I need more help on my dinner party menu!?

Question

I'm having the guy I'm dating and one of his friends over for dinner next week so that his friend and my roommate can meet (we're kind of setting them up). I'm cooking, and want to really impress everyone, especially the guy I'm dating (obviously). I'm in between two recipes, chicken parmesan and shrimp scampi:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/baref...

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler...

I'm a beginning cook really, so I think the scampi will be easier to pull off, but do you guys think it'll be more impressive than the chicken?

Also, what should I serve with the scampi if I did it? I was thinking just a caesar salad and some garlic toast.

As for dessert, I had in mind to make my mother's famous flan, since my guy says he has never had a good one before. But I'm not sure, does this go well with this type of meal? Does anyone have a simple, chocolate-free dessert? Thanks!

Answer 1

You have to be 100% sure that NO one has a shell fish allergy to pull of the shrimp dish, YES easy, but chicken is always an easier choice in MY opinion (not for all!)

Anyhow, here is a hit dish that I serve for new guests, and have been asked over and over for the recipe.

Pepperoni Chicken

Boneless skinless chicken b*****s

1 large jar of marinara sauce (or your home made if you are able)

1 package of pre sliced pepperoni

1 package of shredded mozzerella

1 glass baking dish 9 x 13

Preheat oven to 375

Place a layer of sauce on bottom of pan to cover bottom only

Lay chicken b*****s on top of sauce

Place layer of pepperoni over b*****s to cover b*****s

pour another layer of sauce over the pepperoni and b*****s

Place a layer of the cheese on top of the sauce (saving a 1/4 of the bag)

Cover with foil, bake for 40 minutes

Remove foil, sprinkle rest of cheese, bake for 10-15 more minutes or until sauce is bubbly.

Serve with your salad, and bread of choice.

You can make the dish the night before without cooking, just cover with the foil as listed above, put in fridge, then pre heat your oven the night of your party and follow the rest of the directions.

No matter what you cook, make sure you enjoy yourself, no need to stress, if all else fails, there is always delivery!!!!!

Answer 2

Chicken Parmesan is the better choice and you can serve it with a side of linguine and a salad.  You should serve dinner rolls instead of garlic bread especially if you're introducing  these two people.  And, the flan dessert sounds great.

Answer 3

Be careful for seafood/shellfish allergies, especially with your new friends.  It could ruin your evening.  Chicken is always a safe dinner plan.

Answer 4

chicken is always a safe bet- some people don't like shrimp. here is a really awesome chicken pasta dish I've made and LOVE! it is really easy but tastes like a professional chef prepared it! serve it with a nice green salad and fresh bread

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cajun-Chick...

Answer 5

Cook up both and then you have leftovers!. Scampi's a cinch and you can cook it up while the chicken parm's in the oven finishing up.

To keep with the Italian theme, see if you can't find some Limoncello at the liquor store and serve it ice-cold for dessert, (maybe along with this:

Mixed Berries with Limoncello

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Show:   Everyday Italian

4 cups mixed berries (like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries)

2 tablespoons Limoncello

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Toss to combine. Serve in individual serving dishes.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Be sure to ask in advance about food allergies--I'm deathly allergic to shellfish and once or twice I've been in the position of respectfully having to pass up the main course at a dinner party.

Flan does sound a little disjointed if you're planning on a scampi and caesar salad. How about a light berry dessert? There are plenty of recipes around for berry mixtures with mascarpone cheese, etc...simple, but elegant.

Answer 7

Chicken is the better choice, very versatile for recipes and most people eat it.

For dessert I suggest

Ambrosia.

Chopped marshmallows

1 large tub sour cream

1 can strained mandarins

Any other fruit strained

Mix all together

Decorate with coconut or shaved chocolate

Chill.

prep time 5 mins.