ideas needed!

[nittynora]

Having a party next weekend and have just added up numbers. 28 coming - a third are vegetarian and i'm panicking. Not catered en mass before.
So i need ideas - things i can cook/prepare in advance or freeze next week.
Stupidly i'm off to the cricket the day before so as this usually involves a glass or 3 of vino not much cooking shall be done then.... help please.
thanks

[nittynora]

[daileg]

what kind of party bbq buffet dinner ? need more info please

[Susiebelle]

ditto give us a clue, posh grub,buffet, 2 course,three course.
I am a veggie so can certainly offer ideas once we have a theme?

[Sparkly]

We have a summer bbq for between 25-35 once a year and that is also next weekend. My advice is to prepare as much as you can in advance so you have a chance of enjoying the event! From my experience of the last few years this time we are going for:

hot: (the only 3 that have to be prepared are the steak, chicken and veg and both will cook pretty quickly)

*Big slow-cooker pot of chicken curry
*Big slow-cooker pot of vegetable chilli
*Sirloin steaks cooked medium then thinly sliced with a dressing of soy, chilli, garlic, ginger and sesame oil. Serve this over a bed of lettuce or steamed pak choi. We get about 12 1-inch thick steaks and this gives a very big platter.
*Chicken tikka kebabs/some plain chicken kebabs
*Foil bag of mixed roast veg

cold (all made in the morning):

Mixed salad
Rice salad
pasta salad
coleslaw
big tray of tortilla chips with dips
various breads

I will then pre-cook some burgers and sausages for the kids/fussy people and will warm them in the microwave and put a load of spuds from the plot in foil in the bbq

For dessert I will buy a cheesecake and choc fudge cake from the wholesalers (costco). We will also do some popcorn on the lid of the bbq.

[nittynora]

More info -
At the house - hopefully in the garden weather permitting.
Family and friends so definitely not posh ;)
Can't do a barbie.
like the idea of salads thanks sparkly - phew you have an extensive menu - sounds great.

[jordsbabe]

Vegie lasange (spelling) with baked potatoe and green salad!

[grawrc]

I recently had a birthday party for my niece where we had over 40 ravenous students to feed. :o :o

the main advice I would offer is:

think out your menu well in advance
have cold dishes that you can prepare mostly the day before and put in the fridge
most salads need done the day of the event
choose hot dishes that can be prepared now and frozen and can then sit on the stove on the day of the party
for 28 folk I would have 3 or 4 desserts at least one would be fruit and cream
use disposable plates - the washing up is a pain in the neck!
we used plastic beakers for drinks - the downside is that they are spilled more easily!!
in general choose "safe" popular dishes that you know people will eat ( a big party is more about the folk you meet than the exoticism of the food!)

I'm sure I could think of more but that's a starter anyway.

[Doris_Pinks]

We too have a barbie next weekend for the millions...well 35+ people,
So if it were me and no barbie I would also do lasagne, meat and veggie, you can make it today and it freezes well. Can highly recommend Delia's veggie one!
Loads of garlic bread, and I am hopefully going to do my salads from the plot!

Cucumber and sour cream or cucumber, tomato, red onion & mint.
Courgette carpaccio (sp?)
Mixed tomato (if they ever ripen) salad
Green Bean & Potato salad
Lettuce Bowl.

Haven't decided on the puds yet, but it might just be Eton mess and fresh fruit, Jamie does an easy pineapple recipe where you cut it up and chuck on mint and sugar, and it is superb! Was also going to do slices of watermelon as it is supposed to be a summer barbecue! ;D

[nittynora]

Courgette carpaccio (sp?)

Thanks everyone for the advice!

Will take note and get freezing!

VERY intrigued by the above Doris.......... how do I make it??

[Doris_Pinks]

Here it is Nitty!
Very easy too.

Slice courgettes as thinly as possible, (mandoline would be good for this if you have one, not he musical instrument tho!)  lay out in a shallow dish, like scales on a fish!  Drizzle with lemon juice, and olive oil, grate with black pepper and sprinkle on parmesan shavings.( Torn basil leaves can be thrown on too!) Cover and leave to marinade. Serve!!


Tis delish!