posted on Feb, 14 2009 @ 10:21 PM
well we quite often have bbq's and the like, most can be prepared ahead of time so you can enjoy the day more.
a platter is a great starter for snacks. its so much better than a few bags of chips and peanuts.
we get a nice board or platter and put fetta cheee, blue veign, cheddar, brie/camombert, a sweet chilli cream cheese, some pitted olives, sundried
tomato, a good cracker biscuit pack, and anything similar to that which you or your guests may like.
ham, pepperoni slices etc all go well on it too.
the platter is about various flavours and textures. its not just cheeses.
then you can prepare some chicken satays the night before.
soak bamboo skewers in warm water for 20min, feed on chicken chunks and/or capsicum and onion slices... pour over a good marinade sauce or a dry rub
type marinade, cover and leave in fridge overnight.
some lamb chops, sausages, patties, a bit of steak (either regular or marinated steak)
you can make your own crumbed chicken fillets, bbq ribs or whaever you like.
a good salad - eg: ceaser, italian etc.
a whole fish, stuffed with slices of lemon, herbs, garlic etc. wrap in foil.
about 10min on the bbq, then turn and cook another 10min on the other side.
fish meat will slide straight from the bone and is super delicious.
remember: simple food is the best and easiest. and everyone enjoys it. and its less work in the kitchen for you.
slaving over a stove for 4hours to do a 4 course banquett is usually more trouble than its worth for your average fun get together.
so prepare your food the night before and spend more time enjoying the gathering.
quality disposable paper plates/forks etc will save you a tonne of clean up time too.