Party menu this evening

[Mrs Mungo]

Okay, so we're having a get-together this evening.

 

We are grilling streaks, chicken and scallops. I'll do those mini-hotdogs-in-puff-pastry things for the kids (for the picky ones).

 

Eldest is making a strawberry trifle for dessert.

 

I'm think I'm going to make this watermelon/tomato/feta salad. I'm going to make corn fritters. Maybe a white bean or spinach dip?

 

Any other side-dish veggie ideas? I don't really want to do anything else on the grill and add to hubby's grilling load. I don't know if I want to do another salad. I don't want to do corn because I'm doing the corn fritters.

 

Ideas?

[2cents]

Baked beans or mac n cheese maybe?

[Parrothead]

How about a starch? Toss some pasta with pesto.

[ereks mom]

...bananas, and blueberries. Colorful and simple...and delicious!

 

Or potato salad, if you want a starch instead of more fruit.

Edited July 1, 2010 by ereks mom

[Mrs Mungo]

How about a starch? Toss some pasta with pesto.

 

Hm, I was thinking of the corn fritters as a starch, but, you might be right. I might need another starch. Pesto is easy enough. :)

[Paintedlady]

I'd make a fresh salsa with chips. My favorite is made with mango, black beans, red pepper, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, and a bit of kosher salt.

[KJB]

A few ideas:

 

-Raw veggie tray (from the Commissary....Call now!)

 

-Baked potatoes with butter/sour cream/chopped chives

 

-Potato Salad

 

-Hot Spinach Dip in a Round Bread Bowl with crackers, raw veggies, etc.

 

-Stuffed mushrooms (personal favorite)

 

-Leeks on the grill drizzled with olive oil

(I know you don't want to grill anything else, but this is really good!)

[MariannNOVA]

Israeli Couscous with Asparagus, Peas, and Sugar Snaps

 

Israeli couscous is small, round, toasted pasta with grains about the size of peppercorns. Serve this dish chilled or at room temperature.

6 servings

 

 

 

Ingredients

 

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced, divided
  
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
  
• 1 1/3 cups Israeli couscous (6 to 7 ounces)
  
• 1 3/4 cups (or more) vegetable broth
  
• 14 ounces slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut diagonally into 3/4-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
  
• 8 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
  
• 1 cup shelled fresh green peas or frozen, thawed
  
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh chives
  
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  

• Preparation
  

• Whisk 2 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, and lemon peel in small bowl; set dressing aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add couscous, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until most of couscous is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add 13/4 cups broth, increase heat, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender, about 10 minutes, adding more broth by tablespoonfuls if too dry.
  
• Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add asparagus, sugar snap peas, green peas, and remaining garlic clove. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; sauté until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer vegetables to large bowl.
  
• Add couscous to bowl with vegetables. Drizzle dressing over. Add chives and cheese; toss. Season with salt and pepper.
  

[Mrs Mungo]

I'd make a fresh salsa with chips. My favorite is made with mango, black beans, red pepper, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, and a bit of kosher salt.

 

See? I usually make salsa. However, my friends here have forced me to teach them to make salsa. So, I don't feel like making it now. :tongue_smilie:

 

A few ideas:

 

-Raw veggie tray (from the Commissary....Call now!)

 

-Baked potatoes with butter/sour cream/chopped chives

 

-Potato Salad

 

-Hot Spinach Dip in a Round Bread Bowl with crackers, raw veggies, etc.

 

-Stuffed mushrooms (personal favorite)

 

-Leeks on the grill drizzled with olive oil

(I know you don't want to grill anything else, but this is really good!)

 

I think spinach dip would be a good idea, I was thinking of that or a white bean dip for an appetizer. The last time I made stuffed mushrooms only 2 people (besides my family) ate them. :glare: Darn picky people. One person has a particular aversion to potato salad.

 

Mariann-that also looks yummy!

 

I have to make final decisions soon...it's almost noon. You see what a procrastinator I am?

[hornblower]

well, you need something b/e there's not much for ME to eat. I don't eat meat or shellfish. :D

 

So right now there's corn fritters & the watermelon salad & dessert. That's ok but if you had pita bread or baguette & dip etc that would give a few more options for freaks like me......

hey - what about hummus? nice & easy & a source of protein.

 

have fun!

[woolybear]

At this time of year I would go with something simple and fresh like sliced tomatoes and basil with maybe mozzarella. Drizzle it with a little olive oil and salt. Yum.