Traveling w. a Kid-Friendly Xmas Dinner

[superfinespot]

I need ideas for an Xmas dinner which will need to travel 2 hours by car. I'd like to do an appetizer, entree, and dessert. The kids are really picky. What are some ideas for recipes which will serve 2 kids + 3 adults?

Entree - Pasta (Must be vegetarian)
Side - Vegetable
Dessert (A bar cookie is preferred and it would be great to use up cake flour + 2 bars of Ghiradelli I have -one is dark and the other is bittersweet. Can I do a brownie?)

eta: I have a large amount of bread flour. Could I prepare the pizza dough in advance and bake it there, allowing the kids to add their own toppings?

[MMRuth]

Will you be able to cook/heat at your destination?

[superfinespot]

yes! full kitchen but w. very little equipment at the house (no mixer, processor, etc). better to prep in advance and reheat.

[MMRuth]

I'll sleep on it and post back with ideas tomorrow! Any particular things that the kids are picky about? I thinking that maybe there are things that you could gussy up for the grown ups, that would have a simpler version for the kids.

[superfinespot]

i get the impression they're not big on vegetables so they eat lots of chinese food and pizza. chow mein, etc

[mountaincachers]

How about a black bean lasagna? Can be made ahead (even well in advance and frozen), and cooked on arrival?

[superfinespot]

that could work. one of the adults isn't big on pasta or cheese but that's making it too complicated.

[Cherylptw]

You can make the pizza; just prep your dough the day before and put into a cooler before you travel. By the time you arrive, the dough will have proofed & ready to top.

I'm catering an Christmas dinner next Sat; one of the entrees requested is a Penne with Green Vegetables & Herbs...penne with fresh green beans, peas (frozen), asparagus & spinach tossed in a mint & oregano infused olive oil & garnished with crumbled feta. You can do the same dish with other vegetables & cheeses for variation.

A dessert option could be shortbread baked in a round cake pan or springform pan, cut into wedges when almost cool. Once completely cool, dip into a ganache of melted chocolate and cool. Crushed peppermint candy can be sprinkled over the top once dipped, for a festive touch.

[Emme]

Entree -
You could do a pasta dish that has variable additions - i.e. start with a smooth tomato sauce (or pesto if the kids like it...), and have options for the adults (and kids if desired) like sauteed mushrooms or other veggies...
You could also do enchiladas (with minimal cheese) that replicates their Mexican preference, but do it with greater flavors and higher quality ingredients.. easy to make ahead and reheat on site
Another easily vegetarian meal is chili... though not particularly Xmas-y... might be nice with some cornbread and greens on the side
Side - What do the kids like? And what I might suggest would depend upon the entree... Greenie Beanies? Mashed Cauliflower (kids might think it's potatoes...)... Something roasted for simple flavors?
Dessert -
Black Bottom Bars http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/752742-Bittersweet-Chocolate-Black-Bottom-Bars
Jacques Torres' Choc Chip Cookies - http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/11/lei...

You might also considering doing a fun meal... especially for the kids... like a Dipper Meal including dips and spreads for appetizers, fondue for entree, and dipped strawberries for dessert (use up your chocolate) and angel food cake (use your flour)