Help! Need Easy Accompaniment Recipes

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges and strategies Pampered Chef consultants face when deciding how many recipes to prepare during cooking demonstrations. Participants share their experiences and seek advice on easy accompaniment recipes to complement main dishes.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, typically prepares one main item and a simple dessert to create a "WOW" moment but seeks additional easy appetizer recipes.
  • Another participant suggests focusing on the main dish, stating that the Peanut Butter Torte is impressive enough on its own and that they only prepare two recipes during specific themed shows.
  • Several users mention the pressure from hosts who expect multiple recipes based on past experiences, leading to challenges in managing expectations.
  • One participant shares their approach of offering a make-ahead appetizer to serve while demonstrating the main dish, suggesting the Greek Cheese Torta as an option.
  • Another participant discusses the idea of preparing dips or salsas that can be made quickly and served with simple accompaniments like wonton chips.
  • One consultant mentions that they inform hosts they will prepare one dish but allow them to make additional items if they wish, emphasizing the ease of hosting a show.
  • Another participant shares quick recipes for salsa and lemonade, highlighting their simplicity and appeal.
  • One consultant notes that while they are transitioning to preparing one recipe, they still offer hosts the option to serve additional dishes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the number of recipes to prepare, with some participants advocating for simplicity and others acknowledging the expectations of hosts for multiple recipes. No clear consensus emerges on a preferred approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies based on their local practices and the expectations of their hosts, reflecting a variety of approaches to cooking demonstrations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for consultants navigating the balance between host expectations and their own preferences for recipe preparation during shows.

S
sbbergstrom
Silver Member
Messages
3
I'm pretty new so I don't know how everyone else does their parties, but I usually try to do one main item from the Season's Best and then a second, very easy item at the end (usually the Rice Cooker Plus lava cake) to have a "WOW" moment. I'm in need of more super easy second item recipes! I've got a party coming up where I'm making the Peanut Butter Cup Torte and need something appetizer-like to go with it. HELP! Maybe I talk too much but when I do two full recipes it takes me a long time and a lot of dirty dishes. By the end they are just sitting there staring at me! Any help is much appreciated :eek:
 
One recipe, one recipe, one recipe.

I know you want to get the WOW thing and all, but it's too much work for you and it's too much time for your customers. The Peanut Butter Torte is wow enough. Concentrate on the torte and the products it shows.

The only time I do two recipes is in January, when it's soup and slippers shows. Chicken Alfredo soup and garlic pull aparts. That's the only exception.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
It's so hard, though. If they've had parties in the past where they had more than one item (back in the good ole' days when the poor consultants had to practically make a whole meal!), they expect it. I tried to nicely talk this host down to one item since we're doing the torte but it isn't working. Unless I flat out say "NO", I don't know what else to do! I want to work with her and keep my sanity at the same time :(
 
Why don't you so a make ahead appetizer, like the Greek Cheese Torta? You can have it out to be eaten as you are doing your other demo, and then run through how quickly you made it at the very end.
 
Or a dip recipe (serve in simple addition) and make wonton chips -- wontons wrappers from the produce section, cut diagonally with the pizza cutter, spritz with a little olive oil and then bake on a stone. I *know* I have a recipe somewhere.You could also make a quick easy salsa instead of a dip to go with it (using the salad choppers).I know how you feel -- hosts in my area also expect two recipes... it was done that way for so long that they feel gyped if they get less. I've had some hosts literally want to do 4 or 5 recipes (and I'm willing, but will NOT demo more than two -- I tell them we can make it ahead of time and I might describe how we did it, but I don't do it during the show).
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thanks for the ideas :)
 
I tell my hosts that I will prepare one dish at their show but that they are welcome to prepare more food if they wish. Then if they do prepare extra, when I talk about booking I say somehting like "Having a show is very easy. All you need to do is buy the ingredients for one recipe, have a drink to offer and paper goods. However, if you'd like you're welcome to make extra items like Suzy did for us tonight." (Not exact quotes but you get the idea.)
 
Make "instant" salsa with tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, onion with Salad Shears (maybe Garlic Press).

Make nearly instant Lemonade in a Quick Stir Pitcher with 3/4 to 1 cup sugar and 3 (small) lemons sliced on V-blade of Ultimate Mandoline, right into QSP. Add water to bottom of pitcher lid, then plunge until sugar is dissolved - delicious! You can re-use the lemons with another 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar, but don't leave the lemons in the lemonade longer than about 20 minutes or it gets icky.

Make Apple Berry Salsa with pre-made cinnamon chips. See All The Best cookbook for recipe.

Bring a dessert cookie or brownie to top.

...just some ideas!
 
My hosts were all used to two recipes, as well. I'm slowly getting down to one most every time. I do offer the host to make whatever else they would like to serve. If you can talk the host into buying a small pork tenderloin, you can put that in the DCB as soon as guests arrive and you show them how easy it is to lightly spray, then use some spice/rub to cover and stick in the microwave while you do your real demo, usually a dessert in my area.If I do just one recipe, I try to bring an apple, pepper, or cucumber to demo some of our wedgers, knives, peelers, etc.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quick and easy side dishes I can prepare for a weeknight dinner?

Some quick and easy side dishes include roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette. You can also make rice or quinoa in a rice cooker for a hassle-free option.

Can you recommend a simple recipe for a dip to serve with chips or veggies?

A quick and easy dip is a classic guacamole. Just mash ripe avocados and mix in lime juice, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. For a creamy option, try mixing sour cream with ranch seasoning for a delicious veggie dip.

What are some easy accompaniments for grilled meats?

Grilled meats pair well with a variety of sides such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a refreshing cucumber salad. You can also serve a simple garlic bread or baked potatoes topped with sour cream and chives.

How can I make a quick pasta salad for a gathering?

To make a quick pasta salad, cook your favorite pasta and let it cool. Toss it with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper for a delicious side dish.

What are some easy dessert accompaniments for a dinner party?

For dessert accompaniments, consider serving fresh fruit with whipped cream, a simple chocolate sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also prepare a quick fruit salad or serve cookies alongside coffee or tea for a sweet ending to your meal.

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