“Wow” dishes that are easy

[Anonymous]

The roasted feta/cherry tomato pasta from tik tok (NYT has an adaptation you can use)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel like presentation and unique ingredients make a huge difference.

I can have you over for pizza night and order pizza in and make a bagged salad and pour you whatever drinks are in the fridge.

Or I can order the same pizzas with some parm and red peppers and pepperoncinis on the side and serve a salad made with baby gem lettuces, Persian cucumbers, red peppers, and homemade balsamic with heirloom tomatoes and olives on the side. I can set out liter bottles of still, sparkling, lemonade, and wine for guest to serve themselves.

Same meal. Different takes. Yes, there is about a $30 difference, so not for everyone.

It definitely costs more.

Tell me more about the side of pepperonici, red peppers and parm. Do you serve this mixed together as a salad? Or do you mean a wedge of parm cheese with separate bowls of pepperonici and roasted red peppers, with crackers/bread?

[Anonymous]

Easy "wow" dishes for me are the ones that rely on top-quality ingredients rather than complicated recipes. Seared scallops definitely qualify. I'd add:
Prime rib
Seared ahi
King crab legs with melted butter
Creme brulee
Chocolate mousse or pots de creme

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Handmade pasta.
High hydration pizza dough with crest ingredients
Grilled fruits
Anything with fresh figs
Risotto

She said EASY!!!!!! I make fresh pasta (time consuming) and risotto…and while risotto isn’t difficult it’s not the same as searing scallops for 5 min!

I agree. I think the first PP has confused simple with easy. Simple is relatively few steps. Easy is less time intensive. Handmade pasta is simple, but not easy. Same with Risotto.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Heirloom tomato salad.

A caprese salad with sliced tomato, mozzarella and basil is my go to for impressing people without doing work

[Anonymous]

frozen pizza with a bullshit salad trader joe's dressing

[Anonymous]

Italian pot roast (in the slow cooker) over polenta—easy and delicious. https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/italian_pot_roast/

Roasted tomato caprese salad. Since the tomatoes are roasted, they don’t have to be perfect vine-ripened specimens.
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-tomato-caprese-salad-recipe-1946060

Cornmeal poundcake with fresh berries or defrosted frozen ones if good ones aren’t in season. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/cornmeal-poundcake-with-fresh-berries-recipe-1970202.amp

None of these recipes require last minute fiddling in the kitchen. I once served the Italian pot roast to a party of 12 after working all day and it was a hit. Now you know what to expect at a dinner party at my house!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Heirloom tomato salad.

A caprese salad with sliced tomato, mozzarella and basil is my go to for impressing people without doing work

add store bought balsamic glaze to kick it up a smidge!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Baked Brie

Charcuterie trays

If it's 1996, sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Brisket- I cook it in the crock pot + it looks gorgeous. I cut it in half, slather on bbq sauce, wrap in foil, pour some water in crockpot. Cook on low for five hours. I also wrap veges such as potatoes, green beans, and carrots in foil. Fancy looking meal that is so easy and not messy to make.(I have also made hams, small chickens, and turkey breats in the crock pot. Delish.

Dear Lord.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The roasted feta/cherry tomato pasta from tik tok (NYT has an adaptation you can use)

I made one of these and it was so gross. And I love all of the ingredients, so it should have worked for me. Maybe I need to try a new recipe...

[Anonymous]

Affogato! A shot of espresso over ice cream, served in a fun cup/ bowl.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel like presentation and unique ingredients make a huge difference.

I can have you over for pizza night and order pizza in and make a bagged salad and pour you whatever drinks are in the fridge.

Or I can order the same pizzas with some parm and red peppers and pepperoncinis on the side and serve a salad made with baby gem lettuces, Persian cucumbers, red peppers, and homemade balsamic with heirloom tomatoes and olives on the side. I can set out liter bottles of still, sparkling, lemonade, and wine for guest to serve themselves.

Same meal. Different takes. Yes, there is about a $30 difference, so not for everyone.

It definitely costs more.

I think you got a bit overexcited there.

[Anonymous]

Lobster

Just add some salt to a pot of water. boil water. Look up the time Serve with melted butter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like presentation and unique ingredients make a huge difference.

I can have you over for pizza night and order pizza in and make a bagged salad and pour you whatever drinks are in the fridge.

Or I can order the same pizzas with some parm and red peppers and pepperoncinis on the side and serve a salad made with baby gem lettuces, Persian cucumbers, red peppers, and homemade balsamic with heirloom tomatoes and olives on the side. I can set out liter bottles of still, sparkling, lemonade, and wine for guest to serve themselves.

Same meal. Different takes. Yes, there is about a $30 difference, so not for everyone.

It definitely costs more.

Tell me more about the side of pepperonici, red peppers and parm. Do you serve this mixed together as a salad? Or do you mean a wedge of parm cheese with separate bowls of pepperonici and roasted red peppers, with crackers/bread?

More like antipasto. Like, here is some decent pizza and you can top it with a few pepperoncinis from this bowl, or a scoop of parm, or a shake of red pepper. I am a sucker for customization and options.