Apr 07 2008
How To Start Cooking For A Crowd
When someone has the job of cooking for a crowd, whether by choice or by family election, there is often times a lot of stress that comes along with it. But cooking for a crowd does not always have to end up with the cook in tears and everything a mess. It is very simple to get this big job done with the right game plan and the proper follow through with the plan. The bigger the crowd, the bigger the dishes but that is nothing to worry about. Making large amounts of stuffing is no different then making a little bit of stuffing. Generally, there is not a lot of extra time that has to be given up.
Where a lot of the time gets wasted when cooking for a crowd is the confusion and break down of the cook, as they did not mentally prepare themselves for the occasion. If you are able to pass out things to do to friends and family, then do it. When someone asks you, is there something that they can do to help, do not be the overly polite hostess and say no, put them to work. Even if it is as simple as bringing the drinks to the dinner, let them help out. Even getting the smallest of items and chores to do off of your list will save you a lot of time.
Ask For Help
When cooking for a crowd, do not be afraid to ask for help whether it is actually preparing a few things, helping with setting arrangements, or planning the meal and the structured times for things to begin cooking. The more people who you have helping you, the better off that the meal will be a success and that you will still be in one piece after cooking for a crowd. You want someone who is reliable too as the last thing you want is to have someone designated to something extremely important and then they fail to follow through.
When you are all finished cooking for a crowd, you must take the time to sit back and relax so that you may enjoy all of the hard work you put into the meal. Sit back and enjoy the meal while looking through the eyes of your guests. Do not be too hard on yourself, as they will not so as critical of you as you are of yourself. Now that you are done cooking for a crowd, have a few people from that crowd help you pick up. There is nothing wrong in asking for a little bit of help. Even though you may not ask for them to wash your dishes, picking up their own plates and helping to clear the table is an excellent way to help end the day.
Holiday Menus
(NC)—Try making this delicious Homegrown Ontario Pulled Pork simple slow cooker recipe this holiday season and see the difference a little planning makes. Great as an appetizer served on a crostini, this savoury morsel will save you time in the kitchen while impressing your guests. More delicious appetizer recipes can be found online at [...]
(NC)—Adding new flavour to traditional foods can be fun and be a great way to get family members to try new foods. Indian flavoured products are becoming widely available and provide a great opportunity to create mouthwatering recipes for the whole family. This shrimp korma recipe is a quick and easy one for the entire [...]
(NC)—Mulligatawny soup originally became popular with the British stationed in India (employees of the East India Company) during Colonial Times. When they returned home, they brought the recipe back with them to England, and to other members of the Commonwealth. In fact Mulligatawny is the Anglicized name of two words for “pepper water,” molegoo (pepper) [...]
(NC)—Here are two easy ways to bring some excitement to your next children’s party – Wacky Waikiki or Purple Razzle Dazzle Shakes. For dozens more delicious treats to thrill your child, visit www.homebasics.ca.
Wacky Waikiki Shake
2 large ripe bananas, peeled and quartered
1 can frozen pineapple or pineapple-orange juice concentrate, thawed (6 oz)
1/2 cup milk
4 scoops Breyers [...]
Savor the Flavor Every Day, Every Way
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(ARA) – Long overlooked, mushrooms are nature’s hidden treasure for helping those focusing on living a healthful life. To promote the nutritional benefits of fresh produce this back-to-school season, Weight Watchers continues Pick of the Season, a public health initiative spotlighting seasonal fruit and vegetables, with recipes this quarter [...]
Skyrocketing gas prices and escalating grocery costs have put getting more for a dollar top-of-mind for many consumers. Many Americans are tailoring their grocery shopping lists to ensure they get more bang for their buck. That means purchasing items that provide the best nutritional punch for their value.
Luxury items like prepackaged or single serve meals [...]
Blueberries are most abundant and least expensive in the summer, making it an ideal time to get your fill of these little blue gems. Stock the fridge and freezer with blueberries to make meals, snacks and desserts that are easy on the cook. Blueberries never need to be peeled, pitted, stemmed or chopped –just a [...]