Comments on: Kitchen Performance Anxiety

By: Vintage Violet Cocktails Make a Comeback | Food & Think

Vintage Violet Cocktails Make a Comeback | Food & Think — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:20:49 +0000

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By: ~L.K.

~L.K. — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:35:33 +0000

I’m quite omnivorous (more carnivorous and a frugivore than a veggivore), but you could always have hamburgers. A friend of mine had a BBQ over the summer, and her step-family are Indian; they don’t eat meat. So it’s a little awkward. What do you serve? They made black bean burgers for the vegetarians and normal burgers for the omnivorous. I never thought much of veggie burgers before, but they were absolutely delicious. I wish I’d asked for one of those than the burger! (I also wish I had the recipe!)

Of course, if you’re afraid that burgers would be too plain, you can always try mixing in some herb butter or more unique sauces. Burgers don’t just have to be ketchup and buns! If you bake or know of a bakery close by, you could get some bread there. Or you could try some mini-burgers.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy yourselves!

By: WilliamB

WilliamB — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:24:27 +0000

Regina is right about a relaxed cook. Your friends are coming for you, not for the food.

Thus my advice is to serve simple foods that are easy to prepare in advance, restock as the party goes on, and save for later. Chips, salsas, bean dips, veggies & dips, cheese and crackers, lightly salted steamed edamame in the shell, frozen snacks like mini pizzas (Trader Joe’s has excellent ones) and taquitos, etc. This has worked for me a thousand times. The few times I’ve ignored these rules I’ve really regretted it.

By: Lisa Bramen

Lisa Bramen — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:05:01 +0000

Thanks for all the great advice, Jeff, Lori and et! It’s probably too late to call for a potluck, but I wish I had thought of it. A couple of friends volunteered to bring a dish, so I’ll have a little assistance.

By: et

et — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:16:37 +0000

Potluck- ask your friends to contribute.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:12:46 +0000

I love to make a big pot of whatever – stew, soup, chili, even chicken provencal if I’m feeling fancy. I think the decision to make something you’ve done before is grand. Why put yourself through the hassle of making something new? Save that for the family at the holidays!

I’m also a big fan of the potluck – especially if you have vegan, vegetarians and omnivores all coming together, and less than satisfactory kitchen.

And, don’t forget your reward! Mine is cake and/or pie at the end of the big meal. Yum! :-)

By: Jeff

Jeff — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:53:42 +0000

You need to make something that can feed large quantities: homemade mac & cheese, lasagna, a ragu with pasta, soups, etc… These are crowd pleasers that scale well and be easily adapted to have veg/non-veg options. Soups are better the day after; lasagna can be reheated in the oven.

Throwing together a homemade salad takes a few minutes. I disagree strongly with Ms. Charboneau: I dislike most prepared foods, especially, salad dressings. Most store bought salad dressings are over priced abominations. After all, how hard is it to put together olive oil and vinegar?

Good luck!