How can I keep food warm at my wedding reception...serving out of aluminum pans..what about chafing racks....?!
Answers: We like the convenience of serving food out of aluminum pans so we don't have to clean and take dishes back to the caterer...even though it only costs $85 more. I was thinking about getting some chafing racks ($3.48 ea at Sam's Club) to put the aluminum pans in and then get some heating fuel to keep them warm. As I've been researching this, you are supposed to have pans with water underneath the dish with the food so the food will heat evenly. Anyone have any experience with this or have any other ideas on how to keep the food warm while using aluminum dishes?
Ok I used these for superbowl and it kept them warm the whole superbowl with no problem definately buy you can use the racks again for any party you have afterwords as well. definitely a go buy. keep a container of water handy to fill the water under the food from time to time during the event. the sterno cans lasts for 6 hours. to douse the flame in those cans just set not twist cap on top to turn off.
You could inquire as to the cost of a steam table? Simple and proven to be effective.
you can buy these at big lots, or a party store. I have used them and they do keep the food warm. (use heavy duty foil to cover the food or else find lids ) you can also use them without the fuel cans ofcourse to keep foods cold just use ice in the "water" pan