Hi there,
I'm hosting 4 adults (1 is a pretty well known author) and 4 kiddos under the age of 8. 2 guests are vegetarian. I'm nervous as I want to wow the guests but not be too stressed and also accommodating to the vegetarians. I was thinking of making a Moroccan chicken (Food 52) w couscous as well as a hearty vegetarian chickpea dish and a salad (ottolenghi recipe). For starters maybe mezze (feta, hummus, etc). I've made the chicken and people love it. My husband thinks it's sort of an ugly dish and maybe too heavy for a hot day.
An alternative idea is barely cooked tomatoes, torn basil and burratta tossed w spaghetti. Maybe a roasted shrimp dish on side (ina garten) and grilled bread. Any thoughts what may be best? I'm not a last minute person so the chicken dish is appealing as it's best cooked the day before On the other hand seasonal, light food is always appealing... I never go too simple w guests bc I'm scared it would appear, well too simple! Appreciate any advice. Yes I know I'm overthinking it but I still need help sorting it out. Ps may make a cherry clafoutis for dessert
I think two vegetarians plus 4 kiddos requires emphasis on something those 6 will eat. Our grandchildren don't like complicated flavors. I think you are going in the right direction with the vegetarian chickpea dish and salad but will the children eat that? I like your second idea better since I think everyone will eat the spaghetti. My point is your main dish should be something everyone will eat. Grilled shrimp on the side sounds good to me but I'm not sure the children will eat it. With spaghetti as the main, I think that would be ok. Homemade yeast rolls are a big hit at our house and a favorite with the young grandchildren. I think I would opt for a simple homemade roll since I'm guessing grilled bread might involve garlic and other seasonings. You could offer two butters. One being a fresh herbed butter that would complement the spaghetti flavors.
As a believer in there's never too much food, I would be tempted to add a simple vegetable - the freshest local you can get. Even if it's plain green beans. Our grandson is thrilled with broccoli. I don't think you need to get elaborate. Choosing best flavors is key. Not tired veggies from the supermarket.
Thanks for the advice! 3 of the four kids are mine so I know their tastes and they are flexible and could go w anything. I'll def add a seasonal veggie salad on the side. And will lay out some charcuterie, olives etc beforehand. Thanks again!!
i make a very simple summer pasta dish: do ripe, local tomatoes in a rough chop, put them in your serving bowl with plenty of very good eevo, salt, pepper and lemon juice. let that marinate at room temp for several hours. cook your pasta, and just before it's finished add lemon zest and freshly torn mint or basil to the tomato mix. dump in the well-drained pasta and toss everything.
alongside i'd do a zucchini carpaccio (smitten kitchen has an easy one, or hubert keller has a much fancier, but prettier, one)
and a charcuterie plate as you had thought.
some nice olives and spiced nuts would be good nibbles if people are having a drink before dinner.
We had a similar situation recently and we did tarts! Two tomato tarts, a carmelized onion, and mushroom. The kids loved them as much as the adults
tarts are a lovely idea!!
tomato tarte tatin has always gone over well here.
Oooh, love this idea!
Maybe a galette would be similar yet easier for the OP if multiple tart pans are a concern. Certainly easy enough to make ahead. The SK burst tomato galette would make for an impressive vegetarian main that any omni would love- probably two for your group size.
https://smittenkitchen.com/2013/08/bu...
Add on a side salad with some toasted nuts/seeds, maybe dinner rolls or breadsticks too.
A clafoutis for dessert sounds perfect!
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