'picky Food' Ideas...

[Baby_Sham]

Hi, I'm having some old school friends over this weekend. I have no idea how many, as some have given a definite 'yes', whilst others have said 'maybe', which is a pain, but I need ideas for food.

We're having a school reunion (the worst school reunion ever 'organised') so I came up with the brilliant idea of doing 'drinks and nibbles' at mine beforehand, for a bunch of people I haven't seen in 15 years.

I'm quite busy for most of the day, so need something I can prepare either the night before or quickly in the morning and then fridge.

Don't want to spend too much, and it doesn't have to be fancy.

Thanks :-)

[black_cat51]

are you getting food at your ultimate destination?

[knowabit]

Cheese and biscuits, nice handcooked crisps, crudites and dips...

[Baby_Sham]

Nope. No food.

It's basically turned into a ***-up at a bar in town. No organisation whatsoever.

Good idea about the cheeses! :-)

[boxtops]

Certainly nothing more substantial if you are eating at the reunion proper.

[black_cat51]

hmmm if no food at the thing, then what about chilli and crusty bread?

[grasscarp]

Cut up carrot, celery and various colour peppers and get hummous, taramasalta etc. Can all be prepared night before. Baby gherkins. Olives.

[Baby_Sham]

That's a great idea for a group thing, but I was thinking more of something I could make, fridge, then lay out on the table in the garden.

[Baby_Sham]

Good thinking, Grasscarp.

I'm thinking maybe some continental meats and olives, bread sticks etc?

[MallyJ]

Buffet ... salads such as potato salad, coleslaw, tuna and pasta, rice salad, cous cous salad, mixed leaves. Then cold meat, quiche, scotch eggs, maybe a ham. Make sure vegetarians have enough to choose from and add bowls of olives, baby tomatoes, crisps etc. This will actually not take long to make and can all be done the day before and kept cold in the fridge. Fresh fruit salad and some cream .. or bought in gateau will do for the sweet toothed!!

[black_cat51]

that all sounds lovely but expensive and not east to stretch, or frezze if only 1 person shows up :)

[MallyJ]

Wasn't suggesting all of it .. more a pick and mix .... most of it very easy and cheap to make. )Potato, couscous, tuna and pasta can all be made in an hour .. that is all of them together in an hour.

[albaqwerty]

mini pita breads with a variety of fillings, eg sliced corned beef and coleslaw?

[tamborine]

baps with dollop of mayo,gerkin slice, piece of lettuce, shredded raw carrot, cheese, parma ham or smoked salmon to eat on the trot. With a healthy apple to finish.

[jennyjoan]

No matter what you do - it will cost you.

[jennyjoan]

^^^ to cater for 15 but hey I am sure you won't be doing it again. Give it your best shot.

[237SJ]

Sainsburys do packs of parma ham and two types of salami. Aldi are good for meats as well. You could put down a big bowl of mixed salad, the meats, cheeses,a baguette cut into portions, olives, dips and maybe some chicken tikka pieces.

[Lie-in King]

Big bucket of chicken

[pixie373]

Cut up some French bread and people can fill them themselves with cold meat, salad, sauces?

[EcclesCake]

I think the antipasti platter route is a really good idea. Warmed focaccia, bowls of EVO and balsamic vinegar for dipping, tomato, mozzarella, avocado, roasted peppers, aubergine and artichokes, selection of salami and ham, olives.

[EcclesCake]

Pressed submit too quick.

As has been said, Aldi and Lidl are brilliant places to pick up the meats and roasted antipast bits. Very good quality and value.