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Post by stampbooker on Oct 20, 2017 0:14:35 GMT
I am planning the menu for the crop I am hosting on Saturday. For past crops I have done meals with the main dishes of: tacos, chili, pulled pork, veggie lasagna. I like to make something that makes a nice pulled together meal, but is not too time consuming for me. Something I can make ahead and serve from a crock pot is best.
I know I am making apple crisp with ice cream for dessert.
I am thinking about turkey meatballs with cranberry sauce (may do the cranberry sauce/chili sauce mixture I've heard about). Trying to decide what to serve with it. I am considering
mashed sweet potatoes
salad with mixed greens, dried cranberries, pecans, and poppy seed dressing. Should I add feta cheese? Any other suggestions for the salad?
I feel like there should be at least one more item to round out the menu, but I don't know what.
I am open to any suggestions...even a totally different menu.
Thanks!!!
Julie
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Post by christine58 on Oct 20, 2017 0:18:30 GMT
I am thinking about turkey meatballs with cranberry sauce (may do the cranberry sauce/chili sauce mixture I've heard about). Trying to decide what to serve with it. I am considering I wouldn't eat those... What about a roast in the crockpot...how many people??? |
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
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Location: Western Illinois
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Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Oct 20, 2017 0:25:08 GMT
While I personally would like the meatballs, it sounds like a more formal and defined meal than I usually get at crops, and there isn't any "substitute" if the person doesn't like the main course - by that I mean there isn't really anything to fill up on if you don't eat meatballs. While I love sweet potatoes, many don't.
BUT, I don't know how many people you are hosting, or how well you know their taste in food or dietary restrictions. Information on that might help us help you better.
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Post by cindyupnorth on Oct 20, 2017 0:26:54 GMT
Yea, there's no back up. The groups I have gone to, they do like a veggie option, and a reg option. Like veggie pizza, and pizza with meat, Or chili with meat, and meatless chili. Tacos with choice of beef, chicken, or beans. etc. I HATE sweet potatoes so I wouldn't eat that.
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Post by ntsf on Oct 20, 2017 0:31:44 GMT
broccoli salad of some sort
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Deleted
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Apr 29, 2024 15:30:07 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2017 0:35:01 GMT
I’d make the meatballs with gravy rather than a sweet sauce, that way you won’t have all sweet. The sweet potatoes and cranberries in the salad is too much sugar for most people’s palate. I this it is super nice of you to undertake the meal.
A easy option could be a baked potato bar...
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Post by cmpeter on Oct 20, 2017 0:41:17 GMT
You need another veggie, like roasted broccoli.
I just returned from a crop we had;
Enchiladas (chicken and cheese) green salad, corn and avocado salad and dessert.
Apricot chicken, green salad, rice pilaf and veggies
Chili with corn bread
I think the chili was the most challenging meal for some folks because it's an all or nothing option. No real sides for those that don't like it or can't eat meat.
We post our menus before so folks with allergies or dietary restrictions can bring other things.
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Post by stampbooker on Oct 20, 2017 1:00:18 GMT
Hmmm...Now I am rethinking! There are usually about 13 ladies at the crop, but I think it will only be about half that for this weekend. So a small group. I usually try to post the menu ahead of time, but just haven't had time to work on it this time.
I have never actually had those meatballs, but I have heard lots of people rave about them. Maybe I will serve the meatballs and a veggie lasagna.
Turkey meatballs with cranberry sauce.
Veggie lasagna (I will just get the frozen stouffers brand)
Salad of some sort
Still thinking...
Thanks for the feedback!
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Post by scrapmaven on Oct 20, 2017 1:01:07 GMT
I also think it sounds a bit too sweet. Also, you might want to offer something that comes w/a couple of options. Your salad sounds yummy. If you can warm up stuff how about pulled pork and pulled chicken for sandwiches? Then people can build their own hot sandwiches and choose their protein? Is there a microwave, so that you can warm up food? If you go that route you could offer coleslaw, macaroni/potato salad or even oven fries.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Oct 20, 2017 1:04:13 GMT
When I’m planning a crop menu I want a main dish, a green salad, some kind of bread (or starch), some kind of fruit or cubed melon, something salty, and dessert.
I too wouldn’t want the meatballs not because I don’t like them but because they can be messy. I would put the feta either in the salad or have it on the side as an option people can add. I like sweet potatoes but there are a lot of people that don’t, so I wouldn’t choose that.
I always LOVE a baked potato bar at a crop. It’s not messy, people can put the stuff on it that they like, you can add meat/protein stuff to it to make it a main dish (grilled chicken strips, chili, cheese, etc.) and you can also add broccoli for the non meat eaters. Make sure you also have butter, sour cream, real bacon bits, salt and pepper.
I think what is missing is some kind of fruit or fruit salad for the people who want something lighter for dessert that isn’t overly sugary like cookies, bars, etc. Fresh strawberries, grapes or similar things that aren’t too messy are good choices. I also like something salty like Chex mix, pretzels or chips.
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Deleted
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Apr 29, 2024 15:30:07 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2017 1:12:29 GMT
I love a good turkey dinner. But I admit I do not like the tendency for everyone to do a spin of some kind of "thanksgiving flavors" just because it is Oct/Nov.
As a diabetic there is nothing on the menu I can eat without guilt or other repercussions. Everything is very sugary. Cranberry sauce and chili sauce are both high in sugar/fructose. Sweet potatoes are a starch I can't have and the dried cranberries/dressing means I can't have the salad either. Maybe you don't have anyone with diabetes in your group.
Meatballs but no sauce unless it is a served beside dipping sauce instead of a cooked in sauce. Salad but leave off dried fruit like cranberries and let each person add their own dressing or not. A pan of roasted vegs like zucchini, yellow squash and broccoli either instead of or with the mashed potatoes (make them regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes) Basically. Don't try to serve me thanksgiving dinner please. I've got several family ones I need to eat in the coming month.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Oct 20, 2017 1:23:36 GMT
What you are proposing sounds a tad bit pricey. And that's fine, but I'm wondering if whether for the same budget you could just order in some pizzas or subs or something. Round out with a fruit tray, chips (if you do sandwiches), and brownies or cookies.
Or just make up a cold cut tray with some meats and cheese, a bottle of mayo, a bottle of mustard, veggies, fruit, chips, and dessert.
Typically, when I go to a crop, it's actually every person for themselves, but we crop near a handful of restaurants. We only plan meals when there's a retreat (and there's six of us), and even last time it was mostly fend for yourself due to some new diet restrictions.
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Deleted
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Apr 29, 2024 15:30:07 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2017 1:27:28 GMT
Your menu sounds delicious.
You could add deviled eggs (or plain hard boiled) for the salad. I love poppy seed dressing on eggs.
I would add cookies.
Are they paying this meal?
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JustTricia
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,825
Location: Indianapolis
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Post by JustTricia on Oct 20, 2017 1:37:32 GMT
If you know these people well and it is something they may eat, sounds great.
I agree with others, though, that it's a lot of sweet.
I'm a picky eater, but it's rare that I can't find something in a meal I would eat, either by picking something out or not serving myself a sauce. But, honestly, unless you serve the salad with everything separate (cranberries, pecans, dressing, feta) the only thing on your menu I would eat is the ice cream and *maybe* the crisp, if the crisp isn't oatmeal.
But again, you know your crowd. I never expect someone to cook for *me*.
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Post by stampbooker on Oct 20, 2017 1:37:39 GMT
Some great suggestions everyone!
The meal is included in the crop price which is $30.
Julie
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Post by christine58 on Oct 20, 2017 1:38:30 GMT
I have never actually had those meatballs, but I have heard lots of people rave about them. Maybe I will serve the meatballs and a veggie lasagna. Turkey meatballs with cranberry sauce. They are usually an appetizer not a main dish. |
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Oct 20, 2017 1:39:38 GMT
Can you do a big salad bar? It's so easy to do ahead. Salad greens, shredded cheese, chopped boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, grilled chicken, carrots, bells, croutons, etc., served with several different dressings and bread and butter.
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Post by christine58 on Oct 20, 2017 1:59:51 GMT
I also like to eat lightly at crops. This last one I was at over a weekend, the food was great but way too heavy. Give e soup and sandwiches for lunch and a light dinner.
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Post by stampbooker on Oct 20, 2017 2:54:17 GMT
Can you do a big salad bar? It's so easy to do ahead. Salad greens, shredded cheese, chopped boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, grilled chicken, carrots, bells, croutons, etc., served with several different dressings and bread and butter. This sounds pretty good! I might go with this one. Julie |
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Post by hop2 on Oct 20, 2017 2:58:15 GMT
Salad
Stuffing
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Post by gmcwife1 on Oct 20, 2017 15:34:30 GMT
Some great suggestions everyone! The meal is included in the crop price which is $30. Julie You are awesome  Our 12 hour crops are $40. and we have dinner prepared by the host. She does not send out the menu prior to the crop and it's either eat what she provides or bring your own. Our group can be fairly vocal but they do love to eat so we haven't had many complaints yet I would eat your meal but do agree about the sweetness and some of the other suggestions |
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Post by stampbooker on Oct 20, 2017 20:20:35 GMT
Thanks gmcwife!
I'm heading out to the grocery store in a bit...still not sure what I am going to do! I guess I feel like I wanted to do something different this time around, but don't know what. Plus I don't want to work too hard, so that narrows my choices!!
Julie
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Post by Basket1lady on Oct 20, 2017 20:48:02 GMT
If you are want to serve the meatballs, what about doing finger foods/appetizers? You will need some "heavy" appetizers, and several more, but it could work as a theme for your meal, give those with food issues options, and I always find appetizers to be very tasty!
Ina Garten is my go to for appetizer recipes, but I like the Pioneer Woman as well. Ina makes a frittata tart in a sheet pan--I want to say potatoes and leeks--that is really good. PW has some jalapeño bacon poppers that are popular. You could do mini salads in those short, fat, clear plastic cups, or raw veggies with dip on the bottom of the cup. There's a savory cheesecake recipe on the XX thread that looks really good.
Ina was a caterer and she always says that she buys some appetizers and makes some. That way, she's not in the kitchen all night. And choose ones that can be served at room temp, so that you don't have to fuss as much with the timing.
Good luck!
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Post by bc2ca on Oct 20, 2017 21:04:02 GMT
Can you do a big salad bar? It's so easy to do ahead. Salad greens, shredded cheese, chopped boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, grilled chicken, carrots, bells, croutons, etc., served with several different dressings and bread and butter.  This sounds perfect to me. If you have access to an oven, I would consider making a sheet pan meal. Everything can be cut and seasoned ahead and the trays slipped in the oven about 45 minutes before eating. Our favorite is seasoned with lemon, garlic & oregano and includes chicken, carrots, zucchini, onion and potatoes. You can add just about any vegetable and people can pick & choose what they like. Damn Delicious has some other combinations.SaveSave |
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This sounds perfect to me.