DINNER FOR 8- Saturday 4-12

[richmondfoodie]

What should I serve for a dinner party for 8 that isn't too slavy in the kitchen? I don't want make ahead stuff like baked pastas, etc.

[richmondfoodie]

No dietary restrictions! People who are funny about food don't tend to be funny:) All the suggestions are great and I am thinking about using a little bit of each. I am off to Fresh Market in the am.

[Analisas mom]

Hope this idea is not to late. I do this dinner often and it's so easy and so special and it is all done before guest arrive so I don't have to work all night. fresh crab claw cocktail with remoulade sauce, a field green salad with Raspberry vinaigrette, twice baked potato's grilled aspargus and prime rib. Add some killer dessert and you have a great dinner menu.

[mcel215]

The Silver Palat's Chicken Marbella is great for a dinner party.
Make couscous to serve on the side, a big green salad, crusty bread.
Not slavy at all!

[Emme]

I like roasting a chicken or two; then serve w/ some homemade bread, maybe some butternut squash soup, roasted vegetables (cauliflower, onions, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms), and maybe some sort of grain salad like lentils, beans, and quinoa. For dessert, maybe a trifle.

If you prefer meat, brisket surrounded by onions, carrots and potatoes. Make some simple salads with fresh produce and some crusty bread. Some florentines w/ a little vanilla ice cream.

[hill food]

gumbo.

[MMRuth]

I make a rolled pork loin roast from a Batali recipe that I love - it's served at room temp. You do have to brine overnight etc. If you want the recipe, I'll be happy to find the link for you. We had it for Christmas this year.

[sarah galvin]

Paella is a nice one dish meal that always impresses. If you have all the chopping done ahead of time and have the last item to go into the pan just as guests arrive, the timing is good. It takes about 45 minutes after that to be ready for serving. So nice time for hors d'oeuvres.

[farmersdaughter]

You don't say what kind of party or what dietary restrictions there are, but you could do a roasted beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce, which would be elegant but expensive, or perhaps a roasted leg of lamb. Both are very easy and don't require any hands-on cooking time other than salting and peppering the meat.