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mom2mpr
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| Posted: Aug 07 2006 at 6:51am | IP Logged
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Hi all, I am going to be inundated with visitors in a few weeks. My parents will come for their usual every 3-4 month visit and my cousin and her daughter are coming here for their vacation. I haven't seen my cousin in many,many years. She had a rough year losing her husband after a long illness. So, I'd like to entertain but simply, so we all can enjoy one another.
I am looking for suggestions of quick,easy meals for a large group. I did put a bunch of chicken breasts in some marinade in the freezer. One meal is done :) Other ideas? I am hoping to do all the prep over the next few weeks and just pull things out of the freezer each day.
Also, keeping the house somewhat "clean." I always feel funny wiping bathrooms and pulling out the vacuum when we have visitors.
THanks,
Anne
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Erin
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| Posted: Aug 07 2006 at 8:47am | IP Logged
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Anne
How about stews and spaghetti bolognese 
also Chicken casserole and rice.
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5athome
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| Posted: Aug 07 2006 at 9:13am | IP Logged
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Do you have a crock pot? If so, I like to dump bbq sauce and chicken breasts on low for a long time, then shread and put on buns.
Also, I make up meatballs and freeze in sauce - then just thaw in crockpot and make fresh noodles right before dinner.
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marihalojen
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| Posted: Aug 07 2006 at 10:26am | IP Logged
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Grill.
Marinate meat or dry rub and GRILL. Everything and everybody is outside not sitting on top of each other in the kitchen!
Freeze french bread already buttered and garliced and wrapped in foil, then toss on grill.
Salads that are from canned goods like black bean, corn and salsa salad or 5 Bean Salad. Just open, dump and chill!
One bowl meals like Elizabeth's Steak Salad.
Plan a brat and dog night, they will both keep forever in the back of the fridge and use the same buns (unlike a hamburger and hot dog night where you need two styles of buns and various condiments and cheeses and pretty soon your simple meal is no longer simple!) If you freeze the buns another no thought meal is taken care of.
I know there are some breakfast batters that can be kept in the fridge for days...
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MichelleW
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| Posted: Aug 07 2006 at 11:17am | IP Logged
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I always have a houseful at Christmas and in July. Here are some things I do:
Breakfast:
-Make some breakfast breads ahead of time and freeze (banana bread, zucchini bread, strawberry, lemon, lime, pumpkin, chocolate, blueberry, etc.) I take two loaves out of the freezer the night before and prepare the coffee. In the morning I turn on the pot as soon as I get up. I need protein with my breakfast so I have a tall glass of milk.
-I make a large container of granola and leave on the table. In the morning I set out the milk and some fruit (blueberries are on right now) and everyone can make their own.
-Breakfast burritos are great for dinner too. Set out tortillas, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes and bacon pieces (I use the bag of Hormel real bacon that is already cooked and diced for me). All you have to do is scramble some eggs.
Lunch:
-Sandwiches! I buy several different kinds of meat and cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. Everyone can make their own.
Dinner:
-You can make soup ahead of time, freeze and then pull out the night before and pop into the crockpot. It should be thawed and ready by dinner.
-I second and third the grilling. You can grill corn as well. This is always so special and so yummy.
-lasagne can be cooked and frozen ahead of time
-Chicken Caesar Salads. You can grill chicken, cut into strips and freeze. Take out in the morning. For dinner, toss lettuce with Caesar dressing, chicken strips and Parmesan. Serve with garlic bread and lemonade. With a Strawberry Shortcake for dessert! Yum!!
Michelle
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Cici
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| Posted: Aug 07 2006 at 12:07pm | IP Logged
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Another good quick, crockpot meal:
A roast
2 cans of french onion soup (like campbells)
a bottle of beer
cook in the crockpot all day and serve on hoagie buns.
The MOST WONDERFUL french dip every - and easy to boot. Often times, around here anyway, we can find a buy one get one free offer on beef roasts. I buy then freeze.
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MaryMary
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| Posted: Aug 07 2006 at 2:00pm | IP Logged
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I find that stir-fry and pasta dishes (with garlic bread and salad) always work well for large groups! And add my vote for the grilling idea!
Mary
mom 2 3
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Lots o' visitors
