Something We Can Use in our Collection: Punch

Yesterday I washed my punch bowl and glasses and packed it away for what I first thought would probably be another year before I realized I have a daughter graduating this year and more than likely will be hosting a reception of some sort for her. A simple way to serve drinks at a reception is of course, with a punch bowl and having a couple good punch recipes up your sleeve... or in your files is a must!

This is one I found on a recipe board for public use. It's probably similar to recipes we all have in our files but I liked how simplistic the ice ring instructions are and frankly, I was just too lazy to type them all out. Ha. Yes, I do always use ice rings when I use my punch bowl and yes, I also always add flowers, fruit or other additions to the ice ring to make it beautiful. I like to use fake flowers that have been washed well to remove any chemical sprays. This way when the ice ring melts the flowers typically still float on the surface or just look pretty in the last remaining inch or so of punch in the bottom of the bowl.



Just another Punch Recipe



2 cans frozen limeade concentrate
2 cans frozen lemonade concentrate
2 cans unsweetened grapefruit juice
2 cans pineapple juice

Mix and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Just before serving add:

3 quarts ginger ale
1 prepared ice ring (or a lot of ice cubes if you didn't get a ring made)
1 quart water

Ice Ring for punch bowl

Make an ice ring using at least one of the punch ingredients so that as it melts it will not dilute the punch. Use a bundt pan or an angel food cake pan for a ring or if you don't have one, just use a bowl or pan (making sure the bowl can be frozen)for a solid circle.

Mix up the fruit juice ingredients a day in advance. Pour into pan and freeze over night. You may add cherries and sliced pineapple to the ring before freezing. If you want them to float symmetrically, set a timer for 1/2 hour and rearrange fruit before it freezes to hard. (To remove ice ring from pan, set pan in warm water in your sink until it loosens or place a hot, wet towel on the backside of the pan.)

Cooking for a Crowd - Macaroni Salad

Earlier today I posted a recipe for a casserole that would serve 50 and baked in under 30 minutes for anyone looking for a last minute recipe to serve to a large group of people perhaps gathering for a New Years Eve feast or if you are hosting one tomorrow. I also wanted to be sure to publish these to my collection for future use at graduation receptions, baby showers and family reunions. Recipes for crowds are hard to find and having them quick and easy at my disposal is always helpful.

Well, I liked the idea of having them on my website for 'quick finding' so much that I have decided to add some of the others. I have them in my 'paper files' here in my home but truthfully, I love to bring up my website when I'm cooking and just have my laptop next to me on the kitchen counter.

Without further adieu let's get cooking! Another recipe for a crowd.

Macaroni Salad for 50

3 pounds cooked ham, cubed
3 pounds macaroni, cooked and drained
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag frozen peas, thawed
6 cups chopped celery
1 large chopped onion
1 5-3/4 ounce cans pitted sliced ripe olives

Macaroni Salad Dressing:
1 quart mayonnaise
4 ounces Western brand salad dressing*
1/8 cup vinegar
1/8 cup sugar
1/2 cup light cream
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Make dressing in a separate bowl. Combine all ingredients and pour dressing over salad. Refrigerate.

*I thought this was an interesting addition but it's certainly not a must have. You can leave it out and just use an additional 1/2 cup of mayo if you'd like.

Quick! A Last Minute Recipe to Serve 50 People! Cheesy Chicken Casserole!

Tonight, there are many people hosting get togethers and parties. Big, small, intimate or other... groups are gathering to celebrate the New Year. If any of my readers are currently online searching for a quick, easy meal to serve up to 50 people and they either have canned chicken on hand or they are regular readers of mine and have cooked and diced left-over chicken or turkey in their freezer already, then I have a recipe for you that can be done in about 30 minutes!~ Time enough to make it, go get ready for your guests, set the buffet while it bakes and greet tonights crowd with a smile on your face and a yummy, filling meal to serve.

If you don't need it for tonight (because I'm hoping you have planned better than that!) then save this one for future reference. You always have times you'll need to feed a crowd! Family reunions, graduation receptions, some down-home wedding receptions, baby showers and more.


Cheesy Chicken for 50

20 cups diced cooked chicken
10 cups chopped celery
4 bunches chopped green onions
16 ounces chopped green chilies (canned)
2 - 6 ounce cans sliced pitted ripe olives (drained)
4 cups slivered almonds
4 cups mayonnaise
4 cups sour cream
10 cups crushed potato chips
10 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Combine the first eight ingredients with 4 cups of the cheese. Mix well and spoon into four greased 13" x 9" x 2" deep baking dishes. Sprinkle with chips and remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25 minutes or until hot.

New Years Eve Party Drink; Cranberry Margarita

Mmmm... Betty Crocker! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Betty Crocker was one of my first 'real' cookbooks, one I wouldn't be without and one that I've bought numerous copies of over the last 20 years to give as bridal shower and wedding gifts. About 5 years ago I even bought three copies of the special Christmas Cookie cookbook to give to my kids when they get married, as it's been a tradition in our home each holiday season to sit and gaze at the pages and pages of cookies and gingerbread house and bars and the children would call out "I get this one!" "I want that one!" "I get this one!" and 'call dibs' on the photos of 'their' cookies. Yes, Betty Crocker is a staple at our home and this drink idea in their latest newsletter is no exception. Copying here for my own personal use, I can't wait to make these and wish I was having a New Years Eve party just so I'd have an excuse to serve them! They are so pretty and festive!


1 can (11 1/2 ounces) frozen cranberry juice cocktail concentrate, thawed
2 cans (12 ounces each) lemon-lime soda pop
5 cups water
1 cup tequila
1/4 cup lime juice


In 3-quart plastic container, beat all ingredients with wire whisk or spoon until well blended. Cover and freeze at least 24 hours until slushy. Serve in margarita or cocktail glasses.

Quick and Easy Pasta Carbonara

How about a fast and furious recipe for the quickest carbonara recipe you might ever make!? It's time for me to head to work but I wanted to update my page first. This quick and easy recipe from my files might just fill the gap and fill your stomach on a cold winter's day!

Quick and Easy Pasta Carbonara

1 package bacon, cooked crisp
1 jar alfredo sauce
1 yellow (sweet) onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, fresh minced
Olive oil
1 package tortellini


To the bacon in the pan, add the jar of alfredo sauce. In another pan, gently cook the onion in a bit of olive oil. Add the 3 cloves of garlic the last 3 minutes or so. Add the alfredo sauce and bacon to onions and garlic. Meanwhile, boil the tortellini about 4-6 minutes until al dente. Mix sauce with pasta. Some people like to add a cup of pea's to their version of pasta carbonara. Me? I just add extra bacon!