whitestavern Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 (edited) I'm having about 25 people for a family reunion this weekend. I didn't want to do the whole hamburgers hot dogs thing because 1) it requires dh to be on for cooking during the event and 2) it's not really elegant. Plus there is always waste unless you take orders ahead of time, and then there are always people who change their mind. So, I was hoping for something a bit nicer than the standard bbq fare. We will be doing all sorts of salads (cole slaw, tossed, pasta) as well as a big vat of roasted veggies. There are several vegetarians in the mix. I was originally thinking chicken of some kind. Maybe marinated ahead of time and then throw in the oven. I also have a recipe for a garlic parm breadcrumb coated chicken. However, it's now predicted to be about 100 degrees for the party. And we have no AC. So I'm trying to think of an entree dish that is do ahead that won't require the use of an oven. Or could maybe be in a big aluminum pan and heated on the grill? I really have no idea. Anything that could be served cool or warmed to room temp before serving? Anyone have any ideas for me? Edited July 19, 2016 by whitestavern Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 I'm afraid I'd go cold foods entirely, elegance or no, with 100 degree temps and no AC. I'd probably make an assortment of sandwiches (these can be kind of fancy, depending on fillings and breads, plus you can do some vegetarian), and cold fried chicken, to go with the sides you have planned. Also I'd serve plenty of fresh fruit, and cold drinks, and keep everything chilled during serving time. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 Tomato Basil Tart. Always well liked in our circles. Can be made ahead by a day (or night before). I live in an area where temps climb to F100 regularly, so I do a lot of baking at night. Let me know if you are interested in a specific recipe. There are probably several online. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 I'm afraid I'd go cold foods entirely, elegance or no, with 100 degree temps and no AC. I'd probably make an assortment of sandwiches (these can be kind of fancy, depending on fillings and breads, plus you can do some vegetarian), and cold fried chicken, to go with the sides you have planned. Also I'd serve plenty of fresh fruit, and cold drinks, and keep everything chilled during serving time. Yes, this could work. You can do different things, like roll-ups with large tortillas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted July 19, 2016 Author Share Posted July 19, 2016 I'm afraid I'd go cold foods entirely, elegance or no, with 100 degree temps and no AC. I'd probably make an assortment of sandwiches (these can be kind of fancy, depending on fillings and breads, plus you can do some vegetarian), and cold fried chicken, to go with the sides you have planned. Also I'd serve plenty of fresh fruit, and cold drinks, and keep everything chilled during serving time. I love the idea of cold fried chicken. Anyone have any tried and true recipes? Yes, we'll have plenty of cold drinks and fruit to keep everyone hydrated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted July 19, 2016 Author Share Posted July 19, 2016 Tomato Basil Tart. Always well liked in our circles. Can be made ahead by a day (or night before). I live in an area where temps climb to F100 regularly, so I do a lot of baking at night. Let me know if you are interested in a specific recipe. There are probably several online. Would love the recipe if you have one you really like! You cook it the night before and it sits at room temp, or in the fridge? Also, I didn't mention the party will be outside. We have a nice shaded yard and a pool I'm hoping people will take advantage of! If it is truly steamy, we have a window AC unit I could put in one of our rooms and serve the food in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted July 19, 2016 Author Share Posted July 19, 2016 Yes, this could work. You can do different things, like roll-ups with large tortillas. I like this too...we could make those the day before as they hold up well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 If you have restaurants nearby, I'd consider checking out their menus to see if they have chicken or other entrees that would come in "family size" for delivery or carry out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 Make ahead sandwiches for a crowd: http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-a-sandwich-for-a-crowd-232725 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 (edited) Would love the recipe if you have one you really like! You cook it the night before and it sits at room temp, or in the fridge? Also, I didn't mention the party will be outside. We have a nice shaded yard and a pool I'm hoping people will take advantage of! If it is truly steamy, we have a window AC unit I could put in one of our rooms and serve the food in there. Tomato Basil Tart Crust: 1 1/4 cups of flour 1/2 teaspoon of salt 10 tablespoons (1 stick) of butter (unsalted) 2 tablespoons of very cold water a spritz of olive oil Combine all ingredients and press dough into casserole container of pie dish. Filling: 8 ripe, plump tomatoes 1/3 cup of olive oil 2 cloves of garlic freshly ground pepper 1/2 cup fresh basil Sautee all of the above until basil is limp. Fill into crust and top with mozzarella (or favorite cheese) cubes. Bake at F400 for approximately 45 min to an hour. (Check frequently since your oven may be faster) You can easily double this recipe for a larger crowd. I would refrigerate it until guests arrive but then it can sit outside without any worries since it contains no dairy / mayo. Edited July 19, 2016 by Liz CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 Make ahead sandwiches for a crowd: http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-a-sandwich-for-a-crowd-232725 I once saw a video clip of Julia Child and Jacques Pepin creating one of these together. It was a work of art. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted July 19, 2016 Author Share Posted July 19, 2016 Tomato Basil Tart Crust: 1 1/4 cups of flour 1/2 teaspoon of salt 10 tablespoons (1 stick) of butter (unsalted) 2 tablespoons of very cold water a spritz of olive oil Combine all ingredients and press dough into casserole container of pie dish. Filling: 8 ripe, plump tomatoes 1/3 cup of olive oil 2 cloves of garlic freshly ground pepper 1/2 cup fresh basil Sautee all of the above until basil is limp. Fill into crust and top with mozzarella (or favorite cheese) cubes. Bake at F400 for approximately 45 min to an hour. (Check frequently since your oven may be faster) You can easily double this recipe for a larger crowd. I would refrigerate it until guests arrive but then it can sit outside without any worries since it contains no dairy / mayo. Thanks; that looks amazing. I'm thinking I could double or even triple it and do it in a sheet pan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 Thanks; that looks amazing. I'm thinking I could double or even triple it and do it in a sheet pan. Yes, it would work well in a sheet pan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 If it's only 25 people, i'd probably buy the fried chicken just to save the heat in the kitchen. In my neck of the woods (Florida), I'd probably go to Publix, as they make mighty fine fried chicken (as well as subs). I'd call ahead and order a bunch of legs or whatever you think people like. Oh, that kind of reminds me of the box lunches of the early 1900s. Maybe that could be a theme. Cold fried chicken, salads, maybe little sandwiches wrapped in waxed paper, etc. Have mason jars as cups for lemonade, iced tea, etc. Anyway you can borrow one of those old fashioned ice cream makers? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
school17777 Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 I typically make Chipotle style fajitas for a crowd. You can make everything in advance and just keep warm in crockpots. Feeds a lot of people and each person can tailor to their diet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 I love the idea of cold fried chicken. Anyone have any tried and true recipes? Yes, we'll have plenty of cold drinks and fruit to keep everyone hydrated. Publix. ;) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 Make ahead sandwiches for a crowd: http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-a-sandwich-for-a-crowd-232725 That looks yummy! I've made a similar version with the dressing equal parts pesto and mayo blended with jarred, roasted red peppers. I didn't add the lettuce and tomato and used long loaves of bread. Wrap and slice before serving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted July 19, 2016 Author Share Posted July 19, 2016 If it's only 25 people, i'd probably buy the fried chicken just to save the heat in the kitchen. In my neck of the woods (Florida), I'd probably go to Publix, as they make mighty fine fried chicken (as well as subs). I'd call ahead and order a bunch of legs or whatever you think people like. Oh, that kind of reminds me of the box lunches of the early 1900s. Maybe that could be a theme. Cold fried chicken, salads, maybe little sandwiches wrapped in waxed paper, etc. Have mason jars as cups for lemonade, iced tea, etc. Anyway you can borrow one of those old fashioned ice cream makers? Oooh, very fun idea! Unfortunately, I'm in the northeast, so no Publix :( I'll check around. I know we have a fried chicken place the next town over. It used to be just a food truck but apparently they got so popular they opened a shop. Though part of me would really like to make my own. I love to cook! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 Oooh, very fun idea! Unfortunately, I'm in the northeast, so no Publix :( I'll check around. I know we have a fried chicken place the next town over. It used to be just a food truck but apparently they got so popular they opened a shop. Though part of me would really like to make my own. I love to cook! I'd try a batch when it's not a billion degrees and you're not having your family over. The grease gets **everywhere** and it would take a hundred donkey years to fry enough for 25 people using a pot of oil. And your house would smell like fried chicken until end times. :) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmrich Posted July 19, 2016 Share Posted July 19, 2016 I would serve ice cream! Do you have lots of shade? 100 is icky hot! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted July 19, 2016 Author Share Posted July 19, 2016 I would serve ice cream! Do you have lots of shade? 100 is icky hot! Yes! We have a farm down the street that makes amazing homemade ice cream. Was going to get a big thing of vanilla and have a toppings bar :) Think I'll make a couple of key lime pies too; they're easy. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted July 19, 2016 Author Share Posted July 19, 2016 I'd try a batch when it's not a billion degrees and you're not having your family over. The grease gets **everywhere** and it would take a hundred donkey years to fry enough for 25 people using a pot of oil. And your house would smell like fried chicken until end times. :) Thank you for being the voice of reason! I just saw this recipe that looks yummy: http://www.dinneralovestory.com/picnic-chicken/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted July 20, 2016 Share Posted July 20, 2016 I'd do chicken salad sandwiches in croissants. elegant enough, but cool. And would go well with the other dishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zinnia Posted July 20, 2016 Share Posted July 20, 2016 We buy fried chicken on the regular, too. We have Church's and Popeye's here, if Publix doesn't work. Maybe one of those? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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