Fall Picnic 2008 - Sunday, October 19th (?)

[Heather]

After checking, I am going to reserve D-1. We don't really need room for 300 people.

[Heather]

D-1 is reserved for 10/19. $225.00

[Heather]

attendees, so far:

Heather +3

ferment everything

jparrott

agm

Pat

Walrus

Tripewriter

ol ironstomach

catherine

hm212 +2

xcanuck +1

Banco (+3?)

sparkycom

thistle

[hm212]

Bumping up - Who is bringing what?

[Heather]

duck rillettes, bread

[Al Dente]

there's gotta be a good way to cook brains inside a pumpkin

[Mrs. B]

Did I miss it? Is there a central "theme" or taste-off yet?

Ah yes, the pumpkin.

[edenman]

Bacon. Beer. Other contributions TBD.

[goldenticket]

How about pumpkin carving?

I think a pumpkin carving would be fun...

I'm planning to be there - not sure what I'm bringing yet.

[goodeats]

I think a pumpkin carving would be fun...

I'm planning to be there - not sure what I'm bringing yet.

Carving!!! Also planning to be there. Am thinking about bringing dessert at this point. +gebaby of course.

[Heather]

I'm going to spend some time this weekend organizing responses into categories, so that we have a clearer idea who's bringing what, and what we might need.

[hm212]

I'm going to spend some time this weekend organizing responses into categories, so that we have a clearer idea who's bringing what, and what we might need.

I usually bring a dessert (brownies) can do that and whatever else you tell me you need.

[xcanuck]

I want to bring a dead animal of some sort. Wonder if there's such a thing as bacon sausage.

[Walrus]

I want to bring a dead animal of some sort. Wonder if there's such a thing as bacon sausage.

Dare to dream!

[Heather]

I want to bring a dead animal of some sort. Wonder if there's such a thing as bacon sausage.

Dude, if anyone could do it, it would be you.

[agm]

I want to bring a dead animal of some sort. Wonder if there's such a thing as bacon sausage.

Not yet. Let us know if you're going to try it. If you don't, I will.

[legant]

I'm in, +1.

And before we hear the siren song: water.

Other contribution: TBD

[Heather]

Update:

Heather +3 (beverages, duck rillettes, salad)

Waitman & Mrs. B (charcuterie? sausages?)

ferment everything (beer, bacon)

jparrott (ham, water)

agm

Pat

Walrus

Tripewriter

ol ironstomach

catherine

hm212 +2 (dessert)

xcanuck +1 (dead animal)

Banco (+3?)

sparkycom

thistle

goodeats +1

legant +1 (water, + TBA)

goldenticket

zoramargolis (+1?)

MBK

Anyone else?

[Atenna]

Please add atenna+1. I have not decided what to bring yet.

[SeanMike]

I'll be there. Gotta figure out what and/or whom to bring.

[edenman]

I want to bring a dead animal of some sort. Wonder if there's such a thing as bacon sausage.

I've started experimenting with using guanciale as the fat quotient in sausage. First run was too coarse ground, but delicious. Needs further analysis.

[StephenB]

I'm up for my usual deviled eggs with caviar. They seem to go pretty well. It's really the only thing I know how to make, anyway.

[Antonio Burrell]

Does anyone mind if I bring fried chicken? Maybe more than last time, and collard greens?

[DanielK]

Does anyone mind if I bring fried chicken?

I will help you carry the crack fried chicken in from the car.

[Heather]

Does anyone mind if I bring fried chicken? Maybe more than last time, and collard greens?

NO!

[Heather]

Heather +3 (beverages, duck rillettes, salad)

Waitman & Mrs. B (charcuterie? sausages?)

ferment everything (beer, bacon)

jparrott (ham, water)

agm

Pat

Walrus

Tripewriter

ol ironstomach

catherine

hm212 +2 (dessert)

xcanuck +1 (dead animal)

Banco +3

sparkycom

thistle

goodeats +1

legant +1 (water, + TBA)

goldenticket

zoramargolis (+1?)

MBK

Atenna +1

SeanMike

DanielK +1 (soccer goals & water)

Antonio (fried chicken & collards)

StephenB (deviled eggs)

lackadaisi & JLock +1

ladi kai lemoni

We're a little light on side dishes, and we need to work out who's bringing non food items (plates, cups, plastic utensils, etc.)

[lackadaisi]

Jlock, V and I plan to attend. No idea what we will be bringing yet. Can't wait!

[DanielK]

I will just be +1 (the 8-year-old). No idea what I will bring, but it will have to be something with shelf life, as we will be coming straight from Hebrew School. Certainly some water and the soccer goals, as always.

[monsterriffs]

i'll be there.

[Al Dente]

Does anyone mind if I bring fried chicken?

If anyone is on the fence about going to the picnic, the fried chicken should push you over into the "I'm going" category.

[xcanuck]

Dead animal = bacon sausage. I'll also try to bring a side of collards. Assuming I survive traveling through Europe with two women. Oh, yeah baby!!

[pidgey]

I'm in +2. Have no idea yet what to bring.

[Pat]

I'm traveling right now, and it looks like I won't be back in the DC area in time for the picnic.

[ol_ironstomach]

... + + = ?

[agm]

I'm already on the list, but I'm also bringing NQD, along with some sausage and a small charcoal grill, that anybody is free to use after the sausage is done.

[synaesthesia]

I'm already on the list, but I'm also bringing NQD, along with some sausage and a small charcoal grill, that anybody is free to use after the sausage is done.

So NQD is going on the grill? TEEHEE.

[Heather]

One more week!

Heather +3 (beverages, cole slaw, trash bags, table covers)

Waitman & Mrs. B (charcuterie? sausages?)

ferment everything (beer, bacon)

jparrott (ham, water)

agm

NQD

pidgey +2

Walrus

Tripewriter

ol ironstomach

catherine

hm212 +2 (dessert)

xcanuck +1 (dead animal)

Banco +3

sparkycom

thistle

goodeats +1 (side dish, forks)

legant +1 (water, + TBA)

goldenticket

MBK

Atenna +1

SeanMike

DanielK +1 (soccer goals & water)

Antonio (fried chicken & collards)

StephenB (deviled eggs)

lackadaisi & JLock +1

ladi kai lemoni

nashman1975 (fudge peanut butter bars, maybe sweet potato salad)

We are quite light in the side dish/dessert categories, and we need folks to volunteer to being cups, utensils, and plates. I am switching my contribution to cole slaw, and will bring large trash bags, and a few table covers.

[JPW]

I'm a definite maybe. It all depends on a combination of the weather and Edgy's mood. I would most likely bring a Vietnamese flavored chicken salad.

[Walrus]

Hmmm...I was steering away from pumpkin baked goods, as it seemed so obvious, but if we're short on desserts, who am I to resist fate? Pumpkin sweets it is! I'm also hoping that Tripewriter will be bringing his famed squash soup...

[goldenticket]

Put me down for a dessert and side (both TBD). I've got some trash bags and will bring some plates and utensils too.

[thistle]

Unfortunately, my family will not make it to the picnic, we have kids' sporting activities from 1-6-I hope that the weather holds & I look forward to reading accounts (not as good as being there)...Thistle

[Scott Johnston]

Claudia and I are a definite maybe. We are coming from the beach, so there will be pickles and some other beach food. I will throw some plates and forks in, but we may not get there till after two.

[jparrott]

Reprising from the last thread...

For the nth picnic in a row, Cellar Cull Share is on. Please bring one or more bottles of fascinating, intriguing, exciting, or off-the-wall juice. We'll have a table set up. Once the wine is on the table, anyone with a corkscrew and a cup can open it. Mr. JPW and I will be performing our usual husbandry, mainly involving sniffing suspect bottles and killing crabgrass with corked bottles.

Some plaintive entreaties guidelines:

1. This is in addition to other contributions to the picnic. And water.

2. If you bring the chili wine or some other tourist-trappy silliness, try to also bring something with a higher probability of success.

3. Have fun with this. Introduce people to wines you know. Ask questions about wines you don't. And carefully conceal your wines that are made by boiling beer or other alcoholic goodness and taking the vapor.

[Atenna]

I am thinking we will do a dry rub BBQ pork shoulder ( with at least 2 homemade BBQ sauces) and a spiced pecan pear salad with maple-mustard vinaigrette. Still trying to decide which wine to bring...

[zoramargolis]

Wow, everything is sounding delicious with a great crowd coming. I am really sorry that circumstances are such that I will have to miss it.

[TheMatt]

Hmm...my Sunday might be freed up for this. If I do come, I might bring along some kadu bouranee (Afghan stewed pumpkin...but probably butternut squash, due to scarcity of good pie pumpkins so far) which I've recently learned how to make somewhat consistently.

How much would be a good amount to bring if I did? Is there a way to warm it up beyond lukewarm? And would it be okay to bring along some pitas as well, for dipping?

Sorry for all the questions, but I've never been to a DR picnic before.

[Heather]

There's no right or wrong, Matt, and kadu bouranee sounds great. I am not certain about reheating facilities, but it would probably be great at room temp. Bring as many pita as you like.

Mrs. B suggested, and I concur, that a canned food drive might be good idea. Not manadatory, but I'd be happy to work with everyone on a suitable organization.

I would be grateful if everyone could chip in a couple of bucks to cover the $225 site rental.

[TMFIII]

Count me in as well! I'll be happy to brink along some utensils, plates, napkins, cups, etc. I may also see about something Scofflaw-ish . . .

[goldenticket]

Hmm...my Sunday might be freed up for this. If I do come, I might bring along some kadu bouranee (Afghan stewed pumpkin...but probably butternut squash, due to scarcity of good pie pumpkins so far) which I've recently learned how to make somewhat consistently.

YUMMY - I did see some pie pumpkins at the Old Town Whole Foods last night, but butternut sounds great as well.

For you (and others who may be first-timers at a picnic), here's some info that might be helpful:

(I’m borrowing words here from others who already said it better than I could) You are all encouraged to bring something of quality - appropriate to eat and/or drink with all the various meat dishes that are on the menu. To make sure there’s something for everyone that will also mean vegan and vegetarian offerings need to be part of the spread.

If you’re not into cooking, consider heading to your favorite food store, deli, liquor store, bakery or restaurant and sharing something utterly scrumptious from there. Just bring enough to share with a few folks. There is always a LOT of food; no need to double recipes or anything – a standard serves 4-6-sized preparation should do the trick.

In addition to your food contribution, please plan to bring either a beverage or paper product (plates, napkins, plastic utensils, cups, etc). Wine and beer are allowed at the picnic site, but non-alcoholic beverages will be welcome too. (Talk to sparkycom about other adult beverages and creative packaging ). Cases of water, soda and drink boxes for the younger attendees are always appreciated.

There will also be a collection jar to defray the costs of the picnic site rental. Suggested minimum contribution is $5/adult; $2-3 per child. [The site we're at this year -October 2008- is a larger site, and therefore more expensive, so please that that into consideration.]

You may want to indicate whether your item is vegetarian or vegan and/or if it includes any unusual items – ones that people might like to be aware of due to allergies or religious/dietary restrictions

General categories:

Appetizers, snacks, finger food

Sides/Salads

Main course

1. meat/fish

2. vegetarian/vegan

Desserts/sweets

Beverages

Misc.

Also recommended: camp chairs, coolers, games (Frisbees, soccer balls, etc)

For information from previous picnics, see this thread and the latter parts of this one.

I'd be happy to pull some labels together (or at least bring blank ones if the list isn't complete by Friday) so we can identify all the goodies!

[Heather]

Thanks, Jackie! I appreciate your repost very much.