Suggestions for menu -- dinner for 6

[Anonymous]

I am hosting a few longtime friends in my new house. It's my first gathering post separating from my ex, and I'd like to look like I have my stuff together but these are all people who love me.

Dinner for 6. Definitely want to be relaxed and enjoying the meal, and focused on catching up.
What would you serve? Menu ideas please?

[Anonymous]

What protein to serve with butternut squash soup, risotto, arugula salad?

[Anonymous]

Roast chicken?

[Anonymous]

Have it catered/hire a personal chef for the evening.

[Anonymous]

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/herbed-pork-tenderloins-7988647

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What protein to serve with butternut squash soup, risotto, arugula salad?

This is a nice menu. I'd roast a bunch of chicken thighs -- I brush them with Dijon mustard then coat in breadcrumbs with some extra garlic and herbs mixed in.

Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Chicken thighs are always easy and good and you can't screw them up. Just season and roast.

I'd add roasted potato wedges, steamed asparagus, rolls and a simple green salad. Everything can be prepped before they arrive and the chicken and potatoes take basically the same amount of time at the same temp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Roast chicken?

This would be lovely with the butternut squash soup, risotto and arugula salad OP mentioned. Pick one of the Ina roast chicken recipes, and a dessert, and you're good. This menu is better to me than the roasted potato/rolls/asparagus one suggested.

[Anonymous]

-Crab cakes- make ahead and 5 minutes to sauté just before serving
-Mashed potatoes- made ahead heating in oven
- haricots verts- skinny green beans- quick blanch and last minute sauce with garlic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What protein to serve with butternut squash soup, risotto, arugula salad?

That sounds nice. The dijon chicken thighs sounds good but if not a big standard meat crowd I'd also consider a charcuterie plate with baguette slices, cheeses, and meats like proscuitto and hams with mustard, fig jam, etc...

[Anonymous]

Quiche

[Anonymous]

app- ritz crackers, cream cheese, hot pepper jelly

main- beef tenderloin, scalloped potatoes, arugula salad (these can all be prepped ahead and beef and potatoes popped in oven after guests arrive, salad sits undressed until ready to eat)

dessert- buy a fruit tart and warm, serve with ice cream

[Anonymous]

Roast duck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What protein to serve with butternut squash soup, risotto, arugula salad?

seared scallops served on top of the risotto

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone! I did roast chicken and it was an awesome time.