Q: A group of my friends enjoy the bread dipping spice mix at a particular restaurant. Last month, we dug up the recipe and decided to get together to make a big batch, sending everyone home with a jar of the mix. We had a great time, chopping, mixing, and chatting.
We want to do it again this month and are looking for a recipe project to tackle. Nothing too complicated, since the wine and the chatting are equally as important as the cooking, and something that can easily be shared to take home. Any suggestions?
Sent by Julie
Editor: Sounds fun! My mind immediately jumped to dumplings and steamed buns, which require many hands and are easy to divide among a group of people. Tamales would be another great idea for a group cooking effort.
• Kenny Lao's Rickshaw Dumplings • Vegetarian Steamed Buns • Host a Tamale Party
Readers, any other ideas for group cooking projects?
Related: Great Idea! Start a Freezer Meal Cooperative
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I host a ravioli party every year. Everyone brings a small amount of a filling and we make / fill / cook / taste.
bacon jam http://homesicktexan.blogspot.com/2009/09/bacon-jam-recipe-make-it-at-home.html
Tacos, sushi rolls, open sandwiches, noodles,
taffy pull!
Maybe an easy fridge pickle recipe. I adore these sriracha pickles. I used cauliflower only.
Hot Cocoa Mix... that could be easy like the bread dipping spices.
Homemade mustards or salsas would be delicious and different.
Cookies - you can do simple sugar cookies and people can bring different cookie cutters.
Or, if it is really not a cooking at the party thing, you can make different kinds of cookie batter/dough and freeze for making later.
I also like making pesto to freeze in ice cubes, and you could do some different variations on that.
Lactofermented veggies or sauerkraut could be fun! and they are great for you as well!
Tamales are much more fun (and easier) when you have a group.
Lemon curd, orange curd, chocolate sauce, and caramel sauce and divy it up so you don't have huge amounts to use up in a small amount of time. Then research recipes to use it up with (River Cottage lemon curd muffins) or purchase a fine quality vanilla ice cream and have an ice cream social.
Think about all the nice Valentine desserts you could make with your stash of sweet saucy goodies.
A grad student who was leaving soon for China hosted a dumpling party at her house--it was really fun! But you need someone who knows how to make dumplings.
I know a lot of these have been mentioned, but tamales, sushi, enchiladas, dumplings, grilled pizzas
I had a coworker who hosted a tamale making party at Christmas each year. It was terrific fun.
celery salt and bloody mary mix!
Some friends and I got together and made Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/cinammon_rolls_/
They do have to rise for 45 minutes or so (yeast dough), but we filled that time quite nicely with wine and conversation. The recipe makes a ton, so it's great to split the end product among several people.