This time of year, the parties for all different types of occasions swell up across spring and summer weekends. Showers, graduations, birthdays, or just spontaneous summer gatherings...they all bring together family and friends to celebrate life's momentous milestones.
And at the heart of each of these occasions: love ~ and food.
Some people stress over just what to serve, how to serve, and who to get to serve it. You can grill, you can do cold cuts, you can cook, you can hire a caterer. A lot depends on who, how many, and just how comfortable you feel (or don't feel) about preparing the feast for the event.
For me, any time of year is the right time for the crock pot. If you are sweating about feeding party-goers, I always recommend a Mix-and-Match Crock Pot Party.
I am no gourmet cook, so the crock is old and cherished lifelong friend. I have three of them (although my favorite one is out there somewhere, having accidentally been packed up and picked up by a Purple Heart truck).
And I have to say I do prefer the stylish, designer ones with veggies, fruits, flowers, or whatever on them to the newer contemporary ones that are plain white or silver. In fact, the 5.5 quart Camo Crock pictured above is exactly what I need to replace the old favorite I'm sure to never see again.
Anyway, depending on how many, you have to feed, you can have anywhere from two to five crock pots going to satisfy the tastes of all your guests.
The only real rule I follow is to balance a "dark" dish with a "light" one, for example roast beef in one and chicken in the other.
Here are some ideas (some with links to recipes right here on the blog):
Crock of Meatballs ~ You could use frozen meatballs and a jar or two of sauce. I personally like to make the meatballs using McCormick Italian Meatball Mix and 2 pounds of ground beef, cook them at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes (or whatever packet directions say), and add them to two jars of any kind of Tomato Sauce in a warm/low crock pot.
Crock of Hot Chicken Sandwiches (Click for recipe.)
Crock of Roast Beef and Gravy ~ Order 2 to 3 pounds of sliced roast beef from the deli and add a can of beef gravy for each pound. Set on high for two hours, then reduce to low or warm.
Crock of Turkey and Gravy ~ Order 2 to 3 pounds of sliced turkey from the deli and add a can of turkey gravy for each pound. Set on high for two hours, then reduce to low or warm.
Crock of Chili (Click for recipe; you can use ground beef or ground turkey.)
Crock of Hot Dogs ~ Pour a big can of sauerkraut on the bottom of the crock (low setting) and place two packs of hot dogs (or more) on top. These will be ready to serve in about 2 hours.
(I like combining these last two on many occasions because you get several options. Some kids won't eat chili, but will eat hot dogs; many people will eat chili or even chili dogs or chili with Nachos and cheese. If I go with this duo, I often put on a pot of pasta as well, so guests can pour chili over it.)
Once you get your crocks going, all you need are a mix of rolls and some simple sides like tortillas, potato chips, salads, condiments, and/or cheese. And, of course, desserts and beverages.
Have a wonderful season of celebrations :)
RELATED BLOGS
for Adventures in the Kitchen, Adventures in the Garden, & Adventures in Fitness
No comments:
Post a Comment