Menu ?

[hillsdown]

2 years ago I volunteered to host the next family reunion, well now it is 2 weeks away .

I have the menu planned and all of the non perishables bought ,but think I may need one or two more items on the menu. It is for 50 adults and 4 children . BUT we always get those that just show up without advanced RRSP ing or paying when you plan a full meal(s) for the weekend .
So here is my menu for the "Z Family Bar B Q"

Rib eye steak
Beef sliders (thinking of doing some kind of allioli for this)
Smoked Ham
Cabbage Rolls
Potato Salad
Caesar Salad
Corn on the Cob
Mixed breads (Garlic,olive etc.)
Dessert Salad (haven't decided which one yet)
There will be a veggie platter and a mixed pickle/olive platter as well.

Desserts are going to be donated by family I also bought a Cuisinart electric ice cream maker that I will have on the go for kids young and old to help themselves all weekend .

What else would you add for Sat. main dinner menu . Hubby will be on the grill with the steaks and sliders and I am doing all the rest with some help getting it to the table so nothing too fancy or too my family is cheap .I also blew most of the budget on the steaks . I have thrown bbq's dinner parties at my home for as many people but they are all friends and I also provide the alcohol so they are very accommodating when it comes to the menu . Wasn't I in this exact same position 3 years ago for mom and dad's 50th, I will never learn .


Thank you

[hooknline]

Looks like you need another appetizer. Might I suggest Bambi poppers? Easy, cheap etc. with or without Jalepenos, and you can substitute cheaper beef cuts for those that don't like deer
Should help stretch the menu and the grill will be fired up anyway.

[CottageFarm]

Sounds yummy HD, but you must add a pasta salad

This is one that is most requested when I have a big BBQ

1 lb salad pasta (I use ditalini, mini rotini, or mini penne)
12 oz frozen peas
2 lbs small shrimp
2 cucumbers, cubed & seeds/pulp removed
8 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
about 1/2 c celery

I add the frozen peas & shrimp to the pasta water about a minute before pasta is done & drain & chill all together.

Dressing:
( I don't actually measure this stuff, so you might want to sample as you're preparing)

2 c mayo
1/3 +/- cup honey mustard dressing
about 1/4 c fresh dill
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp paprika or chili powder

[hillsdown]

Thanks for the replies . I should add that because this is a reunion we will have about 25 guests over the age of 65 so I think I need to add something that is palatable for them as well as the younger group in their 40's .

Great idea about poppers Hook and if it was just for my group and younger would definitely do that. CF I have been kicking around the idea of a pasta salad as well, that or a "summer salad" with organic spring leafs ,fruit and a gorgonzola vinaigrette dressing.

Now, I am thinking of scrapping the ham for the next day and doing a pulled pork instead, along with the grilled rib eye . OR leave the menu as it is and go all out on some grilled prawns for an appi to snack on as we are getting the meat grilled .

The more I critique the menu the more I worry .

[Jogeephus]

Atomic Buffalo turds for the 40 and under crowd and Pig's Peckers for the older (and younger) . Both are good and both are easy as pie to prepare.

[hillsdown]

Atomic Buffalo turds for the 40 and under crowd and Pig's Peckers for the older (and younger) . Both are good and both are easy as pie to prepare.

Sorry ,I don't speak red neck . Have to google what those are Jo !

Yep that would work ,Thanks !

Too much prep time I think though unless I can rope someone into helping me, then I can be a little more elaborate .

[MistyMorning]

Wasn't I in this exact same position 3 years ago for mom and dad's 50th, I will never learn .

Yes you were and if I remember correctly that whole dealy went off wonderfully! (and wasn't that the party the angrie one sat on the back steps smoking her lungs out when I did all the dishes?)

[Jogeephus]

The ABT's and the PP's can be made today then frozen till you need them. This is what we do cause like you say you are going to have so many irons in the fire. If you make the PP's, dust them with a nice rub that has a brown sugar base. After they are cooked the flavor is magical.

[hillsdown]

The ABT's and the PP's can be made today then frozen till you need them. This is what we do cause like you say you are going to have so many irons in the fire. If you make the PP's, dust them with a nice rub that has a brown sugar base. After they are cooked the flavor is magical.

Thanks Jo ,I think I may just do that this weekend !

[hillsdown]

Wasn't I in this exact same position 3 years ago for mom and dad's 50th, I will never learn .

Yes you were and if I remember correctly that whole dealy went off wonderfully! (and wasn't that the party the angrie one sat on the back steps smoking her lungs out when I did all the dishes?)

Yep MM !! We stuck you with the dishes as usual ,it is just that you get those burnt pots so darn clean all the time

I bought a case of red wine today, that will be our donation this year. Hubby got a bumper pull BBQ/Grill with a fridge etc. comp't by one of his customers as well as a slushy machine from another customer . I think I just may make my parents and my late aunt proud ,as I am trying to make the reunion like they used to be . Tons of fun and lots of good food .

[bigbull338]

HD i noticed since you was having steaks an sliders.that you might want to add some homemade rolls to your list.an yes i know you have a few kinds of bread there.just thought you might want some rolls as well.

[hillsdown]

HD i noticed since you was having steaks an sliders.that you might want to add some homemade rolls to your list.an yes i know you have a few kinds of bread there.just thought you might want some rolls as well.

Great idea BB, we will have rolls the next day with the lunch .

Just heard that my cousins are coming a day early to help out with some prep work so that is a huge relief. Hoping we will be all done haying by then but with this wet weather who the heck knows . NOT complaining ,and If I could shift the rain to parts of my country and yours that are desperately dry, I definitely would .

[TexasBred]

I don't see any "greens" on the menu...as in turnip, mustard or collard.

[Jogeephus]

I wanted to try and get you something up that way but the little men in those cool looking red suits scare me. I thought I might use an Italian delivery boy for this errand but apparantly he has a fear of red as well.

[hillsdown]

I wanted to try and get you something up that way but the little men in those cool looking red suits scare me. I thought I might use an Italian delivery boy for this errand but apparantly he has a fear of red as well.

Thanks Jo, that was very generous of you ! I sure appreciate the thought . Maybe some day soon we will be in your neighborhood once again .

As for the "Italian delivery boy" , I do hope that everything will stay on schedule and they can make a trip to our beautiful country. and of course the Hillsdown Ranch .