| One of the simple pleasures of life is sharing a meal | | | | so small that you and your helpers are continually |
| with a large group of compatible people, whether | | | | bumping in to one another. If your cooking space is |
| they be friends or family. Meals are a special delight | | | | too small, you might want to reconsider even taking |
| when they involve a dozen, two dozen, or even | | | | on the job in the first place. |
| more folks seated at a large dining table or around | | | | Among the most rewarding types of events to cook |
| picnic tables, perhaps on a screened porch or under a | | | | for is the family reunion. Well ahead of time, put out |
| picnic pavilion. | | | | the word that you're looking for people to contribute |
| Cooking for a crowd is not the problem that many | | | | their favorite family recipes. Food tastes often run in |
| first-timers imagine it to be, but it is different. It does | | | | families, which makes it easier to prepare a meal that |
| require a number of skills in addition to whatever | | | | almost everyone will enjoy. (There are always those |
| natural cooking skills you might possess. | | | | cantankerous souls, though, who rebel against all |
| The number one rule for cooking for a crowd: Plan! | | | | family traditions--including beloved dishes. Such is |
| Plan everything. Your culinary production will definitely | | | | family!) |
| be much more time-consuming than cooking for your | | | | I come from Louisiana, where cooking for a crowd is |
| immediate family or for dinner guests. Make sure you | | | | almost a performance art. It is also a place where |
| can devote a solid block of hours to the actual | | | | summer usually stretches out many months, |
| cooking and serving. Planning and buying for the big | | | | affording plenty of opportunities for picnics and other |
| day could require several full afternoons. | | | | outdoor occasions where good food is the center of |
| Another rule is to keep hot food hot. Unless it's for a | | | | attention. Being responsible for feeding a multitude of |
| picnic where people expect most dishes to be | | | | mouths is something that I truly enjoy. But even if it |
| served cold, you will want to ensure that the food | | | | is not your forte, believe me, you can pull it off--and |
| reaches the table warm (at least). Decide ahead of | | | | maybe even win applause. Remember: Plan! |
| time how you will do this. | | | | Who knows? If you find that cooking for a crowd |
| Here's something else to consider: How much space | | | | turns out to be something you're good at and that |
| do you have for cooking? Cooking for a crowd can | | | | you enjoy, you could try doing it for a living. It is |
| become unimaginably stressful if your kitchen area is | | | | how many professional caterers got their start. |