Hosting a summertime shindig is a pretty cool thing to do. But you know what’s not cool? Serving guests food that’s been boiling under the hot sun. That can lead to spoilage, or worse, give everyone who picks at the suspect-looking French onion dip a nasty case of food poisoning.
Many hosts know just how hard it is to keep party snacks chilled in warm weather. We’re talking fresh fruit, creamy salads, or decadent seafood platters that need to stay cool — ideally, 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to the USDA. Well, here’s a trick to ensure your party food remains nice and cold for hours on end.
A Clever Way To Keep Dishes Cold
This hack comes to us from TikTok creator Shannon Doherty (@athomewithshannon), and it’s pretty simple. You’ll need two different sizes of freezer-safe aluminum pans— one larger and one smaller (we’ll explain why momentarily). The number of pans you’ll need depends entirely on the size of your party. You may need just a few if it’s a small gathering with a single fruit platter, or several dozen if you’re hosting a big event with lots of refreshing snacks.
The night before your party, fill the larger aluminum tray with roughly an inch or two of water and place it in the freezer overnight. Since freezer space often comes at a premium, you may only be able to chill a few trays at a time. If you’re lucky enough to have a second freezer in the garage or basement, by all means, use that as well.
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When it comes time to plate the party food, take the large tray out of the freezer, where it will have developed a solid layer of ice. Next, plate the party food on the smaller tray, and place that tray atop the larger, frozen one. The ice will chill the food from the bottom, keeping it at a safer temperature. If the ice begins to melt, either swap the large tray for a backup or fill it with ice cubes in a pinch.
Chill Your Treats Anywhere
Looking for another convenient way to keep party food cool on the go? These inflatable serving bars are an excellent alternative if you’re going to the beach or having a picnic in the park. They take up minimal space when deflated and fit into almost any travel bag. Once you reach your destination, inflate the serving bar and fill it with a few bags of ice from a nearby gas station or convenience store. This will keep your food and drinks chilled for the many fun-filled hours ahead.
