What’s for dinner? Mothers quite often ask this question to themselves, and at special times in our lives the need arises again to deliver a menu that is easy, affordable and tasty. As a baby shower host, planning a meal can be a misadventure or a blessing in disguise. Try these three tips I’ve learned, starting with the most learned first.
#1- When choosing the level of difficulty you want your menu to be, think easy! The last thing you want to be doing before the shower starts is running around a kitchen wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into. Unless you have recruited many helpers, be realistic about the food you will serve at the shower. Here are some menu ideas for you that are complimentary and quick, so you will have time to focus on other things on shower day:
Extremely Inexpensive Menu
Sloppy Joes
Potato Chips
Carrot and Celery Sticks
Fruit Bowl (watermelon, cantaloupe, bananas, grapes, strawberries, etc.)
Ice Water and Punch
*If you’d like to, use ground turkey as a healthy replacement for the beef, and keep the BBQ mixture in a crock pot before the shower starts. Another healthy choice is using whole wheat buns which can usually be found at bakery outlets like Sara Lee. Up to two days before the shower, cut the carrot and celery sticks and seal in zip lock bags. Also, be sure to purchase the fruit a few days in advance so that it can ripen on the counter by the time you’re ready to chop it up. Add ice to the punch just before you serve it.
“I Want to Serve A Meal and Have No Time” Option
Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup
4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
½ tsp. Minced Garlic
2 (14 oz.) Cans Chicken Broth (fat free is a great substitute)
2 (14 oz.) Cans Stewed Tomatoes, chopped, with liquid
1 C. Medium Salsa
2 T. Dried Cilantro
1 T. Ground Cumin
Combine all ingredients in a 4 ½ to 6 quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high 6 hours or on low heat 8-10 hours. After 4 hours, shred the chicken, put it back in the crock pot and continue to cook. Serve over strips of flour or corn tortillas cut into ½-inch strips. Topping choices include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, chopped green onions and sliced olives.
*The chicken can be cooked and shredded in advance. I hear nothing but slurping sounds when this soup is served on a cold winter evening. Serves 10.
#2- Good etiquette suggests that guests “repondez, s’il vous plait” which means “respond, please.” It is a necessity to know how many people you are preparing for. A perfect solution for the host and guest alike is to include a homemade postcard in the invitation. Address it to yourself and affix postage. Postcard stamps are .20 cents right now. Have guests check a box indicating whether they will be attending or not and a place to write how many guests you can expect.
#3- Consider food allergies. My oldest daughter, Alison, is allergic to wheat. Now that I have been welcomed into the world of food allergies, I am keenly aware of how many people are affected by them also. Include a place on your “automated RSVP postcard” to ask if people have food sensitivities or health concerns. Menus can be easily adapted to fit their individual needs.
Tara Lofley is the owner and creator of http://www.baby-shower-guide.com She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Development. Tara loves baby showers and has two beautiful daughters of her own. Read more of Tara’s planning and menu ideas at http://www.baby-shower-guide.com
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