keeping food warm without getting soggy
Debbie
07/19/09 		We are having a wedding and someone are making piggys in a blanket. How can you keep them warm after you cook them without getting the bread soggy. They will have to be cooked around 10:00 and the transported one hour. Once they arrive we have warming trays for them. Sometimes they get moisture on them.
ellen
07/19/09 		If they are fried, rather than baked, they will lose some of their crispness. Put folded 100% cotton dish clothes completely over the hot items before covering, this absorbs any drip back and most of the steam.
Maureen
07/30/09 		We're having a graduation party with 100 guests and I asked a few days ago about quantities for sliced top round and boneless chicken. Thanks (btw, I am making the Orange Chicken per your suggestion). My question now is can I make your Golden Oven-Roasted Potatoes and Savory Green Beans ahead and reheat, or do you recommend preparing ahead and, holding in fridge (if so, how long in advance), baking as directed and holding in warming trays or roatsers. Thanks!!
ellen
07/31/09 		The potatoes are much better if they don't hold- the green beans if made from fresh are also better if cooked the same day. If you cut the potatoes ahead, they will darken unless dipped in a Fruit fresh type solution (or acid solution such as water and lemon juice, etc. or held under water.
Maureen
07/31/09 		do you have a recommendation for a side other than the potatoes? I'm starting to feel a bit ovrwelmed - thanks for all your help.
Kindra
08/02/09 		We are hosting a large party & are wanting to serve roasted red potatoes & serve in a large chafing dish, will we run into any issues with the quality of the taste of the potatoes?? Didnt know if they would get too soft or too firm?? thank you soooo much :)
ellen
08/03/09 		Maureen, do a baked (oven) rice pilaf, so simple and can be very jazzy with fold ins such as some toasted almonds or pine nuts- and it goes great with the chicken, see the thread called wedding reception menu ideas.

Kindra, Cook them done, but just done. If they will be held before serving, put clean thick cotton dishtowels under the covers to absorb moisture.

Maureen
08/03/09 		thanks - are your referring to the Baked Rice Pilaf w/milk? This can be prepared in advance, refrigerated and then warmed in a chafing dish?
Thank you for ALL your help!
ellen
08/04/09 		yes. But this is so easy, you can just throw it in the oven before serving and it is even better than if it is reheated.