Plan for Last Minute Guests
by Debbie Pugh
Faced with an unexpected, inbound crowd, here’s what can be accomplished with just the basics.
Scenario: The phone rings at 16:00. My dear husband has done it again. Three single, hungry Joes. T-60 minutes to prepare.
ASSEMBLE DRINKS AND APPETIZERS
- Ice-down beverages as time allows. (Cans work well because they chill faster.) Remember to save ice for the ice bucket!
- Assemble bowls of crackers, chips, salsa, nuts, dried fruit, pickles, olives and dressings.
- Plate pepperoni and cheese slices.
- Start coffee or tea.
PREPARE ENTRÉE(S)
- Meatballs (two options)
- Marinara: Combine meatballs with jar of spaghetti sauce. Heat stove-top in pot.
- BBQ: Combine meatballs with jar of BBQ sauce. Heat stove-top in pot.
- Shrimp (two options)
- Cocktail: Thaw shrimp under cool, running water and serve cold with sauce.
- Grilled: Skewer shrimp, or place in basket for grilling. (If you have a charcoal grill this will take a little longer.)
- Chicken (three options)
- Buffalo: Heat chicken according to package. Coat with wing sauce. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing on side.
- Marinara: Heat according to package. Cut into strips and serve with spaghetti sauce for dipping.
- Mexican Salsa: Place chicken in baking pan. Top with salsa and cheese. Bake until cheese bubbles.
PREPARE DESSERTS
- Brownies:
- Bake brownies according to box. Preparation takes less than ten minutes; baking makes the house smell amazing!
- Fresh Fruit (three options)
- Salad: Cut fruit into bite-sized chunks. Toss in large bowl. Keep cool in refrigerator until needed.
- Plate: Slice fruit, slightly larger than bite–sized. Arrange on large platter. Keep cool in refrigerator until needed.
- Grilled: Fruits like apples, pears, peaches and pineapple can be sliced thickly, dipped in butter, dredged in cinnamon and grilled until tender. (WOW your guests!)
If, by chance, your spouse offers to pick up any last minute items, jump at the opportunity. Remember:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream can make fruit and desserts look and taste better.
- Extra chips will never go to waste.
- Having enough ice is an impossibility.
- Cake decorations (as simple as a dusting of powdered sugar) make the mundane look special.