638802 Thu Jul 23 05:09:50 -0700 2009 4 31 Home Cooking 0 4883311 I'm cooking a birthday dinner in a couple of weeks for my Significant Other, and I'm at a loss as to what to make. I'm thinking of some sort of baked brie appetizer, a red wine, bread, and grilled asparagus, but the only stipulations are to not make steak. I want it to be classy, but fairly simple (not 5 hours in the kitchen). Also, there will be about 8 people for dinner, and I've never cooked for more than 2 people before. Any thoughts/ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as I'm at an absolute, total loss!! Thanks! Thu Jul 23 05:09:51 -0700 2009 1096033 emilym 1 4883436 How about rack of lamb, but only if everyone is open to lamb? Here's a super easy but delicious recipe: Roast lamb in a pan fat side down for 15 min in a 450 degree oven. Transfer lamb to another pan fat side up. Cover lamb with a thin layer of Dijon mustard, then coat lamb with a mixture of breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Then roast for another 15 minutes at 450 degrees. Remove and let stand, covered in foil for 10 minutes. Slice between ribs and serve. The lamb will be nice and pink. Another suggestion: I don't know where you are located, but my supermarket (Loblaws) carries a frozen, marinated (with rosemary and garlic) and partially deboned leg of lamb. All you have to do is thaw it out for 48 hours in the fridge, and then throw it into the oven. I made it twice, and it was excellent. It serves 12. Cooking for 8 is the same as cooking for 2, just larger quantities. What are you making for dessert? Thu Jul 23 06:09:55 -0700 2009 4883311 13143 souschef 1 4883479 So all you need is the main? Consider making veal gremolata, coq au vin with rice pilaf; there is a recipe for chicken braised with lardons and vinegar along with 50 cloves of garlic that is tasty and easy. Otherwise roasts, as suggested above, are beautiful and easy. Thu Jul 23 06:24:04 -0700 2009 4883311 68363 JungMann 1 4884297 I partially agree with the others about roasting, but you still run the risk of over-or-under cooking. Coq au vin, or another braise - perhaps short ribs? - would not only allow you the assurance that the food is perfectly cooked, but also loves to be made ahead of time. The trick is come up with a way to make it summery. Thu Jul 23 11:03:53 -0700 2009 4883311 87249 katecm 1 4884324 Since it's a birthday dinner, make what your SO loves or requests. If you're already grilling, you could do the main on the grill as well. 8 fish packets are easy and flavorful, use a many veggies & herbs to keep the filets moist. You can also marinate ahead and grill chicken pieces, (skin on, bone in is most forgiving on the grill). Love racks of lamb, but a marinated butterflied leg of lamb is super simple and easily grilled or broiled. My store has these already cut & marinated. Or just order it from the meat department and then slather on dijon mustard, garlic & rosemary & let it sit in the fridge overnight. I also do a lot of lasagnes for birthday dinners in my family. Can make it a day ahead, it's better that way. Then pop in the oven. Easily feeds 8. Lots of versions, too, you could do a spinach or one of my faves, is a portobello mushroom with bechamel. Let me know if you need any recipes for the above. Good luck! Thu Jul 23 11:13:08 -0700 2009 4883311 90755 Phurstluv