Ideas for Easter potluck menu???

[crysk_68]

I'm at a loss here...

We're in the process of renovating our church and, at this time, we have no ovens or stove top. There is one small microwave and we may have one of two convection ovens in by Easter. Oh, we also have one small size fridge w/ freezer. I'm looking at possibly purchasing 2 roaster ovens and/or a buffet server/warming tray for permanent use as we will not be getting a stovetop and oven to replace what was removed.

Here's my dilemna...with so few warming/reheating options and very little fridge space for cold things, (we usually has a crowd of 60+ for Easter) our potluck is not business as usual. With limited cooling/heating/warming options, I don't know what to direct and advise people to bring, especially since most will have to provide their own heat source.

What would you do? Any advice on a general Easter potluck menu to go by?

Please help...I don't even know where to begin!

Crystal

[Kate L]

If you have outlets, people can bring crockpots! Meatballs, cocktail wienies, hot dips, etc. People can also set bowls and plates of cold items over a bowl of ice. Or get large tubs full of ice that you can set several dishes in. Good luck!

[crysk_68]

Thanks Kate. Love the idea of meatballs, etc...and there are some that usually bring those, but there's a lot of people that also like the traditional Easter buffet as well: ham, mac'n cheese, green beans, etc...

We've already planned for crockpots, hopefully most people will have them already, and we usually put cold items in the fridge, I'm just hoping there won't be more of those because we don't have ovens. We will be using tubs with ice, but people will be bringing these dishes in at least 3 hours before the potluck will begin. I'll probably have to put out a call for extra coolers to be used if needed. I love our small church, but its drawback is it's not really set up for large gatherings and parties: coolers, crockpots, roaster ovens, and sometimes even tables!
Okay, enough of my pity party because everything does work out in the end...

[PhyllisB]

Fried chicken works whether cold or hot. I personally don't think potlucks are complete without a TON of fried chicken

and you're absolutely right, everything WILL work out and you'll have a blast!

[Eri311]

In addition to crockpots which you can cook just about anything in, my mom makes a boneless ham in her crockpot every year and it turns out great. I know you can also do pasta dishes in crock pots as well. I have a cookbook called The Slow Cookers Bible that has tons of crockpot recipes, some of which I never thought possible.

Anyways, as I was saying, in addition to crockpots you can run out to a party supply store and get chafing (sp?) dishes with the stands and the little cans of blue gel that you light (Sorry the name is eluding me) They're pretty inexpensive.

Another idea if you are still desperate for warming dishes, and don't have the oven space, is to use coolers. Coolers filled with hot water will stay hot for a long time. When I worked in daycare a couple years ago, microwaves and hot plates were not allowed in the nursery for warming bottles, so we filled a little cooler with hot water and let the bottles bob in there for a few mins and viola warm milk. For casserole type dishes I would fold a bath towel, set it in the bottom and poor hot water on the towel then set the casserole dish on top that. With the lid closed on the cooler, the steam should keep the food warm for a couple hours.

[crysk_68]

Oooh Phyllis, homemade fried chicken is the best! I do agree that a potluck would be complete without it.
Erika...LOVE your ideas!!! Thank you so much. We're going to be trying some of your suggestions!

[Piglet2u]

You might could try putting together a huge salad bar like some of the restaurant chains.
You could have a large assortment of prepared veggies or prepared salads and of course
lots of prepared fruit and mellons.

Just think of all the restaurant salad bars have. All you would need is a lot of ice to keep it all cool.

If anyone brings food other than salad bar food, that could go on an adjoining table.
Things like that delish sounding Fried Chicken, breads, pastas, etc.

A long time ago a friend of mine were tasked with preparing the food for an office luncheon.
We took up donations and purchased about 30 kinds of veggies and salad accompaniments,
including some meats and cheeses and everyone thought it was the most scrumptious salad they ever ate!

[crysk_68]

Love that idea too Piglet! Prep and planning are already underway for Easter, but I have a feeling we'll be doing something like that later in the year. Hmmm...

[Piglet2u]

What did you decide on?
I'm sure it will be great and much enjoyed!

[crysk_68]

Oh no...Sorry Piglet! I didn't subscribe to this thread so didn't see your question.

It was wonderful and sooo pretty. Everything turned out great and there were so many people that stepped up to help get things set-up. I love my church family!

Now for the food...Let's see if I remember:

We had deviled eggs, cocktail smokies, veggie tray, fruit tray, meatballs, shredded BBQ pork, fried chicken, chicken, ham, corn beef & cabbage, green beans, spicy sweet potatoes, mac 'n cheese, mashed potatoes, potato salad, cole slaw, broccoli slaw, pea salad, 7 layer salad, homemade bread & buns, cookies, cakes, brownies, pies, trifles, gooey butter cake, and lots to drink.
It was sooo good! (I'm especially pleased I didn't go overboard and I barely had any sweets!)