Been doing this party for years now. And, each year, I tighten shit up... hold on to what works, jettison what doesn't.
It'll never be perfect... but I always try.

Anyway, this year, I've decided to go with a more "dinner party" menu than a "party" one. People always eat chips and dip... but, IMO, just because it's there.

So...

5PM: Four pounds of shrimp cocktail, four pounds of kielbasa in ginger-ale sauce. (Old school firehouse recipe-always a hit.)

6:30PM (Kickoff): 1st Course. Six pounds of steak tips (3 varieties) with spicy cheese fries.

3rd Quarter: Four pounds of Kahlua-Jerked chicken bites and coconut rice. (Another big hit.)

End of Game: Typical platter apps. Mini-egg rolls, bagel bites, that kind of shit. (No one wants big food then... but, they like to have stuff to pick at.)

I'm trying to toe the line between making my guests happy and not having to work my ass off. (Two years ago, I did four dozen hand-made empanadas. Big hit... but a fuck ton of work.)

I know that for a party like this, I'm taking a risk by not having chips and dip... but I've thrown away so much of that stuff over the years that I don't think I really need it.

So, what do you all think?

What time should I arrive ?

I already posted that. Any and everyone from Arfcom is invited. 5pm.

Might be a bit of a drive for you, though.

It sure sounds good.

If you're having 30 people, it sounds about right.

Meh, I try.

Spend all of my time running back and forth between the kitchen, where I'm cooking, and my office, where I'm spinning tunes.



(I'm not a sports fan, so that makes me the perfect host for this kind of party. Last year, I didn't know who won until the next morning.)

Have to agree with you on this.



The menu you've got there sounds MUCH better than chips and dip.





 

Honestly, about half that. I always over cook. (Seeing as I never get to eat during the party, it makes for some good leftovers.)

Heck, you should see the bar I put out... I always send folks home with bottles.

(I'd never want any of my guests to want something that wasn't there. )

   I found a new snack that might help you.

  Jalapeno pickles. Yes, I said pickles.

  Don't get the sliced version, get the baby gerkin smaller type whole pickles.

  Not too hot but definitely will let you know it is not your regular baby pickle.

  Put a pile of them on a platter with some toothpicks to the side and watch them disappear. I went through 3 jars during my New Years Eve party.

Homemade pizza, M&M's chocolate footballs, chips n' dip. I try to make it easy and I want to see most of the game.
Only about 7 people will be at my party.

Do plan to take Monday off however.

Hey OP, how about a recipe for that ginger-ale sauce kielbasa?

Pretty please with a cherry on top?

Thanks in advance.

Red-Not a sports fan. Don't care if I miss the whole game.

Blue-Absolutely. Of course, being retired... I know I'll be off.

Sounds like too much work for me, but the wife loves hosting these so I am sure she is going to add a football shaped cake and a few other hot appetizers to my menu.

Post the Kilbasa & Ginger Ale Sauce recipe or invite us over.

Are you kidding? It's stupid easy...

In a large skillet throw a liter, or two, of ginger ale and set it over a high flame.

While that's cooking, cut up your kielbasa into medallions. (Not too thin.)

When the ginger ale is boiling, throw in your kielbasa, turn the heat down a little... and wait.

As the ginger ale cooks down, it becomes this gooey, thick, sugary paste...

When the kielbasa starts to blacken a bit around the edges, scoop the whole mess out and throw it on a platter.

If you want to go firehouse traditional, stick a bunch of toothpicks into the medallions and serve them with the hottest, spiciest mustard you've got.

We always said... it's not fancy, but it is good!

(You can thank my friend Kevin for that. Another old retired guy. )

You're going to make my ass drive down there, aren't you?

You had me at Kielbasa

Hey... I can't say that it won't be fun.

No recipes......please you know better.

I didn't see beer on the menu

Sounds really good.  What kind of beers are you going to be serving?

Told my guests... either tell what you want, or bring your own.

BYOB

Sounds like a great party. What interested me most was this right here..........

"3rd Quarter: Four pounds of Kahlua-Jerked chicken bites and coconut rice. (Another big hit.)"

Is there any way I could get a recipe for this? This sounds freakin awesome!

Are you a girl?