Need food ideas...

[kimmyprettyface]

Hi all http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

I am throwing a baby shower for my boyfriend's sister and need some advice.

1. Should I make the food or order it? Which is more cost effective?

2. If I make the food, what should I make?

There should be between 20-30 people coming. I'm open to all suggestions!

Thanks http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

[serious]

I went to a baby shower not too long ago and my friend just made snacky food like; veggies, a meat and cheese tray, hot turkey sandwiches and a cake that she ordered from the grocery store. It sounds like you are going to have a big group so maybe you want to ask some friends to make something too and then there would not be so much for just you to do.
It probably would be easier to just order it but I think that may cost a little more but it would be your call depending on if you have the time to make other food.

[marmalady]

Kimmy, making the food is always more cost effective, but the three big questions here are
Can you cook?
Do you like to cook?
Do you have the time and space to cook?

If not, then yes, you're better off ordering.

I can come up with a zillion easy things, if you let me know what your 'level' of cooking experience is.

I just catered a wine party for 70 pp; wine was provided, so I didn't have that cost at all; the hosts provided all the paper goods. My charge to the client was $340; of that, about $170 was profit http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif.

Served - tenderloin on baguette slices with green peppercorn mayo; tomato/basil/fresh mozz skewers; herbed pita chips w/roasted red pepper dip and lemon artichoke dip; big crudite platter w/dip; sweet & spicy roasted pecans; tarragon shrimp salad in filo cups.

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If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa

[kimmyprettyface]

Well I have help so I'll be more directing than doing. I'm looking for recipes that are easy to make in bigger quantities and can be served buffet style. Got any ideas?

[marmalady]

Sure - want me to post 'em or email 'em? Who's the crowd - 'traditional' ladies only, or are the guys coming too? What time of day? Aps only or is it a meal? Do you have a cake planned separately, or are you making dessert, too? I'll get back to you after dinner tonite!

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If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa

[kimmyprettyface]

You can post them here, if you want. Or if it's easier my e-mail is kimmy@falconsoft.com

It's all women, all ages. I'm not sure what will work best. It's not a sit-down with tables, it will be in my boyfriend's parent's living room. So... go crazy http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

Edited to say that the cake is being bought from a bakery.

[marmalady]

Lemme throw out some general ideas here, you give me a direction, and I'll get you the recipes1
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- Quiche - you could do 4-5 different kinds (seafood, bacon/cheese, broc and cheese, etc.), and even make a 'crustless' quiche in lasagna pans to make larger quantities. Or - if you have the help and motivation, make each a little 'baby' quiche, for individual servings!

To go with - a pretty salad, maybe of baby greens, fruit and nuts.

Fruit platter with a dip (ginger-sour cream or lime-sour cream)

veggie crudite platter with 'baby' vegetables.

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- Assorted 'finger' sandwiches - thin white and wheat bread, trimmed, with different fillings; pimento cheese, egg salad, deviled ham, etc.

- A delicate soup, like vicchysoise, or other cream soup, served in little espresso cups

- Again, with a fruit and/or veggie platter

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Or, if it's not a meal, just do assorted appetizers -

- Homemade biscuits w/chicken salad, or roast beef w/horseradich mayo, or turkey w/cranberry mayo

- Chicken or beef teriyaki skewers

- Cherry tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil skewers

- Different brushetta toppings - tomato/basil; artichoke/lemon; broccoli/garlic; mushroom/cheese

- crabcakes

-assorted dips and dippers
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We used to do a 'Tuscan Bread station' at parties; white bean/rosemary/roasted garlic dip, the tomato skewers, assorted dressed olives, assorted bruschetta, shrimp scampi skewers, with lots of different Italian breads. Looks pretty yummy all set up, too!

Let me know if any of this makes any lights go off, and we'll go from there!

_____________
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa

[kimmyprettyface]

Some great ideas!

I like the Quiche idea but I think I want to stick with one hot dish and the only thing I have decided on is my mother-in-laws baked ziti. Yummy!

So far here's what I got: baked ziti, bruschetta... then nadda! I like the finger sandwiches idea but would it be more cost effective to order a hero type thing?

Tell me more about the Tuscan bread station...

Thank you!

[marmalady]

Okaaay - I see a theme here - what about a sort of broccoli salad (blanched broccoli, dressed with olive oil, lemon and garlic) for a cold/salad type dish? Sammys and baked ziti might be a lot - but what about a sort of antipasto platter with ham, salami, cheese, olives, peppers, etc? Check your supermarkets - you could probably buy something like this cheaper than making it.

The bread station was pretty much as it sounds; the white bean dip is awesome - kind of like hummus, but 'Italian'; you've already got bruschetta going, so maybe a dip like this would be neat?

When we did the whole presentation, we set it up in pretty pottery bowls and platters, and used 'elevation' (mainly boxes covered with a tablecloth), to add different levels to the table; the tablecloth was sort of a viney type pattern; and we put bunches of 'fake' grapes and vines around as deco.

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If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa

[steveg]

Or instead of a bread station try something a bit more Mediteranean... Inexpensive and very easy especially if you buy the dips...

- Serve Hummus, Baba Ganoush, and Tabouli in 3 separate bowls
- Cut up pita bread for dipping

[marmalady]

KImmy - DId you have the shower yet? What were your final choices for food? Everything go okay?

_____________
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa