to impress my sister.... help me please

[OnlyWantsOne]

DP and I have got my sister and her husband staying tonight, she's my eldest big grown up sister, and I some how feel like im about 12 now,

what can I cook for them?

I dont eat chicken... so pork would be good?

Sweet and Sour pork? So I can cook it this morning and then go out and then just cook rice tonight? Yes?

I make it a strict policy never to attempt something that is easily got at a takeaway for guests - it might be 500x better than anything they'll ever get at their local but there's a sense of "rightness" to your favourite dodgy takeaway that is hard to be beaten [I break this rule only for huge parties where making vats of curry is the only way forward and where most people then appreciate it's basically posh takeaway].

Can you give more details? Do you want "posh" food or easy every day food that is delicious? Are you a good/experienced cook? Personally, I think Pork can be quite hard to do well so I'd avoid it if you're not so experienced. What kind of food do you normally eat? eg pasta and food with sauces or more grilled meat with vegetables?

Im a good cook - although I tend to stick to a few signiture dishes, and I bake... im a baker really.

I want some thing thats going to feed 2 huge big men's appetites, im 5 months pregnant so dont want to spend all day over the oven...

Im open to suggestions?

I would advise something that you have cooked before. Better simple but well-honed than ambitious but not-quite-right.

I'm sure your sister is here to see you, not your cooking - although I totally understand the feeling that you want to impress her.

Then make one of your signature dishes - and lots of it!

Don't want to spend all day over the oven - slow cooker? Or something like slow-roast lamb where you whack it in then wander off? (Jamie Oliver does shoulder of lamb, you cross-cut the fatty side, rub in salt and pepper, chuck lots of garlic and rosemary in the tin, cover the tin and lamb with 2 ayers of foil and tuck in so the moisture doesn't go anywhere, heat oven to top heat, put lamb in oven, turn down to 160 degrees (gas 5?) then come back in 4 hours)

goulash? ive cooked that.... and sweet and sour pork... but are they ok to cook for people coming round? And what do I serve them with?

I want to cook sweet and sour ummy :)

I try and make something I know my guests will enjoy. What does your sister like to eat?

How about a roast beef dinner, or since you like pork, a roast pork? Fancy it up with a nice fruit glaze and stuffing?

Oh, the guys love it when I make oven ribs. It is really easy too. I get some nice back ribs (more meat, less fat) and cut them into pieces of 3-4 rib bones each. Then I put them on to simmer in a big pot of water with a 1/2 cup[ of white vinegar in it, for 20 minutes. (I hate fat, and it gets rid of a lot that way, and makes them tender.
Then I put them in a large roasting pan and smother them in a (pre-mixed in a bowl) mixture of store bought chicken/pork barbecue sauce (an entire bottle)and a can of condensed tomato soup,(don't add water!) and add a lot of Franks hot sauce. Then cover and bake at 325 for 2 hours or so. You can also do it in the crock pot.
Serve usually with basmati rice, the sauce from the meat is great on the rice.

I have tons of ideas if you want.

Lasagna is always a safe bet!

I cant do roasts.
Just cant.

Unless they are the one pot type ones, as I cant get the timing and I get in a flap.

Lasagne cant be arsed, I make huge ones, chop up and freeze - we eat this lots.

Dont want ribs, I want to cook a curry, or a casserole... :)

If you know they will like sweet and sour pork, make it. Serve on rice, and some sort of veggie or salad for your greens?

if I'm doing 'impressive but simple' food, i tend to do lamb with this aubergine side dish (although lamb is great with that marinade, just sprinkle some cumin and paprika on it and cook as you normally would). The side dish can be made in advance and just warmed through before serving. Serve with cous cous and some plain youghurt or hummus and pita.

then if you're planning on doing a pudding, this is egg free and easy to do (another "tastes like it took hours but was done in minutes" dish)

Or do you have a really good chinese near you that will do take away if you've got your heart set on sweet and sour pork?

typing with DS climbing on me. That would be "yoghurt" and "pitta"

This is easy and delish served with roast potatoes and a peppery green salad.

Hoirino me Selino: Greek Lemon Pork with Celery

Cook Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Ingredients:

3 1/4 pounds of boneless pork, cut in 2 inch chunks
4 1/4 pounds of celery with leaves
2 medium onions, finely chopped
3/4 cup of olive oil
1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
3-4 cups of water
Preparation:

Trim and wash the celery. Cut in long strips and cut strips into 1 1/2 to 2 inch pieces. Transfer to a saucepan with cold water to cover, bring to a boil, and boil for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a dutch oven or stew pot, sauté the onion in hot oil. When the onion is soft, add the pork and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over medium heat for 45 minutes. Add celery, salt, and pepper, reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Do not stir the pot. Shake gently from time to time to prevent meat from sticking.

Add lemon juice and shake the pot gently. Turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Note: If more water is needed, add boiling water.
Yield: serves 6-8

what about mousaka?

right I want to do sweet and sour pork, some one please give a really tasty recipe they've used before :)

fck it,,,, going to cook lasagna

some one give me some tips please

Hello

I make a great lasagne, trick is lots more cheese than you think and also if you have a deep dish do lots of layers so its thicker than the usual. Also make home made garlic bread, big green salad and plenty of wine. Good luck and have fun.