Quick 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 j3rktail 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 j3rktail 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