Menu help-dinner for non-profit

[mcraig13]

DH & I are cohosting a dinner next week. The purpose is to invite donors and potential donors to hear about/get an update on the work of a non-profit organization that DH serves as a board member for.

There will be about 20 people, it is at the other couple's house. A presentation will precede dinner. We are serving wine before dinner--maybe beer. The other hostess is preparing the entree--a country ham, chicken breast thingie with some kind of sauce. She also hopes to serve fresh sliced tomatoes (sounding kind of southern?).

I told her that I would do the rest of the food. I was thinking of something simple with the wine--maybe pimento cheese and crackers.
With the chicken I am thinking of some kind of side like a rice dish and a vegegable that I can prepare ahead and reheat. We talked about dessert but I can't remember what her suggestion was.

Does anyone have any great ideas? We want to make a good impression without a lot of fuss. I will be working that morning and at the dentist until 2:30 or 3.

[KelLeg]

I just co-hosted an event for 20 a couple of weeks ago. We had smoked pork tenderloin with mango salsa and smoked salmon (our friend has a smoker). For sides, I made Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes. They can be made ahead ahd reheated. I also made the Corn Fritter Casserole. It can be made ahead too. Both are delicious. We also served green beans. A CL Texas Sheet Cake is delicious and big.

Perhaps for appetizers, you should have something store-bought like veggies and dip or hummus and pita.

Good luck.

[Lrimerman]

For a dessert, I had this at a cooking demo and it is very easy and elegant.

It was phyllo wrapped cheesecake.

All the chef did was use any kind of cheesecake (can be storebought)and take each slice (have the slices well chilled) and take store bought phyllo dough. Defrost phyllo and layer 4 or more sheets (your preference) brushing each sheet with oil or melted butter before layering next sheet. Then wrap each slice of cheese cake in the dough (so you have wrapped triangles, cut the dough when the slice is completely wrapped and start the next slice of cake). Brush outside of dough with oil or melted butter after wrapping sliced cake.

Bake on a baking sheet lined with silpat or parchment paper. Bake at 400 degrees for 3-4 minutes.

He served the cheesecake with a swirl of Blueberry Coulis on the plate and the cheesecake on top. He said you can use any kind of cheesecake and use any sauce that complements (raspberry swirl cheesecake with chocolate sauce, etc.)

You can wrap the cheesecake ahead of time, brush outside with oil or melted butter and cover with plastic wrap, store in fridge. Then just bake them off before serving.

Lisa

[Kathy B]

Some kind of scalloped potatoes might be good, and maybe a coleslaw? Those would be easy to make ahead. The Texas Sheetcake sounds like a good idea for dessert. You could make the regular one and also the White Texas Sheetcake if you need more than one. Both are very good.

[zackaboo]

The Southerner in me always thinks of sweet potatoes with ham. Maybe the Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes that KelLeg referred to would be good. As for appetizers, a platter of assorted fancy cheese and crackers is always popular and easy and goes great with wine. Green beans is always a safe vegetable. I would make a dessert to impress as last impressions are the ones most remembered. Butter them up with something really good and then ask for the money! I used to be in fundraising so I know how it works. Good luck!

[KelLeg]

Kathy B made me think of an old standby, Honeyed Apple Slaw. It is a CL recipe that is a cole slaw with a honey mustard dressing. If you need the recipe, let me know.

Kelly

[mcraig13]

I knew you could help. I think that I am definitely going to do the Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes. I have not made them--I don't think--but they sound like they will be perfect.

I am now trying to decide between 2 of these--Corn Fritter Casserole, Honeyed Apple Slaw, and Chive or Garlicky Green Beans. Probably the beans and one of the others---thinking back to by home economics days and the importance of color on the plate.

I am still pondering dessert but think I will call my cohost now.

Many thanks.

[bobmark226]

Originally posted by mcraig13
I knew you could help. I think that I am definitely going to do the Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes. I have not made them--I don't think--but they sound like they will be perfect.

I am now trying to decide between 2 of these--Corn Fritter Casserole, Honeyed Apple Slaw, and Chive or Garlicky Green Beans.

I think maybe you should do the corn fritter casserole if you're doing the chipotle mashed potatoes. Not everybody likes the heat, even if it's minimized, and some people can't tolerate it at all, so a second starchy side might be a good idea.

Bob

[mcraig13]

Originally posted by bobmark226

I think maybe you should do the corn fritter casserole if you're doing the chipotle mashed potatoes. Not everybody likes the heat, even if it's minimized, and some people can't tolerate it at all, so a second starchy side might be a good idea.

Bob

I'm looking at the recipe now. It calls for 2 chiles. Does anyone have any thoughts on using just one?

[KelLeg]

You can definitely use just one. I have had some people tell me these are a bit spicy for them, but not many. Start with one and taste test it. These are my most asked for recipe--I love them. I also loved the corn casserole, though.

[mcraig13]

Once again, thanks for all your help.

I just talked to my cohost--

Before dinner (the program part is before dinner):

Wine and good beer.
Pimento cheese (homemade from the Gift of Southern Cooking)& crackers (and maybe celery sticks).
Maybe cream cheese and green pepper jelly (because I have it and it is no trouble)
Peanuts (One of the programs run by the non-profit is a residential training facility for mentally-challenged adults--they market and sell peanut products grown & made in the area.)

Dinner is:
A chicken breast/ham thingie.
Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Corn Fritter Casserole
Green beans (some way)
Tomato/mozarella salad

Dessert is chocolate eclairs (purchaed, not homemade)

[KelLeg]

I think it sounds great. Good luck!

Kelly