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The Kitchen Table

Need help with my menu

12 years ago

I'm having some friends for dinner on Friday and need help with a salad. Tentative menu is chicken fillets, with a sauce, in the oven, a greek dish with potatoes, green beans and zucchini, corn pudding and apple cake with warm apple gravy for dessert. 2 of the guests are very hearty eaters. Any suggestions appreciated. I do better with specific recipes.

TIA

jude

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Comments (14)

patti43
12 years ago
I think your menu sounds great the way it is. I'm maybe add some warm crusty rolls or yeast rolls and call it good. What time are we eating?? LOL!
lynn_d
12 years ago
Patti, can you pick me up on the way? LOL!!!!

Gosh that sounds wonderful! Apple gravy? I'm not a gravy eater but that sounds wonderful!
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Here's a good recipe for shrimp cakes that I think would go well with the rest of your menu. I have made rosemary roasted potatoes to go with them. I think you could skip a veggi, since you are doing the veggi pasta, but I think a tossed salad would be nice. Asian slaw would be too strong a flavor that goes in the wrong direction, IMO. These shrimp cakes are nice when having company as they are done ahead and quick to cook just before serving. Gingered Shrimp Cakes 1 lb. large shrimp, cooked 4 scallions, sliced, green parts included 1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger Grated lemon zest from 1 lemon 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1/2 C fresh corn, cooked, cut off cob (can use frozen) 1 lg egg 3 Tbsp mayonnaise 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce 1/2 tsp salt Pinch of ground black pepper 1 1/2 C fresh bread crumbs or panko (divided) 2 Tbsp olive oil (or more, for frying) 1 Tbsp butter (with the oil, for frying) Coarsely chop shrimp in bowl. Add scallions, ginger, lemon zest, parsley and corn. Combine mayonnaise, egg, hot sauce, salt and pepper and fold into shrimp mixture. Add 1 Cup breadcrumbs and gently mix. Form into 4 patties and gently dredge in remaining 1/2 C breadcrumbs, adding more if necessary. Put on a plate, cover with plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 min and up to 4 hours. Heat oil and butter in large skillet over med-high heat. Saute cakes until cooked through and golden brown on both sides, adding more oil to skillet as needed, about 8 minutes. Chile Garlic Sauce (optional) To make Chile-garlic cream sauce, combine 2 Tbsp chile-garlic sauce ( from Asia aisle at supermarket and is sweet) and juice of 1/2 lime with 1/2 cup sour cream or cream fraiche. Spoon about 3 Tbsp of sauce on each plate and place shrimp cake on it, serve immediately. Makes four servings. Variation: Substitute lump crab meat for the shrimp. Nancy
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houstonmom_gw
12 years ago
I agree with pattie43's suggestion of dinner rolls. I'd go with warm crusty rolls!
jude31
Original Author
12 years ago
I forgot to mention the rolls. So you don't think I need a salad????? The apple gravy is served warm over the apple cake.

jude
patti43
12 years ago
I wouldn't--just make plenty of what you are having already for those hearty eaters :-)
Jasdip
12 years ago
Oh Yummy!!! Can I come too??

I think a simple Greek salad would be tasty, if you are bent on having a salad.

Oh my gosh fresh rolls too, I'm in heaven!
jude31
Original Author
12 years ago
Sure Jas, come on down! Still taking suggestions/recipes.

jude
Fun2BHere
12 years ago
That sounds like a hearty menu. I don't think you need a salad, but if you want some crunch, you could add shredded carrots or broccoli slaw dressed with a light vinaigrette.
glenda_al
12 years ago
How about if you think you need a salad, this cole slaw would go well.

Alaska cole slaw
5 cups shredded cabbage **I buy the preshredded plain, no carrots, etc at WalMart
1/2 cups almond slivers, toasted
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
1/2 cup celery, diced**don't use
1/4 cup chopped green onions, white and green parts
1/2 cups chopped green bell pepper **don't use

This is the creamy dressing I used and it works great:

mix 1/2 c mayo with 2 Tbl cider vinegar **I used white wine vinegar, 2 tsp sugar, salt and pepper to taste Pour over coleslaw right before serving and toss JUST TO COAT

Combine cabbage, almonds, cranberries, celery, green onions, and green pepper in a large plastic bowl with a snap-on lid.
Combine all dressing ingredients, adding salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Pour dressing over slaw just before serving. Stir well

And if you think you need rolls, Sister Shuberts yeast rolls are always delicious!
sushipup1
12 years ago
I like the idea of a Greek salad.

1 head romaine lettuce- rinsed, dried and chopped
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 (6 ounce) can pitted black olives
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 cucumber, sliced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 lemon, juiced
ground black pepper to taste

Directions

In a large salad bowl, combine the Romaine, onion, olives, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumber and cheese.
Whisk together the olive oil, oregano, lemon juice and black pepper. Pour dressing over salad, toss and serve.
jude31
Original Author
12 years ago
Glenda, that slaw sounds wonderful and I will clip it for the future and sushipup you just suggested what I had decided on. I think I will serve the feta cheese on the side, though. I know some don't care for it. The some would be my DH.lol

Thank you ALL so much.

jude
kacram
12 years ago
I would like a light green salad, nothing that is heavy
Jasdip
12 years ago
Yum, I love Greek salad. I often just throw some red wine vinegar in some Italian dressing.
Have fun Jude! Everything you've got planned will be delicious!
hounds_x_two
12 years ago
I vote for one of the green salads. Greek would be yummy.
Since you are serving potato and corn, you don't really need to have bread, too. What time did you say we should be there?

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