Son's 3rd bday

[Patrick_CT]

We are back from a nice couple week vacation and now I get to plan our son's 3rd birthday party menu on the 4th! (actual bday is the 5th)

We have about 45 people coming (35 adults)

I was thinking that pulled pork and brisket over night then do some hamburgers/hotdogs for the kids. Maybe also put some shrimp on since I wanted to try brining some anyway.

Any good ideas for sides? I thought about roasting potatoes on the MAK then try to make a potato salad out of it.. but not sure how to finish the idea. Or maybe smoking some fish to make a pasta salad....

This will be the first time a lot of the guests have eaten from a pellet grill.. so I want to make it good!

 

[Deb]

Any good ideas for sides? I thought about roasting potatoes on the MAK then try to make a potato salad out of it.. but not sure how to finish the idea.

I use (modify) this recipe for grilled potato salad Grilled Potato Salad Recipe

 

[SisInLaw]

How does fish go into a pasta salad?

 

[Patrick_CT]

I was thinking a macaroni salad that uses canned tuna, but make a spin on it with something grilled/smoked.. it was an idea floating in my head.. (might be a bad one

 

[TentHunter]

Try making the burgers into sliders like I just recently posted. They're super easy (no flipping or messing about after they go on the grill) and kids eat 'em up.


I don't know how much you know about making potato salad, so these are only suggestions.

If your roasting the potatoes for potato salad, Hickory gives a sort of bacon like smoke flavor that would work well and could be accented further by adding a little smoked bacon into the salad as well.

I'd rub a very light coating of oil on then so they crisp a little while baking (that will add another dimension). And cook them just until a fork or knife slides in easily or they can become too overcooked.

I would use a waxy boiling type potato like a Yukon gold or smaller red skin potatoes, NOT Russets (they're too starchy & crumble easily - good for baking or mashing, not for salad).


As for dressing, that's a very personal choice. The dressing for the recipe Deb listed sounds really good (I love dill in potato salad) and since it's not mayonaise based would be better/safer in hot weather.

 

[bsotoy]

If you are brining shrimp. Try Paula Deens' Pickled Shrimp and Eggs. Yes, I know it either appeals to you, or doesn't.. One of the best snacks to go with your FT or favorite beverage...

 

[squirtthecat]

The Florida Coast Pickled Shrimp from the Neely's cookbook is very tasty as well..

 

[sparky]

congrats on your son's 3th b'day. very nice.....

 

[Patrick_CT]

Thanks for the ideas. Inam going to try the potato salad that deb mentioned.

 

[Deb]

So......... do we have party pics yet??