Cooking for 10 in a Foreign Kitchen
Hello out there in SE land,
We are going away for a long weekend, renting a house (so I'm therefore not cooking in my own kitchen), and I'm in charge of a group dinner for 10, 3 of whom are vegetarians. I'm reluctant to do make "group-type" meals, such as chili, enchiladas or lasagna, because I kinda (shamelessly and wordlessly) want to show that I can do something different. Not necessarily overly complicated (like risotto for 10? No thanks), but just something a little different than you'd expect for a group dinner. I'm thinking maybe quiches with sweet potato fries? Any other brilliant ideas?
Add a comment:
Previewing your comment:
HTML Hints
Some HTML is OK: <a href="URL">link</a>, <strong>strong</strong>, <em>em</em>
Comment Guidelines
Post whatever you want, just keep it seriously about eats, seriously. We reserve the right to delete off-topic or inflammatory comments. Learn more at our Comment Policy page.
If you see something not so nice, please, report an inappropriate comment.
Start Talking!
Need a question answered? Have advice to share? Start a Talk topic now!
Sign up to get your questions answered and share advice.
10 Comments:
Not sure if you are somewhere where there is a grill, but how about some awesome varieties of grilled, flatbread pizzas? You could purchase or make the balls of dough ahead of time, and do a variety of toppings like prosciutto, caramelized onions, goat cheese, wild mushrooms, spinach, roasted garlic, feta cheese, etc. You could do several pizzas/flatbreads for differing tastes, in interesting combinations. Then make a big salad to go along with...maybe one with nuts and dried cranberries in it.
juliebugsmama at 2:29PM on 01/30/09
What about Indian food or Indian-inspired food? You could do a Mulligatawny Soup or lentil soup for starters. For mains, you could do it family-style so everyone can eat what they want and not feel they have a "special" dish, they can just choose not to eat the non-veg stuff. Some dry-roasted potatoes with cumin and cayenne, sauteed spinach with onion, garlic, ginger and garam masala, chicken curry, cumin-scented rice, etc. End with chai creme brulee!
inothernews at 5:31PM on 01/30/09
Though, on second thought, is this too complicated for traveling? I'm just thinking of foods for 10 of mixed dietary concerns, not factoring in the travel thing. Though if you have a tin with spices, this can be not complicated either.
inothernews at 5:32PM on 01/30/09
Break down and do two entree's ...throw some steaks on the grill and a squash casserole in the oven. Serve with a good bread and a hearty salad. Everyone should be well satisfied. If the vegetarians get uppity, take with you some BOCA burgers, and throw them on the grill.
Been there - done that. Keep it simple on yourself.
Ribster at 8:32PM on 01/30/09
Are you familiar enough with this kitchen to know that everything you need will be there and that the oven works? I've been known to take everything but the kitchen sink and I'll never do that again. It wasn't to impress, I'm just a big packer. Wait, I think I did take a sink along once. I also made food ahead and brought groceries because resort area stores are so expensive and we'd need wine and beer and what if there was no propane, so I'd better bring a grill and charcoal and on and on and on. My ex also had to bring the crab traps and fishing poles, etc. We needed a U-Haul to go away for the weekend, even without a crew to cook for. You can keep it simple and still impress. Believe me, most people are impressed if somebody can make a decent burger and fresh salad.
PerkyMac at 8:47PM on 01/30/09
I smiled when I saw this thread topic...cooking for 10 in a foreign kitchen for me meant learning that sugar, flour and a bunch of other stuff in England is known by other descriptive names. I opted for grilling kebabs outdoors to avoid the embarassment of my friends finding out I don't have a clue about the metric system. Salad is a safe bet too.
kathyvegas at 9:30PM on 01/30/09
Risotto for ten is just as easy as risotto for two. Or maybe a big alfredo pasta? Buncha pasta, buncha sauce, lots o' garlic bread. No problem. Or marinate a ton of pork chops and bring em, toss 'em in the oven after a brief sear on the stove top. Whip up some mashed. Done! Or my favorite: little pot pies in a muffin tin. Easy, cute, comforting crowd pleaser.
sailordave at 9:32PM on 01/30/09
If you do have a grill available, the idea for kebabs sounds pretty awesome. Set out a bunch of different things and have people make their own. You can please everyone that way, as they'll have full say over what goes on. Diced veg (maybe even go seasonal and partially roast some root veg first too?), marinated tofu chunks, beef, chicken, etc. Serve with a nice salad and maybe some rice, and you're all set!
thinkingincrayons at 11:44PM on 01/30/09
Hey, don't write off risotto for 10! It's not any tougher than making risotto for five - you just need a bigger saucepan. Wild Mushroom Risotto is great for vegetarians and interesting enough for Carnies.
Stuffed Eggplants would be nice and you could do them both ways - veggie and carnie.
Manicotti would be great and same thing - you can do a tray of veggie and a tray of carnie.
Saute up a whole bunch of cool Mexican ingredients and have people build their own soft tacos. Make a big pot of rice on the side and some homemade salsa.
Make up some pizza dough and have people build their own pizzas or do two large pies - one veggie and one carnie.
God, I love cooking for a crowd...LOL.
therealchiffonade at 1:37PM on 02/01/09
Thanks for all the input!
PestoGal at 7:21PM on 02/02/09