Help! Need Recipes for Large Crowd

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses various strategies and experiences related to preparing for a cooking demonstration with a large number of expected guests. Participants share their thoughts on recipe selection, managing expectations, and the dynamics of hosting such events.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the number of expected guests and seeks recipe suggestions.
  • Another participant shares their experience of having many invites but few attendees, suggesting to wait for RSVPs before planning recipes.
  • Several users mention the idea of limiting the number of recipes to avoid overwhelming guests and to ensure a smoother demonstration.
  • One participant identifies a recipe that works well for large crowds, such as Mandarin Pasta Salad, which can be easily scaled up.
  • Another participant suggests the Greek Cheese Torta as a suitable option for feeding a large group.
  • Some participants discuss the possibility of engaging guests in preparing recipes or using a "Battle of the Recipes" format to involve attendees.
  • One participant shares a successful experience with a large show, highlighting the importance of having a supportive host and managing expectations.
  • Another participant notes that the atmosphere of the event can be more social than strictly focused on the cooking demonstration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to approach recipe planning and guest engagement, with no clear consensus on a single best practice for handling large crowds.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences from various shows, emphasizing the unpredictability of attendance and the importance of flexibility in planning.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants preparing for events with a large number of expected guests may find the shared experiences and recipe ideas relevant.

brendaivette
Messages
132
Help!!! Need recipes..................Host has 60-70 invites..........I'm assuming 30-40 will show up........................any suggestions.................:confused:
 
brendaivette said:
Help!!! Need recipes..................Host has 60-70 invites..........I'm assuming 30-40 will show up........................any suggestions.................:confused:
Don't get carried away. Wait to see after she calls everyone to check. I have had 50 invites out with 5 people able to attend. Hope you get 40 people there but don't do more work because of it. Have her get salsa and chips and display them and do 2 recipes max.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
exactly what I was thinking, demo something in the mini muffin pan(x2) and have new products out, kinda like half a show & half an open house
 
Tell the host that you are more than willing to help pass along some recipes if she wants to make extras. Even with that many people, you are NOT a caterer! I would make an extra of whatever recipe you demo, so you have double the amount of samples.

If that many are really supposed to show up, you may want to consider taking another adult with you to help total orders. Then, the folks you don't get to personally speak to during order taking, make sure you follow up with a phone call to ask about the opportunity, booking, and see if they have any other questions!
 
Don't plan the recipe until you know what her RSVPs look like. I had a host one time send out 119 e-vites. 20 people showed up. She got a lot of outside orders though and it was a great show $1800!
 
pamperedlinda said:
Don't plan the recipe until you know what her RSVPs look like. I had a host one time send out 119 e-vites. 20 people showed up. She got a lot of outside orders though and it was a great show $1800!
Nice!:love: :chef: :D :)
 
Let the host know that you only demo one recipe. Anything more would take too long and the guests may not be too happy that they are there (everyone has somewhere else to be).

Let her make (or buy) any additional food that she wants and have it ready to go.

I did a show with 42 and made a ring at the show. I made one ahead of time and did one for the demo. They went into the oven at the same time and it was plenty for everyone to "sample".

This would be a great opportunity to take a new recruit or someone to help you out, too.

It was a $2400 show -- good luck!!
 
Another great recipe to demo for a large crown is the Mandarin Pasta Salad. You can easily add more pasta and spinach to make it grow.

Lisa
 
I agree with everyone else, you are there to let them sample a recipe, not feast on it. Any trifle recipe will work or the one pot pasta. Wait until the host knows how many people she will have and then talk about the recipe options. If she wants to provide food or make a PC recipe herself, she's more than welcome to.
 
The Greek Cheese Torta feeds a lot too - you can make extra bread.Someone mentioned the salsa idea...bring your salad choppers if you have them and have the guests make that - that can be done fairly reasonably.
 
With that many (if any show...had 2 hosts invite about 50...1st show had 3 guests, 2nd had 5) you could do a "Battle of the Recipes". Divide guests into 2 groups & have them each prepare a recipe. Or set up stations with potatoes...peelers, UM, etc. for guest to try out tools.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
these are wonderful ideas, I am going to wait till monday or so to plan the recipes, but will do some in the mini muffin pan, bite size
 
Yeah, I would wait to hear from the host. Really host coach her to have her follow up with everyone she invited. I have done shows where 70+ were invited and less than 10 showed or where I sent out 15 invites and 23 showed. You just really never know.

Good luck and keep us posted!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #14
UPDATE!!!

19 people showed, closing the show tomorrow, still have between 4-5 orders to collect and the show is at $804.02 in comm. sales

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Great job! What did you demo?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #16
The Mini Ham Puffs and the Turtle Fudge cake, but I had one of the guests do the demo, while I explained, it was really a ladies get together, they were all talking and enjoying themselves, and I did not interrupt after the demo was finished..................
 
Great show....
 
YOU GO Brenda!!! See, all you needed was a little time away and look at your success take off!! You go girl!!:D
 
I had a show once with 30 people. It was my second show, so my ideas were good... but my follow through still needed work!!
With that many invites, most likely the host knows PC products and recipes. My host offered to make a few PC recipes ahead of time, so they were already made. She has a pizza out on a stone, a few things on simple additions pieces. I made the jerk chicken nachos and just let people look through things. It was more of a "look at the products" than a typical show. I wish I could go back now and do it again... knowing what I know now!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy recipes for feeding a large crowd?

Some easy recipes for large crowds include pasta dishes like baked ziti or lasagna, chili, and casseroles. You can also consider large salads, taco bars, or BBQ pulled pork served with buns. These dishes are not only simple to prepare but can also be made in advance and served buffet-style.

How can I scale recipes for a large group?

To scale recipes for a large group, start by determining the number of servings you need. Then, multiply each ingredient by the appropriate factor based on the original recipe's serving size. It's also helpful to use larger cooking vessels and ensure you have enough oven or stovetop space to accommodate the increased quantities.

Are there any Pampered Chef tools that can help with cooking for a crowd?

Yes! Pampered Chef offers several tools that are great for cooking for large groups, such as the Rockcrok® line for stovetop and oven cooking, large mixing bowls, and the Deep Covered Baker for making large casseroles. The Large Bar Pan is also perfect for baking sheet meals or roasting vegetables in bulk.

What are some crowd-pleasing dessert ideas?

Crowd-pleasing desserts include sheet cakes, brownies, and cookie bars. You can also prepare a large trifle or a fruit salad for a lighter option. Consider making a dessert bar where guests can build their own sundaes or assemble their own parfaits for added fun.

How can I keep food warm for a large gathering?

To keep food warm for a large gathering, use slow cookers, warming trays, or chafing dishes. If you’re using the oven, set it to a low temperature to keep dishes warm without overcooking them. Additionally, covering dishes with foil can help retain heat until it’s time to serve.

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