Once a month we host a church Care Group that begins with a simple dinner together. I enjoy the challenge of coming up with ideas that are easy to make, easy to serve and easy to clean up for this kind of an evening. Did you pick up on the repeated word? With a large group and limited time for socializing . . . one just has to be organized.
Taking time to think through how a potato bar would work, I scrubbed potatoes way ahead of time and let them dry. After planning the toppings, I set out the serving dishes . (You do not want to be looking for those last minute.)
While the chili was simmering . . .
I chopped up tomatoes and peppers for salsa . ..
vegetables for Greek salad . . .
crisped the bacon . . .
cooked the onions . . .
prepared vegetables to steam . . . made cheese sauce . . . put the corn in a pot to heat . . .
got out grated cheese . . .
chopped chives . . .
and cubed the butter.
If your day (or the night before) allows for it, most of the work can be done before the potatoes ever make it into the oven.
When the time came to eat, it was easy to just enjoy and let everyone help themselves.
I enjoyed observing the uniqueness of the final plated presentations.
(for more details see today's post on MGCC)
11 comments:
Such a great idea, just love your pictures documenting the whole process. I "pinned" your MGCC post to help me remember this idea next time I need to serve a crowd.
It was mighty tasty. We are so privileged to be part of your small group. You and H truly are hospitable folks!
I'm taking notes. What a great idea for a larger group!
I'm taking notes too - looks super yummy!
I like this idea, too . . . and you make it look so easy! I suddenly want a loaded baked potato!
Great idea! Doing things ahead makes a big difference...smart lady! :-)
Great idea for a crowd. I've done this for our family, but not a group. Your choice of toppings looks so yummy!
I think I'd like to join your group..and any other group that cooks like that. I really enjoyed this as this may be a perfect idea for another 100th coming up in June.
It's staying on top and being organized.
What a great idea! This would be great for an easy family dinner for my bunch. The plate at the end looked delicious.
How did you make your batch of salsa for this....thanks
Angela, the recipe is on this blog under Dorothy's Fabulaous Salsa... posted by Lovella.
I make a small change in that I use 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup lime juice, for this recipe. It keeps in the fridge for up to a week. I love having it in the fridge and using it where I can.
http://www.mennonitegirlscancook.ca/2008/06/dorothys-fabulous-salsa.html
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