Preparing a Colossal Chopped Salad for 25 Guests

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the idea of conducting a show without preparing a recipe in front of guests, specifically focusing on the experience of preparing a Colossal Chopped Salad for a large group. Participants share their personal experiences and thoughts on how to engage guests during such shows.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions preparing a salad in advance and serving it while discussing products, suggesting a more informal approach to the show.
  • Another participant shares their experience of conducting non-demo shows, emphasizing the importance of allowing guests to interact with products while enjoying food.
  • Several users note the necessity of demonstrating products, even without a cooking demo, to enhance guest engagement and potential sales.
  • One participant highlights the use of hands-on experiences with products, such as using cucumbers and limes, to keep guests involved.
  • Another participant expresses that guests often prefer to eat rather than watch a cooking demonstration, indicating a shift in focus during shows.
  • One participant mentions that their shows often lead to good discussions about products, especially when guests are encouraged to share their favorites.
  • Some participants discuss challenges with accessing training videos related to product demonstrations, indicating a shared concern about resources available for consultants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the necessity of product demonstrations during non-recipe shows, with some participants emphasizing their importance for sales while others suggest a more relaxed approach may be effective.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a variety of experiences from different stages in their consulting careers, with some being relatively new and others having conducted numerous shows. The nature of the audience and the informal setting are noted as influencing factors in how shows are conducted.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for alternative show formats or those interested in engaging guests without traditional cooking demonstrations may find the shared experiences valuable.

chefinbiz
Messages
36
Has anyone ever done a show without actually preparing the recipe in front of the guests? I have a show on Wed. with a ton (25 confirmed) of guests and was wondering about preparing the Colossal Chopped Salad in advance. Maybe serving it and showing some products while they ate and then serving dessert. Any ideas?

TIA,
Nancy
 
That's a great idea!

Make sure you discuss/demo some items though.

There is a short video on CC with Susie Lite and our "power tools" that she says we need to demo at EVERY show, even if the recipe doesn't call for them. She gives some great wording!
 
Oh! Yea! Make sure you show/talk about COOKWARE! Maybe do the ice cube in the saute pan thing....
 
I have done this before at the request of the host. I did a pizza for the guests, and while they were eating, I spoke about the products and let them come up and try them out on different vegetables, etc. I did the ice cube in the cookware & ice cream dipper, Ult. Mandoline w/cucumber, cheese grater w/carrots (I did a lot of slicing and dicing of carrots b/c they had a ton of them) and that was about it. I let everyone mill around and ask questions and offered personal service to everyone as they placed their orders, too. It was a very informal show and everyone enjoyed it. I am also close friends with just about everyone who was there, and they had already seen my demo several times, so they just wanted something low-key. There were also several men there, and I think they just didn't want to feel like they were at a "Tupperware" party, so I geared it to them more with the knives and bbq tools. I think the key is, even if you're not demo-ing a recipe, you still need to show the products and how they work, so people get that "Oh, yea, I really need that!" feeling while watching you or trying it themselves. Good luck and I hope it goes well for you!
 
cathyskitchen said:
I think the key is, even if you're not demo-ing a recipe, you still need to show the products and how they work, so people get that "Oh, yea, I really need that!" feeling while watching you or trying it themselves. Good luck and I hope it goes well for you!

I soooooooooo agree with you! If you DON'T demo some tools, your sales will more than likely suffer.
 
I like that idea. I am only in my 3rd month and have had about 6 shows so far. Most of the my host want me to bring product so the guest can see, touch and answer questions. Of course most of them already know about PC. They do like to eat but don't care to watch me.
 
I know some people bring cucumbers and limes so people can play with products while not doing a cooking demo.
 
If you use the link that Tasha provided, there's an outline of my typical show. I talk about and show lots of products. I just don't usually make a recipe. Also, with the game, the guests are selling the products to one another. Works well because their friends have much more credibility in their eyes than I do.
 
KellyTheChef said:
That's a great idea!

Make sure you discuss/demo some items though.

There is a short video on CC with Susie Lite and our "power tools" that she says we need to demo at EVERY show, even if the recipe doesn't call for them. She gives some great wording!


Kelly-
Where do you find the videos now?

I thought they were right there on the consultant corner home page, but I am missing them. Can you tell me where you see them?

Thanks-
Kelly V.
 
National Conference overview link is on the left hand side of CC homepage.

Then, click on "Tool Time" video.

HTH
:)
 
Thank you! :D

I would have never looked there!


Thanks-
Kelly V.
 
I do non-demo shows all the time. I bring a prepared recipe or have the host have PC recipes waiting for me. When every one is there I pass out my lap boards with catalogs, order forms etc. I explain the specials and the round up and ask people about what their favorite products are. That usually opens up a really good dialog about the products (which is usually the stoneware and cookware) and is great in case there are people that have never been to a show before. I do bring carrots for peeling and chopping so the guests can check out the cutlery, the chopper, the veg. peeler, basically what ever they want. I find that I'm selling alot more if the customers are 'hands on' with the products. I gotten a lot of compliments (and bookings!!) from these type of shows. The guests love it because it gives them more time to sit and chat with each other too. My husband works 3rd shift so this type of show is perfect for when I have to be home early so he can go to work.
 
I went to the site where the video is on our "Power Tools" and can't seem to get it to play? All that comes up is a box where the video should be playing, and it is all white and nothing else.

I download the real player and it won't open it, I guess that's not what I needed. :confused:

Any ideas??

Kelly V.
 
I had a problem the other day also. I have been able to download them and then play it.
 
I tried the other day also, and it wouldn't work then, so I thought maybe it was down, but it still won't work for me??


Kelly V.
 
I don't know then. The other day I could not download or play it. Today I still can't play it from the net but I was able to download and then play it. I tried downloading when you posted your first post aobut having a problem.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients do I need to prepare a Colossal Chopped Salad for 25 guests?

To prepare a Colossal Chopped Salad for 25 guests, you will need a variety of fresh vegetables such as romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and carrots. Additionally, include proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas, cheeses such as feta or mozzarella, and a selection of dressings. Don't forget to add herbs and spices for flavor, and consider including nuts or seeds for added crunch.

How do I efficiently chop all the ingredients for the salad?

To efficiently chop all the ingredients, use a combination of sharp knives and kitchen tools like the Pampered Chef Food Chopper or the Quick Slice. Start by washing and drying all vegetables, then group them by type for easier processing. Chop larger items first and use a consistent size for all ingredients to ensure even mixing and presentation.

Can I prepare the salad in advance, and how should I store it?

Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. To do so, chop all the ingredients and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Ideally, assemble the salad no more than a few hours before serving for the freshest taste.

What is the best way to serve a Colossal Chopped Salad to a large group?

The best way to serve a Colossal Chopped Salad to a large group is to use a large serving bowl or platter. Consider tossing the salad with dressing just before serving to ensure even distribution. Provide serving utensils and let guests help themselves, or serve individual portions to maintain presentation and freshness.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind when preparing the salad?

Yes, when preparing the salad, consider dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or nut allergies. Offer a variety of proteins and dressings to accommodate different preferences. Clearly label all ingredients and dressings, especially if they contain common allergens, to ensure all guests can enjoy the salad safely.

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