Inspiration!

[CanYouHearThePeopleSing]

I've got friends coming round on Friday and need to cook something 'nice' There will be 4 adults and 2 kids (6). I'm just a bit stumped for what to cook. We'll obviously be all over turkey/roast dinner/party buffets for the next week, so anything of that ilk is out. Last year, for the equivalent event, I cooked ham (killing 2 birds with one stone because it got my Christmas ham done!), so I don't want to repeat that this year and I've got ham for Christmas Eve anyway.

So I'm looking for ideas. Slow cooker would be good (I'd do Beef Bourgignon if it was just adults, but that's hit and miss for the kids - they're not particularly fussy, but it's a strong taste and I'd like them to enjoy it).

I've done sliders/mini hot dogs for the same group before, and they go down well, but we BBQ together a lot in the summer, so that's a bit familiar.

Any and all ideas welcome...

(I've got another family visiting later in the week but that's a whole different kettle of fish because their kids are massively fussy...)

How about Mexican food? Fajitas or Tacos.Chilli con carne and corn chips?
You could make the fajita filling and people help themselves and make their wraps. Filling tacos is fun for the children, chilli,salad and then grated cheese. Avocado ,salsa and sour cream side dishes.
Not too complicated and suitable for adults and children.

Pizza?

A big pasta dish with lots of different sauces - so, everyone can choose their favourite? Pesto, 3 cheeses, a bolognaise .....

Wraps? So, a chicken shredded, ham, cheese - again - a help yourself approach?

Baked potatoes?

Go simple and then, a great pudding/tin of fab biscuits?

HTH.

A huge tray of potatoes dauphinois and a joint of your choosing - leg of lamb? Feels special and celebratory but nearly all the work is done in advance and then they sit in the oven for a few hours, then just do a pan of veg or a salad at the end. My failsafe!

Homemade lasagne with salad and garlic bread?

Chicken casserole with mash

I'd do a mild curry - a Korma or Tikka Masala. Then serve with whatever sides you want, although if it was me, I'd keep it simple with naan bread and mango chutney.

Thanks for the inspiration. I'm going against my principles and cooking different things for the grown-ups and kids, so a nice veggie lasagne for us and pizza (which I'll make with them - they love to bake) for the girls. We'll all sit down to eat together, but I'm sure they won't eat leeks and stilton, and I wanted to have something nice for us.

The curry idea would definitely have been a go-er, but for my friend who doesn't eat curry in any shape or form (regardless of heat).

I'm doing the same a week later with different friends, so I'll revisit this after Christmas when I'm looking for ideas again!