Family get together.

[Nana]

In the 1st week of December I have hired a hall for a family get together for my DD2's 40th birthday. She said the other week how she hasn't met two of her cousins youngest babies. Likewise a couple of cousins haven't seen my youngest two GC. So I thought how lovely it would be to have everyone meet up.

I've put this in the cookery section because I was originally going to do a buffet. Her cousin has kindly offered to make the cake. The thought then crossed my mind whether I aught to prepare hot food & take that as it's December.

I'm just wondering what you all think best. If it's a hot selection I would need suggestions what to make as I have never done one before.

Many thanks.

[Gemini]

What a really nice idea Nana.

I will give it some thought!

[Nana]

Thanks Gem. Hope you all enjoy today.

[Plantaholic]

A big pot of chili and a large lasagne with lots of rice and salad Nana

[WeeGranny]

Chillie-con-carne and curries always seem to go down well at parties especially in the Winter. Would depend on what cooking facilities the hall has though whether you can do hot food or not. Hot sausage roll and slices of pizza are possibilities too.

[Daisy]

Nana - I'm sure your DD2 will be having the best birthday ever, whatever is on the table. If I'm catering for large numbers I usually do a couple of pots of something hot and steaming - chill, curry and/or cottage pie or shepherd's pie. Do you have any vegetarians or other diets to cater for? If so I'd try to make one of those 'crowd pleasers' to suit them. Other people will still tuck in.

Some salads, a serious lump of cheese with crusty bread, and a simple dessert such as fresh fruit salad.

I've tried doing lots of smaller dishes and it's much harder work, and you don't want to be too tired to enjoy the party yourself. Also you can do most of those things ahead and freeze them.

If you have to stick to cold food, I think I'd bake a large gammon - Delia's recipe is lovely - and perhaps a pot roast of beef where you can use topside or silverside as it cuts well and there's no waste on it.

Let us know how your plans go and what you decide on.

[Nana]

Thanks. I'll put Chilli on the list but would need some curry recipes please. I seem to remember one of the men in your family makes good curries Plant?

[Nana]

Daisy our posts crossed. Presuming you're back safe & sound. Thanks for your suggestions. They're very welcome. Good idea about freezing too. Didn't think of that one.👍

[Oma]

Good old chips go down well too ,but I agree a couple of curries but not spicy ones not everyone likes spice ,
Naan bread sliced into fingers , Poppadoms , rice ,Tacos things like that we find goes down well ,

[Gemini]

Nana for my daughter's 40th in July we had an afternoon tea theme. Sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, cakes various. Plus of course tea, and fizz
However this was summer, and my DD loves afternoon teas, so we knew this would be a success.

[Gemini]

When curry, lasagne and chili are on the menu, as they often are, I end up with rice only, as I can't eat chillies or beef. As Oma says it's good to have a non spicy option, like Daisy's shepherd's pie suggestion.

[Nana]

It's funny you should say that about just having rice Gem. I would be the same as I don't like curry or chilli. Oma what's tacos? Is it like a crisp for dips?

What would you prefer a hot or cold dish? Thanks for the suggestions so far.👍

[Gemini]

I quite like a good buffet, so if it came to a poll I would choose a cold dish!

[Plantaholic]

How about a whole salmon served cold, I get the fishmonger to fillet it. My son's recipes have been tweeked by him, I love veg curry but as Gem says some people are not able to eat spicy food.

[Gemini]

Mmm, the salmon idea is a great one Plant!