Birthday Party Planning

[horizonsmkr]

We are hosting our daughter's first birthday party over Labor Day and expecting about 50-60 adults and a handful of kids and toddlers.

The plan is to smoke a 21# brisket and 18.5# whole pork shoulder. Based on the number of people, I think I need more food.

Options I can think of is to add another pork butt to the smoker when I smoke the shoulder. Also thinking about grilling or smoking some italian sausages. Never smoked sausages.

Any thoughts on the amount of brisket/ pork...am I right in thinking it will not be enough? Any other "add-ons" that are good for parties?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[HalfSmoked]

Both pieces of meat you are talking about are large especially the pork. Plan on losing about 1/2 on the pork shoulder maybe a 1/3 on the brisket and that's after you trim it. Food standards is 1/4lb of finished meat per person in my family you better make that 1/2lb. So it looks like you may be short on finished product. However the added sausage will make a difference. Good luck

Warren

 

[smokinq13]

I agree with HS ... seems like you are right on the border line, is there any other foods, how many sides desserts etc? Sausages are fantastic on the smoker easy and cheap... I'd do a mixure of Italian and brats

 

[horizonsmkr]

Thanks for the info. I would think some in our crowd would be closer to the 1/2 pound per person. I might get another pork butt just to make sure there’s enough. Better to have leftovers than run out of food.

As for sides: potato salad, baked beans, tomato salad, deviled eggs, fruit salad.

I welcome any other input or thoughts.

 

[chilerelleno]

Yep, you need to figure your losses for both trimming and cooking.

Trimming and cooking the brisket figuring 1/3 weight loss is about right.
14lbs finished, 56 1/4lb or 28 1/2lb servings

If the shoulder is bone-in figure 40% loss in weight after cooking, boneless should be approx 30%.
11lbs finished, 44 1/4lb or 22 1/2lb servings

I'd want to be able to plate a generous portion of one or the other, or both.
Industry serving weights may be 1/4lb, but I'd never figure that for a party I'm throwing, I'm with Warren in the 1/2lb camp.

I'd add another Butt or two and 15-20lbs of sausage.

Better to freeze or donate leftovers than to limit my guests.

 

[TomKnollRFV]

Toss on some hot dogs and burgers on a grill, nothing fancy, some people don't like our fancy food, and they're easy to make..I've yet to meet any kids who don't like hot dogs!

Gratz on the kid getting a year old too!

 

[horizonsmkr]

Good point, thanks.

 

[HalfSmoked]

horizonsmkr Look up Gary's baked Beans they are great and you cook them right under neath that pork shoulder.
You most likely will have to drain some fat off the top but they are awesome.

Warren

 

[horizonsmkr]

HalfSmoked...thanks for the tip on the beans. I’ll make them, but For this party the mother in law is making her “famous” ranch beans. Not sure how I would make Gary’s beans I only have one rack on my offset. Maybe next to the meat?

 

[TomKnollRFV]

HalfSmoked...thanks for the tip on the beans. I’ll make them, but For this party the mother in law is making her “famous” ranch beans. Not sure how I would make Gary’s beans I only have one rack on my offset. Maybe next to the meat?

Judging from the quote I some how suspect you don't view them as all that famous or good ;)

 

[horizonsmkr]

I’ll say they are good but made too often.

 

[912smoker]

Hopefully, they had enough food.....


Keith