NOT cheap. Just easy.

No, no, no! Never Swedish meatballs! <waving arms willdly in the
air> The Norwegian ones are far more flavorful. LOL!

I've never understood why the Swedish ones have caught on so strongly
when much better ones are sitting right around the corner.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Norwegian Meatballs

Recipe By 😄amsel
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : main dishes meatballs-loaves

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 large egg

1. Mix all ingredients well.
2. Roll into small balls. Brown in butter in a dutch oven or large
saucepan.
3. Cover with water and simmer for two hours on stovetop or in 350°F
oven.
4. Serve over egg noodles.

Note: I like to thicken the sauce by adding a slurry of cornstarch
and cold water toward the end of cooking. I've recently confirmed
with my native Norwegian neighbor that she thickens hers, too.

Cuisine:
"Scandinavian"
Source:
"Pat Zastera"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
--

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/head_trollop/my_photos

aem said:

Don't know what you call it, but it's a large flour tortilla spread in
thin layers with refried beans, cheese, guacamole, salsa, and whatever
else seems to fit (like sliced black olives?). You roll it into a
tight cylinder then cut into bite-sized portions. Secure with
toothpicks if necessary. I've had it at many large parties and never
seen any left over.

Here's a recipe that I've had since before anyone ever heard of a
wrap. Just don't ask me how many tortillas you'll need. Most people
eat them until they're literally sick the first time. They go over
very well.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Tortilla Roll-Ups

Recipe By 😄amsel
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:30
Categories : appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 ounces sour cream
4 ounces mild green chilies
3 ounces cream cheese -- softened
1/4 cup olives (black or green) -- chopped
2 cups cheddar cheese -- shredded
garlic powder -- to taste
tabasco sauce -- to taste

Combine all ingredients.
Spread mixture on 2/3 of flour tortilla (8-inch).
Roll up , working toward the plain 1/3 of the tortilla.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Slice into approximately 3/4" slices.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Serving Ideas : Serve with salsa.
--

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/head_trollop/my_photos

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

Wayne Boatwright said:

Depends on local pricing, but wings can be very inexpensive.

I get them in the 5 lb. frozen bags, then cook them in the electric
grill.

If I had a LARGE batch to do, I'd fire up the oven.

Two wing recipes:

* Exported from MasterCook *

Charliam's Favorite Chicken Wings (Cracklin' Wings)

Recipe By :Pat (Cryambers)
Serving Size : 8 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : appetizers poultry

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
24 whole chicken wings
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon chipotle pepper -- ground
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Optional:
1/2 cup butter
4 1/2 ounces hot sauce -- Frank's
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 lime -- juiced

* Seasonings are just a suggestion

1. Wash chicken wings and pat dry. Separate drummies from paddles,
and cut off wing tips -reserve for another use.
2. Line 2 cookie sheets with foil and spray with nonstick cooking
spray. Put flour, pepper, garlic powder and salt in ziplock bag;
shake to mix. Add wing pieces, a few at a time, and shake to coat.
Put flour-coated wings on foil-covered cookie sheets. Bake in
preheated 375°F oven for 1 1/2 hours, moving wing pieces around after
45 minutes so they won't stick to the foil.
3. When wings are done, melt butter in medium saucepan. Add hot
sauce, vinegar, and lime juice. Turn off heat. Toss wings with sauce
and serve.

Yield:
"48 pieces"
Start to Finish Time:
"2:15"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Serving Ideas : Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch
dressing

NOTES : Named in honor of Charlie (Liam) Gifford. I call them
"Cracklin' Wings" because they're so crisp. (Damsel)

* Exported from MasterCook *

Mahogany Chicken Wings

Recipe By 😄amsel
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : appetizers poultry

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup plum sauce
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup saki (rice wine)
1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon garlic -- finely minced
1 bunch green onions -- finely minced
5 pounds chicken wings

Combine all ingredients except chicken. Bring to a boil, lower heat,
and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Cool.

Cut wings at joints, forming "drummies," "sticks," and "tips". Discard
tips, or save for making soup stock.

Place wings in a container for marinating (Zip-Loc bags work great for
this), then cover with sauce. Refrigerate at least overnight, up to
two days. Turn occasionally.

Line two large jelly roll pans with aluminum foil. Coat with
vegetable oil or shortening to minimize sticking. Preheat oven to
375°F.

Place individual chicken pieces on pans and bake, uncovered, for 20
minutes. Remove liquified chicken fat and juices from pan. Turn
chicken pieces and baste with marinating sauce.

Bake another 20 minutes, turn chicken and baste. Repeat twice more,
watching carefully during the last baking cycle, so the sauce doesn't
burn.

Cuisine:
"Asian"
Yield:
"5 dozen"
Serving Ideas : Serve hot or cold.

NOTES : 2nd Annual Twin Cities RFC Picnic

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
--

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/head_trollop/my_photos

On Fri 02 Dec 2005 08:40:11p, Thus Spake Zarathustra, or was it Damsel in
dis Dress?

Quoted message said:

Newsgroups: rec.food.cooking
Subject: Re: Feeding the masses... (party food)
From: Damsel in dis Dress <[email hidden]>
Reply-To: [email hidden]

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

Wayne Boatwright said:

Depends on local pricing, but wings can be very inexpensive.

I get them in the 5 lb. frozen bags, then cook them in the electric
grill.

If I had a LARGE batch to do, I'd fire up the oven.

Two wing recipes:

And great recipes they are, Carol. I'm glad you posted them again!

--
Wayne Boatwright *¿*
_____________________________________________

A chicken in every pot is a *LOT* of chicken!