This proven technique is effective for both main dishes and side dishes.
The pressure of the holiday season It's genuine, and Ina Garten is here to assist. Many of her recipes are ideal for various occasions you might be commemorating, and she’s now sharing valuable tips with those preparing to do so. host friends and family in the coming weeks.
Garten utilized her Instagram account on December 14 to host an event. Ask Me Anything During an AMA session, she responded to numerous queries from her followers, covering various topics—from helpful cooking tips valuable life guidance right from the start, this Barefoot Contessa The host brought up a question regarding how she decides the quantity of food needed for a group, be it during holidays or other events. "Since I used to work as a caterer, I often had to calculate the amount of cuisine required for 20 guests, or perhaps 100, or even 200," she shared, reminiscing about her time running a gourmet shop in Westhampton, New York, where she regularly hosted various gatherings.
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Considering her background in catering, it’s not surprising that Garten managed to develop a formula for determining how much food to prepare for big gatherings, one she continues to employ today. "A guideline I typically follow is, for each main course , half a pound per individual, and a quarter of a pound per individual for the side dishes She mentioned, 'That generally turned out to be quite effective.'
In other words, if you're preparing a feast for 10 people during the holidays, according to Garten's formula, you should plan for around five pounds of meat as the centerpiece (whether it be turkey , steak , like fish or a roast) and around 2.5 pounds for side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. The choice of what you prepare (along with how many sides you include) is entirely up to your preference.
While this should be more than enough food for you and your crew, Garten also acknowledged that the fear of not having enough food on your holiday table is real. “And then, personally, I would double it just to make sure we had enough food,” she joked. “No, no, I’m not recommending you do that!” Still, it couldn’t hurt to add a bit of extra food (or an additional side dish or salad) just in case. In the worst case scenario, you'll have some scrumptious leftovers to enjoy.
Related: Why Ina Garten Never Brings Wine or Flowers as a Host Gift—and What She Always Brings Instead
When hosting a large gathering, Garten mentioned preferring to stick to simple yet delightful dishes, assisted by an all-time favorite meal that everyone enjoys. She refers to this particular spread as her 'Get-to-Know-You Menu.' This menu originates from Barefoot Contessa Parties She mentioned, highlighting her cookbook containing the recipes for these favorite meals. "It includes a rack of lamb along with orzo and roasted veggies."
Garten stated that these three recipes are effective for multiple reasons. She explained, "I could whip them up even when I'm half-asleep; they're incredibly tasty, and super simple to get ready."
Related: Avoid Getting Crumbs in Your Frosting with Ina Garten's Clever Trick for Decorating a Cake
If you're seeking additional recipes and guidance from the celebrated Food Network personality, good news: You won't have to wait very long. In a later part of the AMA, Garten shared that her upcoming cookbook is set to hit shelves in Fall 2026.
Read the initial article on Real Simple
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