Easy Meal for Entertaining?

[Anonymous]

Do you have a dinner that you regularly make for entertaining? We are having people over one night a week for the next few weeks, and I would like a few ideas. Nothing too hard, but nice enough to serve to guests. I WOTH, so fast would be great.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I've my this yummy dish for company this summer. It is not spicy and even the kids ate it.

SPICY PORK AND PINEAPPLE SKEWERS

Makes 6 servings.

1/4 cup apple-cider vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon chile powder, or more to taste

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, or more to taste

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

Flesh of 3/4 pineapple (about 1 pound), cored and cut into 3/4- to 1-inch pieces (3 cups)

1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of silverskin and excess fat, cut into 3/4- to 1-inch chunks

To marinate pork and pineapple: In medium bowl, combine vinegar, oil, chile powder, cumin, pepper and salt. Whisk together to form marinade. Place pineapple in 1 bowl and pork in another. Divide marinade evenly between pork and the pineapple. Toss each with marinade to coat. Let rest for 15 minutes.

To prepare grill: Prepare grill for direct heat. If using gas grill, preheat to medium-high (450 degrees). If using charcoal grill, light charcoal or wood briquettes. When briquettes are ready, distribute evenly under cooking area. (Note: For medium-hot fire, you should be able to hold your hand about 6 inches above coals for 4 or 5 seconds.) Lightly coat grill rack with oil. Place it on grill.

To prepare skewers: On each skewer, alternate 3 or 4 pieces of pork with 3 or 4 pieces of pineapple. (Note: Count and divide pieces before skewering to make sure you fill all 12 skewers.) Discard any remaining marinade.

To grill skewers: Lay aluminum foil on grill grate so parts of skewers not covered with pineapple or pork will be shielded from heat. Arrange skewers on grill so meat and fruit are over direct heat. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes for until browned on 1 side. Using tongs and spatula, turn each skewer over. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until pork is cooked through. (Note: Internal temperature of meat should be 155 degrees.) Remove from grill. Let rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

[Anonymous]

Chicken marbella is delicious and perfect for a dinner party as it's so easy to prepare but people think you've gone to more trouble. You just marinade the night before and cook in a casserole dish on the day. Make it even easier by serving with couscous and steamed veg. Google it and you will find recipes. I add some dried apricots as well but reduce the brown sugar and oil as it is very rich.

[Anonymous]

Grilled chicken breasts marinated in garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and rosemary. Served with grilled bread rubbed with garlic clove and olive oil poured over. Serve with a side salad.

Or sometimes we grill fajitas, make some mexican rice and serve with grilled onions, peppers and tortillas. Guacamole is good too.

Pasta with pesto made from scratch right in front of the guests is also good. Can toss with cherry tomatoes from the garden and bocconcini (small balls of fresh mozarella). Serve also with garlicky grilled bread and side salad.