Preparing For a Large Cook-out

Memorial Day FlagsImage by eddiecoyote via Flickr
Ah...it's Memorial Day weekend. The official start of summer! It seems as if the whole country is cooking out on Memorial Day. And we are, too! Actually, we are having 2 cook-outs this weekend.




We are also having the Bible Drill kids and teachers from our church over for a cook-out Friday night. This is our 3rd Annual Bible Drill Cook-out! It's a reward for all the kids for their hard work, and a thank you for all the teachers. We have a lot of fun, including a marshmallow fight!

Now, on to the planning and cooking!


1. Plan the Menu:


The fun part! If your having a lot of people over, it's better to stick with tried and true recipes, instead of trying lots of new recipes. To keep things simple, I'm using the same menu for both cook-outs. My family doesn't care, and the guest list is different for the cook-outs, so the guests won't know.  :)

We're having:  Hamburgers w/ lettuce, tomatoes, onions, Hot Dogs, Brats, Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Baked Beans, Carrot Sticks, Watermelon, S'mores. Drinks: Water, Lemonade, Ice Tea.

A pretty simple, but crowd pleasing menu.



2. Gather Supplies


Now it's time to check your supplies. Are you using real or paper plates, cups, silverware, etc.? Do you have enough? What about napkins, serving trays and the like? Start counting and add needed items to your grocery list.

3. Make a Grocery List


Check your menu against your pantry. This way, you won't over buy. It will help you keep the cost of your cook-out down, if you shop your pantry first. Make sure you check your condiments, too.  You don't want to run out of ketchup or mustard.


4. Cook as Much as Possible Ahead of Time


I am a huge plan ahead and make ahead fan. Potato salad and macaroni salad actually taste better made the day before. The flavors have plenty of time to mingle. Once you figure out what you want to make ahead, it's time to make a detailed cooking lists.


5. Make a Detail Cooking List


Here's mine:

Thursday night - Start beans in crock pot
Friday morning -
Turn off crock pot
Boil eggs
Boil macaroni
Peel, dice & boil potatoes
Grate carrots, peel and "stick" others
Peel eggs, dice
Assemble Macaroni Salad
Assemble Potato Salad
Make sauce for baked beans
Assemble baked beans
Slice tomatoes
Prepare lettuce
Slice onions
Make lemonade
Make tea



6. Make a Set-up List


Making this list ahead of time will help save you time. It will also save you headaches from trying to think of everything and forget nothing right before the guests arrive.  Here's mine:

Move tables, cover with tablecloths
Move chairs
Build the fire, don't start it yet, just get it ready. Start at appropriate time
Place non-food items on tables: plates, cups, napkins, utensils, BBQ forks, tongs, spatula, plates for cooked meat, knife & tray for watermelon
Place non-refrigerated food items on tables: buns, chips, marshmallows, graham crackers, etc.
Bring out meats and start cooking
Bring out refrigerated food, do this right before you eat, so you don't have to worry about anything going bad. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.



7. Enjoy Your Cook-out!


If you take the time to plan ahead and make these lists, your cook-out will go smoothly.

Enjoy your guests, and the great food you prepared!



While your having a great time with your guests, please remember the real reason for Memorial Day. 


To honor those that bravely fought for this great country of ours. And please remember all those currently serving to protect our country.





For more tips and ideas, please visit:

Making a Home
Market Yourself Monday
Tackle it Tuesday
Thrilling Thursday
Food on Fridays
Finer Things Friday
Show & Tell Friday
Frugal Friday
Foodie Friday

Somewhat Simple Photobucket



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