Ideas for buffet please

[DaphneMoon]

I am having a small party for my DP 40th and would like some ideas for buffet food, something a bit different please. Am doing usual stuff like salad, a whole salmon, rice etc, but would like some other ideas. Off to cook my tea now, so looking forward to reading later!

[Word]

Cheese and marmite wheels

• spread marmite thinly over puff pastry rectangle, add grated cheese, roll, cut into wheels and bake for about 15-20 mins.

Simple but very very moreish (you have been warned)

[DaphneMoon]

Thanks Word, I expect people will love it or hate it Actually I love Marmite, will try that one, thanks.

[notsoteenagemum]

I went to a buffet where there were big pots of lovely beany cassoulets (sp?) they were really popular.

[DaphneMoon]

Ermm excuse the ignorance, is a cassoulet the same as a stew or casserole?

[Carmenere]

Cassoulet is a French casserole of haricot beans and different meats such as toulouse sausage, belly pork and confit of duck. I made dinner for 20 on hols a couple of weeks ago and did cassoulet and it was a brilliant. It benefits from being made in advance and is really delicious and even the kids loved it.
It is quite easy, even if it seems complicated and it is quite adaptable. I made it with lots of slow roasted duck as I wasn't confitting duck legs of 20 and I used chorizo sausage as that was all that was available in the west of Ireland.

[DaphneMoon]

Sounds lovely and I really adore Duck. Might have a go at that one even if not for the party, sounds like a really nice winter warmer.

[TillyScoutsmum]

Crab and prawn tartlets always go down very well at buffets ime

I buy the pre made shortcrust pastry cases, throw in some tinned crab and few prawns, cover with white sauce and add some s&p and dill/tarragon and grate cheese on top. Cook for about 20 mins. Really lovely warm but just as nice cold

[DaphneMoon]

Gosh they sound good too. I often make mini quiches, the size of a jam tart. I never thought of putting fish in. I suppose they would be a bit like vol-u-vents but a bit more up to date!

[Carmenere]

Ducks are half price in sainsbos atm, if i had a freezer I would have stocked up they are only 3.50

[MakemineaGandT]

I think the best advice is to keep it simple - no-one wants to eat 101 titbits of different types of food - it can also end up being an awful lot of work for you and after all you want to enjoy the party don't you! I think your original idea is great and doesn't need a lot else - a lovely salad, salmon, perhaps some new potatoes and some good bread - what more do you need? You could do a few nibbles to start people off - crostini or similar, and perhaps have a couple of different puddings to choose from (something chocolatey and something fruity perhaps). Your idea is good as it is all cold so can be prepared in advance and you won't be flapping about in the kitchen while your guests are enjoying themselves. If you go down the hot food route, I'd do a large stroganoff and rice or something like that - fork food that people can eat standing up or perched on sofas etc!

Good luck!

[DaphneMoon]

That's cheap. I'm of to Sainsbury's............

[DaphneMoon]

Thanks Makemine, I was going to go down the Curry/rice/stew/potatoe route, but I don't think my oven will fit enough casserole dishes in. I have done this before for a party and it went down well but I have more people coming this time. I think I will stick with the cold food. I have asked 3 of my sisters and my sil to bring a pudding - cheeky I know but it was more a case of getting everything in the fridge than not wanting to make a pudding. So I don't have to worry about that course! If the weather is good, DP is going to stick some chicken burgers and saugages on the BBQ too so that people have a choice and the DC may want that instead. At least I will know where DP is and keep him busy for a little while!

[Carmenere]

If you do want to do a cassoulet I will post my recipe. there are one or two on the recipe section but whilst they look nice for what they aer, they are not really authentic and i can't vouch for them iyswim.

It is very easy, I fed 20 people from one big pot and I made it in the morning so had plenty of time for hob nobbing. I just served it with crusty bread a simple green salad and some lentil salad. And lots of wine.

Although what you are planning to do, I'm sure will be lovely, almost every other buffet in the land will be the same menu......

[MakemineaGandT]

I don't agree Carmenere (re; same menu..) - more often than not I find buffets tend to be masses of plates of things involving pastry - you end up feeling really grotty and strangely unstatisfied afterwards - I'd much rather eat a plate of salmon and salad (or a cassoulet...)!!

[Carmenere]

Sorry cross posts, i didn't mean to be snide, I'm sure whatever you do will be great. And as the earlier poster said, just keep it simple so you can enjoy the evening.

[mppaw]

Costco.....FANTASTIC plata's and the cheapest by far.....

[DaphneMoon]

Thanks for all feedback.