Calgary Teachers Convention: Also Known As: Calgary Stampede Craziness for Teachers Only and Stuffed Into Two and a Half Days Instead of Ten. And in Winter. And the only animals are the teachers. Anyway...
How much do I love party planning? So much that I always go WAY over the top. Occasionally in the past I have required sedatives when the moment finally arrives after days of careful preparation and meticulous planning. Okay, so this time I am going to have FUN. I am planning a party for TEACHERS the night before convention starts (a Wednesday) and using this to document my plans as they change. A large number of people are invited, but knowing teachers, I have found there are three types of attendees:
1. Those who come right at the beginning because they have to get home, but don't want to miss out. They stay one - two hours. Thus it is essential to start the party immediately after school. Wednesday is perfect for me, because I will have a prep at the end of the day, so will have lots of lead time to get home and do last-minute prep.
2. Those who come after they have done other adult duties. They arrive around 6 - 7 and stay anywhere from 30 minutes to all night.
3. Those who arrive 30 - 60 minutes after the party starts and tuck in for the night, usually departing around the time that Canada AM starts...in other words, tomorrow.
Based on these factors, it is essential to have food that lasts, without being stuck cooking all night. I love intricate recipes, but I reserve those for small dinner parties, where presentation is more appreciated. Also essential for me is a balance of vegetarian (that doesn't seem like it) and meat dishes. Here is my plan for now:
My theme is Western European Fusion
-Crudites with Spinach and/or Artichoke Dip, served hot. I need to work on this one. Love hot dips. Feel that spinach and artichokes are both too 2002. So over. Ooo! Maybe salmon with green onion, as made by Amber the Fabulous as one option, and another dip that is vegetarian...
-Red Pepper Hummus with dippers. Love the red pepper for COLOUR!!
-Anipasti w/ Focaccia (beans, prawns, sardines, olives, artichoke hearts, figs, soft mozza, thin sliced sausage)
-Ratatouille (a hot, hearty, vegetarian dish for those who are staying over the dinner hour and beyond). This can stay on a low heat for DAYS, never mind hours, and still be delicious.
-Chicken Drumettes, as requested by Scott, John, and Suzana
-Meatballs with Gravy...hmm...need a twist on this one, too. Lamb instead of Beef?? Maybe... with a garlic gravy, greek-style. Mmm...lamb...
-Cold herbed couscous OR quinoa salad (useful for soaking up gravy and ratatouille sauces).
-Desserts: While I love to bake, I may cheat and go to the European bakery by Scarlett, because they have the coolest little yummy tidbits.
Okay, next hurdle is the drink menu. If anyone wants to email me ideas, go for it. Obviously, lots of non-alcoholic options because NO teachers drink. In addition to the usual alcohol proferrings, I would like to create one signature drink for this party. It's sort of my thing. Like the night I made Cloudy Skies...but need to stick with my European Fusion theme.
How much do I love party planning? So much that I always go WAY over the top. Occasionally in the past I have required sedatives when the moment finally arrives after days of careful preparation and meticulous planning. Okay, so this time I am going to have FUN. I am planning a party for TEACHERS the night before convention starts (a Wednesday) and using this to document my plans as they change. A large number of people are invited, but knowing teachers, I have found there are three types of attendees:
1. Those who come right at the beginning because they have to get home, but don't want to miss out. They stay one - two hours. Thus it is essential to start the party immediately after school. Wednesday is perfect for me, because I will have a prep at the end of the day, so will have lots of lead time to get home and do last-minute prep.
2. Those who come after they have done other adult duties. They arrive around 6 - 7 and stay anywhere from 30 minutes to all night.
3. Those who arrive 30 - 60 minutes after the party starts and tuck in for the night, usually departing around the time that Canada AM starts...in other words, tomorrow.
Based on these factors, it is essential to have food that lasts, without being stuck cooking all night. I love intricate recipes, but I reserve those for small dinner parties, where presentation is more appreciated. Also essential for me is a balance of vegetarian (that doesn't seem like it) and meat dishes. Here is my plan for now:
My theme is Western European Fusion
-Crudites with Spinach and/or Artichoke Dip, served hot. I need to work on this one. Love hot dips. Feel that spinach and artichokes are both too 2002. So over. Ooo! Maybe salmon with green onion, as made by Amber the Fabulous as one option, and another dip that is vegetarian...
-Red Pepper Hummus with dippers. Love the red pepper for COLOUR!!
-Anipasti w/ Focaccia (beans, prawns, sardines, olives, artichoke hearts, figs, soft mozza, thin sliced sausage)
-Ratatouille (a hot, hearty, vegetarian dish for those who are staying over the dinner hour and beyond). This can stay on a low heat for DAYS, never mind hours, and still be delicious.
-Chicken Drumettes, as requested by Scott, John, and Suzana
-Meatballs with Gravy...hmm...need a twist on this one, too. Lamb instead of Beef?? Maybe... with a garlic gravy, greek-style. Mmm...lamb...
-Cold herbed couscous OR quinoa salad (useful for soaking up gravy and ratatouille sauces).
-Desserts: While I love to bake, I may cheat and go to the European bakery by Scarlett, because they have the coolest little yummy tidbits.
Okay, next hurdle is the drink menu. If anyone wants to email me ideas, go for it. Obviously, lots of non-alcoholic options because NO teachers drink. In addition to the usual alcohol proferrings, I would like to create one signature drink for this party. It's sort of my thing. Like the night I made Cloudy Skies...but need to stick with my European Fusion theme.
No comments:
Post a Comment