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Cook Talk

catering a wedding
jerry
07/19/14
We're cooking for my son's wedding. looking to have 80 people total. So far we have 10 dozen tamales. we are serving carnitas, rice and beans. Chips and salsa. can you estimate the amount of each item we would need?
thanks
ellen
07/20/14
Jerry, yes, but first I want urge you of the need to set up an appetizer plan for your party, and here is why:

A self-catered buffet is a real challenge to the organizers, and things don't always come together as smoothly as hoped. By planning and setting up an appetizer area or "nibble table" which is ready when the guests begin to arrive, the cooks and servers have time to complete the arrangement of the dinner buffet. This is especially critical if there are children among the guests, or there is a wait before dinner, as at a wedding reception.

This does not have to be complicated. Three items, plus a punch, or two if one is alcoholic, are sufficient. Typically, include a fruit tray, a cheese tray and an attractive dip or spread; or you can go with a dinner theme such as TexMex with chips, salsas, Texas caviar and guacamole; Italian with bruschetta or antipasto; maybe shrimps or other cold seafood, if budget permits.

One appetizer service area is needed for each 100 guests.

10 dozen tamales- OK.

carnitas, 1 pound raw meat per 3 people
rice- about 8 pounds dry
beans- about 8 pounds dry or 4 #10 cans

chips, 1 pounds per 12, salsa 1 pint per pound

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