Our Teachers are SOUPER!

I just joined the PTA.  Figured it would be a good way to get involved in my childrens school.  And last week I was VERY involved.  As in I ended up being in charge of a teacher appreciation dinner last minute.  Delegating is not one of my stregnths so I did it all (minus providing 1 package of napkins... somebody donated those).  If you find yourself in the same boat, you may find this post very helpful:)

THEME & DECOR:  OUR TEACHERS ARE SOUPER! 

• theme taped to wall above main table  (scroll to bottom for banner letters)
• cute signs placed on talbes 
• printables to introduce the food 

MENU:  The dinner was for the teachers and staff during partent/teacher conferences, and needed to be ready at all times during a 4 hour stretch- depending on when each teacher had a break in their schedule.  Thank goodness for friends... I had one crockpot & 4 soups.  Love that so many were so willing to part with their beloved crockpots for a day or two.

     SOUPS- seriously, you cannot go wrong with The Pioneer Woman or Our Best Bites.  Everything I've tried from either of them as been amazing.  So I knew I could trust these recipes without testing them beforehand.  The other two recipes are favorites.  Women tend to love the Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup and the Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower is a childhood favorite (infact, my soon-to-be 6 year old wants it for each meal on her birthday coming up in a few weeks). 

• Chicken Soup from The Pioneer Woman  
• Minestrone Soup from Our Best Bites 
• Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup  
• Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Soup
• 2lb head cauliflower and/or broccoli, chopped
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 6 chicken boullion cubes
• 4 1/2 cups water
• 1 t worchestershire sauce
• 2 c cream
• 3 T cornstarch with 3 T water
• 8 oz grated med. or sharp cheddar

Cook cauliflower/ broccoli, green onions, boullion and water 15 minutes, until tender. Add worchestershire & cream and bring to a boil. Slowly add cornstarch and water combo. Boil about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Can garnish with green onions and cheese.

     BREAD BOWLS-  because nothing says 'soup' like a bread bowl.  I had originally planned on purchasing these from Panera, but my favorite local bakery made them for me for about half the price.  They don't make them on a daily basis (at least at my bakery), so special ordering is a must!

     SALAD-  Decided to go with a basic salad... premade iceburg blend (so cheap!), then added in some fancier greens to dress it up a bit.  Tomatoes, shredded cheese & croutons on top.  A few dressing options.

     PUMPKIN PIE-  Costco seriously has amazing pumpkin pie in the fall.  It is huge, only $5.99 & amazing.  That with a can of whipped topping made for the perfect dessert for a chilly autumn night.

     BROWNIES-  Can't go wrong with such a yummy basic as a backup for the crazy people who don't like pumpkin pie.

     MINTS-  With a cute note saying 'YOU WERE MINT TO TEACH'  attached to the basket.  Which was red.  And oh, so cute!

     DRINKS-  Kept cold in a cooler full of ice just below the dessert table.

• water bottles.  On the table above were individual packets of Crystal Light for those who prefer a little more than water flavor.
• IZZE Sparkling Juice... you seriously can't go wrong with it.  Seriously.

BUDGET:  The budget was $250.  For 50 people.  Each soup recipe was doubled.  Way too much salad.  50 bread bowls.  Mints to feed an army (thanks, Costco).  3 pumpkin pies.  3 boxes of brownies.  68 water bottles.  24 Izze's.  Individual packets of Crystal Light.  Plus Costco sized plates, bowls, spoons, forks, knives.  Spent a total of $275.  Not worried because come February, I'll be doing all of this again & I still have plenty of papergoods, mints, napkins, water bottles & Crystal Light. 

FEEDBACK:  Everybody loved it.  Recipes were requested, I was told I was hired, was a superstar, etc.  Everybody truley felt appreciated.  I guess the pressure is really on for February!  How can I top such super soups?