Grill or Demo? How Should I Prepare Margarita Grilled Shrimp for a Party of 19?

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses preparations for a large party where the host's birthday coincides with a Pampered Chef demonstration. Participants share their experiences and opinions on whether to grill or focus on indoor demonstrations, particularly regarding the Margarita Grilled Shrimp recipe.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses concern about balancing the cooking for a large group while ensuring the demonstration remains engaging.
  • Another participant suggests avoiding the grill to maintain sales focus and recommends a quick salsa recipe instead, emphasizing the importance of keeping guests together.
  • Several users mention that men often enjoy participating in cooking but may prefer to use products after the demonstration.
  • One participant shares their experience of dividing the group into teams for a recipe contest, which they found to be entertaining and engaging.
  • Another participant notes that while the event was fun, sales did not meet expectations, but the host was pursuing additional orders afterward.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether to grill or focus on indoor demonstrations, with some participants advocating for grilling and others suggesting it may detract from sales opportunities. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences from similar events, highlighting the dynamics of cooking demonstrations at parties and the balance between entertainment and sales.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on managing large party demonstrations and engaging diverse audiences may find the shared experiences relevant.

AmyDare
AmyDare
Messages
227
I have a party Friday that sounds like it's going to be my biggest attended
party yet. She's got 19 confirmed and 6 maybes. The catch: It's the host's
birthday...so it's kind of a birthday party AND pampered chef party. (I'm hoping it doesn't turn out that I'm "catering" her birthday party!!)
Anyway, I'm planning to do the Mexican Chicken Lasagna, and she asked if I could also do something on the grill, for the men.
With 19 people, I don't mind doing more than one recipe...but I can't be in 2
places at once. I found the recipe for Margarita Grilled Shrimp, but don't know how to make it work. Do I do the prep work for the grilled shrimp and turn it over to the men and do an indoor demo for the ladies, or should I change it to grill and salad and keep everyone together?
Any advice would be more than welcome!
Amy
 
Stay off the grill. If you go outside, sales will sink. Do a quick 'n dirty salsa recipe (either with salad shears or food chopper) and the guys will swoon. Show one or two BBQ tools, BBQ basting bottle, or some of the turners and they'll be thrilled.At any birthday event I always bring the BD gal fresh flowers and make a 3-2-1 cake... it is a show stopper, indeed.Follow through on your MCL in the DCB and whip up a quick salsa. Prep the cake beforehand and have the hostess pop it in the microwave as you start the demo. By keeping the guys and gals together, you will raise your show total--guys will buy more, and guys will add to their gals orders!
 
Scott is right on track. If the guys really want to grill you could let them try out a few products on their own after your demo. Also be sure to show the guys the forged cutlery. Women like it but men LOVE it. The salsa is perfect for the guys - they love fresh salsa but most don't want to take the time to make it themselves.

My BIL is having his own show in August because he wants the whole set. His wife is having one next month because she wants different items. Most of the forged cutlery I have sold is to the men that happen to be there with their wives.
 
If she want's something on the grill give her the recipe bring your tool's and let them men cook on the grill. Plus if it is her birthday then she should be doing the demonstrating. Makes her the center of attention.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Thank you for the great advice! We're going to make the lasagna...and make 2 batches! (I've borrowed another DCB). We're going to divide the group into 2 groups and have them "race" to make the recipe. Should be interesting with one set of tools!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Race results: Did you know the Mexican Chicken Lasagna can be assembled in just over 8 minutes? Talk about dinner in no time! :-)
 
Sounds like you guys had fun, and maybe you even got to have a short evening! How were the sales?
 
scottcooks said:
At any birthday event I always bring the BD gal fresh flowers and make a 3-2-1 cake... it is a show stopper, indeed
QUOTE]

SCOTT what's a 3-2-1 cake? I did a search in the Files but only came up with the PC Business Success Model!

AMY, I love the recipe contest! Great idea!
Click to expand...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
It was a lot of fun...didn't have a ton of time to talk about product because people were busy having fun. I did sell one baker at full price (the guy asked me if the price was "Firm"...but he did end up buying it)...otherwise sales were not as awesome as I had expected, but the host is going after the outside orders so I won't know the final total until probably Wednesday.
I forgot the flowers, but she had so many it worked out. We did do a microwave cake in the fluted pan, and it was lovely on the cake pedestal!
Not a short evening because of all the commotion...but it was a lot of fun!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients do I need to prepare Margarita Grilled Shrimp for a party of 19?

To prepare Margarita Grilled Shrimp for a party of 19, you will need the following ingredients: 3 pounds of large shrimp (peeled and deveined), 1 cup of fresh lime juice, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of tequila (optional), 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro (chopped), 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. You may also want to have skewers ready for grilling.

How do I marinate the shrimp for the best flavor?

To marinate the shrimp, combine the lime juice, olive oil, tequila, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld. Avoid marinating for too long, as the acidity from the lime juice can start to cook the shrimp.

What grilling method should I use for the shrimp?

You can grill the shrimp on an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using skewers, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

How can I ensure I have enough shrimp for everyone at the party?

A general serving size for shrimp is about 4-6 ounces per person. For a party of 19, preparing 3 pounds of shrimp should be sufficient, as it provides approximately 5 ounces per person. However, if you expect your guests to have larger appetites or if shrimp is the main dish, consider increasing the quantity to 4 pounds for extra servings.

What sides or accompaniments pair well with Margarita Grilled Shrimp?

Margarita Grilled Shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh corn salad, cilantro-lime rice, or a simple green salad. You can also offer tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole as appetizers. For a refreshing drink, serve margaritas or a light beer to complement the flavors of the shrimp.

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