Cooking for a larger party can quickly break your budget. When you have to cater for an event or special occasion you have to make sure that everyone has enough to eat and drink and that everyone’s dietary requirements are catered for. This can all add up! However, by planning carefully and following a few clever tips, cooking for a large group shouldn’t be stressful and can be affordable. Many retailers, such as Makro, have amazing specials from time-to-time on quality food products. Let’s have a look at a few smart ways you can cook up a feast without going over your budget:
Plan long in advance
It’s important to know exactly how many people will join the event or special occasion. This will help you to prepare enough food and drinks for everyone. A few weeks before the event, ask invitees to let you know if they will be able to attend or not. It’s also a great idea to ask attendees if they have any special dietary requirements. This way, you can cater to the entire group without stressing about allergies and food preferences.
Browse easy and affordable recipes online
The internet is filled with easy and affordable recipes – not to mention delicious! A week or two before the event, browse around the net and look for recipes that will suit everyone’s dietary requirements. You also want to look for dishes that are easy to make. If you have uncomplicated dishes, you will not feel overwhelmed or stressed when you have to prepare the food. You will have the peace of mind to cook with confidence and to get everything ready in time.
Find affordable ingredients
Once you know how many people you will be catering for and what dishes you will prepare, it’s time to browse around for ingredients. Luckily, many stores have incredible promotions from time to time. What is even more convenient, is that certain websites such as latestspecials.co.za offer a large range of catalogues from the most popular stores online. This way you can browse the best specials on ingredients from the comfort of your home. For example, you can simply search for “Makro specials” and you will find all Makro’s latest promotions on food items, including fruit, vegetables and dry produce. It’s so easy to save and cater for a feast!
Tip: Have a look at the latest Makro R100 deals. They have incredible promotions to help you stay within your budget while you cook.
Test the dishes before the big day
It’s a great idea to test your dishes before the event or special occasion. You don’t have to prepare massive amounts of food, but a small test is a good idea to get the confidence you need. A few days before the event, cook small portions of your dishes and ask a few friends or family members to have a taste. This will help you to make improvements if needed.
Pair dishes with drinks
It is a known fact that certain dishes go with certain drinks. For example, white wines are delicious with seafood dishes and red wines are perfect with red meats, while beers go great with oilier food such as pizza and burgers. If you are unsure, browse around on the internet to see which drinks can be paired with which dishes. If you have a great, balanced menu, your guests will be satisfied at the end of the event or special occasion and your catering will be a success.
Preparing food for a large group can be nerve-wracking and stressful. However, if you plan long in advance and follow the right steps, it can be easy and affordable – hassle-free! If you do feel a bit overwhelmed, ask a friend or two to assist you on the day. This way you will have the support you need should anything go wrong. If you do have a budget, make sure you look for specials online, such as at Makro. Not only can you stay in your budget, but you can save for those extra things you need. Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the process. Cooking should be an enjoyable activity, so make sure you remember to fun while you cook up a storm.
Craig Sandeman is South Africa’s go-to guru for all things gift-giving, blending psychology and cultural insights to curate perfect presents. A Cape Town native with a global perspective, he’s renowned for his blog, workshops, and media features that delve into the art and science of thoughtful gifting. If you’re ever stumped on finding the ideal gift, Craig’s expert advice is your ticket to gifting success.
