Father's Day Meal for 14 people? (4pm)?

Question

I'm having a family get together for Fathers day this year...

Usually its midmorning for brunch, but this year its 4 pm. Expecting 12-14 family members. Any ideas for themes, recipes, etc? I have cookbooks and cookbooks just no idea what to make :)

Answer 1

chicken  baked   squash    mashed  poatoes   peas

Answer 2

If the dads like baseball, that would be a great theme ... Is their favorite team playing that day? ......  Veggie/dip platters and a layered taco dip (or salsa & guacamole & chips) for starters ....... BBQ hot dogs & assorted sausages  (sauerkraut, cheese, onions, chili for toppings).... baked beans or bean salad ...... coleslaw ......  relish platter (olives, pickles) ...

FRUIT AMBROSIA

2 c. heavy whipping cream

1/2 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1 large can mandarin oranges, drained

1/2 c. coconut (optional)

1-2 cans fruit cocktail, drained

3-5 c. miniature marshmellows

Whip cream, sugar & extracts until very stiff peaks.  Fold in fruit & marshmellows.  Chill (can be done the day ahead) - I serve it with the meal

TEXAS SHEET CAKE

2 sticks melted butter

4 eggs

1/3 c. cocoa

1-1/2 c. flour

1 c. chopped nuts

2 small jars marshmellow fluff

ICING:

1 stick melted butter

1/2 c. cocoa

1 tsp. vanilla

1 box powdered sugar

1/2 c. chopped nuts

1/3 c. evaporated milk

....Mix first 6 ingredients by hand.  Bake at 350 in greased jelly-roll pan (11x16x1") for 20-30 min.  While cake is still hot, spread marshmellow cream over top.  Let cake cool completely before icing.....Mix last 6 ingredients.  The icing may be thin, but will set as it cools.  Frost and cut in squares to serve

Answer 3

back ribs, pork and beef, succotash, cole slaw, cornbread and either fresh fruit pie(s) and/or homemade frozen custard.  With 12 - 14, to be sure there will be some guys who can crank the freezer.

Answer 4

start with a nice exotic soup

then for the main course make couscous and just really professional stuff and for desert make lemon sorbert

NOTHING ELSE BUT LEMON SORBERT ITS ALWAYS A HIT

Answer 5

I suggest asking the fathers what they would like.  If someone doesn't like it, blame it on dad.  They don't call it Fathers day for nothing.

Answer 6

None of our family would eat lemon sorbert...so,i disagree w that.

We are more blueberry cobbler or german chocolate cake or red velvet.

I would do a beef brisket (needs to cook a long time so can cook all during the day)its also one of hubbys favorite things.You should ask dad what his favorite items are it is his day!!

Answer 7

we are grilling out for fathers day- chicken kabobs, cheesy potatoes, some type of side salad, fruit tray, spinach dip bread bowl and cupcakes!

it really depends on what type of meal you want- more casual or fancier sit down type meal?

Answer 8

go to a price club if you have a membership and stock up on...frozen chicken tenderloins (instead of whole boneless b*****s), make a big batch of potato or macaroni salad or fruit salad or couscous salad or noodle salad, some cucumber slices and baby carrots,  a few watermelons, a few tubs of different flavor ice creams and toppings (caramel, choc sauce, sprinkles, cherries, etc)

Thaw the chicken and then marinate OVERNIGHT in your favorite marinade (I"ll put a few at the end that I like).  Grill them on the grill ahead of time , put in a baking dish with a few tablespoons of water in it, cover with foil and hold in the oven at 200 degrees.  Make sure it's tightly sealed or it'll dry out.

The rest is pretty self explanatory.  The great thing about chicken tenderloins vs b*****s is that they're usually the same price when frozen...they cook faster...and people won't eat as much.  Usually 2 or 3 strips vs a whole breast makes your food budget go a little further.

Mesquite Marinade  (for 2-3 lbs of chicken or shrimp or pork chops...double/triple as neccessary)

1 pkt McCormick Mesquite Seasoning

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup veg oil

Asian Marinade (for 2-3 lbs chicken, steak, pork chops)

1/2 cup soy sauce (use lite if you like)

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (dark)

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp dry mustard powder ( or 1 TBSP good quality regular mustard if you don't have dried)

1 tsp ground black pepper

2 cloves crushed fresh garlic (or 1 tsp dry garlic powder if you don't have fresh ...don't use garlic salt cuz the soy is salty)

Marinate overnight in zipper bags placed in a large bowl or dish in case of leaks.  Flip every 6 hours or so to distribute marinade.  Drain well before putting on the grill.

Answer 9

I think it would be a fun theme to make a special favorite dish or two for of each of the fathers.  And then plan the rest of the menu around that.

If it was me, I'd just send an email to each of the guests of honor and ask them to name their 3 favorite dishes!  Then pick one or two.