What to cook? (For someone who doesn’t cook)

[spagbowlexplosion]

Hoping Mumsnet can help! I’ve got dp family over on Thursday evening for the first time and neither of us can cook/ever cook much but they are very domesticated people and cook amazing food.

Was going to do a BBQ but weather looks crap so I need help for suggestions on what to cook? There will be 6 adults. I can follow a recipe as long as it’s precise... I don’t want them to leave thinking I’m crap!

Should I do starter and desert too?

they’re staying over too (sort of - in RV outside) so want them to be full and happy...

Definitely something one pot that can be cooked ahead. You can make burritos the day before then let everyone fill their own wraps and add cheese, sour cream etc. Add some nachos on the side or whatever you like.

If you have a slow cooker you’re golden!
Beef mince
Frozen chopped onions
Frozen chopped peppers
Jar of hot and sweet (red) jalapeños (juice and all)
Couple of bovril cubes
Sprinkle of thyme

Stick everything in a slow cooker, mix and cook on low for 8 hours

Cook some rice

Toppings of chopped red onions, cheese, etc

Easy as pie

Another vote for pulled pork.. we recently had family over and did a huge joint of pork + then sides like salsa..nachos..mini jacket potatoes..nice rolls..corn on the cob..

I think thatd be suitable as you were originally going to do a bbq rather than a sit down meal anyway. The less formal the better for your first go

I cook but only for DH and DC. On the very rare occasions other people come to eat (my in-laws, DH's friends once) I have done salmon. I have a recipe where it is marinaded in herbs then roasted in foil parcels. It is easy and delicious, and people have claimed to like it. I serve it with whatever veg we feel like and new potatoes. DH doesn't eat salmon and has to sort himself out.
I have also done toad in the hole (but only because family came round for DD's birthday and that is what she wanted), that was more stressful. I would consider veg chilli, because I am confident in cooking that, it is easy enough and just one pot plus a pan for rice. Things that require loads of pans/ equipment would be out, because our dining table is in our kitchen so guests would see all the chaos that my cooking created.

Also, I have never made starter or dessert. I have bought them from the supermarket. I wouldn't know where to start with them, because I have never made them for a family meal or anything.

Happypotomus has a grand idea - paper wrapped fish fillets. Get some baking paper, cut into large squares. Lay on a bream or sea bass (get the fishmonger to gut and descale - & take the head off if you are squeamish). on each square add a chunk of lemon, tarragon, parsley or dill, small piece of bay leaf, salt & pepper. Wrap them up loosely by doing a double fold and tuck - think wrapping sandwiches. Put them on an oven tray and set aside

Boil up some salad potatoes in their jackets - jersey royals, firs charlottes or maris peers all work well. When cooked through drain them and add them back to the pan. Heat for a couple minute on a low heat to drive off the remaining water. Throw in 2 cloves of garlic - whole with the skin on. You can leave them at this stage to get your timing right.

In a large salad bowl - tip in a bag of salad, packet of cherry toms cut in half, cucumber cut into chunks and half a block of feta crumbled into it. Salt and pepper. Then buy a bottle of balsamic dressing and at the very last moment (just before you sit down to eat) drizzle it over the top.

When they arrive turn the oven on to 180 - 200 deg to get it nice & hot

When you are ready to eat put the fish parcels in the oven and set the timer for 15 minutes. Serve your guests a glass of white wine. Turn the heat on quite high under your spuds and add a really good slug of olive oil. Give them a shake every couple of minutes - you are aiming for golden brown patches. Season with S&P.

To serve - salad and spuds on the on the table in serving dishes. Fish parcel on each plate - leave it in the paper for each person to unwrap their own.

Sorry - forgot to say ...in the fish parcels add a table spoon of white wine to each before you wrap them up.

Chowder for starters (can be made a day in advance and heated just before you need it)

Slow cooked chilli, using cubed steak rather than mince to make it a bit special, then you only have to do the rice at the time. Home made guacamole can be made in advance and kept in the fridge.

Eton Mess for pudding, the meringues can be made a day in advance then just assemble prior to serving.

Gives you loads of time with your guests on the day.
I’d make some margaritas and espresso martinis too.