Dear Anne: I am planning my daughter's graduation party which will be in our
backyard. :: continue ::

 
For cooler days:
Homemade chili is quick to fix if you plan ahead.

1) Brown some ground beef and onions, drain, and freeze. Large Zip-Lock bags laid flat in the freezer makes this easy to break apart and use when needed.

2) Keep on hand some canned kidney beans, stewed tomatoes, tomato  sauce, and chili powder.

3) When needed, you can quickly heat the ingredients in a pot. (see recipe below)

4) Cover with aluminum foil and then the lid. Wrap with an old towel and put in a box or cooler.

5) Serve the chili in large disposable cups. This is a meal that's not only hot and filling on a chilly day, it's also a hand warmer while holding the cup.

Anne's Chili

1 pound ground beef
1 cup diced onion
1 16oz. can stewed tomatoes
1 16oz. can dark red kidney beans (drain before using)
1 8oz. can tomato sauce
2 tsp. chili powder*
1/4 tsp. garlic salt*
1/4 tsp. pepper*

*season to taste, increase amounts if you like spicier chili
 

The Essentials...

To throw away:  

Ever use itty bitty plastic utensils to eat with? You'll be grateful to have a giant box of disposable real-sized  knives, forks, and spoons. Instead of buying in small quantities, make a point to visit a Costco or Sam's Club to purchase these. If you don't have a membership, check to see if they'll allow a one-day pass or find a friend who's a member and ask to tag along the next time they go. Remember to bring cash to reimburse your friend; they won't take payment from a non-member.  These items will be great to have on hand throughout the year. Consider buying bulk dinner napkins, plastic and styrofoam cups while there.

Note: The point of disposable products is to throw them away. If you're going to be saving plastic cups and utensils to wash and re-use, forget disposable and move on to...

Or to keep: A great alternative to disposable is outdoor partyware. Check your discount superstores for plastic or metal plates. The plastic ones should be heavy enough to withstand at least a few seasons of use; skip the easily scratched stuff. Blue or green enamel metal plates can often be found in the camping section and will take you through decades of use.

Utensils can often be bought by the set. Start off with what your budget will allow, then add more later. Keep in mind any "seasonal" items that may not be back the in stores the next year. There's nothing wrong with a variety, but plan ahead if you want to keep buying the same pieces.

My collection: More than 20 blue enamel plates, 10 matching bowls, and at least 12 sets of stainless steel flatware with yellow plastic handles. All from Wal-Mart; enamelware from the camping department. I also use these casual, light-weight plates year round for a change from my favored stoneware.

Additional items:

Don't forget the garbage bags! Small kitchen-sized bags for small groups; use heavy duty garbage sacks for larger gatherings. Remember to have extras to separate recyclable trash.

An insulated cooler with a fitted lid works great for warm water to wash up with. Be careful not to fill with very hot water, as it probably won't cool off enough to use. Add a bit of dish soap before traveling and don't forget a towel for drying hands. This idea is a big plus if you like using real plates and utensils. They can soak in the water on the way back home and you'll have a quick time getting everything washed up.

Baskets lined with large fabric napkins make a nice touch for some things, but plastic storage boxes are fantastic for having things ready to go.

Questions or comments? Click here to email Anne.

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