You’ve just read the title of this post and are probably finding it hard to believe that I am associating seafood with frugality. Don’t tune me out yet. I am anxious to share one of my favorite, and yes …least expensive entertaining ideas.
If you aren’t familiar with a seafood boil, here is a quick definition from Wikipedia.com;
“ A boil is usually done in a large pot (60 to 80 quarts) fitted with a strainer and heated by propane. Seasonings include crab boil packets, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, salt, lemons, and bay leaf. Ears of corn, new potatoes, onions, and heads of garlic are usually included in shrimp and crawfish boils. Some people will add smoked sausage links and/or mushrooms.”
If you grew up in the midwest you are probably more familiar with the term “potluck” than seafood boil. The frugal way to host a seafood boil is to ask everyone who attends to bring a portion of the meal. One family brings a few dozen ears of corn, another brings some sausage links, another brings potatoes and mushrooms…and so on.
This year, my husband and I agreed to bring the shrimp for the boil (which is obviously the most costly item.) Our portion of the meal cost less than $80.00 and the boil fed over fifty people. Since we usually hold “boils” with the same families, we will be asked to bring a less expensive item next time.
My favorite part of the boil is serving the meal. You simply dump the cooked meats, potatoes, seafood and corn onto a large table that is covered with freezer paper and everyone serves themselves.
My second favorite part is cleaning up the meal. You simply toss the leftovers (there usually aren’t any) and the used paper into the garbage. It couldn’t be any simpler.
I am sure you are planning at least one neighborhood or family gathering this summer. If so, I highly recommend trying a seafood boil. Here’s the recipe we used for our recent Memorial Day Shrimp and Sausage Boil.