I have a food and religion and hosting question rolled into one

[Muslima]

Hi OP, I think it would be easier for you or your DH to ask them directly if they have any dietary restrictions or if they just eat halal. Some Muslims only eat Halal, and some will eat anything as long as it is not Pork or pork derivatives. If in doubt, you can just go with Seafood, as all seafood is considered halal so Muslims can eat seafood from anywhere. As far as alcohol is concerned, some might be uncomfortable if you have it around but will be polite and not say anything but will probably not want to come back lol, and some might not care at all if you have it around but won't drink it, also some Muslims do drink as well since not all Muslims follow everything, but the majority don't drink. I think the best thing to do would be to ask your guests if they have any restrictions that you need to know before hand and Im sure they'd be glad to let you know and you can then plan accordingly. Have fun hosting

[Anonymous]

Muslima wrote:Hi OP, I think it would be easier for you or your DH to ask them directly if they have any dietary restrictions or if they just eat halal. Some Muslims only eat Halal, and some will eat anything as long as it is not Pork or pork derivatives. If in doubt, you can just go with Seafood, as all seafood is considered halal so Muslims can eat seafood from anywhere. As far as alcohol is concerned, some might be uncomfortable if you have it around but will be polite and not say anything but will probably not want to come back lol, and some might not care at all if you have it around but won't drink it, also some Muslims do drink as well since not all Muslims follow everything, but the majority don't drink. I think the best thing to do would be to ask your guests if they have any restrictions that you need to know before hand and Im sure they'd be glad to let you know and you can then plan accordingly. Have fun hosting

Not OP but I am curious. Anything they should do customs wise to make their guests feel welcome. She seems to be stressing that she wants them to feel welcome and comfortable in her home.

[Muslima]

I think they'd feel welcome by the mere fact that she invited them to her house, at least I would. I don't think she needs to do anything special to entertain them that she wouldn't do for non-muslim guests, besides the dietary restrictions.

[Anonymous]

While I wouldn't serve pork and likely not alcohol, other than that I don't think I mould make significant adjustments. M
I am Catholic. I don't believe I have ever had any friends serve fish instead of meat of a Friday night get together. I wouldn't be offended...their call, not mine.

[Anonymous]

OP, in situations like this, I frequently put together a bunch of vegetarian dishes that can be combined with or without meat. E.g. last night we had a greek salad, some curried chickpeas, yogurt sauce, feta, and some grilled steak for those who wanted meat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, in situations like this, I frequently put together a bunch of vegetarian dishes that can be combined with or without meat. E.g. last night we had a greek salad, some curried chickpeas, yogurt sauce, feta, and some grilled steak for those who wanted meat.

This is a really good idea.

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone for all your help! I spoke with DH's colleagues wife today and she was quite pleased and called me back after speaking with her DH and accepted

I'm excited to make some new friends, yes, but hosting is my thing. I love it. She did say that they are halal and she actually apologized about it and didn't want us to go to too much trouble. Also no alcohol.

This is what I am thinking for the menu: Please make suggestions!

For appetizers
Caviar/raw bar
Cheese and fruit plate (if I can find the halal cheese)
carmelized dates stuffed with marcona almonds
I was thinking of doing a mocktail or serving something sparkling - not sure

Dinner
simple spring salad, roasted lemon dressing
Lamb chops, mint chutney
roasted baby spring onions
parsnip mash
spring peas - maybe
water and tea

Dessert
Blood orange granita
Coffee and chocolates

I also want to send them home with some of my homemade pepper jelly

[Anonymous]

Can I come over too? LOL

Menu sounds amazing!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can I come over too? LOL

Menu sounds amazing!

If we knew each other you totally could. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Muslim woman here - any cheese is fine! Halal only refers to how the animal is slaughtered... Unlike Jews, we have no restrictions on dairy or concerns over the preparation (aka, you don't need a special kitchen). Also, all kosher meat meets halal standards. And Safeway carries galah ground beef - they might also carry halal lamb chops.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Muslim woman here - any cheese is fine! Halal only refers to how the animal is slaughtered... Unlike Jews, we have no restrictions on dairy or concerns over the preparation (aka, you don't need a special kitchen). Also, all kosher meat meets halal standards. And Safeway carries galah ground beef - they might also carry halal lamb chops.

Oh wow, that makes it ever easier cheese plate it is. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can I come over too? LOL

Menu sounds amazing!

Since we don't know each other can I at least have your Roasted Lemon Dressing recipe?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you everyone for all your help! I spoke with DH's colleagues wife today and she was quite pleased and called me back after speaking with her DH and accepted

I'm excited to make some new friends, yes, but hosting is my thing. I love it. She did say that they are halal and she actually apologized about it and didn't want us to go to too much trouble. Also no alcohol.

This is what I am thinking for the menu: Please make suggestions!

For appetizers
Caviar/raw bar
Cheese and fruit plate (if I can find the halal cheese)
carmelized dates stuffed with marcona almonds
I was thinking of doing a mocktail or serving something sparkling - not sure

Dinner
simple spring salad, roasted lemon dressing
Lamb chops, mint chutney
roasted baby spring onions
parsnip mash
spring peas - maybe
water and tea

Dessert
Blood orange granita
Coffee and chocolates

I also want to send them home with some of my homemade pepper jelly

There is no such thing as halal cheese, just get any cheese you want.

If you are hosting Saudis, better make rice. For sure, make rice.

Depending on how conservative the family is, be ready to have separate seating areas for men and women. The wife may be uncomfortable mixing with your DH. I do think she would have mentioned it if they enforce segregation at home but just something for the back of your mind.

What is in the raw bar?

[Anonymous]

You don't have to go out of your way to serve halal meat. We would never expect that of our non-Muslim hosts. For people who only eat Zabeeha halal meat (from a Muslim butcher), they will comfortably eat veggie options, so just make sure there are plenty.

But if you do want to get halal meat, that's very considerate of you. Let them know.

[Anonymous]

Muslima wrote:Hi OP, I think it would be easier for you or your DH to ask them directly if they have any dietary restrictions or if they just eat halal. Some Muslims only eat Halal, and some will eat anything as long as it is not Pork or pork derivatives. If in doubt, you can just go with Seafood, as all seafood is considered halal so Muslims can eat seafood from anywhere. As far as alcohol is concerned, some might be uncomfortable if you have it around but will be polite and not say anything but will probably not want to come back lol, and some might not care at all if you have it around but won't drink it, also some Muslims do drink as well since not all Muslims follow everything, but the majority don't drink. I think the best thing to do would be to ask your guests if they have any restrictions that you need to know before hand and Im sure they'd be glad to let you know and you can then plan accordingly. Have fun hosting

Not true, some Shia Muslims do not eat shellfish and generally observe restrictions similar to Orthodox Jews, i.e. only fish with scales and fins, no mussels, no crab, no scallops, no calamari etc.