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Cooking for 100
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Hilary
07/06/07
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I'm getting married on 9/22 and I'm having a BBQ buffet for my reception. We have 100 guests to cook for, and I am BBQing chicken breasts and carne asada. How do I calculate how many lbs I need of each type of meat?
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ellen
07/07/07
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Caterers in the USA usually allow 5 ounces cooked, boneless ready to eat beef PLUS 3 ounces cooked, boneless ready to eat per person party size portions. 2 pound raw boneless beef serves a bit over 4 people 2, Plus 1 pound raw boneless, skinless chicken breast serves about 4 people. So, you want almost 50 pounds beef PLUS 25 pounds chicken breasts.
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tank
08/21/07
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cooking for 250-325
how many pounds of roast beef do I need to feed about 250-325 people.We will also be serving bake potatoes green beans .how do I buy
in bulk
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Cook
08/21/07
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I am throwing a surprise birthday party. I am thinking around 75 people will come. I am having a taco theme with all the fixings. I do I calculate how much to cook?
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ellen
08/21/07
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Tank, roast beef can be anything from pot roast to steamship round to standing rib roast. Depending on the type of meat and service at the event, the amount varies. For example, for a family dinner with modest servings, you need 2 pound boneless raw for 5 people, but for bone in prime rib party servings you need 1 pound raw for each person. Use the plan for 100 meat section and add 10% for buffet style service. Having a line server to carve and serve the meat helps to limit the amiunts taken in buffet style service- if it is completely self serve, add anoher 10%. Green beans about 20 pounds ready to cook per 100. Baked potatoes 1 each- depends on the size- they are sold by count in wholesale cases. Look under wholesale grocers, produce, or restaurant suppliers in your yellow pages.
Cook, interestingly, you need the same amounts for a taco bar as for a baked potato bar. See the baked potato bar button at the top of the main cook talk page and do a search for taco for a bunch of recipes on this site.
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sandi mitchell
09/10/07
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This year at our ACS Relay For Life event I am the Chair person for the Survivior. So I need to plan a very inexpensive meal to serve 100 surviviors. Any suggestions?
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ellen
09/11/07
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Replenishing fluids and electrolytes with the meal would be great.
If this is a fall event, I would consider a hearty soup, chili or stew with fresh cornbread or other good bread, appropriate spread such as low fat cream cheese logs, and a marinated veggie salad. It would help if you suggested your cooking situation and whether you will be able to keep hot at service time.
Hot weather? What about gazpacho?
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carol worek
09/12/07
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how much of ingredients for 100 people for lasagna and salad
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Lauri
09/12/07
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We are planning to do our food, buffet style, for our wedding in May. Approximately 200 people. We have people willing to help, but I want to be sure to have enough/not too much food. Cabbage Rolls, Turkey (already cut & sliced and frozen until time), Ham (same as Turkey) Rigatoni, and Chicken (fried) When looking at food for 100, I'm unsure how to judge ... do I divide amounts by 5 because there will be 5 main foods? Salad, Veggie Trays, Cheese Trays, Fruit Trays, and potatoes, etc. are already taken care of.
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ellen
09/13/07
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Carol, salad is on the plan for 100 page, as are casseroles. Lsagna specifically is on the spaghetti page. Buttons at the top of the main cooktalk page.
Lauri, splitting the entrees this many ways for 100 is absolutely the hardest calculation in the kitchen. This is how I would do it:
1 piece of chicken per person
1 cabbage roll per person
2 ounces each deli sliced ready to eat ham and turkey; allow 3 ounces each if thick sliced
Rigatoni, 1/2 cup per person (it will be treated as a side dish by most, especially with the potatoes)
This may sound like a lot, but when you have this many choices, people usually try to eat some of everything, and the waste is higher. You will probably have some meats left over-
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Julie
09/17/07
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We are having a neighborhood party for 100 people. We have many salads and snacks. We plan to make shredded beef to put on a bun. How much beef do we need to make?
Thank you
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ellen
09/18/07
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30 pounds raw boneless chuck will make about 22 pounds cooked. With sauce, that is about 100 sandwiches, add a fudge factor if it is self serve.
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Sherry
09/24/07
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I need an easy recipe for spaghetti sauce (no meat added) which will use canned tomatoes, canned tomato sauce and puree that can be converted to feed approximately 150 people.
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ellen
09/25/07
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Sherry, you need about 1 1/2 cups per person. I would not make it with just those items, so as to this recipe you are on your own A #10 can holds 12 1/2 cups.
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Lisa
10/07/07
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Hi Ellen -- We are hosting our own wedding reception -- How many pounds of parsley potatoes would I need for 100 people -- wer are also having rigatoni, cabbage rolls, cabbage noodles, green beans, chicken, salad and dinner rolls. I am also unsure as to how many pounds of rigs we need because of the other food. Any ideas? Thank you
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ellen
10/07/07
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30 pounds with the other starches. About 12 pounds dry rigatoni should do it with the other dishes. Interesting meal. Get help- read the wedding dinner article.
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Avril Evans
10/13/07
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I'm making a buffet for a joint 21st/50th birthday party in November (approx. 100-150 people)
How do I calculate how much food to make i.e. sandwiches, sausage rolls, quiche etc etc.
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ellen
10/13/07
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Get closer to your actual count. Then use my plan for 100 tables, beverage planning tables, appetizer planning page, bbq and brisket page, spaghetti page, sandwich event page, tea party page, baked potato bar page, fruit tray page, veggie tray page, whichever apply, and make an estimate. If you post it, I will be glad to review it for you. Happy birthdays.
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Lisa
10/15/07
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How many pounds of prepared chicken salad will I need to feed 100 people? On average how many small crossiants can you get out of one pound of prepared chicken salad?
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ellen
10/15/07
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Depends on whether it is lunch or reception. See the sandwich event page for exact amounts for both. You want about 12 pounds of breads for 100 people for sandwiches.
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Dina
11/08/07
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Ellen,
I am doing an after work customer appreciation cocktail hour for 100 people. hours ar 6-8pm. I will be serving 4 hot finger appezizers, 2-3 cold finger appetizers, these will be passed. I will also have a vegetable and a cheese platter, tea sandwiches and possibly shrimp cocktail. Lastly, I will do assorted mini desserts. Help!!! How much of each should I plan?
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ellen
11/09/07
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Sounds elegant. Unfortunately, many of these folks will arrive NOT having eaten dinner and looking for enough food to fill themselves up, that is about 1 1/2 pounds each! Passing does decrease the amounts taken, usually. Do plan for a minimum of 12 bites per person per hour (I assume most will not be staying the whole time?) A bite is one mini quiche, 1 skewer of rumaki or kebab, 1/4 cup dip with chip/bread, 2 little tea sandwiches, 2 wing pieces, etc. Allow 2 ounces of cheese per person, 2-4 ounces veggies/fruit with dip.
For the desserts, make sure they are no bigger than about 2 bites and allow 1 of each kind per person up to 4 different kinds. Yes, people do eat a lot of dessert.
Shrimp cocktail is wonderful, expensive and very messy- if you are in yur store, may I suggest a crab mold or smoked salmon instead?
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scope415
01/02/08
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Cooking for 225
Daughter's wedding has gone to 225 confirmed guests. We are doing ordheurves and wedding cake as well as beer and wine. How do I even begin to calculate how many platters I need?
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ellen
01/02/08
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You don't mention the time of the reception or the budget you are working with, or the kitchen/venue at the reception site, all of which affect the plan. Besides reading the answer directly above, you need to consider several other things:
This is a VERY LARGE party to self cater, especially if you do not regularly do meals for 100 or more. You may need to cater part of the food- see the article on planning your wedding dinner.
If the wedding is scheduled at a time when people do not eat before they come, (such as 11 AM or 4-5 PM) people will be looking for a meals-worth of food, that is, about 1 1/2 pounds at the reception. So you would be serving an hor doeuvre meal, which is 3 to 6 times what is planned for simple hor doeuvres before a dinner. Please see the planning guide for appetizers for a place to start. For a meal type situation, you need to plan on about 12 bites per person the first hour and 6-8 each additional hour; discussion of what a bite is, is above.
Once you have settled on a menu, prepare an initial estimate and I will be glad to check it for you.
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Tonya
01/03/08
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I am organizing a church fundraiser and expecting 120 people. The menu is: Salad, Soup, and Desserts. I plan to have a couple of salad casseroles already made, plus I want to have a salad bar available. How much lettuce and other items should I have available on the bar? How many gallons of soup should be available? I want to have chicken noodle, bean soup, chili soup (and maybe one more...vegetable beef). Is that too much of a variety? For desserts I will have pies and cobbler.
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ellen
01/03/08
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For 120 people, you would do fine with 3 soups, and one should be vegetarian- maybe the pea/ bean soup, or that could be a vegetarian minestrone type instead? As far as the salad bar, there is an article on salad bars which should help- see the veggie tray section- you should count the number of servings in the casseroles, then subtract from 120, then add back 15 and make that much tossed salad.
I allow 7 1/2 gallons per 100 people. Fpr 120 with several choices, allow 10 gallons, 4 of the main and 3 of each of the others.
What you don't have that you need is a good hot bread. I suggest the simple cornbread on the chili page, with butter, jam, and honey to serve on the side.
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stephanie
01/16/08
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I am catering a 15th birthday party, there will be 200 guests.. I am making potato salad,mexican rice and carne guisada... I have catered smaller parties,but have no idea how much food I need to get for this one.. Can you please help.
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ellen
01/16/08
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Teens eat a lot. See the plan for 100 list and double for the amounts. For the guisada, use your recipe with about 35 pounds meat per 100. For the rice see my Spanish rice recipes for 100, you want about 8 pounds dry rice per 100. If you prepare an estimate, I will check it ofr you.
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Karen
02/06/08
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Dessert Buffet for 150
We are wanting to set up a dessert buffet of bite size desserts. It will include a chocolate fountain with fruit, pound cake etc. for dipping along with other bite size desserts. How much food do we need to plan per person. This is for a Ladies' Retreat. Thanks
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ellen
02/08/08
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Please see the dessert planning page and the choclate fountain page. Do be sure to cut small portions- 2 to 3 bites- in pretty little cups or doilies so everyone can try several different ones.
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Doreen Power
03/31/08
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cold cuts,rolls, cheeses, verggie tray, fruit tray
I am doing a buffet for 60 people (dart players) and having assorted cold cuts, cheeses, veggie tras, fruit trays, shrimp tays crackers condiments, pickles etc. no sweets I figure 12 lbs assorted meats but not sure on the chesses etc
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ellen
04/01/08
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First, I would add a bit more meat; 12 pounds is just 1 slim sandwich each, I would go with 15 pounds if sliced deli thin, 18 at least if thicker.
Cheeses are at least 2 ounces per person if sliced as for sandwiches. I usually allow 20 pounds for 100 people.
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Laura
04/02/08
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we are cooking for my wedding reception. We are having chicken,rigatoni with meatballs red skin potatoes, rice salad and rolls. How many pounds of rigatoni do I need seeing as this is one of the main dishes? And how much chicken?
Thank you for your help.
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ellen
04/02/08
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Laura, you don't even say how many people. Use the plan for 100 pages, make an estimate and post it, then I will check it.
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Leda
04/07/08
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I am doing a wedding reception for 100 the menu is
pulled pork
bar b qued chicken
potato salad
pasta salad
baked beans
vinegar slaw (for the barbque we are in north carolina)
I figured 50 lbs of boston butt
120 pieces of chicken
40 lbs of potatos
7 lbs of pasta
6 cans of # 10 beans (using your recipe)
does this look about right?
also appetizers are
meatballs 300
little smokies 300
cheese 6 lbs cubed
veggie tray (having trouble with the amounts)
cheese ball 6 lbs
crackers
do the amounts sound right on this?
I just want a basic veggie tray, cukes, peppers, tomatoes, carrots and broccoli
not sure how much to buy of each
please help.
thanks
Leda
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coco
04/07/08
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4/9/08
Hi,
I am searching for two sources of info.
#1)How much ground beef is need to make 120 burgers for a camp for children?
#2)I am also looking for a jambalaya recipe for 120 people, mostly children at a camp.
Thanks for your help with this.
CoCo in Covington, La.
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ellen
04/08/08
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Easy first. Coco, assuming almost all kids and a few counselors, you would make the patties 4 to the pound. Unless they are junior high or above, you nee only 10% extra above 1 each.
Jabalaya has MANY recipes. Basically for 120 with a lot of kids, you want a recipe with 8-9 pounds of rice as the base.
Leda, you actually probably have more food than you need for 100 people, unless this is a six hour/allday type party. 40 pounds of pork and 100 pieces of chicken, 4 #10 cans of beans. I would use lots of veggies in my pasta salad.
Do look at the sandwich condiment table on my sandwich event page. Do get one batch of Boca burger or Morningstar vegetarian sandwich patties. In 100 people you will need an entree for vegetarians.
Appetizers are plenty. You might consider adding a second cheese ball.
Did you look at the relish trays and veggie trays in my veggie tray section? If those amounts don't help, write back.
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Leda
04/08/08
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thanks so much for your quick response! and i went back and checked you app page, thanks!
have changed the apps because produce cost in my area are so expense right now and trying to keep cost down for the happy couple
200 meat balls
180 crescent wrapped smokies
spiral tortilla slices w/ cream cheese filling
120
6 lbs cubed cheese
5 lbs chips
2 quarts of dip
does this look better?
thanks so much for your help
also adjusted the main course amounts
44 lbs boston butt bone in (this is already pulled and in the freezer and will be reheating this in a carolina bar b que sauce (very thin watery sauce)
100 pieces of cut up chicken, par boiled grilled the day of and held briefly in roasting pans on very low
40 lbs potato salad
6 lbs pasta for pasta salad
4 number 10 # cans beans
4 large heads cabbage for vinegar slaw,
no need for meatless entrees as there are no vegetarians coming.
thanks so much don't know what i'd do with out your site :)
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julie
04/08/08
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please give me a receipe for chicken and rice casserole that could serve 100 people.
I really would appreciate it. It is for the homeless shelter.
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Tanya
04/08/08
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We are having a neighborhood Cinco de Mayo Festival. We are planning on about 15 people. How many pounds of already marinated Carne Asada beef should we get? Also, can you give me an estimate on refried beans and rice?
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Tanya
04/08/08
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PPLEASE DISREGARD MY PREVIOUS POSTING, I PUT THE INCORRECT AMT OF PEOPLE...
We are having a neighborhood Cinco de Mayo Festival. We are planning on about 150 people. How many pounds of already marinated Carne Asada beef should we get? Also, can you give me an estimate on refried beans and rice?
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ellen
04/09/08
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LEDA DO NOT PARTIALLY COOK AND HOLD the chicken, if that is what you mean by parboiled it is NOT SAFE. Once chicken is taken out of refrigeration it must be cooked to 150 internal temp before eating or rechilling.
Now the only two suggestions I have about the appies are, you REALLY need at least 15 pounds (12 at the absolute minimum) of cheese and cheese balls.
2 quarts of dip is is less than 1 1/2 tablespoons per person. The usual for 100 people is at least 6 quarts. You need something vegetablish or green; at the very least, make a spinach dip using frozen spinach or use salsa/ picante as one dip.
Julie, see the basic budget entrees sections on the Big Pots index page. Your recipe will need 8 pounds of rice and 60 pounds of chicken pieces.
Tanya, if this is raw beef, at least 1 pound for each 3 people- and with that you would need to grill in some peppers, onions, etc. There are quite a few recipes for rice and Spanish rice for 100 and beans for 100 already posted on the site- don't miss the recipe for borracho beans, the tradional side dish with carne asada. Basically, for both rice and beans, 7-8 pounds dry raw for each 100 people.
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Jeff
04/09/08
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We're getting married in a couple of weeks and have decided to have a buffet. We are buying all the food pre-made. We are having trouble figuring out how much to buy, pounds of food. The reception will around 5p-5:30p. We are expecting 60 adults and 16 kids, so we are planning for about 90-100. Here is our menu
Pulled Pork BBQ
Baked beans
Potato salad
Meatballs??
Chips
Veggie tray
Cheese tray??
Buns
Tea / Coke
Keg
PLEASE HELP / THANK YOU
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ellen
04/09/08
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Well, Jeff, you have left this a bit late... usually I say, make an estimate using the tables, the I will check it, but I will make an exception for you.
BUT, do go read the wedding dinner article- link at the top of the main cook talk page.
Count this as 100 people- it is dinner time and people will be hungry.
You need some appetizers, ste up to keep people busy for the hour after the ceremony while you do pictures, change clothes, etc.
SEE APPETIZER PLANNING PAGE_ COVERED IN DETAIL
Meatballs
Chips 6 pounds potato or 8 pounds corn- need dips
Veggie tray
Cheese tray-yes
DINNER
Pulled Pork BBQ-120 sandwiches- about 40 pounds
Baked beans- 3 gallons (4 #10 cans plus fixings)
Potato salad 3 1/2 to 4 gallons
Buns-120
Need 1 pack veggie burgers of some kind for the non-pork eaters
Need condiments- see sandwich event page- pickles, lettuce, etc
Add slaw 2 1/2 to 3 gallons
BEVERAGES- see the beverage planning page
Tea / Coke
Keg
Need some kind of non-caffeinated drinks for the kids
Consider coffee with the cake
If the cake is NOT ordered already, get to it!
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Leda
04/10/08
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thanks Ellen, oh no i'm going to parboil the chicken to keep the flare to a minimum when grilling. thanks i'll adjust my apps! your a great help!
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Carol Lou Reiff
04/21/08
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Cooking for 150
I need to know how many turkey to cook for 150 people and scalloped corn
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ellen
04/22/08
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Go to the planning and shopping article in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots. Covered in detail.
There is also a whole article on corn side dishes fopr large ghroups.
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Diane
04/22/08
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I am doing a chocolate fondue for 100 teenagers. they want bananas, pineapple and strawberries. How much of each fruit should I purchase?
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Diane
04/23/08
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I am serving a fondue fountain for 100 teens. They want pineapple, bananas and strawberries - can you please suggest amounts of each?
How much chocolate will I need?
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ellen
04/23/08
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Diane, there is an entire section on chocolate fountains and the related dippers, button at the top of the main cook talk page. You would be SO much better off with chafing dishes and a true dipping fondue- read the article and see why.
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Michelle
07/30/08
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My company is throwing a cook out for our employee's for keeping injuries down on the job site. My job is to research what most people like for cook outs. Potatoe salad verses cole slaw, baked potatoes verses fries, baked beans verses green beans. We plan on grilling steaks (as long as the injuries on the job stay low). We want to make this cook out a wonderful success for all the great work our employee's have done. Your ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Michelle
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ellen
07/30/08
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What an excellent idea. Will this include the families of the workers? An afternoon of activities (3 leg race, egg toss, wheelbarrow races, etc) can add to the festive atmosphere if family is present.
What most people like best for cookouts seems to be, plenty of food! Especially with heavy work, appetites can be big. I am unsure what you kitchen situation will be for this event, but I would never recommend French fries; either they are done early and get soggy, or they are a real headache, and rather risky, to fry on-site.
You might take a look at the baked potato bar article for your hot potato question.
As far as the salad, I would include both potato salad and slaw as well as baked beans. You want a total of 10 gallons of these sides for each 100 people; about 4 gallons of potato salad and 3 each of beans and slaw.
3 gallons of a special vegetable or salad is also nice- 3 bean salad, artichoke heart antipasto, special green bean casserole are all options.
If you have lots of grilling room, corn roasted in the husk is popular and very festive. Takes a little prep- you have to soak the corn in the husk briefly- but very tasty.
As for the meat, add some chicken halves if this is a large group. Some will be on cholesterol restricted diets.
There are two articles to look at for dessert- the dessert bar guidelines and the sundae bar. Either would be a great ending for your party.
Beverage amounts are covered on the beverage planning page.
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Rita
07/31/08
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Hi Ellen,
I love your site! I am cooking for a graduation party this weekend for 100 people. I am unsure of the amounts to make and could use some advice. Here is the menu and the amounts I am thinking to make...
Grilled Boneless skinless Chicken Breasts in wine sauce- 3 oz portions (130 pcs)
Ham- This is being provided by someone else
Lasagna w/Meat Sauce- 8 pans (half steam pans)
Hashbrown Casserole- 5 pans (half steam pans)
Taco Salad- unsure of how much of this to make considering the other menu items with meat.
Fruit and vegetable trays- provided by someone else.
I believe the host is also provided chips and other such snacks. I dont' want to run out of food, but don't want to overdo it either.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Ribbon jello- 3 9x13 pans
Sheet cake- half sheet cake
cookie assortment- 4 different cookies for a total of about 200 cookies
Shee
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ellen
08/01/08
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Not enough desserts. You want a two layer half sheet cake, or a whole sheet, and about double the cookies unless they are very large.
I would not make a taco salad, but a green salad base with the chips and fixings at the side. Green salad for 100 per the salad table on plan for 100. For the fixings see the not out of the trash bag walking taco salad, gives amounts for 25 meal portions, you will want about 50 people worth.
I would add some kind of bread or rice.
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Rita
08/01/08
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Thanks Ellen!
The cake is a two-layer half sheet, I forgot to mention that. I will add a bar cookie to the assortment also.
The host specifically asked for a taco salad..but I agree with you, it can't hurt to set it out seperately like a salad bar.
So the other item amounts were O.K.?
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ellen
08/01/08
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Looked about right to me.
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Carol
10/12/08
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Funeral lucheon...100 people.
We are making tradtional sandwiches, ham or turkey
12 sandwiches per loaf of bread. So I need say 10 loaves but how much meat? We will also be serving assorted salads and desserts
Thanks!
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ellen
10/12/08
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You need 1 pound deli sliced for each 4-5 sandwiches, depending on cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc.
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Rachel
10/12/08
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We are planning on a short notice wedding reception with 75-100 guests. What is the best method to cook the Au Gratin potatoes on the menu?
We have Nesco roasters available to cook in and serve out of to keep the food warm. Is it safe to cook the Au Gratin potatoes in a Nesco roaster 2/3 full and cook backup pans in the oven to add to the roaster as needed? Or should we cook all of the Au Gratin potatoes separately and then serve them from the Nesco roaster?
The bride has requested a Jiffy corn casserole that I'm wondering again if it would be best to cook it in a roaster with smaller backup pans or to cook a lot of smaller pans which are then combined into the roaster to keep up to temperature and serve from.
Your advice is greatly appreciated!
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ellen
10/13/08
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I would precook all the potatoes/ sauce, then add to the roaster as needed- keep hot tightly covered in the oven- or just do in two roasters. You also could do the jiffy corn casserole in two roaster cookwells and serve that way- you can buy the cookwells separately on line (BE SURE to check model numbers for the roasters) or you can just buy/borrow the two extra roasters.
The jiffy casserole transferred from small pans to the roaster wiill not be attractive.
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Hortencia
01/09/09
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Hi Ellen Great Web Page. Could you tell me if I need more for a Surprise party that I'm planning for my husband the guest will arrive by 6:30pm and end around 10pm
Here's my menu I'm trying to create a budget for.
__
3 cheese balls platters
6 lbs of crackers
20 lbs cheese divivded on the 3 platters
Party Wings- 40lb (4) 10lb bags
Meatballs 24lbs -----Sams 6lb (4)bags
Fruit Tray:
Red Apples -10lb apples sliced
Green Apples- 16lbs apples sliced
Pinapples -(4) 3-4lb 1 per tray
(using (4) 16" inch trays)
Grapes- (green and red) 6lbs divided on 4 trays
Veggie Tray: using (3) 16" party trays
Baby cut carrots - 1lb per tray
Celery- (3) 32oz bag of trimmed heads of celery
1 bag per tray
Cucumbers- 2 spears cut into slices per tray
Broccoli Florets- 6lbs divided on the 3 trays.
Please help me!!! I hope I came close?!
Hortencia
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Hortencia
01/09/09
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Sorry! This is for 100 people. Hortencia
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ellen
01/10/09
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Happy birthday, husband.
What you have is good, right amounts, nice choices. What you need is:
-dips or dressings for the veggies and the fruits
-I would add grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes or orange/red/yellow bell pepper chunks to the veggie trays for color
-Some kind of great carb/bready thing- maybe bruschetta?- about 12 pounds OR about 6 quarts of a heavy chip dip- 7 layer tex mex, bean dip, artichoke spinach, etc with about 8 pounds of corn chips or dipping bread
-I assume there is birthday cake? Dinner coffee is nice with that...
People will be eating dinner basically- most will not eat before coming- so you need to bulk it out a little.
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Hortencia
01/10/09
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THANK YOU!!!! SO Much. I forgot to add that I am having:
Chicken salad crackers
Pasta Salad 1/2 (50 people)
Potato Salad 1/2 (50 people) some may not like the pasta, vise versa on the potato salad.
Thanks,
Hortencia
Thanks for the corn chip idea and orange/red yellow bell peppers I will add
Yes I will have cake
Is this too much? ANy suggestions
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ellen
01/10/09
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No, it is not too much. You will probably have some left, but that is OK!
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Hortencia
01/12/09
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Thank you so Much!!!! I will let you know how everything goes!!!
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Winnie Anderson
01/12/09
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I need to know how much potatoes i need for 100 people for mashed & Carrots & frozen corn i need for 100 people.
Thank You
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ellen
01/12/09
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See the vegetable table on the plan for 100 page- button at the top of the main cooktalk page.
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shelly
01/19/09
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Hi and what a great site? I need to have numbers on how much meat to have for 100 people. I want to BBQ brisket, chicken and sausage and do it buffet style. How much brisket, chicken and sausage do I need to purchase? I will also have baked beans, potato salad and cold slaw on the buffet.
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ellen
01/19/09
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How to plan a three meat bbq is discussed in detail on the bbq and brisket page, button at the top of the main cook talk page. Work up an estimate and post it, and I will review it for you.
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bailey1
03/03/09
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I would like your suggestion on a cold wedding menu..i have the place but am short on cash and would like to do most of it myself. We will be renewing our vows so it is alittle less formal..time would be 6 pm and im counting on about 100 people. Am limited on cooking space..have one refrigator and small stove with microwave.. have plenty of room and time to prep ahead of time..will be late July. Any suggestions..if possible would like simple and elegant..@ half guest would be kids. Thank you and love your site.
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ellen
03/04/09
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See the champagne brunch for 25 and make 4 times the amount. It's a great plan.
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tracy
03/12/09
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Cooking for 250
cooking for 250 for wedding reception,
pulled pork, roast beef, on small buns,
green beans, hashbrown cass.
tea, kool-aid need to know how much beef and pork? How many cans of green beans? How many bags of forzen hash browns? help
Thanks ellen love your site
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ellen
03/13/09
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Tracy, all this is alreday covered on site. As I have said before, prepare an estimate and I will check it.
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Patty Charrier
03/25/09
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I am planning a volunteer dinner for Habitat for Humanity in area I need to know how much ham for 90 ,cheese hash brown casserole ,Broccoli salad
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ellen
03/25/09
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Use the plan for 100 list and my recipes for 100, less 10%.
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Dorothy
04/08/09
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How many sandwiches, veggie trays, pickles, squares, cake, tea, coffee & hot chocolate do I need to feed 250 guests after a dance
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ellen
04/08/09
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You want the dessert bar page for the sweets and the sandwich event page for the sandwiches. Pickles are on the plan for 100 page. Beverages are on the beverage planning page (I don't know the age/mix of your crowd, so I can't tell you how many are hot chocolate vs. coffee). I would use at least half fruit trays instead of veggie trays- at that time of night almost no veggies will get eaten- see the fruit tray page.
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laura rode
04/30/09
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Cooking for 75
Iam having a graduation party for my daughter, we will be 75 people. Please help me with quantities, my menu is hamberger, hot dogs, bbq chicken, chicken picata, sausage and peppers, penne vodka, eggplant parm, orzo with sundry tomato and mozzerella, potato salad, string bean salad, baked beans, green salad and rolls. Thanks a million!
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ellen
05/01/09
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Laura, this is too many dishes to do a good estimate. With a small crowd (and 75 is small for this type planning), you would have to have a lot left over in order to make sure everyone gets their first choice.
What this looks like is two separate menus, a BBQ menu and an Italian menu, and I would STRONGLY recommend you go one way or the other with a group this size. Are you expecting 2 different age groups?
I would either eliminate the hotdogs, bbq chicken, potato salad and baked beans, and do the hamburger as big tasty meatballs, or the Italian entrees and at least one pasta side. I also would serve either the orzo or the penne but not both.
Think about your plan and write back and I will try to help.
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laura
05/02/09
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okay, how about HB, Dogs, Sausage, BBQ chicken, eggplant parm, grilled veggies and shrimp, pasta with fresh tomatoes and mozzerella, potato salad, baked beans, green salad. Thanks
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ellen
05/03/09
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Good! Now we move into the realm of possibility. I would do 60 each burgers and pieces of chicken (pieces, not quarters), and consolidate the sausage and dogs by using good polish sausage or kielbasa in the sausage and peppers, make about 10 pounds of sausage and equal weight of peppers/onions, skip the dogs except 2 packages of tofu pups or other vegetarian type for meatless option. About 4-5 9x13 each eggplant and pasta (you won't have any pasta left over). 2 gallons potato salad, 1 1/2 -2 beans, and 1/2 the amount of green salad you would use for 100 or a little more.
The thing about the grilled veggies and shrimp is, you need at least 2 ounces of shrimp per person, 3 is better, anytime you serve shrimp, it is VERY desirable to most people. You need about 16 pounds of raw veggies to grill, as you already have the eggplant dish.
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Judy Sonsalla
10/07/09
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Cooking for baby shower
We are planning a baby shower for my daughter. Our main item will be BBQ with several salads, including potato salad, chips, dips, veggie tray and beverages. We sent 60 invitations and expect probably half that number. How do I calculate the number of pounds of BBQ that we need to prepare when we are unsure of the number of guests?
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Karin
10/07/09
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When planning my party is there a variation on the amount needed on sides depending on how many you serve. Here's the menu:
SERVING 175
Pulled pork
BBQ Boneless chicken tenders
Bread for the meat
Mashed potatoes
Macaroni & Cheese
Green Beans
Coleslaw
Cake
What is the best way to figure quantities needed without havinf alot left over?
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Linda
10/07/09
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Can you give me some appetizer suggestions for my stepson's wedding reception? There will be about 100 guests and it will go from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. We have refrigeration but no cooking facilities in the hall
Thanks
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ellen
10/08/09
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Judy, if I were you and doing the cooking and serving at home, I would make pulled bef or pork the day before, bag it in zipper freezer baggies in the sauce and put in the refrigerator. Day of, heat and use what you need (pork does NOT reheat well in the microwave, use the stove or roaster), then heat the rest as needed, and put the unused in the freezer.
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ellen
10/08/09
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Karin, I would do mashed potatoes for 120, mac for 100. 2 pounds raw pork for each 5 PLUS 2 pounds raw boneless skinless chicken for each 8.
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ellen
10/08/09
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Linda, it is hard to make suggestions with no idea about the budget. Here are some thoughts.
I would suggest some roasters or large crockpots for some meatballs/smokies and hot dips. There is a whole table on amounts for appetizers. Budget permitting, cold shrimp are a sure winner, and whole smoked snapper or rockfish are elegant and delicious. Cold ham and turkey breast sliced with nice rolls. Cold marinated veggie trays with blanched asparagus, baby corn, etc (see the relish tray suggestions at the top of the veggie tray page). Cheese trays/ balls/spreads, 12-20 pounds per 100. Fruit trays, maybe with chocolate fondue for dipping.
Desse rt bar with 4 or more small items and the cake, of course. There is a whole article.
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Brenda
11/06/09
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We are having a soup supper to raise money for our Fire Dept. We have offered Chili and Chicken Noodle soup in the pass but now want to make Bean Soup. Can you tell me what quantity of Great Nortern Beans to buy to make one large Nesco roaster full of Bean Soup?
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ellen
11/06/09
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You want to make about 3 gallons of bean soup. That is about 40-50 servings Here is the Navy recipe for 100 people:
Ingredient
BEANS,WHITE,DRY 3 quarts, 2 cups, 6 1/4 pound
WATER,COLD 2 gallons
HAM BROTH (FROM MIX) 5 gallons
PORK,HOCKS,(CURED & SMOKED),FROZEN 2 1/2 pounds -OR- 2 to 3 pounds chopped ham ends and pieces
CARROTS,FRESH,SHREDDED 1 pound, 5 cups (I double this)
ONIONS,FRESH,CHOPPED 2 pounds, 6 cups
PEPPER,BLACK,GROUND 1/8 ounce
FLOUR,WHEAT,GENERAL PURPOSE 13 1/4 ounces, 3 cups
WATER,COLD, 1 quart
I add 2 bunches fresh parsley, chopped, 2 tablespoons marjoram, and sometimes a #10 can of crushed tomatoes.
Method
Pick over beans, removing discolored beans and foreign matter. Wash thoroughly in cold water.
Cover with cold water; bring to a boil; boil 2 minutes. Turn off heat. Cover; let stand 1 hour.
Prepare stock according to recipe. Add to beans; bring to a boil; cover; simmer 2 hours or until beans are tender.
Place thawed, smoked, cured pork hocks in water to cover. Simmer 1 hour; remove from heat; cool. Remove lean meat; chop into small pieces.
Add carrots, onions, pepper and chopped ham hocks to bean mixture. Simmer 30 minutes.
Blend flour and water to form a smooth paste. Stir into soup; cook 10 minutes. CCP: Internal temperature must reach 165 F. or higher for 15 seconds. Hold for service at 140 F. or higher.
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ellen
11/06/09
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I also usually add celery, 2-3 bunches, sliced thin and simmered with the carrots.
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Raymeta
11/11/09
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I'm in charge of a church luncheon. How many pounds of potatoes do I need for serving 150 people mashed potatoes?
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ellen
11/12/09
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55-60 pounds, depending on the other sides and the appetites of your guests.
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Kathy
11/12/09
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Cooking for 75
Just discovered site; love it. Every yr. we have family weekend b4 Thanksgiving. 1 yr.50 people I did all cooking, used ALL my casserole dishes. Next yr friend catered. This yr. doing all but appetizers and desserts.have 1 dbl oven upstairs, 1 single down, stoves 8 burners, 2 refrigs. My menu: 3 turkeys cooked nite b4 on 250. 2 halfs Honeybaked hams, 2 sliced honeybaked smoked turkey breast, (if pans r 8 qts)2 stuffing, 2 mac&cheese, 2 sweet pot w/ marshmallows, 2 sweet pot casserole w/pecan top, 2 broccoli casserole, 2 squash, 35 lbs green beans, butterbeans, rolls from store, tea, coffee, soft drinks. Should I buy chafing dishes if I do this every year? Never used one b4. Looks like it would really help. (Friend used them last year. Does the menu look like enough? Thanks!
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Kathy
11/12/09
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Cooking for 75
Also really liked ur mashed potato recipe. Kind of wanted to make them too...Am going to use ur gravy recipe. Thanks!
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ellen
11/12/09
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You have way plenty food. You only need about 20 pounds green beans for 75 people. Go to this site for info on chafing dishes:
www.eddiesportablepigout.com/steamtable.htm
Remember they can ONLY keep warm, not reheat, so you may want some 18 quart roasters for some of the items.
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Brenda
11/19/09
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Cooking for 15 to 18 people
Cooking carne guisada rice & beans for 15 to 18 people. How many lbs of meat do you think and also cups of rice.
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Brenda
11/19/09
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Cooking for 15 to 18 people
Cooking carne guisada rice & beans for 15 to 18 people. How many lbs of meat do you think and also cups of rice.
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ellen
11/19/09
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Its basically stew, so you want 1 pound raw boneless meat for each 3-4 people, depending on if there are enchiladas or other entree portions along with. 1 pound of rice would be the bare minimum, I would probably do 1 1/2 to 1 3/4.
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Mary
11/19/09
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I'm making potato salad for approx 200 poeple. I wanted to know how many lbs of potatoes I would need.
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ellen
11/19/09
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See the first item in the plan for 100 table or any of my eight recipes for potato salad for 100, make double.
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Kelly
03/18/10
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Cooking for 125-150
Can you give me the amounts needed for a build your own taco bar for a max of 150 people? I want the guested to be able to make a taco salad, taco, nachos, and also have a side dish. I will have the usual hamburger, shredded cheese, lettuce, onions, salsa, sour cream, etc... chips, refried beans, spanish rice, and possibly a corn salad.
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ellen
03/18/10
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Kelly, you can calculate this yourself using the amounts on the baked potato bar/ taco bar page. Those amounts are for 100, you would use 1 1/2. You would add 12-15 pounds of chips (depends on age of group- teens eat more) and 2-3 #10 nacho cheese sauce or 2 1/2 gallons queso, opening only 2/3 until you see how the appetites are going.
The corn salad is a very nice idea, attractive and much less costly than guacamole.
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