AIBU to ask for your help with dinner menu

[Foodangst22]

I have some friends coming around for dinner in a couple of weeks and struggling to know what to cook! Was thinking of making creamy tarragon chicken but need to serve an additional main so people have a choice. Can anyone help? It needs to be simple!!

[DontTouchTheMoustache]

Oh I wouldn't bother doing additional main unless it is a vegetarian option? But you could always make a mushroom risotto or something?

[maddiemookins16mum]

Baked pork chops in cider. It would go with the same side dishes as your other main.
Or, just some salmon fillets with an oriental style dressing.

[Leggit]

I never do anything in a sauce. Served with sauce ok, but cooked in sauce is a big risk as guests no longer have a choice. They either eat it or not. I wouldn't thank anyone from chicken in a creamy sauce, but I would love some sort of chicken with sauce served on the side.

[NSEA]

I agree just cook one main! If you really want 2 then i would go with an easy bung in the oven fish like salmon and veg parcels

[Grilledaubergines]

I wouldn't do a choice for a starter or main course, but would do 3 desserts plus cheese.

If you really have to do a second main, maybe something like beef bourginon or beef and beetroot casserole. You can make In advance and just reheat.

[5foot5]

Another one wondering why you need to offer a second main (unless you know you need a vegetarian option). After all you are not a restaurant. TBH I would find it a bit odd to be asked for dinner at someone's house then offered a choice of mains.

[playmobilpeacock]

Why do you need to offer a choice?

You're not a restaurant. I actually wouldn't like to be given a choice as a guest.

[playmobilpeacock]

X-post with 5foot5

[dowhatnow]

How many people? I'd only make a choice if there are more than 8 or so.

[Montezumasrevenge]

I love Delias recipe for chicken with tarragon, if that's what you are planning I bet it will be lovely.
I like to serve it with patatas bravas and roasted peppers/aubergine/courgette etc. Would that work as an option for those that might not want the chicken dish?
You could also put out a Greek salad with feta and olives?
I think those flavour combos might all work quite well and give options to those that might not want the chicken?
I'd put everything out and let people serve themselves too.

[Huldra]

I would do two dishes if they were on a theme.

Say one mild lamb tagine and a spicy veg one. Or a marinated, roasted chicken or joint of lamb (so one dish isnt as strong or saucy) with a spicy veg tagine.

On the side plain rice, flavoured cous cous, salads, dips and bread.

That way people can mix and match but it will all taste right on the same plate. Or something similar with a different theme.

[Petalbird]

Can't you ask your guests if they all like what you are serving? Or do an Italian or Indian theme thing with sharers?

[Foodangst22]

Thanks all, there are 12 of us.

[Huldra]

Is it a larger mixed group of friends or small group?

If it's only a few people or a family I let people know beforehand and check they can all eat it. Last time I changed the menu because someone was low carbing, so I did plenty of heavily spiced roast chicken but served carbs and sauces separately, salad was put out undressed.

Larger groups of people I go for multiple dishes on a theme.

[Ohtobeskiing]

For 12 people I think it's quite reasonable to do 2 main courses. I would do,something like lamb tagine - you can do rice to go with both chicken and lamb.

[Grilledaubergines]

With 12 of you I think I'd be inclined then to do a themed meal. A little less formal and less pressure. A lamb/chicken tagine, rice, veg couscous, feta stuffed peppers, flatbread, salad, yoghurt etc.

[Huldra]

I'm trying to think what would go with cream my tarragon chicken. Some sort of vegetarian savoury strudel, pie or tart? Wild mushroom and leek, mushroom and blue cheese.
This looks nice
www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/12430/mushroom-and-tarragon-strudels-with-madeira-sauce-

[dowhatnow]

You don't want two different dishes with the same sort of taste though. What happens if people don't like tarragon? It's in both.

2 different dishes, along the same theme, but with different tastes is ideal.

[dowhatnow]

Perhaps a beef in Guiness or something like that, to go with tarragon chicken, so all the sides are the same, just a different main option.

[Jojobythesea]

http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/chicken-recipes/roasted-chicken-breast-with-lemony-bombay-potatoes/

This is a favourite in it house. It's designed as a meal for one so obviously change the amounts accordingly. Easy and super tasty.

[MermaidsTears]

I made DP a creamy tarragon chicken casserole dish the other night, he said it was absolutely delicious.
I done it with a scoop of mash and some extra of the sauce in a small poncey jug.
I think just do the one dish, and have a few sides, like mash and select vegetables maybe?
Wouldn't do two dishes.

[welovepancakes]

I wouldn't offer 2 main courses for a dinner for 12 people. Unless it includes a special dietary request. Either way, keep it simple

[Crumbs1]

I always offer choice of starter, one main with several sides and a couple of puddings plus cheese. If a known veggie then I'll do something specific otherwise not. I always do prepare ahead starters and puddings too.

[Foodangst22]

The status quo seems to be no starters, 2 mains and 3 desserts!! I might start a new trend and go with starter and main though.

[dowhatnow]

Starters are good. I'd rather have 3 courses with no choice in the main, rather than no starter and 2 main options.