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Pound of meat per adult
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Linda
03/21/08
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How much meat to figure per adult and children?
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ellen
03/22/08
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Dinner, lunch, BBQ, buffet, reception, appetizers? Beef, chicken, turkey, bone-in ham, ribs, deli? Raw or cooked ready to eat? Regular meal or party meal? As stated repeatedly elsewhere, with beef and a second meat, many caterers allow 5 ounces cooked ready to eat meat plus 3 ounces of the second cooked ready to eat meat. There are tables all over this site for per person for individual meats, turkey, etc. for each of the above. If you will make a basic estimate and describe your menu, I will be glad to check it for you.
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Judy Sanchez
05/16/08
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I have a ton of questions. I'm cooking for a 60th anniversary. Approx 200 people. How much shredded beef (sandwiches) would I need. I'm thinking of going with chuck roast, how many pounds approx? I'm also thinking of a 2nd meat as well either barbeque pork or shredded chicken, which would go better with the beef? Also with cost in mind what would be least expensive. Side dishes are Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Tuna Salad. I do plan on having some appetizers like taco dips, cucumber sandwiches. I have printed out many of the pages on veggie tray, fruit platters etc. The anniversary party is June 21st and I'm trying to budget with 6 other family members. Thank you so much for your help
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ellen
05/16/08
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Approximately 85 pounds raw boneless chuck or pork shoulder for a single meat. If I were doing two, I would do pork and chicken or beef and chicken, as folks who will eat beef will eat pork, while some folks who eat chicken will not eat beef or pork.
If you do two choices, you must add more meat, as people will take more and some of each, and you need to leave a choice. So you need about 60 pounds raw beef or pork PLUS 40 pounds boneless chicken, which is 80 pounds bone in quarters or whole. You can use turkey for BBQ "chicken"; if you don't discuss it, no one will notice.
Preparing the meat and storing/ freezing it in the BBQ sauce will allow the meat to absorb some of the sauce, which both improves the flavor and slightly increases the amount.
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Judy Sanchez
05/16/08
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More questions. How much in advance could I make the meat and freeze it? This will help us on time. There are only 5 of us committed to cooking so I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. For the sides do you think potato salad, pasta salad and tuna salad is enough variety? There will be some veggie dishes as well. For cookies and brownies would you consider 1 per person or 2? Taco dip I was thinking of 4 platters. Does that sound like enough? Thanks again
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ellen
05/16/08
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You can freeze the meats 2 months ahead.
I would add slaw, very simple and not expensive, adds crunch and color.
With cookies and brownies, unfortunately, you need 1 of EACH kind per person up to 4, but you should make small ones- 2 to 3 bites. People will take several different ones.
Taco dip? What size tray? Is this salsa, or a cheese dip, or a layered bean dip? You need 1/4 cup per person.
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Evie
05/16/08
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Can a casserole recipe with uncooked rice be assembled and refrigerated overnight and cooked the next day for lunch? Will the rice be too mushy? Will the dried onion soup mix flavors be too intense?
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ellen
05/17/08
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I would try it for family before prepping for a guest, and here is how I would do it:
Assemble everything but the broth/water in the non-stick sprayed dish, chill. Prehest the oven. Warm the broth/water before pouring over the casserole, cover and bake.
It probably would not work with a thick sauce, cream soup, etc.
If I were going to try mixing the whole thing, I would use brown rice, which would benefit from the soaking. If I tried it with white, I would use converted, (Uncle Ben's, for example), which holds its shape better than other white rices.
I might also try the casserole with barley, which is sturdier than rice and very tasty.
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Earl F.
06/08/09
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Pound of meat per adult 65 ,BRISKET& SAUSAGE
COOKING 40# OF BRISKET IN A fec100 ,slow How much sausage do we need 65 people.
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ellen
06/09/09
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You have enough brisket without the sausage, meat-wise; but if you do have sausage available you need 1 pound raw for each 4 people (about 15 pounds), as people eat much more when there are several meats.
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Be
09/04/09
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When serving Prime Rib to a mostly hardy farming men event, how many ounces of meat do you prepare per serving? Serving between 100 - 150.
The menu includes, garlic potatoes, green beans, garden salad, roll and desert.
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ellen
09/04/09
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1 pound bone in per person, especially as those are basically light sides. Get an exact count; at this price no one can afford such a wide range.
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Be
09/04/09
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Thanks for that info, I can only get boneless rib roast in my area, so how much that way. Also, what sides would you suggest then to help fill them up with less meat?
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ellen
09/04/09
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OK, 3/4 pound raw boneless and cook ity LOW and SLOW to reduce shrinkage. How about a casserole of hot vegetables or a corn casserole or broiled tomato halves, and instead of tossed salad, a heavier slad such as a marinated bean cup or other marinated relishes?
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Be
09/06/09
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Thank you very your advice.
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JR
09/10/09
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How many pounds of chicken thighs or leg quarters will feed 100 (with side dishes)?
Thanks in advance
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ellen
09/10/09
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See the plan for 100 table, meat section. Your question is answered exactly. Button at the top of the main cooktalk page.
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JR
09/10/09
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OK I may be reading it wrong...
boneless thighs described as about 90 lbs
leg quarters describe as one per person
I was looking for lbs/person for bone in
thighs and quarters
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ellen
09/10/09
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Bone in thighs count as pieces. Boneless, skinless thighs, you only need 2 pounds raw for every 5-6 people (depends on what you are using them for). Leg quarters count as quarters- the main reason for the difference in the weight is, the quarters usually still have (quite a bit of)the backbone attached while the bone in thighs have just the thigh bone itself, which is relatively small.
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ellen
09/10/09
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So with bone in in pieces you need about 70 pounds, with quarters about 80 pounds, whole chickens or mixed pieces (which include legs, wings breasts and thighs about 90 pounds; but boneless, skinless, only about 45 pounds.
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JR
09/10/09
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by the way thanks alot for the info, it is greatly appreciated... and would you estimate about a gallon of bbq sauce for the above mentioned chicken?
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ellen
09/10/09
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When I make pulled pork, I use almost 3 quarts for just 8-10 pounds of meat. Of course, that is a very wet dish, but I would say you need more than a gallon= 16 cups= 250 tablespoons or less than 3 tablespoons per person...
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cheri degonia
09/16/09
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For 50 people how much Ham do I need we are having the spiral cut and how much chicken or roast beef?
How many rolls.
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ellen
09/16/09
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Cheri, is this for sandwiches or a plated dinner or a buffet, and what kind of chicken? Also, what is the rest of the menu? Write back.
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Be
09/17/09
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hey Ellen, just wanted to let you know that my event with the prime rib went over with flying colors, Thank you for your comments.
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ellen
09/17/09
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Great! Thanks for the follow up! What menu did you end up with and how many people?
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barbara
11/07/09
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how much meat to purchase per adult
i am making chateubriand for 25 guests. how much will i need. i am also making 5-6 lbs of salmon. thanks
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ellen
11/08/09
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Even with the salmon, I would start with 12 pounds raw chateaubriand. People love this luxurious dish.
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barbara
11/08/09
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Thanks!!
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dianne
11/09/09
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I am making roast beef,and either ham, or turkey for a second meat. The sides are mashed potatoes, corn, and stuffing. This is for about 60-65 adult and 20 children. How much meat should I get?
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ellen
11/09/09
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You want to end up with 5 ounces cooked ready to eat beef PLUS 3 ounces ready to eat second meat per person. That is 7-8 ounces raw boneless beef [er person, The turkey, you can check my turkey yield tables in the holiday cooking section at the top of Big Pots. Ham, about 1 pound cooked boneless for each 4 people for the second meat.
You will notice that when there are two meats, people tend to take more and some of each.
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lisa
11/10/09
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How many pounds of chipped BBQ meat do I need to feed sandwiches to 40 people?
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Lily
11/10/09
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Throwing a baby shower, there will be approx 50 - 60 guests - Menu is Brisket, rice, beans, bread, pickles and onions - how much brisket would I need? Raw and how much should I serve after cooked
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ellen
11/10/09
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Mostly ladies? 2 pounds raw well trimmed id fine for 5. For mixed or men 2 pounds for 4. Makes about a 5 serving for each person.
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Ray
11/11/09
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HI Ellen
For Christmas we are having about 70 guests for 1 pm meal. about 8 of these are children. our menu is Turkey Breast, Ham, and Pork Ribs, and stuffing. Four kinds of potatoes, and each family will bring a dish to pass.
I know this is a lot of food but they usually eat a little something before going home.
please help me!!!!!!!
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hariette
11/11/09
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I am getting a spiral cut ham for 15 for Thanksgiving and need to know how big a ham to get. 13 adults and we are having turkey as well. Thanks!
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ellen
11/12/09
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Ray, what is your question? Write back.
Harriette, if this is a bone in ham and you are not having another meat, you would get at least an 8-9 pound ham. But with the turkey, you only need to allow 2 pounds for each 7 people, bone in, so about 5 pounds.
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Robin
11/23/09
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I am hosting a holiday party for approximately 60 people. Planning on making chicken and brisket tacos. Will also be serving mexican rice. How many raw pounds of brisket and how many raw pounds of bone in chicken breasts will I need to purchase? Thank you so much for your help!
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ellen
11/23/09
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Youwant to end up with about 5 ounces ready to eat beef and 3 ounces ready to eat chicken for each person. Brisket is a fatty meat that shrinks a lot, so you want about 2 pounds raw for each 5 people, and a bit less than 1 pound of bone in checken breast for each 3.
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Robin
11/24/09
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Thanks Ellen!! I have tried my recipe using both chuck and brisket. The chuck tasted a bit better but was a royal pain to process through all of the fat and gristle and in the end, did not provide a large quantity of meat. So, I am planning on using the brisket - do you agree?
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ellen
11/24/09
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Yes, the chuck does taste better and yes the brisket is much easier to handle, and is perfectly acceptable for this use.
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Robin Taback
12/04/09
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defrosting, re-heating and rice
Ellen -
Thanks so much for your help!! Couple of questions...
I have cooked the brisket and chicken and froze them in 8 gallon containers. What would be the best way for me to defrost and re-heat for the party?? I have ordered chaffing dishes to use for service. Do I need to re-heat everything on the stove and/or oven first, or once everything is defrosted, can it go right in the chaffers to warm up? Also, I am planning on making mexican rice - rice cooked with half chx broth, half tomato sauce, onions, mexican spices and peas. Can I make this ahead of time and freeze?? If so, again, how do I re-heat?? Thanks so much for your help. LOVE your website!!!!
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ellen
12/04/09
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Thaw in the refrigerator only; containers this large could take 3 days. The rice would be MUCH better made fresh.
You MUST bring all food to 180 before placing in the chafers; it will not reheat safely in the warmers.
If you use the baked rice method and do it in the oven, it is very easy to do a large amount.
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Robin
12/08/09
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Ellen - thanks again for all of your help!! I have one final question!! If I have leftovers after the party, can these be re-frozen and used at a later date or are they trash? Thanks!!!
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ellen
12/08/09
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If it has been frozen and thawed, it can't be refrozen unless it is cooked to 160 again. It must NOT be refrozen if it has set out at room temp. Not trash, eat them up or donate to a local soup kitchen, but don't re-freeze.
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beverly
12/15/09
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how many cold cut platter do i need for 25 ppl also cheese. thanks
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beverly
12/15/09
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hi. we are thinking roast beef, turkey, ham, salami, cheese. there will be salads. how much of cold meat for 25 people, thanks
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ellen
12/15/09
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Hi, Beverly,
If this is a sandwich platter type event, take a look at the sandwich event page for 3 different sizes of sandwich events. Once you have a total weight, do about 1/3 beef, 1/3 turkey, 1/4 ham, 1/4 salami. Notice it adds up to more than 100%? That's because people take more and some of each when there are multiple choice. Thin sliced is better than shaved, people take less.
1 1/2 to 2 ounces sliced cheese per person.
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angie
01/13/10
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hi ellen, im doing my own wedding reception dinner and had a few questions. First of all we are on a budget but want a full meal so we are doing spiral ham, baked potao bar, green salad and steamed veggies with rolls. Do I need something else? Also is that too much of a holiday meal? anyway its for 100 people. can you get me a close estimate of how much meat i will need. Im doing the spiral ham. thank you angie
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ellen
01/13/10
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That is a perfectly OK meal, you just need to be sure there are some protein toppings for the potatoes for any vegetarians- chopped egg, shredded cheese, etc.
This will be a bone in ham, I assume, You need 1 pound for each 3 people for buffet/ party type servings.
I would add a festive fruity dish such as fried apples to complement the ham and fill out the plate. 1/2 cup per person.
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Michele
01/20/10
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Hi Ellen,
How many lb per person should I figure of chickn and beef fajitas for 12 adults and 9 kids?
Thanks!!
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ellen
01/20/10
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Raw, 1/2 pound lean boneless beef plus 1/3 pound raw boneless chicken per adult and kids above junior high, 1/2 that for small children.
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cindy Namerow
02/15/10
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Hi Ellen,
Preparing Maundy Thurs. dinner for 50 at our church.
I am considering preparing chuck roast.
How many lbs per persons?
Much appreciated,
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ellen
02/15/10
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25 pounds raw boneless chuck will give 50 nice portions.
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Dawn
02/21/10
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Hi Ellen,
I am preparing a chicken scampi for approx 50 people, could be a few less. any suggestions for how much chicken I will need and ideas for sides, plan to have a pasta with marinara, rolls and salad.
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ellen
02/21/10
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Hi,
Check the chicken discussion on the plan for 100 page, you need about 1/2 the amount for 100.
I would do antipasto veggies (cold) and roasted mixed; eggplant, summer squashes, asparagus, whole green beans, etc.
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mike
02/25/10
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haveing a party with about 40 adults and want to serve pork shoulder to keep the cost down low and slow cooking method. How big of a roast do i need to purchase and how long in the oven covered in foil should i cook it for? i will be serving it with 2 sides.Thank u in advance for your input
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patsy wiggins
02/26/10
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figure in lb
In planning a dinner, the amount of boneless raw meat to be purchased for each adult is..
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patsy wiggins
02/26/10
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Pound of meat one adult
amount of boneless meat to be purchased for one adult is..
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ellen
02/27/10
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Mike, you mean roasts, not roast; about 20 pounds boneless.
Patsy, it depends. Boneless skinless chicken hardly shrinks, you allow 4 ounces raw to get 3 ounces cooked. Brisket shrinks 40%; you need a pound to get about 9 ounces cooked.
USDA recommends 3 ounces cooked as a portion. Usual party portion is twice to 3 times that.
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Erin
03/06/10
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I have a question for you, my husband and I are planning a BBQ for his birthday this year. There will be approx. 29 adults and 8 kids. My husband wants to have chicken drumsticks, sausages (just the ones that are in a spiral), hamburgers and hotdogs. We are both really confused about how much of each to prepare. I am thinking that I should buy enough of each type of meat to feed at least all 37 guests, meaning 37x4= 148 servings of meat! this sounds nuts to me, but I am not sure how to break it down. On top of all of the meats we plan on having chips, veggie plates, potato and macaroni salad, plus we may have canned beans as well (so there will be other foods than meats). I would greatly appreciate your help!!
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ellen
03/07/10
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This is what I would do:
45 legs
8 pounds sausage
24 patties (but if frozen, I would leave some frozen until I saw the demand)
3-4 pounds hotdogs. open only 2 to start.
1 pack veggie dogs or boca burgers, unless you are sure there are no vegetarians.
Happy birthday.
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Erin
03/07/10
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Thanks a lot Ellen for your reply! I am wound right up about this, I have never entertained this many people before. Now, I know there are not any vegetarians and I also forgot to mention that about 6 or 7 of the guests are big eaters (1 teenager and the rest adult men), should I compensate anywhere for this, or will the numbers you gave allow for their big appetites? and since I do not have any vegetarians should I buy another pack of something to compensate for those numbers?? Thanks again, this site and your response has been extremely valuable!! :)
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Erin
03/07/10
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I was also thinking 5 lbs each of macaroni salad, potato salad and beans. Is this too much?
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Nichole
03/22/10
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I'm trying to help plan a wedding for about 70 people. If we did brisket, chicken or turkey and sausage plus beans, potato casserole or salad, and coleslaw how much would you recommend? Thanks so much.
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ellen
03/22/10
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For the sides, you can use the plan for 100 tables and use 3/4.
With three meats for this small of a crowd, you have to go a little over to make sure everyone gets their first choice and also because when there are several choices, many take some of each. Here is what I would plan:
1 piece (not quarter) of chicken per person PLUS 2 pounds raw well-trimmed brisket for each 7 people PLUS 1 pound of sausage for each 5 people. That way, everyone will have what they like and you will probably have just a little left over.
By the way, I would do both potato casserole and salad; it is a party meal, and it will also cut down some on the meat.
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ellen
03/22/10
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To clarify; potato casserole and non-potato salad, fruit, tossed, veggie, etc. For the slaw, about 2 1/2 gallons.
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Lara
03/30/10
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I am planning a graduation party and want to serve ham and turkey sandwiches for about 200 people. Is is best to use shaved? and how many pounds of each would I need? I am using a snowflake roll to serve it in. I also will be making the sandwiches that morning, not serving from a tray of meat! Thanks for your help!
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Lara
03/31/10
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Ellen, I just saw your link at the top which answers my question! Thank you!!
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Gail
04/17/10
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Hi I am entertaining 70 people and am cooking Pork Tenderloin Roast. How many pounds of meat would I need to cook? Thank you in Advance
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ellen
04/17/10
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If it is the onlt meat, 35 pounds boneless raw. You may have a little left, not mich.
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Saundra
04/30/10
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Hi, we are planning a birthday party for 75 - 100 people. Party is planned for 2 in the afternoon (after lunch) we are making fruit trays as well as a meat and cheese trays plus will have a cake. How many lbs of meat and cheese should we purchase?
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ellen
04/30/10
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Since it is after lunch, you need about 1/2 what you would need for sandwiches- see the sandwich planning page.
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Robyn
05/02/10
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I am making mexican style barbacoa and wanted to know how many pounds of meat needed to feed 200 people for a wedding, cafeteria style?
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ellen
05/02/10
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1 pound ready to eat barbacoa, per 3 people, if you also have rice, beans, salad, tortillas.
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Terasa Goeddeke
05/25/10
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I am having a Graduation Party for my daughter. For sandwiches we are having barbeque and deli sandwiches. There are 150 people invited. There is going to be 9# of barbeque. Aproximately how many pounds of ham and turkey would you suggest getting and approximately how many sandwiches will the barbeque make? We are also haveing a fruit salad, chips, relish tray, and cake.
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ellen
05/25/10
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9 pounds makes about 30 sandwiches, you will probably run out pretty early.
Go to the sandwich event page and get enough meats, cheeses and condiments for about 120 people. There will be less meat eaten if you will add one heavy salad, either pasta or potato.
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jeanine
06/01/10
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how many pounds of meat marinated boneless chicken and carne asada meat do i need to purchase for a bbq serving about 30 people?
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ellen
06/02/10
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1 pound raw lean boneless per 4 for the asada/ stew (no leftovers) PLUS 1 pound boneless skinless chicken for each 4 people is what I use.
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raquel
06/28/10
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Hi Ellen,
We are planning a birthday party for my son. We want to make barbacoa fortunally someone is making it for us, but we need to know how much cow cheek to get for 100-130 people?
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ellen
06/29/10
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Raw? For 100 about 40 pounds.
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Terri Ellingburg
06/29/10
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We are having 4th of July at our home. There will be 11 adults. We are serving ribs and chicken quarters. How much of each would you recommend?
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ellen
06/29/10
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I would get about 8 pounds of ribs and 2 chickens. I would probably cut the chickens in pieces, not quarters, for serving.
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Brandon
06/30/10
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I'm smoking pulled pork for a party of 50-70 people. It is a bring a dish to pass type party, with the pork sandwiches being the main dish. I have access to bone-in boston butts. How many lbs do you think I will need (raw)? Thanks.
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roberta
07/19/10
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assorted cold cuts and cheese
having outdoor grad. party. how many total lbs. of cold cut and cheese will be needed. we are also having burgers and hot dogs.
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ellen
07/19/10
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Brandon, sorry I missed your post! 1 pound bone in for each 2 people, since there wil be other meats.
Roberta, see the sandwich event page, get enough for about half the guests. Can't get closer; no indication of the number of guests...
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Grace
07/20/10
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I'm planning for a funeral dinner for about 40 people. How many pounds of pre-cooked bone in ham will I need?
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ellen
07/20/10
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If it is the only meat but there are some good side dishes, 2 pounds for 5-6 people.
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Mary Ann Williams
07/22/10
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Hello Ellen,
I am having a baby shower for about 35 women, I will be ordering slice brisket ( already cooked from a BBQ place) some sausage and some chicken I need to know how many pounds of meat do I need to buy. I will be ordering 50% Brisket, 25% sausage and 25% turkey or chicken. We will also be having potatoe salad, beans and other things. I am not sure how much meat to buy. Can you please advise me! Thank you,
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ellen
07/23/10
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Hi, Mary Ann,
I would order 9 pounds of brisket, 4 of sausage and about 4 chickens, You will have some left, but everyone will get their first choice.
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laura
07/26/10
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i am giving my daughter a 40th birthday party and we have about40 people invited. we are doing a taco bar with hamburger meat and Carne asada how much of each should i buy?
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ellen
07/26/10
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If the asada is prepared, you want about 8 quarts, plus 1 pound raw burger for each 4 people, provided there are also rice and beans. See the potato/taco bar page for help on all the toppings.
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Claire
07/27/10
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How much BBQ sauce?
I am making 85-100 pounds of pulled pork. How much BBQ sauce do you think I need?
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ellen
07/27/10
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About a cup per pound of meat, more ( up to double) if you like it really sauce.
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Graciela
08/18/10
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I'm planning to cook barbacoa (beef) for 100 people. How many pounds of beef should I get? I will also serve Mexican rice, beans, and a green salad. I have no idea how many pounds of rice and beans to cook. HELP!
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ellen
08/18/10
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About 40 pounds raw beef, assuming the recipe has additions. The other items are all covered on the plan for 100 lists and there are recipes on the site for 100 for sevral different rice and bean styles.
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Melissa
08/18/10
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I am making pulled pork sandwiches for appx 60 people including children. How much pork loin should I purchase?
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Melissa
08/18/10
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Never mind answered the question above. Sorry.
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ellen
08/18/10
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Melissa, thanks for looking it up yourself.
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