Open your doors, feed a crowd

One of our most favourite ways to entertain family and friends also happens to be one of the easiest: the Open House. The flexible beginning and end times, and the informal nature of the event (including, of course, some great food) makes this a really fun way to entertain.

First, find something to celebrate. This shouldn’t be too difficult! How about throwing a party to herald the first days of fall? Or the last soccer tournament of the season? Think beyond birthdays and traditional calendar holidays because people often book them off weeks in advance.

Send out the invitations. Make it super simple by making them digital, like Evite.

Don’t be shy about making it a pot luck event. It's OK to ask your friends to bring simple side dishes like rolls, salad, or a make-ahead dessert like these easy chocolate-almond date balls.

It's up to you, however, to provide the main dish! Keep the fuss factor to a minimum and serve one simple dish. You can keep it warm on the stove for the duration of the party. 

• You can double or triple this recipe for ham and leek chowder. This recipe for Chili Con Carne is great too. Keep it simmering while your guests mingle.
• Don't forget you can enlist the help of your slow cooker and free up your stove top. BBQ Cola Beef Sandwiches make a great lunch or dinner for guests of all ages. You can use your slow cooker to keep a soup warm too, like this delightful Butternut Squash and Apple Soup.
• This recipe for sweet and sour meatballs requires only three ingredients, and this cheeseburger casserole is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Do you have a good recipe that feeds a crowd? If so we’d love it if you shared them with our community of Canadian cooks!