What Should I Serve as a Side Dish for a Lunchtime Show?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses ideas for side dishes suitable for a "lunchtime" show, with a focus on options that can involve guests in preparation and utilize Pampered Chef tools. Participants share various suggestions and experiences related to the host's menu and the dynamics of the show.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions the host's menu includes a Strawberry Spinach Salad, Baguettes with Pesto, and BBQ Pork Tenderloin sandwiches, seeking a side dish that avoids potato salad.
  • Another participant suggests slaw as a side for the BBQ sandwiches.
  • One participant proposes a pasta salad with chopped veggies and an Italian dressing made using Pampered Chef tools.
  • Another participant shares the idea of a dip using spice blends and veggies for dipping.
  • One participant recommends deviled eggs as an easy and inexpensive option that allows guests to participate in the preparation.
  • Another participant mentions the Colossal Chopped Salad from Season's Best as a successful demo in the past.
  • One participant notes that the host ultimately decided on roasted potatoes, which limited the opportunity for a formal demo.
  • Another participant shares a tip for roasting potatoes using the apple wedger and seasonings.
  • One participant provides an update on the show, indicating that the roasted potatoes were well-received and the event was successful overall.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best side dish options, with no clear consensus emerging on a single preferred choice.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and suggestions based on their own shows and preferences, reflecting a variety of culinary approaches and tools available from Pampered Chef.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for side dish ideas for similar lunchtime shows or those interested in engaging guests in food preparation during events.

Jolie_Paradoxe
Jolie_Paradoxe
Gold Member
Messages
2,855
Hello all,

I have a host who wants a SPREAD for a "lunchtime" show...some guests will arrive late, some will stop by and some will stay for the "show". She's making the Strawberry Spinach Salad, Baguettes with Pesto, Tomato & Mozzarella, and the Oil Dippings. She wants to demo the BBQ Pork Tenderloin sandwiches. She wants a side....no potato salad.

So, it looks like I may have a quick demo with the tenderloin....but I need help on picking a side....preferably one that guests can help prepare and use PC toys.

I'd appreciate any and all suggestions!
 
Crimeny that's a lot of food!

The only side that I can think of for the bbq sandwiches is slaw. lol. I'm sorry that's no help for you!
 
Maybe a pasta salad, with lots of chopped veggies, etc...show the colander, and different tools, use the measure mix n pour to make an Italian salad dressing to pour over the top.

Or a dip using one of our spice blends, and veggies for dipping.

Hmmmm....
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
I know Crystal....that's after I edited and veto'd 2 other appetizers! She's adamant about a SPREAD.

BeckyD....thanks! Pasta salad is a great idea....

Keep the ideas coming and wish me luck! Her show is Thursday....she sent out 70 invites!! So far, 9 RSVP...2 Latecomers and 3 outside orders....we're hoping people will just show up. I feel kind of bad that her after show follow up with guests who didn't come will be so long!
 
You can make the old deviled eggs recipe...
 
janetupnorth said:
You can make the old deviled eggs recipe...
Click to expand...

Mmmmm! Those are so good! Easy, inexpensive, and everyone can pipe their own using the EAD!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Not a bad idea Janet.....thanks!
 
The Colossal Chopped Salad from Season's Best S/S 2007. It is an awesome demo and my guests loved it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Thank you all for the help. She decided she wants to do roasted potatoes!! No demo opp for me....guess I'll be doing A LOT of word pictures....more talking. :( Ah well, here's hoping people appreciate the speedy demo and that I can actually provide a decent presentation.
 
Jolie_Paradoxe said:
Thank you all for the help. She decided she wants to do roasted potatoes!! No demo opp for me....guess I'll be doing A LOT of word pictures....more talking. :( Ah well, here's hoping people appreciate the speedy demo and that I can actually provide a decent presentation.
Click to expand...

LOL - that's funny. I was trying to avoid potato suggestions, because she said no potato salad.

A great tip I have for roasting potatoes is to use the apple wedger, and wedge the potatoes...toss w/ olive oil and seasonings (I've been loving the oil dipping seasonings, but the rosemary herb has been a long time favorite!) and bake on large bar pan. YUMMY potato wedges!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Just wanted to update....show was great! Looks like the host knew her crowd, he he!

Very little time to do a formal demo....I did a formal talk for all of 6 minutes...roasted potatoes (tossed in garlic and oil then sprinkled with our rosemary mix) was a hit..we ended up making 3 pork tenderloins in 12 m batches, and had people come to me for questions and tips...show is currently at 1100!! There are about 3 more orders coming in. I had one guest follow me to each group to "hear my tips, cause they were great!" (THANK YOU OH GREAT CS GURU'S!!)) and she ordered ALL my favorite items. :)

2 definite bookings, 1 maybe and 1 possible recruit! Had 4 guests talk about how much they loved "my" style! lol

Moral? Follow host lead when they know what "their crowd" prefers! How I wish I could take credit for it...but, this one is definitely host credited....just glad I could consult! lol
 
Congrats! (I can hear Marsha's excitment for you now!!!)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quick and easy side dishes I can prepare for a lunchtime show?

Some quick and easy side dishes include a fresh garden salad, a pasta salad with seasonal vegetables, or a fruit platter. You can also consider serving a cheese and cracker board or a simple vegetable dip with assorted raw veggies for a healthy option.

Can I prepare side dishes in advance for a lunchtime show?

Yes, many side dishes can be prepared in advance. Salads can be mixed the night before, and pasta salads can be made and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep dressings separate until serving to maintain freshness.

What type of side dish pairs well with sandwiches for a lunchtime show?

Side dishes that pair well with sandwiches include chips, coleslaw, or a light pasta salad. You could also serve pickles or a small fruit salad to complement the flavors of the sandwiches.

Are there any healthy side dish options for a lunchtime show?

Absolutely! Healthy side dish options include quinoa salad, roasted vegetables, or a Greek yogurt dip with fresh veggies. You could also serve a mixed fruit salad or a whole grain salad with beans and greens for added nutrition.

How can I make my side dishes visually appealing for a lunchtime show?

To make your side dishes visually appealing, focus on color and presentation. Use a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits, arrange them in an attractive way on platters, and consider using garnishes like fresh herbs. Serving in clear bowls can also showcase the ingredients beautifully.

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