Parties -- raw or not?

[katie01]

So, I am going to throw a housewarming party. Lots of my friends are not into the raw lifestyle, though very supportive.

I am thinking about the menu -- make it raw or include other non-raw things as well? I have some pregnant friends that won't do raw and I want to make sure they have something to eat. What's your opinion?

Also, any recipe suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[MiahTay]

Feed them what they'll eat. I find that it is a waste of my time and money to prepare raw food for people who don't want it or won't appreciate it, so I usually will have something for myself (with enough for someone else to taste if they want) and some SAD inexpensive food. JMO.

Blessings,
Heather

[sweetlime]

Yah, do a mix. But make sure not to buy SAD food that you actually *really* like. I know that would be hard for me to resist at my own party!

[Vaclare79]

Why not have them bring something to share?

[Bananna]

Great ideas so far...I would atleast keep it vegetarian.

[yogashmoga]

recently had a party and had these same concerns. i ended up turning it into a potluck to be sure everyone had at least one dish they would eat. i had to be sure to push ALL leftovers on guests as they left. everyone seemed to really enjoy it. it was also a great way for me to introduce some of my buds to raw (i made three dishes as hostess.)

[RawPaw]

I usually just drink a Shiner, or a virgin daiquiri.

[MiahTay]

When I do a potluck I make sure I tell everyone as they arrive to make sure they take any leftovers of the dish they brought, or I'll have to throw it in the trash because I don't have room to save it all. They usually remember and when they don't ... I do exactly that, pitch it.

Blessings,
Heather

[katie01]

Thanks for the great suggestions everyone! I normally don't like to do potlucks because it's kind of me welcoming ppl for a housewarming! lol

I think I'll do a mixture -- definitely raw and some other dishes. The other dishes are all going home with the guests! I'm sure they will love it. Awesome, thanks so much guys. :)

Now to prepare the simplest, easiest to please recipes! (I am so tempted to do the calzone but I always smear the inside so it dries green on the outside... ugh. haha)

[Eva]

Not to steer too much, but why is your pregnant friend opposed to all raw food? Interesting...

Anyways, my thought would be to make some chips/dip (some flax crax, some SAD tostitos or something), guac (you'd never even think of if it's raw. It's just a tasty treat!), zucchini hummus with raw black olives and soaked sundried tomatoes added... stuff like that and maybe something like the potato salad. Just my thoughts. You could always add a couple SAD things to the mix too, like some cheese, crackers, bread. LOL.. what else? I can't remember any appealing party foods that are not raw. All the stuff that pops into my mind that makes me go "mmmmm" is raw!!! What a lucky feeling!

[Eva]

I'm gonna throw another two cents in! haha -- unless you're a pro at the pizza, I would not do that!!! When I first made it, my husband and stepkids rolled their eyes and made fun. I thought it was great! I guess my tastebuds have changed. Anyways, maybe you've done it plenty -- and I did get better. But for some reason, SAD folks expect the pizza to be like, pizza.

What about make your own tacos with a mix of raw/SAD shells and goodies?

LOL -- I guess you really were looking for more general info, huh? :)

[MiahTay]

I would probably stick to finger food type stuff if it were me...

cheese and crackers
chips and salsa
veggie tray with raw dip
Fruit on toothpicks with maybe a raw chocolate sauce to dip in
Maybe some raw dessert sushi slice of banana wrapped in a thin slice of mango with rasberry sauce
Stuffed cucumber rounds
You could do bbq meatballs in a crockpot (so you don't have to handle them much, buy the frozen meatballs at Wal-Mart, inexpensive)

These were just off the top of my head.

Blessings,
Heather

[katie01]

Thanks for the great tips! I am going to definitely try out the finger food. That should satisfy lots of appetites.

Eva - preggie friend thinks anything raw may have bacteria and side effects for baby (think sashimi, salads, anything). *shrug* To each their own.

[Eva]

Thanks for the response re: the pregnant friend. I think that's sad! Sad that there is so much in the news re: salmonella on raw tomatoes, spinach, etc. when it's all caused by meat factories or whatever close by. I guess we all have to make our own calls based on what we believe. So, yes... to each her own. :o