Recipe(tried): a few more, Amber - Party Suggestions and Steak and Ale Marinade

Amber, I am absolutely certain that your
graduation party will be special and memorable,
no matter what food you end up serving. The
kitchen problem might seem like a disaster right
now, but it will not matter at all - This CAN be
done!

My suggestions are based on the hope that you
still have a refrigerator... If you don't, perhaps your neighbors and/or family have a bit of space of each to share for the occasion.

If you absolutely can't cook anything, you might want to rely on your deli for an especially fabulous sandwich assortment. Sliced meats and cheeses (buy in bulk and arrange yourselves to save money), high quality breads and rolls (in pretty baskets, sliced and ready to use), and condiments and trimmings (mustards, mayo, lettuce, tomato, etc.) will set the tone - do the best you can. The favorite side salads for a picnic would be great - potato salad, pasta salad, veggie sticks and dip, fruit salad, etc.

If you want to grill, you might want to consider
quick-cooking items (no one wants to spend the
entire party cooking!!). I'm thinking - kebabs.
Get a big package of those bamboo skewers (in
every supermarket). Get some beef cut at least
1" thick (sirloin works great because it's lean
and tender, especially if it's on sale) and cut into cubes. Make kebabs with cherry tomatoes,
green peppers, pineapple chunks, mushrooms,
onions, zucchini slices, etc. - whatever YOU
like! Thread on skewers, place in non-reactive
(glass, corningwear) pans and pour a great
marinade over it all (do this one or two nights
before). All you have to do at the party is
quickly grill them and put them on the buffet.
I'll repost a favorite marinade recipe below - it
works on beef, pork or chicken, and makes a
large quantity. But, you can use your favorite
purchased marinade, too.

Balloons, paper goods, etc. are all you need to
decorate at an outdoor location - maybe your
school colors!

Steak and Ale Marinade

29-oz. can pineapple juice
10 oz. sherry
8 oz. soy sauce
4 oz. wine vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. garlic salt

Blend and marinate any meat (really! chicken,
pork and beef are all great in this marinade).