What to cook for parents coming over?

Question

My dad, stepmom and lil brother are coming over to see my house for the first time. Ive never had my dad over for dinner so I want to show him I know how to cook. Its kinda my proving I am an adult dinner so to speak (im almost 23). Im a good cook so difficulty isnt to big of an issue. I want someing that looks like it takes some skill. Not spagetti or anything. I was think something like chicken florentine. I dunno. But it has to serve 5.

Answer 1

Crown pork roast OR a standing beef rib roast.....he'll definately be impressed....and twice baked potatoes....the BEST site for recipes is www.recipezaar.com. the site is free!

Answer 2

There are things that help any recipe to look and even taste better
1. a nice table decoration, that shows that you spend some time thinking of your guests
2. have everything standby at the time of serving the meal (napkins, plates, wine, soda, water, salt, pepper, chairs etc) So everybody focus on your meal and not on secondary elements.

About the meal
1.exclude anything that you know that your guests don't like (sort of meat, vegetables, sauce etc)
2.find something easy to eat (not snails, ribs,etc unless you want to have a little fun at your table)

Imagine your table and the colors you want to dominate. You can have these colors by decoration or by your food (a salad, a sauce, a wine)

Last but not least, try at your recipe to have all the ingredients separate after you cook it and not to be smashed or covered by thick sauce.People prefer and enjoy more when they know what they eat.

Surprise your dad with his favorite dessert, have a little flower with your step mom's dessert and bring a small toy to your little brother with his dessert.

Good luck and find also a nice music

Answer 3

Don't forget that you have your little brother to consider in your menu planning! Chicken Florentine sounds like a good recipe. Here's an alternative:

Chicken with Artichoke Hearts and Feta

5 -8 boneless chicken breasts
1 can artichoke hearts, drain (save liquid), and coarsely chop
1 package crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
1 cup white wine
2 Tsp fresh Thyme (leaves only please)
Kosher Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

Cut a pocket in the fleshiest part of each breast. Season breast with salt and pepper. Mix artichokes with feta cheese and stuff into each pocket. Brown chicken breasts in hot olive oil and transfer to baking dish. Drain excess oil from pan and add wine and artichoke liquid. Scrape up any bits and pieces. Add thyme and simmer until reduced and slightly thickened. Pour over chicken and bake for 30 minutes in 375 degree oven. Remove from oven and let "rest" for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with rice pilaf and fresh green beans. Spoon extra sauce over chicken and rice. Enjoy!

Answer 4

My favorite reciepe (and the one I'm best at) is stir-fry steak! Take some sirloin steaks, slice up the meat pretty thin. Put it in the wok (or a really big non-stick pan). Let it start to cook. Then mix in your favorite stir-fry sauce (mine is a chop suey powder mix). Then add in your favorite veggies. I add green pepper, red peppers, and onions. When the steak is thoroughly cooked, and the veggies are still crisp but cooked, serve it over white rice. Its a great and easy dish! You could probably find variations of my reciepe online! Good luck!!

Answer 5

fruit tray with flavored fruit yogurt dip...strawberries, kiwi, pineapple chunks...orange slices...crackers and cheese...they can eat this while you are getting the food on the prepared..and visiting....

If you don't want to work yourself to death and want something most men like then how about a nice beef roast...

don't be concerned about the time you put into it it's the taste..that matters and I'm sure most men are "meat and potatoes" kind of guys or they are on a diet...do you know his tastes..???

Here is a idea get a chuck roast.(or a type your butcher suggests that cooks easily and easy to carve) ..they are so full of flavor...ask your butcher for a nice lean one....then salt and pepper it...and brown it in your frying pan...then remove it and place in a roasting pan and cover with foil and roast in the oven at 350 degrees until tender about 30 minutes per pound...I have an electric roaster that cooks with moist heat and I use it for most roasts...if you have one use it ...if not use the oven on your stove...

.have peeled carrots, red skinned potatoes and onions peeled and halved..ready to put around the roast...

I boil them first..then when half done add them around the meat. continue to cook until done..so it does not take too long...

Prepare a green salad...ahead of time.using romaine, spinach and iceberg lettuces, green peas frozen thawed, green onions chopped, parsley washed and chopped, fried bacon drained and crumbled..diced tomato...serve with ranch dressing or whatever you like..

Serve bread of your choice..like French rolls...and butter

Dessert can be chocolate pudding the cooked type..layered with coolwhip and sprinkles of shaved chocolate for top or toasted almonds...or both..and a red cherry maraschino...in the glass jars...you see near the ice cream toppings..If you have some stemmed glasses the dessert will be great in them....if not..use what you have....everyone loves chocolate....or use your favorite pudding flavor...

coffee for after dinner and tea with the meal...or your choices...it's always nice to have a pitcher of iced water too..with slices of lemon floating in it...

Write down everything you need to do in the house and get it done the night before and some of the cooking...and even setting the table if that is possible then the day of the dinner you will not be so worn out.....best wishes....with your dinner and have a wonderful time...hugs from Mama Jazzy Geri

Answer 6

Anything they like, something that impresses them. Hope you get an idea