I need suggestions for a campaign fundraiser; home buffet.

[liberalnurse]

I have a friend who is running for U.S Congress. It is her first attempt. We will have the announcement in mid-January. She has a lovely, modern country-home in the suburbs. It has a rustic theme with a fireplace and is on a culd-a-sac. After a short discussion, the decision was made to have her announcement at her home, in the evening.

I want to do the set-up and buffet. I'm seeking suggestions for food items and beverage ideas. I think there should be alcohol/wine available since we are entertaining adults....as well as the water,soft drinks, and hot beverages. The food selections should be along a theme of comfort foods yet simple finger foods. I'll order the desert choices from our local gourmet store.....I'm thinking cannoli at the moment but the candidate is not Italian nor is our neighborhood....but they are sooooo good.

I'm thinking of seasoned nuts, like home roasted pecans and walnuts, sweetened and with a little hint of chili pepper.

NO garlic...for obvious resons.....

Here is another I like....Shallot Cherry Confit on a crusty baguette with cheese slice.

http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=recipe4943

Okay....let's hear your choices and options.....


How would one present the table? Theme ideas anyone???????

[eyesroll]

1. Ooooh...

Puff pastry filled with spinach and cheese, or mushrooms and ham, or lemon-spiked asparagus.

Deviled eggs have political associations for me (had my first deviled egg ever while watching the Reagan inaugural at school).

Meatballs are good -- Spanish-style albondigas, for instance.

A good twist on roasted nuts is olive-oil-fried almonds (buy blanched, peeled almonds and then fry them in olive oil until they're golden, sprinkle with salt). You can use this same technique with whole, boiled baby potatoes.

Olives.

Crudite of shrimp or salmon salad on toast rounds.

I like tapas, as you can probably tell.

You could do donkey-shaped sugar cookies (I have elephant and donkey cookie cutters for this reason).

OH: You may wanna check out FEC rules on providing food for Congressional fundraisers. There's a limit to what you can provide without disclosing it as a campaign contribution, and then after that there's a limit to what you can provide, period.

[liberalnurse]

2. OMG...the donkey shaped cookies!!!!!

Where now might I find such a cookie cutter????? I think the deviled eggs is a winner too. I am concerned that using Olive oil would add a peculiar taste to the nuts....Should I use the light olive oil?

Can you post some links or PM me some of your recipes?

I think the amount is $200...the price of all the food will come out of the campaign fund....My other job is to reseach in detail the 234 pages of the FEC mannual..... :scared:

[eyesroll]

3. I got a cookie cutter from a specialty baking shop here

You may have luck online.

I'll get recipes when I can.

Use regular olive oil -- it's a good flavor; trust me.

[liberalnurse]

6. Okay, I'll trust ya!!!!!

O8) :kick:

[eyesroll]

23. It's a traditional Spanish thing, so you don't even need to trust me

personally...:D (I took a tapas class this year and I don't normally even like almonds, but these were good.)

Other thoughts:

Make SURE you have a decent amount of vegetarian options. It's a sure bet that there will be a few vegetarians in a group of 150 Democrats (and quite a few who will want to eat the vegetarian stuff even though they're omnivores, so plan accordingly).

Avoid controversial food -- veal, fois gras. Not that you'd serve something that expensive at a fundraiser, but you know what I mean.

Be able to provide recipes! I get asked for recipes a lot, and I've asked for some (even at fundraisers). This means, if you use anything from a mix or a box, you'll need to be honest about it. :D

I second whoever said finger food or things that can be eaten in one or two bites -- often meatballs, chicken and other meat tapas are eaten with toothpicks in Spain.

Vegetarian maki (sushi rolls) are pretty easy to make -- easier than I'd expect, actually -- and always make a splash.

Is your region known for any particular food item? Here in Milwaukee, I'd probably make a point of serving Alterra coffee, Rishi tea, and so forth.

There are some very cool dessert recipes in this month's Cooking Light (there's a feature in the back about a dessert party). Popcorn brittle, gingersnaps, chocolate toffee, meringues (sp?). All very elegant, simple, cheap and they can be made ahead.

[liberalnurse]

28. Excellent.....

Ohio is known for ...well chili....and that's not an option this time. :scared:

Thanks for the reminder of no controversial foods......I was sknimming over a pate' idea but I see that would be kind of "yesterday"...... I like Humus but it may not be well recieved. I don't want too many strange items either.

I need to decide on the warm item.......HUmmmmm....let me think:think:

I know I want the shallot cherry confit on sliced, crusty, toasted baguette with cheese slice. The deviled eggs, the pepper-jam over soft cheese with fruit, the Donkey Cookies!!!!! so far, so good......

[eyesroll]

30. I think hummus is mainstream enough these days.

Guideline for "mainstream enough" = my mom is willing to eat it.

[liberalnurse]

33. Good, I'll have at least 2 choices

just in case. I can make Hummus ahead of time and serve it with some fresh flat bread. A Knorr's veggie dip will be a nice complement....

Now I'll keep listing choices then pull it all together.......to find balance. Something fried will be needed......and some meat/protein ....I have plenty of cheese, bread and dairy items....

[hippiegranny]

49. the only problem with hummus

is the garlic - it tends to be pretty potent!

[Neecy]

41. donkey cookie cutter

There are some cute ones on eBay - I looked around for you and found a nice one for under four bucks:



http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7730151322&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

[liberalnurse]

57. OMG you are an Angel.......

I'm going over there right NOW!!!!!!!!!

O8) O8) O8) O8) O8) O8) :bounce: :bounce: :wow: :kick:

[Warpy]

8. You also need to know whether or not you can use the kitchen

because anything you have to heat off premises will not be wonderful by the time it hits the buffet table and you'll need to consider cold fare, only.

[liberalnurse]

34. She has a huge, beautiful kitchen

and it will be mine for the night.O8)

I'll bring my favorite cookware since I'm weird like that..... Actually, it will not take much time at all to prepare the foods. That's my target. Prepwork is the key to time savings and freshness.

[Warpy]

37. Right, prep at home, heat on site

you'll be able to do hot canapes, stuffed mushrooms, and other things that have been suggested here as well as offer the usual array of crudites and cold cuts.

[mtnester]

4. Couple of ideas

Some general ideas - pot stickers, impromptu roast beef or pastrami cream cheese rolls (make em like they sound), maybe a roasted vegetable fritta cut into skinny wedges, mini muffins, or some scones, finger sandwiches (you can get pretty elegent very easy here with good crusty breads with the simplest fillings)

I would stay away from anything with red sauce or bones (much as I like wings, they are a pain in the ass sometimes)

Here is a great link to maybe help you! I know it is for bridal showers, but there are also some fabulous other party links on the left hand frame.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/et_pa_bridal_shower_finger_food/0,1972,FOOD_9851,00.html

Let us know your final menu! Don't forget FRESH FLOWERS...fresh only (I know, I am a snob)

[liberalnurse]

10. That is a great link!!!!!!

Yes, the FLOWERS!!!!!!!! What kind of arrangement do you go for in January??????

Plus, the fireplace needs to be burning wood......We need a good fragrance emitted there too. I want to target their senses and wallets.......:woohoo:

[mtnester]

11. You can never go wrong with rich red roses...

Really depends on what you settle for on your menu...I think once you decide, you will see a "theme" overall for the food. Find a florist you TRUST, then let them know you need rustic, or winter whites and blues, or warm reds....

If you use a lot of baskets, etc. for presentation, I would go for rustic, loose arrangement that are not too tall. Maybe even that look like something you would see roadside or seaside...get a florist to help (maybe you can find a Dem florist who would be willing to make a donation in kind?)

Applewood for the fireplace - THE best for ambiance and scent. If you cannot get that, oak.

Where are you having this bash? Dayton area?

[liberalnurse]

16. Centerville......

At the candidates home. It's an upper scale home.....it's essentially new, 5 years old. Wood rustic interior theme, cathedral ceiling.....Stone fireplace, kids and dogs about the house......

I like the idea of the florist. I think there will be a Democratic Florist somewhere.......Janruary is a tough month to work with.....

[NMDemDist2]

20. winter stuff, here's some good ideas that won't be too spendy

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_seasonal_other/article/0,1785,HGTV_3626_1380358,00.html

[liberalnurse]

14. Are you going to be there?????

You are invited.........:grouphug:

[mtnester]

18. I live in a burb just SE of Columbus

It would be great to meet you, but, I almost would rather do it when you are not as in demand or fretting as I KNOW you will be that evening (I would, I know my anal tendencies well). If you want some moral support, I will give you that by my appearance...if I would seem like a guest, tell me to stay home.

I can PM you with my home and work Email and numbers if you would like. You might be able to put up with an opinionated me (I work with ALL men, and once I tell you WHERE, you will understand)


Err..do NOT ask me my position on tasers! :evilgrin:

[liberalnurse]

22. No tasers at this event.

:rofl:

I will keep you in the loop as we progress onward.....You would be a most welcome guest and supporter! I'll send you a PM.....O8)

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

5. How many people are you expecting?

Down thread you mentioned that your budget was $200. Is that for everything? Wine? Decorations?

Also, you mentioned a buffet. Did you want a dinner buffet? Or just snacks? If it's a dinner buffet, do you have places for everyone to sit? Or are they going to need to stand & eat? It makes a huge difference on what you can serve.

That sounds great & very exciting.

[liberalnurse]

7. I read something about $200.....

in that FCE test...which I only skimmed thru. I'm sure we can allocate more money for food than that.......we can afford it. I just mentioned that FEC issue as something I need to get al the details on....I have been to many other fundraisers where it cost more than $200.

So,maybe 150 people?????We don't quite know yet........Thats why I want to keep the food selections easy but tasty finger foods.

We have Two National celebrities coming.....:scared:

Thus the pressure is ON!!!!!!!!

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

13. okay, finger food

like hors'dooves (I can't spell it & DU's cheap spell checker won't fix it for me lol) not dinner, right?

I'll look around. I've got lots of inexpensive recipes that are good & easy & comfort foods.

BTW, I don't know what state you're in, but if there are local wineries, by all means, use them.

this will be fun!

[liberalnurse]

15. We are thinking about a wine tasting day

as a fundraiser in the Spring........We will use the locals then.......They will love the advertisment too.

[grasswire]

9. here's my thought (radical)

I assume this candidate is running as a Democrat?

If so, I'd like to ask what bidness a DEMOCRAT has acting like showboating big-wig fat-cat Republicans?

I would run away from a candidate who invited guests to that kind of party. Wouldn't there be better political mileage in serving humble beverages from glass tumblers with some popcorn and coffee? It could be a political advantage, could be done with a lot of style, too.

:::shrug:::

Maybe I don't know what Democrats are any more.

[liberalnurse]

12. Okay, you don't have to come....

We will miss you. Let me tell ya, it's a tough game out there!!!!!!! We are doing things actually very cheap and using ALL our resources.

You mean to tell me you never go to cocktail parties? No real difference except we have the Media there..

[grasswire]

17. Man-o-man

I didn't mean to sound snarky.

I'm just stunned. Really stunned.

No, I haven't been to a cocktail party since I left the Washington D.C. area after being radicalized into a real Democrat. I actually ask for wine in a tumbler or, better yet, a jelly jar -- I call it the "Democratic way." People are amused by it, and it makes a point. My friends have joined me in the custom.

Gotta wonder what the message is to the community, if Dems are acting like Republicans in order to garner media coverage. In most areas, media coverage would be ensured if a candidate were a demonstrated, genuine populist.

I mean no disrespect. Apparently I don't know enough about the ways of politicians in some other parts of the world!

[eyesroll]

21. Oy. You may seem like you mean no disrespect, but your tone

really suggests otherwise.

I have been to potluck picnics and upscale cocktail parties -- for the same candidate.

Most candidates do both. It's not "acting like a Republican" to have good food at a party. (And it's not like it's a professionally catered event in a hotel -- it's in someone's house with volunteered labor.) Different venues, different menus, for different audiences. It's the way the world works. I fail to see how homemade hors d'ouerves and wine in glasses instead of jelly jars automatically make someone a fat-cat Republican and therefore ruins their populist street cred.

(It's not like a candidate who is wealthy can hide that fact. In fact, if they did -- "oh, I live in a $750,000 house but I wear my Levis and drive my Chevy like the rest of 'em" -- there'd be no shortage of suspicious press.)

I suppose I drink wine the Republican way, because I own stems...and I'm hosting a Republican brunch this weekend with my friend of 25 years, because I'll be using matching dishes and I'll maybe have flowers on the table.

Please quit the stereotyping. It doesn't work well in either direction.

[liberalnurse]

24. In all honesty.....

I have had to attend some republican fund raisers as a Nurse Legislative Liaison....they are boring, cheap and "cold". They just want the envelope on the table! It's like going to a funeral for me.......

[eyesroll]

26. Ugh...I've never been to a Republican fundraiser, but I've been to my

share of Democratic ones. I was supposed to go to one tomorrow evening (Jim Doyle's gov kickoff in WI) but I have to work.

I sat 7 feet away from Russ Feingold as he was speaking in a (very opulent, very stuffy -- it was for my dad's district's organization) living room in Illinois. I'd earlier attended RF's "birthday party" fundraiser -- brunch at an old theater that had been gutted into a nightclub -- and that was a blast.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

27. boy oh boy am I in trouble.

Not only do I use stems I have Waterford. Horrors, horrors.

I've also been known to drink wine out of a jelly glass, a mason jar, & my favoritem Elmer Fudd, but I have to fight DH for it.

[liberalnurse]

32. OMG we need a 12-step program.....

I use my best stemware Crystal too!!!!!:scared:

You crack me up...Damn....I can't even post right for laughing.....:rofl:

[SW FL Dem]

54. LOL - I have Waterford and Wedgewood

Don't use them often but I do love them. I have also been known to drink cheap wine from a paper cup.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

19. I haven't even got into themes yet,

but some nice Democratic music shouldn't be hard to fine. After all, all the best are on our side.

Also, some other ideas. Either beg, borrow or steal enough platters. Last resort is to hire them from a rental place. It's much nicer-looking to put smaller platters out & replace them than to use great big platters & have them get raggedy looking. It's easier with big platters-fill once or twice & forget it, but they don't look nice.

Enlist plenty of help which shouldn't be a problem.

Whatever food you serve should be one bite, two at the most. It just doesn't work at a stand-up event to have food that is larger than that.

Dips are good. And you could fill several smaller bowls & place them around & put out fresh as necessary.

I always feel that at least one hot hors-doove shows that the host cares.

I think I would go for 8 to 10 killer recipes rather than try 15 or 16 different ones.

Have fun. This is so exciting.

[liberalnurse]

25. I make this delicious pepper-jam....from scratch....

It is sweet with a tang and colorful. I go red not green. I usually just spread it over cream cheese....but I had an idea to try it over warm brie cheese.....crackers and fruit on the side...apple and pear slices...

I agree about their must be a warm choice.....and to keep in controlled.

You are really giving great, great suggestions. This is terrific. It's like we all are going to be there together!

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

29. That sounds delicious.

I would definitely include that.

Also, for hot, you can probably borrow a chafing dish from someone. And then there are infinite choices there.

The other thing to start thinking about are amounts. The one that even stumps caterers. Allow 3 to 4 per item, per person, per hour. Dips would be 1/4 cup per person.

[seabeyond]

42. mother in law makes that, it is good. also bacon waterchestnuts,

meatballs were a hit at last christmas party, sauce is with welsh grape jelly. cheese balls. artichoke dip with wheat thins, oh 7 layer dip always good. mexican pinwheels, i havent had this.

i have a christmas party coming up. was looking for a couple more things. deserts. have some cookies and chocolates. i wanted to make a couple other things.

[Stinky The Clown]

31. For 'kitchen' help, enlist some high school kids

They'll be in awe of the 'celebreties' and they'll not want to mingle as much as adult volunteers might. Have 'em all wear similar clothes and it will look pretty professional. You know .... black pants/skirts and a white shirt/blouse or tan bottoms and blue broadcloth tops ... or whatever. Let some of them help in the kitchen and let others circulate with trays of hors d'ouvres or just refresh what's on tables. The only thing ya gotta watch out for is the liquor laws. Here in Maryland, they can be where it is served, but can neither serve nor clean up (including collecting empty glasses).

[liberalnurse]

35. I have 14 year old cheerleader!

Emily went to the D.C Protest with me too! She got to meet Skinner and all the DU'ers. She met Ed Schultz, Will Pitt, Cindy Sheehan....


She can bring her friends to help in the kitchen. I will have the wine served in another room......

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

39. kewl beans.

My parents gave several parties a year & when my sister & I were about Emily's age we would help serve. Just carry platters around & refill them in the kitchen. We'd also take glasses to the bartender for refills-that was a loong time ago. Anyhow, the guests would always tell my mom how much they emjoyed young people at the parties.

[liberalnurse]

36. You read my mind about the dishes/plates/platters.

I will not use paper plates! At our next meeting we need to discuss dishes/plates...to have enough that match! I will need to rent them.


Supper Important Point!!!!!!:yourock:

[politicat]

38. Flowers: In January, use paperwhites. Recipe: goat cheese pizza

AKA narcissi. They're a bulb plant you can start on a bed of pebbles about 3 weeks before the event. They smell delightful.

Our here at our big fundraisers, the one that goes fastest is our mini Margherita pizzas:

Mix goat cheese and cream cheese at a 1-1 ratio.
spread pita bread with cheese mix.
Halve cherry tomatoes and lay on pita cut side down in a pattern that allows for cutting with one tomato half on each piece.
Sprinkle with fresh basil chiffonade.

Bake until cheese is melted - this serves warm or hot.

You could also do this with a standard pizza crust, but the key with the pita is that since it is pre-baked, it is a bit sturdier than pizza dough.

(We get our goat cheese at Costco for a song - $4 for 11 ounces, and it usually takes 3 logs to make 250 servings. The local prez is a chef by trade...)

[liberalnurse]

40. You know, I just got to do something with fresh basil.

I typically make my own pizza from scratch and they are popular. I just may net have the time to devote to making enough of them. I think I'll use the crusty baguette and top it with sauce, fresh mozzarella and/or goat cheeze.......topped with the basil and parmesan reggiano and olive oil......

Yes!!!!!!

[Dora]

45. About the paperwhites...

I love the smell, but a small number of people find it overpowering and unpleasant (I learned this by giving one of these people a gift of paperwhites!).

If you do use paperwhites, I suggest that you don't set them out on the food tables, so that the smell of food doesn't compete with the smell of the flowers.

[liberalnurse]

52. I'm unfamiliar with the paper whites.

I will certainly heed your advice but they do sound interesting. I think January is a difficult month to associate flower arrangements with any theme. I know it will jump out at me when I see it. At least I hope so!

[noamnety]

43. a mini crockpot with melted chocolate

and strawberries and maybe pineapple chunks for dipping.

[Dora]

44. Goat cheese and pomegranate seeds

These make a tasty combo, it's very festive to look at, and it's easy to do.

I crumble goat cheese onto a plate, sprinkle pomegranite seeds on top, and put it out next to the bread & crackers. I just realized that a tidier alternative to crumbling would be to roll a goat cheese log in the pom seeds - ooh, that would be pretty!

(The easiest way to seed a pomegranate is to cut it in half, then tear off the rind and the membrane in a large bowl of water. The seeds sink to the bottom, the membrane floats to the top, and you don't stain your fingers or your sink.)

Large coffee urns can be rented - you could fill one with hot spiced cider.

I'll stop here and go back to read what other brilliant ideas have been posted. Have a good party!

[politicat]

46. We had this one last night at an event: Brussels Sprouts with cheese.

I know most people think sprouts are evil, but if halved and steamed, they work nicely on a tooth pick.

The sprouts were served with a swiss cheese fondue.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

47. My thing with brussels sprouts it that

I can't get beyond the smell. yeeck.

[NMDemDist2]

48. agreed! and I'm not sure I'd serve anything that "gassy" at a fundraiser

you want them to stay right? lol

[politicat]

51. What smell?

You mean the one that happens when you overcook them?

[mtnester]

50. Got a few more for you...I would stay away from the usual culprits

as far as allergies go. Peanuts particularly. Since most of these people are "new friends" for you, if you do any seafood, it should be obvious that is is seafood. If you do a crab dip, make sure you note that somewhere where a potential victim can see it :)

Peanuts and nuts...just best to stay away from them, even if they touch something else, unless you know everyone is AOK with nuts....or have them completely away from the rest of the foods (like another room.)

Deviled eggs have been suggested, and they seem to be one of those comfort foods that is trendy again...I cannot make enough of them when I take them to a gathering...POOF - gone.

Antipasto - you can make a massive amount and it presents beautifully. You could even get creative and put some shrimp, radicchio, arugula, tuna, artichokes, roasted red pepers..with some crusty bread and maybe some extra "italian juice" for dipping (double duty for the baguettes you will be getting for your crostini)

A good chicken salad, on multi grain bread or a great honey wheat, cut them into quarters and shazzam! Can do that too with a good cheese, like cream cheese with maybe some cranberry on a whole grain. Any soft type spreadable stuff looks wonderful, you can stack then high, and they are not messy and easy to eat on the fly.

Skewer a cherry tomato, a cube of mozzarella and a basil leaf...pretty and tasty

Can never go wrong with prosciutto and melon (ahh, I can taste it)

[liberalnurse]

53. Absolutley.....This feels right.....

snip>

" Skewer a cherry tomato, a cube of mozzarella and a basil leaf...pretty and tasty

Can never go wrong with prosciutto and melon" (ahh, I can taste it)
:pals: :applause:

This is the direction to go! It has a Provence rustic flair.

I may use that for the entire background theme.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

55. I've got a recipe for a killer chicken salad.

Also, I was in Alberton's today (don't know if they're in your area or not) & they had small croissants. I'd never seen them before, but thought of you. They would be great filled with chicken salad as one of your dishes.

Also, were you thinking of having a ham or something? I've got a great recipe for ham that uses the cheapest ham you can find. The glaze really makes it & it is fabulous & is always one of the first things to go. The only thing is that ham isn't particulary finger friendly for a more formal affair. It's great at a casual thing where people just wack away & eat with their fingers. Another option for more of a main course might be Swedish meatballs. I was also thinking of Beef Stroganoff. Don't know if that's something you're interested in or not.

[liberalnurse]

56. I'm still fine tuning the menu......

I'm trying to get the Announcement Day to occur in February instead of January. Phil Donahue will be there to give his blessings! Now tell me that won't be stressful!

I have my volunteers lined up for serving and valet parking. I'm going to work on the house interior arrangements this week. I really want it in February. That is such a warm spirited month.....most everyone is relaxed and happy.