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PantryQuick Entertaining Tips

Be prepared for last-minute meals for last-minute guests.

by Debbie Pugh

 

My loving husband is full of surprises.  Some, like the unexpected bouquet of flowers, are welcome.  Others, like being given 15 minutes to prepare dinner for “the new guy” and his wife, have almost “caught me with my pants down.” 

I’ve devised a pantry plan that keeps me perpetually prepared for drop-in dinners and unannounced cocktail hours alike.  My motto is that of the ever-vigilant Boy Scout: “Be prepared.”  With a little dedicated pantry space and a few commonly found items, it’s simple! Your drop in guests will be so satisfied they may think you’ve been planning for a week.  

Items to keep on hand (available at your local Commissary):

Appetizers/Finger Foods

  • One family-sized box of wheat crackers
  • One family-sized bag of tortilla chips
  • One package and brick of cheddar cheese
  • Two jars salsa
  • One 8 oz. package pepperoni (pre-sliced)
  • One package cold-brew ice tea bags
  • One bottle blue cheese or ranch salad dressing

Entrees

  • Two lbs. frozen meatballs (plain, not Italian) 
  • One bag (1-2 lbs.) fully cooked frozen shrimp (with tail, if possible)
  • One package (28 oz. or larger) breaded, fully cooked chicken breasts or tenderloins

Flavorings

  • One bottle barbeque sauce
  • One jar spaghetti sauce
  • One jar cocktail sauce (homemade if you prefer)
  • One bottle hot wing sauce 

Dessert

  • One family-sized box of brownie mix
  • Seasonal fruit

Also Keep On Hand…

Fresh veggies for dipping

Eggs (for brownies)

Vegetable oil (for brownies)

One jar of olives

One jar of pickles (dill or sweet)

A variety of basic spices

Microwave popcorn

Nuts

Dried cranberries or raisins

Two 2-liters of soft drinks

One 12-pack of beer

One bag of ice

 



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User comments:

SubWife7195/21/2008 7:25:40 PM
This will be extrememly helpful to me, seeing that my husband likes to invite guys over for dinner at the last second! Not only that, I love entertaining!
Emily Chapelle - Joyful Abode5/24/2008 2:58:52 PM
You did a really good job making a list of must-haves! I have a bunch of stuff ready for surprise guests too... on a special shelf in the pantry that my husband knows not to touch! One thing I LOVE to make for last minute guests (that everyone raves about) is my Ranch Cheese Ball. http://www.joyfulabode.com/2007/11/27/ranch-cheese-ball/ (copy and paste for the recipe) Three ingredients and SO yummy!

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