Please help me sort out the food for my birthday party?

[lilibet]

When I do parties I normally do a full buffet, all the trimmings and loads of work, but this is my birthday so i want something a lot easier. My thought is to do three casserole type thingies which can be put in slow cookers, left on the table with jacket potatoes and naice breads, probably a cheese board and eton mess for pudding.

We will have about 40 guests and I want to make things in advance and freeze them as it's going to be a busy weekend (it's a BIG birthday!), it's also in May. I know I'm planning early but I'm spreading the cost with making things and freezing them.

My one definite is Chicken Basque becasue it's really easy, freezes beautifully and meat eaters tend to love it. Me and dh will be the only vegetarians at the party.

I had thought of roasted vegetables and pasta, and Simon Rimmer's Tomato and Rosemary Ragu with Gnocchi, as I could make the sauce in advance for that and add the gnocchi on the day but then I have three dishes that have tomatoes in them

Any suggestions for another two dishes, at least one of which shoud be vegetarian?

Thanks in advance

[mrsvilliers]

Delia's roasted Mediterranean veg with harissa style dressing. Cannot recommend it enough! So easy and incredibly tasty www.deliaonline.com/recipes/roasted-vegetable-couscous-salad-with-harissa-style-dressing.html

[shoppingbagsundereyes]

Yes that Harissa veg thing is delicious hot or cold. Your chicken basque is fab too. Delia's oven baked mushroom risotto is lovely and easy too

[lilibet]

It was something along those lines with the pasta and roasted veg that I was thinking of.

The mushroom risotto is gorgeous but it would mean having two rice dishes.

[shoppingbagsundereyes]

Oh yes doh. What about a big dish of veggie bean enchiladas? Nice with salad and easy to prepare in advance

[lauriedriver]

Definately a curry, they always go down a treat. Chickpea & spinach yum