We are having only close family and a few friends over...basically about 20 people. I'd like to serve homemade food, but also have to "entertain" and don't want to spend much time cooking or prepping food while our guests are here. The Communion service is at 2:30pm, so I'm guessing we'll be back at our house about 4 or 4:30. It's a little early for dinner, but I need ideas on what to put out RIGHT away for people to snack on, and then a dinner suggestion. Perhaps something I can premake or prepare in advance and then just warm up?
I don't want to cater it or pick up food.
Hopefully we can put out "healthy" choices, not fried chicken or things drenched in sauces. It seems so many "go to" party items are so fatty or caloric!!!
Thanks Mamas!
Put out the basics for when people first arrive:
Pita chips
Salsa
Veggies
Meal ideas:
If its cold weather : chili or vegetable beef stew in bread bowls
If its nice outside:
Lasagna, garlic bread and salad
Chicken salad on croissant rolls
Baked chicken with pasta salad
Why "Lamb of course" haha joking.............
what about lasagna? you can prep that ahead of time and put in the oven when ready to cook..
also, salad.. you can do all the chopping prep work ahead of time as well.even the night before.. just store the various veggies in containers and then toss and add dressing when ready to eat..
also for prior... cut up a baguette that morning in slices (don't worry about it getting stale) when you return, rub the slices with garlic, add a little olive oil, toast in oven and then top with FRESH mozzarella cheese and fresh basil... even tomato slices or calamata olives..
it's yummy and quick..
also, mini quiches are easy .. or a cheese, veggie and fruit platter with pita chips and dip.. this can all be prepared ahead of time..
best of luck
Well, if you make a couple trays of lasagna the day before, all you gotta do is pop 'em in the oven, throw together a salad and warm up some bread!
:)
We are in the exact same boat. We live in Louisiana and my daughter wants boiled crawfish for her special day...not asking my family wearing Sunday best to crack tails and get filled with crawfish juice!! We are having it catered because it actually truns out cheaper for us. Probably something like a brisket! I am putting out fruit/ veggie trays, and grapes and cheese for grazing when getting back from Mass! Good luck and God Bless on such a Beautiful celebration of Faith!
How about a nice baked ham? You could get a healthy one from a market, or bake your own the day before. Have it sliced on a large platter. On one side of the ham, set out healthy rolls and some sliced cheese choices, mayo/mustard, etc, so people can make a sandwich with it. On another side of the ham, have thinly sliced baguettes and a bowl of finely chopped olives, tomatoes, capers and red peppers in a light olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, and sliced fresh mozzarella, and people can make a small fresh open-faced bruschetta. On another side of the ham, place healthy crackers and a homemade cheese spread or cheese ball, and some fresh small vegetables (grape tomatoes, baby carrots, diced zucchini). That way, the ham is your one main choice, but with three options: the hungry people can make a delicious sandwich, and the lighter eaters can have bruschetta or simply an antipasta plate. All of that can be prepared the day before if tightly wrapped and refrigerated, except for the sliced baguette. One the day of the Communion service, all you have to do is set things out. It's kind of the appetizer snacks and the meal all in one.
I like to make a veggie tray and cheeseball and crackers. As for what to serve, sandwich rolls are always a hit. Just get the little rolls, put meat and cheese on them (we do ham and turkey) and then have condiments set out so people can fix them up the way they like them, with mayo or mustard or whatever. Very little mess, easy for adults and kids to eat.
Just put out a veggie tray and hummus, and maybe cheese and crackers to keep it simple. Lasagna is an easy meal to prepare ahead and just throw in the oven. I usually do one with meat and one vegetarian. Prepared salad on the side and you're set! You could probably pick it all up at Costco and not have to worry about any of the prep, if you're running short on time.
Hope that helps!
Crockpots low all the way, borrow one from a friend if you can and cook up beef in one (perhaps with dry onion soup mix golden mushroom soup and a bit of wine, yum) Beef in a crockpot is a bit loose and shreddy if cooked all day. If you start it early in the morning on high, then check before you go to low it will be great. You can get beef at stores like Dominick's in clearance sections that are fine but getting close to due date, so it won't be too expensive. Then serve with rolls or tortillas or whatever. How about beans in a crockpot all day, (low, too). As far as right away those salsa and chip ideas are great! Have fun and congratulations!
We had BBQ, potato salad, beans and fresh fruit salad. You can actually do a huge Brisket in the oven over night, then pop it on the grill to get the grilled taste on it. I will send you the recipe.
For snacks, how about a veggie & dip platter, and maybe hummus & pitas cut into triangles or 7-layer taco dip (I love 7-layer taco dip). All can be in the fridge ahead of time & pulled out to serve.
For dinner, how about a nice salad & a baked pasta? Maybe with some other sides? You can prep the pasta, throw it in the oven and bake it, and viola, dinner.
For one of our family parties, I made grilled cedar planked salmon (super, super easy...I have the recipe if you want), baked ham and lots of sides (fresh veggies, garden/spinach salads, rolls, desserts).
The salmon was a huge hit! It can be baked just as easily if grilling is not an option. I'll be making it again very soon. Yum!
