Ideas to feed a group of 15-20 with limited cooking capability UPDATE!!! What worked and what didn't

[Imzadi]

Is a crockpot your only way to cook? How are you going to keep things cold? Do you have a refrigerator too or an Igloo cooler?

Beef stew with some kind of bread?

Sausage and peppers in a crockpot. Bring sub rolls and they can make sandwiches.

I agree with these. The men need something HEARTY, filling, not too spicy as they need to work together afterward - and as you said not upset their stomachs.

Something scoopable and saucy that can stay scoopable for hours. Beef stew was the first thing I thought of. Or elbow macaroni & beef.

Do you have an oven? Costco makes aluminum pans of pre-made lasagna. You just pop them in the oven.

I personally wouldn't do grilled cheese. They get soggy really easy when sitting for a while and stay greasy.

 

[lifesavacation]

Or if all the boats in that marina would be too crunchy for them, you could use marinara instead.

Should have caught that one but I'm gonna leave it because your post made me smile.

 

[monsterkitty]

Event staffing, they'll be manning access points, gates, etc at a large sporting event. No campfires (at least not intentional ones, anyway).



That's why I'm leary of tacos/bbq, things like that. Porta potties all the way.......





Most of our guys are local so they'll eat at home for the other meals, but they are on post for 12 hr shifts. There won't be any food places open for the night crew so if they forget to bring something it's a long 12 hrs. DH and I live about 2 hrs away so we have a camper on site for ourselves and the couple of folks from here that are going.

I'm not so worried about the day crew, they're getting sandwiches and chips. There will be vendors open for them if they don't like what we are serving.


I wish there was an option to buy food somewhere, but the nearest fast food type places are around 15 miles away and will close by 8 or 9pm. When we've done that in the past the food is cold by the time we get it delivered.

I would tell them that you will have subs and soup each night available. If they don't want this, they can bring their own. If they forget, they can eat what you have.

 

[jo-jo]

Pot Roast

2 cans cream of mushroom soup
2 pkg Lipton onion soup mix
1 cup water
4-5 lb beef, (chuck) trim fat, seared on all sides (1 minute each side, can be done in advance)
carrots peeled cut in large chunks
potatoes either red or gold (wash and leave skin on)

Mix first three in crock pot first, then beef (you can pre-cut portions), with carrot and potato on top. Liquid doesn’t have to cover everything.
Cook on low if cooking all day

serve with bread. should be tender enough that knife isn’t needed.

Would that be enough for 15-20 people?

 

[Imzadi]

Most of our guys are local so they'll eat at home for the other meals, but they are on post for 12 hr shifts. There won't be any food places open for the night crew so if they forget to bring something it's a long 12 hrs. DH and I live about 2 hrs away so we have a camper on site for ourselves and the couple of folks from here that are going.

I work long special events. I used to work the catering end for companies for massive, gala events in NYC. It's not that the workers forget to bring food. Beyond a can of tuna or jerkey, there isn't much that they can pack that will stay SAFE, for 6-8 hours un-refrigerated, before they get a chance to eat it. They will often forgo eating than bring something that's going to spoil. Also, no one wants to pre-plan and pack a thermal lunch bag.

This sounds like something you are going to do often. You might want to invest in these wire disposable chafing trays for buffet set up. (Costco or a restaurant supply store would have these. Also check Target in the camping area.)

Heat by canned Sterno fuel can COOK the food right in those set ups and then keep it warm. Get the canned Sterno (from the dollar store) where you pop the lids off rather than the ones with a screw top and wick (in the photo.) By placing the lids back over the Sterno cans halfway or more, you can adjust the flames. Cooking, lid totally OFF, but placed right near the cans to put back on. Lids halfway or 3/4 on top and the heat stays at a warming level. The major NYC catering companies I used to work do this method.

Canned fuel (Sterno) with a re-prop-able lid:
https://www.target.com/p/sterno-canned-heat-ethanol-gel-chafing-fuel-6-1oz/-/A-53344160

There are also these expensive canned fuel covers. But seriously, getting a can in which you can place the cover part-way back on does the exact same thing with no extra cost.

Using those buffet tray holders opens up the possibilities of what to serve even more. The catering companies put in their own gourmet food to keep warm for hours. You can layer pre-cooked hamburgers in the pans, ready for re-heating and serving. Separate each layer with wax paper. Another pan can have hotdogs or sausages, cooking, then staying warm in some hot water. Mac & cheese can stay warm and doesn't over cook. Same for the Costco lasagna.

This is when you can do grilled cheeses, layered in between sheets of paper towels to absorb the grease. Make sure a sheet of aluminum foil stays on top to keep warm. If you can't find the disposable aluminum covers. The guys just lift the front part of aluminum foil, pull out a sandwich and replace the foil back down.

 

[easyas123]

Buy some subs and some bags of chips. Keep subs in a cooler, they can come and go as they want for food.

How did you get roped into this? Why can’t they bring their own food?

And why is no one else helping? I have 38 employees that often have to work long hours, and outside of the traditional M-F workframe and while I've brought lunch or dinner a time or two, none of them expect it or come unprepared.

 

[Skippy918]

Buy some subs and some bags of chips. Keep subs in a cooler, they can come and go as they want for food.


And why is no one else helping? I have 38 employees that often have to work long hours, and outside of the traditional M-F workframe and while I've brought lunch or dinner a time or two, none of them expect it or come unprepared.

Yes! Is there anyone else who can help with this? Why is the employer not providing food? Or are these workers contracted labor?

 

[bcla]

This was my favorite post so far. Costco lasagna is great if you're near enough to a Costco. I was also thinking pizza for at least one of the nights, before you said the pizza places would be closed by then. Is there any way you could keep the pizzas warm, or reheat them?

A few pizza places near me do partially baked on request, but that implies that the end user will have an oven or at least a toaster oven.

This kind of reminds me of a theoretical question of what to do if a heavily delayed train was on the way and they were completely out of food because they didn't make the restocking point. I was thinking tamales if one could find a decent place nearby. But I was thinking of enough for hundreds. Costco of course would work, but possibly Restaurant Depot, although I'm not sure if they've still got their non-member day passes. But if someone could prove that it's for a "business" it might be possible to get a membership.

 

[Kjdisney]

Would that be enough for 15-20 people?

No you would probably need to do 2 crockpots for 20. But reading more about the event, I don’t think this would be a good option.

 

[bcla]

No you would probably need to do 2 crockpots for 20. But reading more about the event, I don’t think this would be a good option.

It might make sense to use both the crockpot and the stove in order to have enough. But if it were me, I'd probably see if I could freeze something and then just thaw it out in a slow cooker. But also having the stove to heat more.

 

[jaybirdsmommy]

I work long special events. I used to work the catering end for companies for massive, gala events in NYC. It's not that the workers forget to bring food. Beyond a can of tuna or jerkey, there isn't much that they can pack that will stay SAFE, for 6-8 hours un-refrigerated, before they get a chance to eat it. They will often forgo eating than bring something that's going to spoil. Also, no one wants to pre-plan and pack a thermal lunch bag.

This sounds like something you are going to do often. You might want to invest in these wire disposable chafing trays for buffet set up. (Costco or a restaurant supply store would have these. Also check Target in the camping area.)

Heat by canned Sterno fuel can COOK the food right in those set ups and then keep it warm. Get the canned Sterno (from the dollar store) where you pop the lids off rather than the ones with a screw top and wick (in the photo.) By placing the lids back over the Sterno cans halfway or more, you can adjust the flames. Cooking, lid totally OFF, but placed right near the cans to put back on. Lids halfway or 3/4 on top and the heat stays at a warming level. The major NYC catering companies I used to work do this method.

For everyone who asked why they don't bring their own food, the bolded pretty much sums it up. No matter how many times we tell them to bring their own, a good portion show up with nothing. As I said in other posts, I'm not worried about the day shift, they have more options. The night shift on the other hand, gets really long and boring and having a late dinner brought around helps a little bit.

Imzadi: Thank you for the ideas, I'm filing them away for future events. Unfortunately for this one we won't be able to having everyone in a central location to serve buffet style.

Buy some subs and some bags of chips. Keep subs in a cooler, they can come and go as they want for food.


And why is no one else helping? I have 38 employees that often have to work long hours, and outside of the traditional M-F workframe and while I've brought lunch or dinner a time or two, none of them expect it or come unprepared.

That's what I'm doing for the day shift. It's supposed to be in the 40s at night, which is cold for us sotherners. That's why I want something hot for the night shift. I'm hoping to have a couple extra sets of hands, it'll depend on whether we have enough staff to cover all the posts (we are having the same staffing issues the rest of the country is right now). If not, then my extra hands have to go on post.

Yes! Is there anyone else who can help with this? Why is the employer not providing food? Or are these workers contracted labor?

We are the employer?

A few pizza places near me do partially baked on request, but that implies that the end user will have an oven or at least a toaster oven.

This kind of reminds me of a theoretical question of what to do if a heavily delayed train was on the way and they were completely out of food because they didn't make the restocking point. I was thinking tamales if one could find a decent place nearby. But I was thinking of enough for hundreds. Costco of course would work, but possibly Restaurant Depot, although I'm not sure if they've still got their non-member day passes. But if someone could prove that it's for a "business" it might be possible to get a membership.

No Costco, Little Ceasar's is the only pizza place and it's 30 minutes away. The best we can do for restaurant food is waffle house, McDonald's, taco Bell, and KFC. I've done all of them in the past, but by the time I get back to the venue and get everything delivered to the employees it's all cold and nasty.

It might make sense to use both the crockpot and the stove in order to have enough. But if it were me, I'd probably see if I could freeze something and then just thaw it out in a slow cooker. But also having the stove to heat more.

I've got several crockpots. I don't know why it didn't occur to me to freeze ahead, but several have suggested it and I'm going to make the soup and a couple of other things this weekend and freeze.

Thanks everyone for the great ideas. I think I'm going with Soup and sandwiches, spaghetti/salad/bread, hamburgers/hotdogs/chips, mac and cheese/'veggie/hotdogs, beef stew/biscuits, and If we go an extra day due to rain delays the last shift gets sandwiches and chips.

 

[LovesTimone]

I think some of these have been mentioned... This is what comes to mind right off the top of my head...

Ham with mac and cheese -

Beef-a -roni - green salad and garlic bread or sticks

Baked Spaghetti with a green salad, garlic bread.

Beef Veggie soup, crackers or cheese bread

Chili and grilled cheese

Beef stew and veggie

Chicken and yellow rice and add in green peas - corn bread

Roasted Chicken along with Roasted veggie - sheet pan meals

Subs - meatball, shrimp po-boys, french dip, muffaletta, as a warm side tomato soup or veggie soup..

Chicken or Beef fried rice - If you go this route make sure that the veggies are cut small to make eating them easier...you can get frozen egg rolls to go along..

I would do some simple dessert - sheet cake cut into squares, cookies, brownies...

Don't forget to bring some coffee along,

 

[easyas123]

Do you have utilities at this location? If so - maybe buy them a fridge & a microwave and encourage them to bring their own. OR invest in some coolers and bring in some ice?

 

[kerry1379]

Our favorite crock pot soup is Taco Soup (you can make it as spicy or mild as you would like). For our family of 6, I brown 1 lb of hamburger and put it in the crock pot. Add 1 can of dark red kidney beans (drained), 1 can of black beans (drained), 1 can of corn, 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 1 can of Rotel (we like the original but you can use the mild to make it less spicy) and a jar of salsa (again, just use the mildest option). Slow cook it for 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low and done. I serve it with tortilla chips. (Shredded cheese, sour cream, guac are great add ins but not necessary.) Even my picky kids like this and it is filling, warm, and has lots of protein to stay full longer. I know it has Rotel and salsa and each person's spice factor is different. But when I tried it with mild Rotel and mild salsa, even my kids were saying it wasn't spicy at all. (We did grow up in Texas though and were practically raised on spice so there is that to consider though...)

If they have fires available, you could do foil packet meals. Cut up hot dogs and baked beans; or meat and veggies (perhaps fajita style) wrapped up in foil and put beside the fire are easy and great.

 

[jaybirdsmommy]

Do you have utilities at this location? If so - maybe buy them a fridge & a microwave and encourage them to bring their own. OR invest in some coolers and bring in some ice?

We should have utility hookups at the camper plus a small microwave and fridge. Nothing is available at the individual posts which are spread out over about a 3 mile radius.

 

[lifesavacation]

The other option is to bring in a food truck. Usually, you just have to guarantee a minimum food purchase. For the hassle, that's what I would do.

 

[jo-jo]

Now that I understand the mission better........I would do the meals like you mentioned, but then make a second run an hour or two later with coffee and a cookies, brownies, not something you need a fork to eat. It's good to break up the night with another snack. But for about three hours, you'll be very busy. Get food ready, deliver food, don't know if you need to circle round again to pick up food/trash, but then drop off coffee and cookies.

It's nice to see bosses who care about their workers.

Please give us feed back after the week is over.

 

[pweyl36]

Sloppy joes

 

[jaybirdsmommy]

Now that I understand the mission better........I would do the meals like you mentioned, but then make a second run an hour or two later with coffee and a cookies, brownies, not something you need a fork to eat. It's good to break up the night with another snack. But for about three hours, you'll be very busy. Get food ready, deliver food, don't know if you need to circle round again to pick up food/trash, but then drop off coffee and cookies.

It's nice to see bosses who care about their workers.

Please give us feed back after the week is over.

We will have a night shift supervisor who can help with the later snack/coffee runs!! I intend to stock her car with snacks and go to bed as soon as I've got everyone fed and watered. Except for Saturday night, no one sleeps Saturday.

Thanks again for all the really good ideas, I will update in a couple of weeks as to what worked and what didn't.

 

[jaybirdsmommy]

The other option is to bring in a food truck. Usually, you just have to guarantee a minimum food purchase. For the hassle, that's what I would do.

Another really good idea that I'll file away for another location, but again we are spread out over a 3 mile radius and won't be able to bring people to a central location and the truck won't be allowed to drive around (we can't even get pizza delivered past the main gate). plus I'm pretty sure every food truck in a hundred mile radius will already be set up and working during the day and won't want to bother setting up for a small night shift crowd..