main menu item for gathering

[Anonymous]

This is an extended family gathering (no travel involved and we all have direct or indirect contact with each other anyway). I did it last year right after xmas and this year it will be Jan 2. Last year I made a big batch of beef stew and thinking again something to serve in bowls (I bought extra last year). Chile seems too obvious and beef stew would be a repeat. I love borscht but the beets might not be something everyone likes. Should be substantial and something that can simmer without a lot of fuss. One person dislikes seafood and fish. The rest are either very conventional or very adventurous and would like something adventurous that is not too challenging to the conventional ones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is an extended family gathering (no travel involved and we all have direct or indirect contact with each other anyway). I did it last year right after xmas and this year it will be Jan 2. Last year I made a big batch of beef stew and thinking again something to serve in bowls (I bought extra last year). Chile seems too obvious and beef stew would be a repeat. I love borscht but the beets might not be something everyone likes. Should be substantial and something that can simmer without a lot of fuss. One person dislikes seafood and fish. The rest are either very conventional or very adventurous and would like something adventurous that is not too challenging to the conventional ones.

Brunswick stew has chicken and pork and can simmer for long periods.

[Anonymous]

Would some sort of biryani or pulao work, if you keep the spiciness level down?

Or, for more conventional, chicken & dumplings?

[Anonymous]

Gumbo, jambalaya, broccoli cheddar soup.

[Anonymous]

I like the chili idea. One pot meat another pot vegetarian. Rolls, rice, sour, cream, cheese, cilantro etc laid out.

[Anonymous]

What about a kielbasa and cabbage stew? Cabbage is traditional for New Years, and it sounds like y’all are meat eaters from your other ideas. I would serve the stew over potatoes I think.

[Anonymous]

Gumbo! If you have a rice cooker, just keep a bunch of rice on warm next to the gumbo pot.

[Anonymous]

Gumbo sounds like a winner in my book and its ages since I've made it. What would be good accompaniments? And dessert recommendation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gumbo sounds like a winner in my book and its ages since I've made it. What would be good accompaniments? And dessert recommendation?

Crisp green salad, hush puppies or corn bread, pimento cheese or crab dip…unsure about dessert, but I think some type of pie would be good.

[Anonymous]

How about Chili—-but also serve baked potatoes and hot dogs with it.

[Anonymous]

I like the ideas of gumbo or jambalaya. Agree that green salad and corn bread would be nice with. Pineapple or coconut dessert could be nice.

What about a chicken tortilla soup? Not quite chili but you could still have some toppings for customizing. I also think you could do a baked potato bar and still use your bowls if that is appealing.

[Anonymous]

Taco bar
Mashed potato bar
Italian beefs
Italian sausages and peppers

[Anonymous]

White chili with chicken and green chillies.

[Anonymous]

Minestrone soup and add a tossed salad and rolls. Good to go.