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Quantity of vegetables
Gina ginal5@rochester.rr.com 10/17/04	I'm trying to figure out how many vegetables to buy for fresh vegetable trays for 250 people. The two ounces per person amount is that two oz. per vegetable or two oz. total? Menu also includes fruit tray, peeled shrimp with cocktail sauce, cheese & crackers, almonds & mixed nuts, cookie tray, punch & coffee, tea water. Hours 2-4PM & 7-9 PM. A grand opening for a woman's fitness center.
ellen 10/18/04	That is 2 ounces total- You will also find qANTITIES FOR SHRIMPS, fruits, cheese and crackers, NUTS, COOKIES, punch coffee and tea, in the various quantity lists in the big pots planning section. Hope this makes it easy for you- Ellen
rose ctryrose@citlink.net 03/12/05	how many heads of cabbage? please, can you tell me asap how many heads of cabbage i have to cook if i feed about 160 people??? im making corned beef and cabbage for st paddys day... tk you.... rose. please respond asap tk you.
micele michelelove@planttel.net 04/02/05	could you please tell me asap how much food i need to buy for a party of serving 300 menu is fried chicken,baked chicken,ham,seasoned rice, can green beans,broccoli,cauliflower,carrots (mixed),seven layer salad,rolls
ellen 04/02/05	micele, are you buying all the food? What kitchen/storage? What will you be cooking?
cassondra daviscassondrae@yahoo.com 07/25/05	I am having a church anniversary, we estimate about 200 guests. How much do I need to buy to feed all of our guests? corn-- green beans-- mac 'n cheese-- baked chicken rolls-- salad-- pasta salad--
ellen 08/03/05	See the quantities for 100 tables. Evferything is covered. I will check estimates if you email to me at the contact below.
CHARLOTTE MAWPACHAR@HOTMAIL.COM 08/17/05	i NEED TO PREPARE SCALLOPED POTATOES FOR 200. HOW MANY POUNDS OF RAW POTATOES DO I NED TO BUY? NEED TO KNOW BY 8/19/05
ellen 08/18/05	30-35 pounds raw potatoes for each 100 people.
Andrea Hunt drehunt1@sbcglobal.net 09/21/05	I need to prepare fruit trays for 30 guest. what size of Trays should I look for and how many to buy? I need to know by 9/23/05.
ellen 09/22/05	On the fruit trays and salads page in big pots, there is a recipe for a fruit tray for 25. I would make 1/2 the amount and put it on 2 12-14 inch trays.
Mary 11/29/05	I am cooking a Christmas dinner for 35 people, would you be able to tell me how many sprouts and carrots I will need to buy?
ellen 11/29/05	Assumin you mean Brussel sprouts? 8 to 9 pounds of each.
Leslie 02/15/06	I am serving frozen vegetables for a banquet of 250 people. How many lbs of vegetables do I need to buy?
ellen 02/15/06	alowing 1 pound for each 4 persons, 60 pounds.
Holly 02/20/06	Quanity of salad items to have for a salad buffet i need to come up with amount and price for a potatoe and salad bar for 60 people.
ellen 02/20/06	Sorry to tell you, as a one time event you can't do much cheaper than the soup-and-salad-bar type franchises, about $8 per person with tea. The salad and potato bar quantity table was lost in the computer crash of December 24 and is not yet reconstructed. You can get gorgeous baking potatoes cheaper by the case at a produce market , you want the size called "80's" for the really big ones. If you buy by the bag, roast some garnet yams, too. You can get basic ideas about the potato bar toppings by using the taco tables- the amounts are very close.
Nancy 03/09/06	How much corned beef should I buy for 19 people
ellen 03/16/06	Nancy, a 5 pound in the bag corn beef, because of the fat layer and liquid, only makes about 12-14 good servings. I would look for 8 pounds, as lean as possible "flat cut".
patti 03/18/06	Quantity of vegetables and fruits for 200 people plese give me an idea of how much fruits and vegetables to serve for 200 people
ellen 03/18/06	Patti, 1/2 cup ready to eat, which is about 4 ounces for most fruits and vegetables, is counted as 1 serving. In the OAMC section in Big Pots, there is an enormous table on how to convert between weights as purchsed and cups as served for all kinds of foods, including most fruits and vegetables. You want about 110-120 servings for 100 people if it is buffet style service.
rosemary 04/18/06	My daughter is serving a vegetable tray for 150people at a church fundraiser. How many pounds of baby carrots,cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and celery would she need.
ellen 04/18/06	Hi, Rosemary, There is a whole page devoted to vegetable trays, amounts, dressings, etc- I think you will find what you need there. If not, write back- Ellen
audrey 04/18/06	I'm planning on having My wedding reception for about 110 people including kids... Do I NEED 120 PIECES OF FRIED CHICKEN? How many Cans of 6Lb VEG... Green beans corn baked beans I was thinking (4) Also how many small cornbread muffins do i need to make? I'm using jiffy muffin Mix tHINK YOU VERY MUCH WANTED TO MAKE SURE BEFORE I GO SHOPPING
ellen 04/18/06	For 110 people, I would suggest more like 200 pieces. The #10 cans (the big ones) hold 24-25 1/2 cup servings, 4 cans is 3 gallons, I would want about 12-14 cans total for 110, for example, 5 cans of baked beans. So you might add more, or consider mixing, for example, a #10 can of drained chop suey vegetables is delicious in the green beans; or stewed tomatoes or lima beans in the corn. You want 2-3 muffins per person, consider using the simple cornbread recipe on the chili page, much cheaper. Do have real butter, jam and honey for the bread.
lgreg 04/19/06	I am out of practice and am doing dinner for 35 (mostly men) of roast beef, mashed pot, carrots, boiled onions, dessert, etc. I assume I will do 1x1 sirloin...stuck on the amount though. I also can't remember the average size of a 1x1. I am thinking 11-13lb? I think I need 15 lb. of beef, 15 lb potatoes, 10 each of carrots and onions. Does that sound about right? Thanks for the help!!!!
ellen 04/19/06	Depends on if you mean raw, bone-in weight. If so, this piece will only make about 9 pounds cooked ready to serve beef- fine for plated, but if it is buffet, you want someone serving the beef to make sure everyone gets some. Rest looks like plenty. Unless you are sure all are beef eaters, consider adding a side dish that can serve as a vegetarian/ non-beef entree.
ruby 05/08/06	I need this information ASAP Please let me know how much of each item I need for 300 people. Vegetables Tray Cucumbers,Grape Tomatoes,Broccoli,Cauliflower, and Carrots Fruits Tray Pineapple,Strawberries,Grapes,Cherries,and Cantaloupe
Pamm 06/14/06	I need to know in the next 3 hours how much of each item I need for 325 people. I need to order these today within the next 3 hours. vegetable tray: carrots, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, relish tray: pickles, green olives, black olives fuit for chocolate fountain: strawberrries, pinnapple, banannas, also: marshmallows, small pretzel twists cheese: suares not cubes to go with round crackers and what size should they be cut.
ellen 06/14/06	Sorry, but I do not do buy lists on demand, and these requests do not give enough info about the events to do a good job (what else is served, time of day, etc). Most of these foods are already covered in the plan fo 100 lists, and there are whole sections on fruit trays and veggie trays.
Becky 07/25/06	how many pounds of small red potatoes do i need for 100 people
ellen 07/28/06	35-40 raw
Barbara 08/08/06	I am cooking vegetables for 6o people at a BBQ. Besides corn on the cob (of which I will prepare 1 per person), how much of a mixture of beby potatoes, baby carrots, onion and maybe fresh peas or beans will I need for 60 people. Thanks
ellen 08/08/06	About 6 ounces per person starting from frozen if it is a mixed dish- if the gree veg is separate, about 3 ounces of that alone.
janet davis 08/09/06	barbecue hello, i need to know how much cooked barbecue i need to order to feed 60 people thank you !!
ellen 08/09/06	bbq what? pulled pork chicken ribs, brisket? Cooked and ready to serve, or raw?
MJ 08/10/06	I am having a church banquet, we estimate about 300 guests. How much do I need to buy to feed all of our guests? yams-- green beans-- mac 'n cheese-- baked chicken Ham rolls-- salad--
MJ 08/10/06	I am having a church banquet, we estimate about 300 guests. How much do I need to buy to feed all of our guests? yams-- green beans-- mac 'n cheese-- baked chicken Ham rolls-- salad--
ellen 08/10/06	1 pound ready to cook boneless ham for each 4 persons, PLUS 1 chicken for eacg 8 persons. All the rest are covered in the plan for 100 lists, if you send me your estimates I will check them for you.
Kayla 08/20/06	Baked Beans Hello I am doing a church bbq for approx. 300 people. One of the items is Baked Beans. Approx. how many small navy beans would you need? If you could answer as quickly as possibly that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
ellen 08/20/06	There are several good and reliable recipes for baked beans for 100 including from scratch on the page of the same name in Big Pots.
Briann Hoefel 09/11/06	I am responsible for feeding approximately 120 childred (this includes some infants/toddlers as well as 3 and 4 year old children at a day care center. How do I know, for example, how many cans of green beans or diced peaches I will need to order
ellen 09/11/06	The basic rule of thumb for these little ones is 1 tablespoon per year of age, so a serving for a two year old is 2 tablespoons, while for a 4 year old it is 1/4 cup. There is a page on the website that converts all kinds of cans to cups- and another for most pounds of fresh food to cups. This should help. Also, the USDA publishes nutritional guidelines for school meals for kids of all ages- that will give you further guidance.
Anne Merrill 09/18/06	Hi Ellen, We are planning a picnic, I need to prepare salads for 200. That's potato and macorni. Thanks for your help
patti 09/18/06	How many pounds of potroast for 230 I was wondering if you could please tell me how many pounds of potroast i need to cook for my daughter`s sweet16.We are expecting about 230 people.Thanks.
ellen 09/19/06	Anne, you want about 1 gallon TOTAL of all salads/beans for each 10 persons- I usually start with 30-35 pounds of potatoes and 6-7 pounds pasta for each 100 people, which makes plenty. Hi, Patti, 100 pounds raw of boneless chuck roast would make party size portions for this many people.
Jason Pasenow 09/22/06	Quantity I am serving 200 guests in the coming week. I was wondering How many lbs of Roast Beef I would need for 200 guests. Also I believe that for my scalloped potatoes I would need 60lbs of raw potatoes. Thank you
ellen 09/22/06	A party type portion of roast beef is figured at 3 per pound of ready to eat cooked sliced beef, the plan for 100 table has info on how much raw to start with. 60 pounds potatoes is probably fine for normal adults- if teens or all men, use 70.
Brenda 10/10/06	Quantity BBQ Pork I need to make BBQ pork sandwiches (pulled pork) for around 100 people. How many lbs of raw meat should I start with?
ellen 10/13/06	Boneless pork shoulder, raw, 25 to 35 pounds. Cook low and slow to reduce shrinkage.
Dana Gurke 10/13/06	Quantity of food for 100 people Hi Ellen, I will be preparing a hot meal for 100 people (at our community school) every Friday. Next week I want to make baked, boneless ham, mashed potatoes and frozen mixed vegetables. Simple I know, but could you give me an idea of how much of each item I should purchase? (any other tips you could offer re: the prep of this meal would also be very helpful. I'm a little stressed} Thank you so very much, Dana Gurke - Community Connector - Alonsa, MB.
ellen 10/14/06	Hi, Dana, These items are listed on the plan for 100 page- very simple for you. I suggest you use the "freezable, holdable mashed potatoes" recipe in Big pots. You can make ahead and reheat. Be sure to slice the ham ahead, and you will use about 10% less if someone serves it rather than self-serve.
Walt 10/16/06	Quantity of frozen mixed fruits for 200 How much frozen mixed fruit do I need to serve 200? It will with a brunch.
ellen 10/17/06	Answered specifically in the fruit salad and fruit tray quantity tables- planning secion of Big Pots.
Sharon 10/17/06	Cornbread for 450 I was wondering if anyone had a large quantity cornbread recipe? I'm having a BBQ benefit and need to know a cornbread recipe. Thank you
ellen 10/18/06	Check on the chili page.
kathy 11/08/06	how many pound of potatoes do need to fix mashed potatoes foe 30 people.
ellen 11/08/06	Use the recipe for freezable, holdable mashed potatoes for 25 in big pots. Increase by 1/5 or 20%.
Gail Christinson 11/09/06	lbs of ham to buy for 18 people How many lb. ham to buy for 18 people
ellen 11/09/06	See the Big Pots quantity for 100 page, use 1/5. You don't say if it is raw, boned/boneless. ready to eat, The table covers these eventualities.
Carolyn 11/14/06	Turkey & Dressing and Beef Strognoff I need to know how many turkeys I need to feed 100 people also for dressing and beef strognoff. I need to know asap/ Thanks Carolyn
ellen 11/14/06	All questions about turkey and sides- cooking and quantities- are already answered in the holiday cooking section of big pots. What kind of beef dtroganoff- tenderloin with fresh mushrooms and sour cream, roundsteak or hamburger with cream soups in sauces , or what other recipe?
marti 11/20/06	how many pounds of potatoes to feed 30 adults, mostly teenage boys
Eleanor 11/20/06	How many pounds of green beans are needed to serve 15-20 people? How many pounds of collard greens are needed to serve 15-20 people?
ellen 11/20/06	Potatoes- About 20 pounds- 15 would be plenty if not teens. Fresh green beans- about 6 pounds as purchased. Collards, because of trimming loss, about 5 pounds.
Mona 11/28/06	How many potatoes do I need to make potatoe salad for 40 people? Also green beens and cans of baked beans for 40 people?
ellen 11/28/06	I have listed several potato salad and green bean and baked bean recipes for 100. Use one of these for 50%- 1/2- and you will have plenty.
Lynn Abernathy 12/21/06	How many lbs of greens do I need to feed approx 12 adults and 6 children?
Kathy 12/21/06	I am making a Boneless NY Sirloin Roast for 20 guests (15 adults and 5 children under 10) how many lbs do you think I need to get ? Its a sit down dinner , with obviously sides etc but it is the main course. THanks so much !
ellen 12/22/06	Lynn, these cook way down so you want 1 pound raw for each 3 persons. Kathy, if you are cutting and serving yourself and cooking low and slow to reduce shrinkage, 11 pounds will be just about right. But if it is buffet or there are several teens or other large eaters, you want any extra, go at least 2 pounds larger.
mom 01/03/07	amount of potatoe salad to make to feed 300 people i need to know how many pounds of potatoes do i need to feed 300 people?
ellen 01/04/07	See the salad section on the plan for 100 page- about 105 pounds
kelly 01/20/07	ham I NEED TO FEED 30 PEOLPLE AND i NEED HAM AND SCALLOPED POTATOES? hOW MUCH SHOULD I GET?
ellen 01/22/07	scalloped potatoes made from 12 pounds of potatoes. 10 poun.d of bobeless, ready to eat ham
Nichole 01/22/07	Hi I am trying to figure out how many pounds of meat I will need to feed 250 people. 1. beef 2. sausage and saurcrawt 3. green beans
ellen 01/22/07	You need to tell me whether this is all at the same meal. For party size portions, allow 5 ounces cooked ready to eat meat PLUS 3 ounces of the second meat for each person.
carol 01/31/07	i,M HAVING A GRADUATION PARTY FOR MY SON IN MAY BUT WERE TRYING TO GET SOME THINGS IN ODER NOW .. I,D LIKE TO KNOW HOW MUCH POTATOE SALAD I WOULD NEED TO BUY FOR 250 PEOPLE. ALSO HOW MANY CANS OF BAKED BEANS IT WOULD TAKE FOR 250 PEOPLE. WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO DO OUR WON VEGGIE TRAY SUCH AS RUFFAGE SAY LIKE HOW MANY HEADS OF CABBAGE N BROCILLI N CUCUMBERS N BAGS OF CARROTS WE WOULD NEED.
ellen 02/01/07	Please see the plan for 100 pages and the veggie tray page in the Big Pots planning area. All these foods are covered. There are recipes in Beans for 100 and Mac and Potato salads that will help with your quantities also.
BB 02/13/07	Quantity of chopped pork how much cooked chopped pork will i need to order for 20 to 25 people.
cindy 02/13/07	roast eef how long & at what temp sould i cook a 30 lb beef roast?
susan 02/20/07	I am planning my wedding and would like to know how much roast beef to use for 30 people. I also need to know how many pounds of potatoes to use for that.
ellen 02/20/07	BB, 8 pounds cooked, ready to eat if there are some good side dishes. Cindy, it depends on what cut of meat it is- round is different from chuck/shoulder. Write more info. Susam, are you talking prime rib (1 pound raw per person) or top round (16-18 pounds total). About 10-13 pounds of potatoes as the basis for the dish.
Patrick Everett 02/24/07	Deli style corned beef I am planning a St. Patty's day party this year. There will be 100 people in attendance. I plan on serving the deli style corned beef. How many pounds should i buy?
ellen 02/28/07	Thinslices for sandwiches, allow 1 pound for 4 persons, For entree portions, 1 pound for 3 persons.
Malnu 03/01/07	I am looking too feed approx. 200 people Pork Ribs,and would like to know an average amount to buy in pounds?
ellen 03/03/07	It's a relatively expensive meat- you need one pound per person of raw bone in.
Nita 03/03/07	We are doing a St Pattys day dinner. How many lbs of carrots and pototes plus how much cabbage for 100 people. I think I know the amount of corned beef. Shouldn't it be about 1/2 lb per serving?
ellen 03/03/07	Yes on the corned beef. 20-25 pounds cabbage per 100, 35 pounds potatoes per 100, about 20-25 carrots.
fonda 03/08/07	we are having dinner 300 people how many big pan of mac'n cheese and greenbeans and corn i needs thanks
ellen 03/08/07	You need about 10 9x13 casseroles of a dish for generous portions for 100 people.
laura 03/13/07	I'm cooking for 50 men. My main dish is roast beef and I need to know how many ounces per person to serve. I was planning to buy 20 to 25 pounds of meat is this enough? I was thinking a chuck roast or a tri-tip roast.
Nancy 03/14/07	I need to know how many pounds of cabbage I need to buy to cook, to serve 35 people. ASP
ellen 03/15/07	Laura, a big boneless chuck roast will be fine and much cheaper than all the little tri-tips. Go toward 25 pounds with the chuck, it is a little fattier than the tritip. The amount needed goes down a bit with heavy sides such as scalloped potatoes and broccoli casserole. Nancy, 7-8 pounds is plenty.
Lisa 04/03/07	Quantity of ham Hi Ellen, I'm hosting Easter for the first time. I plan to make a bone-in ham. I am having 8 guests for a sit down dinner with the trimmings. The ham will be the only meat served. How many lbs should I buy? Thank you!
ellen 04/04/07	9 people? 8-9 pounds would be fine, and you will have leftovers. People eat less wth plated meals than with buffet.
Val 04/14/07	wedding for 300-350 people menu: ham turkey cabbage rolls mashed potatoes gravy veg corn, carrot/peas coleslaw rainbow salad buns
Val 04/14/07	wedding for 300-350 people menu:how much will I need for the following? ham turkey cabbage rolls mashed potatoes gravy veg corn, carrot/peas coleslaw rainbow salad buns
ellen 04/15/07	Hi, Val, Since I posted all my quantity tables in 2004, I ask folks to estimate their amounts first, then let me check them. For example, if you are planning for people to make sandwiches with the meat and buns, you need different amounts than if it is simply plated. Time of day and type of service also matter: you need about 10% more for buffet service than for table service, and you need about 50% more at a mealtime tan in the middle of the afternoon. So take a stab at estimating and then send that with some details about the time of day, type of service, etc, and I will be glad to check it for you. The most complicated estimate is the cabbage rolls, and with the other meats, I would allow 1 per person plus 10% if they were larger or 2 per person with no extra if smaller.
Mel 04/24/07	40th birthday party nothing fancy but 60-70 peopl HOw much do I need of the following to feed 60-70?? Bar B Que Hot Dogs cole slaw- cabbabges to make as well as how much all together potato salad- potatoes to make as well as how much all together potato chips pretzels hamburg rolls hot dog rolls Punch / ice tea
ellen 04/25/07	You want 2/3 of the amount for 100- you will find all your items on the plan for 100 page and the BBQ and brisket page. For example, slaw for 100 you start with 20 pounds fresh cabbage, so your party would start with about 14 pounds, 35 pounds raw potatoes for 100, so about 24 pounds for 60-70. 6 pounds of chips for 100, so you want about 4 pounds. There is a page for beverages, and the sandwich event page tells all about condiments for the sandwiches. I allow 1 hotdog per person, and I encourage you to consider Polish sausage or kielbasa- tastier and about the same price.
LaDonna 05/09/07	Hi - Just wondering how many pounds of ice you would normally need when serving 250 tea. The tea will not be hot but will not be frigid cold either.
ellen 05/09/07	Usual to allow 1 pound per person for a party or afternoon function. You could get by on half that if it is a sit down meal with the glasses served ahead.
Rachel 05/09/07	Ellen, Your plan for 100 tables are wonderful! Thank you. Do you find that guests typically eat more carrots and celery than other veggies or should I buy equal amounts of each? Veggies I'm planning on serving in a buffet for 200-250 people are: Carrots, Celery, Broccoli, Grape Tomatoes, & Snap Peas. What ratio would you use? I was planning on using the 2 oz. per person quantity. Thanks! Oh - and are you still willing to look over estimates? If so, should I just e-mail them to you?
ellen 05/10/07	Hi, Rachel. yes I do still check estimates and you can post on this forum (I suggest you click the "start a new thread" option in the small print at the top of the question column) or email to the updates address at the bottom of the page. With that selection of veggies, they will happily eat everything pretty much equally, and I might go to 3 ounces- they are all popular- unless you have other finger foods (fruits, etc).
amy 05/15/07	how many servings a day should we eat
ellen 05/16/07	I try to eat 6 servings of veggies a day- two with every single meal.
Rebecca 05/24/07	cooking for 24 Hello Ellen I cook for 24 elderly people every day. I am looking for a chart that tells how much pork , beef and chicken in pounds I need to feed 24. I need it to train new staff. My residents eat smaller portions than younger people. let me know if you can help.
ellen 05/25/07	Rebecca, not enough protein is a real issue with seniors. The minimum, take my number for 100, divide by 4 (which would be 25 regular folks), then make at least 2/3 to 3/4 that amount for your seniors.
Jackie 06/02/07	how many lbs of Bar-b-q will I need to serve 20 people?
ellen 06/03/07	Assuming you mean pulled sliced beef or pork, boneless ready to eat, the usual allowance for a party type service is 7 ounces per person, add 10% if it is sel serve.
sharon 06/04/07	Quantity of fruit in large cans for 300 people at this is a side dih at a wedding
Paulette Hegg 06/04/07	pasta salad Here is my recipe for pasta salad. Can you tell me how much of everything I'll need. This would be for 250 people. small spiral pasta broccoli florets carrots, sliced thin bell pepper zucchini, chopped black olives, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped Thank you
ellen 06/05/07	Sharon, see the fruit trays and fruit salad page. A #10 can serves 24 people. Paulette, look at the pasta salad section in the plan for 100 list and at my slaw, mac and potato salad for 100 page.
anna 06/07/07	fr8\\] how many pieces of fried chicken should I buy for 18 people?
anna 06/07/07	fr8\\] how many pieces of fried chicken should I buy for 18 people?
anna 06/07/07	fr8\\] how many pieces of fried chicken should I buy for 18 people?
ellen 06/08/07	For 18 people you want 5 to 6 chicken's worth- some places cut the chicken in 10 pieces, some into 8.
Karen 06/10/07	For a wedding reception we will be serving 250-275 guests. The menu is Fried Chicken, Mashed potatoes & gravy, canned green beans, canned corn & dinner rolls. I have no idea of how many peices of chicken I should order, how many lbs of mashed pototoes, how many large cans of corn & green beans I should buy(these will be the large cans from Sams Club,) and how many rolls.
ellen 06/11/07	All these are covered in the plan for 100 sections of the Big Pots planning section, even pieces and weights of chicken. When you make your estimate, I will be gald to check it if you post it. There are alsoo recipes for 100 to help yoou estimate your recipes. Do please read my self-catering your wedding article.
Sabrina 06/18/07	I am having a birthday party in which I will be serving - Ribs, Chicken, Hamburgers and Hot Dogs. There will be a mix between young children and older adults - approximately 60 people. How many pounds and what type do you recommend for the Ribs and Chicken for this occasion. Thank You
ellen 06/19/07	What I would do is allow 1/2 pounds raw weight ribs per person PLUS 1 piece of chicken, skip the hamburgers and have Polish sausage or kielbasa instead of regular hot dogs, get a litttle over 1/2 sausage per person. If you are on a budget, watch for the sales of previously frozen spareribs- they get as low as 1/29 a pound here. Chicken is least expensive if it is all leg quarters, cut into two pieces. The sausages are least expensive at warehouse or club stores.
Vicky 06/20/07	Hi Ellen, I like your site. My daughter's 1:30 pm wedding is followed by a reception for around 200 people. There will be a meat tray with buns, fruit, chips and pretzels (with dip), cake (The day before,I will be icing 6 frozen double-layer cakes and baking 3 batches of cupcakes and making 3 more cakes in 9"x13" glass dishes.) and drink (I will be preparing 16 gallons of one drink and there will also be tea and water.) We will be cutting the fresh vegetables for a relish tray. Does my estimate look okay to you? Too much or too little? Most will be cut 3 days before the wedding. 6 lbs. of carrots 7 bunches of brocolli 4 heads of cauliflower 6 stalks of celery 7 pints of grape tomatoes 6 cucumbers 6 peppers Also, do you think the cucumbers and peppers will be okay if we buy good ones around 5 days ahead but cut those the day before the wedding? Thanks!
ellen 06/21/07	Vicki, good timing people will have eaten lunch, so you only need about 1 pound total of food per person. Did you look at my veggie tray page (button at the top of the cook talk main page). 3 days ahead is a little early for some of your veggies, there is a prep ahead table on that page. If you buy and store VERY carefully, you will probably be OK with the peppers and cukes, but you could also consider going for peperoncini and sweet banana pepper rings and little sweet and dill whole pickles, maybe some olives- a nice relish touch and ALL READY TO SERVE from the jar or your homemade Italian dressing marinade. Allso, take a look at the many extra ideas for veggies and relishes on the relish tray recipe at the top of the veggie tray page.
Sheena Miller 07/02/07	Quantity of potatoes for potato salad im throwing a wedding so i need to know how much potatoes i need to make potato salad for 250 guests.
ellen 07/02/07	See any of my potato salad for 100 receipes and make 2 1/2 times- you need about 80-85 pounds of poatoes. See the hints with the recipes.
Maria 07/17/07	250people Banquet Hello Ellen, I'm doing a banquet for 250 people. My menu includes; Lasagna, Pork Roast, Chopsuey Vegetables, FRied Chicken, Rice, Fruit Salad, and Soda. Can you please tell me how much of theses I need to serve 250 people. The Banquet is on Aug 18, 2007. Thanks
ellen 07/17/07	Maria, you need to provide additional information: buffet/self serve or plated? Gravies, sauces? Desserts? Salads? Bread or other dishes? Also, I cannot estimate how you should divide up the entrees- I don't know the preferences of your crowd or region. Usually with multiple entrees, you can allow 1 piece of chicken per person. The rest- see the plan for 100 page, meat section, for roasts. There is a table for making lasagna in large amounts on the lotsa pasta page. The rice is the only thing that is easy- if you have no other starches you will want to cook at least 10-11 pounds raw rice. Fresh veggies, you will want about 20 pounds ready to cook per 100. There is a beverage planning list to help with your sodas. Info on fruit salads is on the fruit trays page. Make your estimates and post them and I will check them for you.
angel 07/20/07	reception help i'am doing my own music for my reception and i dont know all the dances that i need a song for and i dont know the order that i sould do everything i know that there is mom and son me and dad and me and groom and me and groom and wedding party and i think that i need a song for the garder i just need to know some what of an order and may you could give me some tips on a layout for my reception thanks
ellen 07/20/07	angel, I am not the person to ask about music! But if you read the new article on self service food bars, it has a lot of tips on laying out a buffet/ self service food bar. You need servers or a second line for more than about 60 people.
ellen 07/20/07	Here is the page for the article: www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/selfservetips.html
sharon 07/20/07	Ellen, will canned pears, apples or applesauce turn brown in a fruit salad?
ellen 07/20/07	Canned or cooked pears and apples, no. The enzymes that cause the browning are broken up by cooking. Applesauce can get to looking pretty funky, though.
Freda 07/24/07	Amount of turkey I;m having a afternoon party and I'm Smoking turkey for the occation. How many turkeys will I need?
ellen 07/24/07	See the holiday cooking section at the top of the Big Pots page for a lengthy discussion on shopping for turkey amounts.
Merdith 07/24/07	I am trying to host a Community Meal for our church that serves 250 people. The recipe I chose is very simple and only has 5 ingredients. My one problem is that the original recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, and I would like to use pieces instead to make a casserole out of it. But I don't know how to figure out the amount of chicken I would need to feed everyone! Please help...Thanks!
ellen 07/25/07	60 pounds of chicken pieces is ample for 100 people in this type recipe. Turkey is cheaper and more flavorful, if the recipe allows for preparing the meat ahead and cutting it up.
Carol 07/26/07	Quantity of Tri Tip How much Tri Tip for party of 8. There will be another entree and salads.
ellen 07/27/07	The best tritips are 2 1/2 to 3 pounds. This would be about right with a second entree. Of course, you could meake 2 two pounders and have some great sandwiches the next day...
Sorina 07/31/07	qty of food to make for wedding party Good morning, I need help estimating the amt of food to purchase in making the wedding party a success. (300 people) We will begin with a plate made up for each guest consisting of (schnitzel, lunchmeat, cheese, stuffed tomatoes with eggplant salad, vegies, bread) Main menu (served family style) Stuffed cabbage served with sourcream, Stuffed pork loin, Roasted chicken Mashed potatoes with gravy Salad. Cake, Assorted pastries. The wedding is in three weeks.
Suzanne 07/31/07	I am feeding 200 people and want to use fresh green beans how many pounds will i need?
loretta 07/31/07	Not sure what happend to my last message..anyway, need doing dinner for 40-50. How many pounds of collard, string beans and sweet pot. do i need. Also, if possible, I'd like to do some items in advance. How far in advance can I vacuum pack and freeze collards and str. beans. Also, how much lettuce for salad? Thanks a million
ellen 07/31/07	Suzanne, about 25-27 pounds per 100, depends on how much of the tips you will lose (larger beans, you lose more). Loretta, look in the planning/shopping section of the holiday cooking plans at the top of the Big Pots section. You can cook and vacuum / freeze weeks in advance. Salad is covered in the first section of plan for 100. Sorina, this is very late to start work on this!!! What is the kitchen arrangements? Have you hired cooks (you will need at least 4) and servers (18-20)? a plate made up for each guest consisting of (schnitzel, lunchmeat, cheese, stuffed tomatoes with eggplant salad, vegies, bread) Per person, 1 ounce each meats, cheese, 1/2 regular size tomato, 2 ounces salad, 1-2 ounces bread (don't forget 1 ounce butter), I don't know what veggies- but you could try 2 ounces. Main menu (served family style) Amounts depend on the number of persons at the table! Stuffed cabbage served with sourcream, 1 roll each Stuffed pork loin, 3 ounces cooked ready to eat each Roasted chicken 1 piece each Mashed potatoes with gravy 35 pounds raw potatoes per 100 plus 1/4 cup gravy per person Salad You did this on the other plate- see plan for 100 first section Cake, if you have not already ordered the cake do it today, these are usually ordered 2 months or more in advance, 1 piece per person as the pieces are estimated very small. Assorted pastries should be smal- about two bites- order 1 each type per person, up to 3-4 per person. Do not forget coffee, tea, etc.
pattie 09/06/07	How many fresh vegetalbes do I need for 200 people. Were also having cheese, shrimp, fruit, cookies.
ellen 09/06/07	Please see the veggie tray page- button at the top of the main cook talk page,
Katie 09/07/07	Quantity of food needed Hi I am making enough food for three hundred guest at my daughters wedding and my question is that we are having three mains how much of each do I need? Roast Beef? Fried Chicken? 2-28 qts roaster of Mostacolli 1-28 qt roaster of buttered parsley whole potatoes 1-28 qt of mashed potatoes How many loaves of bread? we are also having several types of coleslaw, several types of potato salad. Thanks for any advice you can help me with on how much meat is needed....
ellen 09/08/07	When serving beef and chicken buffet style at a party, most caterers figure 5 ounces cooked ready to eat beef PLUS 1 piece of chicken per person. This basically allows everyone to have their first choice and the many people who take some of each will have enough. To get 5 ounces cooked beef, you need 7-8 ounces raw. You want to allow about 8-10 pounds of bread per 100 people.
kiloutimuk 09/12/07	Goodion Hi I am really excited. Keep up the great work. Good resources here. Bye
kathy 09/28/07	How many large bags of slaw for asian slaw recipe for 200 people?
ellen 09/28/07	about 36-40 pounds
Kay 10/10/07	I'm feeding 220 guest and I need to know how many pounds of caned collard greed, pound of sweet potatoes, pounds of cheese to make the macaroni I need to feed the guests?
ellen 10/11/07	Kay, the canned collards are not too tasty. The frozen are much more delicious. You want 1 pound frozen (2 pounds raw fresh) for each 4 people. For the sweet potatoes, see the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots. For the mac and cheese, depends on the recipe. For the mac and cheese, minimum 1/2 pound per pound of dry macaroni, but I go up to 1 1/2 pounds when I have lots of cheese. I use part sharp cheddar, part moterey jack for creaminess and part aParmesan or Italian cheese blend for depth of flavor. 1 pound of macaroni serves about 10 as a side dish of mac and cheese.
La Rhonda 10/12/07	We are planning our church anniversary and our menu consists of baked turkey rolls, baked pork roast, green beans, rice dressing,baked sweet potato, potato salad and dinner roll. We anticipate 200-300 in attendance. What I need to know is how many turkey's, roasts, green beans in gallons, potatoes.
ellen 10/12/07	Go to the top section of the big pots page and use the shopping guide there. Check the plan for 100 page for any additional items. Treat the cooked pork roll like cooked ham, but allow for about 1/3 weight shrinkage from the raw form. Ham does not shrink quite as much when it cooks, as pork does.
Mark in Lititz PA 10/15/07	Hi Ellen, I'm helping prepare food for a church gathering next week, 150~160 people. For tossed salad consisting of mixed greens, Yellow bell pepper and tomato, how much should I figure for each? Thanks & cool site.
ellen 10/15/07	Go to plan for 100 and use the salad for 100 section at the top of the page. Make 1 1/2 times the amount, add a few extra bell peppers and tomatoes for the extra 10 people. Use grape or cherry tomatos- much less work, look better, and the salad stores and holds better.
sophie 10/23/07	I am wanting to make a deli tray for a reception of 250. We are making Sand. I nee to know how much meat..Roast Beef being the main meat. Turkey, Ham and Chicken. The second is a sliced cheese tray for the Sand. How much cheese since some people like it and some dont. So I don't want to overdo I just want to be safe. Can you help.
ellen 10/23/07	See the sandwich event page for full info on trays, amounts per 100, condiments, increases for self serve, and recipes for toppings and spreads. After you make your estimated list, post it and I will check it for you.
taylor 11/12/07	Amount for 200 people Ellen, This is such an aweswome site. I am planning an anniversary party for my parents. We are planning to serve 200 people dinner (6pm). We plan to serve: Two 180 pound roasted pigs and 18 roasted chickens. The hot veggies we are serving: 4.5 gallons of mashed potatoes, 6 #10 cans of green beans, 6 #10 cans of corn and 4 #10 cans of baked beans. The salads: potato salad made with 40 lbs of potatoes, maccaroni salad made with 8 lbs of dry maccaroni, 4 gallons of slaw and 20 lbs veggie trays. We also plan to have a dessert buffet with about 400 servings of various desserts. Drinks: 96 bottles of water, 6 gallons of tea, caf and decaf coffee and 15 woliter bottles of soda. Bread: About 18 dozen dinner rolls. I used the info from "planning for 100" to figure the amounts. Do I need to make any adjustments? Thanks for your help. Taylor
ellen 11/12/07	This looks great, good work, Taylor. The only change I would make, is you really do need mashed potaoes from about 60-70 pounds for 200 people- everybody takes some, even with the potato salad. I would also add 1 or two #10 cans of drained Chinese/ chop suey vegetables to the green beans for interest and quantities. I might put pineapple in the slaw with the pork, and I might put out a huge bowl of the little spiced apples or slices, the red ones, for color and taste with the pork. Also, you might consider on big dish of egg salad or possibly pimento cheese in case of vegetarian diners- with 200 people, you are likely to have some. Have a great party.
Taylor 11/12/07	Amount for 200 people Ellen, Thanks so much for reviewing my party information - and so quickly, too. Your suggestions are great! Also, I had not even thought about vegetarians. Again, thanks so much, Taylor
Martha 11/24/07	Quantity of dessert Ellen, I am planning a buffet dinner for 200 people. I think I have the amounts for the food, but am unsure of how much dessert and drinks to buy. Desserts I am considering: cakes, pies, brownies, mini cream puffs, mini eclairs, cookie tray Drinks I am serving: coffee, tea, soda pop and bottled water. I just don't know how much to buy.
SUSAN 11/30/07	I am having a party of 40 people. How much do I need of mashed pototes, broccoli casserole, macaroni, butter beans.
ellen 11/30/07	Martha, I missed your post. I hope you found my dessert planning page and beverage planning page in time. Susan, all these items are covered, either in the plan for 100 table or in the shopping your holiday meal article in the holiday cooking sectio of big pots. Put together your estimate and post it and I will check it for you. For 40 people you need a little less then 1/2 the amounts for 100- with the smaller groups, it doesn't even out quite so predictabley.
Ann 12/21/07	Tri tip How many people will a 5 pound tri tip feed and a 7 pound ham?
ellen 12/21/07	5 pounds tri tip will give a bit under 4 pounds cooked, 8-10 party people. 7 pounds boneless ready to eat ham in about 20, so hope that helps.
Anna 12/21/07	cold meats & buns for 110 people this is a 59th b-day party for a male friend and I would like to know how much cold meat i will need . I am thinking maybe 4 or 5 different kinds of meat. Thanks very much for taking the time to send me this info. just not sure how many slices per person
Anna 12/21/07	cold meats & buns for 110 people this is a 50th b-day party for a male friend and I would like to know how much cold meat i will need . I am thinking maybe 4 or 5 different kinds of meat. Thanks very much for taking the time to send me this info. just not sure how many slices per person
ellen 12/21/07	There is a whole article on sandwich events with amounts for breads, meats, other spreads/salads and condiments. The amounts are for 100, so add at least an extra 10% for 110.
betsy 12/21/07	I will be serving 18 people how many lbs of potatoes will i need for mashed potatoes ? Will an 18 ld turkey & 8 lb ham be enough ? Thank you
ellen 12/22/07	Hi Betsy, For potatoes, about 7 pounds. The turkey alone would be ample for 18 people, so you will have plenty.
Ann 12/27/07	Quantity of roast & mashed potatoes How many pounds of boneless beef roast and how many pounds of potatoes(mashed) for 30 people
ellen 12/27/07	See the plan for 100 page and use 1/3 the amount for your party.
Connie 01/16/08	how much hamburg how much hamburg willI need to make Hamburg bbq for 60 people? Thank you
ellen 01/16/08	About 20-22 pounds if you mean patties. For sloppy joes, see the recipe on site.
mark 01/21/08	We are planning a wedding for about 200 to 250 people. How much fried chicken and roast beef would I need to feed them all. Thank you Mark
ellen 01/22/08	If you plan for 100 people worth of chicken and 150 of beef you will come out close- but you must add an extra 10% to each for multiple entrees (people generally eat more, and some of each with several entrees.) That is 200 + 20 pieces of chicken, or about 92 pounds ready to eat. PLUS about 75 pounds raw lean boneless beef, or 50 pounds thin sliced ready to eat.
Sandy 03/11/08	I am doing a wedding for a friend and they want chicken and noodles. I am unsure how much to buy. We are also serving pork loin. I have figured all of the other quantities by everything that I have read above. Please help me with the chicken and noodles.
ellen 03/11/08	You don't give me a number of people? So I would make enough servings to feed 3/8 of the total people as if they were only going to eat the chicken and noodles, then add 10% more for self serve.
SANDY 03/11/08	Chicken and noodles 200 people for the chicken and noodles Thanks for your help
sandy 03/11/08	Chicken and Noodles They will be eating both. Self serve
ellen 03/11/08	OK, make a recipe that would serve 80-85 people, all by itself (75 people plus 10%).
Sandy 03/11/08	Chicken and Noodles Please forgive me for being ignorant but how much chicken and how many bags of noodles? thanks again for your help. I am sharing this website with all of my friends and co-workers
ellen 03/11/08	For 80-85 main dish servings, you want about 10 pounds (dry) of noodles and 4 ounces cooked chicken meat per person, which is about 1 pound raw boneless breast for each 3 people, or about 18 pounds raw boneless chicken meat. Plus 10 quarts of chicken gravy plus whatever onion, celery, mushrooms, sherry etc, your taste or recipe calls for. A topping of buttery cracker crumbs is very nice on these dishes.
ellen 03/11/08	CORRECTION! 27 pounds boneless chicken meat. Sorry!
Andy 03/13/08	I was asked to cook pork shoulders for the easter egg hunt at church. They are expecting over 5 homeless shelters to be there and then the community. So my rough estimate on people eating bbq would be around 200-250. would 8 pork shoulders at 8-10 lbs be enough meat to feed that many people?
ellen 03/13/08	The shrinkage is 1/2. I would start with 100 to 130 pounds raw boneless pork shoulder for 250 people.
cc 03/15/08	keep potatoes warm? i need to serve 350 guest with mashed potatoes, am i right in figuring 10 gallon @ 1/2 cup servings is adequate? and how do i keep them warm for approx 1 hour before serving?
ellen 03/15/08	Your math per 1/2 cup is good, but I usually allow 4 gallons per 100 people if the potatoes are self serve. See the freezable holdable mashed potato recipe in big pots for some info on reheating. You will need multiple ovens, roasters or crock pots to get them all hot and keep them that way.
Lee Michael 03/20/08	Quantity of meat salad (ham/chicken) for 30 Hi Ellen, I am expecting approximately 30 people back to my home after a funeral and would like to know how much chicken salad and ham salad I will need to make for finger sandwiches and how many rolls should I order as well. I will also have available danish pastry and wondered how many I should order.
ellen 03/20/08	Hi, if this is at a time when they won't be hungry, you need the amount as shown on the sandwich page for a reception, you use 1/3 the amount for 100; since you have two, you would do a little more than 1/2 of each to make the total. If it is at a mealtime, use the lunch amount. You want about 40 Danish. You want about 40 regular size rolls, or 60 mini rolls.
Keely 03/24/08	I'm getting ready to do a banquet table for a benefit auction and need your help. The banquet table is only used for before dinner purposes just to "tied" people over before the meal. Their is a lot of activity going on so some don't even go to the table which makes it hard to prepare. How many grapes, cheese, and strawberries do you think I would need for 325 people?
ellen 03/24/08	So you are talking light appetizers for about an hour- You want about 60 pounds of cheeses and part can be logs, spreads and cheese balls. 20-22 pounds of crackers and tiny breads or crostini. Expand your fruit idea to add some veggie trays- maybe 3-4 of my relish trays for 60. These items will keep/ be edible iftheyy are not used up at the party. Then use the fruit tray for 25 list and make about 10 of them, not forgetting the dips.
jared 03/26/08	ounces of food per person i am cooking for 100 military people using boneless pork loin roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, bread and a sheet cake. how many ounces should i allow per person
ellen 03/27/08	Jared, all of these items are specifically covered in the plan for 100 and dessert planning page. Prepare an initial estimate and I will check it for you. The total amount of food per adult for a meal is usually put at 1 1/2 pounds.
Rose 04/01/08	We are doing a dinner for 100 people and I need to know how many pounds of carrots I need to serve as a vegtable
ellen 04/01/08	covered on the plan for 100 page- its about 24 pounds as purchased (AP)or 22 pounds edible portion (EP).
Susan 04/01/08	Amount for 60 people We are giving a wedding rehearsal dinner for around 60 people. I'm planing to make BBQ out of roasts or briskets, how many pounds of uncooked meat do I get? Also having potatoe salad, cole slaw and pinto beans. How many gallons of each do I need to make? Thanks.
ellen 04/01/08	Use the plan for 100 page and the BBQ page. Use 2/3 of the amount for 100. All are covered for the full amount.
Rebeca 04/01/08	How much meat? I would like to make a carne asada for a birthday party of approximately 15 people. How much meat should I buy?
ellen 04/02/08	Only about 5 -6 pounds lean boneless.
jared 04/03/08	pork loin how long should i cook a 9 pound boneless pork loin in a roaster oven at 350 degrees covered in broth. I can't get my ovens fixed in time for my outing and roaster ovens are all i have for backup.
ellen 04/04/08	Hi, Jared, you don't need to cook it in broth in the roaster- if you do want to simmer it, set to 300-325, then allow about 5 hours. Check temp with a meat thermometer. You want 165. You can treat it like a beef roast (rump or round)- see the beef roasting page.
Deb 04/12/08	how many pounds of potatoes do I need to serve mashed potatoes for 50
ellen 04/12/08	at least 18 pounds. More is OK if there are no other starches.
JoAnn 04/16/08	Cole Slaw for 50 people I need to know how many heads of cabbage to make cole slaw for 50 people.
ellen 04/17/08	You need to start with 10 pounds of cabbage plus dressing and add-ins (shredded carrots, etc).
Paula 04/21/08	tea how many gallons of tea to fix for 200 people?
ellen 04/21/08	seenthe beverage planning page-
Nancy 05/13/08	Quantity ofrolls needed to feed 300-350 people HI! My daughter is getting the end of this month and we are preparing the food. Wondering approximately how many rolls would be needed to feed 300-350 people. Any ideas would be very much appreciated. Also Baked Bean amounts. Thanks! Nancy :)
Brenda 05/14/08	Do you have a recipe for scallop potatoes to feed 200 people? I would like a really yummy one with quality ingredients (cream/butter/cheese) Thank you
ellen 05/14/08	Nancy, depends on the size of the roll For dinner 2 small or 1 1/2 larger per person. For sandwich, 1 1/3 per person. By weight, about 3-4 ounces breads. Baked beans, around 3 gallons per 100. Brenda, any recipe with about 70 pounds of potatoes will do. Use one you like, just cut the salt about in half if you make it in giant pans.
Lauren 05/15/08	Amount of Meat Hello, I'm having my daughters birthday party at a park and I wanted to BBQ carne asada and hot dogs. How many pounds of carne will I need to feed 60 people?
ellen 05/15/08	I would allow 2 p[ounds boneless raw beef for 5 people, assumig it will be served with beans and rice and tortillas, plus 1 hotdog per person.
Kelly 05/25/08	Gumbo for 85 people I'm making gumbo for about 85 people. How much do I need to make? (In gallons or cups or porion/person--whatever is easiest to give). Thanks, Kelly
Kelly 05/25/08	Gumbo--more info I just looked on the food for 100 page, & it says 8-9 gallons for 100. So, I guess about 7-8 gallons would ensure that there's plenty, do you agree? Also, this is being served over rice...was that taken into consideration in that amount?
ellen 05/25/08	Yes, it will be plenty with the rice- you want 10-12 fluid ounces (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups) per person.
Kelly 05/26/08	Gumbo Thanks! I just found out that it'll actually be 100 people. Plus they're going to have jambalaya w/meat in it, 2 different salads, & bread also at the dinner. Considering that we usually eat almost as much rice as gumbo, I think that 6-7 gallons will be enough.
ellen 05/27/08	Yes, especially with the jambalaya. If you are very pleased with your results, send in the recipes and I will post them with your name on them- everyone LOVES tried and true recipes.
ellen 05/28/08	cabbage Serving 500 I have 154 pounds of pork butt and wanted to know how much shredded cabbage to use. Making kalua pig and cabbage.
ellen 05/28/08	I would not do less than 220 pounds pork for this size crowd, and would do 250 if it is the only meat. You want 100 pound of cabbage for 500 people.

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