Dining

I love to cook, but I'd rather hang with guests!  So, below are some things you can help with.  To avoid double purchasing,  you can comment on this post to let all know what you're going to be reponsible for.  Everyone can help with the everyday items mentioned, but we don't need 20 cans of marinara and 60 lbs of shredded cheese...Also, notice at the bottom a list of utensils that would help me out. 

Snacks for every day:   Sweets, salty, fresh fruits, raw veggies, etc. 

Gingerbread house:  We'll need a kit per every 3-4 kids.  Available at most grocery stores.  OR you can make it from scratch.  Bring fixings to share.  If you're so inclined, bring your cake-decorating equipment and create a masterpiece. 

Drinks:  Hot cocoa mix (two to four large cans of Swiss Mix would probably be enough for all,) hot cider mix, etc.  Our water is central water and safe to drink, but I think it has a bit of a salty taste.  Bring bottled water for yourself if you are afraid of ours.  I'm covering the coffee (Folgers,) cream & creamer, and a good variety of tea.

Breakfast every day: cans of frozen juice, breakfast breads (i.e. cinnamon buns, muffins, banana bread: whatever your specialty is!) yoghurt, fresh fruit, cold cereals, etc.   We'll do a buffet style breakfast each morning.  I'll take care of the protein/hot dish, milk, butter, etc. 

Thursday lunch:   Cream can dinner.  I'll take care of veggies.  We'll need cooked sausage links; one to two per family.  (large links, normally near the hot dogs, weighing around  a pound each.)  The lower fat sausages are just as tasty.

Thursday supper:  Mexican gumbo.  I'll make the gumbo base (meat and broth), and you bring your favorite additions.  Guacomole, various salsas, roasted bell peppers, roasted corn, roasted onions, canned beans, etc.  We also need a large (32 oz) bag or two of shredded cheese and a few bags of tortilla chips.  I'll take care of sour cream and cooked rice.  Brownies, anyone?  If no one cares to haul them pre-made, we can whip some up in my kitchen.  I've got all the ingredients.

Friday lunch:  Hobo soup.  This is a project for the kids.  We adults are going to let them fix it.  I'll provide a couple of chickens and instructions for the stock; the kids can each donate something to the soup.  I'll also provide bread dough for homemade pretzels.

Friday supper:  (New Years Eve) bring hors d'oeuvres, healthy snacking, and sweets.

Saturday Lunch: sandwich meat (pre-cooked ham, turkey breast, etc.  Either non-sliced meats or deli style are fine,) snacks (granola bars, cookies, trail mix, jerky) chips, pickles, apples & oranges, and anything else you like in lunches.  We'll pool the provisions and fix our own lunches.  We'll need several thermoses to send hot chocolate in.  I'll buy a couple of cases of bottled water and provide cups for hot chocolate.  I'll also take care of mayo, mustard, and bread which doesn't pack well!

Saturday Supper:  Homemade pizza.  I'll make pizza crust dough, breadsticks and a large green salad.  You bring canned marinara (ragu spaghetti sauce is what I use; one jar per two families should suffice, or bring your favorite) and toppings.  Meats, veggies, and a large bag (32 oz) or two of  shredded mozzarella for all.

COOKING UTENSILS: If you can fit them in, we could use extra

1. thermoses
2. a large soup pot
3. an electric griddle or two