Naturalmama

Ugh. I normally love to cook, but things have been sooooo crazy busy and I have way more to do than time to do it in. My nephew (son of my sister who died 2 years ago) just graduated and is coming in from across the country to see us before he goes into the AF. I was going to have some of our friends over and have a sort of graduation party for him here (yes, even though he doesn't know anyone - he's outgoing and friendly and I want him to at least feel like he's having a grad party since he didn't at home)

Ok. Please help me think! I was going to have Italian sausage and probably chicken on the grill. And a big salad. What else can I make for side dishes that is super tasty - but not majorly time consuming!? My brain has shut down in the cooking dept - I would really appreciate your ideas! (should be around 17 people if all goes as planned)

LavenderBlue

Baked beans (can be canned and doctored up), deviled eggs, macaroni/pasta/or potato salad. Love your beautiful, giving heart and all you're doing for your nephew.....I know you are very proud!

barny

2 lbs hashbrown potatoes. 1/2 c. melted butter, salt, pepper. 2 T.dry chives or minced onion. 1 can cream chicken soup. 1 pt. sour cream, 2 c. sharp cheddar cheese. Thaw potatoes and put rest into them stir up good. Bake at 350 for 45 or so minutes. A really good hot dish. Feeds 12 easily. [ Put in a greased pirex cake pan.]

Tartan

Since the grill is already on, maybe do up some baked potatoes in foil? How about soaking the corn ears in water and putting them on the grill to cook? For a summer party, I also use my big turkey roasting pan and fill it with watermelon slices and put the top on and have it in the fridge. I bring out the whole pan to the picnic table and you have the top handy to keep bug off it. If it's a fancier party, I do up the fruit bouquets with chunks of fruit on bamboo skewers in weighted containers.

Neesie

How about corn bread? It's easy and there was a yummy recipe listed on the QB, just recently!

barny

Barny again. 3 lbs seedless red grapes. I 8oz. pkg cream cheese. I c. sour cream,1/3 c. sugar, 1/4 c. brn sugar, 2 t. vanilla. Mix everything but grapes, then put them in. chill and serve. Can be made ahead. Makes large bowl.

Naturalmama

Great ideas! and Barny thank you so much for the recipes - they sound great!! I'm writing things down to get it all planned.

sewgull

Get a ready made fruit or veggie tray. Much easier than chopping everything yourself. I think the time saved
out weighs the cost.

barny

Barny again. Vermicelli[pasta] 16 os pkg cooked. [ 1T. accent, 1T. seasoned salt, 3 T. lemon juice, 4 T cooking oil] chill overnight in a jar or something. ADD 1 small jar diced pimentos drained, 1 small can 2 1/2 oz sliced ripe olives drained, 1 C. chopped bell pepper, 3/4 C green onions, 2 c. chopped celery, 1 c. mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. Dump all into the Pasta and serve cold. It's better made a day or 2 ahead. Serves 15 or 20. Hope this helps!

Naturalmama

Thank you Barny - yep that sure does help!