Dinner Party Planning

Answer: Start with the menu. The key to your success is in the planning. Try to combine dishes that can be made in advance with those that need prepared at the last moment.

If you have your heart set on making individual items, like omelets or several kinds of pasta, then plan on a kitchen party and invite your guests to don an apron and pitch in. I like to party at my parties, so I choose dishes that are mostly prepared in advance and then finished just before serving.

Here are some suggestions for a partying menu:

• Offer a toss salad as a first course. Prepare the salad veggies, mix together the vinaigrette, and chill the dishes. At the last moment toss the salad and serve.
• Garden Fresh Vegetable Lasagna, Braised Veal Shanks, Roasted Herb Chicken and Prime Rib Roast are all examples of dishes that can be prepared in advance, cooked and allow to rest while the salad is enjoyed. Alternatively, entrees that are grilled, stir-fried, or incorporate delicate sauces must be made at the last moment before serving.
• Choose a vegetable in a casserole that can be kept warming while you present the main course, or steam a small vegetable at the last moment. If you choose the steaming method, make sure that your sliced veggies are sitting in the steamer basket, inside the pan with a small amount of water. All you have to do is turn up the heat!
• For Dessert, offer a deliciously frosted cake instead of a feisty chocolate soufflé.

More feasting challenges:
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• Quick and healthy midweek meal
• Help! My cold cuts have a greenish tint
• How do I prepare fish?