# Cooks

You will be reimbursed for the cost of food. It is recommended to have at least two people in this role where possible, especially if a lot of attendees are expected. We have created a food guide below with some ideas that take into account the requirements listed below.

## Cook Checklist

* [ ] **Check the estimated headcount** by seeing how many people have signed up to join via the [Volunteer Sign-Up](https://volunteersignup.org/LBJQB) event
* [ ] **Prepare extra food**, as there will likely be more people that show up than RSVP’d (plan for about 25% more people than expected)
* [ ] **Food should be simple and inexpensive**, with a target budget of $100 per event, or about $4/attendee (if more than 25 attendees).
* [ ] **Food should also be easy to transport**, and ideally not too much work for you!
* [ ] **Food should be hypoallergenic and take into account various dietary restrictions.**
  * It goes without saying, but please make sure everything is vegan!
  * The main should be gluten- and nut-free, or have a gluten- and nut-free option
  * Low salt and oil is preferred
* [ ] **Provide complete recipe labels** for all dishes.
* [ ] **Coordinate with the host** if the use of their kitchen is needed for food prep during or prior to the event.
* [ ] **Set up an efficient “food station”** that allows people to easy grab a plate, silverware, and food while moving through a line.

## Food Guide for Cooks

This section offers ideas for food that is ideal to prepare for a large number of people, is cost effective, inclusive of dietary restrictions, easily prepared, and tasty!

The rule of thumb for Pro-Animal Socials is to provide a main course of fresh, healthy food (any sides/desserts are totally optional). For cost and ease, the main(s) will usually be some kind of stew or chili, though cooks are allowed to be more adventurous if they wish.

### Main Courses

* [5-Ingredient Vegan Chili](https://sweetsimplevegan.com/5-ingredient-vegan-chili/)
* [Easy Yellow Dal Recipe](https://plantbasedonabudget.com/yellow-dal/)
* [Quick & Easy Red Lentil Dahl](https://www.noracooks.com/red-lentil-dahl/)
* [Easy Chickpea Curry](https://www.noracooks.com/chickpea-curry/)
* [Vegan Stir Fry](https://www.noracooks.com/vegan-stir-fry/) + [Another Vegan Stir Fry](https://www.kathysvegankitchen.com/vegan-stir-fry/#recipe)
* [5-Minute Easy Vegan Tacos](https://happykitchen.rocks/5-minute-easy-vegan-tacos/)
* [Vegan Sloppy Joes](https://www.noracooks.com/vegan-sloppy-joes/)
* [Easy Vegan Baked Falafel (Oil-Free)](https://thevegan8.com/easy-vegan-baked-falafel/) & [Authentic Lebanese Hummus](https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/best-hummus/)
* [Lemon Garlic Soy Curls](https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/vegan-lemon-garlic-soy-curls/#recipe)

### Dessert

* [Gluten-Free & Oil-Free Vegan Brownies](https://thevegan8.com/fudgy-vegan-low-fat-brownies/#recipe)
* [Oil-Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies](https://thishealthykitchen.com/vegan-chocolate-chip-cookies/#recipe)
* [One Bowl Vegan Chocolate Sheet Cake](https://thebananadiaries.com/one-bowl-vegan-chocolate-sheet-cake/)
* [Vegan Berry Crumble](https://nosweatvegan.com/vegan-berry-crumble/)

### **Inexpensive Amazon Purchases**

* [Loma Linda Hot Dogs](https://www.amazon.com/Loma-Linda-Plant-Based-Franks-Kosher/dp/B07M8FJCT3/ref=sr_1_9?crid=1JVXX43J0OSPV\&keywords=loma+linda+frank+giant+can\&qid=1688747364\&sprefix=loma+linda+frank+giant+ca%2Caps%2C120\&sr=8-9) 
* [Chili Man Canned Chili](https://www.amazon.com/Chilli-Man-Chili-Vegetarian-Beans/dp/B000LKTFHI/ref=sr_1_10?crid=1HIU97VTBAZM6\&keywords=loma+linda+chili\&qid=1688747524\&s=grocery\&sprefix=loma+linda+chili%2Cgrocery%2C116\&sr=1-10)
* [Loma Linda Taco Filling](https://www.amazon.com/Loma-Linda-Blue-Plant-Based-Solution/dp/B07P715GQ5/ref=sr_1_7?crid=P1UBAW3B305X\&keywords=bulk+vegan+taco+meat\&qid=1689459901\&sprefix=bulk+vegan+taco+mea%2Caps%2C163\&sr=8-7)
* [Butler Soy Curls](https://www.amazon.com/Butler-Soy-Curls-Bags-Pack/dp/B00HAS1SVU/ref=sr_1_4?crid=BXDOKDWSBUHZ\&keywords=soy+curls\&qid=1689463992\&s=grocery\&sprefix=soy+curls%2Cgrocery%2C208\&sr=1-4)