Prepping Fried Foods for Reception

afrenchprincess1 · October 2011

Were (mom, grandmom) DIY on the food and were having Southern Food. Were having fried chicken and catfish. My question is how far in advance can you make and store the fired foods where they will still be tasty and somewhat crispy? I know that you will loose some crispiness. But I waas thinking maybe 3 days ahead and then wrapping them in foil in fridge and then using the oven at the reception site to warm them? Any ideas? Thanks!

teamUS2012 · October 2011

3 days sounds kinda dangerous to me, but I'm funny about food.

Is it at all possible to prep the food completely and have 2 other people (not close to you) to drop it in the fryer during the wedding?

If not, I would go for frying it the day before, draining all the grease, wrapping it in paper towels so it can breathe and not get soggy, then aluminum foil to preserve it, then using open-steam chafing dishes to rewarm it. (But I'm not a pro at that, so there might be a better way. That's just what makes sense to me).

Again, I wouldn't do 3 days in advance.

nicknuttnc · October 2011

I do not know about making the food that far in advance. I fried all the fish and chicken for all of our family reunions since I was 18 and have been cutting chicken and BBQ since I was 10. I always prep the chicken (if you buy it in bulk and fresh) the day before. If you want to get the chicken and then cut it up a week before and then freeze the meat then that is fine.

However to get the best quality of fresh good fried chicken then you can fry it mid morning depending on your time of the reception. Try to get some other people to help make the meats.

For fish I think the hotter the better. I do not personally like re-warmed fish. So maybe an aunt and some good friends can help you on this aspect.

All of this talk on good fish and food is making me forget my diet. I am going to make some fried fish for dinner tonight.

alpresberry · October 2011

I'm not a big leftovers person either and I think 3 days is pushing it. I would say no sooner than the day before. Fried foods are hard to keep fresh so I'm kinda out of ideas as far as preservation. Your best bet would be to do a trial run. Buy some of the fish you are preparing and prep and store it as you plan to do for you reception and maybe have your bridesmaids over for dinner and see how they like it. Ask for their honest opinions and go from there. Good luck

Sophia1913 · October 2011

I'm not much help here, but all I gotta say is now I'm hungry

MrsBoss2012 · October 2011

I agree with the trial run. Make some tomorrow or something and pull it out this weekend.

djscat · October 2011

Okay I am just gonna put it out there. Is there ANY WAY that you can get someone other than family to cook the food for your reception? With all that goes into a wedding you want your family to be there to enjoy the day with you not be worried about the food. Even if you get the chicken from Popeyes, KFC, or local grocery store and just have them in a chafing dish to warm. That would take some of the stress of it away.

I know that Boston Market and KFC do catering. I would look to a chain restaurant to see what the pricing is for them to cater. I really just don't want that to be one more thing that you and your family is going to have to worry about on your special day. Heck no one has to know where the food came from. JMHO

tbuzz2011 · October 2011

I think that if you are going the DIY food route, maybe you should select other menu items. Pasta is an alternative that can be made ahead of time and reheated. Add a salad and some bread and that would make a nice meal. 3 day old chicken or fish might not be as tasty. I also think that your family should enjoy the day and not miss anything being tied to the kitchen.

Sophia1913 · October 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_prepping-fried-foods-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:45455091-c669-40dc-b37f-21b4727b078dPost:f518eebd-444d-4de7-b866-102905db850c">Re: Prepping Fried Foods for Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]Okay I am just gonna put it out there. Is there ANY WAY that you can get someone other than family to cook the food for your reception? With all that goes into a wedding you want your family to be there to enjoy the day with you not be worried about the food. Even if you get the chicken from Popeyes, KFC, or local grocery store and just have them in a chafing dish to warm. That would take some of the stress of it away. I know that Boston Market and KFC do catering. I would look to a chain restaurant to see what the pricing is for them to cater. I really just don't want that to be one more thing that you and your family is going to have to worry about on your special day. Heck no one has to know where the food came from. JMHO
Posted by djscat[/QUOTE]

This is a great suggestion. I

Ksk2012 · October 2011

I agree with all those posts. I am not sure how long the food will be ok. I will eat my left over catfish or chicken but it is a little soggy. But I know I made it so it isn't a big deal. However, I am not sure what i would expect if I was guest.

To Cat's point about catering I am in Los Angeles and we have a Ralphs grocery chain here that does a MEAN catfish fry at the grocery store! I have had for a few events and tonight I may just get some for dinner. Also our Albertsons fries ( also Stater Bros) some MEAN chicken. I have used them for a few occasions. We will probably have that for the rehearsal dinner. It is easy and good. You can order that in advance, they will fry it that morning and then have someone pick up and maybe just have your family man the chaffing dishes and not cook. That may be an option that is still in budget.

mahoganieyes · October 2011

I would have to agree with the ladies! Fish is a sensitive item and would definetly lose alot crisp so quick. DH for rehearsal dinner went to a local grocery store chain (remke's) and they sell buckets of fried chicken in the deli for catering. You should check out your local grocery store and see if they do bulk catering. For 100pc of fried chicken was $89.00. That would come out cheaper than doing on your own once you add time, packing, oil to cook. I attached Remke's site, not sure if one is in your area but we also have another chain here called Kroger's. Good Luck

http://www.remkes.com/page.aspx?Display=43

Prepping Fried Foods for Reception

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