Easy, but elegant, company dinner?

[crl]

I could really use some ideas for an easy but elegant company dinner menu, especially for the entree. Bonus if it's dairy free. This would be just for adults.

Thank you!
Catherine

[SnuggleBuggles]

How about a roast chicken and veggies? Easy but looks fancy.

[PunkyBoo]

How about a roast chicken and veggies? Easy but looks fancy.

Oh my gosh I have a WONDERFUL roast chicken recipe that is soooo easy and so delicious. It has a yummy orange glaze and caramelized onions. I'm a lazy cook and this is simple enough for me to make for guests. Let me know if you'd like the recipe :)

[boilermakermom]

PunkyBoo would you mind sharing the recipe? It sounds wonderful!

[wencit]

These are my standbys when I want something elegant (sorry, not dairy-free):

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Salmon-and-Rice-Wrapped-in-Pastry-with-Dill-Sauce-1248

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Beef-Wellingtons-with-Gorgonzola-14632

Based on my selections, I guess "puff pastry" = elegant in my book, LOL! Both recipes are really yummy.

[sntm]

Google salmon with orange miso - its fantastic and super easy

[crl]

Love roast chicken. Sadly neither dh nor I can carve it decently enough to be considered elegant.

Will check the puff pastry recipes.

Fish intimidates me a little for company because it doesn't seem very forgiving. Salmon is a little easier than white fishes though. Maybe with a few trial runs I can feel sure I have mastered it.

Thank you!
Catherine

[boolady]

Do you like pork? I have made this pork loin stuffed with fennel for company a few times and the finished product looks very elegant. The photo here doesn't make it look as good as it does in person. I might make this with roasted vegetables and a nicer salad.

http://m.foodnetwork.com/recipe/35319

[crl]

Do you like pork? I have made this pork loin stuffed with fennel for company a few times and the finished product looks very elegant. The photo here doesn't make it look as good as it does in person. I might make this with roasted vegetables and a nicer salad.

http://m.foodnetwork.com/recipe/35319

I was considering pork. I actually tried a pork tenderloin recipe for dinner tonight, but wasn't wowed. Maybe I should try another one. Unfortunately I can't eat fennel. Gosh, I am picky.

Thank you!
Catherine

[lovebebes]

i would do

salmon-baked in the oven in tinfoil. put some butter on it, a bit of parsley and lemon juice, wrap and bake.

with

asparagus- i put in pan with a some butter, let is start frying up almost, then add a bit of water and cover so it steams up in there

with

potatoes mashed with some chives added and tiny bits of bacon if you like bacon

and maybe a nice wooden tray with a few cheeses/crackers/figs/olives
:)

ETA: some garlic bread would be nice too! get some rustic dark bread and toast it with a touch of olive oil on top. then once toasted just rub some garlic on! Um, i just made myself hungry.

[Pepper]

I used to make this pan-seared tuna with white beans recipe a lot for dinner parties:

http://whatscookingamerica.net/tunaorange.htm

(I originally found the recipe from a different source on the web, but the link above has the same recipe).

If you get really good quality tuna you can quickly sear each side & serve it with the middle still rare, so you can avoid the overcooking problem. if you have the bean ingredients assembled the whole thing comes together really fast.

[crl]

I used to make this pan-seared tuna with white beans recipe a lot for dinner parties:

http://whatscookingamerica.net/tunaorange.htm

(I originally found the recipe from a different source on the web, but the link above has the same recipe).

If you get really good quality tuna you can quickly sear each side & serve it with the middle still rare, so you can avoid the overcooking problem. if you have the bean ingredients assembled the whole thing comes together really fast.

Mmmm, I love tuna.

Thanks everyone!
Catherine

[Mopey]

I also have an amazing roasted pork loin recipe.

One of my faves is also boeuf bourguignon - not so fast or easy but a fantastic make-ahead option. Seriously, it's even better two days later. PM if you want :)

[Aishe]

A few of our favorites:

Pork Loin Braised in Milk. I do recommend blending the sauce. It looks pretty unappealing otherwise.
http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2012/10/pork-loin-braised-in-milk

Shrimp Gratin (very forgiving recipe and so, so good).
http://food52.com/recipes/16746-jacques-pepin-s-shrimp-gratin

Chicken Marbella, a classic from The Silver Palate.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/CHICKEN-MARBELLA-SILVER-PALATE-COOKBOOK-1277030

For a side dish, Absurdly Addictive Asparagus, which lives up to its name.
http://food52.com/recipes/4023-absurdly-addictive-asparagus

[crl]

Thank you!
Catherine

[jgenie]

I also have an amazing roasted pork loin recipe.

One of my faves is also boeuf bourguignon - not so fast or easy but a fantastic make-ahead option. Seriously, it's even better two days later. PM if you want :)

Do you mind posting your recipe?

[jgenie]

PunkyBoo would you mind sharing the recipe? It sounds wonderful!

:yeahthat:

[firstbaby]

Ina Garten's standing rib roast. It is simply amazing and so impressive! If you can cut a steak, you can carve and serve this :)