[Lucydog]

Ok this may sound flippant but its semi serious!!!

This autumns project is 'to be more sociable' which isnt that easy where we live. So Im kicking it off my inviting some work colleagues to sunday lunch. We know them quite well but its the first time they have come to our place becasue of the distance. Now what should I cook do you think? I dont want to be in the situation of trying to serve up hot food.... not a good idea if it doesnt end up on the floor then it will be cold so Im looking for ideas on how you do it? I thought of doing a cold buffet perhaps which we can put out before they arrive, or maybe doing a slow cooker thing on the dining tabel and again having every one serve themselves. Although its informal I want it to be nice, and the last thing I want is my husband to be running around trying to look after everyone, I want us all to be able to relax.

Throw in a 3yr old and a baby and you can see why I want ideas!

thanks a lot
L

[Apparelyzed]

Here's what we do if we're having a cold buffet.

New potatoes with parmasen shavings.
Pan fried asparagus (don't overcook, serve scorched but crunchy).
Sweetcorn niblets with crispy bacon bits.
Mixed salad.
Plum tomatoes with feta cheese.
King prawns pan fried with a little pesto.
Pan fried button mushrooms with a little thyme, parsley, garlic and olive oil.
Pork pie. (from Melton Mowbray)
Chicken breast, wrapped in parma ham, and sliced into 5.
Butterflied leg of lamb, griddled, served pink in thin slices.
Assorted pickled beetroot, pickled onions etc.
Crusty bread

We normally do the above on Boxing Day, you can do everything ahead of time and serve cold. We normally serve the asparagus and potatoes warm though.

Hope it gives you some ideas.

Simon.

[itsjustme]

Hi Lucydog,

Our Broccoli Salad is always requested at our get togethers with it's different textures and tastes. I always double the recipe. Lune 14 posted a great sounding recipe of Asparagus soup on our Wanna Share Recipes thread, that could be made the day before she says. It could then be held warm in your crockpot on the buffet. I love soup, some cheese, and crusty bread in the fall.

Broccoli Salad

Dressing:
1 cup Hellman's Real Mayonnaise
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Salad:
5 cups broccoli flowerettes
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1/2 cup raisins
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
8-12 slices of bacon cooked crisp and crumbled

[hockeydahc]

I want an invite to Simon's place for whatever Boxing day is. sounds delicious.

[miss piggy]

I was just thinking the same . Simon that sounds yum yum