My son is graduating high school in June...having a family party afterwards. need help with menu?

Question

I've struggled with this...at first I was going to try to make all the food ahead of time...and reheat at party. Silly I know, My son loves my cooking, so I don't want to have everything catered. So, my compromise: Heroes, salads, desserts catered. I am going to make penne ala vodka, garlic bread, and the tossed salad and dressing. Ok my question....I know what i want for appetizers...but one I have never made...I was thinking fried shrimp with dipping sauce. cocktail of course is good, but any variance is great...I have never made fried shrimp, any help? thanks

Answer 1

Cold shrimp cocktail is a better idea, if you want to do shrimp. If put out on ice, it will hold up a lot better than deep-fried. The rest of the menu sounds great - love the penne idea with bread and salad!!

Answer 2

If you want fried shrimp - go for it, but it will take a lot of last minute work. If you still want to cook it - go to Sam's Club, Cosco, or GFS and buy huge bags of pre-breaded shrimp. This way you can simply pop them into the oven instead of frying if you want. If you want to fry them you will be find yourself standing in the kitchen instead of enjoying the party. Still want hot fried shrimp? THAT is what I'd have catered.

Just another easy idea - serve hot beef sandwiches. I get a big roast (cheaper is better), cook it in the crock-pot forever with a couple of packets of Good Seasoning Italian Dressing mix and either wine or beer. When the meat is falling apart, shred it with two forks. You can thicken the broth and reheat the next day in the crock pot and serve with hamburger buns or nice crusty rolls. Goes a long way and hungry growing boys especially love them! Would go well with the rest of the menu that you have already planned.

Make it easy on yourself and enjoy the day!

Congratulations to your son.

Answer 3

Here are some easy appetizers that you might enjoy:

Hot Artichoke and Crab Dip

2 cans artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
1 can diced green chili's
1 can or 1 cup crab meat (drained, picked over)
1 cup mayonaise
1 tsp red pepper sauce
1 tsp lemon juice
2 cups fresh parmesan cheese

Mix the above and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with crackers or tortilla chips. Yum~

I'd stay away from the fried shrimp and would opt for a fresh shrimp platter instead.

2 lbs jumbo prawns, cooked, and chilled
1 large green bell pepper, top cut off and seeded
2 lemons, quartered or sliced
1 jar spicy cocktail sauce

Take a platter and cover it with large romaine lettuce leaves. In center, place your bell pepper and pour sauce into it. Top with slice of lemon. Mound your shrimp around the pepper and top with slices of lemon. Sit your platter on top of a large bowl of ice to keep cold. Let guests serve themselves.

Brie en Croute

1 large wheel of brie
2 sheets puff pastry
1 jar raspberry jam
Carrs Water Crackers

Defrost puff pastry and roll to 1/4 inch thickness. Use two sheets if you are using the largest wheel of brie. Place brie in center of pastry dough and top with raspberry jam. Lift corners of pastry up and over the brie and secure with butchers twine. It should look like a large pastry package. Trim the ends into decorative leaves and press against the dough. Brush with egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1/2 cup water) and bake at 350 degrees until pastry is puffed and golden. Remove and carefully place on your serving platter. Serve crackers on the side.

Answer 4

Wrap around each prawns with bacon, secure it with a toothpick and fry them. No need to season because the taste of the bacon will stick to the prawns' meat. Yummy! Prepare mayo garlic for dipping. Take off toothpicks. Put 5-8 pieces per serving. Serve it on a bed of chopped lettuce.

Answer 5

I'm graduating High school in june. Having a BIG party. The menu though should consist of most of that ....I'm a great cook but TRUST me do it ahead that way at the party your worried about the party........My Grandfather makes fried shrimp its delicious....Sounds good to me. How about like casadias, that would be pretty cool, buffulo wings, theres tons of things i hope i was helpful.....Good luck and don't sweat it you'll do great...."All great chefs can make everything out of anything"....

Answer 6

Brisket, beans, potato salad, garlic bread, decorated cake. All make ahead and very good.