The Hunt: Entertaining a Crowd with Effortless Balsamic Coho Salmon – Day 2

Entertaining a crowd can be a whirlwind, but it doesn’t have to leave you stressed. Day 2 of entertaining during ‘The Hunt’ was all about balancing flavor, simplicity, and keeping the mess under control. From easy lunches to standout dinners, here’s how the day unfolded—and how you can recreate it for your next gathering.

Missed Day 1? Catch up here: The Hunt: 4 Essential Tips to Impress Your Guests!

What to Expect in This Post:

• Cleaning Tips for Busy Hosts

• Easy Leftover Lunch Ideas

• Dinner Spotlight: Balsamic Coho Salmon

• Simple Sides and Desserts

The Hunt: Entertaining a Crowd with Effortless Balsamic Coho Salmon – Day 2

MORNING: Cleaning Routine

A clean space sets the tone for the day. Here’s my daily cleaning checklist to stay ahead of the mess:

• Bathrooms: Quick wipe-down of sinks, counters, and toilets.

• Vacuuming: Necessary with a white cat and hunters tracking in leaves and burrs.

• Dishwasher Duty: Empty it first thing to keep the kitchen running smoothly.

• Laundry: Hunting gear gets priority, especially after a rainy day. Don’t forget to clean the washer and dryer afterward!

LUNCH:

Leftovers Done Right

No need to overcomplicate lunch when entertaining. Today’s spread featured a mix of leftovers:

• Pizza, pork chops, rice, green peas, and hamburger tarts.

• A fresh veggie tray on the side kept things light and crunchy.

With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it was a crowd-pleaser!

SUPPER:

A Salmon Showstopper

Dinner was originally going to be deep fried battered fish and frozen fries, but one the hunters suggested trying his recipe for Balsamic Coho Salmon. The result? A perfectly tender, flavorful dish that wowed the group.

Balsamic Coho Salmon Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb coho salmon

• Balsamic vinegar (enough to soak the salmon)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup butter

• Brown sugar (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Soak the Salmon: Let it sit in balsamic vinegar for exactly 2 hours.

2. Season: Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Prep the Pan: Generously butter a baking dish.

4. Bake: Cook at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

5. Rest & Serve: Let it rest for a minute before serving.

Easy Coleslaw

A quick, refreshing side that pairs perfectly with rich salmon.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced

• ½ cup carrot, shredded

• Store-bought Kraft coleslaw dressing

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Slice and shred the veggies.

2. Toss everything with dressing to taste. Done in minutes!

French Fries & Frozen Corn

I’d usually go the extra mile and cut up fresh French fries to deep fry, but these days, I’ve learned to embrace a more relaxed approach—and enjoy the company too. So, I opted for bagged French fries and frozen corn instead.

Here’s how supper turned out…

DESSERT:

Pumpkin Pie Perfection

Dessert was a repeat favorite: Classic Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream. Sometimes, leftovers are the ultimate luxury.

Need the recipe? Find it here: Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipe.

EVENING WRAP-UP: More Laundry

The day ended with another round of laundry. Whites got their turn, ensuring everything stays fresh and ready for the next day.

Stay tuned for more tips, recipes, and entertaining hacks in our Hunt Series! Whether you’re hosting seasoned hunters or a lively group of friends, these strategies will keep your gatherings smooth and memorable.

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All photo’s by The Unscripted Femme.