What do you feed to people you don't know well?

[Detta]

I've invited the parents of one of DS's nursery pals over for a meal (along with their kids 3 and 9). Trouble is, I don't know them that well, and with the children playing etc I don't want it to be formal. Also, don't want them to feel uncomfortable by making anything elaborate. So, what to do? My feeling was along the "jacket potato and sausage" line, but that just seems SO dull. Any better suggestions please you lot?

[NannyL]

something like that sounds good

or lasgne with salad

cottage piw with veg

Spag bol with garlic bread

all "normal" things that most people will eat!

[Hulababy]

I would make sure it was somthing that you are able to prepare in advance and needs limited cooking/watching whilst they are actually here.

I often do things like pasta with a sauce, plus have other options in case sauce is something they don't like - we always have pesto in, or olive oil and cheese. And I serve it with some nice tear and share garlic bread and a salad.

[BettySpaghetti]

How about lasagne with salad and garlic bread. Casual, not formal yet can be tasty.

Also, the added bonus that you can make it before they get there and just bung it in the oven when needed.

[hoxtonchick]

pasta & homemade pesto, plus salad. looks like you've made loads of effort but actually it's dead easy.

[WideWebWitch]

I think if you do a selection of picky things they won't be remotely uncomfortable, so cheese, and bread and salad and small things the kids can pick and choose.

[BettySpaghetti]

all thinking along the same lines here (only I'm obviously the slowest typist )

[puff]

I'd do various bits of cold stuff too with lovely crusty bread and salad, everyone helps themselves.

[Detta]

thanks for your suggestions. should probably have mentioned that DP doesn't eat beef, so lasagne out, unless veggie version. Hoxtonchick, do you have a good recipe for pesto? Every time I've tried to make it it's been a disaster!

[hoxtonchick]

i'm not very good on quantities detta, but it always works ok :o.

bung a few big handfuls of basil into a food processor, & add 3+ cloves of garlic (i add quite a lot, but we're all garlic fiends) & a good pinch of salt. whizz this up for a minute or so. then add a handful of pine nuts & a handful of fresh grated parmesan (or use pecorino if you can find it). whizz this up again, & pour olive oil in until you get the right consistency.

hope this isn't too vague....

[Detta]

sounds good. I've always tried to toast the pine nuts, and they usually end up burnt! Didn't realise they could go in raw. Will let you know how it goes, thanks all!

PS Am feeling v v hungry now, as on WeightWatchers. Saving up those points for the pesto