What to cook for 15-20?
Discussion
My brother has asked me to cater for his "small" wedding (the official part - proper party three weeks later). Around 15 guests expected, but that'll inevitably grow by a few between now and then.
Just fishing for menu ideas, basically.
I don't want to lumber myself with cooking a three course meal where has to be cooked to order, but at the same time, the event deserves something a bit more special than a one-pot-wonder, or a selection of cold meats.
Basically, I need stuff that can be largely pre-prepared, isn't difficult to up-scale in a domestic kitchen, and has a reasonable wow-factor. I've also got to account for 3-4 (maybe more) vegetarians.
Ideas so far:
The formal sit down meal
Caramalised red onion and camembert tarts - easy to pre-prepare, no veggie option to worry about, presentation largely takes care of itself
Monkfish on mixed mushroom risotto - risotto can be 90% prepped ahead of time, monkfish can go in the oven en-mass. Veggies can have the same with a walnut brittle instead of the monkfish.
Mixed fruit pavlova - again, easy to prepare and assemble at the last minute. Nice to bring a massive whole desert to the table and serve there.
The indian/thai option
Basically make a selection of 4 curries (one chicken, one lamb, one fish, one veggie) and a couple of rices. Buy breads in, as I'm rubbish at them.
Starters (pakoras, samosas, bhagis etc) double a finger foods, everything is prepared the day before, and veggies etc just sort themselves out.
The roast meat option
My brother has a covered patio area, so I'd thought about doing a whole pig or side of beef on a barbie, plus a cold buffet.
Probably the most hassle of all the options - 12 hours cooking, need to rig up a motorised spit etc etc - and not much for the veggies other than cold salad based stuff.
Pretty good wow factor though, and a great excuse to cook a huge chunk of meat.
Thoughts, ideas, suggestions???
Just fishing for menu ideas, basically.
I don't want to lumber myself with cooking a three course meal where has to be cooked to order, but at the same time, the event deserves something a bit more special than a one-pot-wonder, or a selection of cold meats.
Basically, I need stuff that can be largely pre-prepared, isn't difficult to up-scale in a domestic kitchen, and has a reasonable wow-factor. I've also got to account for 3-4 (maybe more) vegetarians.
Ideas so far:
The formal sit down meal
Caramalised red onion and camembert tarts - easy to pre-prepare, no veggie option to worry about, presentation largely takes care of itself
Monkfish on mixed mushroom risotto - risotto can be 90% prepped ahead of time, monkfish can go in the oven en-mass. Veggies can have the same with a walnut brittle instead of the monkfish.
Mixed fruit pavlova - again, easy to prepare and assemble at the last minute. Nice to bring a massive whole desert to the table and serve there.
The indian/thai option
Basically make a selection of 4 curries (one chicken, one lamb, one fish, one veggie) and a couple of rices. Buy breads in, as I'm rubbish at them.
Starters (pakoras, samosas, bhagis etc) double a finger foods, everything is prepared the day before, and veggies etc just sort themselves out.
The roast meat option
My brother has a covered patio area, so I'd thought about doing a whole pig or side of beef on a barbie, plus a cold buffet.
Probably the most hassle of all the options - 12 hours cooking, need to rig up a motorised spit etc etc - and not much for the veggies other than cold salad based stuff.
Pretty good wow factor though, and a great excuse to cook a huge chunk of meat.
Thoughts, ideas, suggestions???
Edited by Nefarious on Thursday 14th August 10:22
Nefarious said:
The roast meat option
My brother has a covered patio area, so I'd thought about doing a whole pig or side of beef on a barbie, plus a cold buffet.
Probably the most hassle of all the options - 12 hours cooking, need to rig up a motorised spit etc etc - and not much for the veggies other than cold salad based stuff.
Pretty good wow factor though, and a great excuse to cook a huge chunk of meat.
Butterflied legs of lamb or spatchcocked chicken are much less hassle.My brother has a covered patio area, so I'd thought about doing a whole pig or side of beef on a barbie, plus a cold buffet.
Probably the most hassle of all the options - 12 hours cooking, need to rig up a motorised spit etc etc - and not much for the veggies other than cold salad based stuff.
Pretty good wow factor though, and a great excuse to cook a huge chunk of meat.
The formal sit-down sounds good. We have done a few sit-down meals for 20+ (christenings etc) and definately the more pre-prep the better. Also its bloody hot work even just heating and serving for that number of people - can really spoil your enjoyment - perhaps get a non-invited friend to help in the kitchen on the day?
A nice soup is always an easy course - just heat & serve with warmed rolls.
Smoked salmon & cream cheese starter or Pate with Caramelised onion relish & Melba Toast
A nice soup is always an easy course - just heat & serve with warmed rolls.
Smoked salmon & cream cheese starter or Pate with Caramelised onion relish & Melba Toast
First option, without a doubt.
Easy to manage, easy to account for money wise, easy to prep, easy to portion out. I'd do individual pavlovas though, again, easier to control/less chance of f
king it up.
Just dont overcook the monkfish, could be pricey!!!
You could even add a twist by having complimenting wines for each course, should you want to, that'd be pretty cool.
And maybe a cheese trolley/board if you like, or a sorbet between starter and main, they'd be pre-made and kept in the freezer in shot glasses. That starter and main are quite rich, might be a nice idea actually.
Strawberry and basil maybe? Always liked that, bit of a wow factor as it does work brilliantly.
All depends on cost really as well.
I'm just rambling now.
Good Luck!!
Easy to manage, easy to account for money wise, easy to prep, easy to portion out. I'd do individual pavlovas though, again, easier to control/less chance of f
king it up.Just dont overcook the monkfish, could be pricey!!!
You could even add a twist by having complimenting wines for each course, should you want to, that'd be pretty cool.
And maybe a cheese trolley/board if you like, or a sorbet between starter and main, they'd be pre-made and kept in the freezer in shot glasses. That starter and main are quite rich, might be a nice idea actually.
Strawberry and basil maybe? Always liked that, bit of a wow factor as it does work brilliantly.
All depends on cost really as well.
I'm just rambling now.
Good Luck!!
Good call on the sorbet and matched wines.
I'll maybe have a bit more of a think about dessert, as almost anything cold is a pre-prep, and it's a good opportunity to showboat.
Keep the starter/main course ideas coming. I'm also contemplating duck breasts on a pineapple/red pepper/pak choi stir-fry - although its easier to cock up and would have to be done in batches of 5-7 at the final stage.
Oh, and cost I'm not worried about - he's being enough of a cheapskate getting me to do the catering, the least he can do is pay my expenses without question!!
I'll maybe have a bit more of a think about dessert, as almost anything cold is a pre-prep, and it's a good opportunity to showboat.
Keep the starter/main course ideas coming. I'm also contemplating duck breasts on a pineapple/red pepper/pak choi stir-fry - although its easier to cock up and would have to be done in batches of 5-7 at the final stage.
Oh, and cost I'm not worried about - he's being enough of a cheapskate getting me to do the catering, the least he can do is pay my expenses without question!!
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