cooking for 12

[javo]

Hi - on Friday I have family coming to stay for one night. 4 adults, 4 teens and 4 under 10's- half the group are vegan or vegetarian. For the evening meal do you think it would be fine to cook vegan spaghetti with a fresh tomato sauce, homemade vegan pesto and lots of sides such as corn cobs, ricotta, parmesan etc grilled artichokes, grilled courgettes, olives, green salad and some nice breads. For puddding I was going to have 3 different ice creams for the younger ones, with fresh berries and homemade chocolate (vegan)muffins and a blueberry and lemon polenta cake .
I thought this would mean everyone could have a nice meal together and some things could be made in advance - but DH thinks its not special or posh enough. We also have to provide sleeping and breakfast and maybe lunch the next day. So quite a lot to do.

Is my Dh right or do you think the menu is fine?

what about stuffed peppers? They look a bit more efforty. Find out what they are called in french and voila!

I think your menu sounds absolutely delicious.

Lucky guests!

poivrons bourrés, that sounds fancy!

gaine avec la sauce tomate et le pesto fait maison, mmmmmmm that sounds delicious, hang on that was your original menu!

I don't think I could ever cook for vegans. Do they have to be vegan at all times?

When my BIL stayed with us recently, I was all worried about his veganness, but he was quite happy to go along with cheese/eggs/cream. I think he was probably quite happy to be away from my sister and choose his own food.

I think this sounds fab. Just one teensy point re parmesan - it's about the only cheese that is never veggie! not sure how strict your guests are? You can get a veggie alternative in Sains., or many, many other cheeses are veggie.

Other suggestion - maybe swap one ice cream for a sorbet so the vegans can indulge too?

Wow! I think you are amazing to cook for that many people with such complicated requirements. Also I would be chuffed to be offered that many options.

If your husband thinks it should be 'posher' tell him he can cook it.

There is a vegan icecream called swedish glace, but its quite expensive

Thanks every one - sorry not been back sooner but hard to get my hands on the computer with the children off school. I think I'll stick to my guns - hazel you are quite right about the parmesan - I have some parmesan substitute in the cupboard (which is horrible) for the vegans or they can just leave the pasta untopped and the ricotta is fine for the veggies to mix in. IAm - good idea about the swedish glace will look for it when doing the shop tomorrow. I love stuffed peppers but usually find that children don't.

Thanks I feel much more positive about it now.Cricketfan you are right about telling my Dh to cook it if he is not happy!