topic Re: Help me complete this menu in Recipes

Help me complete this menu

AuntG — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 19:57:13 GMT

I've offered to make a meal for the members of our church's spring clean-up crew. It's a simple lunch that will include a pasta salad containing cubed chicken, rotini, grapes and cashews, along with some dessert bars. What should I provide as the main dish? Generally, it's some kind of sandwich, but I've drawn a blank as to what I should make.

Re: Help me complete this menu

Imaoldhippie — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 19:59:56 GMT

How about ham and cheese with tomato's, lettuce and pickles on the side to add as people like and want?

Re: Help me complete this menu

I am still oxox — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:00:13 GMT

Tea sandwich, maybe small egg salad, tuna and maybe turkey

Re: Help me complete this menu

itsmagic — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:02:02 GMT

What about the ham and Swiss sliders on Hawaiian rolls? You can find the recipe on the King Hawaiian rolls website. I thought they were really good.

Re: Help me complete this menu

RespectLife — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:02:39 GMT

@AuntG

I'm not sure how many you are looking to feed, but our Go-To is always pulled pork.

We have a smoker but it can be done in the oven or crock pot. Add some BBQ sauce, rolls and done! A nice cold slaw is always welcomed to top it too!

Everyone can fill their own roll...no prepping by you needed. It is easy to do ahead and reheats nicely.

That is so nice of you to do...what a blessing!

Re: Help me complete this menu

Noel7 — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:43:47 GMT

You might want to consider some vegetarian food. Maybe tea sandwiches cut in triangles. Something like chopped olive or tomato sandwiches with greens, peanut butter, avocado, etc.

Re: Help me complete this menu

hayseed00 — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:44:06 GMT

I love the sliders on the Hawaiian rolls, I don't know if the Sara Lee brand Hawaiian rools are available in your area but i like them better than the King Hawaiian rolls. I've also made roast beef little sliders they are delicious.

Re: Help me complete this menu

grandma2pkmh — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:46:10 GMT

@AuntG Pulled pork sandwichs. I feel sure they will be hungry. Cleaning is hard and sometimes tedious work. Fill their tummies.

Re: Help me complete this menu

annie315 — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:50:10 GMT

I have had good luck with these. Great at room temperature.

Baked Sandwiches

December/January 2015...cooks country

12 square soft white dinner rolls
6 T yellow mustard....divided
12 thin slices Black Forest ham...8 oz minimum...can use more
12 thin slices Swiss cheese
4T butter...unsalted
2T finely chopped onion
1T poppy seeds
2T Worcestershire
1t garlic powder

Slice rolls. Spread 4T mustard on cut sides of tops and bottoms.
Arrange bottoms in pan
Add folded ham and cheese to each. Season with s+p and add tops

Combine butter, onion,poppy seeds in bowl. Microwave until butter is melted and onion softened about one minute. Whisk in Worcestershire, garlic powder, and remaining 2T mustard. Generously brush tops and edges with all of the mixture

Cover with foil and let sit for 10 minutes. Bake for 20 minutes at 350. Uncover and bake until cheese is melted about 7-9 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutesi

Various combos
Ham and Swiss
Chicken breast and American
Ham, Genoa salami, cappicola and provolone

Re: Help me complete this menu

KitTkat — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:57:29 GMT

I think if you're going to do sandwiches, you have to do more than one variety. It's more work, but providing options is essential. I can't eat pork, it makes me sick. I can't stand egg sandwiches either. So if I was there and that's what was served, I couldn't eat. I signed up to do sandwiches for a church function before and I made several varieties, which won over the crowd. I was told to not make tuna, but I did anyway, and they were the most popular. Either use sliders/rolls as already suggested, or cut regular sandwich bread into quarters.

Another idea could be having meats, cheeses, crackers and rolls for the people to grab and build together as they please.

By the way, thank you for your contribution to your church. I'm sure it's appreciated.

Re: Help me complete this menu

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 21:14:39 GMT

@itsmagic...I was going to suggest the same thing, they can be made ahead and baked when needed.

Re: Help me complete this menu

jackthebear — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 21:49:47 GMT

depending on your budget

and how many people

what about

make your own sandwiches as someone suggested, with a salad

and fruit and cookies for a dessert

Re: Help me complete this menu

Sweet Caroline 1 — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 21:57:03 GMT

Crudites and fruit.......with cookies

Re: Help me complete this menu

Carmie — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 22:13:39 GMT

I would never do only ham or any pork product unless you know your crowd. There are too many people who do not eat pork products.

i just went to a luncheon recently and the host had two different types of rolls and on two other platters she had ham, and turkey and two types of cheese. She also had lettuce and tomatoes and onions on another platter.

i really appreciated this because I do not eat gluten. I made a sandwich with lettuce as a substitute for bread.

When sandwitches are premade, I have to go hungry.

Re: Help me complete this menu

AuntG — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 00:30:08 GMT

Thanks for all the suggestions. I only have to bring for 20 to 24 people.

Re: Help me complete this menu

ECBG — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 00:39:36 GMT

With chicken in the pasta salad, that assumes to be the main dish, or remove the chicken.

I'd add a big veggie tray with dips as well as desserts.

Re: Help me complete this menu

beckyb1012 — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:58:56 GMT

My thoughts exactly with the chicken in the salad that the main dish was covered. I would just add more raw veg. and let this be the light lunch instead of a heavy meal.

If they crave a cheeseburger I am sure they pass lots of drive through on their way home.

You are kind and sweet to do the luncheon for them and I am sure they will be pleased with whatever you decide.

Re: Help me complete this menu

AuntG — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 15:55:25 GMT

It's a rural area with no town or fast food places nearby so I could rethink the salad and go with a meatless salad.

Re: Help me complete this menu

PA Mom-mom — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 22:53:04 GMT

@AuntG Yes, the pasta salad with the meat seems like the main dish to me. However, ham and cheese sandwiches are always safe. If you can make hot sandwiches, what about sloppy joes? My daughter said in MD and VA they serve funeral sandwiches a lot. But, I'm not crazy about them.

Re: Help me complete this menu

rrpell — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 04:44:24 GMT

That is so kind of you to make lunch! Maybe these might give you some ideas. I think just because it is simple, doesn't mean we can't have fun.

I would make three (different) trays of sandwiches with your (meatless) pasta salad. I'd add a bowl of chips and some pickles.

I like Italians as they are my husband's favorite. This "pressed" recipe is easy and a good one.

https://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/pressed-italian-sandwich/

How about cucumber slices (salted and drained), avocado and goat cheese spread on gluten free bread?

These roast beef, tomato, provolone, arugula with horseradish mayo-mustard on a French baguette are delicious and easy.

How about club sandwiches of your choosing?

Some colorful veggie wraps with dip?