Dinner Party Help!
Hey Serious Eaters, I need some advice.
We've got a total of 6 adults and 5 kids coming for dinner this Saturday. We have no BBQ, as it has not made it this far from the move. The kids average age is around 8.
Usually for something like this I go all out (for hamburgers, I grind the beef, bake my own buns, make my own ketchup, etc) but I just don't have that kind of time right now.
Anyone have any idea's??
As always, much appreciated...
j
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9 Comments:
Oven roasted Pulled pork sandwiches, slaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob. Just cook it in the oven. Low and slow with paprika, garlic powder,brown sugar, dry mustard, and some coarse salt. Whip up a simple batch of vinegar or tomato based BBQ sauce and let it roll! Serve family style. This is what I do when I am looking for something low maintenance and easy.
happyeats at 6:05PM on 08/05/09
Is this a casual dinner party? You could always pick up some pizza dough (or make it, but it sounds like you're busy from moving) and different toppings and have a make your own pizza party. The kids would love it, and you might be surprized at how much the adults like it too--epspecially if you pick up some more unusual toppings.
Pasta of some sort (I've been in the mood for cheese torts with sundried tomato pesto lately) with a salad and garlic bread is kid friendly, easy and something adults will also enjoy.
Macaroni and cheese or scalloped potatoes are also one dish wonders that you can kick up with the addition of bacon or some other smoked meat.
Have fun!
dhorst at 6:11PM on 08/05/09
Roast chicken, mac and cheese (homemade cheese sauce), salad with tomatoes/really good lettuce, whatever other veggies you have on hand, homemade vinegrette and feta cheese, and a homemade dessert like a cheesecake or a fresh fruit cobbler. For apps you could make a hot onion dip and/or homemade pizza (nothing wrong with a pre-made--not dairy section-- pizza dough) This menu has served me well with kiddies on board and works for adults. It's simple and very satistfying.
finsbigfan at 6:14PM on 08/05/09
My first thought was build-your-own pizzas too. (Pita or tortilla base, tomato based pizza sauce and alfredo or pesto, then a variety of toppings) but you guys got that covered.
Pulled pork too.
How about a taco bar? Shredded pork, ground beef or grilled, sliced flank steak, pinto beans, corn/flour/hard/soft shells, and all the fixings. (guacamole, cheeses, tomatoes, slaw or lettuce, salsas, sliced scallions, black olive slices, etc. Make a fresh jicama/orange salad or a corn/bean dish and some Tex-Mex style rice. Everything can be made/prepped ahead then easily warmed and set out for serving. Casual, fun, make-head, easy people and kid pleaser.
CJ McD at 6:38PM on 08/05/09
Your crock pot makes easy party of pulled pork for sandwiches or other roasts to be used for tacos or anything else without much effort on your part, which is nice if you're busy with moving. It'd also be great for baked beans, chili, or soup, which can put a pretty nice dent in the amount of "main" food needed as well.
joyyy at 6:57PM on 08/05/09
If you feel most comfortable with burgers, why not just buy some really good buns, and broil the meat for the kids, and make something more 'adult' for the adults--or let them enjoy some fancy burger fixings like blue cheese, bacon, and such--do a make-your-own burger bar. Buy some nice kaiser rolls. And have some good hot dogs on hand, too.
HeartofGlass at 8:00PM on 08/05/09
I'd buy a skirt steak or two and fajita fixings and use a cast iron pan for cooking the steak. I also love the pizza suggestion using pre-made dough and pizza sauce, since you're tired from the move. You could ask the kids to grate the cheeses and then let everyone build their own mini-pizza. Have some pepperoni (pre-sliced) available and then maybe arugula and prosciutto or if in season, figs and prosciutto. Super easy and tasty.
OliverRanch at 12:51PM on 08/06/09
As always, the Serious Eaters come through.. thanks a bunch for the suggestions... so far, it looks like Pulled Pork is winning, one of the other couples did the make your own pizza thing a few months ago, so unfortunately, that one is out of the running...
All great suggestions, and I will let you know how it works out..
Thanks!!!
jason at 7:25PM on 08/06/09
To the Serious Eaters who offered some advice, we went with the Pulled Pork, and it was a hit. Some baked beans, some slaw and salad, and ice-cream for dessert. Awesome meal, and even the kids loved it. Lot's of left-overs, so we can have the in-laws over for lunch tomorrow.. thanks to all for the tips... that's why this is always my first stop for all things food related.
jason at 9:48PM on 08/08/09