By Sara Moffett, Deli manager, Co-op Owner
Some of the best dishes to have at a summer outing are the ones you can make in advance. These are typically foods that are pleasing to the eye, delicious, and able to feed a crowd. Keep your guests and the weather in mind when planning your menu.
If most of your guests follow a more plant-based diet, stick with classic cold salads such as macaroni salad, potato salad, or bean salad. These dishes are great for everyone, not just those who choose not to eat meat. You can easily jazz them up with flavorful spices, fresh summertime herbs, and ingredients that add texture and color. If you don’t want to stray too far from a traditional recipe, simply upgrade it with a high-quality cheese, crisp local vegetables, or fresh herbs to make your dish stand out and delight guests.
Be sure to keep cold salads refrigerated until it’s time to leave for the event. Once there, keep them chilled on ice so they remain at or below 41°F. Cold salads made with perishable ingredients should not be left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F. Discard any leftovers that have been left out beyond these time limits.
Now, if you are making a hot dish, keeping it at a safe temperature is just as important. Hot foods should be cooked thoroughly and held at 140°F or higher until they are served. Slow cookers, chafing dishes, insulated carriers, and warming trays are all excellent ways to keep food hot during a picnic or cookout. Ask ahead if an electrical outlet will be at the event, that will help you decide which option will work best for your dish.
Popular make-ahead hot dishes include baked beans, casseroles, pulled pork, baked pasta dishes, meatballs, and grilled vegetables. These foods travel well, feed a crowd, and can often be prepared the day before, saving you time on the day of the event. Even if you’re using a recipe from a cookbook or one you found online, don’t be afraid to make it your own. Add a personalized touch—a favorite spice blend, a unique ingredient, or your own special twist.
Always remember that food safety is just as important as flavor. Wash your hands before preparing food, use clean utensils, and avoid cross-contamination between raw meats and ready-to-eat foods. If you’re transporting food, use insulated coolers with plenty of ice for cold items and insulated containers for hot foods. Remember: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. And don’t forget the serving utensils!
With a little planning, a few fresh, flavorful ingredients, and careful attention to food safety, your summer outing dish is sure to be one guests will remember long after the party is over.
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