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How much
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DEANA
06/18/06
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My side of the family and the brides side will be doing our children Wedding Reception for 150 people. I need to know how many ounces of canned string beans and corn to buy?
How many 7-ounce turkey breast, and canned yams to buy?
Thanks
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ellen
06/18/06
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5 #10 cans make buffet size vegetable portions for 100 people. Goes for beans, corn, and sweet potatoes. Do check out my better green bean casserole for 60 at the top holiday cooking section of the Big Pots index.
7 ounces of turkey breast is about 1 party dinner serving.
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linda
06/19/06
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how much potaotes to make enough potato salad for 60 ppl
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ellen
06/20/06
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35 pounds makes enough for 100, so you want 24-25 pounds.
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louie
06/21/06
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I am cooking ribs and chicken breast for for 40 people and am not sure of how much food is needed. I use babyback ribs and 1/2 chicken breast?
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Louie
06/21/06
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is there a conversion chart for something like this?
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uKrystal
06/21/06
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I have a recipe for sloppy joes that uses 15 pounds of hamburger. How many people would that serve? We need to serve about 200 and I'm not sure how many batches to make. Thank You!
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Vicky
06/21/06
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I am having a surprise 70th birthday party for my Dad and need to know how many boiled red potatoes I need to feed 60 people. I am just putting butter and chives in them. Thank You
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michelle
06/21/06
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luncheon for 60
I am planning an engagement luncheon buffet for 60 people. The entire event will run 3 hours max-because that is how long we have the room for until we need to clean up.
First there will be 3 hors d. The hor d. hour will last 45 minutes. The hor. d. are:
Potato pancakes with appleesacue on the side-cocktail size.
Curried chicken puree on top of a toasted baguette round.
A cocktail size square of polenta cake topped with basil pesto.
I was planning 2 of each type of hor. d per person. There are some big eaters to cover.Does that seem right?
After the 45 minutes of hor d. I was going to present lunch and dessert. There is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to do this before we have to clean up. During this time frame:
I was going to offer a mixed green salad, a choice of 2 types of sandwiches, an orzo salald with fresh vegetables and a corncake topped with salmon and then dessert.. Let me describe things for you and follow the description with my questions.
My salad is a mixed greens only salad topped with dates, candied nuts and finished with a maple vinaigrette
How large a salad portion of mixed greens only should I offer? I have the dates and nuts under control. Figure each salad will have 1 date and 4 nuts as part of the plan. I was figuring this on a 2 ounce salad. Does that seem right?
How much dressing do I need for the 60 salads?
I was going to offer a choice of 2 closed sandwiches. One is roast beef topped with a rosemary aioli. The bread is a baguette that I cut up.
How long should each sandwich baguette be? Fig
How many ounces of meat should go on the sandwich? This is critical. The host seems to be vying for 4 ounces which I think is a lot. Should I cut the meat thin so the sandwich appears bigger.How many of this choice of baguette sandwiches should I make in total for these 60 people.
The next sandwich will be turkey topped with a cranberry and raspberry preserve. Same questions apply.
Also do you have any suggestions of a particular type of lettuce or herb leaf to pair with the sandwiches to increase its' size and heighten its flavor.
The sandwiches will be paired with an orzo salad spiked with fresh asparagus and peas. The orzo will be in its own spearate bowl. I wanted to cut the asparagus stalks in half inch sections.
How many pounds of orzo do I need to purchase? What ounce portion should I plan to serve each person-including veggies?
How many pounds each of Asparagus should I purchase?
How many pounds of peas should I purchase?
The third choice will be an approximately 3 inch round corncake topped with flaked salmon in a light lemon vinaigette finished with fresh scallion and sour cream drizzle.
How many corncakes should I figure for this selection?
I was figuring approximately 2 oz. of flaked salmon for each corncake-does that seem right.
Then there will be dessert which I don' need help with since I am not preparing it. But it will probably be cheesecakes, brownies and cookies.
Thank you so much for your personal attention.
Michelle
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michelle
06/22/06
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engagement luncheon buffet
michelle
06/21/06 luncheon for 60
I am planning an engagement luncheon buffet for 60 people. The entire event will run 3 hours max-because that is how long we have the room for until we need to clean up.
First there will be 3 hors d. The hor d. hour will last 45 minutes. The hor. d. are:
Potato pancakes with appleesacue on the side-cocktail size.
Curried chicken puree on top of a toasted baguette round.
A cocktail size square of polenta cake topped with basil pesto.
I was planning 2 of each type of hor. d per person. There are some big eaters to cover.Does that seem right?
After the 45 minutes of hor d. I was going to present lunch and dessert. There is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to do this before we have to clean up. During this time frame:
I was going to offer a mixed green salad, a choice of 2 types of sandwiches, an orzo salald with fresh vegetables and a corncake topped with salmon and then dessert.. Let me describe things for you and follow the description with my questions.
My salad is a mixed greens only salad topped with dates, candied nuts and finished with a maple vinaigrette
How large a salad portion of mixed greens only should I offer? I have the dates and nuts under control. Figure each salad will have 1 date and 4 nuts as part of the plan. I was figuring this on a 2 ounce salad. Does that seem right?
How much dressing do I need for the 60 salads?
I was going to offer a choice of 2 closed sandwiches. One is roast beef topped with a rosemary aioli. The bread is a baguette that I cut up.
How long should each sandwich baguette be? Fig
How many ounces of meat should go on the sandwich? This is critical. The host seems to be vying for 4 ounces which I think is a lot. Should I cut the meat thin so the sandwich appears bigger.How many of this choice of baguette sandwiches should I make in total for these 60 people.
The next sandwich will be turkey topped with a cranberry and raspberry preserve. Same questions apply.
Also do you have any suggestions of a particular type of lettuce or herb leaf to pair with the sandwiches to increase its' size and heighten its flavor.
The sandwiches will be paired with an orzo salad spiked with fresh asparagus and peas. The orzo will be in its own spearate bowl. I wanted to cut the asparagus stalks in half inch sections.
How many pounds of orzo do I need to purchase? What ounce portion should I plan to serve each person-including veggies?
How many pounds each of Asparagus should I purchase?
How many pounds of peas should I purchase?
The third choice will be an approximately 3 inch round corncake topped with flaked salmon in a light lemon vinaigette finished with fresh scallion and sour cream drizzle.
How many corncakes should I figure for this selection?
I was figuring approximately 2 oz. of flaked salmon for each corncake-does that seem right.
Then there will be dessert which I don' need help with since I am not preparing it. But it will probably be cheesecakes, brownies and cookies.
Thank you so much for your personal attention.
Michelle
Re:
Name:
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Lisa
06/22/06
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I am using you guides on amounts to prepare for 100. (I will have 200-250.) 2 hot bbq meats with bread, beans, meatballs and little smokies, potato salad, pasta salad, fruit and veggies. On the guide, does that assume that I would be fixing each of those items, or do I re-adjust depending on how many side items/entrees that will be available.
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ellen
06/22/06
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On the guides, if it says for 100 persons, that assumes that is the only meat or whatever for the 100 persons. But the TRICK is, if you serve two or more choices, people eat more in total; so if I am making 100 people worth of one and 100 people worth of the second, I add about 10% as a "fudge factor" to compensate for the extra helpings. I also suggest having a pleasant server to hand out the meat, it will cut the amount taken abou 10% overall.
You want 1 1/2 pounds food total per person, and the sides are the less expensive way to make the weight. If you made just 200 servings of meat, I would say add another attractive side dish to fill up the plate.
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Kathi
07/15/06
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How many pounds of hamburger will it take to make sloppy joes for 60 people. I know some will have seconds.
Thanks,
Kathi
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ellen
07/15/06
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It takes about 20 pounds of raw regular hamburger to make 75-80 sandwiches, which should be plenty unless it is all football platers.
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Jessica
08/08/06
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how many meatballs will it take to feed 60 people?
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ellen
08/08/06
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Sandwiches, spaghetti, cocktail hor doeuvre not at mealtime? Details, please.
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Claudia
08/09/06
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Serving a spinach for a luncheon. How much spinach in a 12 oz. bag? Thank you
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ellen
08/09/06
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Raw for salad or cooked? The back of the bag will give a clue- baby is more tender, but full-size has much more flavor.
Spinch cooks way down, a spinach lover can eat a whole bag all by him/herself.
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linda
08/12/06
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hi I'm feeding 75 people han turkey potatos salad and etc.. how much ham and turkey do I buy?? not lunch meat.. cooking turkey breast and sprial ham
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ellen
08/12/06
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when you serve two meats, you use more than when you serve one, because many people take some of each. Caterers figure 5 ounces of the primary meat and 3 ounces of the secondary meat- that is cooked, ready to serve. I would use the plan for 100 charts and cook enough for 45 people of each, you will have enough and probably not run out.
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Barbara
08/22/06
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Lunch meat
I am doing a birthday party for about 70 people. I am having a cold cut tray with 3 kinds of lunchmeat and 2 kinds of cheese. (Make it yourself sandwiches) along with several salads, punch and dessert. How much meat and cheese should I purchase?
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ellen
08/22/06
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On the picnic and sandwich event page, there is a quantity list for 100. Just use 3/4 of this amount. There is also info on trimmings, etc.
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Amanda
08/22/06
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How much chicken and ribs
my family is hosting an end of summer bar-b-que, we want to cook ribs and whole chickens. How much of each meat do we serve to feed each person? there will be approx. 25 people attending
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ellen
08/23/06
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I would allow 1/2 pound of ribs and 1/4 chicken per person unless they are light eaters.
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Theresa
09/18/06
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I am planning a bbq for about 60 people. I am planning on buying premade slaw, potato salad and beans. How many pounds of each do I need? it is also a birthday party so what size cake shouls I buy? A 1/2 sheet or whole sheet?
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ellen
09/19/06
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A whole sheet unless you want small portions. About 60 pounds TOTAL of the sides, you decide on the distribution, I would probably go 25 pounds potato, 15 slaw, 20 beans.
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LaRue Adkisson
09/20/06
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How many turkeys are needed to feed 200 people for a church dinner?
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ellen
09/20/06
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See the holiday/turkey cooking section on the Big Pots index.
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Kelly
09/24/06
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How many pounds of dry pinto and navy beans for bar-b-que beans would you need to feed 60 firemen?
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ellen
09/24/06
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Since beans are easy to cook and to freeze, I would probably use one of my "Beans for 100 recipes and just make 1 recipe.
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Dawn
09/25/06
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we are having a picnic for 100 people. we will be serving hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken pieces? can you advise as to how much of each we will need? including buns? and how much potato salad, macaroni salad, and coleslaw? your answer is very much appreciated!
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Sharon
09/25/06
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Party Birthday Lunch for 75-80 people
How many whole smoked chickens/brisket will I need? Also, I plan on serving green beans, corn, green salad and rolls
How many large cans will I need of corn and green beans?
I want to serve peach cobbler and full sheet cake. How many do I need?
I many gallons of tea do I need.
The menu will be
Green Tossed Salad
Smoked Chicken/Brisket
Green Beans
Corn
Rolls
Cobbler/Cake
Ice tea and water
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Terri Banker
09/25/06
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ref raw spaghetti
I am fixing a spaghetti dinner for about 75 people. Can you please tell me how much raw spaghetti do I need to feed these people. I have already made the sauce and have it frozen.
thank you so much
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ellen
09/25/06
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Terri, see the lotsa pasta page for full info on amounts and cooking pasta.
Sharon and Dawn, since I posted all my planning tables in the Bifg Pots section, I no longer do original plans. ALL of the foods you ask about are covered in these tables. I WILL be glad to check your estimates once you prepare them; for 100 people (mixed crowd, adults) it is easy, just use the amounts as given. For 80, use .8 or 4/5 the amount suggested.
Both of you are serving mixed meats entrees. For this, I recommend planning on 1 piece of chicken (cut 8 pieces per whole chicken) PLUS 5 ounces of cooked ready toeat beef/ other per person. When there are two meats, many people eat some of both. Also, with this large a group, it is a thoughtful idea to have at least one package of Boca Burgeres or Garden Burgers (vegetarian) for the special diet folks in the crowd.
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Beverly
09/25/06
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I need to know how many pounds of mixed nuts to buy to serve 25 people at a bridal shower?
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dawn
09/25/06
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i am sorry i don't see anything on quantities of soda and beer for 100 people?
also is it cheaper to go with kegs or just buy cases of beer?
thanks so much!!
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ellen
09/26/06
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Beverly, 1 1/2 to 2 pounds.
Dawn, usually for soda in addition to other drinks, 15 2-liter bottles assorted sodas. Include some caffeine free and some diet. Beer, about 15 dozen bottles for beer with meals, including about 1/3 to 1/2 light. If you buy from a liquor store that accepts unopened returns and chill without wetting labels, you can return extra.
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Janice
09/27/06
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We're "catering" a wedding reception for friends at church. The response list keeps growing. We're now planning for 475. Will have buffet of small ham & turkey sandwiches, cocktail weiners, meatballs, cheese cubes and fresh fruit. I think we can figure out how much we need of most everything, except the fruit - depending on what is in season here in Kentucky on October 14.
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ellen
09/27/06
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You are about to start winter where you are: you can buy whole watermelons and they will keep 2 weeks in a cold garage, as long as they are on newspapers or cardboard (or not concrete), the skins are intact, they are not frozen, and you turn them a couple times a week. This is the least expensive fresh fruit. An alternative is fresh frozen fruit such as large peach slices, mixed and partially thawed (as in, take out of freezer morning of, mix up, set out at room temp)- 2 really big bags is sufficient for 50 people as a part of a display.
Have some of the cheese in balls or logs and some sliced for the sandwiches. People will eat less and slower if you have them assemble the sandwiches themselves- much less work- fresher and no sog. Condiments and self serve amounts on the sandwich event page. You will find that providing egg salad and a second spread- fruited cream cheese, deviled ham, chopped liver, pimento cheese, etc- will reduce the amount of meat and add interest to the table.
Allow two-three gallons of pickles and a few gallons of olives on the table as well.
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Debbie
09/29/06
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How much boneless ham do I need to serve 40 people?
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ellen
09/29/06
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1 pound boneless, ready to eat ham makes 3 nice party dinner portions or 4-5 good sandwiches if deli-sliced. You can estimate based on your menu.
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Tandy
10/03/06
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How do I work out catering numbers
Hi..I'm in Australia and doing a surprise 50th for my mother. I have about 45 people coming and need help with working out catering numbers for dinner. How many salads do I need to feed the guests. I am doing 3 roasts, some fish casseroles/stews and coronation chicken.
How do I work out how much coronation chicken to make (a chicken dish with cream, mayonaise, curry powder, chopped nuts, apple)
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ellen
10/03/06
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For desserts, salads and sides, use my plan for 100 tables and make 1/2. You will have plenty.
The split on three entrees is one of the hardest things to figure in home catering. You need to tell me the size and type of roasts and the type of fish casserole. It sounds like you may already have a lot of meat/ entrees.
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melissa
10/08/06
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How many lbs of hamburger will you need to make meatballs for a party of 40 people? We will be having meat and cheese tray, scallop potatoes, three salads and desserts.
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cathi
10/10/06
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I am making food for a party of 50.How many lbs. of potatoes will I need for potatoe salad? How many pounds of deli sliced ham will I need for ham sandwiches?
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Carol
10/12/06
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Help, I am doing a dinner for 50 people and the menu is baked ham, tossed green salad, gaspacho pasta salad, and baked beans with pumpkin ice cream for desert, Can you please advise me as to portions of ham per per can how many punds of beans and pasta and how much ice cream would be adequate. Thank you
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ellen
10/13/06
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Melissa, if this is dinner, allow 4-5 meatballs per person, at least 10 pounds. For hordouvres, 8 would be sufficient.
Cathy, all these foods are covered in the quantity table. I allow 35 pounds of potatoes for 100 persons.
Carol, nice menu. Since I have posted all my quantity tables- even for desserts and ice cream- in th eBig Pots section, I no longer do initial estimates. But if you prepare an estimate and post it, I will be glad to check it for you. You want 1/2 the amount for 100.
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Catherine
10/13/06
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How much lunch meay for 75 people & bread
I used to have a chart for meat and bread for a party, but I can't find it. I need to feed 75 adults. I am having chips and cake.
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ellen
10/14/06
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Check the picnic and sandwich event planning page for meat, cheese, condiments and bread for 100 people. Use 3/4.
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Tammy
10/21/06
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We are trying to decide on what to serve at our Daughters Wedding. I want to know how many 18 lb Turkey's would it take to feed 275 people.
Thanks
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ellen
10/21/06
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For large party size zervings, you want 3/4 to 1 pound raw whole turkey to start, so you are in the range of 12-15 turkeys. Please see the Holiday cooking section in Big Pots for everything about planning shopping and preparing large turkey dinners.
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Janet
10/21/06
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Hi we are throwing my mom a surprise birthday party. I am in charge of making the mostaccoli. I have no idea how much to make and how much noodles,sauce, and hamburger meat to buy. I beleive the count is for 80-90 people. The menu is:
Salad
Mostaccoli
Meatballs
Polish sausage and kraut
Potatoes
Green beans
I think that about it. Plus the cake and some sort of other desserts. Like I said, I was in charge of the mostaccoli. Just want to make sure I make enough but dont over due it.
Thanks so much if you can help. The party is in one week
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ellen
10/22/06
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Go to the lotsa pasta page and use the recipe for mostaciolli and sausage for 120 as your basic outline. Make 1/2 the amount for enough, or 3/4 the amount for a lot- it does freeze well if unused. Happy birthday, Mom.
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ruth
10/22/06
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How much chicken salad would I need to feed 75 peo
how many chicken would I have to buy
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ellen
10/22/06
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See the Plan for 100 page, amount depends on sandwich vs salad lunch vs reception and all are listed. 1 pound of cooked chicken meat is 2 cups.
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Diane Babcock
10/26/06
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I am preparing a thanksgiving dinner for 30 people.
I would like to know if a 25lb turkey and a 25lb spiral ham will be enough.
Also, how many lbs of white potatoes to cook?
I will be boiling and mashing them.
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ellen
10/26/06
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The turkey alone would be enough with the usual abundant sides- see the shopping list for holiday dinners on the Big pots index. Turkeys 16 pounds and under have better quality meat. Think about a 16 pound turkey and a 16 pound ham unless you are planning a lot of leftovers. 12 pounds of potatoes, approximately; take a look at the freezable holdable mashed potato recipe on the Big Pots page.
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Rebekah
10/28/06
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How much bottled water
Hi Ellen - I'm catering a dessert reception for 500 people at my church. I plan on serving your apricot/pineapple/almond extract punch in a fountain, along with decaf coffee and water in crystal pitchers. The tap water at the church tastes horrible (no filter or water service) so I plan on buying water in the big 2 1/2 gallon jugs to fill the pitchers. How much water do I need considering the other beverages being served? Thank you!
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ellen
10/28/06
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The max you would need is 6 gallons per 100, and I believe that with the other beverages 8 to 10 jugs would be plenty.
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Edward
11/06/06
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Thanks giving dinner for 40
I am frying Turkeys for a Thanksgiving get together. How many turkeys should I fry and how big?? how many pounds of mac&cheese?, Dressing , stuffing and yams should I prepare? and do you have any good sage dressing recipe's
thanks for your help!!
etm...
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ellen
11/06/06
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Ed, frying turkeys is DANGEROUS. Read my article.
Figure the amount of turkey- you want basically 1 pound raw per person- I would do 3 14-16 pound turkeys, the meat is better than larger birds. All the rest is covered in the holiday cooking section of Big Pots.
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denise
11/06/06
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Having a wedding reception for 60 people and need to know how much BBQ to buy. We will serve both brisket and sausage. Can you please assist on the quantities. Than you.
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ellen
11/07/06
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Check thr BBQ and bisket page in Big Pots. You want about 5 ounces cooked ready to eat brisket and 3 ounces of sausage per person.
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sherri
11/08/06
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How much hamburger do I need to make sloppy joes for 70 people?
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ellen
11/08/06
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About 20 pounds.
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Debra Gaynor
11/10/06
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I am ordering the food for a wedding reception. We expect about 100 guests. The menu is:
Barbecue Mutton Sandwiches
Barbecue Pork Sandwiches
Potato Chips
Slaw
Baked Beans
Onion slices
pickles
Fresh Veggie Trays
HOw much should I order (by pounds)?
Thanks for your help.
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ellen
11/10/06
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See the sandwich event page, the plan for 100 page, the veggie tray page and the BBQ and brisket page, all in the planning section of Big Pots. Amounts for all your foods are already covered, even sandwich condiments. You want to allow 1.2 sandwiches per person, you have to deceide the pork/mutton split based on local preference.
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Paul
11/22/06
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How many pounds of potatoes do I need for 9 people
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ellen
11/22/06
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About 6 pounds will be plenty you may have some left or not depending on your eaters.
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Ruth Martin
12/09/06
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How much sprial cut ham do I need for 35 people
I am having a buffet for 36 people and wanted to know what size spiral cut ham I should buy. I am having snacks before but not to many. I am having a baked bean casserole,salad,orange cups filled with cranberry mixture, rolls,and a dessert table
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ellen
12/09/06
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If this is a bone-in spiral cut ham and people are serving themselves, you will want 1 pound for each 2 1/2 to 3 people for nice dinner party size portions. If someone is serving you can easily get by with 3 per pound- people take more when they serve themselves. You might consider adding one hot green vegetable such as a broccoli or broccoli rice casserole, it wil reduce the demand on the ham.
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Janis
01/08/07
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Our church is haveing a Noodle dinner,
I need to know how many eggs for noodles,potatoes to mash, green beans to serve 400-500 people
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jules
01/08/07
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im having a babyshower for about 45 people. im serving carne asada, how many pounds will i need to feed everyone. thank you..
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ellen
01/08/07
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Assuming you are buying ready-made, 1 pound is 2 cups and the usual serving is 1/2 cup if you are offering the usual sides. You want 1.2 servings per person, about 55-56 servings, so you want 14-15 pounds.
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ellen
01/08/07
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Janis, I do not understand the request. Do you mean eggs for noodles as in, you are making the noodles fresh? The other items are covered in the plan for 100 list.
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marion
01/11/07
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How many pounds of dry navy beans for baked beans to feed 45 people
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Casey
01/12/07
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feeding 200 how many bags of salad needed
and how many oz of salad dressing needed
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ellen
01/12/07
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Marion, see the beans for 100 pagrd for recipes to give guidance on quantities, and make 1/2.
Casey, salad amounts are covered very thotough;y in the first section of the plan for 100 list.
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Onelia
01/12/07
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How much baked ham for 45 people
I am giving a 1st birthday party for my granddaughter, at 3 PM . How many pounds of baked ham do I need ,to serve 45 people?. I am also serving a 15 pounds roasted turkey and enough meat balls. Plus wild rice, and potato salad.
Thanks.
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Amanda
01/18/07
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I am having a get together with 20 or so people, I am buying a spiral honey glazed ham how big of one do i need to feed some hungry people and still have leftovers?
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joyce
01/18/07
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like to know how much ground beef do i need for meatballs too serve 50 people if i make them big i"ll give them 3 each,also how much spagetti will i need.
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ellen
01/18/07
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Onelia, You have a lot of meats- 8 pounds boneess ready to eat should be plenty.
Amanda, assuming bone in, you want at least a 10 pound ham.
Joyce, see the lotsa pasta page in Big Pots- lots of info.
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Debra
01/19/07
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How much ice would I need for 300 people with 16 oz. glasses? Thanks
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ellen
01/19/07
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See the beverages planning page- link on Big Pots, about 1/2 way down
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Linda
01/22/07
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We are having a fundraiser and are expecting about 125 people. How many meatballs would you suggest we make for sandwiches on club rolls and how many pounds of roast beef for sandwiches? We think 2 sandwiches per person but some will eat more and some will eat less. We are also have potato and pasta salad and desserts. Thanks.
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ellen
01/22/07
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Unless you are devoted to the roast beef idea, may I suggest either sticking with one sandwich (lowest cost, fewest leftovers) or offering ham or turkey (less expensive)? Two beef choices does not offer any choice to non-beef or non-meat eater, you see, and good roast beef is pretty expensive.
That said, there is a pretty good article in the planning section of Big Pots on sandwich events, with quantity tables. Unless it is teens, or all men, you will probably run closer to 1 1/2 sandwiches per person, rather than two, especially with the nice side dishes.
If people will be assembling their own sandwiches, you can sut costs by offering a bowl of egg salad and one of tuna salad for the non-meat eaters.
4 ounces of meatballs per sandwich.
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michele
01/22/07
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I am having a birthday party for my son and we have 25 adults coming. We are making pasta fritta and I need to order lunch meat. How many pounds would I need to feed them. I am getting, proscuitto, salami, ham, turkey, mortadella and brick cheese.
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ellen
01/22/07
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Pasta fritta means different things in different communities- fried noodles, fried bread dough. I have had it with anchovies, but not lunch meats?
Generally for a party meal, I allow: Adults, not teens, allow 1 pound of lunch meats for each 3 persons and 2-3 ounces of cheese (lesser if pre-sliced). Teens, 1 pound per 2 persons.
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vanessa
01/31/07
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how much ham, chicken breasts, rice, mashed potatoes, bread (rolls), salad, veggies, and fruit would i need to feed a wedding reception of 150 people and also 200 people, we are debating how many people we are inviting so if i could have numbers for both amounts. thanks
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ellen
02/01/07
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Vanessa, all these foods are covered in the plan for 100 pages in the Big Pots section. Please use these tables to make your own estimates. If it s over a mealtime, you need 1 1/2 pounds food per person, if in between, you need about 1 pound.
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Debbie
02/02/07
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I'm in charge of the veggie trays for a party of about 150 people. I have no idea how many veggies to buy. Can you give me a rough idea or how many trays to fix up??
Thank you.
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ellen
02/02/07
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Debbie, therer is a whole article on veggie trays, amounts, dip, etc, in the Big Pots section.
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Janet
02/06/07
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How much hamburger for 13 people? Making sloppy joes
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Barbie
02/06/07
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I'm planning a May reception that will be held on a Saturday afternoon. The invitations will say something like "light buffet to be served". What time is best to not hit lunch, but not go into dinner time? We will have about 200 people. I will serve chicken salad on dollar rolls. We'll make the sandwiches that day - but how early can we make the chicken salad? How long can it be frozen? How many whole chickens will I need? We'll also have cheese & cracker platters, veggie trays, chips and a relish tray. Dessert will be strawberries, pineapple, cookies and rice krispy treats for use in the chocolate fountain and cupcakes. Beverages will be punch, tea and water. Will it be correct to double your portions for 100 people? Is this enough variety in foods or do I need more choices? It's a very casual reception. Thanks for your help!
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Rena
03/08/07
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help..need guide for salads and beef for beef dip for croud of 60 people? salad to be potatoe, macaroni, cabbage, and green salad, how much should i prepare..I desperate, need help........thanks
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Marie
03/08/07
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I am catering a wedding (130 people). How much pasta would I need to prepare?
The Menu:
Penne Pasta Alfredo
Chicken Parm.
Salad
Rolls/Butter
Thank you!
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ellen
03/08/07
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Janet, 3-4 pounds.
Barb, 2-5 pm. Freeze the chickens, not the salad, make the salad the day before. Doubling the amounts for 100 works fine. I might put the rolls and chicken sa;ad out separately and let people make their own, and add one non-meat spread such as egg salad or pimento cheese for the non-meat eaters.
Rena, use the salad for 100 list at the top of the plan for 100 page and make a bit less than 3/4 the amount (about 2/3) for 100. You want 1 pound ready to eat beef for each 3 people unless they are light eaters.
Marie, use the guideline on the lotsa pasta page and go about 1/2 way between the side dish and the entree amounts. If this is a reception dinner, you need 4-5 hors douvres to keep the crowd occupied during the hour between the end of the ceremony and the arrival of the bridal party- who are doing photos, etc.
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Kim
03/12/07
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Planning an office Luncheon for 20 men. I was thinking of preparing a platter of Ham, Turkey & Roast Beef & a Cheese for the men to make their own sandwiches on round rolls. I will have potatoe & mac. salad w/pickels on the side. How much lunch meat would you recommend for the platter.
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ellen
03/12/07
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2 9unces sliced cheese per person. 1 pound deli sliced for each 3 persons plus 10% if self serve. See the sandwich event page for condiments.
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Doreen
03/14/07
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How much turkey do I need to feed 80 people
I am catering to 80 people how many turkeys do I need to buy to serve them
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ellen
03/15/07
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1 pound raw whole turkey per person for generous, 3/4 pound for adequate. Turkeys under 16 pounds have better quality white meat.
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Clarice Migdal
03/21/07
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Good Morning,
I am providing homemade salsa and guacamole for 100 people to be served with cheese guesadillas and chicken/cheese guesadillas. How Much of avocados, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, green chilis, etc. do I need?
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Lena
03/23/07
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Ideas for my reception
Hello,
My wedding is May 26, 2007, and I am having about 200 guest for my reception. My menu is
(For Adults):
Garlic Potatoes
Green Beans
Chicken Breast
Breadsticks
Lemonade w/orange slices
Wedding Cake
(For Children):
Finger Sandwiches
Vegetables
Cookies
Is this a good menu to have for an okay price or should I narrow it down or add more?
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ellen
03/23/07
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Clarice, you need 1/3 cup per person, the amounts depends on what you put in it.
Hi, Lena,
This is a pleasant simple meal. Is it buffet? In any case, you probably want to add another vegetable and maybe a salad.
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Amy
04/14/07
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We are having a BBQ sale for a organizaion and we are using the 2oz.souffle cups to put slaw in. We are planning on 500 BBQ's (on regular size buns ex. McDonalds hamburger buns),how many pounds of pre-maid slaw will we need? Thanks!
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ellen
04/15/07
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The 2 ounce size is 1/4 cup which is 1/2 the usual serving. That means that slaw made from 20 pounds cabbage (which is about 30 pounds after you add the dressing, etc.) will make 200 of these smaller servings.
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Elizabeth
04/25/07
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I am hosting a BBQ this Saturday. We are planning on about 80 people how much Coleslaw and baked beans do you think I need?
The baked beans from Sams come in 117 oz. containers. How many of those would I need?
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ellen
04/25/07
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Elizabeth, you need 4 #10 cans for 100 people, so either do 3 if it is 75 or less, or do 4. This assumes you will be adding some onion, bell pepper, etc.
You want about 2 1/2 gallons of slaw, this starts with 15-16 pounds of cabbage plus extras and dressing.
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ellen
04/25/07
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PS #10 cans are those great big ones at Sams.
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charlene
04/26/07
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I want to make CORN PUDDING for 50 people. My recipe is for 6-8 people. It calls for 2 16 oz. cans of corn. How many #10 cans to make this recipe for fifty? This will be one of two vegetable dishes at this meal.
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ellen
04/26/07
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Charlene you are in luck. I recently posted a whole section on corn side dishes, with quantity hints, for 50-100 here:
www.ellenskitchen.com/turkey/cornsides1.html
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Lois
05/01/07
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How much hash browns for 150 people
I am serving hash brown party pot. for 150 people. How many pounds of hash browns
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ellen
05/02/07
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about 50 pounds. Depends on you add-ins.
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HERBERT
05/07/07
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feeding around 130 people how much brisket will I need the briskets will be smoked
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ellen
05/08/07
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This is a common question. Brisket is a fatty meat that shrinks a lot. I allow 1 pound raw per two people for party-size dinner servings. You can do two pounds for 5 people for smaller servings (for example, lots of side dishes, other meats also available) or sandwiches.
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Renee
05/10/07
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How much Brisket / sauage
Planning a Wedding for 130 people, how much will I need?
menu
Brisket
Sauage
Pinto Beans
Potato salad
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ellen
05/10/07
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1 pound sausage for each 4 people PLUS 2 pounds raw brisket for each 5 persons. 7-8 pounds dry beans per 100 people- see the beans for 100 page. otato salad 4 gallons per 100, or start from 35-40 pounds raw potatoes per 100, see the slaw, mac and potato salad for 100 pages.
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Mary
05/12/07
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Hi Ellen:
I am having a get-together for 50 people from 1 pm - 5 pm. We are having baked ham, fried chicken (100 pieces), baked beans, macaroni salad, potatoe salad, chips, pretzels, cake, and drinks. How much of each of these do I need?
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ellen
05/12/07
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Hi, Mary,
All of these are covered in the quantity for 100 yables, makling half. about 10 ppounds ready to eat ham, thin sliced. desserts are covered in desserts, chips are 3 pounds and pretzels the same.
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Suzy
05/14/07
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How much chicken do I need for chciken salad
I am doing a cookout for 75 people and here is my menu.
30 lbs chicken wings
18 lbs of meatballs
12 lbs american chop suey
20 lbs potato salad
20 lbs macaroni salad
2 dzn egg salad sandwichs(cut in 4's)
2 platters of (4lbs each) of deli meat
ham, turkey & roastbeef
so how much chicken to I buy to make chicken salad sandwiches? I would like to stay at 2 - 3 loaves of breads the most.
Thanks, Suzy
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Teresa
05/16/07
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Wedding reception for 100..and I'm going nuts!
Hi,
I'm having a wedding reception (station style) at a club in Las Vegas...they give you a huge selection to pick from without a lot of direction and I want there to be enough food to make up for a dinner. Does this sound like too much or not enough? Where should I cut?
-14lb cheese and bread tray
-12.5lb fresh fruit display
-"pasta" station with choice of three pasta dishes (this is ordered per person)
-ceasar salad station with chicken/shrimp (also ordered per person)
-asian station with crab rangoon and beef stir fry (ordered per person)
-halibut with tomato topping (serves 50 per caterer)
-rib eye beef to serve 40
-5 different hot appetizers (500 total pieces)-mini-beef sliders, crab cakes, salmon skewers, not sure of the last two yet
-wedding cake
-full open bar
Any help would be great!! I have never made a menu up before.
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ellen
05/16/07
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Suzy, 3 loaves is just 24-sandwiches unless they are extra large loaves. You need 1/2 cup salad per sandwich, which contains 1/3 cup chicken. 2 cups of chicken are 1 pound boneless skinless chicken.
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ellen
05/16/07
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Teresa, you do not need this many entrees for 100 people- 3 only would be very appropriate- maybe ribeye, pasta and ceasar. Then add some hot vegetables, such as a creamy potato dish and a nice mixed Asian veggie mix and one other. You will have some cheese and possibly some fruit left.
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kate
05/16/07
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Chowder and clamcakes for 100? Any experience with that? It's for a non-profit agency.
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ellen
05/16/07
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Big bowl is 12 ounces- about 9 gallons per 100- add corn frottewrs and do 2 clam cakes and 2 corn fritters per person (lower cost).
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dodi
05/17/07
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Graduation open house expecting 200 people
How much hamburger for an open house anticipating about 200 people.
Thank you
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ellen
05/18/07
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For patties/ sandwiches? You want 1 pound 70% (the cheap kind) for each 3 people.
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Sherry
05/21/07
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We are having a wedding in June. We are serving about 200-250.
roasted pig
baked beans
salt potatoes
tossed salad
fruit salad
rolls
I am not sure on the amounts could you help?
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Susan
05/22/07
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How much pasta to serve 130 people?
I am doing a Wedding reception for 130 people. We are planning on have 2 kinds of pasta: Bowtie pasta with chix/alfredo sause and penne pasta with red sause and meatballs. How much uncooked pasta do I need to buy for this amount of people?
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Nicole
05/22/07
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How Many
How many pounds of fudge will serve 35-40 peopleżżżżż
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ellen
05/24/07
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Sherry, 200-250 is too big a range. You want 1 pound raw pig per person, sucklings weigh about 25 pounds, so you nee 10 for 250, 8 for 200. The rest is covered on the plan for 100 page. But think carefully- this is a VERY complicated meal to prepare for a VERY large crowd- unless you hire someone to cook it, it could completely overwhelm you and the wedding day.
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ellen
05/24/07
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Susan, 30 to 35 pounds total for large dinner portions.
Nicole, You want 2 ounces per person minimum, 3 if it is the only dessert, or 1 ounce per type per person if you have more than 2 kinds, up to 4 ounces per person.
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Cathy
05/25/07
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How many 1lb boxes of rigatoni do I need to serve 100 people?
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ellen
05/26/07
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Cathy, plwease see the lotsa pasta page, the range is wide depending on whether it is a side dish or main dish and even whether it has thisck or thin sauce- all are discussed.
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Ellen G
05/28/07
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My daughter expects approximately 100 guests at her wedding. Our menu includes baked macaroni and cheese and chicken strips priced by the pound by her caterer. Can you help me figure how many pounds of each of these two items we will need if our menu also includes green salads, pasta salad, potato salad, fruit, meatballs, bread with spreads, and cocktail sausages?
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ellen
05/28/07
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About 35 pounds of chicken strips, since you also have the meatballs. The mac and cheese is about 7 gallons- I guess you could buy a pint as a fast food side and weigh it, to figure the pounds. Consider adding one veggie side dish, whole mixed green beans, etc.
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Ellen G
05/28/07
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Thank you, that helps a lot.
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Joel
05/29/07
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I'm making 30 pounds of kielbasa for a graduation party. I plan on red skins, corn, celery, onion, and carrots. Does 20 pounds of the redskins sound right? Also about five pounds each of the others- is that a good ratio? This is going to be a boiled dinner.
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ellen
05/29/07
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Joel, it depends on how many peopLE?
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Joel
05/29/07
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Probably 75-90. There is also going to be other choices there (grilled food). I'm most concerned about an appropriate ratio of meat to veggies for an attractive plate.
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ellen
05/30/07
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I would go with 25 pounds potatoes, 16 pounds each carrots and small roasted onions, and one corn per person (could be a "cobbette", which is a half cob). Consider one box of vegetarian sausages or patties for the non-meat-eaters.
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Joel
05/30/07
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Thank you so much!
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Brenda K.
05/31/07
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How much punch do I need to make for 100 people?
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Shelly
05/31/07
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My daughter is having her wedding. We are having fresh fruit such as grapes, strawberries, pineapple. We are also serving carrots, celery,olives and dip. There will be cake served. How do I figure out how much fruit and veggies to buy? We are figuring on about 450 people.
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erika
05/31/07
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how much hamburger for loosemeat sandwiches for 65 people
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ellen
05/31/07
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Erika, I use 25 to 28 pounds for 100 people.
Shelly, there is really extensive info on both fruit trays and veggie trays on their respective pages, link in big pots. I would add cheese platters and logs (8 pounds per 100 people, cubes slices and logs) and crackers (6 pounds per 100).
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erika
06/01/07
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how much macaroni for pasta salad for 65 people
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2/3 of the amount fo
06/01/07
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2/3 of the amount for 100 people which is listed first in the salad section of the planfor 100 page.
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Barbara
06/04/07
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How much green bean casserole is need for 22 people if it is the only vegetable, besides potato being served?
Love your site!
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ellen
06/05/07
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I use the equivalent of 1 #10 can- see my greenbeans for 60 recipe in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots, make about 1/3 to 3/8.
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Vicki
06/07/07
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I need to make Taco Salad for at least 60 people.
How much hamburger, onions, lettuce, green pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, bage of chips to crush & bottles of creamy french dressing?
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karen
06/07/07
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We're hosting a wedding reception for approx. 200 guests. One of the dishes I want to make is Cucumber & Onions salad. How many cucumbers should i buy for this. The onion I can ad lib on. Thanks
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ellen
06/08/07
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I just did this recipe- use it to give yourself an idea-
8 quarts (2 gallons)
8 1/2 pounds cucumbers, sliced thin
1 1/4 pound onions, sliced thin
6 cups sour cream
6 cups mayonaise
3 teaspoons salt
5 tablespoons sugar
14 ounces light vinegar
1/4 cup dill weed
Combine sour cream, mayo, vinegar, salt and sugar to make a thin creamy dressing. Pour over cucumbers and onions and combine gently. Chill covered at least 1 hour, or overnight.
If peeling cucumbers add 1 pound. Burpless or English style have more tender skins.
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Mary
06/13/07
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How many pounds of baby carrots and celery sticks would I need to purchase to make relish trays for 125-150 people? The tray will also have black/green olives and baby gerkin/sweet pickles. Thank you.
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ellen
06/13/07
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You will be happy to find these items extensively covered on the veggie tray pages in Big Pots. Lots of other suggestions for the trays, too.
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Carol
07/02/07
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How much coleslaw is needed to feed 200 people?
How many heads of cabbage?
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ellen
07/02/07
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40 pounds of heads or about 32-35 pounds of shreds. Allow about 3 gallons per 100 for full side dish servings, 1/2 that for sandwich toppings.
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Mrs. heald
07/12/07
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Okay so Im having a wedding in october and all of my family and myself are going to be making the food. We are planning on doing Potato salad, Macaroni salad, Fruit Salad, Green salad, and Beef and Chicken, So I figure half and half of evertyhign right? But how would I figure out how to make sure we have enough food for apprx 150 people? Thanks for your help!! Im in desperate need!
Thank you!
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ellen
07/13/07
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Nope, 1/2 and half of everything is not it. When people have several choices and it is buffet style self service, they tend to take more and some of each. So here are some guidelines.
Potato salad for 100- about 30 pounds of potatoes
Pasta salad with about 6 pounds dry pasta
Fruit salad 1/2-3/4 cup per person (see the fruit tray page)
green salad use my amount for 100- will make 150 smaller portions, which will be enough
Beef and chicken- this is where I don't have enough info, because you don't say what kinds. Caterers usually allow 5 ounces cooked ready to eat boneless beef PLUS 3 ounces cooked, ready to eat boneless chicken per person. The 5 ounces of beef requires 2 pounds lean boneless raw such as tri-tip or flank for 5 people, or 1/2 pound raw brisket per person, or 3/4 to 1 pound raw bone in standing rib roast. The 3 ounces ready to eat chicken is 1 pound ready to cook skinless boneless chicken breast per person, or 1 whole chicken for 8 people, or 1 piece per person.
You need to add your rolls/bread.
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Angelina
07/17/07
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I'm need to know how many (pints) of each I will need based on 150 people ordering thru catering
company by the pint.
Cole Slaw
Baked Beans
Potato Salad
Artichoke Dip w/ chips
Fruit Cobbler
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Cindy
07/17/07
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I am doing the food for my daughters wedding for 200 people.
I am serving:
Meat trays
Veggie trays
rolls
cheese trays
meatballs
I would like to add penne but need to know how many foil pans (chaffer dish) I will need to make?
Thank you!!
Cindy H.
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ellen
07/18/07
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Angelina, for each 100 people you want 4 gallons potato salad, 3 gallons baked beans, 3 gallons cole slaw, 6 1/2 to 7 quarts dip, 6 pounds potato or 8 pounds corn chips, and 3 1/2 gallons cobbler. You need 2 gallons ice cream if the cobbler is ala mode. So you want 1 1/2 times these amounts for 150 people.
Cindy, on the lotsa pasta spaghetti page (button at the top of the main cook talk page) you will get help for pasta quantities. The mostaciolli with sausage recipe without the sausage is great for 100 people, or you can use the lasagna pan amounts for a guide for the number of pans for your penne.
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Deborah
07/25/07
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How many meatballs for 50 people
How many frozen meatballs should I buy to serve 50 people? They are in 6 pound bags from Sam's. Thanks!
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Susan
07/25/07
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How many
How many chicken casseroles do i need to feed 200 ppl?
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ellen
07/26/07
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Deborah, for appetizers allow 3-4 ounces per person (1 pound for each 4-5 people). for a dinner serving, allow 4-5 ounces per person (1 pound for each 3-4 people). So, you figure out how many bags you need depending on the meal you are planning.
Susan, you need 10-12 9x13 casseroles for 100 people, each one hold 3 quarts, approximately.
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Karla
08/09/07
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How much salad for a wedding reception
We will be having about 95 adults & 20 children (some of them big) at our reception. we are serving 2 kinds of hamburgers & 2 kinds of hotdogs. How much total salad should we serve? We are going to have potato salad, mac. salad, BBQ beans, cabbage salad and regular lettuce salad. Thanks so much!
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ellen
08/09/07
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I would make a recipe for 100 for each of the five items- the salad listings are on the plan for 100 page, the other recipes are on the site- see the big pots index or the new pages page for links.
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james juarez
08/11/07
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ww.ellenskitchen.com
I'm looking for a recipe for garlic penne pasta salad. My aide picked up some for me at local deli, but tell me which deli.My doctor has put me on a low cholesteral diet. Would that fit into my diet?
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ellen
08/11/07
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If made with an oil and vinegar dressing, no egg or ham or other fat meat, it should be fine. Garlic is supposed to be helpful for lowering cholestrol. Pasta salads, you just cook the pasta, add the chopped trimmings (the more veggies with yours, the better) and your nice garlicky vinagrette.
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nancy
08/14/07
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How many
i am having a party of 50 people how many cases of beer will i need for a 4 hour party i am only having beer
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ellen
08/14/07
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See the beverage planning page.
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Michele
08/15/07
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How many
I am catering a luncheon for 60 football players and I need to know how many full size trays of pasta with broccoli and chicken do you think I will need?
I believe that the only other thing that will be served, besides dessert, is a tossed salad.
Thanks!
Michele
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ellen
08/15/07
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You will need about 1 1/2 pounds food total per person. If there is no other item, you will need about 90-100 pounds of casserole. Get a weight on one tray- it varies widely from one caterer to another- and then order the right number of trays.
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Regina
08/25/07
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Ellen,
My church is planning a dinner for Thanksgiving.
We are feeding 450-500 people. Guess who is in charge of food & preperation? Menu is as follows:
Turkey
Ham
Potato Salad
Dressing
Gravy
Cranberry sauce
Green Beans
Collard Greens
Rice
Yams
Cabbage
Mac & Cheese
Rolls
Corn Bread
Tea
Please Help! How much do I need to prepare for all these hungry mouths? I know this is a lot!!
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ellen
08/25/07
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Regina, glad you are starting early. You need to go to the holiday cooking section at the top of Big Pots and read the articles on planning a holiday meal, it specifically covers the turkey/ham meal and covers the per-person amounts with lots of hints and cautions. When you have prepared your initial estimate, post it and I will be glad to check it for you.
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melinda
08/29/07
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making salad for 100 people
i am making salad for 100 people how much lettuce tomatoes cucumber carrots do i need to use so it will be enough
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ellen
08/29/07
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See the plan for 100 salad section.
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Sandi
09/03/07
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I am making punch for my step daughters wedding. She has received 50 rsvps. How many people can I expect with that response, and how much punch should I make
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ellen
09/03/07
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Sandi, you don't say how many invitations went out or whether they are for single guests or "Ms Jane Doe and guest", so I don't know how to help you on the numbers. However the site has very specific info on quantities for punch, etc. on the beverage planning page. There is also a "punch" thread with lots of recipes and discussion. Hope this helps.
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Regina
09/09/07
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Hello Ellen,
I finally got around to figuring out how much "I think" I need for the Thanksgiving Dinner of 450-500 people. There are a few items I did not know the quanity so please insert the amounts for me. My thread is dated 8-25-07 under topic "How Much" Please correct anything that needs to be corrected. Thank you a hundred times!!
Turkey (whole) 400 lbs
Ham (sliced) 400 lbs
Potato salad 30 gallons ( 130 pounds
Dressing 30 18x16' pans homemade
Gravy 125 cups
Cranberry sauce
Green beans 16 #10 cans
collard greens 348 lbs
Rice 96 cups (uncooked)
Yams 3 bushels (150 lbs)
Cabbage
Mac & cheese 80 lbs
Rolls 1200 rolls (2 1/2 each)
Butter 12 lbs
Cornbread
Tea 15 lbs sugar, 5 gal water
boiling
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Regina
09/09/07
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Oops! I pressed the wrong key! here is the rest of menu totals
Tea: 15 lbs sugar, 5 gal boiling water, 24 gallons cold water
90 lemons
1200 dinner napkins 2 each plus 200 spare
The desserts will be provided by the seniors of the church so I pretty well have them covered...I think!
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ellen
09/10/07
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Regina, good work, and I am glad you wrote back, I am going to save you a pile of money.
Turkey (whole) 400 lbs
~perfect, no leftovers
Ham (sliced) 400 lbs
~only 150 pounds- and you COULD do just the turkey and still have enough
Potato salad 30 gallons ( 130 pounds)
~22 gallons plenty
Dressing 30 18x16' pans homemade
~OK
Gravy 125 cups
~OK, but I would make more- 1/3 to 1/2 cup per person
Cranberry sauce
~1 pound for each 6 people- yoou can make jello molds with fresh cranberries, lemon or raspberry jello, etc, OR ground cranberry orange relish, for part,
Green beans 16 #10 cans
~I would allow 20, and would consider the improved green bean casserole recipe- it is very good and just a little bit more interesting/festive than plain green beans.
collard greens 348 lbs
~OK, but even though they cook down, this is a LOT of greens
Rice 96 cups (uncooked)
~OK, that is about 48 pounds, and I would usually do just 40. You might have left over with the mac and cheese
Yams 3 bushels (150 lbs)
~depends on method- if baked, 200 pounds minimum, if casserole, 250 (you lose a lot peeling)
Cabbage
~20 pounds per hundred, but you can reduce some due to the collards
Mac & cheese 80 lbs
~that is total with sauce- about 40 pounds dry pasta
Rolls 1200 rolls (2 1/2 each)
~too much unless they are very small. 1.2-1.5 is plenty with the cornbread
Butter 12 lbs
~OK, I LOVE butter and would get 5-6 pounds per 100 people
Cornbread
~See the recipe for 100 on the chili page. Make enough for 300 people.
Tea: 15 lbs sugar, 5 gal boiling water, 24 gallons cold water
~Black tea, 1 pound per 100 people, ice, 1/2 pound per person
This is definitely sweet tea, usual is 1 cup sugar(1/2 pound) per gallon. I would make aboput 1/4 unsweetened. Get Sweet N Low, too.
~Don't forget the water
~Consider coffee (see the beverage page for dinner coffe advice) for all those great desserts
90 lemons OK
1200 dinner napkins 2 each plus 200 spare OK
2 plates, 2 cups, 2 sets silverware per person
if using paper and plastic. Buy from someone you can return unopened packages to.
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jennifer Lehner
09/10/07
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How much brisket to buy
Hi,
This web site looks like its going to be my savior! I have 11 people coming for dinner on Thursday night. Zabars.com is offering whole, cooked, briskets for sale that are a min of 6lbs. each. Do I need to buy 2 of these, or do you think one will be enough?
Thank you!
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ellen
09/11/07
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One is fine if you don't need any leftover. Cook up some great potatoes and veggies to go with, maybe some baked or caramelized onions?
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Regina
09/19/07
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Ok Ellen, here is the final (I think) menu and amounts. Thanks for looking over the previous lift for me.
Turkey 400 lbs
Ham 150 lbs (need to serve 2 meats)
Pot sal 25 gal/130 lbs
Dressing 30 18 x 16 in pans
Gravy 250 cups
Green beans 20 # 10 size cans
Cranberry sauce ?????? how much
Collards 200 lb
Rice 43 lbs
Yams 150 lbs
Cabbage 100 lbs
Mac & cheese 40 lbs dry pasta
(how much cheese, milk, eggs???)
Rolls 750
Butter 25-30 lbs
Cornbread ?????? how much
Lemons 90
Tea 15 lbs sugar, 5 gal boiling water
24 gal cold water, 5 lbs tea
sweet n low packets
creamer
1200 dinner napkins
1000 plates, 1000 cups
2 sets silverware (Plastic)
Remember this is for 450-500
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Regina
09/19/07
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Oops! I forgot...
I am going to have 20 homemade cakes and one large sheet cake made for this event. These will be pound cakes. Is 20 enough?
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ellen
09/19/07
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The homemade cakes are only about 10 servings, the sheetcake is 20 for each quarter (they come in quarter, half and whole), so you need more desserts. One simple is to make the sheet cake 2 layers= 160 to 180 pieces, then you will only need about 10 more cakes.
I am going to take a few days to check the rest of the menu, will get back to you.
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Joel
09/24/07
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Just to confirm from your meals for 100-
Fifty pounds of rib roast (boneless) is right for 100? How hearty are the portions? And would you recommend a brand of au jus?
BTW, last spring you helped me on a graduation party suggestion and it went fabulous!
Thanks.
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sallyann
09/25/07
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Hi Ellen,
My son's wedding is October 6th I am having the food catered being Italian I am partial to your own sauce...so...I plan to serve cavatelli's I have around 130 people...how many pounds of macaroni should I make?
Thank you,
Sally
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ellen
09/25/07
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Joel prime rib boneless is a relatively fatty meat especially if not tightly trimmed, I might go 60 pounds. Cooked medium rare, this would give about 40 pounds, or an attractive 6 ounce portion. I don't recommend any brand of au jus, here is the recipe I like (funny, I just got this out yesterday!)
"AU JUS" JUICE
Au-jus for Beef Dip Sandwiches and Meat sauce
8 pounds beef neck bones
4 large (2 1/2 pounds) onions, cut into large pieces
4 scrub rinsed, large carrots, cut into large pieces
1/2 large head of celery, including leaves, cut in chunks
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes OR 1/2 bunch fresh parsley with stems, chopped
1 whole head of garlic cloves, rinsed and left in skins, split crosswise
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon coarse rock salt
In a large stock pot (deep narrow pot), add enough water to cover ingredients. Bring to full boil, then immediately reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for several hours adding small amounts water if needed but try to maintain a concentrated level for more flavor. Strain.
*Save any cooked meat from neck bones, shred to use in other dishes, very good when added to spaghetti sauces and Mexican dishes. This meat also can be frozen for use another time.
Freeze this leftover stock in ice cube trays for another day to add flavor to brown gravies and homemade soups. Thicken it with corn starch or flour.
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ellen
09/25/07
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Hi, Sally,
On the spaghetti/lotsa pasta page there is a recipe for mostaciollli and sausage for 120. It should give you a good ballpark guide for your quantities. Sounds delicious. Maybe you will share the recipe? My readers LOVE big tried n true pasta recipes.
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Virginia
09/25/07
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How many lbs. of luncheon meat for sandwiches to feed 21 people?
HOw many loafs of bread?
How much lettuce to make a Cesear salad?
HOw much fruit for a fruit salad?
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ellen
09/26/07
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See the sandwich event page for sandwich , meat, condiments. Use 1/4 of the amount for 100, smaller groups don't always "even out" on the quantities as well as larger ones. See the plan for 100 page top section for the sald, see the fruit tray page for the fruit salad- you might just want to use the recipe for fruit tray for 25, it is a very pretty display.
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Regina
09/26/07
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Ellen Please don't forget about me!!
I've got to turn in a "Guess-ta-ment very soon!
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ellen
09/27/07
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OK Regina, thanks for asking/reminding so nicely.
Turkey 400 lbs- whole turkeys; 16 pound size had better meat than larger birds
Ham 150 lbs (need to serve 2 meats)
~should be plenty
Pot sal 25 gal/130 lbs
~with mac and cheese, plus rice, plus yams, I would not do more than 20 max, and you will probably have some left over
Dressing 30 18 x 16 in pans
~OK
Gravy 250 cups
~good
Green beans 20 # 10 size cans
~OK
Cranberry sauce ?????? how much
~50 pounds, you will have just about enough
Collards 200 lb purchased fresh or frozen?
~2 pounds as purchased=1 pound frozen or ready to cook=serves 4. This is a lot of collards unless everyone in your area loves them, especially since you are also serving the cabbage
Rice 43 lbs
~OK
Yams 150 lbs
~OK
Cabbage 100 lbs
~plenty, especially with the collards. You might consider casseroling this veg
Mac & cheese 40 lbs dry pasta
~(how much cheese, milk, eggs???)
see the "mac and cheese for many" recipe in big pots for the "fixings". Some added Parmesan goes a long way toward the cheesiest.
Rolls 750
~fine with the cornbread
Butter 25-30 lbs
~Yummy. You may have some left, or not. Consider one or 2 #10 cans of strawberry preserves
Cornbread ?????? how much
~see the "plain ol cornbread for 50 recipe on the chili page, about half way down. Make 6 to 8 recipes.
Lemons 90,Tea 15 lbs sugar, 5 gal boiling water
24 gal cold water, 5 lbs tea
~don't forget 1/2 pound ice per person
sweet n low packets, creamer
~coffee? see the after dinner coffe estimate on the beverage planning page for amounts per 100
1200 dinner napkins
1000 plates, 1000 cups
2 sets silverware (Plastic)
~need 500 dessert plats. Buy supplies from someone who will let you return unopened packs
~if the budget allows, offer milk for the kids
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Carla
10/15/07
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How much for 150 people!!
I am making the food for a wedding and i need to know how much Briskit to make for 150 ppl< Please Help i have no idea!! and about how much ounces per person for each side dish?!?!?!
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Ellen
10/15/07
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chichen breast with a sauce
i'm having a buffet and i wanted to know what sauce to have with chicken breast to fix for a nice buffet
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ellen
10/15/07
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Carla, brisket is a fatty meat with considerable shrinkage, I allow 1 pound raw for each 2 people. Amounts for all kinds of sides are covered in the plan for 100 table. Also there is a good shoppong article in the holday cooking section at the top of big pots- starts with turkey, but talks about all kinds of sides.
If you are uncertain about your amounts after you calculate, post your estimates, I will beglad to check them.
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Betty
10/19/07
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How much rice do I need to feed 50 people.
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ellen
10/19/07
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About 4 pounds dry (8-9 cups).
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Megan
10/20/07
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How many turkeys do you need to feed 50 people
I am planning on cooking Thanksgiving dinner for about 50 people (both adults and kids). How many turkeys and potatoes do I need?
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ellen
10/21/07
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Planning and shopping for large turkey dinners- see holiday cooking atr the top of big pots. If you want to post an estimate I will check it for you.
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Beth
10/23/07
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What type and how much do I need for an antipasta platter to feed 100, as an appetizer? Thanks!
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ellen
10/23/07
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On the page below, there are instructions for veggie platters antipasto style and meat platters antipasto style. I would probably do 2 recipes veggies, 2 trays meats and 1 recipe of my artichoke-olive condite
www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/appetiz2.html
scroll down for both platters
Artichoke Olive Condite
www.ellenskitchen.com/recipebox/artichoke2.html
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Jay Lind
11/07/07
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I am having a thanksgiving party for 100-150 people including kids (about 50) How much/many turkeys and ham(s) would I need?
Thank you
TSgt Jay Lind
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ellen
11/07/07
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How much turkey and ham
Hi, Sargeant, there is a shopping and planning list for big holiday dinners in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots. For eating purposes, count the high school kids/ teens as adults and the littler kids as 2 for one adult, this usually works out about right. There is a yield table for turkey and info on cooking large amounts of turkey in the same section. Turkey, 3/4 pound whole raw is kind of the minimum per "adult"; 1 pound if you want some leftovers. Ham, allow about 1 serving for each 2 1/2- 3 people (turkey is more popular)- see the plan for 100 page.
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Josie
11/12/07
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How many hash brown casseroles for 100 people?
I need to know how many potato casseroles to feed 100 people. We are having turkey, ham, shrimp and meatballs along with cesear salad, fruit cup, rolls and cake.
By the way, I tried to find the casserole amount before posting with no luck.
Do I need another vegetable? Suggestions?
Thank you in advance,
Josie
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ellen
11/12/07
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Take a look at the cheesy potatoes in a roaster recipe, thread is dated 6/28 right now. Two raosters would be plenty for this size crowd. I would consider adding one more vegetable because it is much less expensive than meat. The improved green bean casserole could fill another roaster- you want 1 1/2 times the recipe for 100 people.
For future reference, you need about 8-9 9x13 pans of a casserole side dish for 100 people.
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JayLind
11/13/07
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Thank you very Much
Jay
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JayLind
11/20/07
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Ellen,
Thank you for the help. We ended up with a total of 78 persons. We cooked 2 20 & 23lbs turkeys and a 12.lbs ham. We had no ham left but 4-5lbs of turkey. This was my first turkey carving and I think a buzzard would have walked by what I did leave behind. We are having another party (Christmas) And I am sure they will be bringing there families to this one so we will be pushing 150 persons this time. I will be following your guides for this party.
Thanks Again
TSgt Jay Lind
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ellen
11/20/07
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Thanks for your service, sargeant, glad I could help.
If you have a freezer, those carcasses make WONDERFUL soup later.
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linda kile
11/28/07
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How much turkey for 80 people
how many turkeys needed to feed 80 people
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ellen
11/28/07
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80 pounds raw whole for plenty, 60 pounds whole minimum. I prefer the 12-16 pound turkeys for flavor and texture.
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Lisa
11/29/07
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What a great resource your site is. We are serving around 500 people at a Mission Christmas dinner. Would you check the amounts planned?
Ham 400 lbs-how many slices can we serve each person?
Hashbrown potato casserole (lbs?) 30 18x6 pans
Dressing 30 18x6 pans
Green Beans 80 #10 cans
Cranberry Sauce 50 cans (just using canned)
Rolls 600
Dessert 35 (people will bring homemade)
Can we prepare the potatoes and freeze? They contain sour cream, cheese, hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup and bacon. Thanks for any help you can give. Dinner is in 3 weeks. Lisa
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ellen
11/29/07
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Do please first read my article in the holiday cooking section and print copies for your fellow committee members or volunteers.
www.ellenskitchen.com/turkey/turkintro.html
As to the quantities, I am having a hard time figuring them for 500 people.
For each 100 people, to serve dinner size portions with ham as the only meat, you need:
2- 25 pounds bone-in hams= 50 pounds OR 4 15 pound bone in hams (more bone in the smaller hams)
OR 30 pounds cooked boneless ham, cooked pork loin or turkey roll or equivalent lean meat
NOTE For self-serve/ buffet, add about 10 pounds extra per 100 people.
If your 400 pounds ham is boneless ready to eat, just needing reheating, you will end up with way too much. If it is raw weight, bone in, you will still have too much.
I don't understand the cranberry with ham? Grilled pineapple would be better.
Hashbrown potato casserole (lbs?) 30 18x6 pans
Dressing 30 18x6 pans
These pans usually are 18x13x6 and hold 8 quarts= 2 gallons or 32 cups EACH. Each pan serves about 50 people~! If this is the size you mean, you have too much. The shallower 4 inch pan holds about 1 gallon, but you would still only need 20.
Green Beans 80 #10 cans
5 cans makes 100 servings. I would get 25 each of green beens and corn, if these were my only vegetables.
Cranberry Sauce 50 cans (just using canned)
Why? No turkey!
Rolls 600
Allow 2 rolls per person
You need butter, 4 pounds per 100 people
Dessert 35 (people will bring homemade)
These need to be large desserts, such as a 2 layer cake or 2 pies. You need 16 regular size desserts for each 100 people!
The potatoes will be better made fresh that morning. If you need a potato recipe you can freeze, check the ones in my Once a Month Cooking Section, or use "Freezable Holdable Mashed potatoes".
To make this meal a little more special or festive, I would add a good fruit salad. It is pretty plain as is.
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Lisa
12/03/07
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Thanks for the portion information. This is at a homeless mission and we try to use food that has been donated. We use what we get and have lots of cans of cranberries and no pineapple (hence the cranberry sauce/no turkey). What about applesauce? Or is there a recipe for a jello salad that would make it festive in place of a fruit salad? Thank you for any suggestions and all of your help.
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ellen
12/03/07
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I bet you could get turkeys donated after Christmas, if you work on it; large groceries do often have some.
Applesauce would definitely be a better choice with ham.
A jello salad would be a good second choice- experiment a little. If you have whole berry cranberry sauce, you might make a jello salad with chopped celery, whole cranberry, and some pecans, a little whipped topping... even if you just use fruit cocktail, the chopped celery and nuts will improve it a lot.
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Joel
12/07/07
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Thank you for the advice! Sorry I didn't let you know sooner the event was a great success and compliments comparred us to the local "known" place for prime rib.
Going forward, as we'll be doing this again, you mentioned 60 pounds raw yields 40 cooked. That comes to 0.666666667. Should I use that number to calculate yield for boneless prime rib all the time? I saw somewhere else the number is .75, but yours seems safer.
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ellen
12/07/07
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Hi, Joel,
Of course it depends on trim, grade of meat, how hot you cook it so as to manage the shrinkage, etc; but the truth is, if you are going to blow the budget on prime rib, you don't want a scanty portion. Besides, leftovers go back to the cook you know (not always, but still...) 30% shrinkage in cooking beef is pretty standard calculation and 2/3 is just easier to calculate.
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Joel
12/09/07
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Thanks, I suppose there are so many variables. We like the portions hearty, 10-12 ounces, so I was coming up with an excel equation to help organizers at our sportsclub plan these as we're doing about four per year now. The spreadsheet calcualates all costs and even predicts the portion size for the prime rib. A lot of these dinners are nonprofit so trying to keep the estimates in the ballpark is a must.
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ellen
12/09/07
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When doing a non=profit, a slow roasted top round or rump is a good roast beef chice, leaner, no bones, and much less expensive.
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Joel
12/09/07
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Agreed, the nonprofit dinners, when we go all out for that is worth it though. We do the top round dinners for average nonprofit stuff or even a Sunday dinner from which want to make a couple of bucks. But once or twice a year, we go all out for the ladies' appreciation or something like that. The other times we do prime rib, it's a fund raiser charging $15. We've also got a steak and lobster dinner (over 100!) which is a great fund raiser ($25 for both whole lobster and a ribeye). Our wild game dinner is the biggest. I've just been getting involved in those dinners the last couple of years or so and your site is invaluable- I don't look like such a greenhorn in front of the ol' timers. Thanks again.
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ellen
12/09/07
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Ne thing about these paltes, if you do a stuffed twice baked potato and a fancy veg such as creamed spinach ala steak house spinach, people think it is much nicer than a baked potato and green beans, and the cost is the same...
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pie
12/28/07
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How many boxes of macaroni for 70 people
How many boxes of macaroni do I need to make macaroni and cheese for 70 people?
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pie
12/28/07
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How many pounds of ribs for 70 people
How many pounds of ribs to make BBQ ribs for 70 people?
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ellen
12/28/07
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70 pounds.
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Robin
01/03/08
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How much fried chicken, potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, baked beans would I need to feed 100 guest including children and adults for a 50th birthday party.
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ellen
01/03/08
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