Expert: Teri Davis Newman - 5/22/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am having an HS open house for two daughters.  I am thinking of the following menu: Shaved ham, turkey, roast beef sandwiches, swedish meatballs, chicken drummies, coleslaw, potato and pasta salad, corn on the cob, and three trays with veggies, fruit and cheese/crackers.  For dessert there will be the graduation cake and cookies.

I plan on boiling the corn.  What is the best way to keep it hot without drying out (or will it dry out)?  This party is from 4:00 - 8:00 so it's during the dinner hour.   Does the menu sound ok?  I've sent out 60 invites, and several have teenage children.  Not sure how many of the kids friends will come, so the count would be a guess.  I'm going to aim for 100 people.  Does the menu sound reasonable?

I've read your calculations so I think I'm covered for figuring out amounts of food.

Thanks

ANSWER: The menu sounds pretty extensive, and you are going to end up with too much food in my opinion. I'd cut out the meatballs and one of the sides and one of the veggie trays. You can keep the corn warm in hot water on the stove or in a covered pan with some water in the oven on 200.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Actually I should have been clearer.  The three trays I refer to is one each of veggies, fruit and cheese/crackers.  Should I still cut out one of the salads and the meatballs?  Also, it is an outdoor open house so the buffet table will be out on the lawn under a tent.  There will be electrical hookup so would water in a crockpot work for the corn?

Thanks.

Answer
I'd still cut out one of the salads and the meatballs, keep all the trays. Turn the crockpot on HIGH and fill it with boiling water and that will keep the corn hot. If you have to hold the corn for any length of time before the first guests arrive, undercook it a bit and put it in the boiling water in the crockpot.  A pinch of sugar in the water will keep the fresh sweet taste in the corn.