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Cooking for 200
Tracy R. reddickt@missouri.edu 04/12/05	I am the chair of a convention for 200. We are serving a breakfast casserole and I need to adapt a receipe I have to feed 200 how do I do this. Also, we are serving prime rib for dinner, is there a standard formula to figure out how many pounds I will need.
ellen 04/13/05	Breakfast planning and recipes in big pots. Prime rib discussion in several parts of the "meat for large crowd' THREAD HERE IN THE FORUM.
roy evans roy_evans1@hotmail.com 09/20/05	i cook for a condo about 185 SR'S, about 6 good size prim rib well do
V Harris veraharris3@aol.com 09/30/05	Cooking for 180 If preparing salad for 180 people at 6oz serving, how many 5 pound bags of salad mix will I need? If adding cucumber and tomatoes how many will be needed?
ellen 09/30/05	6 ounces is a lot for a salad, particularly if it is not the main course, especially with cukes and tomatoes added. I suggest you go to the plan for 100 page and use a bit less than double the amounts for any of the salad options. But a six ounce serving is basically 3 people per pound, so you are looking at 60 pounds of salad. In a full meal self service salad bar, the average person takes 14-18 ounces by weight and that includes the dressing, usually 2-3 ounces, cheese, tuna, chicken, etc.
Cari kampcari@yahoo.com 12/18/05	I am planning a 2006 thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings for approximately 100 people. This is my first attempt. How many turkeys do I ask for? Church members will contribute cooked turkeys but how do I manage the rest? This will be a large undertaking, but I ready for the challenge.
ellen 12/19/05	Please go to the big pots page and read all the articles on planning, shopping etc for this meal. You want tp start with 1 pound raw uncooked turkey per person, but safe storage is a BIG issue.
Monica mojauregui@yahoo.com 01/04/06	how much do i need to purchase for 250 people spagetti/ sauce / salad/ bread amounts (lbs, oz, loafs) of each item listed above
ellen 01/10/06	Monica, You need to prepare your estimates using my quantitiy tables and email them to me, then I will be glad to check them for you. Look at the lotsa pasta page, also.
Chris 01/11/06	Cooking for 150 Ellen, I'm planning an horsdvors wedding reception for 150 people at 4:30 p.m. My menu is a small sandwhich, tortilla roll ups, veggie tray, fruit kabobs, cheese cubes, and chicken puff pastries. I'm having a difficult time deciding how much of each thing to make. Can you help me? Thanks!
ellen 01/14/06	For two hours, you need about 10 pieces/items per person, in addition to the cake, etc.
Denise 02/01/06	We are hosting a surprise 25th wedding anniversary for friends Feb 18th. Their kids have invited around 200, 50 of which are children. We are planning on ham, chicken breast, glazed carrots, and a potato gratin as the main course with others bringing appetizers and dessert. I had also thought about throwing together a pan of mosstocoli. How much of the main course do we need to feed these folks?
ellen 02/03/06	With 50 kids, they will provide the "fudge factor" for estimating buffet and multiple entrees. Use the quantities for 100 page for entrees and do ham for 100 and chicken breast for 100. There is a recipe for mostaciolli and suasage for 125 on the lotsa pasta spaghetti page that will give you a ball park on quabtities. If you make this, you will use less potatoes and less ham.
victor ladd 05/10/06	havina a barbeque for 150-200 hundred people 1. how much potatoe salad do i need 2. how many pounds of beef and pork ribs 3. how much baked beans do i need
ellen 05/10/06	Victor, all these foods are in the quantities for 100 lists in the Big Pots planning section. Read the BBQ and brisket page for how to figure the combo of ribs and beef. Happy smoking.
Kris 05/19/06	planning a dinner for 250 invites pasta salad, mixed salad, shrimp, bbq tofu, corn on the cobb, yeast rolls, bruchetta.....maybe more how and where do i start to know whether or not i will have enough food to serve?
ellen 05/19/06	kris, you want to end up with 1 1/2 pounds total of food per person for a full dinner. There are quantities for these items in the various quantity tables under quantities for 100, appetizers, etc. in Big pots. You need to figure out how many people you actually expect, add 10% for your fudge factor and a second 10% if it is buffet/ self serve- understand that people are VERY GREEDY about shrimp, so it helps to either have a server, or to put on skewers, or in some way indicate what is an appropriate serving. For grilled tofu, I start with 1 pound extra firm, pressed and then marinated, for each 3 persons. For bruchetta and other such dips and spreads, 1/4 cup per person is considered the ball park figure.
char 05/24/06	Our community would like to host a luncheon for 200 able bodied seniors. They have requested, potato salad, red rice, fried chicken, bbq wings, bow pasta salad, mixedgreen salad and a fruit platter. Surprisingly, some of the senior can eat.....
Beth 06/06/06	We are planning a church meal for 200 members. How many pounds of potatoes do we need to cook to serve 200 people mashed potatoes.
ellen 06/06/06	Char, use the quantities for 100 tables and pages and make double. Beth, Yoiu would want to start with 80 pounds of potatoes give or take 5 pounds. Remember to use baking type potatoes, not new/red.
Ruth 07/06/06	I am meal coordinator for a Missions group that serves 200 people every saturday and deliver to their homes. I need inexpensive main dishes. Our vegies, breads and desserts are donated. Any suggestions?
ellen 07/07/06	Did you look at the dozen recipes in the big pots basic budget entree pages? There are also lots of others for chilis, stews, etc on site that would work for you.
Valerie 07/07/06	I would like to know how much boiled potatoes and stringbeans would I need to feed 200 people? The stringbeans will be seasoned with hamhocks and the potatoes will be seasoned with salt,pepper, and butter. Thanks
ellen 07/07/06	Is this two separate dishes or the famous Southern mix? If the potatoes are their own dish, you want 35 pounds per 100 people, beans about 45-50 pounds.
Dianna 07/23/06	Cooking for 55 Having a fish fry could you tell me how much fish is needed, also potato salad and cole slaw and If you have any suggestion please let me know. Thank you
ellen 07/28/06	3 gallons potato salad, 2 cole slaw. Fish as indicated in the plqn list- 3 to 4 persons per 1 pound boneless ready to cook fillet.
betty lou 07/31/06	Cooking for 50 how much spagetti do I cook to feed about 45 people? how much sauce---I'm buying it in cans.
ellen 07/31/06	Go to the lotsa pasta page, all the info you need is already there.
Joyce Campbell 08/02/06	I am making potato salad for 200 people how many potatoes and other ingredients do I need? Thanks
ellen 08/02/06	go to the slaws mac and potato salads for 100 recipes, there are a half dozen different and delicious recipes for hot and cold potato salads.
Tina 08/15/06	I am preparing a wedding reception for 200 people, which includes boiled shrimp, chicken fingers, sandwhich tray, which includes ham, turkey, cheese, crossiants, mayo and mustard, fruit tray, which includes strawberries, grapes, pineapple, canteloupe, with dip, cheese straws, and chocolate fondue with pound cake, marshmallows, strawberries, pretzel rods, could you advise me on the quanity of each that I will need? Also, any ideas for the chocolate fondue without the fondue machine? Punch will be white grape juice, sprite and almond extract; how much of each? Thanks for your help.
ellen 08/15/06	It depends somewhat on the timing of the wedding. For example, if this is after a wedding where people do not eat first, such as an 11:00 or 12:00, they will eat a meals-worth. The chocolate fountain info thread has amounts for dippers for your choc dip, which is very easy to keep warm in crock pots or chafing dishes. Fruit tray page for the fruits. 3 0unces shrimp and 1/4 cup cocktail sauce per person, 2 chicken renders, 1-2 small sandwiches. Info on sandwiches on the sandwich and picnic event page. Punch will be tastier with a little sour element added- lemonade concentrate, maybe. See the recipe sites suggested in the punch thread. When you have prepared an estimate email it or post it and I will be glad to check it for you.
Sharon 08/15/06	I'm coordinating a continental breakfast for 200, any suggestions for something different, we've been having the standard grapes, strawberries bagels etc.? I have access to a kitchen and have 5 volunteers.
ellen 08/15/06	Maybe a real coffee and hot chocolate bar with regular and sugarfree Italian syrups, real whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, etc. Biscotti. Cheese logs or balls in both sweet and nutty/savory with some king cakes (see the website for this easy bread machine brioche recipe) and really good rye bread. Olives, sweet pickles and dates with dried apricots, pears, etc instead of all fresh fruit. Or maybe a yogurt sundae bar with fruit salad, nuts, granola, etc to put over vanilla yogurt. Oatmeal date bars. Or a Middle Eastern breakfast with pita, hummus, feta cheese and various olives, oil-packed sundried tomatoes, fresh basil and mint Or a breakfast taco bar with eggs, bacon, potatoes, soft tortillas, good salsa. Mexican hot chocolate with cinnamon.
Torrie 08/28/06	Cooking for 350 I will have a choc fountain at my wedding od Sept. 2 and I have to get my items to dip but I don't know how much of each to get can you help me Strawberries, preztels, pinapples, smores and another one
tonya 08/29/06	Cooking for 100 how much dry white beans does it take to feed 100 people?
ellen 08/29/06	Torrie, there is a thread here in the board with EVERYTHING you need to know about chocolate fountains, amounts, dippper ideas, etc. www.ellenskitchen.com/forum/messages/6312.html Tonya, there is a whole page on beans for 100 which has recipes for "from scratch" bean dishes, with amounts. Pick the one that is closest to the recipe you like and use that as guidance. www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/beans100.html
mary 09/06/06	Our church is sponsoring a breakfast for 200 people. We'll probably be serving the typical eggs, bacon, etc...How much bacon, eggs,etc... should I be prepared to cook. Is the a simple formula for purchasing quantities? Any suggestions of other items we might serve...Thanks for your help...Mary
ellen 09/06/06	There is a whole page on planning breakfast with extensive quantity amounts for 100. Just double and you should have all the info you need.
Pat Roberts 09/07/06	Cooking for twelve How many pounds of chicken salad (main course) do I need for twelve people?
ellen 09/07/06	1 pound of ready to eat meat is 2 cups, so it depends on your recipe if you are making it yourself. I allow 7 gallons for self serve buffet for 100 people, which is about 1 gallon for 12. But if YOU are serving the plates, you just need 1 cup per person= 3 quarts.
lynne 09/07/06	I am preparing veggie trays and fruit platters for a wedding of 225 people. How much fruit and vegetables should I buy? There will also be meat trays with rolls and 3 or 4 prepared salads. I just don't know how many pineapples, watermelons, grapes, carrots, etc. to buy. Thanks
ellen 09/07/06	Lynne, if you look on the veggie trays page and the fruit trays and platters page in Big Pots, it tells how much you need for a 25 person tray. Also, on the fruit page, many other fruits listed in case you want to substitute.
Diana farrow 09/12/06	shrimp for 50 How many pound of shrimp is needed for 50 people?
ellen 09/12/06	Appetizer? Main dish? Hors douvres? Unshelled? Head on? Tail on? Shrimp are on the plan for 100 page. People will eat all the shrimp you put out- the amounts I give are more or less minimum for a party serving.
Cheri 10/03/06	Cooking for 350 I need Quantities for a simple punch of Hawaiian punch and ginger ale? Thanks.
ellen 10/03/06	Please see the beverages planning page- myou are in the range of 6-7 gallons per 100 people. Be sure to pre chill everything and maybe even make "ce rings" from part of the punch to chill without diluting. Or consider a fruit sherbet block as a chiller. Do also consider offering a sugar free alternative, or at least iced tea or decaf coffee for party. With this many people you will have some diabetics and dieters. If it is a grown up party, consider using some of the new tropical blends instead of Hawaiian punch- mango, passion fruit, mauna loa, etc. Taste better and much less staining of clothes and carpet.
peg 10/15/06	We are having 0ur 108th church anniversary and I am chairing the event. It is family style for 200. We will be using top round for roast beef. How many pounds do we need?. Same for the potatoes and vegetable.
Kelly 10/15/06	hi would you tell me how many full size catering trays i would need when i will be serving 2 meet dishes, 1 veg and , and two carbohydrates for 250 people? thank you. also i will serve salad and rolls
ellen 10/16/06	Hi, Kelly, Most caterers will tell you how many people their trays will serve. The full trays come in 2 1/2, 4, and 6 inch depth, so I can't tell you without knowig the exact tray you are using. I can tell you that a usual meat/entree serving is about a cup and side dishes 1/2 cup, and you plan on 1.2 servings of each food per person.
ellen 10/16/06	Peg, these specific items are covered on the plan for 100 listst in the Big Pots planning section- links are about 1/2 way down the page. This ais a great cut of meat for this purpose. Cook low and slow to get tender beef that shrinks much less.
pattyt 10/16/06	Cooking for 150 for cocktail party I am preparing a cocktail party for 150 people serving 2 types of bruschetta, 2 types of cheeses, veggies, and dips. Concerned about the quanities - not sure how much for each person. Also how much wine to serve. thanks.
ellen 10/17/06	There is a planning page for appetizers that goes into some detail about amounts versus the lengh and timing of the party (for example, if you have an hor douvres party from 5 to 8 PM, people will eat 3-4 times as much- they will eat their whole dinner- compared to 7 08 till 10). There is also a beverage planning page with similar notes that includes wine and champagne. With 150 people, I would advise you add 2-3 more cold bites or big hot dips- such as spinach squares, etc, or artichoke dip that are made ahead and do not require the oven. You will be hard pressed to produce 4-6 bites per person per hour in the home oven.
Leader Wolf 10/19/06	My Cadettes are throwing a daddy/daughter dance for our community. They want to have a Spaghetti dinner. We are expecting 200 people. how many pounds of spaghetti would that be? The salad tip was great! 67# of salad will feed our guests..
ellen 10/19/06	Check the spaghetti/lotsa pasta page- everything I know about quantity spaghetti. I always suggest you consider spaghetti casserole such as baked spaghetti (basic budget entrees) or the mostaciolli and sausage.
Brenda 10/19/06	I need to know how many lbs of turkeys I need to cook to use the meat for turkey salad. also do you have a recipe for turkey salad (with grapes) for 200 ? thanks much
ellen 10/20/06	1 pound raw turkey makes 2 to 2 1/4 cup cooked chopped meat, which will make almost a quart of salad if you use grapes and celery. For each 100 people this is the total amount of salad you need: luncheon salad (1 cup serving) 6 gallons allow 1- 1 1/2 more gallon if self serve revised 12-19-04. reception (1/2 cup serving) 3-4 gallons sandwich meal self serve (1 cup for 2 sandwiches) 7 gallons
debbie 10/25/06	Cooking for 150 How many potatoes do I need for 150 people. I am making new potatoes with garlic butter and parsley in a roaster
ellen 10/25/06	53-60 pounds, depends on what other bread and starchy foods are offered.
jay 10/29/06	Cooking for 50 how much shrimp cocktail is needed for 50 adults
ellen 10/29/06	Shrimp is one of the foods that people will eat till its gone, all you serve will be devoured. It depends in part on the rest of the meal, but a modest shrimp cocktail is usually 3 ounces, 5-6 shrimp, while 5 or six ounces, 8-9 shrimp, is common for a large serving. Since shrimps vary tremendously in size, they are sold by size, for example 27 to the pound. You would need 1 pound for each 5 people.
Mary 11/03/06	Ranch dip for 50 people How much ranch dip do I need for 50 people? The dip will be eaten with chips and/or veggies.
ellen 11/03/06	See the veggie tray page for dip quantities (link in Big Pots).
BRENDA 11/20/06	im going to do my daughters wedding for 200 and im needing to know how much pork loin im needing to buy and im also doing a rice with muchroom or dressing with it how much of that do i need to make and could you make a sugestion on what vegitable to serve with that, and what would you do the rice or the dressing also how much bread to i need to get and how much tea and wine and champ do i need to get thank you for your help
ellen 11/20/06	Brenda, all of these foods- even the champagne- are covered ib the quantities for 100 pages. There are good rice recipes for 100, you can use them to estimate your own recipes. If it is biiet, I suggest you consider two veggies- people will eat less meat- maybe a corn casserole, or raosted winter squash quarters and a green one, such as broccoli or green beans. You need to read my article on [lanning your wedding. YOU NEED HELP!!! Probably a dozen or 20 people.
Paula 01/10/07	Cooking for 250 We are planning a wedding and need to know how many Baked beans, and potato salad for 250 people. eggs, mayo, potatoes, onions, mustard. beans, brown sugar, onion other ingredients?? Thank you very much!!
Casey 01/12/07	We are planning a event for 200 planning to serve boneless chicken breast, vegetable rice, green beans and green salad and rolls. How many beans needed, pounds of rice and salad and other ingredients?? Thanks
ellen 01/12/07	Paula, these recipes for 100 are in the Big Pots section, just select recipes and multiply. Be sure to read the plan for 100 pages and the bbq and brisket page to help with your planning skills. Casey, there are quantities for 7 kinds of salads and all these side dishes lidted in the plan for 100 lists, and you might want to take a look at my wedding chicken recipe (make-ahead chicken breast in orance sauce) for the chicken.
Alfreda Washington 01/23/07	Dear Ellen I really need to know how much shrimp and crawfish I need to serve fifty people. The crawfish will be boiled and the shrimp will be fried.
ellen 01/23/07	Hi, Alfreda, This is a very tough estimate, because people eat a LOT of seafood. Can you tell me, will the crawfish be peeled or in the shell? Are you buying the shrimp whole or frozen ready to fry, or somewhere in between? Also, what side dishes?
swalker 01/29/07	I am preparing brisket for 200 people. About how many should I prepare or how many servings can you get from one brisket
ellen 01/29/07	If you buy whole brisket with the fat cap untrimmed, 1 pound raw cooks down quite a bit and only serves about 2 people or a little more. I would roast 90 pounds to 100.
TANYA HALEY 02/10/07	Cooking for 250 hello, my name is tanya haley and i'm getting married in sept. we are having 250 people attend this wedding. we are trying to cut cost and the menu conist of chicken, ham, meatballs,mac&cheese,greenbeans, and potato salad how much do we need to cook to feed our guest.
ellen 02/11/07	Hi, Tanya, since I posted all my tables in 2004, I don't do the original estimates. Use the tables and I will be glad to check them, for you. I would consider having the wedding after lunch (1 pm) with an appetizer or dessert reception or tea, instead of a whole meal. Friendly, and much less work and expense.
Hop 02/19/07	how many pounds of turkey will I need to feed 200 people. I plan to deep fry them?
ellen 02/20/07	Allow 1 pound whole raw turkey per person. Frying turkeys is high risk- read the hints. In the US, about 25 people every year burn down their houses or garages deep frying turkeys...
LaDonna 03/03/07	Cooking for8 How much shrimp would I need to feed 9 people (4 men -- healthy eaters of shrimp, 4 women, 1 child); am boiling the shrimp. To make shrimp scampi, how much shrimp would I need to feed the same amount of people? Also, when you boil shrimp to you boil for a specific time after the water comes to a rolling boil & you add the shrimp? I've never really set a time just kind of watched it but I've heard that you should only boil shrimp for 3-1/2 to 4 minutes after you add the shrimp to the boiling water; like to have another opinion. Please reply; am planning on buying everything tomorrow morning (Sun., 3/4) & would like to know if I'm thinking on the right track as far as how much shrimp to buy. One more thing, how much shrimp season (boil) would I need to add to the water for the amount of shrimp you suggest. I was thinking 20 pounds of shrimp would take care of the boiled shrimp & scampi, what do you think? Thanks & God Bless!
ellen 03/03/07	In shell head on shrimp, allow at least a pound per healthy eater, so 20 should be great. even some left for shrimp salad the next day; peeled head and tail off, you only need 1 pound for each 2 people. I boil just till it turns pink, which is usually about 4 minutes. For 20 pounds shrimp I use 4 boxes of Zatarans shrimp b oil- I like mine seasoned up.
krissy 03/08/07	Cooking for 50 I am having a party and have no idea how many pounds of hamburger meat I need. I am cooking hot dogs also. There will be about 50 people attending.
ellen 03/08/07	1 patty= 12 1/2 pounds and 1 hotdog per person. Consider Polish sausage instead of regular lot dogs- tastier and more grown up.
Alice 03/21/07	Cooking for 37 people How many 53 ounce cans of pork and beans will i need for making baked beans for 37 people and should i drain the juice off the pork and beans before making the bake beans? and also how many pounds of potatoes will i need to cook to make potatoe salad?
Mary 03/22/07	Planning on 150 church function for lunch. Need to know how much spaghetti, salad, Meat--and sauce, bread is needed to feed this many?
Lydia 03/23/07	Cooking for 220 We are planning a sit down cold buffet style meal for 220 people for a 60th wedding anniversary. We want to prepare sliced turkey and ham, coleslaw, potatoe salad, carrot salad, cheese, buns, and fruit platz and an anniversary slab cake for deserts. How many gallons of salads will we need and how many buns, turkeys and hams do we need? How many pounds of cheese will we need?
ellen 03/23/07	Alice, I drain then add back flavor additions- onions, brown sugar, tomates, etc. 2 #10 can would be a lot for 40 people, enough for 50.18 pounds of potatoes is plenty for 40. Mary, see the lotsa pasta page with the complete guide for amounts for this meal at the bottom if the page. Lydia, these items are all covered in the sandwich event article and the plan for 100 page. Caterers plan on 10 gallons TOTAL of salad sides for each 100 people. Cheese siced, 2 ounces per person. Fruit platters and dips are covered on the fruit tray page.
annamaria 04/20/07	4 hours cocktail party hI, MYNAME IS aNNAMARIA i HOPE U CAN HELP ME I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW MUCH WINE I NEED FORA 4 HOUR COCKTAIL PARTY WITH A BARTENDER SERVING SERVING A LOT OF APPETIZERS MIX OF FISH CHICKEN AND PASTA FRUIT AND SO ON THANK YOU ANNAMARIA
ellen 04/20/07	Hi, AnnaMaria, This is explained on the beverage planning page- the link is on the Big Pots index page. You don't say how many people, my numbers are for 100 people, you just use the right fraction for the number you are inviting. For example, 75 people, use 3/4, 200 people use twice as much. It tells exactly how to increase for this longer type party.
Andre 04/25/07	Cooking for 50 Good evening, I will have a "BBQ" and I will have brisquet, ribs, sausage, and chicken with the usual hotdogs and hambuurgers. I need to know how much of what will I need to fix. The meal is to be served friday evening around 6:30 ish. Of course we'll have beans, slaw, corn on the cob, brunswic stew and my famous BBQ cabbage as sides.
ellen 04/25/07	Andre, this is too many entrees for me to split them up. Here is the per person usual: 1/2 ppund raw brisket, 1 pound ribs, 1/2 pound sausage, or 1/4 chicken (2 pieces). So just make sure that your total adds up 55-60 servings and you will have enough meats.
shan 04/29/07	how much pototo salad do i need to make for 150 people
ellen 04/30/07	About 6 gallons. Check out any of my potato salad recipes for 100 people and make 1 1/2 times the recipe. It will be something over 50 pounds of raw potatoes plus all the additions.
Anthony 05/09/07	How many prime rib will I need for 200 people?
ellen 05/10/07	Usual to allow 1 pound raw bone-in, with this large an order you can do 13 ounces if it is plated (people take more at buffet- you can limit this sonmewhat by having a server). There is a lot of cooking loss and cutting waste with standing rib roast.
Lori McNiff 05/12/07	Dear Ellen, Im really having a hard time on this jack and jill its a party for future husband and wife. it will be outside, picnic style, throw away plates that sort of party there will be 200 people and its an all day affair, most of the people will be 21 and above but since they are young, in there 20's the crowd should be 20-60 in age. the problem Im having is if they are having apps. then dinner, then burgers and hotdogs later with more salads do you still make the same amount. apps--- fruit skewers, veggis and dip, and chips and dip, two hours later 2 kinds of chix, ziti with sauce, mac and cheese, sausage and peppers, tossed salad and rolls. coffee and tea I take care of no desserts or other drinks. 3 hours later they want to start a grill and have hambergers and hotdogs with potato salad and pasta salad. could you please help me this is alitte more then Ive done, the most I have catered is 125 or so any advice would be appreciated thanks so much LORI
ellen 05/12/07	Lori, you are posting on all different threads, and I am finding it very hard to keep track, not to mention it is frustrating to answer and then have more/different info in the next thread. _Please_ either start your own new thread or email me at the update address (at the bottom of every page). This is too much food. You should be charging $40 per person. You will need to hire at least 2 other cooks and 3-6 helpers at $100+ each for the event, besides the food costs. Who is supplying the plates, forks, grills, etc?
Betty 05/13/07	We are doing a family wedding. I would like to know how much chicken and ham we have to have for 250 people. Also how many red potatoes and greens for ceaser salad.
ellen 05/13/07	Betty, I have just added even more info to the plan for 100 page, please use those numbers- you just want 2 1/2 times the amounts. Meats, salads, potatoes are all covered. But DO READ my article on self-catering wedding receptions- this is a very large group for self catering and without really good planning and also hired help, the mother and the bride could be robbed of their time together on the special day. If you prepare an estimate, I will be glad to check it for you. Just post it or email it.
Mercy 05/13/07	Cooking for 100 We are doing a dinner for a graduation and we were wondering how much fruit salad we waould need for about 100 people. Also how much potato salad?
Berj Tashjian 05/14/07	How many pounds of boneless prime would I need to cook for 220 people.Also best way to cook.
ellen 05/14/07	Mercy, go to the plan for 100 page salad section and the fruit tray page for your info. Berj, 12-14 ounces raw, but it roasts better and holds better (and tastes better in my opinion) roasted on the bone. I just posted a whole unit on roast beef, the link is on the new pages page. The best way to cook this much is to have it roasted in an Auto-sham (a special kind of roasting oven) by a restuarant that has one, it cuts the shrinkage in half and assures even roasting all the way through. With the cost of rib roast, cutting shrinkage really matters.
judy 05/24/07	Cooking for 20 How many bags of coleslaw will I need for 20 people?
ellen 05/24/07	You need 4-5 pounds shredded veggies for slaw for 20 people.
Lisa 06/02/07	Cooking for 250 i am helping with an openhouse and i would like to know how much fruit salad i would need to make for 250 people
ellen 06/03/07	If you check out the fruit tray guidelines, it talks about amounts depending on time of day type of party (meal vs. reception, for example) and how much fruit per person. I also posted several fruit salad recipes for 100.
Irene 06/04/07	Cooking for 50 people How many pounds of hamburger meat do I need to make lasagna sauce for 50 people.
anita 06/04/07	i'm doing tossed salad for 2oo people how many heads of lettuce do you think i should buy
Jeanne 06/05/07	Cooking for 13 i have 18 shrimp to a pound-salad includes chopped celery,dard boiled eggs, green onions,lemon juice, and mayonnaise. How many pounds of shrimp do i need Thank you
ellen 06/05/07	Irene, check the bulk lasagna recfipe on the [plan for 100 page. Anita, Check the salad section of the plan for 100 page, several different combos listed.
ellen 06/05/07	See the bulk lasagna recipe on the lotsa pasta page.
Beatrice 06/06/07	I will be serving spanish rice as as side dish, How much lbs. is needed to serve 250. Thanks!
ellen 06/07/07	See the bulk recipe for "Spanish rice- the pink kind" on the tex mex page or any of the rice side dishes for 100. About 8 pounds of raw rice is the usual start for 100 servings.
Dianne 06/14/07	I am making a punch for a family gathering of 200. I will be using 8 - 12 oz. cups I will be adding sprite to a ice block made from punch. How much sprite should I plan on?
ellen 06/15/07	You need to have unfrozen punch base as well as the ice blocks. See the beverage planning section in Big Pots for discussion. If the party goes on past 2-3 hours, you need an additional 8 ounces per person per hour. Don't forget to offer a sugar free alternative- can be a second punch, or as simple as iced tea- for the folks who need this- will be 10% or more of the total.
Shirley Schwanz 06/20/07	Cooking for 100 I am making potato salad, sloppies joes, and baked beans for a family reunion. I need enough for 100 people. How much will I need of potatoes, eggs, celery, and dressing mix (mayonnaise, etc.) for the potato salad.
Vicki Copeland 06/20/07	How many cabbage How many heads of cabbage do I need to make 6 gallons of slaw?
ellen 06/20/07	Shirley, see the basic recipe in the salad section of the plan for 100 page- the button is at the top of the main cook talk page. There are about 8 variations on the slaw, mac and potato salad for 100 page, including an authentic Russian one that is pink (beets). Vicki, about 40 pounds, you lose the cores and once shredded it shrinks. There is a whole page on cole slaw tips- link on the new pages page.
Frances 06/24/07	I am in charge of getting everything ready for our very first family reunion. I was wondering how many pounds of fillet fish do I need to feed apporx. 200 people. Also, what do I need for theses same 200 in french fries, hush puppies, coleslaw and coldrinks. I have never been responsible for feeding more than 4 people so I need all the help I can get.
ellen 06/25/07	Hello, Frances, This is a very difficult- and rather dangerous, in terms of cooking risk- meal to self-cater for this many people. Are you stuck with the menu, or can it be changed? For example, a meal of pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad or pasta salad, slaw and beans would be much easier to prepare and serve. So would a meal of pot roast, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, frozen fruit salad and green salad. All the food item amounts are covered in the plan for 100 page, the bevergae planning page. But first please read the article under wedding reception about planning to self cater a large group.
Frances 06/25/07	Yes, unfortunately this is the only thing I can get the rest to agree to. They all live out of state and will contribute as far as money wise but the rest is up to me to get it all organized Any help I can get will be great.
ellen 06/26/07	You would do very well to hire a caterer to do the fish, fries and hush puppies and do the side dishes yourself. This is a good compromise between cost and convenience. I am not kidding about the difficulty and danger- it takes at least 3 fry cooks plus servers to do this meal, 20-30 GALLONS of boiling hot oil in 3 to 4 giant fryers. Basically, if you try to do it all yourself, it will be a low point in your memory forever.
Mary 06/26/07	I am planning a graduation I many turkeys would I need to seve 150 people. I am having shredded turkey sandwichs.
ellen 06/27/07	1 pound whole raw turkey makes 2 cups packed cooked turkey meat. So make a sandwich of the size you like and measure the meat, then multiply out.
Karen 06/28/07	Cooking for 150 Wedding Reception I am having shrimp cocktail, spiral sandwiches, meatballs, crabcakes, bite size chicken and filet thumb bite sandwiches, veggie tray, cheese and beef sticks and fruit kebobs. How many watermelon, cantelopes, and strawberries do I need.
ellen 06/28/07	You want basically 2 fruit skewers per person, about 5 ounces, which is 6-8 pieces of fruit. On the fruit tray page (button at the top of the main cook talk page) there is a table for how many pieces each kind of fruit cuts into. This way you can figure your own mix. For the rest, you want 12 pieces or "bites" per person for the first hour and about 6 pieces per person for each additional hour, unless it is over a mealtime, when people will eat about 50% more.
Caroline 07/07/07	I am planning a reception for roughly 200 people after my son's bar mitzvah service. This will be more of a light lunch rather than a full meal. There won't be any hot food, besides pizza ordered for the children. We have to keep it simple with mostly finger foods -- bagels, cream cheese, fruit and cheese, sandwiches trays, hummus, etc. I've never planned anything like this before and need to know quantities. I just really want it to be creative and elegant but simple. The fruit skewers are perfect!
ellen 07/08/07	Hi, Caroline, Truly, no meal for 200 is simple. Do read the wedding dinner article in the buttons at the top of the cook talk page for some genearl info. You will need to recruit or hire some help for set up, serving, and clean up. You don't say what time the service or party are, but you need to know that if it is at lunch time (after a 10, 11AM service for example), if people have not eaten since breakfast they will eat a meal's worth, regardless of what it is. That is, in between meals people eat about a pound, but at mealtime they eat about a pound ad a half. So I have two suggestions. Look at the cold/champagne lunch for 25 and consider adopting that pattern for your party. Or look at this report of a reader's brunch and see if this idea appeals. I belive you could do it as a dairy meal and have great success. Look here: ellenskitchen.com/forum/messages/6671.html Also, I just posted an article on how to make 800 tea sandwiches, which is what you would be looking for as the sandwich portion of the mixed lucheon you were discussing.
Paula 08/29/07	How much spaghetti with meatballs, sauce, green beans, salad and bread do I need for 200 people?
Donna 08/29/07	how many people will 6 gallon of cole slaw feed?
ellen 08/29/07	Paula, see the spaghetti page and the plan for 100 page. Donna, 200 t 250, depending on the other sides.
Fai 09/22/07	Cooking for 250 to 275 How many bottles of salad dressing are needed to compliment the tossed salad being served at a birthday celebration with 250 to 275 guests? In addition, how much gravy is required to serve the same number of guests? Last but not least, how many pounds of macaroni and cheese are necessary to make macaroni and cheese for approximately 280 guests?
ellen 09/22/07	See the plan for 100 page (button at the top of the Cook Talk main page)for info on salad dressing and potatoes, and the holiday cooking section (top of the Big Pots index page) for the gravy answer,
dene sims 09/25/07	Im cooking spaghetti for 200 people, how much spaghetti would I need to feed the people. In pounds would be easier for me to caculate
ellen 09/25/07	see the spaghetti/ lotsa pasta page. Rather detailed discussion regarding pounds for side and main servings, amounts of sauce (differs for thin and thick), etc. Also, how to hold/reheat.
handlarttut 10/28/07	[deleted] Sorry
Lana 12/14/07	cooking carrots for 15 people how many pounds of carrots is needed for 15 people. thanks
ellen 12/14/07	I use about 24 pounds for 100, so about 4 pounds.
Jenn 12/14/07	Cooking for 15 We want to have Prime Rib for Christmas dinner. We'll have 11 adults and 4 kids. How many pounds of prime rib will we need?
ellen 12/14/07	13-15 pounds is the usual for a party meal.
Bill 12/19/07	Cooking for 19 How big of prime rib do I need to feed 19 adults. I will be using deboned prime rib.
ellen 12/19/07	3/4 pound raw per person allows for shrinkage and a party-size portion.
Natasha 01/07/08	Ellen, I am planning my wedding reception for May 24, 2008 I am trying to find out how much of each of these items I need to buy because I would like to start now with non-perishables or freezer items. Boneless Frozen chicken breasts Honey ham Macaroni #10 can green beans dressing Raw Potatoes I would also like to know what are some good appetizers for before the reception? Thank You So Much
ellen 01/08/08	Natasha, how many people and what is the menu, for example, is that macaroni for salad or mac and cheese? Potatoes for mashed or salad? Are the chicken breasts to be served whole or sliced as fajitas or stir-fry? Write back and we will talk further.
Natasha 01/09/08	The macaroni is for mac and cheese and since the chicken breast are so large we were planning on cutting them in half or filleting them in to twos. The potatoes are for the green beans
ellen 01/09/08	OK. I still don't know how many people, so I will give you quantities you can multiply. You want about 1 pound of dry macaroni and 1 quart of cheese sauce for each 8 people to make a side dish of mac and cheese. You want about 4-5 pounds of potatoes for the beans for 100 people. 6 pounds of boneless skinless breast feeds about 15 people (see my wedding chicken recipe on the big pots page). One pound of ready to eat ham feeds 3 people. 4 #10 cans of green beans with the potatoes for 100 people, but consider using frozen (20-22 pounds), tastier.
natasha 01/15/08	Thank you very much. I was able to multiply and now I can began my shopping.
lorrie 01/21/08	Hi Ellen--I am planning an 80th birthday party for my Dad and am going to have Baked Ziti and a Meat Platter--I will be having at least 60 guest--was wondering how much pasta i need to buy and how big of a meat tray to get--thanks in advance---
ellen 01/21/08	Lorrie, on the spaghetti/ lotsa pasta page there is a recipe for mostaciolli and sausage for 120. Omitting the sausage, 1/2 this recipe would give about the right quantity for 60 seniors, so you can use it as a quantity guideline for your ziti. For the meats, you want to allow 4 ounces deli sliced ready to eat meat PLUS 1-2 ounces sliced cheese per person, if no cheese, up the meat to 1 pound for each 3 persons.
Lorrie 01/21/08	Hi Ellen--Thanks for such a fast reply--I have searched this whole site and cannot find the recipe that you are referring to (mostaciolli). with the meat platter I am having cheese on there also (2 kinds)--I was figuring that by having the 2 different items(ziti and meat tray) that it would cut down on the amount of each I would need--I am having all kinds of snacks prior(pepperoni-cheese-crackers-dip-deviled eggs-)I am also having toss salad and italian bread and of course cake afterwards. so you think if I make 6-7 pounds of pasta? or do I need more?
ellen 01/22/08	You will probably have left over with 7 pounds pasta, and with those other items you can cut the deli meats to 3 ounces each. The mostaciolli recipe is on the spaghetti/ lotsa pasta page, second or third section.
lorrie 01/22/08	Thanks so much for the info--My party is this weekend so now I feel more confident it what I have to buy and make---Thanks again--Have a great rest of the day!!!
Pepper 01/29/08	Cooking for 100 Hi this is my first time writing you. Would you please tell me how many pounds of boneless pot roast i would need to feed 100 people buffet style? How many pounds of red new potatoes, and now much broccoli's and carrots would i need. thank you Pepper
ellen 01/30/08	Pepper, all these items are already discussed on the plan for 100 page- check there, make an estimate, and if you are still unclear, post your estimate and I will check it for you.
christa 02/01/08	iam helping a friend plan her wedding and i was wondering how many trukeys and hams , and potatoes salad we will need. if u can help me i thank you very much
ellen 02/03/08	The planning and shopping article in the holiday cooking section at the top of Big Pots has exactly this information on the combined ham and turkey dinner. If you feel unsure of your estimates post them and I will go over them for you.
Carol 02/27/08	I need to know how many ounces of pork and beans I need to serve baked beans for 25. Thanks.
ellen 02/28/08	You need about 13 cups for one side serving apiece. That is 1 #10 can.
katorri cunningham 03/07/08	Cooking for 150 i wanted to know what should i price a party to feed 150.
ellen 03/07/08	katorri, hot dogs or filet? Caterers charge 3 to 4 times the cost of food as the total cost.
melissa 03/26/08	how many pounds of peel and eat shrimp should I expect to buy as an appetizer for 16 adults?
ellen 03/27/08	5-6 pounds for appetizer size portions of shell-on shrimp
LaDonna 04/07/08	Cooking for 400 Hi, I got 20 pounds of prepared coleslaw donated for a fundraiser (fishfry). Is this going to be enough to feed this many people as a side dish at approx. 2 ounces each serving?
ellen 04/07/08	Nope. It will feed about 100 people a normal serving, about 160 one of those mini cups sometimes used. Colesalw is cheap and very easy, fills the plate well and most people like it- be generous.
Danielle 04/08/08	Cooking for 120 I am attempting to cater my own wedding. Do you think that cold sub sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches, pimento sandwiches, potato salad, pasta salad, fruit trays, dips with crackers and chips, would be enough?
ellen 04/09/08	Danielle, this is a perfectly OK start for a menu for an informal reception. However you need a lot of help! PLEASE read my article about self catering your wedding dinner and my article on a cold lunch for 25 before making decisions. The cold lunch plan is both easier and much more elegant that all those pre-made sandwiches. Remember, also, you need an appetizer table to occupy your guests for that hour after the wedding while all your photos are being done.
MICHELE 04/22/08	Cooking for 250 i am planning a graduation party. how many pieces of chicken will i need to buy? also i am having hot sausage, how many pounds of sausage will i need to buy?
ellen 04/23/08	1 pound sausage for every 5= 50 pounds plus 200-210 pounds of chicken quarters - i per person. Teens eat more than adults.
Rhonda 04/28/08	My neice is planning a June wedding for around 250 guest and I need to know how much chicken to cook for chicken salad. Also I will be serving country ham and biscuits. How many hams will I need to fix, and how many biscuits will I need.
ellen 04/29/08	Rhonda, you need to tell me what time the wedding and the reception are and what else is being served. There is a big difference in whether you need enough for a full meal (when guests did not eat before they came)or a reception level. Also whether the chicken salad is for sandwiches or plates.
Rhonda 04/29/08	Ellen, the wedding is at 1:30 in the afternoon with the reception immediately following. The menu will consist of chicken salad with crackers, country ham and biscuits, cheese, vegetables (carrots, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, cucumbers, radishes) with dip and fruit with fruit dip.
ellen 04/30/08	OK, this is great for planning as people will have eaten lunch, so you just need reception-level food, about 1 pound per person. Use 1 1/2 times the amount for reception chicken salad and 1 1/2 times the amount for ham dinner for 100- see the sandwich planning page for chicken salad amounts and the plan for 100 page for ham amounts. Do allow at least 1 1/2 biscuits per person if large or two if small- everyone will want some. Consider putting out some additional hors douevres for the hour between the end of the wedding and the phography, clothes change, etc, before the couple arrives. 4-6 "bites" per person.
Rhonda 04/30/08	Ellen, Thanks so much!! You are a real life saver.
Sherri 05/05/08	We are having an event at church and expecting between 150 and 200 people. We have decided to have turkey and all the trimmings. How do we figure out how much turkey to have? Is there a formula for this? Would it be different if we just got turkey breasts vs. whole turkeys? Thanks so much!
ellen 05/05/08	Answwred in detail in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots.
Jan 05/21/08	need to make kielbasa and sauerkraut for 200! how much do I need?
Deb 05/21/08	Ellen, I see someone has asked the question of how much pasta and sauce is needed to feed 45 and your response was to go to the lotsa pasta page. Where do I find this page?
ellen 05/22/08	Jan, you need to decide whether you are going to serve 1 or two sausages, then buy your sausages based on that decision. Sauerkraut, 22-40 pounds per 100, depends on the size/ amount you plan to serve. Deb, go to the main cook talk page and press the spaghetti button at the top right of the page.
Kendra 05/27/08	Cooking for 350 I am catering for three hundred fifty people at a wedding reception. I need to know how many meatballs to prepare for three hundred fifty people and how much macaroni and cheese do I prepare for three hundred fifty people. How much money would you charge to serve three hundred fifty people.
ellen 05/28/08	Kendra, it sounds like you may be in over your head. It is impossible to give amounts unless you tell me what time the party is, how long it lasts, what type service (drop off, buffet, tables, etc) and WHAT ELSE is being served. For example, if meatballs are the only entree, that is completely different than if they are one of 8-10 appetizers. As to price, professional caterers charge 3 to 4 times the food costs, depending on the type of service, number of staff supplied, table and equipment rental, insurance (you DO have liability insurance, don't you?) and many other factors. See the pro catering bpoard at chef2chef.com for lengthy discussions of amounts, contracts, etc. You can use any food service recipe to get ballpark guidelines on your mac and cheese. You need 25-30 9x13 pans or 4 to 5 electric roasters for this much mac and cheese. foodservicerecipes.com
Kendra 05/29/08	Cooking for 350 The wedding reception starts at 2:00pm on a Saturday. It will probably last about 8 hours. It will be a buffet style. We are serving Roast Beef, Chicken wing dings, collard greens, string beans, macaroni & cheese, dessert, ham, potatoe salad, seafood salad, & etc.
Veronica 05/29/08	I'm having a wedding 6/28/08 and I need to feed around 150 to 200 people. My menu consist of baked chicken leg quarters, garlic oven roasted red potatoes, green beans, dirty rice and chicken spaghetti. I need to know how many pounds of chicken and potatoes and how many cans or ounces of canned green beans I will need to buy? Thanks
ellen 05/29/08	Veronica, all these items except the chicken spaghetti are covered in the paln for 100 lists, 150-200 is too big a range for me to be more help. For the chicken spaghetti, I can't help with that unless you tell me how many people you expect will want baked chicken versus the chicken spaghetti. There is a baked spaghetti recipe for 100 people in the basic budget entrees section of big pots that tells how to convert to chicken spaghetti. You need about 45 pounds of fresh or frozen green beans. Or you could make 3 times my better green bean casserole in the holiday cooking section at the top of Big Pots. Kendra, I have worked on your request. Please email me directly at: cookupdt@texas.net
Anissa 05/30/08	Cooking for 100 I am catering a weddng for about 100 people. We are serving appertizers. About how many appertizers per person should I prepare? The reception is going to be about 4 hrs. . I really need so advice,and about how much punch should I also prepare?
ellen 05/31/08	It depends very much on the timing of the reception. If it is over a mealtime, you need about 3 times as many appetizers as if it is mid-afternoon and they ate lunch, or after dinner. You need a bit less than 1 pound of food per person if it is not a mealtime, 1 1/2 pounds over a mealtime. I have already posted an extensive table on estimating appetizers and another on beverages for 100, so look at that, make some estimates, and post them, and I will be glad to check them for you.
MELISSA P 06/06/08	preparing food for my family reunion picnic, my mother and i will be serving 150-200 people. how would we estimate buying the food. the menu is ribs, chicken, hot dogs, hamburger, bake beans, potato salad, green beans, collard greens, mac and cheese, corn on the cob,texas bbq bread,cole slaw, bread pudding, key lime pies, pound cakes, and watermelons. we're southerners. ha!ha! thanks
ellen 06/06/08	Melissa, you have to get closer to the actual number for accurate estimates. It appears you have not yet looked at the very extensive planning articles and lists in big pots. For example, your vegetables, salads, bread and beans are all covered there. Watermelon is discussed on the fruit tray page. Also I have many recipes for 100 that will give you guidance on the amounts you need for particular dishes. For things that serve up in 9x13 pans, like mac and cheese, you need 10 pans per 100. For these mixed desserts, though, look at the dessert bar planning page. There is a beverage planning page. There is a breakfast planning page. Ribs are 1 pound per person, chicken I allow 1 piece per every person when dealing with a large group and multiple entrees. You do not need hot dogs- the kids will happily eat chicken legs- but if you do get them, get Polish sausage or kielbasa- much tastier than hot dogs. Read the BBQ and brisket page for guidance on how to calculate quantities with multiple meats. When you have prepared an estimate, post it and I will be glad to review it for you. If this is an all day or weekend function, you may need to deal with portapotties, too. Do PLEASE read the self catering your food event/wedding dinner and the food safety articles as well- it is pretty easy to go wrong with this volume of food.
Lona 06/18/08	Ellen, I am planning my daughter's buffet-style graduation party. I am catering in fried chicken & party subs. I am preparing mostaciolli. How many half aluminum pans of mostaciolli should I make? Your response is so appreciated. Thank You.
ellen 06/18/08	Lana, many people prepare a half pan to hold 4 8x13 pans which is about 40 entree servings , but some go for just 3 which is about 30 entree servings. Assume that these will be a side dish as you have the chicken and sandwiches, and count the "servings" (people usually eat more than one aerving): count the servings as people instead and you will have plenty.
Joe 06/20/08	Ellen, I'm preparing a graduation party for about 200 people. The menu will be roast beef with gravy, baked chicken thighs and drumsticks, baked ziti with sauce, meatballs with sauce, potato salad, pasta salad, and dinner rolls. I plan on starting with about 25 lbs of bottom round, 30 lbs of thighs and 30 lbs of drumsticks and 30 lbs of ground chuck for the meatballs. Do these sound like good amounts? Any suggestions on how much pasta salad and potato salad?
ellen 06/20/08	Those amounts should be fine. Consider adding one hot vegetable medley, or salad. You want potato salad from 60-70 pounds of poatoes and pasta salad from about 12-13 pounds of dry pasta.
maria 07/10/08	Cooking for 100 Hi Ellen could you tell me how many chicken drumsticks I will need for 100 guests. I am planning my daughters wedding, everything else is sorted. Thankyou for your help.
ellen 07/11/08	If they are for appetizers, 1 to 1 1/2 per person. If they are for the main course, 2 per lady and 3 per man will work out about right.

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