Thursday, November 4, 2010

The $20 Dinner Party



Between the new job and the new house, I haven’t had much time (or inclination) to cook lately. I threw together two big vats of soup this past Sunday; that plus an econo-sized tub of salad greens will get the two of us through the week, easily, meaning I don’t have to worry about cooking when I get home this week. Which is good, because now that I live in the ‘burbs and have to ride the commuter rail, and then walk from there, it’s usually 7 pm before I get home.


Anyway. That does leave me with a problem vis-à-vis this blog, as I don’t have any new and exciting recipes to throw out right now. Mostly I’m just making the old standbys, with what’s in the pantry. (I haven’t gone grocery shopping since we moved in.)

So I’m throwing out this concept to see what you guys think: The $20 Dinner Party.

In which I put together a dinner party for 8 people, total food costs under $20. Total, not per person. (Obviously that will not include booze, just food; the booze budget could easily run two or even three times that, depending on whether I had wine pairings with each course.)

Plus, I’d cook it in front of everyone; a dinner party and cooking class in one. You could see how to maximize a budget like that, and take the recipes home with you. We’re not talking vats of soup, either; a multi-course full dinner, with fresh seasonal ingredients.

What do you think? Would you come to something like that? Would you be willing to pay some nominal amount (say, $5 plus alcohol) per person? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

6 comments:

  1. This would be amazing! I am in Atlanta and can't paticipate in person but would love to read the breakdown on your blog! I am really curious to see how you do it. We entertain alot and this would be a godsend!

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  2. I would love to participate and pay as well! Additionally, as I also don't get home until late (I have a love/hate relationship with the commuter rail), would love to hear how you cope with meals...planning, cooking, etc.

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  3. Unfortunately I live in San Francisco so could not attend, but the idea is great and I can't wait to read about it!

    I'm always looking for good ways to entertain on the cheap without seeming like I'm cheap! Bonus points if you don't rely too much on beans (I like them, but apparently a lot of folks don't!)

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  4. That sounds like awesome fun and I would pay $5 for that!

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  5. I think it's great idea, I can't participate either but I totally would if I could! I've love to read about it.

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