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Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: jo_nz on May 14, 2014, 05:05:15 am

Title: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: jo_nz on May 14, 2014, 05:05:15 am
Hi all,
We are apparently (DH has booked it) hosting a dinner party for 8-10 adults (plus my 2 kids) in a week or so.  What are your favourite recipes for a crowd? Last time we caught up they got me onto the topic of thermomix so I'd like to show it off a little!  But obviously the more I can prepare in advance the better so I can relax and enjoy.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: obbie on May 14, 2014, 05:45:06 am
Baf's chicken in the varoma.. :) is always a favorite..
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Bootobethin on May 14, 2014, 06:02:17 am
For a dinner Party I really like salmon wrapped in parchment (baking paper) paper.
I wrap each piece separately with a squeeze of lemon a drizzle of tamari or soy and a glug of sweet chilli sauce and cook in the oven for 20 minutes.
I would do potato and sweet potato mash and steamed veggies in the varoma.
I would make individual steamed puddings ( QFTM) or steamed ginger puddings ( Hally) or sticky-date puddings made in the Thermomix. It is do ahead posh but simple and shows off the Thermomix well. You could have dip before main meal.
Good Luck.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: judydawn on May 14, 2014, 08:08:34 am
I love this prawn crepe (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=3601.0) recipe of mine for guests, it can be made ahead..  I have also used the Honey Mustard Chicken (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=5129.0) recipe as a filling.

Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Cornish Cream on May 14, 2014, 08:45:29 am
For a dessert which can be made ahead I highly recommend Farfallina's Chocolate Souffle. (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=3675.0)
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: cookie1 on May 14, 2014, 09:01:55 am
I made ES's Salmon with a lime sauce the other day, that was lovely.

For dessert some of Tenina's recipes are magic.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: judydawn on May 14, 2014, 09:57:34 am
I second CC's dessert choice, prepare ahead and freeze uncooked - very impressive.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Bootobethin on May 14, 2014, 10:05:05 am
Mmm forgot about choc souffle!
Go with that it is really impressive.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: jo_nz on May 14, 2014, 10:41:24 pm
yum. thanks for the suggestions. 
That souffle looks lovely and simple.  I think I might even have freezer space for it after the inspiration from the eating from pantry and freezer discussion. ;)
I could do that and just get a tub of the new Whittakers ice cream (a local chocolate manufacturer) that I would love to try :)
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Cuilidh on May 15, 2014, 12:19:54 am
Sounds like you will have a fabulous dinner party, Jo, if you go with some of these suggestions.  Hope you have a great night.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Halex on May 15, 2014, 01:50:10 am
I am sure you will have fun :)

I am having a luncheon party, so its great were both looking for ideas.

My menu is

To start
Tibetan steamed dumplings with a chilli dipping sauce

Main Event
Roasted spice leg of lamb
AF whole chicken
Spiced Roast Potaoes with onions
Steamed beans & carrots
Steamed rice
Naan

To Finish
Teninas chocolate swirl cheesecake



Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: judydawn on May 15, 2014, 02:26:57 am
That sounds a nice menu Hally.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: goldfish on May 15, 2014, 02:31:15 am
Hally, what filling are you using for the dumplings?  That sounds a really nice menu! :)
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Halex on May 15, 2014, 02:38:31 am
Thank you :)

GF, I am using Rick Steains india book to cook most of this. He uses lamb mince, but since I dont have any lamb mince I am using a combination of 50/50 chicken & pork. Our local nepalese restaurant uses chicken & pork, I am making a batch today as I have never made & rolled the dumpling dough before.  Another name for them is Momos.

 :)
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: goldfish on May 15, 2014, 02:54:35 am
Thanks Hally  - have since looked them up and it sounds a very therapeutic activity!! :)  Will be very interested to hear how yours go . .
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: BeezeeBee on May 15, 2014, 06:07:19 am
Yum, Hally! Fab menu 👍👍

Great thread. Good luck, Jo. Whittaker is my fave chocolate now. Just the right amount of choc and creaminess. I like using it for ganache 😄
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Halex on May 19, 2014, 02:19:01 am
Jo, How did your dinner party go?
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: jo_nz on May 19, 2014, 02:22:04 am
Going to be next Saturday now...I think.  DH is organising the date, so I'm hoping I don't find out for sure at 4pm on the day!! ;)
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Halex on May 19, 2014, 02:37:10 am
Gulp, 4pm on the day :o
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: goldfish on May 19, 2014, 03:03:12 am
A friend calls it "a male thing" . . .  ;D ;D ;D  Good luck, Jo! Just get everything ready and freeze the dishes . . . then it won't matter how much (or how little) notice you're given . . . .  :-))
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: jo_nz on May 19, 2014, 03:13:37 am
I did get the indian cookbook last week, so thinking of going for a couple of dishes out of there... Is the naan from there good?  I have another naan recipe I usually use.

How were the dumplings??  They sound delicious.

I think DH really wants me to basically do a tmx demo on the night!  I'm not so keen (want to prep in advance and not have too much to do on the night).  I thought I might do those choc souffles for dessert and then make custard on the night.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: kezza on May 19, 2014, 03:42:21 am
Gosh all of this sounds fantastic.  If you wanted to show off thermie, I can recommend Tenina's Butterflied lamb you steam first in Varoma and then finish off under griller in oven.  So simple, but yummy.  If you want little canapés first you can't beat JD's caramelized onion, mushroom and feta tarts.  They are easy and I know because I just made 120 of them!!!!!  You can make in advance and freeze.  Good luck for the night.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Halex on May 19, 2014, 09:12:30 am
Maybe you can teach dh to use tm & he can do the dinner :) lol

Jo the naan recipe  I use is from the tandor living website. Its good, but happy to try others too :)

Dumplings were great, huge hit with all. Having them in soup tomorrow to finish them off. Luncheon was really good, great flavours :)
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: jo_nz on May 19, 2014, 09:19:15 am
Haha, no way. Watching him use my baby drives me nuts. He makes such a mess! And he thinks that if a recipe says speed 4 then speed 8 will do it twice as well in half the time. I have to go and apologise to my TMX afterwards and give it some TLC ;)
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: achookwoman on May 19, 2014, 09:55:19 pm
Jo,  yesterday we had 8 for lunch.  My advice would be to do as much as possible before hand.  We had a Dinner Party at lunch time!!
The things that were very popular were the Smoky Eggplant dip, (TMX), Pasta bake, Egg plant and tomato with a Pesto crumble,  ( prepared 2 week ahead and frozen, crumble topping TMX),  Rhubarb and Apple crumble, crumble topping TMX.  Ice cream served in cones, TMX . I think you have enough to cope with on the day without doing a demo. 
Have fun with the preparation, and enjoy the dinner.  You are a good cook so whatever you prepare will be good.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: jo_nz on May 25, 2014, 12:51:58 am
Well, we did it!

8 adults and 5 kids, three curries from the fast and easy Indian cooking book (chicken tikka masala, lamb rogan josh, chick pea curry) and two batches of rice (garlic rice and cumin rice), and two batches of Alison Holst's naan recipe (cooked in the afternoon in the pizza machine). Other than the rice it was all done and in the oven when everyone arrived.

For dessert I had made the chocolate soufflés, a lemon meringue pie and just cooked some vanilla custard while the soufflés were in the oven. After dessert we attempted a few random cocktails too, although I think people were more interested in the way the TMX handled the ice etc than the actual drinks.

The guests were determined they should bring something too, so had brought some entrees and some little sweet bites for after dinner.

Was lovely and relaxed for me - almost all the prep done, and rice and custard weren't exactly complicated. The flavours were good and not much left over. Enough that I don't have to worry about DH for lunch for a couple of days.

The guests were very impressed and after the initial shock at the price tag, all want a TMX.  I think at least one might go for it soon. :)

Thanks for the suggestions and encouragement! Even though I ended up selecting mostly different recipes from my new book, I appreciate the inspiration, and I am looking forward to trying a few more of these ideas!!
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Halex on May 25, 2014, 01:16:58 am
Great well done. I love the chicken tika massala from the book, must try the others you made :)
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Kimmyh on May 25, 2014, 01:19:03 am
Congratulations Jo. Sounds like a wonderful night. It never ceases to amaze me how people baulk at the price of a tmx yet spend more when buying a TV!
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: judydawn on May 25, 2014, 01:20:14 am
Well done Jo, it sounded like a fantastic dinner party.  You did the right thing to do most of the prep beforehand but still manage to show off the TMX as well.  There's no way I'd cook a full meal whilst people were watching me, I like to have it all done and be able to spend quality time with my guests.   I guess they've asked to come again  :D
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Halex on May 25, 2014, 01:22:02 am
I agree Kimmy, some people think nothing of 3 or 4 flat screen tvs but bault at a kitchen item that is so good :)
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: goldfish on May 25, 2014, 01:35:50 am
Congratulations, Jo!  That was impressive - all the prep and a relaxing evening to boot!!  Well done!!! :D
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: achookwoman on May 25, 2014, 01:49:46 am
Well done Jo.  Imagine what it would have cost for a meal like this out.  I like your choice of dishes, will try a couple of the Indian ones.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: kezza on May 25, 2014, 02:42:37 am
Well done Jo nz!  Lovely menu.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: jo_nz on May 25, 2014, 02:47:02 am
I totally agree about people spending as much and more on other appliances.  I know people with a coffee machine worth more than the tmx, and all it does is make coffee (very nice coffee, I have to admit ;) and if I was a bigger coffee drinker and had a suitable bench space, who knows what I would do)
DH has his fair share of gadgets - the big TV, stereo system etc, and no one thinks twice about that spending.

I was happy to be able to show off a bit of what tmx can do though - I'm not interested in being a demonstrator as such, but I do LOVE mine so it's easy to be enthusiastic and say that I think it's worth every cent and if it fell off the bench I'd order a new one tomorrow.  And if that can help people see past the price tag, then that's all good.

Chookie, yes the cost of the same meal out would be scary in comparison.  I made a curry a few months ago just for our family but didn't have time to make naan so popped to the indian restaurant just around the corner and bought 4 garlic naans - $18!  Just for the bread on the side, not the main event!!
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: mab19 on May 25, 2014, 02:59:27 am
Congratulations Jo. Sounds like the guests enjoyed night  :)
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Halex on May 25, 2014, 04:58:43 am
Yes the price of naan is crazy. We love naan, would love your recipe to try in the tandor :)
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: cookie1 on May 25, 2014, 09:58:55 am
Congratulations Jo. Hally your dumplings sound lovely too. Owning a thermomix makes life so much easier.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Cornish Cream on May 25, 2014, 10:44:38 am
I would like to add my congratulations too Jo.Well done ;D
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Katiej on May 25, 2014, 10:58:17 am
Great effort Jo.
Your dinner party sounds amazing and I'm sure your guests were suitable impressed.
Title: Re:
Post by: Itsnotartitsdinner on May 25, 2014, 11:17:19 am
Well done Jo. Sounds like it all ran to plan.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: mcmich on May 25, 2014, 08:27:02 pm
Glad it all went well Jo. Lovely menu.  :)
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: obbie on May 26, 2014, 02:13:21 am
congrats Jo, sounds a great dinner party :)
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Bedlam on May 26, 2014, 09:13:40 am
We'll done Jo.  That's how I like to cook for a crowd also. House smelling wonderful and dinner waiting in the oven.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: achookwoman on May 29, 2014, 09:03:18 pm
Kids also love pizzas.  Make the dough and sauce in TMX.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: mcmich on May 29, 2014, 09:08:23 pm
There is a children's recipe section here (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?board=16.0) that may give you some ideas.
Title: Re: Dinner party recipe suggestions?
Post by: Halex on May 30, 2014, 12:02:24 am
Kids love Nigellas Ritzy chicken nuggets, pizzas, meatballs :)