Dinner party favourites?

R.O.S.S.I · 3 Nov 2013 at 15:59

Having people round on Wednesday for some drinks and food and i'm struggling for inspiration for what to do. I don't want anything overly complicated, just something that will feed 6-8 hungry heads!

I don't want to do a curry as i've done that before, something one pot'able would be good but i'm kinda leaning towards just doing a big pulled pork and serve it up with buns, slaw and sweet potato fries.

So I ask fellow OcUK'ers, whats your trusted/go to dish for dinner partys?

bsoltan · 3 Nov 2013 at 18:50

Previously: Chilli (three meat cuts and some good spice)

Currently: Roast pork - but I think i've served that to everyone I know now!

Pulled pork is ridiculously simple and effective that it might be my next go-to meal to serve.

R.O.S.S.I · 3 Nov 2013 at 22:34

Hmmmmm hadn't considered a chilli actually, might look into that, would be good like you say with few different cuts of beef and could even chuck in some chorizo for good measure.

Psymonkee · 3 Nov 2013 at 22:44

I normally go for a curry night but you say you've done that.

Could perhaps try some form of buffet meal - cook a few quiches/homemade sausage rolls etc. and then throw out some crisps and other bits!

Rotty · 3 Nov 2013 at 23:52

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/624633/beef-stifado

done this a few times for big groups, serve with roast tatas and buttered tiger bread, always goes down superbly well

G|mp · 4 Nov 2013 at 00:05

Ooh, I do love a good Stifado

I'll give that a bash

randomshenans · 4 Nov 2013 at 07:31

Osso Bucco! With mash. So rich and bloody taste, it's great and a one pot.

http://randomshenans.com/recipes/19-ossobuco-you-little

pitchfork · 4 Nov 2013 at 08:00

Keep it simple, do it well.

Make a stock with beef shin, use it to make an awesome risotto.

randomshenans · 4 Nov 2013 at 08:02

Love a good risotto, but the trouble is it's very kitchen intensive if you have guests over.

Lartyconshayo · 4 Nov 2013 at 08:29

maybe even simpler. Lasagne. If you make the pasta fresh it tastes so much better. Likewise pizza . Ferment the dough in the fridge for at least 24 hours but up to 72. Then bung your oven on highest heat for about 30 mins before cooking.

http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/001199.html

Gribs · 4 Nov 2013 at 11:13

Lasagne is a good one to do as quite a bit can be prepared in advance. I make good chips so friends always ask for them so in the past I've done a selection of pies (all made in advance, just needing baking) though cooking good chips for more than 4 requires doing them in batches as I run out of pan space.

krooton · 4 Nov 2013 at 11:18

Epic sized chicken pie, or a beef one where you have super-slow-cooked the meat beforehand. Roasted honeyed carrots, buttered spring greens and homemade mash.

Awwwww yusssss!

R.O.S.S.I · 4 Nov 2013 at 13:22

Thanks for the suggestions guys, going to go with the pulled pork. Just been a got my hands on a 2kg pork shoulder. Going to do it with the carolina rub which gets great reviews on this forum!

Gonna get it on the go tonight, leave it cooking over night and then leave to stew in the juices all tomorrow evening and reheat again on Weds to serve!

My mates bringing some brioche buns down for it and i'll be grabbing some cheese slaw and jalapeno slaw tonight! Looking forward to this one!

D.P. · 4 Nov 2013 at 13:32

randomshenans said:
Love a good risotto, but the trouble is it's very kitchen intensive if you have guests over.

You cannot prepare the risotto in advance you you will have to abandon your guests for at least 30minutes.

randomshenans · 4 Nov 2013 at 13:57

Yes, that was what I said.

FrenchTart · 4 Nov 2013 at 14:01

randomshenans said:
Yes, that was what I said.

I don't think you understand - you simply CAN'T prepare a risotto in advance. It's too kitchen intensive if you have guests over.

randomshenans · 4 Nov 2013 at 14:11

FrenchTart said:
I don't think you understand - you simply CAN'T prepare a risotto in advance. It's too kitchen intensive if you have guests over.

But I...

PapaLazaru · 4 Nov 2013 at 14:13

The last 4 posts have given me a headache.

FrenchTart · 4 Nov 2013 at 14:13

randomshenans said:
But I...

I really wanted to follow this up with another trolling comment but I actually can't think of any more :/ Probably too distracted by all the being stuck in the kitchen cooking risotto (which, as you don't seem to have realised, you can't do in advance).

R.O.S.S.I · 4 Nov 2013 at 14:23

Haha excellent!

As an aside - does anyone have any recipes for some top notch BBQ sauce to accompany the porkage?