Help I have to make lunch for twelve elderly relatives

[bluejelly]

Well they aren't that old, but they have old-fashioned tastes, so can't make anything too spicey (eg curry or chile con carne) and they will expect a proper spread ( can't do mezze type nibbles)

Any suggestions?

shepherds pie?

Good idea, but last time I made it it came out all dry...

A cold ham?

Yes I was going to suggest shephards pie - I did that when my dh's 90 yo gran visited (with her cousin in her 80's). I am a vegetarian so used Quorn mince but they were very complementary (or polite!?) - I think they liked the fact I had made it and not bought a ready meal. It is also a good meal to prepare in advance and freeze (in batches) so you don't have to try and do it all on the day!

I always add loads more stock than in the recipe - but you could try cobbler or stew? This time of year you could do a roast? If you are feeling brave.

Thanks ladies...

I can normally knock out a mean roast, but not for 12, that's too much like Christmas!

Cold ham nice idea but I think they would expect something hot.

Was vaguely thinking about whacking a big salmon in the oven, what do you think?

Yes - Salmon could work - but never having cooked one I can be no help whatsoever - - hopefully a non veggie will be here in a minute - anything easy to eat and digest is going to be wise I suppose (would you be concerned about bones in the salmon??)

Good luck.

Lamb Hotpot?
Steak Pie?
Roast Ham joint with potatoes and veg

Like the sound of steak pie. Though I'm no pastry pro. Can I use packet pastry?

Frozen puff pastry works well.

Toad in the hole,mash potatos ,cabbage,carrots and onion gravy

Mmm toad in the hole. What a great idea.

Any idea for puddings? Am thinking mince pies and ice cream

As its lunch time you could go for something a bit lighter (and maybe more digestible if they are old) , what about a lovely thick homemade soup with cheesy dumplings in it . You could do most of that in advance ,and it would leave the oven free to do a rice pudding ,IME oldies love hot puddings ,something like a crumble and custard might go down well?

What about bread and butter pudding or apple crumble and custard

Mmm apple crumble is a good one. And I have lots of cooking apples

fish pie

Fish pie a great idea
Any good recipes
Can it be made in advance?

the jamie oliver one looks tirkcy but tastes divine.

id do a tart or a souffle for pud

lemon souffle ( cold)

ooh but look here and its do aehad

www.deliaonline.com/recipes/lemon-roulade,1064,RC.html

The Jamie oliver one is fine to do and can be made before. I did it for dd's christening so made it the day before and then bunged it in the oven when it was time to eat. Is delish.

bread and butter pudding for pudding ? I do teh bread base in advance and then the custard separate (but in advance) and then just bung them together when its time to cook.

I'd do a big stew/casserole or even a couple of different ones for so many people, with roast potatoes, veg and dumplings.
Followed by apple crumble.

lol at cold ham!!

where are they from? round here jellied eels and scotch eggs would go down well