Cooking For A Crowd - A Big Crowd!

Janelle from Comfy In The Kitchen is guesting posting with us today!  She writes:


Twice a year I get the pleasure of making lunch for our church's new member and guest luncheon. It is typically a pretty busy weekend for me and my family...I grocery shop for a ton of food, pile everything in my kitchen (it feels like Christmas!!!), cook the night before and the morning of and haul everything over to the church! Then, our Pastor is there to greet us with a crew of volunteers ready to help unload and set up. Call me crazy, but this is actually SO MUCH FUN for me!


Here is a sneak peak into my weekend. I wish I would have gotten more photos, but I was bussssyyy!!!


(I had 60 people to cook for today- we have had up to 120)

I made 2 of these huge salads. Lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, olives, and croutons.

I really like the containers at GFS...these are about $2 and have lids. I can also reuse them! 

My son "getting in on the action" crushing Heath bars for "Better than a Hug Cake"

My semi-homemade dressing. I like to use Good Seasons All Natural with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and sugar to taste.

Line em up!





Some things got a little "frozen" lol...long story. But it all worked out!!!!










The lemonade takes on the color of the berries...pretty isn't it? Very nice for Spring and Summer.
(recipe below)


My son watching me make a simple lemonade punch

 The kids area had PB and J, chips, carrots, silly cookies and juice boxes

My hubby, Pastor and friends!

My husband cutting "Better than a hug Cake"- I am VERY blessed to have such a supportive husband. I thank God for him every day.

            

Meatball subs- I placed them in sauce in the crockpot until ready to serve. Then we sliced fresh hoagie buns and loaded them up while people were in line. 

Chicken Salad Croissants- These I prepared before we got to the church. 

"Better Than a Hug Cake" in slices for easy serving. 

"Pineapple Pretzel Fluff"- this is ALWAYS such a huge hit! Very easy and economical.

My Pastor (Courtney's Brother-In-Law!), me and my dear friend Christina getting our picture taken by my son :) 

Menu

Chicken Salad on Croissants 

Meatballs Subs with Mozzarella 

Tossed Salad 

Chips/Dip

Pineapple Pretzel Fluff

"Better than a Hug"Cake 

Berry Lemonade

Iced Tea

Water bottles

For Children:

PB&J

Carrots 

Chips/Dip

Juice Boxes

Lemon Berry Punch

Lemon Berry Punch

Servings (12)

1 container of Simply Lemonade 

1 bag frozen mixed berries 

Ice

Pour together and enjoy! 

This was SUCH a blessing for me to serve our church today in this way.  I am very grateful, honored, and humbled to be part of this amazing church. 

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fevor, 

serving the Lord"

~Romans 12:11 


Keep serving your families and others Ladies! 
Thanks for letting me share my day with you.
Love to you, Janelle 

Walk with the King!

If you are looking for more recipes or have one to share - visit Janelle's new link-up today!

You can follow Janelle on her own blog Comfy In The Kitchen or on Facebook and Twitter.

I am participating in Titus 2sdays, Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, and Balancing Beauty and Bedlam recipe exchanges. I am also linked up to Raising Homemakers Weds. link up and Works For Me Wednesday! For more blogger recipes go to these links.

And please remember to take a minute to vote for Women Living Well (and Comfy In Your Kitchen! AND your other favorites - you can vote for more than one once a day through June 8th!!) here: Circle of Moms Top 25 Faith Bloggers.