When you need to feed a gathering of people in a casual atmosphere what do you make?
Whatever you make, go with buffet style, and plenty of finger foods. You could go with the usual mac & cheese, or some such pasta casserole. If no one is kosher, maybe a spiral ham. As I type this, some recipes are coming to mind. I will start looking some up and post them here.
(09-28-2012, 12:23 PM)QueenBee Wrote: [ -> ]Whatever you make, go with buffet style
I ALWAYS do. You don't think I'm serving people, do you? Noooo.
I want a pot where I can just throw in a bunch of stuff in & voila'.
(09-28-2012, 12:15 PM)Duchess Wrote: [ -> ]
When you need to feed a gathering of people in a casual atmosphere what do you make?
A phone call to the caterer.
Who cares.........just wear something with plenty of cleavage. When feeding an army.
Maybe I'll cook a ham & go from there. I cooked a turkey recently & even though my home filled with smoke it turned out beautifully.
I usually break out the turkey frier and fire up the smoker
Big pot of chili would work.
Jambalaya with garlic bread and a big salad.
(09-28-2012, 10:31 PM)sally Wrote: [ -> ]Jambalaya
You make the real deal, don't you? I've made this before with sausage & shrimp but it all started from a box, Zatarains or something like that.
(09-29-2012, 06:46 AM)Duchess Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2012, 10:31 PM)sally Wrote: [ -> ]Jambalaya
You make the real deal, don't you? I've made this before with sausage & shrimp but it all started from a box, Zatarains or something like that.
The box is ok for a quick meal, but I was talking about the real thing which would probally be more work than you want to do now that I think about it. Ham is probally the easiest. If you need a side these potatoes are always good and easy, the recipe can also be doubled.
Cheesy potatoes
1 stick melted butter
1⁄
2 tablespoon onion powder
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄
2 teaspoon pepper
1 regular size can of cream of mushroom soup
1⁄
3 cup sour cream
2 lbs frozen shredded hash browns thawed
Mix all together, place in a large casserole dish and bake at 350 for an hour or untill browned.
(09-29-2012, 10:42 AM)sally Wrote: [ -> ]these potatoes are always good and easy
This sounds really wonderful, thank you! I will give you all the credit given the people I would be feeding will know immediately that I wasn't clever enough to come up with this on my own...and thanks for not giving me something with too many steps. 
Those cheesy potatoes do look good, Sally. Will have to try them myself.
This is good for an appetizer or side. I have made it several times, and folks love it. I serve it with the Tostitos scoops chips. IF you have leftovers, it does keep well.
Texas Caviar
Ingredients
2 (15.8 ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
2 fresh medium jalapenos, stemmed, seeded and minced
1 small onion, cut into small dice
1⁄2 yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into small dice
1⁄4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
6 tablespoons red wine vinegar
6 tablespoons olive oil (not extra virgin)
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cumin
Directions
1. Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl; cover and refrigerate 2 hours or up to 2 days. Before serving, adjust seasonings to taste, adding extra vinegar, salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl.