inNeed of Cheap Recipe for 30-40 People

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around seeking affordable recipes suitable for a large gathering of 30-50 people, specifically for a cooking demonstration. Participants share various recipe ideas and personal experiences related to preparing dishes that are both impressive and budget-friendly.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for a jaw-dropping recipe for a large demo, emphasizing the importance of impressing guests to boost sales.
  • Several participants suggest Profiterole Puffs as a cheap and impressive option, although one participant, identifying as a consultant, shares a negative experience with them, finding them unpalatable.
  • Another participant mentions Apple Berry Salsa as a good choice, noting its ease of doubling and the option to purchase cinnamon chips for convenience.
  • One participant recommends Tuxedo Brownies, highlighting their ease of preparation and popularity.
  • Another participant suggests making a ring dish, proposing to demo one while having another ready to go, citing it as cheap and easy.
  • One participant shares a recipe for Easy Chocolate Trifle, describing it as awesome and budget-friendly.
  • Another participant discusses a hot pizza dip that can be tripled and served with bread, emphasizing its low cost and ease of preparation.
  • One participant mentions Pronto Pasta Bake as a favorite, noting its affordability and ease of preparation, while also suggesting serving it in small portions for sampling.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on a single recipe, as participants express a variety of preferences and experiences with different dishes. Some participants support specific recipes while others share differing opinions or alternatives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and preferences regarding recipe selection for large gatherings, with an emphasis on affordability and ease of preparation.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for budget-friendly recipe ideas for large cooking demonstrations may find the shared experiences and suggestions helpful.

tiffanypc05
Messages
600
Hi, I'm in dire need of a cheap recipe for an april show that has at least 30 people rsvp. The hosts are looking for approximately 50 but not sure if that many will show or not. I'll be doing one demo and need it to be jaw dropping to get my sales up....HELP!!!!
 
Profiterole Puffs! You can make a batch (or 2) ahead and demo one at the party. They're pretty cheap, easy, and impressive...with 30-50 guests I wouldn't worry about cheap, though!

Or, make dip with the dill mix, then demo the tools to make a fun veggie tray-mandoline with crinkle blade for cukes, v-shaped cutter to cut out a pepper for the dip, crinkle cutter for carrots, knives/cutting boards for broccoli & Celery, put it all in the chilzanne...
 
I second Profiterole Puffs or maybe the Tuxedo Brownies.
 
What about a ring or 2? Have one already ready to go in the oven and demo the 2nd one... cheap, easy and people love them!
 
Apple Berry Salsa is good. You can easily double it, and either make the cinnamon chips ahead of time or purchase them (Sam's Club and Costco have cinnamon tortilla chips).
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
lol, I've tried the profiterole puffs 3-4 times and they always taste like eggs...GROSS!!! So, I definitely can't do those. Isn't the apple berry salsa in the All the Best cookbook? That sounds like it would be good.

The tuxedo brownies sound good too, where can i find them?
 
EASY CHOCOLATE TRIFLE! It's awesome!!
 
tiffanypc05 said:
lol, I've tried the profiterole puffs 3-4 times and they always taste like eggs...GROSS!!! So, I definitely can't do those. Isn't the apple berry salsa in the All the Best cookbook? That sounds like it would be good.

The tuxedo brownies sound good too, where can i find them?
I think it is in All the Best. I know it was in the old "Classics" cookbook. ;)
 
I second the Apple Berry Salsa! It shows a lot of tools, and it is sooooo good to eat! I would prob. purchase the cinn. tortillas since you would need to make so many if you are short on time. You can talk about how easy and inexpensive it is to make your own...or even show them by prepping one so they know what you are talking about!
 
Trifles can be cheap too...as mentioned above...
 
KellyTheChef said:
I second the Apple Berry Salsa! It shows a lot of tools, and it is sooooo good to eat! I would prob. purchase the cinn. tortillas since you would need to make so many if you are short on time. You can talk about how easy and inexpensive it is to make your own...or even show them by prepping one so they know what you are talking about!
You can also make variations by adding tropical fruit to some of it. Like the Mango Salsa that was the SBRC cover recipe a while back.
 
the hot pizza dip can easily be trippled in a bigger baker and served with french bread/baguettes. it won't cost much. I would just buy bag of mixed cheese have it mixed in to the cream cheese before the demo, then bring some small peice of mozarella or parm cheese form you personal cheese and show your graters with that! Cream cheese can easily be found on sale, and you only need one thing of pizza sauce it will stretch. And garlic and Italian seasoning are two things every consultant should keep on hand at all times!!:D LOL JMHO!
The bread can be bought cheap too. Look for the day old bread, when you toast it on a stone, you can't tell it's day old!
This recipe is the second recipe in the "All The Best" cookbook!
This is a great recipe!;)
 
Last edited:
Oooh- you're right! I had forgotten about HPD, and that's one of my favorites!
 
Tuxedo Brownies are my favorite... Make the brownies ahead of time, so easy...

Tuxedo Brownie Cups

1 package (19-21 oz) fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients to make mix)
2 squares (1 oz each) white chocolate for baking
2 tablespoons milk
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup thawed, frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)
1 pint small strawberries, sliced
orange zest, mint leaves, melted semi-sweet chocolate for baking (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 325. Spray cups of Deluxe Mini-Muffin Pan with non-stick cooking spray. Prepare brownie mix according to directions for cake-like brownies. Using Small Scoop, fill each cup 2/3 full. Bake 14 minutes or until edges are set (do not over bake).
2. Remove pan to Stackable Cooling Rack. Immediately press tops of brownie with Tart Shaper to make indentations. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Loosen edges and gently remove the brownies from pan. Cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.
3. Microwave white chocolate and milk, uncovered on high 1 minute; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. Combine cream cheese and powdered sugar; mix well. Gradually stir in white chocolate mixture until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
4. Pipe mixture into cooled brownie cups using the Easy Accent Decorator. Arrange strawberry slices on top. Garnish as desired. Place in airtight container and refrigerate 1-3 hours before serving.
tip: to get even strawberry slices, slice them using your Egg Slicer Plus.
 
Pronto Pasta BakeI love this recipe. It feeds many and is very cheap and easy. I don't necessarily have to use tools in my demo to cross sell and talk about all the tools I can fit on my demo table. Serve on small dessert plates so people get the hint to take a little to sample. You could also add some french bread baked in the shaped bread tubes and butter to use our spreader with.

Pronto Pasta Bake

12 oz. Rotini pasta, uncooked
2 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 jar (48 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 tsp dried basil leaves
2 oz. (1/2 cup) fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Chop zucchini with food chopper. Using garlic press, press garlic into classic 2-Qt batter bowl. Add zucchini, spaghetti sauce and basil. Grate Parmesan cheese. In 9 x 13 inch baker, layer one third of the spaghetti sauce mixture, half the pasta, one third of the sauce mixture and half of each of the cheeses. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, sauce and cheeses; cover with aluminum foil. Bake 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 5 minutes.

Just double or triple this recipe!!

Debbie :D
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some budget-friendly recipes that can serve 30-40 people?

Some great budget-friendly recipes for large groups include pasta dishes like spaghetti with marinara sauce, chili, or a large vegetable stir-fry. You can also consider casseroles, such as baked ziti or chicken and rice, which are filling and can be made in large quantities.

How can I reduce the cost of ingredients for a large recipe?

To reduce costs, buy ingredients in bulk, choose seasonal vegetables, and use less expensive proteins like beans or ground meats. Planning your menu around sales and using store brands can also help keep costs down.

Are there any easy-to-make recipes for large gatherings?

Yes! Recipes like taco bars, where guests can assemble their own tacos, or a baked potato bar are easy to prepare and allow for customization. Additionally, large salads or soups can be made in advance and served easily.

What kitchen tools do I need to prepare meals for 30-40 people?

You'll need large pots and pans, mixing bowls, and serving utensils. Tools like a food processor can help with chopping, and having a few slow cookers can make it easier to keep dishes warm. Pampered Chef offers various tools that can help streamline the cooking process.

Can I make desserts for a large group on a budget?

Absolutely! Desserts like sheet cakes, brownies, or cookies are cost-effective and easy to make in large quantities. You can also consider making a large fruit salad or a simple ice cream sundae bar for a fun and interactive dessert option.

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