Book Club Dinner [Archive] - ConstantChatter

katmg

10-25-2005, 08:04 AM

My friend just started a new book club and I'm hosting next month. She had a full dinner for the 15+ girls at her house - baked ziti, salad, and bread plus appetizers and dessert. I'm wondering what I could possibly fix for dinner for a crowd that isn't copying her menu. (I thought about lasagna, but that's too close to baked ziti, imo.)

Two ideas I had were: King Ranch Chicken - this could be made ahead and just baked that night, served with some Mexican side dishes perhaps or I could do Chinese - I have great recipes for Chicken Lettuce Wraps and shrimp/pork fried rice - I could serve this with steamed dumplings or eggrolls, but this is more labor intensive. I've done the Chinese dinner for guests before and it is more labor intensive, but is more "showy." The King Ranch Chicken casserole would be really easy to make ahead and not stress too much.

Any other ideas for dinner for a crowd?

msnicolea

10-25-2005, 08:05 AM

I think it would be fun to "match" the book--what book is this month's selection?

bunnybeth

10-25-2005, 10:40 AM

I also think it's fun to "match" the book if possible. But, not all titles really lend themselves to menus. Last fall, a friend hosted a book club, and she served top-your-own chili (great for fall), corn bread, a veggie tray and some drinks. That was easy for her to make ahead. And, if you have a big crowd (like it sounds), maybe you could try 2-3 really different chili's.

Otherwise, from your ideas, do what you're most comfortable with. I personally prefer more labor-intensive dishes for smaller parties, like having another couple over. But, you might not be that way. Hey, it's free food, who are they to complain how long you were in the kitchen?

Amuse Bouche

10-25-2005, 10:46 AM

Chili is great for a crowd, so is pot pie (you can cook the filling and just serve puff pastry toppings. A taco bar is a fun idea, and pretty easy.

Missy2U

10-25-2005, 11:08 AM

You could do a big pot of beef stew served over noodles with some french bread.

Ali

10-25-2005, 02:20 PM

A standing rib roast is REALLY easy and can feed a large crowd.

katmg

10-25-2005, 02:39 PM

See, I thought about trying to 'match' the book with the food, but the book is "The Kite Runner." I haven't read it yet, but I understand that it is set in the Middle East and I just don't know how to cook any Middle Eastern dishes. (Plus, I think with such a large crowd, there will be someone who doesn't eat Middle Eastern food.)

I like the chili or stew idea. It will be the week before Thanksgiving that I'm having the party so I think anything to formal might be out. Everyone is going to be having big formal meals the next week. (Plus, as much as I love big, fancy dinners - I'm not sure cooking for 15 is such a great idea for me on a weeknight!) It's too bad my husband will be out of town he makes a killer gumbo. Top-your-own chili might just work...

Thanks for all the input --- any other ideas??

emmjay

10-25-2005, 02:44 PM

katmg

10-25-2005, 02:46 PM

Ha - I was thinking, "If it's Kite Runner she could make a bunch of Afghan dishes!" ;)

If you change your mind and want to do a "Middle East" theme I have recipes for hummus, falafel and a cold couscous salad. :)

The only other suggestion I have is to do tapas instead of a whole sit-down spread, but that might end up being more work than making a big pot of stew or chili.

I would love to do some Afghan dishes, but I just don't think this is the most...shall we say...adventurous? group. I'm trying to appeal to the masses. I was thinking that Chinese might be a stretch! ;)

emmjay

10-25-2005, 02:49 PM

You should cook up a big pot of lamb stew and make them eat it with their fingers! :D

katmg

10-25-2005, 03:04 PM

You should cook up a big pot of lamb stew and make them eat it with their fingers! :D

I picture that scene in that Ben Stiller/Jennifer Aniston movie! Hee hee! :D

Katy

10-25-2005, 04:27 PM

you could also do a Greek Salad (it's chunks, so it's easy), and Greek roasted chicken and poatoes, if you wanted to try mid eastern

wine_o_girlie

10-26-2005, 12:01 PM

What about kebabs? I think those are main-stream enough for the non-adventerous eaters but very appropriate for the book you are reading. You could do chicken or beef (lamb if you wanted to be more adventureous). Kebabs are great for a party because you can assemble them ahead of time and they are great at room temperature. I would marinate the meat with some olive oil, fresh garlic, saffron threads, and oregano and either broil or grill them. Along with the meat kebabs I would have some veggie kebabs, rice, and a big spinach salad. Some pitas would be great also.

Hummus and pita chips are a great, easy appetizer.

hokiegirl

01-09-2008, 08:42 AM

snoopy30

01-09-2008, 12:21 PM

I've made a french-style beef stew in the crock pot before (I think it's called a daube?) that was easy. Or you could make Coq a Vin (chicken cooked w/ wine)...maybe in the slow cooker too.

Sounds like fun!

Missy2U

01-09-2008, 12:45 PM

We have the same type of book club and I'm hosting the one this month. Our book is Abundance - story of Marie Antoinette. Any ideas on a french themed dinner that isn't too hard to make ahead of time? I've never cooked anything french themed and at a complete loss.

Here you go - menu and recipes. (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_ig/episode/0,1976,FOOD_9971_30638,00.html) Barefoot Contessa never fails me.

Bloomwood

01-16-2008, 10:15 PM

Not French, but something I've done for a more casual girls' gathering was make your own pizzas. TJ's sells "veggie pizzas" in the prepared foods area, they have sauce and a few chopped up veggies. I just put out a bunch of toppings and everyone could pick their own. Since the crusts are already cooked, they only take 5 mins or so. I served a salad alongside, wine and someone else brought cookies for dessert.