How much food should I make for a party of 12+ people?

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses considerations for preparing food for a party of 12 or more people, particularly in the context of a cooking demonstration. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on how much food to prepare and the types of recipes to use.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses concern about having enough food for around 12 people and considers making Rustic Focaccia in a bar pan for easier serving.
  • Another participant suggests making a double batch of the recipe and possibly preparing one the day before the event.
  • Several users mention that cutting the food into smaller pieces can help serve more guests without needing to double the recipe.
  • One participant shares their experience of focusing on providing a taste of the product rather than a full meal, suggesting that hosts can provide additional food items if needed.
  • Another participant agrees, stating that it is unnecessary to prepare multiple recipes and emphasizes the importance of the demo recipe being a tasting opportunity.
  • One participant mentions the option of making a microwave cake as a simple second recipe but notes that it may not be suitable if the host lacks a proper microwave.
  • Another participant shares their success in making the cake without a turntable, indicating flexibility in preparation methods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that doubling recipes may not be necessary and that providing smaller portions can suffice. However, there are differing views on how much additional food should be provided by the host.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and preferences regarding food preparation for cooking demonstrations, highlighting the balance between showcasing products and satisfying guest appetites.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants preparing for cooking demonstrations or events with larger guest lists may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

TinasKitchen
TinasKitchen
Messages
636
Ok this will be my 2nd show and I'm doing it right from work on Friday night. Not going home first. So far I think I'm going to have a bunch of people.. everyone is bringing someone but still no answer on how many. I was told alot.

I'm making the Rustic Focaccia.. I'll do it in my bar pan b/c I feel it feeds more .. or maybe b/c its just easier to cut into squares lol .. But now I feel like if theres more than 12 people (or even around 12), I may not have enough food. What should I do? or cook?

Thanks
 
Can you make a double batch. Maybe make one the day before your show?
I like making the rings and pizzas. Thet can be cut into smaller pieces to serve more. Let me know if you would like some recipes.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
yes I can!!I have 2 stones so I can just ask do 2 of them.. I'll ask when she tells me how many she has.. thank you!
 
if you make it on the pizza stone, you don't have to cut it in wedge shapes. You can also cut that in squares/strips and you can get alot more out of it, so it might save you from making too much!
 
I used to worry a lot about how much food there was. My director finally drilled it into me that we are not there to feed everyone dinner, we are to give a taste of what TPC and their products can do. My advice is...if the host wants to feed everyone dinner then have her make sure there is enough food, she could serve veggies and dip (PC dip of course), a salad, fruit, the choices are endless. So, regardless of the amount of people I would do the same recipe just cut the squares accordingly.
 
I agree with soonerchef! You don't have to make yourself crazy making two recipes...cut the recipe into smaller squares and have the host make other items to feed their guest if they are worried about feeding everyone. I used to make a second recipe if there were more than 12 people, but I was making myself nuts...and many times I was told there would be +12 people and there wasn't. Now if my host is worried about the amount of food, I explain: the recipe I demo is there for guests to get a TASTE of the recipe. Feel free to make other recipes if you would like to feed them something more than that. (Of course, I word it nicely!) Also, if I have the time/product on hand, if I feel that a show is going to be rather large, I may make some beer bread here at home and cut it into chunks and serve it in a SA bowl...but I bring it as a SURPRISE to my host, so if I run out of time that day, I don't have to bring it!
 
I agree with the others--no need to double.

When doing apps and main dishes, I always offer to do a microwave cake, either in the fluted pan or rice cooker. It's a no fuss second recipe and satisfies everyone's sweet tooth. :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
thank you all so muchThats why I love this site.. you all offer so much help.

I will do the one recipe.. from what I know they dont have a microwave w/ a turntable (?? right word? lol) so the cake wont cut it. I'll talk to her and see what she has.
 
TinasKitchen said:
Thats why I love this site.. you all offer so much help.

I will do the one recipe.. from what I know they dont have a microwave w/ a turntable (?? right word? lol) so the cake wont cut it. I'll talk to her and see what she has.
Click to expand...

I have done the cake 3 times without a turntable and it comes out great everytime!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much food should I prepare for a party of 12 people?

A general guideline is to plan for about 1 pound of food per person for a main dish. For 12 people, this means you should prepare around 12 pounds of food. This includes proteins, sides, and desserts. Adjust based on the type of meal and the appetite of your guests.

What types of appetizers are suitable for a party of this size?

For a party of 12, consider preparing 3-4 different appetizers, with about 6-8 pieces per person. This means you should have around 72-96 total pieces. Options like cheese platters, vegetable trays, and bite-sized hors d'oeuvres work well and are easy to manage.

How many side dishes should I serve for 12 guests?

It's typically a good idea to serve 2-3 side dishes for a gathering of this size. This allows for variety and ensures that guests have enough options. Aim for about 1 cup of each side dish per person, which totals around 12 cups of sides.

What is the recommended amount of dessert for a party of 12?

For dessert, plan on serving 1-2 servings per person, depending on the type of dessert. If you’re serving cake or pie, one slice per person is usually sufficient, but if you have a variety of desserts, consider offering smaller portions so guests can try multiple options.

How can I ensure there's enough food for everyone?

To ensure there's enough food, consider preparing a little extra—about 10-15% more than your calculated amounts. Additionally, take into account the type of meal being served; for example, if it's a buffet-style meal, guests may serve themselves more generously, so having a bit of extra food can help avoid running out.

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