Expert: Teri Davis Newman - 6/11/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, Teri:
I am doing a luncheon reception for 250-300 people.  Was thinking of serving the costco sliced hams, potato salad, slice cheese platter, a few other salads, tossed maybe.  do you have any suggestions how much I would need?  do you have a good punch recipe?  will also have crudite platter and fruit platter.   many thanks.

ANSWER: Goodness Jude, you are very brave! I have many punch recipes, but I would need to know a bit more about what kind of punch you think you would like--sweet? tart? fruity? alcohol? virgin? ice cream? so if you will narrow it down I'll send you some great recipes scaled for 300. The menu sounds good, but I need a bit more info there too. If you tell me what you want to serve, I will be glad to tell you how much you need of everything. You might want to look at cold cut platters which would give you an assortment of meats for the same price as just ham, and then with small rolls it would be a sandwich board buffet. Potato salad, cole slaw, Caesar salad and pasta salad are all nice side dishes, baked beans can be served hot or cold. A fruit platter is nice but if you have some time you can make chocolate covered strawberries--I had those at my Memorial Day BBQ and they were a smash! Bagna Cauda is a wonderful and inexpensive dip to have with fresh veggies and I have a wonderful recipe for that. It's unusual, easy to make, delicious and inexpensive. Let me know and I will send you the recipes and amounts!
Blessings!
Teri Davis Newman

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

QUESTION: Thanks so much for your quick response, Teri.  
I am so worried.  I have no idea how many people will actually show up and I want to have an elegant buffet table so that's why i was doing the ham.  do you think i should change to cold cuts and mini rolls?   how much should I get?
also, as for the salads, how much potato salad?
if i went with the hams, do you have any idea how many i should have on hand?
would love the bagna cauda recipe...thanks so much.


Answer
I would definitely change to cold cut platters--they look nice and people can choose what they want--turkey, ham and roast beef are the 3 best sellers on the cold cut market. You definitely need to get a firm head count, so you will need to start calling people--I think it's horrible that people don't bother to RSVP any more!
BAGNA CAUDA

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
7 anchovies, rinsed and finely chopped
Fresh ground black pepper

VEGGIES:
Steamed artichokes
Endive
Broccoli
Red and yellow pepper
Cauliflower

Heat the oil and butter in a small saucepan until the butter melts. Add the
garlic and anchovies and continue to cook, stirring and mashing the anchovies
until they fall apart. Season with pepper and some salt if necessary. Serve warm
as an appetizer with raw vegetables for dipping.