I am having a dinner party...?

Question

for 8 people including us. I was thinking of having stuffed shells (ricotta cheese, egg, mozzerella and some spices stuffed in a shell, served with marinara sauce)

and chicken parmasean (which I have never made, but I thought I would just bread it with bread crumbs and fresh parmesan cheese then bake)

and a big green salad and bread.

Does that sound good or stupid?

Answer 1

It sounds delicious. Don't forget a big, crusty loaf of garlic bread, too. And some white wine (maybe a good California Chardonnay).

But the chicken Parmesan won't brown well in the oven, you'll need to brown it in a skillet in some olive oil mixed with butter on the stove top.

Here is an entertaining hint: NEVER serve an "untried" recipe to your guests. Always practice it at least once.

Answer 2

Sounds like a good plan.

If you're not sure how the timing will work out with the different dishes, you might want to prepare some simple canapes in advance - to give people something to munch on with drinks in case you decide that the main dish needs a little longer in the oven or something.

Answer 3

I think pasta is a great way to go, unless you have folks that are lactose intolerant, allergic to wheat, or watching their carbs!  And, even in those cases, you can still make a great pasta dinner by using marinara or bolognese sauces with shredded parmesan to put on afterward,  there are soy based pastas as well as mult-grain and high fiber ones that are great, and Barilla makes some whole grain soy based pastas that are for carb lovers!  That being said, here are some ideas:

1.  Chicken parmesan:  pound boneless, skinless chicken b*****s to 1/2 inch thickness and marinate overnight in Italian dressing.  Drain and dredge in flour, dip in egg wash and roll in a mixture of Italian bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.   Brown on both sides in olive oil and then place in baking dish.  Top with marinara and shredded parmesan cheese mixed with a little mozarella.  Bake for 40 minutes and remove from oven.  Serve with pasta, more sauce, and side dishes.

2.  Meatballs:  2 lbs lean ground beef, 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 T kosher salt, 1 tsp fresh ground pepper, 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 T dried Italian herbs, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup milk, marinara sauce.  Soak bread crumbs in milk.  Blend remaining ingrediants and add bread crumbs.  Form into two inch balls and brown in hot olive oil.  Remove from heat and place in baking dish.  Cover with marinara sauce and bake for 45 minutes.  Serve with pasta and parmesan cheese.

3.  Antipasti Platter:  1/4 lb. dried salami, 1/4 lb. sopressata, 1/4 lb. capicola, 1/4 lb. Serrano ham; 1/4 lb sliced provolone; 1 cup marinated mushrooms; 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts; assorted brined olives.  

4.  Dessert:  Cannoli dipped in chocolate; Panna Cotta; stewed fruits (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches etc.) with grand marnier over french vanilla gelato; tiramisu

Answer 4

That sounds wonderful!!!!!!!!  Can I come?? Lol!

Answer 5

hey thats good ! its good to try things you never made....sounds yummy keep it up try more new things.

Answer 6

sounds delicious

Answer 7

It sounds good but ned to add a few things. Serve the dinner with white wine or sparkeling apple cidar for a substitution. Also you must have garlic bread. It's a must with italian food. Look up some kind of dip you can make for the regular bread and serve it in a big roll(bread) of some sort. Good luck and enjoy.

Answer 8

Are your guests older, that's alot of carbs for them. But I'd eat it.

Why the egg in the manicotti?

Answer 9

That sounds stupid.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Sounds yummy.

What are you going to do for entertainment????

Answer 10

That sounds great, you have a very tasty menu there. Make sure to have fresh flowers, and nice music, and place cards on the table directing your guests where to sit. Good napkins, and some coffee and or tea for after dinner. And a fun game for you all to play after wards like scene it. Good luck i hope your dinner party is  a big hit!

Answer 11

sounds great!

Answer 12

It sounds great. Your guests should be happy you cooked for them . You sound like a wonderful person who just wants to make people happy. They will love anything you do, but just don't wear your self out.

Answer 13

good if you're friggin Olive Garden.  How about you expand your         Italian cuisine a little.

Answer 14

that sounds great