How Much do I need
Denise
08/28/08 		I am catering a wedding reception for 225 we are having pork loin and chicken breast with potato, 2 salads, relish tray and chocolate fountain. I'm wondering how much meat do I need? Do I get 225 of each meat?
ellen
08/28/08 		Denise, this site is primarily for home cooks, not catering, as I can't be responsible for your plan; for a home cook, I would figure 4-5 ounces cooked ready to eat pork (1 pound raw boneless for 3 people) PLUS 3 ounces cooked boneless ready to eat chicken (6 ounces raw pieces or bone in) per person, to allow everyone their first choice.

My concern is that if you are needing to ask this level question, this is too big an event for you, and nothing ruins a new caterer's rep faster than a bad wedding. For example, you will need at least 3 cooks and 12 servers for thois size event; more if it is sit-down.

You should read the chocolate fountain article.

You need breads, probably an additional starch or vegetable casserole; beverages; a nibble table for the hour between when the guests come in and when the couple arrives after photos, clothes change, etc. See the long thread titled "wedding reception"; this lady was a very experienced cook, only feeding 130, and look at the planning and prep it took.

ellen
08/28/08 		Correction, the thread you want is called "wedding reception menu ideas".
Denise
08/28/08 		Ellen,

Thank You!! : - )
Idella
09/02/08 		For Thanksgiving we will be having between 45-50 people. How many turkeys and hams do we need to prepare. Thanks
ellen
09/03/08 		See the planning and shopping for large holiday meals article in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots. Use 1/2 the amount for 100.
ellen Rubenacker
09/12/08 		How Much do I need? Baked Beans for 500
How many lbs of Potato Salad for 500 peoples?
ellen
09/12/08 		See the plan for 100 pages or related recipes. Use 5 times the amount for 100.
Nancy
09/15/08 		How much beef and chicken do I need to make shish kabobs for 45 people? Also how much potato salad will I need?
ellen
09/15/08 		About 1/2 pound raw boneless total per person to make party size portions. About 1 3/4 to 2 gallons.
Ellen
09/24/08 		I am fixing a luncheon for 125 people. Menu is BBQ'd ham and Sloppy Joe sandwiches, macaroni and potato salads, veggie trays and pineapple upside down cake. How much meat and macaroni will I need? I think I have the potato salad covered using left over baked potatoes.

Thanks for all your help!

ellen
09/24/08 		You need enough meat for about 75 of each sandwich (3/4 of 100) see the sandwich event page for sandwiches and condiments. Mac salad, 7-9 pounds dry pasta, depending on the amount of potatoes- I would not use less than 35 pounds for this size group. There are several recipes for pasta salads posted.
Tammy Bowman
10/27/08 		I need to know how many loaves of bread to make stuffing for 100 people.
ellen
10/27/08 		See the planning and shopping list for large holiday dinners and my southern dressing recipe for additional ideas.
Leonie
12/16/08 		How many eggs do I need to use
Can you please help me. How many eggs do I need to use to make a 3lb.cake
Leonie
12/16/08 		How many eggs do I need to use
Can you please help me. How many eggs do I need to use to make a 3lb. fruitcake
ellen
12/16/08 		The only fruitcake I make any more is the one from the recipe on this site. Here is the link:

www.ellenskitchen.com/recipebox/fruitcak.html

It uses 1 egg per finished pound of cake.