Having lived on a college campus for the last 15 years, I have gotten used to having people drop in unannounced. Then when my children became teenagers, and now that they are in college, I have even more company! This has caused me to plan ahead and make sure I have quick and easy things on hand that I can serve.
If you have high school or college students in your home, you know that they like to eat! I can’t think of a better way to serve my children than to be available to serve their friends and to create a welcoming environment for them to come to!
Over the years I have created a list of things that I can serve, that are quick and “kid friendly”! Planning ahead, and having certain things in my cupboards, makes it easy to pull something out and throw in the oven. It is a way to communicate to them that I am glad they are here, and that I’ve been waiting for them to arrive!
Here are some things that I have kept on hand over the years:
- Tea / coffee- I keep a jar filled with all kinds of different flavored tea, and a jar of plain tea. People love seeing a variety and picking out the flavor they want. I have collected several tea pot/cup combinations, and love setting out a variety of things like sugar, honey, Stevia. I keep little tea spoons in a glass container for people to take and stir with. (I’ve even had college guys ask if they can come down for tea!)
- Chips and salsa – I’ve never met a college student who doesn’t like chips and salsa!
- Pancake mix/toppings – one night some young people came over and were hungry. All I had at that moment was pancake mix. I pulled it out and served pancakes and waffles. It was a hit! From then on we began holding, what we called, “pancake night. We had it once a week, and students would come over and talk and pig out on pancakes. I now always keep pancake mix and toppings on hand!
- Hot chocolate/marshmallows/whipped cream/ sprinkles – I love making hot chocolate in big mugs, and decorating it! It makes people feel special!
- Homemade/frozen chili: Tortilla chips, cheddar cheese (I keep a big bag in my freezer),and salsa make for a hearty dinner!
- Granola bars – I found a huge glass jar at Target and keep it filled with granola bars. When kids run in an out, it is an easy thing for them to grab and eat on the run!
and of course…
- Paper bowls, plates and plastic cups! Having these things on hand make serving easy, and help me to be able to focus on the people, and not having to worry about cleaning up!
One of my favorite things to have on hand are the ingredients for cookies that I can whip up, bake, and serve warm! I found this recipe online, and it is a hit!
Cake Mix Cookies
You will need:
1 package of cake mix (any flavor)
1 large egg
1/4 cup of oil
1/4 cup of water
1 cup of chopped nuts, raisins, oatmeal, coconut,
chocolate chips, M&M’S® etc.
(anything you like in cookies)
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Combine cake mix, egg, oil, and water. Beat until well blended. Stir in remaining ingredient (s).
Drop by teaspoon about 1 inch apart onto greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes or until done.
Being available and prepared to serve those who drop by is simple, takes a little planning, but it makes it so much more fun!
QUESTION: What are some things that you keep on hand to serve those who drop in?
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