Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, this is really, really nice. And even moreso that you're willing to prepare a meat dish even though you're a vegetarian.

How about beef bourguignon? Ina Garten has a really good recipe for it.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/beef-bourguignon-recipe/index.html

I think this would be perfect... Ina makes good, classic dishes.

Agree. Also, Beef Wellington would appeal to that generation, though it's a bit of work. You could also do a beef tenderloin with Wellington cups and green beans on the side. I did this for Christmas for my parents and they are still talking about it. Tenderloin was from Americas Test Kitchen and Wellington cups from Marthastewart.com. It's also all fairly easy to pull together but tastes restaurant quality.

This is such a nice thing you're doing. I'm sure they will love whatever you decide to serve!

Anonymous wrote:OP, this is really, really nice. And even moreso that you're willing to prepare a meat dish even though you're a vegetarian.

How about beef bourguignon? Ina Garten has a really good recipe for it.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/beef-bourguignon-recipe/index.html

I think this would be perfect... Ina makes good, classic dishes.

How about roast beef (you could even do a standing rib roast), with the roast vegetables that the PP suggested? Many older people (my parents/in laws, who are about the same age as your neighbors) think that beef is more "special" than chicken.

Homemade pot pie. One veggie and one chicken.

Go to town -- Thanksgiving in February! Turkey and all the trimmings. That's one meal most people only have a few times a year.

Sorry, but no to the lasagna and roast chicken. I just don't think people of their generation would see either of those as "celebratory" dishes. This is the time for the Betty Crocker cookbook. Or even Paula Deen.

A beef roast is very easy, or even a nice ham. If that's too much, how about Swedish meatballs? Individual baked potatoes, served with choice of butter and sour cream, or if you're more ambitious, scalloped potatoes. Green bean casserole maybe? Jello salad? Green salad. I'm just trying to think of things my parents would enjoy. Lasagna, chicken, salmon - no. Meat and potatoes - yes.

This is such a nice thing you're doing, OP.

Chicken cordon bleu is a nice entree and you can make one or two veggie ones (http://www.veggieconverter.com/2011/06/chicken-cordon-bleu-recipe-vegan.html) so that you don't have to eat meat while they do. You can make them look similar and disguise the fact that you aren't eating meat. Then you can make vegetarian side dishes like perhaps roasted potatoes and green beans or perhaps a wild rice pilaf and wilted spinach that everyone can eat as well.

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic that used to be "fancy". It's also relatively easy to make.

Anonymous wrote:A roasted chicken, new potatoes or stuffing, and string beans. Pie for dessert.

I second this. Roast a chicken, surround it with baby redskin potatoes, brussels sprouts, carrots, pearl onions and garlic cloves. Toss the veggies in sea salt and olive oil before putting them around the chicken.

A roasted chicken, new potatoes or stuffing, and string beans. Pie for dessert.

My grandmother was the clam dip type. She would not have enjoyed lasagne.

How about lamb chops? And some veggie sides. Lamb is easier to cook than many meats, as the high fat content makes it harder to overcook. Most cuts are best eaten when still pink/red inside.

My other idea is salmon. Buy some nice wild caught salmon and just barely cook it in butter - leave it nice and soft. Serve with lemon.

Anonymous wrote:Lasagna

I agree, and you can make two - one meat and one veggie - with not much extra work.

OP, this is really, really nice. And even moreso that you're willing to prepare a meat dish even though you're a vegetarian.

How about beef bourguignon? Ina Garten has a really good recipe for it.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/beef-bourguignon-recipe/index.html

Lasagna

Pork chops and apple sauce.

Hold the self righteousness.

I'm co-hosting a dinner for our lovely elderly neighbors celebrating 65h anniversary. I'm a vegetarian and don't think they would like what I typically serve. Last time they had us over they served chipped beef on toast and clam dip appetizers. I would like to prepare things that they will enjoy that are also special - and I'm willing to prepare a meat dish - but would appreciate suggestions.....