Happy Friday! This morning I had the pleasure of joining Fox 9 to kick off our annual Entertaining Weekend and celebrate Small Business Saturday here in Hutchinson.
If you caught the segment, you already know the theme: welcoming people in, feeding them well, and keeping it affordable. I’m sharing everything we talked about, plus the recipes, so you can host with confidence all season long.
Entertaining Weekend and Small Business Saturday in Hutchinson
The Clay Coyote is a small handmade pottery studio in Hutchinson, Minnesota. We’ve been making pottery since 1994, and today we’re proud to employ five potters who create pieces designed for everyday cooking and gathering. There’s something deeply satisfying about making homemade food in handmade clay cookware. It’s not just about heat and function, it’s about care, tradition, and the feel of slowing down to share something real.
This weekend is a big one for our town and for small businesses everywhere. Shopping small keeps Main Streets thriving, and Hutchinson takes it seriously. The Chamber and Hutchinson Ambassadors will be surprising shoppers around town with gift cards and other goodies. As we say around here, there’s “Much in Hutch!”
Here’s what’s happening at the studio:
- Today, Friday, we kick off Entertaining Weekend with complimentary refreshments and a recipe-card inspiration station. Come taste, sip, and grab ideas for your own gatherings.
- Tomorrow we’re hosting four Minnesota artisan guests in the studio, which makes holiday shopping easy and meaningful. You can meet:
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Chilly Pottery
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Little Bird Soap Co.
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Tom Sack Metalworks
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Webster Pottery
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If you’re coming from the Twin Cities, Hutchinson is about an hour west on Highway 7. Make a day of it. Shop small, eat well, and enjoy the start of the season.
Feeding a crowd without blowing the budget
When you’re hosting, food costs add up fast. The recipes I brought to Fox 9 are the ones we lean on when we want something crowd-pleasing, low-stress, and affordable. Here’s the grocery cost breakdown:
- open house meatballs: $11.21
- jalapeño popper dip: $11.14, plus crackers or chips for serving
- craisin and walnut scones (12 scones): $8.52 with spiced butter: $1.31
These three items cover appetizers and brunch, and they scale beautifully depending on how many people you’re welcoming.
Pottery used on the show
I’m often asked which pieces I reach for when entertaining. Here’s what you saw today:
- Meatballs: Clay Coyote Dutch Oven (served on a Small Tray)
- Popper dip: Clay Coyote Square Baker (prepared in a Deep Mixing Bowl)
- Scones and butter: Clay Coyote Serving Tray and Small Bowl
Recipes
Open house meatballs for a crowd
The single most requested recipe we have. After every open house, I’m not kidding when I say that three people ask us to write down this recipe, and once a person even called first thing Monday morning to get it. It’s crazy. These are the true belles of the Coyote Ball. They’re super simple too, enjoy!
Ingredients
1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce
1 can (14 ounces) sauerkraut
1/2 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 package (32 ounces) frozen fully cooked home style meatballs, thawed
Process
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Bake the meatballs according to directions.
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Add everything but the meatballs to your Dutch Oven or crockpot and stir well.
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Add the meatballs and lightly stir to coat in the sauce.
Cooking options
- crockpot: cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours
- oven: cook at 350°F for 2 of 300°F 4 hours
Note: Do not use homemade meatballs. They fall apart. If you do use homemade, be prepared to serve this like sloppy joe meat on buns, which honestly doesn’t sound too bad either.
Christie’s jalapeño popper dip for a party with friends
Like so many of our favorite recipes, this one was shared with us by a customer and it’s become a staple.
Ingredients
2 packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup mayo, can reduce to 1/2 cup
1 cup shredded cheese, any kind
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
4 ounce can chopped green chilies
4 ounce can chopped jalapeños, or fresh
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 stick butter, melted
Process
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Mix cream cheese, mayo, shredded cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan, chilies, and jalapeños together.
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Pour into a Square Baker or savory baking dish.
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Mix panko, remaining parmesan, and melted butter, then sprinkle over the top.
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Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until the topping browns.
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Serve warm with butter crackers or chips.
Craisin and walnut scones with spiced butter for a brunch gathering
Scone ingredients
4 cups flour
3 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup cold butter
1 egg, separated
1 1/2 cups non-dairy coffee creamer or half and half
1 cup craisins
1 cup walnut pieces
Butter ingredients
1/2 cup softened butter
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Scone process
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Combine dry ingredients and cut in butter until crumbly.
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Whisk egg yolk and creamer together.
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Stir into dry ingredients until just moistened.
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Add craisins and walnuts and stir.
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Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 10 times.
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Divide dough in half and pat each portion into a 7-inch circle.
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Cut each circle into 8 wedges.
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Separate and place on a greased baking sheet.
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Beat egg white and brush over dough.
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Sprinkle with sugar.
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Bake at 425°F for 15 to 17 minutes, until golden brown.
Butter process
- Combine butter, brown sugar, and spices. Beat until smooth and serve with warm scones.
A final invitation
If you’re nearby, come see us this weekend. Try the food, meet the artists, and browse handmade pottery that’s meant to be used and loved. If you’re farther away, I hope these recipes help you host a crowd with ease, warmth, and a budget that still leaves room for the fun stuff. Thanks for supporting small, and for letting Clay Coyote be part of your table.
