Ideas for catering for a large party

AndreaMac
AndreaMac Forum Participant Posts: 7
edited February 2019 in Food & Drink #1

Hello all

We're off to France for the 75 D-Day celebrations in May/June.  There will be 10 of us of all ages spread out over 3 pitches/outfits.

I wonder if any of you out there have any good ideas for catering a larger group, i.e. cheaper recipes, best way of cooking I.e. on a gas or charcoal bbq or even bring an electric air fryer!

We have done this many times, but it always boils down to me and my mom doing the catering .... all ideas and suggestions welcome cool

Thanks

x

Comments

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,029 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2019 #2

    If it doesn’t take up too much room, what about using a slow cooker or wok to cook a main dish, say chilli con carne, or paella, and using this as your main dish? You could actually do both if there are 3 vans, use a large saucepan to store and then reheat. Potato wedges done in oven, pizza done in another oven, then lots of salad, dips, naan breads go well with both, or garlic bread. Oven snacks are easy in van or MH, breaded mushrooms, Indian snacks, breaded cheese snacks. What you want is variety, something for everyone to pick at and enjoy. 

    Majority of folks think BBQ, but we never carry one, find it all too much of a faff, and usually requires someone dedicated to watching it.

    Pudding? Trifle is easy if you have space in fridge, just use a plastic bowl. Or a fruit crumble, lots of fresh berries, apples, get some crumble mix from Supermarket and add extras such as granola, nuts. Bung in oven after snacks, serve with custard/ice cream/clotted or double cream. Disposable foil trays and good quality paper plates make light work of washing up if you want an easy life to enjoy rest of celebration. Have a lovely time!😁

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited February 2019 #3

    If we get together with friends one of us does the BBQ cooking both meat and veggie choices (kebab type things are easy for veggies with halloumi slices in between the veg.) One thing I always like is thinly sliced onion rings steamed in foil on the BBQ to add to burgers or whatever. Then we share out the salad making and puds. If it was just left to me and a. n. other I would stick to a similar formula plus lots of bread batons/rolls and cheese. Puds in France would be fruit or something nice from a patisserie...ooh dear, I can think of a few now. laughing

     

    In other words if it's just two of you, keep it simple so that you can enjoy it too. Have fun. smile

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited February 2019 #4

    I wonder if Malc is still doing pizza deliveries wink

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited February 2019 #5

    In France JVB, it might be an expensive delivery...

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
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    edited February 2019 #7

    send them all to Mc Donalds and sit in the quiet with a stiff drink.

  • ADD46
    ADD46 Forum Participant Posts: 437
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    edited February 2019 #8

    AndreaMac we do a similar thing. There's three caravans, ones in charge of desserts and the other two do the main courses. 

    Slow cookers are a god send for large parties. We do chilli's, curries, honey & garlic chicken. Rice can be cooked in the microwave. Alternatively we use a large cadac and make sweet and sour chicken. It's easy with a bit of organisation. Just make sure everyone contributes and share the workload. Let us know how you get on. 🍷

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,586 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2019 #9

    You are in France!!! Go to the nearest Supermarket and get Dessert (honestly they do decent Pastries) and plenty of different cheeses. Just make sure you stock up on Wine and Beer. Why can't you chill out as well?

    ps We're like ttda. BBQs are a no-no.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited February 2019 #10
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  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited February 2019 #11

    I think to be fair it's both a commemoration and celebration in Normandy this year, there is a lot happening. LINK

    Hope it all goes well for the OP.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited February 2019 #12
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  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited February 2019 #13

    I've shed tears in Normandy, Greek isles, Malta and UK WTG.

    Gratitude and sadness!

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited February 2019 #14
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  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited February 2019 #15

    My mother and friends frequently went to Normandy, they were the war generation, they loved Normandy and always received friendship and kindness in return. I think they would have loved a party over there just as much as they all, both French and other nations, recognised the sacrifices of many. I put on a link that shows the many aspects of this years 75th anniversary which is very important to those who live in Normandy who have great respect for their liberators.

    Maybe the party will buy Norman food, all the lovely dairy and apple products, I hope so. smile

  • Chrystal
    Chrystal Forum Participant Posts: 231
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    edited March 2019 #16

    A large Shepherds  pie, pan of scouse, salmon in foil on barbecue, micro veg rice ,  pack of meringue nests and fruit and scones .