Cooking for a Crowd?!

Cooking for a Crowd?

I was asked by my sister to cook for her wedding next month. Thankfully it’s only for 30 people but I’m concerned about getting everything on the menu I created done in time.

One item on the menu is Buttermilk Chive Mashed Potatoes. My question is this: Can I peel the potatoes the night before and store them in water (uncooked) in the fridge and then cook them the next day? Will they be okay or will it turn into paste when cooked and mashed?

Another question would be: Is 10 lbs of peeled potatoes enough for 30 people? Half the guests are male and hearty eaters. But, given the variety of dishes I’m making, it’s possible they won’t take big portions.

I’ve never cooked for a group this big so the more time-savers I can learn, the better.

Thank you in advance.

You absolutely can peel your potatoes the night before and store them. My neighbor growing up did this all the time as she had "farm-hands" too cook for. Just make sure they are completely covered in water because any of them sticking outside of the water will turn black where they are exposed. But no big deal there, just peel it off if it does. As far as the poundage. I can tell you this much, I would go 15 lbs to be safe. My mother always made me peel 10 lbs of potatoes at holiday time and that was for about 15-16 sturdy italian eaters. So better to have a little extra and make people feel free to eat their fill then to be short. Good luck to you and I admire you for taking this on. Wish I had a sister.