Safely serving snacks, meals and leftovers take on a new meaning in today’s climate.

In this article, learn how I safely served snacks to a committee meeting in my home. Also, I share brief suggestions for navigating potluck or community meals.

I believe, if 2020 has taught us anything at all, it is how to be creative!  Avoiding double-dipping or re-using serving utensils can be easy as well as fun.

MEETING IN YOUR HOME

Pictured here are the snacks I served at a committee meeting in our home. Deep, disposable trays were filled with Chex mix, cookies, fruits, cheeses, summer sausages. Drinks were in bottles or cans.

LEFTOVERS

The plus side of our meeting: I fixed plenty extra and the guys took home snacks for their wives. I didn’t check to see if the wives really got any! This was so easy, I now keep trays to send leftovers home from family gatherings. If you serve in church or community events, stock packages of trays so guests can enjoy the food later in the week.

HOLIDAY DINNER

Think about your holiday dinner … if you aren’t sure who will be there, use this idea and have a serving line with only a couple of people handling the utensils. Use deep, roomy trays with lids, no washing later! Cleanup is a snap with more time to visit and enjoy family and friends.

A NEW KITCHEN STAPLE

Check out your local dollar stores, you will find a wonderful selection of trays with lids. Look closely: some are divided which works well for sauces and creamy foods. Make sure they are deep enough for your needs. I keep several packages of trays in my cabinet just for the two of us.

SUMMER PICNICS-DINING ON THE PATIO

Often we eat out on the porch or gazebo in warm weather. How fun to have a lid to protect my food while I enjoy the flowers, birds, and other critters.

Wishing you a safe and happy winter; snuggled up with a tray of munchies and a good book!

Let me hear your survival tips.

Hugs,