Sunday Dinner For a Crowd

Every Sunday we have a house full of people for Sunday dinner.  Hospitality is a great way to love and encourage other believers and reach out to those who are new at the church.  Over the years I’ve tried many different menus, but there are a few I always come back to for ease and cost.  This meal is one of them.  I shop at Walmart and the shopping list that goes along with this meal shows prices from my local store.  Sometimes I use ground beef and make meat sauce instead.  Substitutions are easy and work just fine.  I’ve found it helps to plan ahead and know what I’ll spend and what I’ll need, too.  Try this meal and invite the gang over for Sunday dinner this weekend!

Sunday Dinner For a Crowd

(Feeds 12 – 18)

MENU

Mixed Green Salad w/ Tomatoes

Garlic Bread

Whole Wheat Pasta

Choice of Alfredo or Marinara Sauce with Meatballs

Brownies

 

WALMART SHOPPING LIST

Produce:

½ Container of Mixed Salad Greens @ $4.98 a box = $2.49

1 large tomato @ $1

Frozen:

2 – 2 lb. bags of Great Value Italian Meatballs @ 5.98 each = $11.96

2 – Great Value Frozen Garlic Bread @ $1.98 each = $3.96

Canned Goods & Pasta:

4 – 13.5 oz. boxes of Great Value Whole Wheat Penne @ $.88 a box = $3.52

1 – 24 oz. can of Hunt’s Petite Diced Tomatoes @ $1.68

3 – 24 oz. cans of Hunt’s Four Cheese Spaghetti Sauce @ $.98 a can = $3.92

4 – 14.5 oz. jars of Great Value Alfredo Sauce @ $1.50 each = $6

1 – Bottle salad dressing = $2

½ Can of Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese @ $2.98 a can = $1.49

Baking:

2 boxes of Pillsbury Milk Chocolate Brownie Mix @ $1.25 each = $2.50

1 bag of Hershey’s Chocolate Chips = $2.04

1 Can of Pillsbury Creamy Vanilla Frosting = $1.50

Beverages:

1 box of Great Value Sugar Free Lemonade or Iced Tea Mix = $2

TOTAL COST FOR MEAL = $46

 

           PREP & COOKING SCHEDULE

Saturday Evening:

Food Prep:

1. Pasta – Boil pasta & refrigerate in microwave safe containers.

2. Dessert – Bake Brownies. Combine both mixes and bag of chocolate chips. Follow instructions for baking a double batch, found of back of box. You will need a 15” by 10” pan for the Brownies. Once cooled, take frosting and stir, then microwave for 30 seconds which should make it very soft and pourable. Stir again and pour over brownies, smoothing to cover the top and glaze them. This will set up and harden to a semi-soft topping. Do not cover.

3. Salad – Prepare salad, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

4. Meatballs & Sauce – Take 2 Slow Cookers and divide the frozen meatballs into them. In one, add the four jars of Alfredo Sauce. In the other, add the 3 cans of spaghetti sauce and the can of diced tomatoes. Season both to taste. Put the lids on and put into the refrigerator until morning.

 

Table & Service Prep:

1. Eating Area – Set the tables & chairs. Keep plates together for the serving line, but put glasses and flatware at the seating places along with the napkins.

2. Serving Area – The serving area should be set up beginning with an area starting for the salad, with small bowls or plates and room for the serving bowl and dressings. Then an area for the guests to choose which sauce they prefer and be served their plate. A breadbasket comes next and the server should hand out pieces of the bread as well.

3. Beverage Area – The beverage area should be set up separately from the serving line. This area would contain the pitchers and a container for ice and a scoop or serving tongs.

 

Sunday Morning:

Before leaving for church take both crocks from the refrigerator and put into the slow cookers. Turn on low and allow to cook while you are at church.

Sunday After Service:

1. When you return home, immediately check the sauces and stir.

2. Pre-heat oven for the garlic bread.

3. Remove pasta and heat up in the microwave. Cover to keep warm.

4. Set out the salad and dressing in the serving area.

5. Put the garlic bread in the oven.

6. While the bread is baking, place ice in the glasses and take drink orders – water, tea or lemonade. Fill glasses and return to places. (A few younger guests can help you with this task.)

7. When bread is finished, remove and slice. (Be sure to cut each half into 8 pieces so there will be enough for everyone. This should yield 32 pieces total.)

8. Pray and serve the meal.

9. When everyone has eaten dinner, remove the plates and cut the brownies. Offer coffee or beverage refills and serve the dessert.

10. When the meal is over, invite your guest to sit in a more comfortable spot and visit with them!

It would be tempting to allow others to visit while you clean up the kitchen and do the dishes. However, the goal of the time of fellowship is just that – to fellowship! Perhaps this is acceptable if the women would like to do this together, but if not, wait until later. Spending time with your guests is most important and will build relationships and bring blessing for years to come!