Help with dinner for in-laws

[Anonymous]

I'm hosting my husband's aunt and uncle for dinner this weekend, and this is the first time I'll be cooking for any of his family. They are Indian, and South Asian hostessing traditionally requires a large spread of food. I'm not Indian, so I'm not going to try to cook Indian food, but I do want to cater to their tastes and expectations somewhat. Also, I need to cook ahead to some extent so that I won't be running around in the kitchen while they're over.

To that end, I'm planning to make a Meatball Tagine recipe from Epicurious, because it is delicious, difficult to screw up, amenable to being pre-made and sitting in the oven while everyone visits, and tasty for their palates: http://tinyurl.com/4lpje9c. I'm planning to serve it with lemon rice. Here's my question: what should I do for an easy (make-ahead) appetizer, vegetable, and dessert? I think this is the least amount of food I can get away with making. I'm a very good recipe-follower, but also open to simple "steamed green beans, obviously"-type suggestions ... or recommendations in the Arlington-Falls Church area to pick up appropriate pre-mades.

Appreciative of any help.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Just thought I should add, for those who might be worried by my plans so far, that my in-laws do eat beef. No concerns there. No pork products or alcohol, however. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

salad. maybe a rice pudding for dessert.

[Anonymous]

I would recommend sticking with your Moroccan theme, which is tasty, and not worry about their palates (the food is already tasty - good enough!). A veg might be some sort of glazed roasted carrots, or maybe you could do 2 or 3 that are made ahead and fit with the theme - the carrots, some pickled beets, and cucumber and red onion salad (it is common in Morocco to serve a bunch of little salads with the meal). For an app you could just do olives and roasted veges, maybe some warm rosemary bread or something. Sounds good! I'm no help on dessert other than to say that no one has ever frowned on a plate of mixed cookies and some good coffee or tea.

[Anonymous]

Dessert: vanilla ice cream or panna cotta drizzled with honey and Anisette Toast cookies or plain biscotti on the side.
Appetizer: some kind of babaganough-like dip made essentially of roasted eggplants mixed with yogurt and a couple of spices; pita bread. Or cook up some chick peas salad & serve with pita bread:
http://www.food.com/recipe/moroccan-chickpea-salad-92523


Let us know what you finally make!