Tips For Scaling Recipes When Cooking For A Crowd

There are several instances that call for scaling recipes, such as cooking for crowds at parties, potlucks, or other special occasions. Yet taking a favorite recipe and trying to determine the best way to make more of it to feed a crowd can sometimes be a daunting task. The good news is that there are some things that can be done to make the recipe scaling process easier and more successful.

"It would be nice if all we had to do was take the recipe and double it," explains Chef Scott Jenkins, the executive chef at Arlington-based Extra Virgin restaurant. "But that's not always going to work, and it may turn a favorite dish into one that you don't even want to serve to your guests."

Here are some things to keep in mind, in order to have more success with scaling recipes for a crowd:

- Scaling recipes works best if you know whether you need double or triple, or a specific amount that is needed. Just knowing that 'more' is needed is not going to work. It is best to determine how much more you want to create.
- When it comes to seasoning scaled recipes, most seasonings do not need to be doubled and tripled. Season to taste and keep in mind that, when doubling a recipe, you will not double the seasonings. If the original recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of a seasoning, for example, use 1.5 teaspoons in a doubled recipe.
- Cooking times will vary when you make a recipe smaller or larger. Keep this in mind and adjust it accordingly. If the recipe has been made bigger, it will likely require more cooking time.
- Some recipes do not scale well, such as breads. In this case, it is better to make multiple batches of the recipe, rather than trying to make the recipe larger.
- To scale alcoholic mixed drinks, use math skills. Keep in mind that 8 ounces is one cup, and calculate by the number of servings that you want the batch to have.
- When it comes to preparing bite-sized appetizers for a crowd, base calculations on eight pieces per person. This will give you an idea of how many you need to make altogether.

For those who have difficulty in trying to determine what the calculations should be to scale a recipe for a larger crowd, there are online tools that can help. Simply do a search for a recipe adjuster program and input the basic recipe and scaling details.

"Cooking for a larger crowd can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a daunting task if you don't feel comfortable about how much to cook and how to scale the recipe," adds Chef Jenkins. "Using these tips, it's actually a lot easier than it seems. And, with a little bit of practice, even a novice can pull it off."

Extra Virgin, which has an olive oil-inspired menu and d?cor, is an Arlington-based restaurant that specializes in modern Italian cuisine. Options include such specialties as wood-fired pizzas, pastas, meat, poultry, and seafood, as well as vegetarian options. The restaurant offers lunch specials, as well as new weekly menu specialties.

About Extra Virgin
Located in Shirlington Village's "Restaurant Row," Extra Virgin offers diners a variety of modern Italian cuisine. The restaurant offers both lunch and dinner, as well as full catering services. The owner, Shary Thur, is a four-time breast cancer survivor, while Scott Jenkins, the executive chef, has over 18 years of culinary experience. The restaurant hosts weekly jazz and other music events, as well as weekly specials, in addition to late night dancing. To learn more about Extra Virgin, visit the website at: www.extravirginva.com

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