With a checklist, one hour shopping time and two nights of preparation (2hours/night) I’m ready for 30 people. Yes, that’s it, a simple but creative menu for a few close friends. I delegated the disposables to a buddy and the drinks were divided by two acquaintances. I suggested counts on specifics like the plates etc; and what drink’s to bring with quantities. But our menu was as follows:

From the Grill:

• 2-Types Fresh Sausage with plenty of grilled vegetables for garnish and extra for the Vegetarians’ to have.
• Fresh burgers lightly seasoned and mixed with an assorted cheese blend. I use the 80-20 blend ground beef.
• 2-pack’s of plump kosher franks with fresh baked rolls from the local baker a must have for those who eat hot dogs once a year.
• Most condiments I had on hand, but I did make a “light-basil mayo spread” and “curry ketchup” just to have another selection to spread on the rolls. The rolls are so soft & tender I don’t grill them unless asked to.

Made the night before:

• We made a fresh Cole slaw which had a nice crunch because of the granny smith apples, a delicate flavor, due to the crystallized ginger- julienned into it and then combined it with rice wine vinaigrette.
• The potato salad was a Mediterranean approach and I used the fingerling style potatoes for a different look.
• I kept the pasta salad simple, using up the raw vegetables I had not wanted to add to the grilled vegetable mixture. Tossing in some fresh baby spinach for some additional balance and color. Almost any dressing suffices here.
• Most people enjoy lettuce, tomato and onion for a garnish-I make a large platter and have used this for a green salad as well.
• Fresh sliced fruit is always available as the dessert. I try to purchase 1 piece of each fruit-cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, pineapple, and 3 types of berries usually does the trick for a great finish.
• Most people ask how to do something like this for a group, I first tell them to call me, and I’ll cater it for them!

But, I explain if you create a menu, then a shop list, and give yourself a little time each day to prepare you can cook anything. Let us know your favorite traditions, secrets to successful parties or recipes you create for them?

Ciao

Bernard