Creative & Hearty Dishes for a December 4th Show

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Discussion Overview

This thread revolves around planning a cooking demonstration for a show scheduled on December 4th, with participants sharing ideas for hearty dishes that can be prepared without an oven. The host's preferences and limitations are discussed, along with various recipe suggestions and personal experiences from participants.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions the host's desire for a hearty meal that can serve as lunch or dinner, avoiding previously used recipes.
  • Several participants suggest recipes such as Chicken Picatta Pasta, Easy Tortellini Toss, and Grilled Chicken Penne al Fresco.
  • Another participant shares their experience with the Cornbread Chili Bake, noting its suitability for the season.
  • One participant discusses the success of a microwave orzotto recipe, suggesting it can be made heartier with added chicken.
  • Another participant expresses concern about the host's reluctance to demo the Deep Covered Baker (DCB), despite its popularity in previous shows.
  • Several users mention the importance of incorporating tools that guests may not have seen in action, such as the mandoline and sauté pan.
  • One participant suggests a recipe for Creamy One Pot Pasta, highlighting its versatility and the ability to customize it.
  • Another participant shares their approach of limiting hosts' choices to specific recipes, emphasizing the focus on product demonstration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how much input hosts should have in selecting recipes for demonstrations, with some participants advocating for a more structured approach while others support accommodating host preferences.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a variety of personal experiences and preferences regarding recipe selection and demonstration strategies, particularly in light of the host's kitchen limitations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for recipe ideas and strategies for engaging hosts and guests during cooking demonstrations may find this thread beneficial.

Chozengirl
Gold Member
Messages
781
I have a show scheduled for December 4th.
These are my limitations quoted from the Host:
"My oven is out right now, but I plan to get it fixed soon. I don't want to do the chicken bake thing or the chicken crock pot recipe.. I have done those before, so I don't want some of the guests to see the same presentation."
I suggested simple sides or a cookie show and this was her reply:
"I don't mind doing a holiday thing, but can we do something more hearty, with a meal? That way we can either have lunch or a dinner, I just want to feed my guests. I'm not sure what my choices are, but I like to have fun as well and the more fun the better."
WHAT IN THE WORLD AM I GOING TO MAKE?
Any suggestions would be great!:confused:
 
Chicken picatta pasta?
Easy tortellini toss?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
I don't own the cookware from pc...i know you use other tools, but the cookware would be the kicker in those recipes
 
Tortellini toss is in the dcb, do you have one?
 
Grilled Chicken Penne al Fresco is one of my favorites. You could do the garlic bites in the 8" saute pan that came with your new consultant kit, too.Of course, this would take the DCB, if you have one.
 
I love the Cornbread Chili Bake (hope that's the right name) in the DCB. It's delicious & perfect this time of year!
 
I had good success with the orzotto recipe from SBRC, it's a microwave meal. If you want it heartier, add some cooked chicken strips when you stir in the broccoli and sundried tomatoes. I've made a veggie version, too.Everyone loves the garlic bites, but if her oven is out....hopefully it will be back by thenBy the way, the only cookware I have so far is the 8" saute and the grill pan and press. My host last week wanted 2 large pillsbury cans worth of bites, so we made them in the grill pan--came out great and very dramatic!
 
BlueMoon said:
My host last week wanted 2 large pillsbury cans worth of bites, so we made them in the grill pan--came out great and very dramatic!

I haven't thought about doing them in the grill press. I've got the 12" skillet but I bet they looked nice coming out of the grill press, too!
 
winklermom said:
I haven't thought about doing them in the grill press. I've got the 12" skillet but I bet they looked nice coming out of the grill press, too!

Someday my kitchen will get it's own 12" skillet......I think my guests liked that is was square, and another use for the pan; but then someone wanted to know if we could make scrambled eggs in it (?? think, people). The other thing is I get two guests to make them while others work on other stuff. I came back to the garlic bites, and they were trying to line them up in neat little rows. I was very strong and didn't laugh at the look on the woman's face when I started throwing in more of them at random:D
 
BlueMoon said:
Someday my kitchen will get it's own 12" skillet......I think my guests liked that is was square, and another use for the pan; but then someone wanted to know if we could make scrambled eggs in it (?? think, people). The other thing is I get two guests to make them while others work on other stuff. I came back to the garlic bites, and they were trying to line them up in neat little rows. I was very strong and didn't laugh at the look on the woman's face when I started throwing in more of them at random:D

I was able to get the 12" skillet during October when they were doing 60% off host specials. I had been eyeing it for a while and finally was able to get it for a steal!

BTW, I would have so loved to have been a fly on the wall during the aforementioned demo!!! That would have been too funny!!!
 
If you have the Deep Covered Baker there are several recipes including some of the soups that are available.
 
Ultimate Chicken Fajitas?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
Just talked to her and her oven is now working. She doesn't want to demo the DCB, which is biggling to me. I've demoed the DCB the last 5 shows and they were mainly repeats guests. I did different recipes each time and thats what got them to buy it. I guess I should just give her a few.to choose from and go from there.
 
Since her oven is working now, what about one of the pizzas, ham & cheese calzones, the mini burgers or cheeseburger salad??

However, you might want to try to try to suggest to her that it may be to her benefit to allow you to demo the dcb. Now that everyone can order one, if she has 10 guests at her show and all 10 order a dcb; break it down into what she will earn in free product, half priced items and discount.

Maybe she is not aware that everyone can buy one now and she doesn't want to demo something her guests can't buy at her show?
 
sounds to me like she just wants a caterer, not a demo to have sales.
 
Ham & Cheese Brunch Squares or the Turkey Cranberry Braid/Wreath is a wow recipe.
 
I love doing the Quick Turkey Chili in the microwave. All you need is the DCB and a few other tools. It's easy, quick, healthy and yummy!
 
I don't give my hosts the freedom to tell me what they want at their shows. I tell them that I am demoing these two recipes for this month and give the option between the two. If she doesn't like it, that's too bad, unfortunately. I haven't had a host argue with me about it, yet.
 
deanna_g said:
I don't give my hosts the freedom to tell me what they want at their shows. I tell them that I am demoing these two recipes for this month and give the option between the two. If she doesn't like it, that's too bad, unfortunately. I haven't had a host argue with me about it, yet.

Exactly!! I offer the same three recipes all season this season. That's what they chose from.
 
How about the Creamy One Pot Pasta? Its a hearty dish when you add chicken. You could prepare the chicken in the DCB ahead of time if you want to demo it. It shows lots of tools. You could serve a side of toasted baguettes w one of the dipping oils and add Greek rub to the recipe. It shows all of the collections, is a fairly quick demo, has fresh veggies in it and people can customize it to their own taste.
 
how many guests? make 'em work. I have NOT done this, but I am dying to try the mini cheese burgers where you cook a whole bar pan full of ground beef, and use hotdog buns cut up as the buns.Okay, that's my own little dream. I keep having kosher or veggie guests. But seriously, it does sound like she is maybe thinking about a caterer. Can you get them to do some of the work, since she is concerned about the meal?Whatever you decide, clearly we all want to know what you choose and how it goes. Hope your sales rock to compensate for the "what to make" dilemma.
 
The mini sliders are great Marghi. I agree, the guests should help prepare the meal. I'd recommend a recipe with tools they haven't seen in action.

Sounds like they all know about the wonders of the DCB...what about something to incorporate the mandoline and saute pan?

Look up the California Club Pizza, and let her know she's free to make any sides and other meal items she'd like for her hungry guests. :D
 
Take the DCB and do a lava cake as an extra to whatever else you decide to do. It is so easy to demo and can be cooking in the micro while you are doing everything else.
 
RossDeb2 said:
How about the Creamy One Pot Pasta? Its a hearty dish when you add chicken. You could prepare the chicken in the DCB ahead of time if you want to demo it. It shows lots of tools. You could serve a side of toasted baguettes w one of the dipping oils and add Greek rub to the recipe. It shows all of the collections, is a fairly quick demo, has fresh veggies in it and people can customize it to their own taste.

I agree and love doing this recipe
 
Sounds like she needs to be gently reminded that this is about the products, not the recipes. Just my two cents. :blushing:
 
Chicken You Way and 10min smashed potatoes in the Rice Cooker. I did this last month, sold a few grill pans, and sold a rice cooker to every guest!

I also did the molten chocolate lava cake in the DCB (it was my neighbors party)


OR why not keep it simple? Do the 3 cheese garden veggie pizza! Every time I do that I sell a bunch of mandolines!!!!

Or how about a Champagne brunch. Have her get ingredients for mimosas, and make pancakes in the large bar pan, and bacon in another. Bring your tools, and let the guests play with them using potatoes/onions/apples? (mandoline, apple wedge, food chopper, knifes).
 
Okay, I have to ask...Sliders in the bar pan?!And even more, pancakes in the bar pan too?!Please! Share!
 
lindseystar said:
Okay, I have to ask...

Sliders in the bar pan?!

And even more, pancakes in the bar pan too?!

Please! Share!

Lindsey,

The sliders in the bar pan are a recipe from one of the Theme Shows on CC - "Game Day Cooking Show" Here is the link Classic Mini Cheeseburgers ... I'm not sure about the pancakes, but I would think it is generally the same idea as the burgers, in that you would use your regular pancake mix and make one big square pancake and then cut it into smaller squares??
 
For the pancakes I preheat my oven to 400. Then I make pancakes (either from scratch or a mix) there needs to be 2 cups of dry ingredients to make enough to fill the large bar pan. I melt butter and brush it on the bar pan, then pour the pancake mix into the pan. I bake for approx 15min, but start checking around 10mins. Also around 10-11mins I brush melted butter on top of the pancakes.

I usually do this 2x a month, and let my kids use the creative cutters or any cookie cutters to cut the pancakes into the shape they want.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #30
Thanks Guys, I am doing the Grilled Chicken Penne al Fresco and then doing the Molten Lava after. I didn't give her much of an option, the DCB is too hot right now and I'm not going to jeopardize my business to carter to a Host.
My plan is to go in and KNOCK THEIR SOCKS OFF!!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some creative dish ideas for a December 4th Pampered Chef show?

For a December 4th show, consider showcasing festive dishes like a holiday-themed charcuterie board, creamy potato soup, or a savory stuffed butternut squash. You could also prepare a delicious cranberry and brie tart or a warm spiced apple crisp for dessert. These dishes not only highlight the versatility of Pampered Chef products but also capture the spirit of the season.

How can I incorporate seasonal ingredients into my dishes for the show?

Utilize seasonal ingredients such as squash, cranberries, apples, and root vegetables. For example, you can make a roasted vegetable medley with seasonal root veggies or a cranberry salsa to accompany your main dish. Highlighting these ingredients will not only enhance the flavors but also create a festive atmosphere for your guests.

What Pampered Chef tools are essential for preparing these dishes?

Key Pampered Chef tools for your December 4th show include the Food Chopper for chopping vegetables, the Mix 'N Chop for browning meats, and the Stoneware for baking. Additionally, the Quick Slice and the Adjustable Measuring Spoon can help streamline your prep process, making it easier to create delicious dishes in a timely manner.

How can I engage my guests during the cooking demonstration?

Engage your guests by inviting them to participate in the cooking process. Ask for volunteers to help with chopping or mixing, and encourage questions throughout the demonstration. You can also incorporate fun facts about the dishes or share tips on how to use Pampered Chef products effectively, making the experience interactive and enjoyable.

What are some tips for presenting the dishes attractively at the show?

Presentation is key! Use colorful garnishes like fresh herbs or pomegranate seeds to enhance the visual appeal of your dishes. Serve items on beautiful platters or in Pampered Chef serving pieces to showcase the products. Additionally, consider creating a festive table setting with holiday decorations to create an inviting atmosphere for your guests.

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