Need ideas for lunch after Baptism ceremony

[brendat4]

Hi all! My daughter is getting baptized next weekend and I'm looking for some things to serve for the lunch afterwards at our house. It will be a small group--just grandparents and the godparents and two babies (ours and her cousin) and us of course (9 adults total). Does anyone have any good ideas? I will need something that can preferably be made ahead since we'll be coming home from the church and will probably be hungry then--the ceremony is at 12:30 p.m. Maybe some sort of appetizer/snack thing would be good too. I was thinking of a fruit salad as part of the meal? Any thoughts on a dessert? I was thinking of a cake with her name on it & a message, etc. (kind of hokey I know but that's what they "do" around here I think).

Any ideas are appreciated! Thanks!

[This message has been edited by brendat4 (edited 06-03-2001).]

[cchhbb]

I went to a great party a couple of weeks ago where almost everything was made ahead. They had shrimp, beef tenderloin, rolls, and horseradish sauce as the entree. Everything was served at room temperature or cold. I know she made the tenderloin the day before.

I wouldn't recommend her desserts which were eclairs and cream puffs. They just weren't that great since they were made ahead. I think a cake or cheesecake would be a better solution.

I hope this helps.

Cheryl

[Linda in MO]

This tastes wonderful and also looks very impressive. The fruits can also be varied. At Easter I layered fresh pineapple, strawberries, kiwi and red grapes. A touch of lemon zest can also be added to the topping, if desired.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Layered Fresh Fruit Salad

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Dessert , Fruit Salad


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
bite-sized pieces of cantaloupe and/or honeydew melon
red grapes
kiwi, sliced and cut in half
sliced strawberries
fresh blueberries
white grapes
Topping:
8 ounces cream cheese -- softened (light or regular)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 pint whipping cream -- whipped
Garnish:
sliced strawberries and blueberries -- optional

Layer fruits in the order listed in a large glass bowl. (I used a 4 1/2 quart Pyrex bowl.)

For the topping, with a mixer blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice; mix well. By hand fold in the whipped cream. Spread this mixture over the fruit and chill.

If desired, garnish with strawberries and blueberries by placing them in a flower pattern on the top (strawberries as the petals and the blueberries as the center). Don't stir before serving.

[brendat4]

Just wondering if anyone else has any other ideas? These do sound great but I'm looking for several unique ideas! TIA!