I love hosting dinner parties, as nothing is more fun than seeing your friends and family gathered around a well set table, enjoying delicious food.
Lots of laughter, people reconnecting and new memories being made.
It can be a tad bit stressful deciding on your menu, especially when things get seasonally specific.
Leveraging your culinary strengths, what fruits and vegetables are at their peak, and recipes that won’t take all the live long day to complete can be a lot to think about (let alone your outfit, the decor and ensuring everything is clean and organized!)
Below are five of my favorite autumn inspired dishes for you to consider incorporating into your next dinner party this Fall.
A Fall Faux Pasta Dish
When people have to choose a favorite dish that they love, Italian entrees are a frequent response.
Whether it’s lasagne or spaghetti bolognese, we can’t get enough of the carb goodness in our lives!
Try your hand using a spiralizer for a healthier take, incorporating it as a typical spaghetti form, or even sliced for a vegetarian lasagna. When opting for lasagna, I love to keep it in the pan to be passed around family-style.
I would pair it with Saveur’s Shredded Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad to remain on a healthy path (and your vegetarian and/or vegan dinner guests will be delighted!)
A Seasonal Spicy Indian Curry
Everyone loves a bit of spice in at least one dish.
I love the thought of incorporating a bit of sweet into curry to take off the edge and provide an interesting contrast.
Gone apple-picking lately? Think about adding a bit of puree to thicken and add a bit of a sweet note to a savory meat like lamb.
The scents during the last 10 minutes of simmering are worth a schlep to the orchard. Feeling extra inspired? Think about adding dried cranberries or other seasonal nuts and berries to your naan and/or accompanying rice!
Top it off with mango chutney and any other sauces that satisfy your palette.
Roasted Chicken with Woodsy Wild Mushrooms
Roast chicken is one of my favorite dishes to make (I have tried over 20 different recipes with every sort of sauce and herb combination!)
While the mushrooms will provide the chicken depth, accoutrements like lemon and walnuts provide texture and brighten up any additional vegetables you chose to include (asparagus is my go to!)
Go the extra mile and top it all off with a celery root potato puree.
Hoisin Braised Short Ribs
Remaining on that sweet, yet tangy tangent, these ribs provide a hearty helping hand to any tablescape (especially paired with a starch.)
Provide your guests that are looking to indulge with a new spin on the classic gin and tonic, adding a splash of pear and allspice liqueur.
Roast Pork Sliders
Take an upscale approach to the burger with slow-simmered roast pork accompanied with braised beans and peppery fennel.
If it’s still warm enough out to fire up the grill, head outdoors for a smokier version.
If you’re an urban dweller who still doesn’t know which grill is right for you (and your new, postage stamp sized apartment), you can find some reviews online on sites like Fire Food Chef.
A homey soup (like this Watercress-Cauliflower Soup) is the perfect light side to ensure your friends have room for dessert!
A Sweet Potato Fajita
Bring your dinner party south of the border by incorporating local ingredients (think broccoli slaw) into a fresh, colorful fajita dish.
Depending on how dressy of a dinner it is (and if the demographic seems game) guests can elect make their own, and it will make a fun dinner party for them all.
Choose two or three different meats along with a spicy sweet potato option for your vegetarians, an inordinate number of cheeses, and spicy up the sauces and sour cream to ensure they’re wowed. Here is a simple chicken fajita which will take less than 30 mins to prepare.
Pumpkin Infused Beef Stroganoff
Pumpkin is one of the easiest ingredients to incorporate in appetizers, mains and desserts.
Adding spiced pumpkin to the sauce will elevate each flavor and make it a stand-out choice (anyone can make pumpkin bread or pie?)
I love the thought of a pumpkin mousse or even tartlets being offered during the meal as an alternative to a traditional starch.
You can find an easy recipe for stroganoff in this feature, but get creative, use Google and make it your own. The good thing about this dish is you can easily prepare a lot for your guests.
Pop over to my previous blog on other things you may need for your dinner party!
