Any ideas for side dishes for Baked Ziti?
 

I am holding a fundraiser for my daughter's mission trip to Africa. I am expecting over 100 people and have to feed them all.... wow, I am feeling very overwhelmed.

Anyway, to make it as cost effective as possible, I decided to serve my trust baked ziti, which is a tried and true recipe I found here: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Ziti-I/Detail.aspx

I will have salad and bread, but would also like some sort of vegetable side dish as well, perhaps with zucchini or maybe broccoli. I am open to other suggestions as well.

so help me out ladies! Anyone have any good vegetable recipes that would go great with a baked ziti?

I would have a tray of fresh veggies for those that cannot eat certain items or salad dressing. Have a fruit salad and small cookies to eat by hand , no plate necessary. Lemonaid and iced tea. Bon Appetite .

What would a restaurant serve with the same meal?
Probably what you already are thinking.

Marinated Vegetable Salad would go well with the ziti and your already planned green salad and bread.

You need to consider what you can cook with the facilities you are using.
Another hot dish may not be possible under the circumstances. Only you know that.

For food safety, please be sure to remember .... keep hot foods hot, and cold food cold.

With 100 people coming, you may want to make a pan or two of the ziti without beef. I bet there are a few vegetarians in the group or just people trying to limit their red meat consumption.

You are a brave woman.

I'll add my 2 cents. I like the suggestion of a raw veggie tray. I would keep it simple with just 2 or 3 different veggies. Maybe carrot sticks, cucumbers, and something red? With dip? Other wise your menu is perfect. I personally don't think you need to add anything at all. People realize they are giving to a cause and don't expect a resturant style meal. Blessings on the mission trip, may it be life changing for all!

How about parslied carrots? I cook carrots in boiling water and when tender with just a bit of crispness, drain, add butter, a bit of brown sugar and either fresh or dried parsley flakes. Mix well and serve. Very tasty!

I don't have suggestions for another vegetable, but I liked the suggestion for cookies, brownies, or cupcakes for dessert, which wouldn't require a plate. An ice cream sundae bar is also very popular. Just vanilla ice cream , several toppings, and whipped topping (in cans or bowls) and you're good to go. Know it will be a success. Godspeed.

[QUOTE=Elise1 With 100 people coming, you may want to make a pan or two of the ziti without beef. I bet there are a few vegetarians in the group or just people trying to limit their red meat consumption.



Yes! That would be me and boy am I appreciative when I have a non meat choice. I have actually made that specific recipe and we love it! I use broccoli for the non meat pan.

Definitely make about 1/2 without meat. You'd be surprised how many people choose the non-meat sometimes not any left for the vegetarians :) I'd vote for the fresh vegies they can be prepared in advance and make it easier to have everything ready at the same time. Definitely have the salad dressing on the side for those who don't care for dressing or don't want much. Keep it simple so you can enjoy the evening.

I would make a 7 layer pea salad....whenever I take it to a function, there is never any left. It has to be made a day ahead of time.....No panic! I think I posted this in Recipes a while ago. If I haven't and you want it, just say the word.

Zucchini broccoli quiche? Cold veggie trays with dips would be the easiest.

I would keep it simple. No veggies that require cooking and need to be served hot. Raw veggies would be the way to go. Carrot sticks, celery, pepper strips, zucchini etc. etc. Cookies, brownies and/or cupcakes for dessert and you're done. I didn't look at your recipe for the ziti, but I never put meat in mine. If you do, I would follow the other suggestion about leaving some meat free. Bless your daughter and the entire group. And have fun and enjoy the meal.

I think ziti, bread, and a salad are just fine and you don't need anything else. A meat-less option is awesome. Keep desserts simple, that can be done ahead of time and frozen like brownies or cookies. At a church dinner we served store-bought lemon cake served with a dollop of a lemon sauce, a fresh raspberry and a mint leaf. People really like the beautifully presented dessert. We didn't tell them it wasn't homemade! I think we got 12 servings out of each cake.

How about a Bean salad that can be make ahead and not have to think about until time to serve. I have a couple that I make for large groups that can be make head. If this is someting you think you would like I will be glad to post the recpies.

Cooks.Com is a great site for recipes...

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Grape Salad

4 lbs. seedless grapes...washed and dried...red or blue is best...green OK
mix together:

1 c. sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 c. brown sugar

Fold all together. Refrigerate.
1 c. chopped pecans


Apple Salad

Boil together for 3 minutes:
1-20 oz. can crushed pineapple and juice
1/2 c. sugar
While still hot, stir in until smooth:
8 oz. cream cheese
1 small box dry lemon jello
Cool completely

Fold in:
8 oz. cool whip
3 diced apples
1/2 c. diced celery
1 c. chopped English walnuts
congeal in refrigerator
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