What should I serve when entertaining?

Question

My grandparents are coming into town next week, they only have one evening in my area so I offered to make dinner. WTF was I thinking, because I can BARELY cook.... I know, it's horrible. But I need some suggestions on what to make. No smart asses please, don't care for stupid people. I really want to make them a great meal as I only see them ever few years and this is a great chance for them to get to know my son.

Thanks for your help guys.

Answer 1

I don't care who you are, everyone should have one meal that they can cook for guests.  I have one really easy recipe, that works everytime I am in a pinch.  You will need these ingredients...1.5 lbs Chicken b*****s, one package of creamed spinach(you could easily use veggie mix, brocoli, cauliflower, carrots or just broccoli whatever you prefer...even my hubby who hates spinach loves this-its his favorite), can of cream of chicken soup (or broccoli or mushroom if not using the spinach)  & one box chicken flavored stove top stuffing.  Take 3-4 chicken b*****s cut into bite size pieces, and sautee them in some oilve oil in a pan ,while doing that. Defrost the chicken in the package in the microwave, and add the chicken soup to it(thin a bit with milk if using the other veggies-you want it pretty thick).  You don't need it too hot, just warm.  Prepare the stuffing in another pan.  When the chicken b*****s are almost done, add the veggie mix.  Heat through...put in a serving dish & put the stuffing on the top.  Make a fresh green salad, add some bread, you just made a great meal.

You could also prepare ahead, the chicken & layer in a casserole dish & cook in the oven the next day...& has a nicer presentation in a casserole dish.

Answer 2

This is great, because you can make it ahead and serve it sliced, on a platter cold (although you can also serve it hot):

BONELESS PORK LOIN

2-4 lb. boned, rolled pork roast

1 TB. dry mustard

1 tsp. salt

pepper & paprika

1/2 tsp. caraway seed

Rub roast with seasonings.  Roast on rack in shallow pan, uncovered, at 350 until meat thermometer registers 185 (45-50 min per lb).  Slice thinly ... serve hot or cold ......  I might double this if there will be more than 4 of you though;  garnish with parsley & sliced fresh oranges on the platter

Another of my favorite salads, because it can also be served hot, cold or room temp:

ARTICHOKE RICE SALAD

1 pkg. chicken flavored rice mix (like Rice-a-Roni)

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1/2 green pepper, chopped

8 pimento stuffed olives, sliced thinly

2 6-oz. jars marinated artichoke hearts, cut up

1/4 tsp. curry powder

1/3 c. mayonnaise

Make rice per package instructions.  Mix everything else into the hot rice; blending well.  Serve hot, cold or room temp.

A green salad with Balsamic Vignarette dressing, or a fruit salad

LEMONADE PIE

1 large container Cool Whip, thawed

1 6-oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

1 can Eagle Brand sweetened, condensed milk

1 9" graham cracker crust

Mix first 3 ingredients until well blended and put into crust.  Can dollop with extra Cool Whip, if you want.  Chill at least 4 hours......

This is a good menu, because you can basically do it all ahead, and spend the entire evening with your grandparents - without being in the kitchen the whole time:)

Answer 3

Here's an idea that I think would be great if you don't do to much cooking, and save time as well. Buy some ready prepared meat at the deli, You can choose all sorts of things,it doesn't have to be chicken. Although you can really jazz chicken with different marinades or sauces... and just make a few side dishes. Go with pasta, and nice leafy green salad and get a loaf of crusty bread and rub it with garlic and then brush it with olive oil. Put it in the oven for a few minutes to toast.  

Answer 4

can you give a little more detail? how bad of a cook are you (no offense) are your grandparents on any special diet needs, ie: low salt,ect? do they like certain foods, do you ?

please provide a little more detail