Cooking for 25

[Polly D]

Going on holiday next week with my big family massive - 32 of us, to France for one week. There'll be 22 adults & 3 teenagers, plus 7 children. Something we do every 3 years as a tried and tested formula. We take it in turns to cook each night. Am in need of good ideas for when it's mine and my husband's turn.

Any suggestions?

[StraferJack]

What's the usual frame of reference. French food?

[Polly D]

Not necessarily, but since we're there. Half the people going are Mallorcan so I want to avoid Spanish nosh cos they do it very well indeed. Most of the family are keen cooks so I'd like to come up with something more interesting than a massive pasta bake, if you get my drift.

[numbers]

Is it too boring to suggest a cassoulet (easy to prepare, you will be able to get excellent sausages locally and this dish is good for large groups where everyone can help themselves, easy to reheat).

chicken chasseur? peas with lettuce (gorgeous). endive salad, quiches with french cheeses. tapenade and bread to share. wine. oh I wish I was in France.

[Polly D]

Not boring at all numbers! Does cassoulet usually have to include duck? Not against it but might be pricey for 25. Great suggestions, thank you.

[StraferJack]

Good suggestions from numbers

Get some chicken carcasses going for lots of chicken stock

Use as a base for onion soup, beef bourgugnon, couple of roast chickens, gravy etc

Bouillabaisse a crowd please too

[Michael Palaeologus]

A stonking great Coq au Vin would go down well. 8 chickens from the local market or local Carrefour, cheap local red wine, mushrooms, shallots, basil, garlic. Easy to prep, long slow cooking, eat with fresh baguettes and local green salad.

[numbers]

oh no polly, cassoulet (in my experience anyway) is just sausages, white beans, good stock, breadcrumbs, bouquet garni, garlic etc. very cheap which is why I picked it for serving to a large crowd ;)

ps what the Radiant Bhuna said - excellent suggestion. oh I was going to suggest SJ's bouilllabaisse but not so sure if appeals to all, adults and children alike. would second beef bourguignon tho.

[Loz]

If you want easy, try fajitas. Cook up some meat/sauce (or two) and the rest is chopped cold stuff. Everyone does their own assembling!

[Pickle]

You could do slow roasted pork shoulders? Serve with bread, salad, apple sauce etc (like the hog roast sandwiches at the North Cross Rd market). Marinate overnight then just leave on low all day, very easy.

Or a massive tray bake, honey & mustard chicken thighs/wings? Once again with local breads and salad.

Good luck!

[ClareC]

Think I would do a huge pot of chilli, sour cream, flat breads, cheese and Doritos! Not forgetting plenty of red wine :)

[Salsaboy]

Delivery pizza.

[maxxi]

Pot au Feu - great dish for big group - easy and cheap(ish). Lots of cheap cuts of meat (and Morteau Sausage - easily obtained as you're in France) and big hearty veg - simple to serve too yet very delicious.

[Ruffler]

How about Morrocan slow roast lamb? I would probably use shoulder though you'd probably need 2 or 3 decent sized pieces, rub over Moroccan spices, add onions, garlic, tomatoes and stock, cook on a low temperature for 5-6 hours, add tins of chick peas towards end of cooking, add chopped coriander and serve with cous cous and salads. Relatively little effort but very tasty!