What fall foods, besides chili, work well for crowds?

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   RTalloniposted 9 years ago

   What fall foods, besides chili, work well for crowds?
   
   According to locals, we may have one of those loooong lovely falls that start quietly and small, granting us a gloriously colorful mid-season zenith, then lingering softly here and there in tiny tucks and corners of hill sides protected from winds whispering "winter's joys are coming..." as they filter the changing days.  That said, the chance for fall get-togethers will be increased.  What meals work well outdoors in chancy weather?
   
   

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2. 88

   sparkleyfingerposted 9 years ago

   Pot roasts, stews, sausage casserole, thick soups- anything hearty really. Everything can be filled out to allow for more guests, even if they are unexpected! A slow cooker is a must have in the autumn/ winter in my opinion as it allows a nice hearty meal every evening with minimal effort

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      RTalloniposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Oh yeah, and stew would be great in those muggy style bowls.  The ingredients can be prepped ahead and slow cooked on the day…  Good 'ole stew! 

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3. 92

   Chantelle Porterposted 9 years ago

   I love chicken and dumplings. My Grandma always used to make that. I also make roast chicken once it gets a little cooler. Gingerbread takes me back to my youth too.

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      RTalloniposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      This would be really different and I've learned to make chicken and dumplings the easy way by using flour tortillas.  Everyone has loved them so far, and they would be something unusual for a fall meal outdoors.

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4. 86

   Au faitposted 9 years ago

   If you're going to be outdoors there's no reason you can't grill the same things you did in summer.  Your table arrangements and whatever serving dishes you use could be more autumn themed in design and color. 
   
   You might switch out some of the vegetables in the side dishes if you feel it's necessary, so that they reflect autumn colors and a harvest nuance a little more.  Use more oranges, purples, yellows and dark greens if you can.  Appearance and smell affect people's perceptions about food, believe it or not.

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      RTalloniposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Keeping this in mind as a possibility--thanks.

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5. 81

   Kimberleyclarkeposted 9 years ago

   Baked potatoes are great - white ones and sweet orange ones. Cooked indoors, then popped into foil ready to eat later on. They are perfect, they hold precious heat so nicely. We always have baked potatoes when we watch the 5th November Guy Fawkes fireworks outdoors.

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      RTalloniposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, this is a great idea, especially with a toppings bar using items that would not have to be kept hot.  And very economical if having several get-togethers throughout the season!

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   Amanda108posted 9 years ago

   I see at least one person mentioned stew. I second that and recommend adding to it bread bowls. Whether homemade or home "shaped" (as in taking frozen dough and shaping it before heating in the oven), stew in a bread bowl is so filling and warm. Definitely best on chillier days though. I'm not sure the preparation and end results (hot ovens, full bellies) would be welcome on a day that is just slowly transitioning from summer with plenty of warmth left.
   
   And of course sweets are great for any gathering! Especially if it's something casual wherein people get together for coffee and dessert in the cooling evening, which is a good alternative to a traditional dinner meal if you truly have a "crowd." All the obvious pumpkin stuff aside, how about baked apples?

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      RTalloniposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      This is a great option for one of the weekends.  Everyone loves the bread bowls and, generally, less stew is required. Thanks!

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7. 71

   LoisRyan13903posted 9 years ago

   I would go with sausage and peppers.  Usually when I make it for a dish to pass I make a mix of 4 pounds of sweet Italian pepper and one of hot.  I use a variety of colors for the peppers-usually green, red, orange and yellow-great for fall colors

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      RTalloniposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      This meal is quite appealing and I think it would be a great one to mix in with a table featuring chili to add some variety to that more common main dish--thanks!

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8. 81

   purl3agonyposted 9 years ago

   Some great answers already posted here - I agree that baked potatoes with chili is always a great cold weather meal.  And I love corn chowder on a cold day.  My Mom used to make this for neighborhood gatherings in the fall.  I can't find the recipe my Mom used, but the Betty Crocker website has some great chowder and chili recipes:  http://www.bettycrocker.com/search/sear … 0a6e45afb2

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      RTalloniposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks much for this idea because corn chowder would add variety to the season's fare.

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9. 78

   DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years ago

   Corn chowder with a spicy southwest flair; baked beans; hearty vegetable stew; and with my French-Canadian heritage, thick, yellow split pea soup with crunchy sourdough bread.

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      RTalloniposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      These are good options for variety--thanks!

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10. 77

    wabash annieposted 9 years ago

    If you have people coming and going, posole keeps well with low heat.  Serve with grated cheese, sour cream, warm tortillas, some fruit and you're good to go.  It is easy and people love it.  If you do not have a favorite recipe, try mine!

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       RTalloniposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Though I had to look posole up I have to now agree!  This would definitely make a not-so-common meal for one of the season's weekend get-togethers--thanks!

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