The Hunt: Mastering Effortless Flexibility While Entertaining a Crowd – Day 3

Welcome back to The Hunt Series! Day 3 is all about adaptability—because let’s face it, when you’re entertaining a crowd, flexibility isn’t just a perk; it’s a survival skill. Whether you’re hosting seasoned hunters or a lively group of friends, things don’t always go as planned. 

So, let’s dive into how I kept the chaos under control while embracing life’s curveballs.

The Hunt: Mastering Effortless Flexibility While Entertaining a Crowd – Day 3

MORNING: Cleaning with Minimal Effort

Let’s be real, hosting a crowd can wreak havoc on your home, but that doesn’t mean you have to scrub like Cinderella all morning. My trusty dishwasher did most of the heavy lifting overnight. Once emptied, it was quickly refilled with late-night snack plates and cups.

Then came the kitchen wipe-down—a must when you have a white cat determined to redecorate your counters with fur. Other chores? Skipped. Sometimes, you’ve got to prioritize peace over perfection. 

Morning Cleaning Checklist:

• Dishwasher duty: ✅
• Wipe counters and table: ✅
• Skip bathrooms and vacuuming: 💤

Lunch:

Leftovers Turned Into Supper

Lunch plans took a detour when my premade turkey pot pie made its way into the oven… and then life happened. 

Early hunting guests? Check. 

Impromptu city trip for a hockey jersey? Double-check.

PRO TIP: When your day suddenly involves rims, winter tires, and endless errands, a good pot pie can adapt with you. I turned off the oven, let the pie sit, and saved it for supper. 

Turkey Pot Pie: Before it went into the oven…

• Removed from the freezer the night before to thaw.
• Top with an egg yolk and milk wash for golden perfection.
• Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, then drop to 350°F for about 1.5 hours.

Supper:

A Comfort Food Feast

When we finally sat down for dinner, it was a simple, hearty spread: turkey pot pie, perfectly whipped mashed potatoes, and frozen Brussels sprouts. The green peas? A last-minute addition to clear out the fridge.

Perfectly Simple Mashed Potatoes

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 large potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or cream for extra richness)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Peel and Boil: Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.

2. Cook: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).

3. Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk, then mash using a potato masher or a hand mixer for a smoother consistency.

4. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste if desired. Mix well.

5. Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy!

NOTE: For a little extra flair, sprinkle some chopped chives or a dash of garlic powder.

Cozy Stovetop Brussels Sprouts

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bag of frozen Brussels sprouts (about 16 oz)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Thaw and Prep: Let the Brussels sprouts thaw slightly while you prep your other ingredients. No need to rush—this cozy side dish is all about ease.

2. Sauté for Cozy Flavor: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Sprouts: Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Sauté for 3-10 minutes, letting them soak up the buttery goodness. You can place a lid overtop to help them cook faster. Just remember to keep moving them around so they don’t burn.

4. Season and Serve: Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. For a cozy finishing touch, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, healthy side.

Perfect for pairing with any meal, these Brussels sprouts bring warmth and simplicity to your table.

Here’s how supper turned out…

Dessert:

Snack Attack

Dessert was a free-for-all: leftover Halloween treats, yogurt with granola, and the last slice of Perfect Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream. A little bit of everything to satisfy every craving.

EVENING WRAP-UP: Relax and Recharge

After a satisfying day of hosting, cleanup was minimal. I loaded the dishwasher, wiped down surfaces, and let the kitchen rest for the night.

Stay Tuned for More in The Hunt Series! Whether you’re hosting a hunting crowd or just a large group of friends, flexibility is key to making every event stress-free and enjoyable. Stay tuned for more tips, recipes, and entertaining hacks in the next installment!

Related Posts You’ll Love:

• The Hunt: Entertaining a Crowd with Effortless Balsamic Coho Salmon – DAY 2
• The Hunt: Amazing First Impressions Entertaining a Crowd – DAY 1
• The Hunt: Entertaining for a Crowd with 4 Essential Tips to Impress Your Guests!

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All photos by The Unscripted Femme.