What one-pot buffet dish can I make for extremely fussy guests

[unconditional83]

Got family coming over and there are 8 of them. They are all very conservative / unhealthy in what they usually eat, and so I've no idea what to make. It will need to be buffet style / lap food due to lack of space.

Was thinking of making one pot of something hot with salads. But every time I think of something I feel like they won't like it. We eat very healthy and fresh food often spicy and lots of plants. They usually eat really bland and UHP stuff, basically the very worst of "British" food and the reason NHS is on its knees but don't get me started freezer food, virtually no veg, and for special occasions Christmas they have things like Iceland "party food", crisps, pork pies etc.

What can I make that's healthy and tasty which they don't turn their nose up. I don't want to buy the crappy UHP they would choose as I don't ever eat that stuff and nor do my DC, but at the same time I want to make something everyone enjoys.

I just wouldn't invite them. Invite some French people instead and serve them coq au vin.

Wow.

Don't host if you're not prepared to cater for what your guests will enjoy.

Part of being a good host is providing things your guests will enjoy, whether you like them or not.

If you're not willing (or able) to do that with good grace, then you shouldn't be hosting them at all.

I do wonder why Onslow and Daisy accepted the invitation to your candlelit supper OP.

If it was me and I was catering to a variety of tastes I would do just that, some variety. Wherever you shop they are bound to have their version of the Iceland type party food you've mentioned, I'd just do a spread and offer those choices together with things my own family eat. It seems to me that variety is the key here. No reason why you can't blend the two.

Why cite Iceland then, would be the same for Waitrose party food wouldnt it

I say the same as the others, dont host these awfully unhealthy, uncultured veggie hating oiks and you can rest easy.

I love the idea of the pulled pork but they don't eat pork! They will eat bacon etc but hate normal pork.

Seems as though there's an awful lot they don't eat, so have you asked them what sort of things they would like to eat on the day?

Why are you inviting people you evidently despise OP?

A buffet is the easiest option with Iceland or Waitrose crap.

You sound a laugh OP 😳. I don’t think I’d want to go to yours for a meal.

I had a dear friend who had an incredibly healthy vegan diet, didn’t drink or smoke and walked everywhere. She died of cancer.

My uncle has eaten crap all his life, drinks and smokes a lot and still going strong in his 90s 🤷🏼‍♀️

I think all that superior eating has stolen your imagination and creativity 🙄.

Its the kale, it has burrowed into her brain

So these people dont eat cheese, vegetables, fish, now pork, except bacon. But would eat a cornish pasty (if only it were served at table) even though cornish pasties (and their inferior cousins the devon pasty) have swede and potato in them. Possibly even a touch of onion.

What's wrong with bacon sandwiches?

Lasagne
Baked potatoes with choice of fillings
Roast ham or roast chicken
Mild chilli or chicken korma

It's not the risk of all cancers that can be reduced by lifestyle choices. And tobacco is a known carcinogen, but that doesn't mean every person who smokes will die of cancer. These two examples don't say much.

Pasta bake so quick and easy to make and tasty , I literally cook chicken in a pan add onions cream sundried tomato pesto they one I buy has all sorts of garlic and herbs in it so adds tons of flavours , cook pasta add it all to and I've. Dish top with grated mozzarella and cook in the oven until til the top is crispy doesn't take long and serve with Parmesan and garlic bread . Quickest dinner ever

If you want one pot (and I would too) what about a stew? Beef, carrots, onions, potatoes, cooked low and slow. It's plain and British - might suit?

I'd make calzones.

OP, I ate a fairly bland diet as a teen because that's what my parents cooked.

I had an aunt who used to do massive salads - this was the 80s and she used to include mange toute and kumquats. Always amazing fresh granary bread.

I used to LOVE eating at her house. And I pretty sure she opened my teenage eyes to healthy foods. I still think of her every time I buy mange toute, 30 yrs later.

Just ask them?? “I was thinking of making pizzas, does that sound ok to you?”

What is UHP? Just order a chippy tea.
Iceland food isn't crap BTW.

The figures for France are correct based on EU data.

The French snack less but French supermarkets have their fair share of beige food
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Overweight_and_obesity_-_BMI_statistics

I'd serve up Rustlers Burgers. But get them in Sainsburys so you dont have to dirty yourself going into Iceland

Why not just accept they want (stuff you consider) crap and serve it? Put out stuff you want to eat (and want your kids to eat too).

Make home made versions of you must. It’s pretty easy to make your own chicken nuggets, pizza or sausage rolls. You can even make your nuggets ahead and freeze them.