Recipes

[eddyandme]

I'd go for a casserole as it cooks itself and you can spend all the time with your guests.

Personnally, I'd go with @JeanLouiseFinch's suggestions:  I'm hungry now!

[Sooner]

Best advice?  Don't try local food!  

Do something simple.  Maybe a really good soup or stew, salad and good bread even.  If it is cool, something like chicken chili would be fine--not very spicy.  Good bread or cornbread is fine.  

Make them at home, not feeling like company that you have struggled for.  You welcome and comfort mean far more than the food.

If you are on facebook, Jacques Pepin has little videos that are wonderful for very simple and easy company meal suggestions!

[software]

No meat loaf.

Rotisserie or simple baked chicken, easy on the seasoning.   Even though Cajun food is highly seasoned, you never know what disagrees with someone.

roasted veggies, maybe you can do fresh, find out what's local

Make a little tidbit tray, now they are called charcuterie.

Don't go wild.  cheese, crackers maybe some olives

[kittyloo]

thanks for some great ideas. i knew that i could count on you guys.

what is your opinion on passed plates, vs serve at the stove/ countertop???  a pan of lasagne is hard to pass around the table. 

i haven't entertained in YEARS.  let's just say that i'm nervous, and with all new friends to boot. 

i originally didn't want to invite pastor, and assoc. pastor, cause i thought it would seem like i was trying to "social climb?". but i asked to pastors wife who she tought a second couple should be, as she suggested them. win win for me.

i haven't been to one thing here, (even thanksgiving!!) where mashed potatoes were served. can you believe that??  alway sweet potatoes on the table instead. 

i'm thinking about meatballs in sauce,  was going to do white chicken enchiladas, but then there is the whole pass the dish thing again. 

i'm sure anything that i serve would be fine, but i judge myself more harshly than i'm sure anyone else would. 

 went to the pastors 20 year celebration reception yesterday. half brought dishes, some catered.  i made a couple of loafs of sweet nut breads. laid them attractivley on a platter.  visually not stunning, but nice enough.  when i left, it looked as 1 slice had been taken.

clearly, looks count.

i have also learned that at a potluck, if your dish is not easily rocognizable, don't bother.  most are not adventurous when there are many dishes to choose from. 

  sigh.  

[kittyloo]

@CoffeeNut  love the roasted veggie idea.  haven't seen that anywhere here yet. one of my favorites.

[Love my grandkids]

@kittyloo I wouldn't honestly dream of serving food from the stove top.

Put everything on the table and pass the dishes around.

I honestly have never gone to anyone's house and been served from the stove. 

Just relax and have a pleasant time. Let us know how it goes.

[Sooner]

@kittyloo I think white chicken enchiladas sound perfect! Plate them in the kitchen, serve the plates and pass any sides.  Green beans maybe?  Salad with citrus fruit in it and light vinegrette dressing (maybe also with citrus juice?)?

I would have salsa (red medium) and hot sauce on the table.  Maybe an avocado, mango and grape tomato salsa/salad and chips (frozen mango works well).  

The chicken enchiladas would be something not too spicy, not too much cheese, nice big pieces of chicken. 

[kittyloo]

@Love my grandkids  th

---

@Love my grandkids 

@kittyloo I wouldn't honestly dream of serving food from the stove top.

Put everything on the table and pass the dishes around.

I honestly have never gone to anyone's house and been served from the stove. 

Just relax and have a pleasant time. Let us know how it goes.

@Love my grandkids  couldn't agree more. 

Newest idea, is chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and oil, tabouli salad, pita bread, maybe some taziki, or babagonoush. Mediterranean. Subject to change of course

[AuntG]

I'd be inclined to do some kind of pasta (ziti, lasagna or spaghetti) with a crisp tossed salad and breadsticks. Kind of like Olive Garden offers.

[walker]

Good for you to do this dinner!  Nice way to get to know people and become involved in a new community.  You have received many good suggestions here.  Whatever you do, keep it simple but nice, so you can relax and enjoy guests.  

I try to prepare as much as possible ahead of time.  I would go with chicken or pasta.  I recently posted a recipe for Pasta Shells in March Recipe Swap here...fix ahead ....bake later...add salad and bread...special dessert.  Something different but people can have as much as they want and not feel stuffed. Or a Spaghetti Bake dish (can post recipe) with same sides.  Another easy dish....Chicken and Vegetables in one pan.....chicken breasts in middle, green beans and cubed red potatoes around....sprinkle all with olive oil and then dry-Italian dressing mix (or Italian seasoning).  Depending on number of guests make two pans if needed...cover, bake at 350 for one hour.  Good and makes nice presentation.  Of course, sweet treat at end! 😁

I prefer passing food at table or set up buffet.  Sounds like you are a friendly person and whatever you do they will enjoy.  Good Luck!  Let us know how it goes.