As we dive into to the months where family and friends get together with more frequency, offering a one-stop “shop” for group grub keeps everyone in the gathering spirit. Using the bigger is better approach doesn’t have to mean kicking diner personalization to the curb.
Communal dining maximizes time and efficiency in both the back-of-house and the front but can trend toward aloof. Adding a few experiential touches keeps statement drinking and dining a unique and intimate experience for every guest.
Pitcher Perfect
Punch bowls add panache and productivity to any drink program. Few things are more festive than a punch bowl. A typical non-alcoholic beverage rebrands itself as resourceful (think of the time everyone will save by batching out drinks!), decorative, and delicious.
Some quick-to-make (just stir) ideas:
- Grapefruit juice, pink lemonade, and sparkling water for a compellingly refreshing cocktail.
- Apple juice, lemon juice, and honey for a zippy fall-leaning tipple. Consider using FLAVORSMITH®Sweet Heat Hot Honey to add some spice!
Both options can be batched ahead of serving, with adult options served by the glass (just add the adult). Personalize the punch bowl experience with specific seasonal garnishes for each like a peppering of crimson pomegranate seeds rolled in sugar, a chunky lime wedge dredged in salt, or a sprig of cinnamon, lightly charred. Ready, set, cocktail (or mocktail if that’s your preference)!
Crunch Time
There’s always someone in a group who keeps it healthy. Enter crunchy greens and crisp veggies! You can have both —healthy options and less labor in the kitchen. A large vessel of crisp greens such as kale, wedges of pale iceberg, or leafy romaine lettuce, a simple shredded or sprinkled cheese (think Parmesan, Gorgonzola, or Romano), EVOO, and lemon juice equals the perfect primary plate layer in a contemporary salad for several.
Peak Fresh Produce® is an excellent source for all things veggies. Sourced from industry-leading growers, look to elevate your menu with flavorful herbs and crisp greens, ideal for salads, entrées, or even drink garnishes.
With salad as your main meal, keep everyone happy at the dinner table by offering a list of delicious proteins and add-ons, “made-to-order.”
- Think farm-to-fork Braveheart® Flank Steak, cooked ahead of time, and drizzled in an easy balsamic glaze, ready for nestling into any lettuce background you choose.
- Or a skewer of Bay Winds® Shrimp as a beautiful adornment to leafy greens, especially when that shrimp is caught with strict sourcing standards and sustainably caught.
- Zero GMOs and zero antibiotics make a great grilled FarmSmart® chicken breast every time.
Other huge meal ideas can be meatloaf for many, straight from the pan (those crispy bits are the best part) and covered in marinara. Or take this time to use up the rest of those end-of-season herbs with a big hearty bowl of rigatoni. For even more ways to add individual touches; small, passed bowls of roasted and chopped almonds, dried cranberries, or slices of mandarin orange are just the ticket. The wine almost pours itself.
Big Meals for Big Rewards.
Large groups are inevitable during this time of year and making large, family-style meals gives everyone more time to spend with loved ones outside of the kitchen. Easy but personal family-style dining options can bring extra value — saving money with less pre-dining setup and post-dining cleanup gives everyone the ability to focus more on being at the table.
