Then there are things to snack on before the meal, with the meal, and afterward. I'm not sure how much you're into health, so I'll provide some links to healthy options that are favorites from a TX group of guys...is that possible, and then I'll just ramble.
Pre-meal: finger veggies are always great with different sauces, the usual would be ranch, a little variety would be a sweet Asian, and a honey-Dijon. If they're into heat, look for some special hot-sauce treats, and have some sliced fresh jalapenos--they rock the taste buds, and ranch can help cool 'em down. Along with the usual, I like sliced red bell peppers, sweet.
A fruit salad and/or sliced fruits are also good. The medley I enjoy for its flavors and colors would have pineapple, strawberries, blue berries, pears, and maybe kiwi.
Pasta's are interesting. I really enjoy an angel hair, and the spiral. The spiral is great for holding sauces, and I love the thin texture. The thin will cook in half the time, but is also easier to overcook. To keep them from sticking and keep them warm, I would put a little olive oil in the pan, then put the noodles back in and drizzle with olive oil and stir them, then keep covered. If you have a couple/four pots, two could be in the oven on warm, and then rotate them out for serving. You could also play with colors; there's green, red, and medleys available.
You've probably already thought of white and red sauces. In the white, I enjoy the basics, lots of Parmesan, a touch of olive oil & butter, lots of garlic, and basil...fresh is so much better if you can get some. If you're going to cook these, then do at least a small batch to have an idea if you like it. The sauces can also be fixed the day before and will improve the flavor. For the red, a little something different I do is slice black olives into it, but the could be a side for garnishing for whoever doesn't care for them.
A variety of sides: all kinds of olives, a couple kinds of shredded cheeses along with Parmesan, maybe a fresh Mozzarella and a medium cheddar (could also be a white cheddar), that way people have a full range of mild-sweet, to strong-tang...and they can be blended.
A leafy salad or a Greek salad would probably be good. If you do one without lettuce, it will keep longer. Here's a recipe of my fave:
http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-avocado-...
Avocado and Tomato Salad
4 cups avocados, diced medium
2 cups grape tomatoes or 2 cups cherry tomatoes
1 cup red onion, diced small
4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
salt
fresh black pepper
Optional
2 cups broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce
2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
Toss all ingredients in a bowl and top on a bed of lettuce (if desired)
Makes 8 servings
Calories 201.9, Fat 17.9g Sodium 10.2mg Carb 11.6g Dietary Fiber 5.8g Sugars 1.8g
I really enjoy broiling French bread on one side (crunch on one side, soft on the other), angled cuts would take a little longer (more batches) or you could slice the loaf down the middle. Then I drizzle/brush a little olive oil, some garlic powder and Parmesan, then broil. Another batch option would be to slice it length ways, put an oil-herb-Nutrional yeast in the middle, wrap in foil, and keep warm in the oven.
Dessert with a filling meal, on the lighter side would be a lime sorbet, orange sorbet & vanilla ice cream, mix and match...and of course a birthday cake (I'm guessing). I used to mix and match my cakes with German chocolate, blueberry/cherry cheesecake, carrot cake.
If you wanted to try something different and with a large summer group, pan spice cakes with raisins & coconut. Then options for either a very light white frosting or a sweet whipped cream and/or a fruit-medley of strawberries and blueberries in a little sweet sauce for toppings. People could choose either or both. For the light (as in sugar, not calories :) white frosting, if you start with cream cheese as the main ingredient, the I put a touch of butter and just enough powdered sugar to have it on the sweet side.
Have fun, sounds like a good time.
So im throwing a birthday party (A combined party) for my fiance and my Grandpa....So what are some fun food ideas and other fun thngs you have done to make the party a success..
Also I was thinking of doing for part of the food a "Pasta Bar" where I would have several types of pasta and pasta sauce you can put on it separately.. What is something I can use to keep the noodles moist and warm?? SUGGESTIONS??
Thanks a ton :)
